Posted Dec. 8, 2025
It is hard to believe there are only 10 days left of the second quarter. Many students have end dates on December 19, so please ensure your students are at school on time every day. There is one remaining Saturday School left on December 13 - use this time to catch up or get ahead!
Each quarter, the ALA's leadership team reviews student progress, including any academic and/or attendance contracts, and will schedule progress meetings with parents, as needed. Something we see a lot in these progress reviews are slips in attendance; I cannot emphasize enough the importance of students being at school on time every day.
Please encourage your student to keep their eyes on the prize. As long as students maintain their commitment to school and the work it involves, the teachers and staff here at the ALA will make sure every student gets across the graduation stage with a diploma in hand.
Over the next couple of weeks, the ALA will host a few holiday activities. Be sure to check out the Counselor’s Corner and our website events calendar! On Monday, Dec. 15, begins ALA's Holiday Spirit Week!
- Monday 12/15 Elf Day: Wear red and green!
- Tuesday 12/16 Pajama Day: Wear cozy holiday PJs!
- Wednesday 12/17 Winter Wonderland: Wear blue and white clothes/accessories!
- Thursday 12/18 Sweater Weather: Wear your brightest and ugliest (rizziest?) holiday sweater!
- Friday 12/19 Holiday Hat Day: Wear your favorite festive hat!
Posted Nov. 24, 2025
STAY THE COURSE FOR A SUCCESSFUL YEAR-END
There are only four weeks left of the grading period. This week is a short week, with full days on Monday and Tuesday, a half day on Wednesday, and no school on Thursday or Friday. Click here to view the Thanksgiving Break flyer.
There are two remaining Saturday School sessions before the quarter ends: December 6 and 13. Students who are behind in their work or want to get ahead should take advantage of these incredible opportunities.
No extensions will be awarded to students this quarter, which teachers have communicated to students in classrooms. This means all second-quarter schoolwork must be completed by Friday, Dec. 19 (unless the student started later in the school year and has a different end date). If you have any questions about this, please contact your student's teacher(s).
REMINDER: If a student is absent, the office must receive a note signed by an appropriate party (medical, clergy, etc.) within two business days of the absence if we are to excuse the absence.
Daily truancy calls will continue, as needed. If your contact information has changed, such as your address or phone number, please inform the ALA office so we can connecting with you.
I know I speak for all ALA staff when I say we are thankful to all our students and families this holiday season. We thank you for believing in and trusting the Accelerated Learning Academy. We are growing, and we get better every day.
I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.
Mrs. Wilkinson
480-362-2130
Posted Nov. 4, 2025
The Accelerated Learning Academy Earns B Letter Grade from the Arizona Department of Education
The Accelerated Learning Academy earned a 'B' letter grade in the latest A–F Letter Grade Report from the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). While this isn't the 'A' grade the school earned last year, Principal Barbara Wilkinson said the B rating reflects continued growth and progress the ALA strives for every day.
Several factors determine a school's letter grade, including year-to-year student academic growth, proficiency in English language arts, math, and science, English learner progress, readiness indicators for elementary and high school students, and high school graduation rates.
The ALA will continue to focusing on culturally-infused academic achievement, student support, and Community engagement. With a strong foundation of excellence, the ALA remains committed to providing the best possible educational experiences for our students.
If you would like to learn more about the ALA letter grade, your student’s educational opportunities, and how the ALA works to embed cultural relevance within the curriculum, please attend the Title VI ALA Native American Education Parent Committee meeting on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 9-11AM at the ALA. Breakfast will be served.
Questions? Call 480-362-2130 or email [email protected].
Posted Oct. 24, 2025
In preparation for Halloween, the ALA student Leadership team created a spirit week with themed days for staff and students to have fun in creative ways. Click here to view the flyer.
Also, don't forget that Tuesday, Oct. 28, is SPOOKTACULAR on the ALA Football Field from 5-8PM! This is open to all families with a BBQ dinner served while supplies last.
For ALA students, we'll have a special event at 3PM in room 424. Join the student leadership team and Ms. Mora for Pumpkin Palooza - it will be a spooktacular pumpkin decorating party!
Monday 10/27
Blackout Day - Wear all black!
Tuesday 10/28
Twisted Twin Tuesday - Pair up with a friend and dress alike!
Wednesday 10/29
Pajama-Boo Day - Wear comfy PJs!
Thursday 10/30
Throwback Thursday - Wear threads from a past decade (70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s)!
Friday 10/31
Freaky Friday - Wear a costume (NO masks that cover the whole head or costume weapons).
Posted Sept. 22, 2025
September 21 marks the International Day of Peace, which reminds the world of the importance of kindness, understanding, and collaboration in our daily lives and work. Peace is not only about the absence of conflict, but also about fostering respect, compassion, and a sense of belonging in our communities.
Each of us has the power to contribute to a more peaceful world through the way we listen, support one another, and approach challenges with empathy. At the ALA, this means taking time for students and staff to reflect on how our actions, big or small, can help create a culture of peace and growth at school and in the Salt River Community.
September 22 is the Autumn Equinox. There are nine instructional days left of the quarter before Fall Break, which is October 6-10; we also have an instructional day on October 13, so there is no school on that day. All students return to school on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Don't forget: There are opportunities available for extra academic support. Call the ALA or email any teacher for more information!
On Thursday, Sept. 25, ALA students will learn more about their Community in celebration of Arizona Civics Day. A trip to the courthouse and the SRPMIC Council Chambers is scheduled. If your student has not submitted their permission slip for this event, please contact Mr. Ziehm.
Posted Aug. 11, 2025
I want to celebrate the strong foundation our students are already building just a week into the new school year. Students are motivated and progress is already occurring. At last week's kickoff event, ALA students received a copy of their individualized matrix - a snapshot of how many credits they have and what they have yet to complete to graduate high school; students and families will receive progress reports throughout the year.
Attendance is key: I cannot stress enough the importance of coming to school every day on time. Routines for students are important and helps them be in their best mindset for optimal learning and engagement. Students work at an accelerated pace which happens best when they are at school.
This week, all students will take their first benchmark assessment, Galileo to gauge proficiency in English language arts and math. We will use your student’s test results to adjust our teaching practices and intervention strategies and catering to individual learning needs. This year, the school-wide focus for ELA is on main idea/key details and building foundational skills in math. Additional assessment information will be shared at our Open House; or, you can find the assessment schedule here.
Looking ahead...
- Monday, Aug. 18: Galileo assessments begin
- Saturday, Aug. 23: first Saturday School of the year!
- Wednesday, Sept. 10: ALA’s annual Open House is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The theme of our brunch is, “We are Egg-cited to see you!” Please RSVP by Friday, Sept. 5, so we can order enough food (scan the QR code or call 480-362-2130).
- New this school year, students have the opportunity to enroll in an additional class each quarter, and many of our students are taking advantage of this - interested students should talk to their school counselor or teachers for more information.
Final thoughts...
Last year, the ALA was awarded an “A” Letter Grade by the Arizona Department of Education, an achievement that makes us proud. Being part of this strong foundation provides our students with boundless opportunities. After all, we know their potential is limitless. Staff are only one leg of that foundation; family and Community support provide the other pillars upon which our student success stands. We will do this together.