Pistor Paw Prints

Greetings Panthers and Families,

We are so excited to welcome you to a new school year filled with exciting opportunities for your students to learn, grow, and succeed! As we embark on this journey together, we would love to invite you to join us in making our school an even better place for our students by becoming involved in various school activities and initiatives. There are several ways you can make a difference in our school community:

Site Council - Coordinator Mr. Acevedo

Our Site Council plays a critical role in shaping the future of our school by advising on important decisions that affect student achievement, school policies, and resource allocation. We are seeking enthusiastic parents and community members who want to contribute to meaningful discussions and help guide our school's growth. If you are interested in making an impact, please consider joining our Site Council.

Site Council meets at 4:30 PM every other month on the second Tuesday of the month. Here are the dates for this year:

• Tuesday, September 10th
• Tuesday, November 12th
• Tuesday, January 14th
• Tuesday, March 18th (third Tuesday due to Spring Break)
• Tuesday, May 13th

PTO - Family Engagement Team - Coordinator Mrs. Valencia

Family engagement is key to a thriving school community! The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is looking for parents and guardians who are eager to foster positive connections between families, staff, and students. As part of the Family Engagement Team, you’ll have the chance to help plan events, promote school spirit, and create lasting bonds within our community.

Conveniently our PTO - Family Engagement Team also meets every other month on the second Tuesday of the month immediately following Site Council at 5:30 PM. Here are the dates for this year:

• Tuesday, September 10th (Pueblo HS 6:00 PM)
• Tuesday, November 12th
• Tuesday, January 14th
• Tuesday, March 18th (third Tuesday due to Spring Break)
• Tuesday, May 13th

Volunteer Opportunities & Special Projects - Coordinator Mr. Casillas

We understand that time is precious, and even the smallest contribution can make a big difference. Whether you can spare an hour a week or help with a special project, your involvement is always welcome. Opportunities include assisting with school events, supporting teachers in the classroom, chaperoning field trips, helping with campus beautification efforts, or if you have a special hobby or skill that could benefit our students.

Here is a list of some of the events we are hoping to host this year, just to name a few, but we can't do it without you!

• Quarterly Honors Award Events
• Family Movie Nights
• STEAM NIght
• Literacy Event
• Family Game Nights
• EOY 8th Grade Promotion Events
• Campus Beautification Days
• Fall Festival
• Student Dances
• Foodbank and Clothing Bank Drives

How You Can Help

If you would like to join the Site Council, PTO Family Engagement Team, or volunteer your time in any way, please complete this brief survey Volunteer Interest Survey or contact the Coordinator of the group you would like to join. We value your time, talents, and ideas and look forward to collaborating with you to make Pistor Middle School the best it can be.

Together, we can create a vibrant school community where every student feels supported and every family has a voice. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to working with you!

Thank you and be safe!

Mrs. Gunnels, Principal

Attendance plays a crucial role in academic performance during middle school, as consistent attendance ensures that students are present for key lessons, discussions, and activities that build the foundation for their learning. Missing even a few days can lead to gaps in understanding, making it harder to keep up with the curriculum and leading to lower grades and engagement. Regular attendance also helps students develop essential habits and a sense of responsibility, both of which are critical for success in middle school and beyond.

Three Misconceptions Parents Have About Attendance and How It Affects Academic Performance

1. Missing a Few Days Won’t Hurt: Many parents believe that missing a few days of school here and there won’t significantly impact their child’s education. However, even sporadic absences can disrupt a student’s learning process. Missing just two days a month can add up to 18 days a year, which is equivalent to nearly 10% of the school year. This can lead to gaps in understanding and falling behind in coursework, making it harder for students to catch up.
2. Make-Up Work Can Fully Compensate for Absences: Another common misconception is that students can easily make up for missed schoolwork at home. While completing assignments is important, it’s not a substitute for the in-class learning experience. Classroom interactions, discussions, and hands-on activities are vital components of education that can’t be replicated through homework alone. These experiences help students deepen their understanding and engage with the material in ways that independent work cannot.
3. Attendance Only Matters in Later Grades: Some parents think that regular attendance is only critical in high school when grades directly impact college applications. However, attendance patterns established in early grades set the tone for future academic habits. Research shows that poor attendance in the early years is a strong predictor of academic struggles and even dropping out later on. Building good attendance habits from the start is key to long-term success.

How Parents Can Help Improve Attendance

1. Establish a Routine: Create a consistent morning routine that ensures your child is ready for school on time. This includes setting a regular bedtime to ensure they get enough sleep and preparing school materials the night before.
2. Communicate the Importance of Attendance: Talk to your child about why going to school every day is essential. Help them understand that each day contributes to their overall learning and future success.
3. Stay Informed and Involved: Stay in touch with your child’s teachers and school staff to monitor their attendance and address any issues early on. If your child is struggling with a specific aspect of school, work together to find solutions, whether it's academic support or addressing social-emotional concerns.

Here's a chart that illustrates how student academic performance is affected by the number of absences. As the number of absences increases, the estimated academic performance tends to decline, highlighting the importance of regular attendance for maintaining academic success.

9/2/2024 - No School - Labor Day

9/3 to 9/5/2024 - Student Council Elections

9/5/2024 - Grading Window Closes

9/5/2024 - Boys Basketball and Girls Volleyball vs. Wakefield (home) - 5:00 PM

9/6/2024 - Read-A-Book Day

9/9/2024 - 21st Century CCLC Clubs and Tutoring Begins

9/9/2024 - Boys Basketball and Girls Volleyball vs. Roskruge (home) - 5:00 PM

9/10/2024 - OVInspires - Grade Level Presentations - Cafeteria (schedule TBD)

9/10/2024 - Site Council Meeting - Library - 4:30 PM

9/10/2024 - OVInspires - Family, Faculty, Staff, and Community Presentation - Pueblo HS - 6:00 PM

9/12/2024 - National High 5 Day and National Encouragement Day

9/13/2024 - Fortune Cookie Day

9/17/2024 - Deadline to Register for 6th Grade GATE Testing

9/17/2024 - Parent Code of Conduct Presentation - Library - 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

9/18/2024 - Half-Day - Early Release at 12:50 PM

9/18/2024 - Parent Teacher Conferences - cafeteria - 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM

9/19/2024 - National Talk Like a Pirate - Argh Matey!

9/19/2024 - Half-Day - Early Release at 12:50 PM

9/19/2024 - Parent Teacher Conferences - cafeteria - 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

9/20/2024 - Half-Day - Early Release at 12:50 PM

9/23 & 9/24/204 - Quarter 1 Benchmark Testing - ELA

9/25/2024 - 6th Grade GATE Testing

9/26 & 9/27/204 - Quarter 1 Benchmark Testing - Math

9/29 - 10/3/2024 - Quarter 1 Benchmark Make-Up Testing

10/1 thru 11/4/2024 - CCLC Babysitting Class

10/4/2024 - Grading Day - No School

10/4/2024 - National Taco Day

10/7 thru 10/11/2024 - Fall Break - No School

10/18/2024 - National Chocolate Cupcake Day

10/26/2024 - National Pumpkin Day

I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Vasquez speak at the National Bi-lingual and Dual Language Conference in June. I was blown away by his message of inspiration and perseverance. Hands down, he is one of the best Keynote Speakers I have ever had the privilege to hear speak.

I was so impressed by his message that I knew I needed to bring him to Tucson to speak to our students and community.

On Tuesday, September 10th Ovi will be visiting Pistor MS during the day and speaking to each grade level group. In the evening, Pueblo HS will be hosting a family, faculty, staff, and community presentation at 6:00 PM in the auditorium.

I hope you will join us. This is not an event you want to miss...

Ovi's Short Bio

Ovi Vásquez is a National Leadership Keynote Speaker and Author who went from being a farmboy raised in a poor village in the sugarcane fields of Central America to being accepted into Harvard Business School Online. Despite being labeled "at-risk" Ovi learned English in two years, graduated from high school in three years, earned a B.A. in Management in two years, published six books including a best-seller, and became a TEDx speaker on self-leadership.

​

He worked for Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, and Uber, and then created a mobile app serving as a hub for $5 million in scholarships for underprivileged youth unlocking potentially life-changing opportunities for them. As a Social Entrepreneur, he now helps socially responsible organizations develop our next generation of values-centered leaders.

​

As a father of three, Vásquez brings a unique, culturally attuned perspective to his work, being bilingual, biliterate, and deeply connected to his roots. This rich background enables him to connect with a wide array of audiences, imparting fresh insights that are both profound and accessible.

​

"Before achieving success—I learned to wield a machete in the sugarcane fields at the tender age of eight, and continued working in the fields until I turned fifteen. When I moved to the U.S. in 2006 unaccompanied, my life changed forever. Soon after, my mother had to return home to care for my dying grandmother. Left alone, with zero support, I did the only thing I could do—survive..."

—Ovidilio Vásquez

Still not convinced, check out this video from a Youth Leadership Conference.

Please open the flyer below for information about how to register your child for GATE Testing or click on this link www.bit.ly/GATEREQ or call GATE Testing Office 520-225-1310.

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Code of Conduct Presentation at Pistor MS. This event is an important opportunity for us to share the expectations and guidelines that help create a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for all students. The presentation will be delivered in English and Spanish.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, September 17th
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Library

During the presentation, we will cover key aspects of TUSD's Code of Conduct, including behavior expectations, dress code, digital citizenship, and the steps we take to ensure a supportive atmosphere for every student. Understanding these guidelines will help reinforce a consistent message at home and at school, promoting the well-being and success of your child.

Here is a link to the TUSD Code of Conduct.

Your involvement in this event is vital, and we look forward to answering any questions you may have. Together, we can ensure that Pistor MS is a place where all students feel valued and empowered to learn.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.

We are pleased to invite you to the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences at Pistor Middle School. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss your child's progress, address any concerns, and collaborate with their teachers to support their academic and personal growth.

Conference Schedule:

Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024
Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Evening Session: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Pistor Middle School

To ensure a meaningful and personalized discussion, we encourage you to contact your child's teacher(s) directly to set up an appointment at a time that works best for you. Please reach out via email or phone to schedule your conference. Parents and families with appointments will have priority, but walk-ins are welcome as well and will be accommodated as time permits.

Your involvement is crucial to your child’s education, and we value the opportunity to work together to support their success. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress and to collaborate on strategies that will help them thrive.

Here are some important reminders and updates to ensure access to a learning environment conducive to student success and to ensure safety while on campus for all students, faculty, staff, and families.

1. Attendance - If you child(ren) are absent or late, please be sure to notify the front office at 520-908-5414 within 48 business hours. Students with excessive unexcused absences (10+ per semester, will not receive credit for their class and may be subject to retention. Please see attached bell schedule.

2. Backpacks - Students will be expected to carry a clear or mesh backpack from class to class while on campus. Students who bring a backpack that is not see-through, will be provided the opportunity to check their bag and have it stored for the day.

3. Cell Phones - Students must have their cell phone (if they have one), turned off and out of sight from the time the first bell rings (8:50 AM) until the last bell rings (3:50 PM/2:50 PM on Wednesdays). This is a zero tolerance policy, no warnings will be given. Students who are observed with a cell phone (or other electronic devices such as ear buds, gaming devices, etc.) will have the device collected, and turned into the office for parent pick up.

4. Dress Code - We are a uniform school. Based on the feedback from students, families, and staff, the Pistor Middle School dress code for this year was revised during the summer to ensure clarity and safety yet still remain flexible for students and families. Here are the main highlights:

Top Garment

• Plain, solid colored shirt in red, black, white, or gray. No logos or print of any kind.
• Shoulders and midriff must be covered. No tank tops, spaghetti straps, crop tops, etc.

Bottom Garment

• Jeans, pants, shorts, or skirts in solid black, blue, or khaki. No rips, holes, tears, or fraying.
• Bottom garment must fit at the waist - no sagging.
• Sweatpants, pajama pants, leggings, bicycle shorts, athletic/basketball shorts, etc. are not allowed.

Shoes

• Athletic shoes, sneakers, or sandals in any color.
• Crocs, slides, slippers, flip flops, etc. are not allowed.

5. Supplies for Success - All students must bring the following items daily:

• Backpack – clear or mesh bags only
• Laptop, fully charged w/charging cord – checked out to student at the beginning of the year
• Refillable water bottle (no glass)
• Paper, Pens, and Pencils

Please be sure to see the attachment below for more details.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Middle School Interscholastic Sports Offerings and Dates

First Season August 5 – October 3

• Boys Basketball - Coach Burnham
• Girls Volleyball - Coach Medina
• Boys and Girls Cross Country - Coach Ward

Second Season October 14 – December 19

• Girls Basketball, Boys Volleyball
• Flag Football Tournament (1-Day)

Third Season January 6 – March 5

• Boys and Girls Soccer

Fourth Season March 17 – May 4

• Boys and Girls Track & Field

Athlete Requirements

An athlete needs to have all paperwork and participation fees submitted before they can begin practices, tryouts, games.

• Active Sports Physical (must be dated March 1, 2024, or later) - You MUST have an active completed sports physical prior to try outs!
• Athlete Packet
• Emergency Information Card
• Parent/Guardian Permission
• Athletic Informed Consent
• Activity Specific Parent Permission
• Provisions of Transportation (FT1002)
• TUSD Interscholastic Athletic Transportation Guidelines (ISC1000)

Participation Fees

There is a $30 for middle school interscholastic fee per activity.

• Partial scholarships may be available, please contact Mr. Casillas for more information.

Per Arizona Minimum Standards, we are not allowed to have any vehicle in the bus bay except for buses when loading and unloading students. Our bus bay is located north of the campus on Alaska Street.

Parent Pick Up and Drop Off is on the south side of the campus on Canada Street.

If you need to park and come onto the campus with your student, you may use the parking lot off of Alaska Street.

Arizona Minimum Standards Statute: R13-13-104. Minimum Standards for School Bus Operation, section 9-11 states:

• During loading or unloading of passengers at a designated school bus loading area at a school, the school shall restrict the loading area to school buses, passengers, and school employees assisting in the loading or unloading of passengers.

Just a reminder that the campus opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM, except on Wednesday, which closes at 3:00 PM.

Please do not drop off students before 8:00 AM. We do not have any supervision before 8:00 AM.

Please be sure to pick up your child by 4:00 PM, 3:00 PM on Wednesdays. We do not have any supervision after these times.

The only students who should be on campus before 8:00 AM or after 4:00 PM (3:00 PM on Wednesdays) are students who are participating in a CCLC club or tutoring or students who are participating in athletics. They will be supervised by their coach, teacher, or club sponsor.

The office opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.

We want to make sure that all students are safe.

Mental Health Resources:

CRISIS Response

• Text HOME to 741741
• Text, Call or Chat 988 available24/7
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

Text, Talk, Act

Text START to 89800

HOW IT WORKS

1. Youth gather in groups of 3-4.
2. Groups text into our platform and follow the text message prompts.
3. Together, the group discusses mental health and how to help others.
4. Youth become more comfortable talking about mental health and learn where to get help.

The Counseling Department is dedicated to ensuring that students are set up for success this school year. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. You may contact Ms. Rivera at mcristina.rivera@tusd1.org

Ah, middle school.

Though your child may barely be entering puberty and may still be a pre-teen, the transition to middle school is a big step on the road to maturity. A big, scary step. Regardless of what specific grade marks the beginning of junior high or middle school, your child will be both excited and afraid. Researchers have found that students anticipating the move to middle school worry about three aspects of the change: logistical, social, and academic.

While you won’t be able to calm your child’s fears completely, the first step is understanding what may worry your child.

Logistical Concerns

When researchers asked kids what aspect of moving to middle school most concerned them, the top answers related to how things at the new school worked (Akos, 2002). How would they find the right classroom? What happened if they were tardy? Where was the cafeteria? What about the bathrooms?

Middle school is a much more complex environment than grade school. The campus is larger, there are more students, and instead of one teacher and one classroom, your child will have a separate instructor, and classroom, for each subject or block of subjects (e.g., language arts/social studies or math/science). It’s no wonder kids worry about finding their way in this new world. Understanding the rules and procedures of the new school may be even more important. The challenge of navigating multiple transitions between classes and organizing books and materials for every subject may be all they can handle in the first few weeks.

Social Fears

Another area of worry for students moving to middle school is the social scene. Will I see anyone I know? Will it be hard to make friends? Will I have to eat lunch alone? Are the older kids bullies?

Your child is moving from the top of the elementary school heap to the bottom rung of the middle school social ladder. They may have heard that the older students tease or bully the younger ones. They know for sure that they and their best friends are unlikely to be in every single class together, and, even worse, there may be classes where they don’t know anyone at all on the first day.

Remember that, in addition to changing schools, your child is entering adolescence, a stage when kids start to rely much more on peers and pull away from parents. This is a time when being part of a group is very important and being perceived as different can be devastating. It’s not surprising that finding friends in the new school is a top priority.

The good news is that the more varied social environment also offers many opportunities to meet people. Being in multiple classes each day means your student is surrounded by more potential friends. The better news is that, once students are settled into middle school, they report that friendships and the social scene are among the best things about school (Akos, 2002: Forgan, 2000).

Some things that you can do to ease the social transition:

• Encourage your child to join sports teams, clubs, or other extracurricular activities.
• Talk about traits that make a good friend (such as being a good listener).
  
• Talk about social skills. Discuss how words and actions can affect other people.
• Practice skills needed for difficult social situations.
• Remind your child to make eye contact when speaking or listening.

Academic Concerns

Though most students worry more about the logistical and social aspects of middle school before they get there, once settled in, academic concerns rise to the surface. Will the classes be too difficult? Will there be too much homework? Are the teachers hard graders?

It’s quite typical for students’ academic performance to drop upon entering middle school. Along with everything else that’s going on – rollercoaster emotions, physical changes, and social upheaval – your child is also coping with harder classes, more homework, and a whole new set of academic expectations. Middle school teachers don’t form the close bonds with students that your child enjoyed in grade school. There is less small group and personalized instruction. Teachers expect students to take charge of assignments and projects with less day-to-day guidance.

These changes can come as quite a shock. Teachers may vary in their willingness to understand and accommodate your child’s learning needs. Organization and time management demands rise to a new level. Though it can seem overwhelming, keep reminding your child that she can manage these changes successfully, though it will take time and practice.

Some tips to help ease their academic concerns:

• Meet with teachers early in the school year. Give them a profile of your child’s strengths and where she needs help.
  
• Help your student with time management skills. Work together on a schedule for study time, break time, chores, etc.
  
• Work out an organizational system with your student. Acknowledge and make allowances for her anxiety; at first, she may need to carry everything for all classes all the time in order to feel prepared.
• Avoid overreacting to grades. Making sure your child gets a handle on how to meet the demands of the new school is the critical factor in the early weeks.
• Stay connected to your child’s school work. Try to teach your student to work more independently while supporting her enough to give her confidence.
• Go to back-to-school night, open houses, parent-teacher conferences and other events where you can connect with your child’s teachers.
• Help your child be her own advocate. Encourage her to discuss problems and solutions with teachers on her own, but be ready to step in and help as needed.

The best way to help your child through this transition is to keep a positive attitude about middle school. You may remember how clueless, awkward, and self-conscious you felt at that age. Empathize with them if they feel the same way, and tell them it’s normal for middle school students to experience those fears and emotions. Reassure them that they will become more comfortable and confident with time. Remind your child that the school and the teachers want them to be successful and that they has what it takes to make it all work.

Most students make the adjustment to the routines and demands of middle school within a couple months. If your child is still struggling as fall gives way to winter, then a meeting with her counselor may be in order. Together, you, your student and the counselor can pinpoint specific trouble spots and brainstorm ways to get things on track.

1. Fully charged laptop with charging cord
2. Notebook and/or binder
3. Pen and pencil
4. Refillable water bottle (no glass)

Visit the School Website
Location: 5455 South Cardinal Avenue, Tucson, AZ, USA
Phone: 520-908-5400
Follow Pistor MS on Facebook