Mount Elden Minutes: August 23, 2026

What a great start to the year!

Thank you everyone!

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 score.

Complete Mandatory Trainings by September 15th

If you know you are going to be gone for a school event, please call off as soon as possible. Please

do not wait.

Tutoring/Homework Club can begin this week.

Pay based on $29.80 per hour

Homework Club

Core content classes

3:30-5:00

Open times 2X per week

Monday-Thursday

Pay per time club meets $44.70

Lunch time Tutoring 30 mins.

3 times per week

focus on Math and ELA only

open to any grade level

$14.90

APPLY HERE

2026 Arizona Middle Grades Summit

See email sent by Tammy

CLUBS:

Yearbook Club pays $1500

Lunch Duty

First Lunch only

Can earn up to $200 a month

SPORTS:

Volley Ball

Coaches
Refs

Soccer

FROM ESS:

Katie and Trina will continue to provide additional support to out ESS students during T-Bird. They can pull and help students who are missing assignments, have not completed an assessment, or are redoing an assessment. You can look at both the spreadsheet and the form and choose which is the easiest for you to complete. Please make sure to report what missing work or assignments that our ESS students need to complete, so the team can provide additional support during that T-Bird time. Reach out to Katie Tobin or Kristin Brown if you have any questions!

Google Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWeToI8Ed3VxYc2jz_yloa7uQg6Y7EwaOSH3tq3ZUq5T6GmQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104495509486576933194

Spreadsheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14AIa9VXgCz6wnsV20GZGdNxiG8y_lBau76Jd5dFK3_M/edit?gid=1284143065#gid=1284143065

1. Split Screen (Multitasking)

Great for working in two apps at once, so students don't have to constantly flip back and forth (honestly, a lifesaver for me, too!).

How to turn it on: Go to Settings ➡️ Multitasking & Gestures ➡️ select Windowed Apps.
How to use it: Open the first app, gently swipe up a little from the bottom of the screen, then tap, hold, and drag the second app onto the screen.

2. Text-to-Speech (Speak Selection)

Awesome for students who need text read aloud to them.

How to turn it on: Go to Settings ➡️ Accessibility ➡️ Read & Speak ➡️ toggle on Speak Selection.
How to use it:

Highlight any text on the screen, tap the arrow in the popup menu, and tap Speak.
Bonus Tip: Students can also snap a photo of a physical worksheet or book page, highlight the text in the photo, and use the exact same Speak tool!

WEEKLY CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHTS

When sending Tammy photos please text them! She can only upload to social media via her phone. This will eliminate the extra step of downloading and airdropping. Thank you!

FRIDAY COLLABORATION

Team Meetings

1:00-1:45

Department meeting

1:50-2:40

FUSD Canvas DNA Testing Training

2:50-3:50

Please do your DNA training in department meetings.

Magical Staff of the Week: Jenn Federio

Jen is such an asset to our school. She has created a safe space for every child and meets each of the students' social and emotional needs. She uses creative techniques and Restorative Practices to reach every child. Jen supports all the staff by supporting all of the MEMS students. Thank you for being an inspiration!

AUGUST:

Monday-Thursday

Camp Colton Team Red leaves
Clubs and Sports begin

Aug 25

Penny visits

Classroom visit will be conducted
Penny is Tammy Principal Partner with Project Momentum

FUSD School Baord Meeting

Aug 26

Tammy Out- Donna Subbing

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:

Sept 4, 8

OVER 10% thresh hold:

Do you have a SHOUT OUT for a fellow colleague?

CLICK HERE

From Christy B: Jenny - You absolutely CRUSHED it with iPads the first week of school. Not only did you pass out hundreds of iPads and deal with numerous student and staff technology concerns, but you did this ALL WITHOUT an assistant! You are unstoppable and much loved and appreciated by all of the staff here at MEMS! We are so lucky to have you lady!

From Anonymous: Morgan Coverdale has been working so hard to connect with her students and make them feel welcome and it is working!! She is a rockstar