FUSD Celebrates Award-Winning Middle School

0:00Text-to-speech audio articles made possible on the cast11.com podcast network by Fane Signature Group. Flagstaff Unified School District, FUSD, is proud to announce that Mount Eldon Middle School, MEMS, has been named a 2026 Arizona School to watch, a prestigious recognition highlighting middle schools that demonstrate academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and strong organizational structures. The Arizona Schools to Watch program, part of a national initiative led by the National Forum, recognizes schools that are transforming middle grades education through innovation, collaboration, and a strong focus on student success. Mount Eldon Middle School, led by Principal Tammy Nelson, earned this designation through its intentional focus on strong systems, meaningful relationships, and a school environment where every student feels supported and connected. Over the past several years, the school has engaged in a continuous process of reflection and improvement to strengthen both academic and social emotional supports. Our staff and students are receiving the recognition they truly deserve,

1:03said Principal Tammy Nelson. Over the past five years, we have been on a continuous journey of excellence, thoughtfully evaluating our systems and structures to provide the very best middle school experience in Flagstaff. The dedication of our staff has been a powerful catalyst for our growth and continued success. A defining strength of Mount Eldon is its focus on creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where students feel valued and connected. This culture is built through restorative practices, shared accountability, and a commitment to listening to student and family voices. Students and families spoke highly of the strong communication and sense of safety on campus, said Bruce Potts, lead site evaluator for the Arizona Schools to Watch program. It was especially impressive to see students take ownership of their learning and value opportunities like Teabird Time for additional support. Students benefit from systems such as Teabird Time, a dedicated intervention and enrichment block embedded into the school day. This structure provides targeted academic support, strengthens key skills, and allows students to access additional help without missing core instruction, ensuring equitable

2:07access for all learners. Staff collaboration is also central to Mount Eldon's success. Through professional learning communities, teachers work in both department and interdisciplinary teams to align curriculum, analyze data, and support students academically, socially, and emotionally. Professional learning communities have been instrumental in driving student success at Mount Eldon Middle School, Nelson said. This structure has strengthened collaboration and increased our ability to make evidence-based decisions that directly support student growth. Student voice and strong connections with trusted adults remain at the heart of the school's culture. Through leadership opportunities, listening circles, and extracurricular activities, students are encouraged to engage and contribute to their school community. At Mount Eldon, our staff prioritize relationships, Nelson added. When students feel cared for and connected, they develop a deeper commitment to their learning in their school. Many of our staff describe Mount Eldon as a second family. This recognition places Mount Eldon Middle School among a select group of schools across Arizona and the nation leading the way in middle grades

3:09education. The school will advance to national recognition at the national schools to watch conference in Washington DC this June and will also be recognized at the Arizona Middle Grade Summit at Arizona State University this fall. The full Arizona schools to watch press release can be viewed here, Mount Eldon Middle School named a 2026 Arizona school to watch. Fust celebrates the students, staff, and families of Mount Eldon Middle School for this outstanding achievement and their continued commitment to excellence. Read more stories from the mountain cities on signals az.com. Subscribe and be the F-1 RSD-2-0.