Mountain Lions
January Edition
Welcome Back!
Welcome back to school! I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break. As we begin this new semester, I’m excited to continue working together to support our students' growth and success.
During this first week back, we’ll focus on reviewing our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program and revisiting school-wide expectations. This will help students readjust to our learning environment and ensure a positive and productive start to the semester.
The second semester is a critical time for academic progress. To make adequate gains, it’s essential that students arrive at school on time each day, ready to learn and engage in their education. Your partnership in fostering punctuality and preparedness is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make this semester a great one!
Warm regards,
Principal Ramirez
2nd Quarter Report Cards
If you haven't already viewed your students 2nd quarter report card, please remember it is available 24 hour a day, seven days a week through your TUSD ParentVue Account.
It's getting cold
Brrr! Its getting cold out there. Please make sure students are dressed for the weather. Layers such as a jacket and gloves are always a good idea as it heats up throughout the day. Make sure to label all of your students belongings as it makes it easier to identify. Students will remain on the playground in the morning unless they are actively eating breakfast in the cafeteria. If the temperature drops below freezing (32 degrees) students will have the option of remaining outside socializing/playing or sitting in the cafeteria until it is time to line up, at which time they will be ushered outside to line up. Want to avoid the cooler temperatures? Keep in mind that students who arrive at 7:40 have plenty of time to get to class on time.
Food Pantry
Food Pantry will take place at Grijalva Elementary School (1795 W. Drexel, in Midvale Park) from noon - 2:30 pm. The next one will take place on January 23.
Kindergarten Kickoff!
PTO News
PTO fundraising focus for Maldonado
Treat Trolley
The PTO treat cart visits every Wednesday after lunches. All items are $1 or less. Students must have cash in hand to line up for the treat cart. PTO provides a variety of choices and if there are items you do not wish your child to purchase please discuss your expectations with your child.
Next Meeting
We need you! Please join us by zoom for our Parent Teacher Organization Meeting on Wednesday January 8th at 5:00pm.
2025-2026 School Calendar Approved by the TUSD Governing Board
Important Dates
January
1-3 Winter Break - No School
6 School Resumes
6 AAA during community time
8 PTO Meeting online @ 5 pm
13 Honor Roll during community time
20 No School / MLK Jr. Day
24 4th grade Cultural Trip to Cholla for Pan American Presentation
28 Paw Bucks Store
29 No School / Professional Learning Day
February
3 AAA during community time
4 Kindergarten Kick Off from 9:00 -11:00
5 PTO Meeting online @ 5 pm
3-12 Student Council Valentines for Vets
10-13 Valentine's Candy Grams for sale $1
10-14 Student Council Spirit Week
13-14 Parent Teacher Conferences 10:55 am dismissal
18 Science Night20-21 No School - Rodeo Break
25 Paw Bucks Store
Student Safety Comes First - Important Reminders
To ensure the safety of everyone I would like to remind families of the following:
- Students may be dropped off AFTER 7:20 am. Students should never be left alone at a gate or in a parking lot.
-We are a closed campus with limited points of entry and exit based on available supervision. Only identified gates may be used to access the playground. Never climb over or try to enter a secure gate.
-Parents may walk their students to the exterior door of their teachers classroom and say goodbye at the door in the morning before the bell rings. After the bell rings only authorized personnel may be in the school building.
- Late arrivals will be escorted to class by authorized personnel.
- The entrance off of the bus bay is only for PRESCHOOL students. All others need to use the identified gates.
-Volunteers must be approved through TUSD. As our focus is on instruction, all classroom volunteers must schedule visits ahead of time with the teacher.
Chronic Absenteeism directly impacts student achievement
Chronic absenteeism in young children can have significant and lasting effects on their development and academic success. If your student misses more than 18 days in a school year for any reason they are considered to have chronic absenteeism. Here are some key impacts:
Academic Performance: Frequent absences can lead to gaps in learning, making it difficult for children to keep up with their peers. This can result in lower grades and a lack of foundational skills.
Social Skills: Missing school can hinder opportunities for socialization. Children may struggle to develop essential interpersonal skills, leading to difficulties in forming friendships and collaborating with others.
Emotional Development: Chronic absenteeism can contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety, or depression. Children may feel disconnected from their peers and may have lower self-esteem.
Behavioral Issues: Some children may exhibit behavioral problems as a reaction to absenteeism, including increased aggression or withdrawal, as they struggle to cope with their emotions.
Long-term Effects: Early absenteeism can set a pattern for future educational disengagement, leading to higher dropout rates in later years. This can affect job prospects and overall life opportunities.
Family Dynamics: Absenteeism can also affect family relationships, as parents may feel stressed about their child’s education and future, leading to tension at home.
Health Implications: Sometimes, chronic absenteeism is linked to health issues, whether physical or mental. Addressing these underlying problems is crucial for improving attendance.
Addressing chronic absenteeism requires a multi-faceted approach, including supportive interventions from schools, families, and communities to help children thrive both academically and socially.
Maldonado Family Handbook
Wondering where morning drop off is? (All drop offs will be off of the main playground on Tetakusim) Where should my child line up? (Depends on teacher)What day can I bring in a goodie for my childs birthday? (Fridays at the end of the day) Answers to all of these questions and so much more can be found in our Maldonado Family Handbook. You can find the file here Maldonado Family Handbook.
Parental Involvement
We Want You! We would love to have you as a partner. There are many ways in which you can support Maldonado Elementary. Our PTO and Site Council are looking for parents interested in supporting our children by planning events and advocating for the school. We are always in need of volunteers to assist in classrooms, read with students, and prepare for school events. Please refer to our school website and follow us on Facebook for upcoming events.
Volunteer
Volunteering is as easy as one, two, three!
- Please contact the school of your choice to establish a volunteer opportunity prior to filling out this application.
- To ensure the safety of our students, all parent and non-parent volunteers must complete their application each school year.
- HR will review your submitted application and work with your selected school to authorize volunteer work to begin.
Click here to apply to volunteer, this includes chaperoning field trips.
Stay Informed
We want you to stay informed. You can ensure you don't miss important Parentlink notifications by ensuring your information is current in ParentVue (phone/email). If you are still not getting notifications be sure you have not blocked the phone number or that your spam filter is not blocking emails. You can also look for current information on our school marquee, our Facebook page, and webpage.
TUSD Family Resource Centers
TUSD Family Resource Centers
Family Resource Center services are available to TUSD students and their families, free of charge. Please call the center to register for classes. Childcare is available to TUSD students and siblings for most classes. Please inform staff of the need for childcare when you register. Include the number of children, ages, and any special needs. Interpreter services are available. Please inform staff of the need for an interpreter when you register. Please register at least two weeks in advance if interpreter services are needed.
Other services include:
- Clothing bank
- Food pantry
- Help with TUSD forms
- Information and referrals