September 8, 2026
Vasai Gakidag Masad (September) is an exciting month at the ALA. This past week, I had the pleasure of beginning to meet individually with the “on track to graduate” (OTG) seniors, which will continue throughout the month. During this time, we review current academic progress, final coursework, and plans for post-secondary beyond ALA graduation. Later this month, OTG students will meet whole group to begin planning for graduation which will include cap/gown and diploma orders. This year, we have approximately 40 students who are on track to graduate, which would be our largest graduating class ever!
There are many opportunities to connect this month. The 1st Superintendent Stakeholder Committee will meet in the ECEC Gathering Space from 6-7:30PM on Tuesday, Sept. 15. We'll discuss exciting expansion initiatives happening at the ALA and other campuses and discuss ways parents and families can make impactful decisions at the highest levels for education.
The ALA Open House is on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 10AM to 12:40PM. You'll learn about all the great work happening at the ALA, receive information and resources from 30+ Community partners, and join us for a delicious lunch. You'll also be able to connect with ALA staff, including our new members:
Tyler Mitchell is ALA’s newest paraprofessional and was promoted internally from serving previously as a substitute teacher. Tyler is a Diné poet, teacher, and paraprofessional from Tsaile, Arizona. He is of the Bitter Water clan born for the One Who Walks Around Clan. His maternal grandfather is of the Coyote Pass clan, and his paternal grandfather is of the Towering House Clan. He attained his master’s degree in fine arts in Creative Writing at Northern Arizona University. The ALA is working on ways for Tyler to incorporate poetry this upcoming quarter!
Liam Morales is originally from Arizona, graduating from Cactus Shadows High School. He received his undergraduate degree in Sports Journalism at ASU Walter Cronkite and his master’s in Teacher Education at the University of Arizona. He has spent the last 4 years at Deer Valley Unified School District where he taught Sophomore and Senior ELA, as well as ELA intervention. Mr. Morales is a huge Arizona sports fan and spends most his free time doing anything active. Despite the Arizona heat, he trains year-round for Ironman Triathlons and marathons. He is thrilled to be here at the ALA and looks forward getting to know everyone!
Finally, ALA students will celebrate Arizona's annual Civic's Day on Thursday, Sept. 24; traditionally, the state celebrates Civic's Day on September 25, but that is a SRPMIC tribal holiday (no school!). Don't forget Saturday School Sept. 12 & 19 from 8:30 to 11:30AM. All students are welcome to join us for extra instructional support and snacks!
A version of this message was emailed to families on 8/21/26
We are continuing to see great things at the ALA. We now have 42 students expected to graduate at the end of the 26-27 school year, and all our students will make great progress if everyone can stay motivated and present in the process.
Many students are asking about post-secondary opportunities, including employment and higher education. Here are some ideas:
- If your student is active in their ALA academics, they are likely eligible for our work study program, for which they can earn an elective school credit. Reach out to Leah James or Todd Ziehm for more information (480-362-2130).
- The Salt River Schools Higher Education Program is available to ALA students interested in pursuing a certificate or degree. Early College Advisor Davina Leon can assist students and families with planning for college. Email [email protected] to set up an appointment to learn about some amazing scholarships available to our students.
- The ALA is currently working to hire a new Academic and Career Counselor. Once this position is filled, families and students will receive additional information related to job and school planning.
- Calling all literacy champs! There are PAID after-school positions ($15.15/hour!) available through Salt River Schools. In the past, ALA students have worked in ECEC classrooms, SRES afterschool clubs, and with our communications department. Click here for more information.
To promote music instruction at the ALA, we have partnered with Scottsdale Community College to offer beginner piano/guitar classes starting in January. Interested students should reach out to Todd Ziehm for more details.
The ALA is committed to providing expanded learning opportunities for our students beyond the classroom. Please reach out to any of us at the ALA with your comments, questions, or ideas!
August 7, 2026
Bravo to making it through the first week of school. We are now officially on our way to many good things to come – meaningful learning, continued relationship building, and academic achievement.
Our adopted social-emotional curriculum, Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, is embedded in everything we do. This framework encompasses habits which support positive decision making. Habit #1 is being proactive. This means taking responsibility and starting the year strong, a perfect jumpstart as our students take charge of their educational journey in the new school year. This school year, our students will have the opportunity to connect with staff who serve as their mentors to provide support beyond academic rigor. Students will meet with their assigned mentor once per month to review the habits that lead to positive student outcomes, beginning on September 9th.
Next week, students will engage in the first of three internal assessment sessions from the Northwest Education Association (NWEA). The purpose of the NWEA test is to gauge students’ level of proficiency in areas of English and mathematics, and the data is used to support student schedules and interventions as needed to support academic growth. This testing schedule will occur over the next couple of weeks in conjunction with regular scheduled class sessions. Contact the ALA if you have questions regarding your students’ performance on these assessments.
The ALA has historically embedded extra time for academic support each week, and this trend will continue into this new school year.
August 7, 2026
This message is to let you know that emergency medical services were called to our campus around 10 a.m. to assist a staff member. Due to federal privacy laws, we are not allowed to disclose more information; however, we are expecting the staff member to make a full recovery. Our school safety and wellness team would like to remind everyone to stay hydrated and keep out of the sun as much as possible during times of extreme heat.
August 4, 2026
This message is to let you know that emergency medical services were called to our campus around 10:30 a.m. to assist a student. Due to federal privacy laws, we are not allowed to disclose more information; however, we are expecting the student to make a full recovery. Our school safety and wellness team would like to remind everyone to be aware/respectful of food allergies and that parents/guardians should inform the school and/or Food Services if your child has a food allergy. Learn more about the foods that are NOT allowed on campus (here at the ALA, as well as at the ECEC and SRES) by
clicking this link. Thank you.
The following message was sent in an email to families on Friday, July 31:
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! Whether your family is returning to campus or joining the Accelerated Learning Academy for the first time, we are delighted that you are here. We hope your summer provided many opportunities to rest, recharge, and create lasting memories, and we are excited to begin another incredible year together.
All ALA students will attend a welcoming information session on Wednesday, Aug. 5, to discuss the new school year and student expectations (students new to the ALA will also receive an orientation on Monday, Aug. 3).
As we prepare for the year ahead, we do so under the theme: "Rooted in Excellence." Our roots run deep at the ALA; we foster a strong foundation built on a sense of belonging, continuous improvement of student achievement, and preparation of post-graduation student outcomes. At the ALA, we are intentional about creating experiences designed through curiosity, perseverance, collaboration, through culture and language, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
The four priority areas at Salt River Schools are: Care & Safety, Culture & Language, Curriculum & Higher Learning, and Community & Future Focus. At the ALA, we remain rooted in the values and mission that have defined our school community for 20 years.
We encourage and embrace student and family involvement in our success this school year. Opportunities include attending the ALA Open House on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 10AM to 12:40PM and the ALA Native American Education Committee meetings, which are scheduled on 11/06, 2/26, 4/28, and 5/07. Additional information will be shared closer to the dates of these events.
A weekly email will be sent to ALA families detailing school events, important dates, and individualized feedback on how their student is progressing at school. This email will come from the address "ALA Communication." Please read this email and visit our school website -- ALA.SaltRiverSchools.org -- to stay updated on all things ALA!
I wish you all a successful year of school with continued achievements. I look forward to your partnership this school year.
Sape,
Barb Wilkinson, Principal ALA
Barbara.
[email protected]
480-362-2130
10005 E. Osborn Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256