January 4, 2026

Holy cow—I cannot believe it is 2026! Time sure does fly when you are working hard, and we are working so hard.

With that said, I want to start the new year with an apology. It was clear that many of you expected to leave early on December 19, and some of you were understandably upset. I genuinely try to schedule Friday early-outs during times when a two-week break is not approaching—typically when morale is low and a break is truly needed. I missed the mark on December 19, and I apologize. Moving forward, I will be more mindful and make adjustments accordingly.

As we move into second semester, there will be a lot of information coming your way. Please be sure to read the weekly Blog to stay informed. Important dates and activities will be posted there for easy reference.

This time of year can also bring an increase in rumors. Please know that we will be as transparent as possible. If you have questions, please ask. I also ask that you do not repeat information that has not been confirmed to be true. Spring can be stressful, and it is important that we presume positive intentions and seek clarification when needed. Please let us know what support you may need—we are here to support you.

A few changes for second semester include:

• An updated Learning Walk Feedback Form designed to target priority areas identified from Semester 1 data for deeper instructional focus.

• Department CTs will focus on formative assessment data. This data will be brought to Friday CTs so common grade-level content teachers can collaboratively discuss student progress and make instructional adjustments.

• The NAVVY benchmark will be administered in February per ADE guidelines. More information will be shared soon.

Thank you for your continued hard work, professionalism, and commitment to our students. I am grateful for each of you and look forward to a strong second semester together.

                                             

As we prepared for the 2025-2026 school year, we are seeking your input.  Please complete the feedback form that pertains to your position by Wednesday January 7.                                  Thank you!

Classified personnel: Click Here 

Certified personnel: Click Here 

MEMS IAP GOALS

• Mount Elden Middle School will increase Math AASA scores by no less than 10% for each grade level from the 2025 Spring AASA score to the 2026 Spring AASA scores.

• Mount Elden Middle School will increase ELA AASA scores by no less than 10% for each grade level from the 2025 Spring AASA score to the 2026 Spring AASA scores.

• Mount Elden Middle School will increase ELA and Math AASA scores for identified special education students by 10% from the 2025 Spring AASA score to the 2026 Spring AASA scores.

FRIDAY COLLABORATION

Canvas/T-Bird  assistance in the media library and community room

1:00-1:45 

Jenny, Jacquie and Lynn G will host 

Please come if you need assistance or they may reach out to you to correct a current issue in your Canvas course or T-Bird course.

If you are going to be gone, please reach out to them and they will schedule a time to meet with you. 

If you do not need or are requested to attend the Canvas/T-Bird  assistance this is personal prep time for you.

Team CT

1:45-2:45 pm 

Reminder please let Admin know what room you meet in.

Department CT 

3:00-4:00 pm 

 

Site Council and PTO: 

 

    PTO: We are seeking one teacher to participate on PTO.  We meet 1X per month virtually from 5:30-6:30 pm.  You can do this from home!

Site Council:  We are seeking up to 1 teachers to participate on Site Council.  Our Site Council will meet 1X per month 7:30-8:30 pm.  

 

        Both of these opportunities will be in lieu of participating on any other site                     committee.  If you are interested in either opportunity please contact Tammy. 

 

As a reminder:  Every teacher is required to have a Canvas course published for each class you teach.  This is very important especially when we have a student go on Homebound or chronic health.  Students must able to access your assignments and materials through your Canvas course.  Please ensure links are included.  Paper copies are not allowed to be your only mode of teaching.  Please spend time this week ensuring your Canvas courses are complete.  If you need assistance please see Jacquie M.  

TEACHER GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS 

We are in need of a paid morning duty person-8:30-8:50.  Please contact Morgan.  

   

 

Read Chapters 3 & 4 

February 20th 

Magical Staff on the Week: Liv Hall

January

• Jan 19
• MLK Holiday
• Jan 20
• Penny visits, we will be visiting classrooms

February:

• Feb 11
• Jaime Festa-Daigle site visit-we will visit classrooms
• Feb 16
• Presidents Day

March:

• March 3
• Quarter 3 ends

• March 4-6
• Parent Teacher Conferences:
• March 4: 
• Late night conferences 5:00-7:00 pm 
• March 6 
• Early out for staff due to late conferences
• 2:30 pm
• March 23-31 
• Blackout for field trips-AZSCI and AASA Writing
• March 25 & 26 -AZSCI 
• March 31- AASA Writing

April:

• April 1-17 
• Blackout for field trips-AASA testing 
• April 7 & 8-AASA ELA
• April 14 & 15-AASA Math
• April 28-29
• Benchmark Testing 

May:

• May 5 & 6 
• Benchmark Testing 
• May 19-21
• Finals second semester
• Early release 12:45 each day
• Grade due Thursday May 21 by 2:45 pm 
• Finals may not be given prior to  May 19th 
• No scheduled collaboration on the afternoon as you are given uninterrupted grading time.     
• Tentative: May 20
• Eighth Grade Promotion 
• FHS 4:00 pm and 6:pm 

BLACKOUT DATES AND PROTOCOLS

As a reminder, the following days are blackout days under FUSD policy. The day prior or subsequent to any scheduled holiday. The first or last instructional week of the year. Parent/teacher conference days Employees requesting time off during this time must submit an alternative conference schedule with their request in order to be considered. Make-up days such as snow day make up  Testing days for test administrators and proctors. You must have principal pre-approval if you must call off for extenuating circumstances.  Please don’t plan a trip without prior approval. Thank you for understanding.   “Personal leave will not be granted on unless you receive pre-approval from principal.: Any day we are above the 10% threshold. When we hit the 10% threshold, I will then need to deny.  It is very helpful when you secure a sub.   Upcoming Blackout Dates Include January 5, 16, 20 February 13, 17 March 4-6, 16 April 20 May 8, 21 OVER 10% thresh hold:

Do you have a SHOUT OUT for a fellow colleague?  

CLICK HERE 

From Sara B:  Shout out to Liv Hall for being a great club co-host! Thank you for                                  always keeping a handle on the kids when I have a meeting or call to                            make after school and sharing your room/supplies! 

From Admin:  Thank you Laura Joy for always being on top of our new enrollments.                           You are a master at getting all the information we need.