WVMS Celebrations

The Association of Middle Level Educators (AMLE) has invited Ms. France and Dr. Nardi to present at their national convention in Nashville this coming November. They will be presenting on improving school culture for improved student learning.

Dr. Nardi and Ms. France have been invited to present at the AzAMLE Middle Grades Summit in September at ASU. They will be presenting on improving school culture for improved student learning.

Ms. France and Dr. Nardi presented at the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National School Leaders Conference in July at the Walt Disney World Resort. They had the honor of presenting on increasing middle school student engagement.

Dr. Nardi and Ms. France at the Innovative Schools Summit in Las Vegas

In July, Dr. Nardi and Ms. France presented at the Innovative Schools Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were joined by former WVMS teacher, Ernando Novias. Together, they presented on improving school culture for improved student learning.

Congratulations to Ms. Tara Bent, the 2026 WVMS Teacher of the Year!

Ms. Tara Bent receiving 2026 WVMS Teacher of the Year award

The Western Valley Middle School front office team was honored with AMLE Adult Advocate Awards. Every successful middle school shares one powerful common thread: students know there is at least one adult who truly sees them, supports them, and advocates for them. Congratulations to our team!

Western Valley Middle School
Destiny Lozoya
Melanie Hernandez
Melissa France
Stephanie Nardi

The Wildcat Band participated in the Forum Music Festivals Judges’ Invitational in California. Western Valley earned a gold rating and placed fifth in a very tight field, separated by only small margins between third, fourth, and fifth places. Our students played their hearts out and represented our district and community with pride.

WVMS increased our AZELLA proficiency numbers during the 2025–2026 school year to 35. This more than tripled the previous year.

8th graders and Brophy College Prep volunteers outside by a picnic table they built

Representatives of our eighth-grade class of 2026 were joined by volunteers from Brophy College Prep to build seven beautiful picnic tables for our campus courtyard. These tables are the 2026 Legacy Project for our eighth graders.

In January, Dr. Nardi and Ms. France presented at the Canva Education Arizona Conference. They shared their expertise using Canva to inspire, inform, and connect to improve school culture.

Choir is back! After 10 years with it, WVMS now has a choir elective for our students. We are also excited to share that Hannah Perez, an alum of the Fowler Elementary School District, is the teacher.

To wrap up the 2024–2025 school year, volunteers from the class of 2025 completed a mural on the back fence of our soccer field. This will be the first of many legacy projects.

Congratulations to Mr. Frimpong, the 2025 WVMS Teacher of the Year!