December Bear Cub Newsletter

 Bear Cub News

                    Academy of Tucson Elementary School

December 2011

Principals Message

Happy holiday’s to all of the families of the Academy of Tucson Elementary School! I wanted to get this newsletter out to you a little earlier than I normally do because we have some events and activities that are coming up the first part of December. Additional information about these events and activities are mentioned throughout the remainder of this newsletter. As I am writing this newsletter, I am witnessing a multitude of harvest celebrations throughout the school. The kindergarten classes are participating in games and will end the day with a Thanksgiving Day presentation. The other classes will be having events specific to their classroom. Thanks to all the parents and family members who took part in the fervor and excitement of the day!

In November, MRS. PIERSON, a member of our first grade team, was named one of the TOP THREE TEACHERS in Arizona by the Arizona Charter Schools Association. We are proud of her accomplishments and she is well deserving of this honor. It is wonderful to know that she is not only representing herself but she is also an illustration of the wonderful staff at the Academy of Tucson Elementary School. You can see the nomination video of her on the Arizona Charter Schools Association website. (http://www.azcharters.org/) We also received our state ranking for academic achievement and the Academy of Tucson Elementary School has been ranked as an EXCELLING  and A-RATED School.

The Parent Advisory Committee hosted a Star Gazing and Movie Night in November and because of their efforts this event was a success. Also in November, the second grade classes went to the U of A Farm and it turned out to be an educational and fun filled experience for all. The children were able to pick corn and learn about pollination along with exploring earthworms in the composting beds, milking Gertrude the artificial cow, planting onion seeds, and learning about various healthy eating habits. The third grade classes had a guest speaker from the Joe Foss Institution which aided the students in their understanding of patriotism. The fourth grade classes also had guest speakers and they talked about the habitats of bats.

In closing, I would like to wish you a happy and safe holiday season with your family and friends. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for all that you do for the Academy of Tucson Elementary School!

Calendar:

Dec. 3^rd: PAC Sponsored Parents Morning Out Shopping Event

Dec. 9^th: PAC Meeting/Spirit Jean Day if wearing an Academy of Tucson Shirt

Dec. 16^th-Jan. 2^nd: Winter Break No School

Sunshade Grant:

Don’t forget to vote for our sunshade.  We only have until Dec. 9^th to get as many votes as possible. The best way to place your vote is through text messaging to 44144 with the message clorox4799.

Food Drive:

We will be having a holiday food drive for the Community Food Bank from Nov. 28^th-Dec. 12^th. Those students who wish to participate please bring in a non-perishable food item and deliver it to your classroom. (Note: Please do not bring in any glass containers or pre-opened items)

Science Fun Fest:

The Science Fun Fest is underway with planning a fun day of Science and we are in need of the following items:

1. Empty Capri-Sun/Kool-aid cardboard boxes

2. Empty Oatmeal round 42 oz. containers

There will be a Rubbermaid container in front of the administration building for you to drop off your containers.

You can contact Maya Hendrickson at 520-490-0251 with any questions.

The Science Fun Fest team thanks everyone for their donations. 

On Campus Brownie Troop:

The Brownie Troop will be holding a toiletry/personal care item drive until Dec. 7^th. For those students who wish to donate an item(s), a collection container will be located in the front of the administration building.

Tax Credits:

This is just a quick note to let you know that we would appreciate you supporting the Academy of Tucson Elementary School through your tax credit donations. The Forms can either be obtained through our office or at our website www.academyoftucson.com

Attendance and Tardies:

This is just a reminder to make sure that your child is at school and on time. It is important to me and to our staff that students not miss instructional time. Also, the morning assembly on the basketball court is the only time throughout the day that we can come together as a school community. Please Note: Students who are habitually late will be subject to consequences.

November Bear Cub News

 Bear Cub News

                    Academy of Tucson Elementary School

November 3, 2011

Principals Message

The weather is beginning to change and the holiday season has started to emerge once again. We had many exciting activities in October and because of your participation they were a success. We had Skate Country Night, McDonald’s Night, the Walk-to-School Event and ended the month with our Student Council led Spirit Week. We also completed parent teacher conferences to discuss the progress of each student.

November is shaping up to be just as exciting. Our feature event will be on November 10^th from 5:30-8:00pm and will include an evening of Star Gazing, food, and showing of “Rio” the movie on the basketball court. In our fliers we stated that MYTOWN Music would be performing but unfortunately they had to cancel. The dinner, snacks, movie, and star gazing are still scheduled. We hope to see you there and please plan on bringing a chair or a blanket to sit on at the basketball court for the movie.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and we are thankful for all that you do for our school! 

Calendar

Nov. 9th: Picture Retakes

Nov. 10th: Star Gazing, Movie Night, and Dinner

Nov. 11^th: Veterans Day No School

Nov. 24th-25^th: Thanksgiving Break No School

Parking Lot:

This is just a quick reminder to please be courteous and patient towards others while on campus which includes the parking lot. Please use your blinkers and wait until the parking lot attendants allow you to pass another vehicle. Also, stay alert of others at all times. 

Attendance/Tardies:

Attendance is of the utmost importance to the continued success of your child’s progress at school. Please make note of the attendance and tardy policies in your child’s planner.

Science Fun Fest: 

The Science Fun Fest Committee has started to plan for this year’s event which is tentatively scheduled for March 16th. The theme for this year is solar energy. A list of needed supplies will be coming soon. 

Parent Advisory Committee (PAC):

The PAC Committee has been meeting on a regular basis generally the second Friday of the month. The meetings are held at 8:00 am under the ramada. PAC will be hosting the Star Gazing/Family Movie Night on Nov. 10th as well as many other events throughout the year. They would like to “Thank” all you who participated in the McParent Night at McDonald’s and Skate Country Night. The PAC committee would also like to remind families to vote for the “Power A Bright Future Grant” that was submitted to assist in the purchasing of a sun shade to go over some of the playground equipment. You can either submit your vote by e-mailing to http://www.powerabrightfuture.com/ or text to 44144 with message to clorox4799 Note: Text and Data rates may apply. Every vote helps! You can vote more than once. Tell your family and friends to vote as well. We have until Dec. 9^th.

Tax Credits:

This is just a quick note to let you know that we would appreciate you supporting the Academy of Tucson Elementary School through your tax credit donations. The forms can either be obtained through our office or at the Academy of Tucson website www.academyoftucson.com 

October Bear Cub Newsletter

 Bear Cub News

                    Academy of Tucson Elementary School

October 4, 2011

Principals Message

We can officially say that the Academy of Tucson Elementary School is in full swing of students working towards academic excellence and becoming responsible and respectful citizens. We had our first family event on Friday September 30th to kick off the book fair and to support the fourth grade students in their fundraising efforts. Thank you to all the families who participated. Our next family event is Friday, October 7, 2011 at Skate Country from 5:00-7:00pm. Hope to see you there! Remember that we have a Fall break this year and that parent/teacher conferences will start on October 17^th. It is an expectation of the Academy of Tucson for parents and/or guardians to attend conferences. The week of the 17^th will be early release days so please make sure that your child is picked up from school in a timely manner. There will be no after school activities on those days except for the OTT aftercare students.

At the end of September, the fourth grade students attended a bicycle safety training program in which everyone who participated received a free bicycle helmet. In an effort to promote healthy living through our Safe Routes to School Grant, we have started a walking club for families and students on Tuesday mornings before school. Thanks to all the dedicated parents who have made this club possible. We also will be participating in a “National Walk to School Event” on Wednesday October 5, 2011 at 7:10 am. Our journey will start near Wrightstown Elementary School and then will proceed to the Academy of Tucson Elementary School.

Just a quick note, out of respect for the cultural diversity of our school community we do not celebrate Halloween at the school. Festivities that will take place in the classroom during October will be focused on curriculum related activities. Please remember that we are transitioning out of the T-Shirts for second and third quarter as per our dress code policy although Academy of Tucson T-Shirts can be worn all year. 

The remainder of this newsletter is dedicated to the fantastic staff at our school!

Calendar

October 5th: Walk to School Event/Early Release

October 7th: PAC Meeting 8:00 am

              Skate Country Family Night

October 13th-14th: No School

a.     End of First Quarter

b.    Fall Break

October 17^th-21^st Parent Teacher    Conferences: Early Release Day

                     Kinder dismissal @ 11:15

                     1^st-2^nd dismissal @ 11:25

                    3^rd-4^th dismissal @ 11:35      

October 26^th: McDonalds Family Night more info. to come
October 25^th-28^th: Student Council Spirit Days more info. to come

Ms. Poppen-Principal-2^nd year at the Academy of Tucson. Undergraduate Degree-Arizona State University, Graduate Degree-Ohio University, Current Doctoral Student-Northern Arizona University in Educational Leadership. I enjoy and appreciate the students, staff, and families of the Academy along with traveling and baking.

Mrs. Fite-Office Manager-6^th year at the Academy of Tucson. Enjoys horseback riding, taking care of her other animals, and spending time with family. Enjoys reading and supporting her child in Boy Scout activities.

Mr. Webber-Student Services Coordinator-4^th year at the Academy of Tucson. Enjoys sports/camping, spending time with family and friends and does community outreach through service organizations.

Mrs. Van Hise-4^th Grade Teacher-21 years teaching. Graduate of University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University. Became a teacher to have an academic and social impact on future generations.

Mrs. Fata-4^th Grade Teacher-11 years teaching. Graduate of University of Arizona. Became a teacher to guide students to become positive contributors to our society.

Mr. Mitchell-3^rd Grade Teacher-5^th year at the Academy of Tucson. Graduated from the University of Minnesota in Elementary Education and has a Masters in Communication, Arts and Literature. He enjoys spending time with his family and dogs. He also enjoys playing soccer.

Mrs. Thompson-3^rd Grade Teacher-12 years of teaching. Graduate of Cal State Long Beach and the University of Phoenix. She enjoys teaching because of the enthusiasm of the students. She also has fun doing crafts, sewing, camping, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Mrs. Brown-3^rd Grade Teacher-Graduated from the University of Arizona and has been teaching for 5 years. She became a teacher to make a difference and she strives to have her classroom be a safe, consistent, and happy place for learning to occur. She enjoys spending time with her family, U of A basketball games and of course doing her nails.

Ms. Lakavage-2^nd Grade Teacher-Graduated from Northern Arizona University. Has taught for 14 years. She became a teacher to make a difference in children’s lives. She enjoys reading and watching movies.

Ms. Birkholz-2^nd Grade Teacher-3^rd year at the Academy of Tucson. Is a graduate of the University of Arizona as well as the Academy of Tucson High School. She enjoys working with the students in her class and has fun walking her dogs along with going to the movies.

Ms. Purdy-1^st Grade Teacher-Has been teaching for 14 years. Received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and her graduate degree from Northern Arizona University. In her 20’s she walked into an elementary school and decided that she wanted to become a teacher and has been there ever since. She enjoys running, hiking, gardening, and bird watching.

Mrs. Siath-1^st Grade Teacher-Has been teaching for 17 years and this is her 2^nd year at the Academy of Tucson. Undergraduate Degree-Northern Arizona University Elementary Ed./Special Ed., Graduate Degree-Northern Arizona University-School Counseling. Hobbies-swimming and fashion

Mrs. Pierson-1^st Grade Teacher-Has been teaching for 18 years and is a graduate of the University of Arizona. She got into teaching because she always loved playing school in her grandmother’s kindergarten class. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and planting flowers.

Ms. Bryant-1^st Grade Teacher-Has been teaching for 14 years and this is her 1^st year at the Academy of Tucson. Graduated from the University of Arizona College of Education. She has additional training in reading and math intervention strategies. She became a teacher to make learning fun. Her hobbies are: art, landscaping, design, sports, and animals/science.


Mrs. Cain-Kindergarten Teacher-Has 25 years  of teaching experience. Graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University. She enjoys playing the English Handbells and reading.

Mrs. Conser-Kindergarten Teacher-Is in her 20^th year of teaching.
She graduated from Calvin College and has her degree in education with additional training in special education. She has always been drawn to work with students with special needs. She enjoys most outdoor activities.

Mrs. Murhpy-Kindergarten Teacher-Is in her 16^th year of teaching and she graduated from Prescott College. Her hobbies include camping and collecting Disney memorabilia.

Mrs. Wetmore-Kindergarten Teacher-Has been teaching for 6 years and has started her 2^nd year at the Academy of Tucson. She became a teacher to enlighten and challenge students to build a strong foundation in different subjects as they pertain to life and school. She enjoys painting.

Mrs. Hughes-Interventionist-Has been teaching at the Academy of Tucson for 9 years and before becoming an interventionist taught 2^nd grade. She is a graduate of the University of Arizona. She enjoys spending time with her family and during the summer you will find her boating, swimming, water skiing, and tubing on Lake Roosevelt.

Mrs. Mitchell-P.E. Teacher-Has been teaching for 5 years and graduated from the University of Texas-Pan American as well as Pima Community College. Along with teaching, she also coaches cross country and track for the Academy of Tucson High School. She shares her talents in coaching with others since she was a runner in college. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Mrs. Teitelbaum-Librarian/Art Teacher-Has been at the Academy of Tucson for 6 year. She enjoys sharing the love of art and reading with students. She is a graduate of DePauw University and she enjoys bowling, reading, stamping, sports activities, and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Cmiel-Music Teacher-Has been teaching for 29 years and this is Mrs. Cmiel’s first year at the Academy of Tucson. She graduated from Northern Illinois University in Instrumental Music Education. She is expecting her first grandchild in November and she enjoys spending time with her family.

Ms. Coco-Exceptional Education Coordinator-Has been with the Academy of Tucson Organization for 8 years and is in her 40^th year of teaching. She earned her undergraduate degree at Mt. Union College and her graduate degree from University of Western New Mexico. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends along with playing golf and traveling.

 

2011 August & September Newsletter

 Bear Cub News

     Academy of Tucson Elementary School

August & September, 2011

Principals Message

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year at the Academy of Tucson Elementary School! We have completed our full second week and are getting in a routine that will build the educational and social foundation for the year. We are proud to have your family as a part of our school community.

We encourage you to get involved in your child’s education by bringing them to school on time, rested, well nourished, and prepared for the day’s activities. Also, there will be many chances throughout the year to assist either in the classroom, at school events and/or through daily volunteer opportunities. The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) along with other committees have started meeting to plan for special events this year as well.

An additional newsletter will be coming out in September and will focus on school staff, committee’s, groups, and goals for the year. You can keep updated on school events by newsletters, e-mail, phone calls, our website and PASS.

I look forward to meeting you throughout the year and we appreciate your support in fostering a terrific start to the 2011-2012 school year!                                                                 

Calendar

Aug. 29^th: Coffee with Mrs. Stewart 8:15 am at

             Ramada

Sept. 1^st:  Curriculum Night 6:00-7:30 pm

Sept. 5^th:  Labor Day-No School            

Sept. 7^th:  Early Release Day

Sept: 9^th:  Grandparents Day 7:30-9:00 am/Safe

             Routes to School (SRTS) meeting after

             school at Ramada

Sept: 14^th: Science Fun Fest Meeting 8:30 am at

             Ramada

Sept. 16^th: Parent Advisory Meeting 8:00 am at

             Ramada

Sept. 21^st: Picture Day

Beginning of the School Day:
We appreciate all of you who have chosen to start the day off with us at the basketball court. As you know, we say the Pledge and then sing our character song. The words to our TRRFC Character Song is as follows: At Academy of Tucson we will show ways to be Terrific. Be trustworthy, respectful, responsible, and fair. Always a good citizen, caring for each other, Character Counts at Academy and we think it’s Terrific! (hands in air) Tune to Yankee Doodle Dandy.

Timeliness/Attendance at School: 
Timely arrival to school and class is essential for student learning.  Since tardy students interfere with the learning of those who come on time, late arrivals are considered discipline violations. 
The first bell rings at 7:45 AM. This is the signal for students to line up with their classes.  The second bell rings at 7:55 AM. All students arriving after the second bell must be signed in by an adult.
It is also important to have students be at school. The only time a student should not be at school is if they are sick or a family emergency. The teachers plan to have all of their students in class on a daily basis. Please note that a student’s citizenship grade will be affected by their timeliness to school and their attendance.
Beginning of the School Day:
We appreciate all of you who have chosen to start the day off with us at the basketball court. As you know, we say the Pledge and then sing our character song. The words to our TRRFC Character Song is as follows: At Academy of Tucson we will show ways to be Terrific. Be trustworthy, respectful, responsible, and fair. Always a good citizen, caring for each other, Character Counts at Academy and we think it’s Terrific! (hands in air) Tune to Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Traffic Tips:
It has been wonderful to have parent help during pick-up and drop off times. (Special thanks to: Tina Thomas and Maya Hendrickson) Listed below are some quick traffic tips to maintain the flow of traffic in and out of the campus: 1. Drive up to the next available spot in the drop-off area, even if someone is not behind you. 2. Please refrain from parking in the drop-off circle from 7:00 am-8:00 am and from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.; remember that the circle is to be used for quick pick-up and drop-off not as designated parking area. 3. Please have your child prepared to get in/out of the car in a timely manner. If you or child is having a slow start to the day, please use the north end of the parking lot instead of holding up the traffic flow in the circle.4. Be courteous towards other drivers and also be on the look-out for students in the parking area and those families who have chosen to walk to/from school.5. Please use your blinker. 6. Please do not get out of your car when in the circle to pick-up your child from the interior part of the campus. If you feel the need to do so, please find a designated parking space at the north end of the parking lot not in the circle.7. If you are late picking up your child after school please check under the ramada. Please note: We do not provide supervision after 3:00 pm. We appreciate your efforts in following these traffic guidelines.
Parents and Volunteer Etiquette on Campus:
It is imperative to us at the Academy of Tucson to maximize the instructional time for our students and to have a safe and healthy learning environment. In order for this to be accomplished, it is imperative that we do not have any unwarranted disruptions on campus. PARENTS AND VOLUNTEERS MUST ALWAYS CHECK-IN/OUT AT THE OFFICE. THEY ARE NOT TO ENTER ANY CLASSROOM WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL. A VISITORS PASS MUST BE WORN AND CAN BE OBTAINED IN THE FRONT OFFICE UPON SIGNING IN. Please remember that as a volunteer on campus all student information is protected by law. Therefore, information that you may hear about a student on campus is confidential and should not be shared with others. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated!
Curriculum Night Schedule-Sept. 1, 2011
We encourage all families to attend Curriculum Night. This is an opportunity for you to get to know what is being taught in the classroom and to get an overview of what is happening at the school. If you need to talk with the teacher about your child’s progress, please schedule a separate meeting time with the teacher.

6:00-7:30

1.        6:00-6:10 Park and get to designated areas.

2.        6:10-6:30 Kindergarten/1^st Grade families meet in classrooms.  2^nd/3^rd/4^th Grade families start under the ramada.

3.        6:30-6:35 Kindergarten/1^st Grade transition from classrooms to ramada.  2^nd/3^rd/4^th Grade families transition ramada to classroom.

4.        6:35-6:55 Kindergarten/1^st Grade under the ramada 2^nd/3^rd/4^th in classrooms.