Mesquite Elementary

Week of September 22, 2025
Notes from Norburg
Dear Mesquite Elementary Families,
This week I would like to highlight and say thank you to our incredibly dedicated third grade team. We are grateful for the foundation that Mrs. Callahan, Ms. Long, and Ms. Vossler create for our students! Third grade is a year of great learning, growth, and challenging experiences. We are grateful for a team that truly invests in, believes in, and challenges each student! We appreciate our third grade team for always going above and beyond!
A huge thank you to our PTSO for their hard work on our Fall Fundraiser and to all who have generously donated! These funds have been used to support our campus in many ways from classroom playground equipment to new Chromebook carts this summer! We encourage you to be a part by joining our PTSO at their third meeting on Thursday, November 6th in the Library at 3:15 p.m.! Please know you are welcome to bring your child(ren) to the meeting. More information about our PTSO and Fall Fundraiser can be found in the PTSO Section at the bottom of the weekly newsletters!
We are excited to share that registration is now open for this year's Mesquite Musical Theater Club Production. Please see information about this year's performance and the registration link below! In addition to this, we are excited to share registration is now open for Mover's Club. Please see information below for more information about this exciting Run Club!
Thank you to all who joined us at Parent/Teacher Conferences! We enjoyed seeing so many families on campus! Your communication and support from home is so appreciated!
Sincerely,
Wendy Norburg
Celebrating Students Being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe!
Mesquite Pride
Friday Spirit Days
Mesquite Mountain Lions, this year we would love to see your pride colors! We look forward to seeing our Mountain Lions wearing their favorite school shirt or school colors on Fridays this year! If you were interested in buying a school shirt and weren't able to buy one at Meet the Teacher Night, please see the link below to buy a shirt or other school apparel!
Library Update
Book Fair - September 17th - 23rd
Read S'More Books at the upcoming Book Fair! The Book Fair will be held from September 17th to September 23rd. Students will be allowed to shop during their scheduled library class time. It will also be open during Parent-Teacher Conferences. See you there!
To set up an E-Wallet, preview the flyer, or shop online visit this link. If you would like to sign up to help at the book fair, please use the link.
P.E. Update
Bring Your GrownUp to P.E. Week
Mark your calendars!! Come join your child during their PE class the week of October 20th-23rd for our eighth annual Bring Your GrownUp to PE Week. You will see what our PE program is all about first hand. Below is a schedule of when all classes come to PE. Be ready to participate in our FUN class!!! No resting allowed folks. :) Please wear tennis shoes and bring water!!! I hope you will come MOOOVE with us!!!
#GrownUpsLovePE #PEwithPardy
*****Please arrive a few minutes early so you can sign in at the office*****
If you have any questions please email me at morgan.pardy@gilbertschools.net.
Student Council Updates
Jeremiah's Ice
Student Council will be selling Jeremiah's Ice for $4 on Wednesday, September 24th!
Spirit Day
Student Council's first Spirit Day will be Pajama Day on Friday, September 26th!
PTSO Information
Meeting Updates
Upcoming Meeting Dates:
- Thursday, November 6
- Thursday, January 8
- Thursday, February 12
- Thursday, April 9
- Thursday, May 14
Thank you!
Thank you for the delicious lunch during Parent/Teacher Conferences! Salad and Go Salads and Wraps are so appreciated! We appreciate the time you spend to making these special surprises happen! The generosity from our families is so appreciated that allow for these treats too!
Fall Fundraiser
Register online
- Visit: HTTP://APP.99PLEDGES.COM/FUND/MESQUITEEL2025
- Click "Add Participant" to register your student(s) or scan the QR Code Below
- Earn donations - ask family and friends to donate directly on your page through September 18th.
Mesquite PTSO Family Spirit Day
Please consider visiting Someburros on Thursday, September 18th at their Market Street Location! Mention Mesquite Elementary and 30% of all pre-taxed food sales from any guest will be donated to Mesquite Elementary PTSO!
Fall Festival
Fall Festival will be here soon! Please save the date for Friday, November 14th. A volunteer sign up will be sent out after Fall Break! Thank you to those who have already contacted PTSO to volunteer!
PTSO Sponsorship Levels
This year PTSO is starting a sponsorship program. This year there will be a silver, gold and platinum sponsorship levels! Thank you to Judd Orthodontics for our first Gold sponsor Judd Orthodontics! Additional information about sponsorships can be found on the PTSO website.
Mesquite Elementary PTSO Instagram
Thank you to those that follow the Mesquite Elementary PTSO Facebook page. PTSO has an Instagram account as well which can be found using this picture QR Code. Thank you for following along and sharing along the way!
Thank you PTSO!
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing 25/26 PTSO Executive Board. Your commitment to the students, staff, community, and campus is so truly appreciated! Thank you to those to support PTSO by attending events, donating items, and volunteering time.
25/26 PTSO Executive Board
- Kimberly Castro - President
- Stacy Nelson - Co-Vice President
- Amy Simon - Co-Vice President
- Allison Brumfield - Co-Secretary
- Heather Foti - Co-Secretary
- Mel Van Klavern - Treasurer
Please check the PTSO website and join the Mesquite Elementary PTSO Facebook group for all the current information from PTSO. This is a great way to connect with other families.
Halloween Book Parade Information
Book Parade Information
We will have our annual Halloween Book Parade on Friday, October 31st at 2:15 p.m. All students Kinder through 6th grade as well as Building Blocks will participate. Kinder teachers will be reaching out to families about their grade level plan. Students in grades 1st-6th, we ask that your child dress as their favorite book character and/or bring a book with a character similar to their costume. Costumes should not include masks and should be school appropriate. Parents are welcome to join us and will be lined up outside on the playground along the parade route. We look forward to seeing you on campus!
Mark Your Calendars
- September 4-18 - PTSO Fall Fundraiser
- September 18-19 - Parent Teacher Conferences Half Day Dismissal at 11:55 a.m. and PTSO Family Spirit Night at Someburros (Market Street Location)
- September 26 - Half Day Dismissal at 11:55 a.m.
- October 29 - October 10 - Fall Break No School
- October 13 - Musical Theater Club Starts (Please see more detailed information below)
- October 14 - District Choral Festival at 7:00 p.m.
- October 16 - Battle of the Books in the Library 1:30 p.m., GPS Parent University Garden - Growing Together: A Family and Garden Resource Fair 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- October 17 - Third Grade Field Trip to the Musical Instrument Museum
- October 20 - 23 - Bring Your Parent to P.E. Week
- October 21 - Movers Club Starts (Please keep your eyes out for more detailed information coming soon)
- October 24 - Fourth Grade Field Trip to the Arizona Museum of Natural History
- October 29 - Half Day Dismissal at 11:55 a.m.
- October 30 - Sixth Grade Spooktacular Concert at 6:00 p.m.
- October 31 - Halloween Book Parade at 2:15 p.m.
- November 5 - Site Council Meeting at 7:20 a.m. in the Library
- November 6 - PTSO Meeting in the Library 3:15 p.m.
- November 11 - Veteran's Day No School
- November 12 - Third Grade Veteran's Day Concert at 6:00 p.m.
- November 14 - Fall Festival from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- November 18 - Picture Retakes
- November 25 - Turkey Trot During Specials and PTSO Family Spirit Night at Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers (Gilbert/Warner Location)
- November 26-28 Thanksgiving Holiday No School
Infinite Campus Information
Infinite Campus Reminders
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to complete the online ‘Annual Update’ for your student(s). In order to ensure we can communicate with you regarding your student, or in case of an emergency, it is important that we have your up-to-date contact details. Even if there are no changes, we ask you to please complete to confirm the information we have is accurate for this school year. Please log in to your Infinite Campus parent portal and complete your student’s Annual Update today. For more details, visit gilbertschools.net/annualupdate.
Download the GPS App
The GPS App includes a link to IC, as well as access to your student’s school calendar, meal information, bus routes, and other helpful information for parents and students. Visit www.gilbertschools.net/app for more information.
Nutrition Services Information
25/26 School Breakfast and Lunch Information
If you wish to add money to your child's account, please use this link. The Free and Reduced Price Meal Online Application is available here as well!
Free and Reduced Lunch Meal Application
Directions for how to apply for Free and Reduced Lunches online in English can be found at this link and in Spanish can be found at this link. Please use this link to complete a Free and Reduced Lunch Meal application. If you are interested in applying and have questions please don't hesitate to contact the front office or our social worker, Ms. Karina Nyberg.
Friendship Club Information
Friendship Club is Back!
By becoming a Friendship Club member at Mesquite Elementary, students learn to build awareness and create opportunities in which friendships can grow in a safe and accepting environment. At each club meeting, students will engage with peers before school for 30 minutes for structured fun and peer interaction. There are no costs to join this club.
Thursdays 7:30am - 8:00am
Quarter 2 - 3rd-6th grade
Quarter 3 - Kindergarten-2nd grade
Quarter 4 - 3rd-6th grade
Email Ms. Kelli at kelli.stark@gilbertschools.net to sign up!
Musical Theater Information
Mary Poppins Jr
Musical Theater will be back starting this October! Registration is now open and can be found using this link. Registration will be open until Wednesday, October 15th. This will allow students in 1st through 3rd grade to try the workshop before registering.
Upcoming Dates for Musical Theater
October 13 - 4th-6th Grade Workshop from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
October 14 - 4th-6th Grade Workshop from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm and Mandatory Parent Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Library
October 15 - 1st-3rd Grade Workshop from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
October 16 - Video Auditions due by 9:00 am and Musical Theater In Club Auditions from 3:00 pm until finished
October 20 - 4th-6th Grade First Rehearsal
October 22 - 1st-3rd Grade First Rehearsal
Rehearsal Schedule will be shared
January 16 - Performance at Gilbert High School at 6:30 pm
January 17 - Performance at Gilbert High School at 2:00 pm
Mesquite Movers Club
Run Club will be back this fall!
Mesquite Mover's Run Club is created for students who love to run. Run Club encourages students to become skilled athletes while fostering team building skills. Train for monthly meets and keep your heart healthy! Students participate in weekly practices at their home campus coached by school staff while competing in meets once per month. Run Club meets will be in November, December, January and February at a junior high or high school. If this is something your child is interested in sign up using this link.
Upcoming Dates for Run Club
- October 21 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- October 28 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- November 4 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- November 18 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- November 19 - Movers Club Meet Location TBD at 4:30 pm
- December 2 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- December 9 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- December 16 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- December 17 - Movers Club Meet Location TBD at 4:30 pm
- January 6 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- January 13 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- January 20 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- January 21 - Movers Club Meet Location TBD at 4:30 pm
- January 27 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- February 3 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- February 10 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- February 17 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- February 18 - Movers Club Meet Location TBD at 4:30 pm
- February 21 - Movers Club Meet at Gilbert High School at 8:00 am (time subject to change)
Garden Information and Opportunities
🌱 We’re Growing Together at Mesquite! 🌱
We are excited to announce the relaunch of the Mesquite Garden! To make our garden dreams a reality, we need the support of our amazing community. If you would like to donate an item for our garden, please check out our wish list here.
Donations may be dropped off at the front office during school hours, no later than Tuesday, October 14, 2025. If you have questions or need to arrange an alternate donation drop-off time, please contact ashleymarie.fortune@gilbertschools.net.
Save the Date!
Join us for our Garden & Family Resource Fair on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 4–6pm. Families will have the opportunity to work in the garden, enjoy fun garden themed activities, and connect with community resources.
Thank you!
We wanted to say thank you to those who are all working behind the scenes to revitalize our garden area! Thank you to Ashley Fortune, with GPS Parent University, who is leading the way alongside William Erickson, our building manager. Ms. Karina, our social worker, is supporting as well! The Torreon Family started the refurbishing of our garden beds last year and this year the Welsh Family has jumped in and will start helping refurbish the garden areas this weekend! We appreciate the many gracious volunteers who are taking the lead and jumping in to revitalize the garden area!
Community Support
A special thank you to Shopper's Supply who has graciously volunteered to donate so many items to our garden area including, but not limited to tomato cages, water jugs, seeds, gloves, and Gypsum! As a local, family owned and operated small business, their commitment and support of community is so appreciated as they invest right back into the community! Shopper's Supply stands by their logo, "You Live It. We Supply It."
Community Education Opportunities
Fall Break Camp Registration is Open!
Get ready for two weeks full of fun, friends, and adventure at our Fall Break Camp! Campers will enjoy exciting field trips to Top Golf, Big Air Trampoline Park, Main Event, and Fat Cats, plus plenty of active games, arts & crafts, and engaging enrichment projects. A special guest from the Spider-Verse will be visiting our Kindercampers on Friday, as well as exploring a fire truck with some of our finest first responders. There's something for every student.
Sign up for Fall Enrichment Programs
Enrich your student's life with our diverse after school classes with our Enrichment Programs! We proudly offer over 20 engaging classes for elementary and junior high students, as well as family and adult classes designed to strengthen bonds and foster learning together. Our offerings include a wide variety of subjects, including financial literacy, Spanish learning, drawing, cooking, golf lessons, sports training, and dance, to name a few. These classes are designed to help discover passions, build essential life skills, and promote physical activity in a fun and supportive environment.
Sign up today and empower your family to become the best version of themselves!
Parent Opportunities
GPS Parent University Quarter 1 Events 25-26
Triple P-Raising Resilient Children
Quartz Hill Elementary (3680 S. Quartz St., Gilbert, AZ 85297)
September 23, 2025 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Learn six core building blocks for children to manage their feelings and become resilient in dealing with life stress, including recognizing feelings, expressing feelings appropriately, building a positive outlook, developing coping skills, dealing with negative feelings, and dealing with a stressful event. | Register
For more information and to register, visit GilbertSchools.net/Families/Parent-University
Town of Gilbert Updates
Mesquite St & 29th Pl (ST1620/ST2117) Improvement Projects PROJECT UPDATE
Provided below is current upcoming construction information based on the current schedule. Please remember schedules can be impacted by various factors, to include weather, materials scheduling and availability of resources, coordination with other projects or utilities, and neighborhood or school activities. A project description and exhibits from the public meeting are available on the project webpage.
- Crews continue work to trench and install water pipeline in the north side of Mesquite Street, currently working in an easterly direction from 31st Street toward Val Vista Drive. As this work crosses driveways or side streets, crews will coordinate with the respective residents related to access.
- Water pipeline installation is expected to take another 2-3 months and following that work, storm drain pipe installation can begin.
- Those impacted by planned water service disruptions as part of the waterline installation will be notified in advance via door hanger. Residential services, such as mail delivery and trash pick-up, should not be disrupted; however, please contact us if you experience issues.
- During the summer, crews are working weekdays and several Saturdays. Per the recently signed Senate Bill, SB1182, construction activities can begin as early as 5 a.m. each weekday and 7 a.m. on Saturdays, with concrete pouring permitted to take place at least one hour before these times, as needed.
Mesquite Street and 29th Place will remain open for travel with a flagger activity in place, as needed, to shift traffic away from the work zone. Pedestrian traffic may be shifted to the opposite side of the street, away from the work area, in the interest of safety. Access to residences and the school will be maintained.
Please maintain safe speeds and obey traffic and construction signage, as it is placed for your safety and the safety of travelers and construction crews. In addition, please do not disturb workers as they are given specific tasks, working within allowable rights-of-way or easements, which need to be completed to maintain the project schedule.
Thank you for your patience during this work.
Project Information: 480.898.4090 | www.gilbertaz.gov/cip