Mesquite Elementary

Dear Mesquite Elementary Families,

This week I would like to highlight and say thank you to the many Club Sponsors we have at Mesquite Elementary! Some of the many clubs are:

• Battle of the Books sponsored by Mrs. Sturdevant
• Friendship Club sponsored by Ms. Karina and Ms. Stark
• Magic's Squad sponsored by Mrs. Hernandez
• Mesquite Daily News sponsored by Mrs. Sturdevant
• Mesquite Theater sponsored by parent Mrs. Tina Judd and supported by Mrs. Atwood and Mrs. Davis along with Ms. Bennet, Ms. Lemire, and Ms. Kurtz
• Mover's Club sponsored by Mrs. Pardy, Mrs. Hernandez, Mrs. Pallozzi, and Mrs. Bartels
• Lego Club sponsored by Mrs. Sturdevant
• National Elementary Honor Society sponsored by Mrs. Amari and Mrs. Pardy
• Oceanography sponsored by Mrs. Sturdevant
• Peer Mediators sponsored by Ms. Karina and Mrs. Barb
• Student Council sponsored by Mrs. LeClaire and Mrs. Eberhardt
• Yearbook sponsored by Ms. Acton and Mrs. Lemire
• Scooter Bowl sponsored by Mrs. Pardy
• Spelling Bee sponsored by Mrs. Cochell and Mrs. Schneider

We are thankful for the amazing opportunities for our students at Mesquite! We can't thank our Club Sponsors enough for their commitment to our students and commmunity!

Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is currently open! We will host two kindergarten open house events on Tuesday, March 4th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Thursday, May 1st from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. prior to Evening of the Arts which will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

As you start thinking about junior highs for next year, please know that we feed into Greenfield Junior High School, South Valley Junior High School, and students have the option to apply to Gilbert Accelerated Middle School at Gilbert High School, Gilbert Classical Academy, and/or Gilbert, Talented, and Creative Program at Highland Junior High School. For more information about upcoming Level Up days or campus information, please visit GilbertSchools.net/LevelUp.

Sincerely,

Wendy Norburg

So proud of our students for always going above and beyond helping our campus in so many ways!

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!

Hello Mesquite Families and Friends:

Mesquite Elementary is participating in a creative fundraiser with Art to Remember that allows you to purchase keepsake products customized with your child's art. There are over 60 products and many are less than $20. These make great gifts and a percentage of every purchase goes right back to our school. Click on this link and enter the online order code shown on your child's order form (sent home 1/21) or use the "Find My Child" option to search for your child's artwork. Then, have fun shopping!

We are aware of the tight timeline. I am working with Art to Remember to extend the "Order By" deadline:)

Mr. Martins

Proud of our recent graduates from the ABC Reading Program with our therapy dog, Phinley!

Mesquite families thank you for supporting our campus and PTSO at Freddy's this week! Freddy's donated $148.84 back to our campus! Thank you PTSO and Freddy's!

Thank you to all who joined us at our PTSO Meeting on Thursday, January 9, 2024! The next PTSO meeting will be on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 3:15 p.m. in the Library and we would love to have you join us!

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!

• Amy Simon - President
• Stacy Nelson - Vice President
• Kimberly Castro - Secretary
• Mel Van Klaveren - Treasurer
• Heather Foti - Member At Large
• Allison Brumfield - Member At Large

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.

• February 11 - Kindergarten Field Trip to Herberger Theater
• February 13 - PTSO Meeting at 3:15 PM in the Library
• February 14 - Sixth Grade Field Trip to Tucson
• February 17 - President's Day No School
• February 21 - MES Theater Presents Frozen at Gilbert High School at 6:30 pm
• February 22 - MES Theater Presents Frozen at Gilbert High School at 2:00 pm
• February 26 - Half Day Dismissal at 11:55 am
• March 3 - PTSO Chipotle Spirit Night
• March 4 - Spring Pictures and Kindergarten Open House from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
• March 6 - PTSO Fun Run Fundraiser
• March 7 - Half Day Dismissal at 11:55 am
• March 10 - March 21 - Spring Break No School

Spring Testing will be here before we know it. Just as each school day is important we ask that in order to help testing run smoothly please avoid scheduling any appointments on the days listed below. Testing will begin promptly each testing day listed below. We appreciate your help with making sure you child is on time and in attendance each testing day!

• March 25 - 5th Grade AASA Science Part 1 & 2
• March 26 - 5th Grade AASA Science Part 3
• April 1 - 3rd - 6th Grade Writing
• April 8 - 3rd-6th Grade Reading Part 1
• April 10 - 3rd-6th Grade Reading Part 2
• April 15 - 3rd-6th Grade Math Part 1
• April 16 - 3rd-6th Grade Math Part 2

It is very important that all families complete the online ‘Annual Update’ to prepare for the new school year. The ‘Annual Update’ in Infinite Campus allows you to tell us of any updates to your contact information, address changes, and updates to emergency contacts. In order to ensure we can communicate with you regarding your student, or in case of emergency, it is essential that we have your up to date contact details. Please log in to your Infinite Campus parent portal and complete your student’s ‘Annual Update’ today. To access the IC portal visit www.gilbertschools.net/IC.

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.

Preschool Registration for the 2025-2026 school year opened on December 2, 2024. For more information please visit gilbertschools.ce.eleyo.com.

Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year is currently open. For more information please visit gilbertschools.net/enroll.

Please join us to learn more about kindergarten at Mesquite Elementary on Tuesday, March 4th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, May 1st from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For students in 7th and 8th grade GPS offers five comprehensive junior high schools, 7-12 grade Gilbert Classical Academy, the Sports Performance Academy at South Valley Junior, the Gifted Academy at Highland Junior High, and Gilbert Accelerated Middle School at Gilbert High. Learn more about what each GPS Junior High option has to offer!

Link: gilbertschools.net/levelup

Greenfield Junior High is an A-rated school by the Arizona Department of Education. Their athletic teams are successful and well-respected, winning championships and sportsmanship awards. Greenfield Junior has a strong school-home partnership – achieving success through supporting student learning, promoting positive school culture, and creating opportunities for parent and family involvement. Greenfield offers students an extensive range of honors and electives to choose from, with many extra-curricular activities and clubs for students to get involved. Visit their website to learn more or schedule a tour.

Link: greenfieldjunior.gilbertschools.net

South Valley Junior High is proud to be ‘A’ rated by the Arizona Department of Education with a commitment to academic excellence. South Valley’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment, rich with rigorous educational experiences that engage, empower, and inspire students to higher levels of personal and academic excellence. They offer an extensive range of honors courses and electives, plus clubs, four seasons of competitive athletics, and many extracurricular opportunities for students to get involved. South Valley is also home to the Sports Performance Academy, offering a flexible academic schedule for student-athletes. Visit their website to learn more or schedule a tour.

Link: southvalleyjunior.gilbertschools.net

6th grade parents and students, you are invited to join South Valley Junior High on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm for their upcoming Open House/Parent Night. This is a come and go event, giving you an opportunity to meet Administration, Teachers, and Coaches, and see what South Valley has to offer.

You will really get a feel as to what “A Rated” South Valley Junior High School is all about.

Please note, parking can be a challenge!! Please walk, ride bikes or rideshare if possible.

Gilbert High School will be hosting a New Student Expo (aka Family Preview Night) on Monday, February 10th. If you have children that will be and/or are interested in attending Gilbert High School you are invited to attend and learn more about their academics, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities!

If you wish to add money to your child's account for this coming year, please use this link. The Free and Reduced Price Meal Online Application is available here as well!

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.

Please remember students must have their Student ID Badge to ride the bus. All bus riders have had copies of their badges added to their backpacks, we ask that you make sure these stay on your child's backpack. Thank you!

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 7:30 am - 8:00am

Quarter 3 - Kindergarten-3rd grade

Quarter 4- 4th-6th grade

Email Ms. Kelli at kelli.stark@gilbertschools.net to sign up!

Mesquite Elementary Theater Club is proud to present Frozen Jr. on Friday, February 21st at 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, February 22nd at 2:00 p.m. Pre-Sale tickets are available through Thursday, February 13th!

• February 10 - Theater Rehearsal from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
• February 11 - Theater Rehearsal from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
• February 12 - Theater Rehearsal from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
• February 17 - Theater Rehearsal from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm at Gilbert High School (Thank you for being flexible and to those who are able to make this date work.)
• February 19 - Theater Rehearsal from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Gilbert High School
• February 20 - Theater Rehearsal from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Gilbert High School
• February 21 - Performance from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at Gilbert High School
• February 22 - Performance from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Gilbert High School

Thank you to those who signed up for Movers Club! Mrs. Pardy sent an email to all families registered! Mesquite. Practices will be on Tuesdays from 3:00-3:30PM. Run Club meets will be in November, December, January and February at a junior high or high school.

• February 11 - Mesquite Race at 3:00 pm

This year's Parent University Community Resource Fair will be part of the Healthy Connections Expo taking place on Saturday, February 22nd 9am-12pm at Campo Verde High School.

We're very excited about this event- it will include the GPS Run for Fun, demonstrations from VIK, preschool, enrichment classes, youth sports, 7 different food trucks, about 30 different community resources, and raffle prizes every 15 mins (including $200 off a month of preschool tuition & 2 free enrichment classes). We will also have a fire truck and recycling truck on display.

To learn more, there is a website for the event:

https://sites.google.com/gilbertschools.net/gps-healthy-connections-expo/home