Mountain Lions
April 2024
Notes from the Principal's Desk
Thank you for all of your support. We have a great deal of community involvement at recent events and love seeing everyone enjoying elementary life.
We have been incredibly busy with school events over the past few weeks. Thank you for your support with career day, the carnival, Pistor Mariachi, egg hunt, DHFD Mini-muster, and the book fair. It has been amazing seeing so many families coming out and getting involved. This month will be much calmer as we focus on standardized testing. Near the end of the month we will have a school wide field day on Friday April 26th. We would love donations of bottled water and otter pops as well as volunteers for the day. Donations can be sent to the office at any time. Please feel free to let your child's teacher know if you would like to assist us, we would definitely appreciate it!
Warm regards,
Principal Ramirez
School shirt sale has been extended until April 5th
Last chance to order your school swag. You can purchase items directly on Select Spirit Wear and selecting Maldonado. This will be your last opportunity until next school year.
Next Stop Summer...important news
As the weather warms up and many families are moving toward summer wardrobes we are asking all families to be mindful in sending students to school in safe clothing and shoes. Our students don't change for recess, PE, or lunch so they should be wearing clothing that is safe to play in. What might that look like? Clothing that fits well, not baggy or tight. Shoes that wont slide off and become a trip hazard. Consider clothing that one can bend over, climb, and jump in and stays in place.
As we switch from heat to cooling students should consider bringing in a sweater and refillable water bottles for their comfort. Water bottles that don't involve taking the lid are best.
Maldonado will be offering summer school for select students who meet predetermined criteria. Due to budget restraints and cuts in programs we can no longer offer it to everyone. We will be sending invitations in April. Summer school will take place Monday-Thursday in June from 8-noon.
Arizona State Standardized Testing
Arizona state standardized testing begins April 1st in grades 3, 4, 5. You can help your child by:
Understand the Test: Familiarize yourself with the format, content, and expectations of the state standardized test. Understanding what will be tested can help you provide targeted support.
Create a Positive Atmosphere: Encourage your child with positive reinforcement. Emphasize that the test is an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge, rather than a source of stress or pressure.
Establish a Routine: Help your child establish a consistent study routine leading up to the test. Set aside time each day for review and practice, but also ensure they have breaks and relaxation time to avoid burnout.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Utilize practice tests and materials provided by the school or online resources. Practice tests can help familiarize your child with the format of the test and identify areas where they may need additional help.
Review Weak Areas: Identify areas where your child may need extra help and focus on those during study sessions. This could involve reviewing specific content areas or practicing certain types of questions.
Encourage Healthy Habits: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats nutritious meals, and stays hydrated during the testing period. A healthy body supports a healthy mind and can improve cognitive function and concentration.
Teach Test-Taking Strategies: Help your child learn strategies for approaching different types of questions, managing time effectively, and staying calm under pressure. This could include techniques like process of elimination, educated guessing, and strategic use of breaks.
Stay Positive and Supportive: Offer encouragement and support throughout the preparation process and on test day. Remind your child that you are proud of their efforts, regardless of the outcome.
Keep Communication Open: Be available to answer any questions or concerns your child may have about the test. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and offer reassurance as needed.
Celebrate Effort and Progress: Regardless of the outcome, celebrate your child's hard work and progress. Recognize their efforts and achievements, and emphasize that standardized tests are just one measure of their abilities.
By following these tips, parents can help alleviate some of the stress associated with standardized testing and support their children in performing their best.
Parent Teacher Organization
Come and join us. The next parent teacher organization meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 3 @ 2:15 pm in the library. Help us plan and prepare for future family engagement events.
TUSD School Health Services
Well children belong at school, sick children belong at home!
It is known that children have been kept home from school for reasons other than illness. Unnecessary absence from school may have a negative effect on a student's attitude, work habits, and overall progress. One of the problems most often confronting parents occurs when a child complains of not feeling well on a school day. A decision has to be made as to whether the child stays home or goes to school. Please see the guidelines below:
- Students must stay home if they have a temperature. They must be temperature free for 24 hours without medication before they return.
- A rash until your doctor says it safe to do so.
- Stomachache, vomiting, and diarrhea, stay home until they are symptom free for 24 hours.
- Pink Eye, keep your child home for 24 hours after appropriate treatment has been initiated and signs and symptoms are greatly reduced.
- If your child complains of feeling sick with no other symptoms they may go to school.
Students do not need to stay home if they have a toothache, earache, or headache. Please consult your doctor or dentist if you child reports any of these symptoms. Our health office is not able to medicate students.
PTO Weekly Snack Bar
We are so excited to share that our PTO will be hosting a weekly snack bar on Wednesdays. There will be a variety of snacks for sale and priced at $.25, $.50, and $1.00. The snack bar will be on wheels and students must have cash in order to purchase.
Register now for school year 24-25
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 or updated 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.
Important Dates
April
1 3rd Quarter Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, and AAA during community time.
3 PTO @ 2:15 pm in the library
8 School Spirit Monday- PJ Day
9 Site Council 2:15 pm
10 School Spirit Tuesday- Twin Day
11 School Spirit Wednesday- Harry Potter Day
12 School Spirit Thursday- Disney Day
13 School Spirit Friday- School Spirit Day
9 Site Council 2:15 pm
24 5th Grade Picture Day
26 Schoolwide Field Day
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