Miles ELC Newsletter
December 2023
Monthly Site Council and PTA Zoom Link
Location: 1400 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ, USA
Phone: 520-225-2200
Facebook: Miles Exploratory Learning Center K-8 | Tucson AZ | Facebook
Instagram: Miles ELC (@miles_k8) • Instagram photos and videos
😀Parents, please enter your child's absence via ParentVUE😀
Upcoming Events
Saturday, December 9th- Garden Work Day- 1:00-3:00 PM
Tuesday, December 12th- Middle School Music Concert at Project More- 6:00 PM
Thursday, December 14th- Fall Art Festival- 3:00-4:30 PM
Monday, December 18th- Thursday, December 21st- Mustangs for Change- Hot Cocoa Sales
Tuesday, December 19th- PTA Meeting- 6:00 PM
Friday, December 22nd, Grading Day-No School
Monday, December 25th- Friday, January 5th- Winter Break- No School
Fine Arts Festival
Join us for a music concert for 3-5 grade students and an art show from all the grades.
The concert will be 2:15-3:00 pm only for the families of the 3-5 grade performers and the art show will be from 3:00-4:30 pm for all families to enjoy.
There will be hot cocoa and lemonade provided but we would appreciate snacks/desserts to share!
We hope to see you there!
This is an awesome event to attend for our Miles students! ASL interpreters will be present for any Deaf or HOH students!
Principal's Corner
Happy Holidays Miles Mustangs!
I must start by saying that I am so proud to be part of the Miles community. The designation of an ‘A’ school is only possible when an entire community values education and working together and supporting each other. It is lovely to come to work each day and see high-caliber teaching occurring and students loving what they are doing. Miles is truly a special place.
An important component of our wonderful school community is the enrichment opportunities we are able to offer our students. Here at Miles, the garden program, elementary ASL instruction, and middle school after-school tutoring are made possible by your tax credit contributions. These programs are solely funded by tax credit so every dollar is crucial. Please see the information below about tax credit contributions. As always, please let me know what questions you have. I’m happy to share more about how we use the funds to enhance the learning experience of our students each day.
What are Tax Credit Donations?
Tax credit contributions support extracurricular activities for grades K-12. Those activities help keep kids in school, improve their attendance and help them learn and grow. At Miles, tax credit supports our garden, art, and sign language programs.
What are the benefits to me for donating?
When you participate, you reduce your State tax liability by the amount you contribute. You get your money back, dollar-for-dollar, in the form of a tax reduction. So when you donate the maximum of $200 for single or $400 for married couples, that is deducted from what you owe…or adds to what you get back!!
Any Arizona taxpayer can participate! If you have relatives anywhere in Arizona, encourage them to contribute to Miles.
How do I make my Tax Credit Donation? Go to the tax credit website.
Pay be credit card or print the downloaded form and submit.
You can always bring in your payment to Miles and we will process it for you and give you a receipt right on the spot!
Thanks in advance for your support,
Principal Andrea Steele
Counselor's Corner
Happy December!
We are reaching the end of our second quarter! Our students have been working hard in finishing up their final assignments, projects and preparing for their exams. Their dedication and commitment to this level of work has been inspiring and is truly contributing to their success in many different ways. The Miles value we are focusing on for December is perseverance, the ability to work through situations when there are obstacles or challenges in the way.
Perseverance is a key quality that plays an essential role in the academic and personal success of our students. It is an invaluable trait that can help individuals overcome challenges and setbacks, ultimately leading to great achievement and personal growth. Here are some insights and practical tips for both students and parents on embracing perseverance in the face of academic challenges.
Set Realistic Goals:
Establish both short-term and long-term goals that are achievable but challenging.
Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Celebrate small victories along the way to maintain that fire that exists within us!
Embrace a Growth Mindset:
Understand that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than viewing challenges as an impossible feat.
Learn from failures and use them as stepping stones toward success
Develop a Routine:
Consistent daily routine can help build discipline and resilience.
Prioritize tasks and allocate time wisely to manage academic and extracurricular commitments.
Balance is key! Finding that balance in work, relaxation, and self-care.
Seek Support:
Don't hesitate to ask for help when faced with challenges.
Seek support with each other, seek guidance from teachers, and utilize resources available within the school.
Share your goals with friends and family
Stay Positive:
Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on what you can control and
Practice gratitude to appreciate the progress you've made.
Surround yourself with positive influences and eliminate negativity.
Parents can practice this in their workplace as well. Balancing parenting and working are not an easy task, but children love looking at how you encounter challenges, and will be inspired by how you overcome them. Have a wonderful rest of December and we appreciate everything you do!
Mustangs for Change News
Hi families!
Thank you so much for attending our Spooky Fall Night! We were able to help create food baskets for five families at Miles. Our baskets were filled with everything needed to make a delicious meal! The families were very thankful! Thank you for being a supportive of our efforts in Mustangs for Change!
During the last week of December, our club will be selling Hot Chocolate in the morning for $1. We will sell from 8:15-8:50am. Please help remind everyone to throw away their cups in the trash and that they must finish their hot chocolate before the bell rings.
In January, our club hosts our annual Clothing Drive! It will occur throughout the month of January. Elementary classrooms will have a shared container in the hall by the library for any and all donations. Each middle school classroom will have their own blue bin for Team donations. Donations will be spread across the Tucson community to agencies that help those in shelters, who are living on the street, and who help foster families. Please help collect clean gently-used clothing for our Clothing Drive. More information will be sent out in January.
Thank you for all your support,
Mustangs for Change!
Community Liaison News
Hi Miles families! I am really enjoying meeting all of you and working with your students. If you need any support or resources, don't hesitate to reach out and I will do my best to help.
I am super grateful for all the volunteer support and am always looking for more volunteers especially for our upcoming events such as the Carnival!
-Grace