

The Sewell Sabercats
April 2025
Student of the Month for Cooperation
Cooperation is working together to reach shared goals. We have an amazing group of students here at Sewell. Below are students nominated by their teacher, for Student of the Month for Cooperation.
Ms. Barraza: Enrique demonstrates exceptional cooperation both inside and outside the classroom. In the classroom, he consistently uses his time wisely, ensuring that assignments are completed and with great attention to detail. His neatness in completing tasks reflects his personal discipline and pride in his finished work. Outside the classroom, Enrique continues to display his cooperative spirit. He actively participates in keeping the sandbox play area tidy, often seen picking up play equipment in the sandbox and returning tricycles to its proper place without being asked. Enrique’s actions show responsibility and respect for shared spaces, setting a great example for his classmates. Enrique's actions both in and out of the classroom reflect his strong work ethic and his understanding of the importance of cooperation and community. We’re very proud of him!
Ms. Hanson: Austin truly embodies cooperation in everything he does. Whether it's helping classmates understand a lesson, or simply offering a hand when someone needs it, he consistently shows what it means to be a great teammate and friend. Congratulations Austin! Thank you for showing us the power of cooperation.
Ms. Alvarado-Wells: Congratulations Mila on earning this month’s Character Strong Award for cooperation. You demonstrate outstanding cooperation by working together with classmates to achieve shared goals. Your willingness to help others, to listen to others, and to contribute to discussions, demonstrates to all what cooperation means. You help make our classroom a better place. Congratulations on your achievement!
Ms. Dolan: Aisley enjoys working with others and sets a good example of cooperation. She works with others to meet their shared goals in many situations – working on a group project, cleaning up, playing a game, or even waiting her turn in a discussion. While she enjoys leadership roles, she understands that cooperation means that everyone gets a voice. She gets help when there are disagreements about who gets to do what and when others do not want to contribute. Her commitment to including others makes our classroom a happier, and more productive place.
Ms. Ioannou: Elena shows great cooperation by listening carefully to her classmates during group discussions, taking turns during games, and helping her friends when they need support. She works well with others, shares materials kindly, and always encourages her classmates. Elena shows us how teamwork and cooperation make our classroom a better place. Thank you for being such a great role model!
Ms. Mendoza: I am recognizing Alexa for the character trait Cooperation. Alexa works well in groups and is a good partner to others. She works to help her team be successful and meet their common goal.
Ms. Petrino: Pyper is receiving the award for cooperation. Pyper always cooperates with her classmates in a positive and respectful way. She contributes when working with a partner, small group, and whole group. She works towards common goals and listens to those around her. She is a kind friend and student because of her skills in cooperating. Thank you for being a wonderful Sewell Sabercat!
Ms. Hook: I would like to nominate Abigail for the cooperative student of the month. Abigail gets along well with others and is a very cooperative student. She really cares about how the class is doing as a whole. For example, she made time to help many students navigate the Canva program when we were making class presentations. Abigail knows how to be patient and work together with other students to achieve something. She is also cooperative and willing to do tasks that are hard in class. Nice work Abigail.
Ms. Ryan: I am nominating Anahi for the character trait of cooperation. Anahi tends to treat others with consideration and courtesy, valuing different perspectives. Additionally, Anahi always tries to understand another person’s perspective in a situation, has willingness to compromise, and is always open to finding solutions that benefit everyone.
State Testing Information
With State Testing set to begin just after our spring break, now is the time to be thinking about what to do to help prepare your child(ren) for the testing.
1. Please plan for attendance. These tests are very important to demonstrate the great progress your child(ren) have accomplished through this school year. Students that are here on testing dates will usually get to test in the classroom with their own teacher. This can make a huge difference on how your child feels about the testing. Students who are ill will need to stay home, but for other scheduled absences, please try to reschedule them to dates that are not allocated as testing dates.
2. Please plan for good rest the night before a day of testing. A good night's sleep can help a student to focus better and be able to concentrate on the test better.
3. Please plan for a healthy meal and snacks the evening before and a healthy breakfast the morning of testing. Healthy food will help with good continuous energy for testing. Taking advantage of breakfast at school is a great option. Please plan to arrive early enough for your child to have plenty of time to eat.
4. Be positive. Don't put a lot of extra stress on your child during these testing days. Many students put a lot of pressure on themselves anyways so let's try and not add to the pressure. Staying positive and encouraging them to read each question and consider each answer is a great way to help your child. Make sure your child knows that you believe in them and in their success.
State Testing Dates
AASA Testing Schedule
- April 8 Grades 3-5 ELA Part 1
- April 10 Grades 3-5 ELA Part 2
- April 15 Grades 3-5 Math Part 1
- April 17 Grades 3-5 Math Part 2
March Perfect Attendance
As a reminder, in order to participate in the monthly Perfect Attendance Pizza Party, you have to be here every day, on time and without leaving early.
March Perfect Attendance
Kindergarten: Abigail, Anissa, Ellis, Austin and River
1st Grade: Isabela, Nora, Mila, Maikalani, and Lucas
2nd Grade: Raymond and Christopher
3rd Grade: Angel, Kalani, Adalberto, Pyper, Malani, Milah and Grissel
4th Grade: Lana, Myla, Ryder, Jude, Mila, August, Ira, Roderick, and Aubriana
5th Grade: Olive, Lillyanna, Landon, Isaiah, Anahi, Leonitis
OMA
OMA Happenings in April
OMA classes did a wonderful job this month with beginning our rehearsal process for our 5pm April 30th Concert. Please save the date and bring blankets and chairs to enjoy this fun outdoor concert.
This April we will continue to rehearse our grade-level songs for our concert as well as practicing audience and performer posture/etiquette.
We have also started an art project called "Inspirations from our Sewell Garden." Students have been sketching and preparing for a colored pencil drawing which will be on display in our hallways.
After-school choir continues working on heroic-themed songs that will be presented by our Sewell Choir as well as 20 other choirs from TUSD in our annual OMA Showcase being held May 3rd at Palo Verde. They had their first Saturday rehearsal this past weekend at Catalina HS and did a fabulous job. Go Sabercats!
Here are some samples of some of the sketches students have drawn in the garden:
Register your child for the 2025-26 school year
Thank you everyone for registering for the 2025-26 school year. Our 4th grade class had the highest percentage of students registered for next school year and won an Eegee's party celebration.
If you have not registered your child for next school year, please do so as soon as possible this will assist us in planning for next school year. If you need help, Ms. Lynn and Ms. Jessica can help you register your child in our office.
Inclusive Preschool Program: Open Seats 2025-26 school year
Your child will enjoy meaningful friendships and increase their social interaction. They will have peer role models for academic, social and behavior skills. This prepares them for adult life in an inclusive, diverse society. We know students achieve more in place of learning where every student's needs are supported by an inclusive community. Their teacher is early childhood certified, and we keep small class sizes for high-quality experiences for your child.
- Ages: 3 and 4
- must be three by August 31
- Free
- 2½ hours daily
- Morning OR afternoon session
- Classes held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Before/After School Registration 2025-26
Our Before- and After School Programs offer a safe and fun place for children before school, after school, on breaks, and during the summer. Our programs engage students in various activities that include arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor games, cooking, homework help, explore through field trips, and more! Our Before- and After-School programs are licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services and accept DES.
Services Cost
Before School $46.30 weekly (7:00 am - 8:00 am)
After School $86.00 weekly (after school - 6:00 pm)
Before/After School $99.25 weekly
Spots are granted in order of application, so apply soon.
REMINDERS
Save the Date:
April 9: School Council Meeting, 3:00 pm
April 18: Spring Holiday NO SCHOOL
April 30: OMA End of the Year Performance, 5:00 pm
May 13: Dance Performance, 9:00 am
May 14: Opera Performance, 6:00 pm
May 21: Kindergarten Promotion, 9:30 am
May 22: 5th grade Promotion, 9:30 am
May 22nd: Last day of school
Volunteering at Sewell
We are looking for parent volunteers to support in our classroom by supporting students and the teacher. You can help in our garden, the library, during lunch recess, or support a classroom field trip. Your help is needed and greatly appreciated it takes all of us working together to "Inspire and Empower our Students for Success." Please sign up to volunteer with us today!!
Attendance or Tardy Reporting
If your child will be absent on any given day for any reason, please call our attendance line, 520-584-7200. You can also report absences and tardies through ParentVue, see pdf document below.
If your child is tardy to school, they will need to be checked-in, by a parent, in the front office before going to class.
Excellent attendance is a high priority at Sewell. Missing school can be detrimental to your child's progress. When a child is absent from school, they will need to make-up missing assignments. Please contact your child's teacher via email for make-up work.
School Hours
8:00 am - Earliest arrival
8:00 am - 8:25 am - Breakfast served
8:25 am - 2:35 pm - Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
8:25 am - 1:35 pm - Wed (early dismissal)
Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Office Phone Number: 520-584-7200