Pistor Paw Prints
February 2024
Greetings Panthers and Families,
I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the first half of the school year which has been filled with accomplishments, growth, and collaboration. I am proud to witness the positive impact our collective efforts have had on our students and the overall atmosphere within our school. Your unwavering support, engagement, and dedication have truly made a difference.
Throughout these past months, our community has come together in various ways. From successful school events to collaborative projects; your active participation has been instrumental in creating a nurturing and thriving environment for our students. As we continue our journey through the academic year, I encourage you to stay involved and engaged in the various activities and opportunities that arise. Our upcoming events, workshops, and community-building initiatives are designed to further enhance the connections within our school family.
Communication remains a vital aspect of our collaboration, and I am committed to keeping you informed about the latest developments, future plans, and ways you can contribute. Please continue to check our newsletters, social media channels, and any other communication platforms for updates. Your feedback is always welcome, and I invite you to share any thoughts or suggestions you may have as we strive to make our school community even more vibrant and supportive.
Thank you for your continued partnership in creating an exceptional educational environment for our students. I look forward to the second half of the year, filled with more achievements, growth, and shared moments!
Thank you and be safe!
Mrs. Gunnels, Principal
School Policy Reminders - The ABCs and D
Just a few reminders about some important school policies...
Attendance - Students need to be on time to each class. Students who are late and do not have a pass will be required to get a late pass at the Tardy Station (main hall). Students who are chronically late and/or absent will be assigned consequences according to the TUSD Code of Conduct for a Level 1 violation, including lunch detention and up to In-School Intervention days.
Backpacks - At the beginning of the school year, we announced that Pistor MS was moving to a clear/mesh backpack policy this year. As of January 29th, 2024, we are in full implementation mode, meaning that if a student brings a solid backpack or large bag, they will be directed to check their bag and then pick it up at the end of the day.
Cell Phones/Electronics - At Pistor MS, we follow the TUSD Governing Board Policy regarding student use of electronics during the school day. Per TUSD Regulation JICJ-R Cell phones and electronic signaling devices may NOT be used:
- during instructional classroom time, including assemblies or other activities, which take place during the regularly scheduled classroom periods.
- during passing periods.
- during elementary and middle school students' lunch periods.
- to take pictures at any time that violate personal privacy.
- on field trips or excursions, which are conducted during the normal school day and during regular classroom instructional hours.
Cell phones and other electronic devices (ear buds, game controllers, etc.) must be turned off and out of sight. Visible devices, regardless of whether they are being used or not, will be confiscated and held for Parent Pick Up at the end of the day. Continued violations will result in consequences according to the TUSD Code of Conduct for a Level 2 violation.
Dress Code - Pistor MS is a uniform school. The dress code was revised slightly last year to make it a little more flexible for students and families. We expanded our basic uniform to allow for solid, non-collared shirts (rounded neck in red, white, black, or gray) and blue jeans (no rips, holes, tears, or fraying and no sagging). Everything else remains exactly the same. Students who violate the dress code policy will be asked to correct their attire if possible and will be assigned consequences according to the TUSD Code of Conduct for a Level 1 violation should the violations continue. See the complete Pistor Dress Code policy on our website.
Campus Hours
Just a reminder that the campus opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 3:50 PM, except on Wednesday, which closes at 2:50 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.
We want to make sure that all students are safe.
Parent Teacher Conferences - Thursday, February 8th
Parent Teacher Conferences are right around the corner! Both Thursday and Friday of this week are half-days. See schedule below.
All conferences will be held on Thursday, February 8th, 2024 in the cafeteria.
- 1:30 to 4:00 PM - PTCs
- 4:15 PM - 8th Grade Parent Promotion Meeting
- 5:00 to 7:30 PM - PTCs
Pistor MS PTC Bell Schedule Thursday & Friday, February 8th & 9th, 2024
Breakfast 8:00 – 8:45 AM and Lunch 12:50 – 1:20 PM
Healthy School Initiative
This year Pistor MS is taking part in the Healthy School Initiative focusing on smoking and vaping in schools.
We are conducting an anonymous survey concerning the tobacco usage of preteens and teens today. This will assist the wellness coordinator, in working with our health department, as well as our administration, to work with our students and community in gaining knowledge about how to better serve our students in their needs to stay healthy. We are taking part this year in In order for your child to participate you will need to complete the survey consent form below. I am also including a link to the survey so that you can review the questions students will be asked.
This is our consent form
Survey Consent Form (jotform.com)
This is our Survey
https://forms.office.com/r/EDna2vWHQr?origin=lprLink
Please contact Ms. Suzette Gorrell at suzette.gorrell@tusd1.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Counselor's Corner - Ways to Take Care of Yourself
Say no to anything that is not important to you
Give yourself permission to focus on what’s important. Getting the unessential responsibilities off your schedule will not only create some extra time and space, but it will also lighten the burden you’re feeling to keep up with it.
Limit your media consumption….especially social media
… Because your brain can only process a limited amount of information. When you need your focus to be on work, don’t overflow your brain with TV news, newspapers, social media, magazines, and books.
Get enough sleep
This old advice is not only essential when it comes to self-care, it is also absolutely essential when it comes to being able to do your best. Particularly important when it comes to exam periods and work stress, sleep will help you achieve. It’s easy to think that a few extra hours of work will do you more good, but it won’t. Sleep will.
Listen to your favorite music
Calm music will help you calm down and upbeat music will help you up your game. Pick music that won’t distract you (like music without lyrics or in a foreign language). Your favorite music will boost your mood and keep you happy, no matter how tired you are.
Take 5 minutes in the morning to just stretch and breathe
If you start your day in a stressful way, you’ll probably feel stressed for the rest of the day as well. Make sure your morning starts with 5 minutes of silence and ease. Stand up and stretch your body to make you as tall as you can be. Then bend over and touch the ground. Stretch again. Try to just feel your body and pay attention to your breath. Starting the day in a way like this will make you more relaxed as well!
Make a plan of everything that needs to be done
Instead of juggling all your to-do’s and must-remembers, write them down on a piece of paper. Then make a plan of how you are going to manage everything before your deadline. You may have to schedule a lot of tasks on certain days, and it may seem like too much to do, but at least you’ll know that everything will get done. Make sure you stick to the plan, every single day. Don’t fall for the temptation to start on tomorrow’s tasks today, trust that the plan will take you there, and enjoy some free time on the days when you finish your tasks early.
Make sure you keep in touch with your friends
Just a few text messages, tweets or the occasional coffee will make sure your friendships don’t suffer. You will feel much better when you focus on something else entirely, and it will prevent you from becoming a workaholic hermit. You don’t have to keep in touch with everybody, most people will understand that you’re having a busy period. Just make sure you stay in touch with the people that make you happy and inspired.
Make room for rest
This one’s important. Make sure that whenever you plan to rest – really rest. That means that you will have to make a conscious effort to push all work-related thoughts and worries away. It’s also important that you rest your mind as well as your body. 5 minutes of stillness is better than 30 minutes in front of the TV!
Write a daily gratitude list
A daily gratitude list is really helpful to shift your focus and help you appreciate the situation. It doesn’t have to be long, a few sentences will do. If you keep a gratitude journal, you can also look back on your previous entries whenever you need a little boost of happiness and motivation.
Take a run or a walk
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Any sort of exercise will release endorphins, your body will thank you and it clears your head so you can focus on all the important work that lies ahead.
Keep track of your achievements
It may seem like you’re never going to get over a busy period, which is why you should keep a list of achievements close at any time. Whenever you hit a milestone – write it down! It will be very useful when you’re feeling tired by the end of the day and know that you still have several more hours of work before you can call it a day.
Write support thoughts and affirmations
Support thoughts are thoughts written down when you’re calm that can support you when you are really busy and tired. For example, a gentle reminder of why you’re doing all the work, a short pep-talk, or a reminder of how wonderful you are is an amazing way of taking care of yourself.
Allow your emotions to come to the surface
If you’re tired and sad, cry it all out. If you’re stressed, don’t try to put on a mask and hide it. Get it all out, all the frustration, the feeling of being overwhelmed, the anger, and the fear. You’ll feel much better after.
Get more sunlight
Especially if your busy period is happening in winter, make sure you get your daily dose of sunlight if you’re spending a lot of time in gloomy libraries and workplaces.
Meditate in the morning
Ten minutes of stillness can make all the difference.
Compliment yourself
Positive self-speech can seriously impact your mood. Instead of adding to the monkey-brain thoughts of not good enough, too stressed, and panic – tell yourself you look good, that you’re doing great and that you can manage everything that comes your way.
Accept yourself as you are
Let yourself off the hook and accept that you are only human. You are doing your absolute best, and you are doing exactly what you need to do. Trust your instincts and keep doing whatever you’re doing. You don’t need to change anything about yourself – trust that you are perfect just the way you are.
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
- Youth gather in groups of 3-4.
- Groups text into our platform and follow the text message prompts.
- Together, the group discusses mental health and how to help others.
- 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 or Mr. Counts at wilson.counts@tusd1.org.
Mr. Counts last names A - L (and 504 Coordinator)
Ms. Rivera last names M - Z (GEAR Up Coordinator)
February 2024 - African American Heritage Month
Groundhog Day
- Friday, February 2nd
Girl's Soccer @ Pistor MS
- Friday, February 2nd @ 4:00 PM
Girl's Soccer @ Pistor MS
- Tuesday, February 6th @ 4:00 PM
Pistor Science Fair Deadline for Submissions
- Thursday, February 8th @ 3:50 PM
Half Days for Parent Teacher Conferences
- Thursday, February 8th and Friday, February 9th (dismissal at 12:50 PM)
Parent Meeting for 8th Grade Promotion
- Thursday, February 8th @ 4:15 PM in the cafeteria
Parent Teacher Conferences
- Thursday, February 8th @ 1:30 - 4:00 PM and 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Boy's and Girl's Soccer @ Pistor MS
- Tuesday, February 13th @ 4:00 PM
Pistor Family Engagement Meeting
- Tuesday, February 13th @ 5:00 PM in the library (in-person)
Site Council Meeting
- Tuesday, February 13th @ 6:00 PM in the library (in-person and via ZOOM)
Valentine's Day
- Wednesday, February 14th
Boy's and Girl's Soccer @ Pistor MS
- Thursday, February 15th @ 4:00 PM
Pistor Movie Night - Barbie
- Friday, February 16th @ 6:00 PM
Rodeo Break - No School
- Thursday, February 22nd - Friday, February 23rd
Quarter 3 Benchmark Testing
- Monday, February 26th - Thursday, March 7th
Looking Ahead to March...
Grading Day - No School
- Friday, March 8th
Spring Break - No School
- Monday, March 11th - Friday, March 15th
Schedule Change Request Reminder
If schedule change is requested, it should be requested in writing by the parent/guardian or within the first ten (10) school days of the course. Most middle school courses are year-long. Schedule change requests should be addressed through the schedule change form available in the front office.
The following are NOT necessary reasons for a schedule change (this list is not exhaustive):
- Requests to change teachers, specific periods, lunch periods, "change of mind", incomplete summer assignments, or electives (academic or non-academic) are not considered to be necessary.
Necessary changes include (this list is not exhaustive):
- the addition of courses required for promotion, addition of courses required to fill empty periods, deletion of courses already completed, or deletion of courses "doubled up" during a specific period. Schedule changes that involve a scheduling error (for example, the student has already received credit for the course) will be made by the student's counselor throughout the school year.
In addition to the 10-day deadline above, all requests for schedule changes must meet the following criteria:
- Space is available in requested course
- Must be approved by the teacher and site administrator
If a request for a schedule change is due to a concern with a specific classroom, the following procedure should be followed before a change will be considered:
- Parent/student requests a conference with the teacher to discuss concerns and to seek a resolution.
- If the above is not successful, the parent/student requests a conference with the teacher and site administrator to seek resolution.
- If the above does not resolve the issues/concerns, the student/parent may submit in writing details of the concerns and the remedy sought. Such a letter should be submitted to the designated Assistant Principal.
Please remember, students request classes NOT teachers. Occasionally, a request is made to change from one teacher to another. We will not consider such requests unless one of the following conditions has been met:
- The parent/student has initiated efforts to resolve whatever issue or concern with the class may be and allowed an opportunity for improvement of the situation (per guidelines above).
- The student has had the teacher for a prior course and experienced difficulties that were not resolved. The parent will be asked to provide documentation of attempts to resolve the previous situation. Past difficulties are not applicable to siblings who may have had a certain teacher. Each situation is specific to the student currently in the class.
- Even if the above condition(s) exist, we will not move a student unless another section with space available exists. Please understand we cannot overload classes.
Students may be allowed to transfer out of a course outside the 10-day deadline in the event of an exceptional hardship or in response to a teacher recommendation. Failure in the course alone should not be considered an exceptional hardship. Factors which interfere with a student's mastery of the content such as a catastrophic event or extended illness would be examples of an exceptional hardship. Requests for schedule change due to exceptional hardships should be made in writing by the parent/guardian to the principal.
Any parent not satisfied with the decision of the teacher and site administrator regarding course changes may contact the principal or his/her designee. The Principal's decision is final.
If you would like to read the policy in its entirety, please use this link https://govboard.tusd1.org/Policies-and-Regulations/Regulation-Code-JG-R
The ABCs (and D) for a Successful School Year 2023-2024
At Pistor Middle School, we come to school each day, on time, prepared to learn, focused on learning, and dressed for success!
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 are expected to carry a clear or mesh backpack from class to class while on campus. If you need assistance, getting a clear or mesh backpack, please reach out to Ms. Valencia, our School Community Liaison. Students who bring a solid backpack or large bag that is not see-through, will have 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 (8:45 AM) until the last bell rings (3:50 PM/2:50 PM on Wednesdays). Any cell phones or other electronic devices that are confiscated will be available after school for Parent Pick Up only.
4. Dress Code - We are a uniform school. The dress code was revised slightly last year to make it a little more flexible for students and families. We expanded our basic uniform to allow for non-collared shirts (rounded neck in red, white, black, or gray) and blue jeans (no rips, holes, tears, or fraying and no sagging). Everything else remains exactly the same. See the Pistor Dress Code policy on our website.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Panther Buck Store
The Panther Buck Store operates with a zero budget, meaning everything we have to give to students is donated. We are looking for donations to help us keep the store fully stocked. If you have or would be willing to donate ANY of the following items, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
- candy (anything and everything, they are particularly fond of chocolate and Mexican candy)
- chips (they love the spicy ones)
- stickers
- croc charms
- fidget toys
- anything 10 - 14 year olds like
If you would like to donate, please ask for Ms. Diane, office manager. She will be happy to take your donation.
TUSD’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE)
TUSD’s Family and Community Engagement Department will provide monthly communication via ZOOM. Join us for FACE to Face! Ms. Lacey Grijalva will host in-depth discussions to bring together our TUSD and Tucson communities.
Sessions will be hosted via Zoom once a month on Thursdays.
2023-24 FACE to Face Schedule:
DATES & TOPICS
Feb. 29 - Student Equity
Mar. 28 - Community Summer Programs
Apr. 25 - TUSD Leadership
Each session will be 45 minutes. There will be no sessions in December & May.
Join Via Zoom
Sessions will also be streamed live to the
Tucson Unified Family Centers and
FACEtoFace Facebook pages
Please send any questions or concerns to:
FACEtoFace@tusd1.onmicrosoft.com
Remind for the 2023-2024 School Year!
If you would like to receive text messages with time sensitive information and important updates, please subscribe to the following Remind groups. Parents and Guardians only. We will only use Remind in cases were information is time sensitive (i.e. cancellation of sports or events, emergency situations, etc.).
6th Grade - text @pistorms6 to 81010
7th grade - text @pistorms7 to 81010
8th grade - text @pistorms8 to 81010
You do not have to download the app to use Remind. This is a private thread meaning that you will be able to receive text messages but only from the principal and/or assistant principals.
Campus Hours
If your child arrives to school after 9:00 AM, a parent or guardian must come in to the office to sign them in.
All students are expected to leave campus by 4:00 PM unless they are participating in a supervised sport, club, or activity.
Dress Code Reminder - Tops
Dress Code Reminder - Bottoms
If a student is out of dress code, they will given a warning for their first offense. Subsequent offenses will follow the TUSD Code of Conduct for a Level 1 offense.
Registration Open for CCLC - Activities, Clubs, Tutoring, etc.
Here are the links to register to save your spot:
English version: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=4FBwvMxLCUiSReqLZQhIZdhfN4vrf9ZKjENwcRC4BdlUN1hIMTBVN0oyNDE1U05MT1BSS1FFWk9ETS4u
Spanish version: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=4FBwvMxLCUiSReqLZQhIZdhfN4vrf9ZKjENwcRC4BdlUNjhGWElSM1lXMTczWUVXQjUwNlk2RFE0
For more information, please contact Ms. Elizabeth Brown and/or Ms. Suzette Gorrell.
Look at all the things happening at Pistor before and after school!
Cheerleading with Coach Manjarre
Chess Club with Ms. Gallego
Cosplay Club with Ms. Corcoran
Fashion with Ms. Munoz
Good Brothers with Coach Aaron
Henna Club with Ms. Rakam
Language Arts Support with Mr. Coens
Math Support with Ms. Qureshi
Self Defense with Coach Hawke
STEM with Ms. Marya
Tutoring with Mr. Serrano and Ms. Starks
Weightlifting with Mr. Cole
Pistor Athletics
Middle School Interscholastic Sports Offerings and Dates
Third Season January 8 – March 5
- Boys and Girls Soccer
- 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, 2023, 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)
If your child makes the team, in order to maintain eligibility, students MUST be passing ALL of their classes. If an athlete is suspended for any reason, they will not be able to play of the remainder of the season.
Participation Fees
There is a $30 for middle school interscholastic fee per activity.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Casillas, the Assistant Principal in charge of Athletics and Activities.
ROAR - Respectful, Organized, Accountable, and Responsible
- Fully charged laptop with charging cord
- Notebook and/or binder
- Pen and pencil
- Refillable water bottle (no glass)
About Us - Pistor Middle School
Email: kathryn.gunnels@tusd1.org
Website: https://pistorms.tusd1.org/
Location: 5455 South Cardinal Avenue, Tucson, AZ, USA
Phone: 520-908-5400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063651666094