Mesquite Elementary School
Student Handbook
Mesquite Elementary School
Vail School District
9455 E. Rita Ranch Rd Tucson AZ 85747
School Hours
K -5th grade 7:45-2:15 P.M.
The school office is open each day from 7:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.
Please feel free to call or come to the office if you have any questions or concerns.
Unless students are involved in a before or after school program, or the breakfast program (7:15 A.M.), they should not arrive at school before 7:30 A.M. and are expected to leave the campus at 2:15 P.M. Supervision on the campus begins at 7:30 A.M. and ends at 2:15 P.M.
Internet Information
School Website: http://mes.vailschooldistrict.org
Powerschool Parent Connection: ps.vail.k12.az.us/public
Phone Numbers
Principal
Diane Vargo.....................................................879-2104
Assistant to the Principal
Kirsten Bice……………………………....879-2194
Office Staff:
Office Manager........................................................879-2105
Attendance Clerk...................................................879-2103
Health Office............................................................879-2110
Volunteer Coordinator.........................................879-2112
Childcare:
KidCo Registration.................................................791-4877
Before/After Care..................................................879-2184
Preschool .................................................................879-2116
District Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Vail School District to provide parents with safe and nurturing school communities, where their children can obtain a quality education.
Guiding Principles
Our schools are communities of learners. We define a community as a place where each individual is important and has something valuable to contribute to others in the community. We believe that learning is a lifelong activity. We are all learners. We expect parents, staff members, and volunteers to model this belief for students.
We care about students. We believe that each student should be given the opportunity to be educated in a physically and emotionally safe, personalized, and caring environment.
One of our highest priorities is keeping class sizes small. Working with students in smaller groups increases opportunities for learning, personal attention, a sense of belonging, and the development of a supportive classroom community.
We are committed to fiscal responsibility. We are entrusted with using public resources to provide a quality education for our students. We carefully develop priorities based on student needs, legal responsibilities, and cost-effective methods.
We are responsible to our local community. Our schools are the centers of the community. We actively seek community involvement. And, we respond to community needs.
We respect parents and their values. We operate on behalf of parents. It is our responsibility to assist parents in the education of their children. We value parental involvement and make every reasonable effort to address and respond to parental concerns.
Small schools are the best places to develop caring communities of learners. We like the atmosphere of a small school that has been developed into a positive, healthy community. We prefer small schools. We seek to create that small school atmosphere in all of our schools, regardless of the size that growth and economics may force them to become.
We believe learning extends well beyond the classroom. Our educational program is enriched and extended with opportunities such as field trips, recreational activities, academic competitions, and club activities.
We uphold traditional values such as respect, personal and social responsibility, honesty, and hard work. We model socially responsible behavior, expect it from each student and make it part of our curriculum. We believe these traditional values have served our society well in the past, are cherished by our community, and are important to our future.
We are continually improving. We are never content with the status quo in our operations or in our curriculum methods. We recognize that we are living in a changing world, and we respond to those changes. And, we are constantly looking for better and more efficient ways to accomplish our mission.
We value our employees. We specifically and carefully select our staff on the basis of their ability to carry out the mission and guiding principles described above. We hire the best people suited for the task. We respect their expertise and depend on them to work with parents to make our vision for a community of learners a reality.
School Policies
Attendance
Regular attendance for each child is necessary for maximum growth. Therefore, parents and the school should assume the responsibility for regular attendance.
Mesquite Elementary School and the Vail School District participates in the Pima County Attorney’s Office ACT Now (Abolish Chronic Truancy Now) Truancy Program. This program is designed to monitor those students who have chronic unexcused absences or tardiness.
Please notify the school office before 8:30 A.M. on any day that your child will not be in attendance, and by 8:00 A.M. if your child will be late. A message may be left on the office voice mail at any time. If you notify the school by phone, a note is not required upon the child’s return.
There are two reasons why this should be done as early as possible:
1. The home and school need to know quickly if any child left home but did not arrive at school. 2. School district officials are required to know the reason for absences for the State Department of Education Attendance Accounting Procedures.
In the event of an absence not being phoned in, the school would appreciate having your child bring in a written excuse on the day he/she returns. This excuse, according to the Compulsory Education Law, should have the date of absence, be signed by the parent or guardian, and must state the reason for the absence.
Tardy Policy
When students are tardy, they must report to the office for a late pass. This late pass ensures the student’s name will be removed from the daily absentee report. Three tardies equal one absence.
Health Office
The Health Office is managed by a Health Aide who has First Aid and CPR training. The Health Aide cannot diagnose or treat any illness but is there to manage minor mishaps and ailments. Your child should not be in school if he or she has a fever, a rash of undetermined cause, vomiting or diarrhea, conjunctivitis (pink eye), chickenpox, impetigo, ringworm, or head lice unless they have been treated medically or are symptom-free. A child who has vomited has had diarrhea, or a temperature of 100 ° F. or greater will be sent home. Additionally, your child should remain fever free for a period of 24 hours prior to returning to school.
A student emergency card is kept in the office. The card is used to contact parents or designated adults if an emergency arises. Most calls are made simply because the child is feeling ill and needs to be sent home. If you are called to pick up a sick child, please come to the health office located within the school office. Parents should be aware of the importance of the emergency contacts and phone number section of the emergency card. These are the people called in the event of an emergency.
It is imperative that the school office be informed of any changes in address, phone number, parent’s employment, guardianship, emergency numbers, and email.
If your child needs to take prescription medication at school, it is necessary for the parent to sign a consent form. These forms are available in the Health Office. Prescription medication must be in the original, labeled container as prepared by a pharmacist and include: the patient name, name of the medication, dosage, and time to be given. Over-the-counter medication must be in the original packaging, with all directions, dosages, compound contents, and proportions clearly marked. A signed physician’s statement indicating the necessity must accompany any request for administration of over-the-counter medicine.
Student Wellness
The School District recognizes that sound nutrition and optimal physical fitness is directly related to learning readiness, academic achievement, decreased discipline problems and improved physical and emotional well-being. All foods and beverages made available on campus during the school day are to be consistent with the Arizona Nutrition Standards (http://www.ade.az.gov/health-safety/cnp/HB2544). This requirement applies to food and beverages offered or sold during school hours, including student incentives, rewards, classroom birthday parties and celebrations. Vail District Board Policy JL and JL-RA.
Lost and Found
The Lost and Found is located just inside of the MPR. Students should check the Lost and Found as soon as they realize that an item is missing. Found items are kept for a limited time, after which they are donated to the Clothing Bank. To assist us, please write your child’s name in clothing and on lunch boxes, and keep valuable items at home.
Vail School District School Lunch and Breakfast Program Guidelines
School Meal Account Information
· Prices for school meals are set by the Vail School District in accordance with federal and state regulations.
· Families may obtain information about the district’s school lunch and breakfast program and apply for free or reduced-price meals at www.vailschooldistrict.org or by contacting the student’s school or the district’s school food service office at [email protected] or call Cynthia Griego at 520-879-2015 or Linda Millman at 520-879-2072
· It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to ensure the student has money in his or her student meal account. A student meal account is delinquent if the account balance has a negative balance.
· Because the district cares about the well-being of our students, students in grades K-8 will not be refused a meal, even if their student meal account has a negative balance. K-8 students with a negative balance student meal account will receive an alternative healthy meal. The alternative healthy meal will be charged to the student’s meal account that will affect the negative balance.
· Students in high school will not be permitted to charge a meal if the student meal account has a negative balance.
· Families may apply for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Families are responsible for student meal account charges made before the free or reduced-price meal application is approved – the approval is not retroactive to the beginning of the school year.
Reimbursable Meals and Other Meal Purchases
For students with free lunch status
· A qualifying student will receive one free school lunch every day that meets the USDA Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) guidelines.
· Families are responsible for student meal account balance and charges that were incurred prior to the approval of free school meal status.
For students with reduced-price lunch status
· A qualifying student, with a positive student meal account balance, will receive one reduced-price lunch every day that meets the USDA HHFKA guidelines.
· If a K-8 student’s meal account has a negative balance, they will receive an alternate reimbursable meal and the student’s meal account will be charged.
· Families are responsible for student meal account balances and charges that were incurred prior to the approval of reduced-price meal status.
For students with full-price lunch status
· If a K-8 student’s meal account has a negative balance, they will receive an alternate reimbursable meal and the student meal account will be charged.
Student Meal Account Payments
· We encourage families to make payments for school meals through MealTime Online or at the school with cash or check. There is a nominal fee for using the MealTime Online payment option. This fee is a processing fee and does not benefit the District. Payments through MealTime Online may take 1-2 business days to reflect the credit.
· By using MealTime Online, you can review the student’s purchase history and school meal account balance and make payments. You can also apply for free or reduced-price meal status.
· The District will send out low balance and negative account balance reminders using an automated telephone call through School Messenger and by email.
· Parents/guardians can request a restriction on the student’s meal account by emailing [email protected]. You can restrict or deny the purchase of a la carte items, limit the daily transactions, or set a dollar cap on the student’s daily school meal purchases.
· Payments for elementary and middle school students will be accepted at school. Payments should clearly indicate the account to which the funds should be credited, e.g., if a parent/guardian has multiple children at one school, the payment must indicate which student’s account should be credited and the amount to be credited to that student’s account.
· Accordingly, the district must use all reasonable collection efforts, including the use of a collection agency, in order to ensure that parents/guardians pay for their student's school meals.
Identification and Notification of Delinquent Student Meal Accounts
· Schools will identify student meal accounts that do not have adequate balances to pay for student meals. Before the end of each school day, the school’s kitchen manager will run a negative account balance report and provide a copy to the school principal.
· Parents/guardians will be notified with the District’s in-house email notification system, School Messenger when their students’ meal account has a low balance and/or when the student meal account has a negative balance.
· The district will also personally call the parent(s) or guardian(s) and/or send letters when the student’s meal account becomes delinquent (has a negative balance), the parent/ guardian must respond to the phone call and/or letter within seven (7) business days.
· Accounts that are delinquent by $35.00 or more and/or the parent(s) or guardian(s) have not responded to the district’s phone calls and/or letters, will be sent a final written notice to bring the student’s meal account current. The final notice will inform the parent/guardian that if the student’s meal account balance is not brought current, the account will be sent to a collection agency.
· If the student’s meal account is sent to a collection agency, the parent(s) or guardian(s) will be responsible for the collection costs, including but not limited to, the delinquent student’s meal account amount, collection agency fees, attorney fees, and court costs.
· If an account is delinquent at the end of the school year, the delinquent amount will be rolled over to the next school year. The district may withhold a student’s grade or report card, at the principal’s discretion, until a negative student meal account balance is brought current.
· If a student repeatedly does not have money in his or her student meal account, and no meals are sent from home for the student, the school administration will consider circumstances in the home and may contact the district’s student services staff and/or the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS).
· For any questions concerning negative balances, delinquent student meal accounts, or for assistance with the free or reduced-price meal application, please contact Vail School District Food Services at [email protected] or call Cynthia Griego at 520-879-2015 or Linda Millman at 520-879-2072.
School Procedures for Students with Insufficient or Negative Account Balances
· Kitchen staff and school employees will exercise sensitivity and confidentiality in serving students who have low or negative balance student meal accounts. No district employee will subject a student to embarrassment or humiliation based on the balance of his or her student meal account.
· If a student’s meal account balance is inadequate to pay for the entire meal, the school will provide K-8 students with a healthy alternative to the menued school lunch and the meal account will be charged. High school students will not be permitted to charge any part of a student meal if the charge will result in a negative balance.
Requesting a Refund
· If a student has withdrawn from school, parents/guardians may submit a written request to the district's food service department for a refund of any money remaining in their child’s meal account. Please email [email protected].
· If a student is graduating or leaving the district, parents/guardians may contact the district’s food service department for meal account balances, and request a refund. Any unused balance can also be transferred to a sibling’s meal account upon request.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
· No person shall, on the basis of race, color national origin, age, gender, disability, sex, religion, reprisal, or income, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any child nutrition program or activity.
· There will be no physical segregation of, nor any discrimination against, any student because of his or her inability to pay the full price of the student meal, or due to his or her eligibility for free or reduced-price meals.
· The names of students eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals shall not be published, posted, or announced in any manner, and there shall be no overt identification of any such students by any means.
· No district employee may deny a meal benefit to any child as a disciplinary action.
School Policy Regarding Money
Bringing money, other than the amount needed for lunch, is strongly discouraged. There may be occasions, however, when the teacher may ask your child to bring money for a special project, field trips, etc.
The buying and selling of items by individuals other than an approved group is prohibited.
Volunteers
At Mesquite, we appreciate parents, grandparents, and neighborhood volunteers. There are opportunities for volunteering in classrooms, on the playground, in the library, tutoring, on field trips, and with the PTSA. Please let us know of your special talents so that we can best utilize them. We also have opportunities for helping at home for those who are unable to come to school during regular school hours. We are committed to providing quality educational opportunities and your help is needed and appreciated. Please call our Volunteer Coordinator at 879-2112. We need you! When you volunteer, please sign in at the front office and obtain a volunteer badge.
Visitors
Mesquite encourages visitation by parents and other adults. However, Mesquite does not allow children to bring friends or relatives to spend the day as classroom participants. In all cases, visitors should contact the teachers to make advance arrangements for classroom visitations. All visitors must sign in and obtain a visitor’s badge in the office before visiting the campus.
Transportation
Dismissal Procedures
Mesquite is committed to your child’s safety. Children will be walked to the bus loading zone by monitors. All students are required to bring a note to the office if they plan to:
• leave school with anyone other than their parent or guardian;
• get off at a bus stop other than their regular stop;
• not ride the bus, but are picked up at school;
• ride a different bus or have a change in their regular transportation schedule.
In addition, for the safety and protection of your child, the school does not allow him or her to be picked- up directly from the classroom/school grounds before the regular dismissal time.
Parents must first come to the office and request the release of their child and “sign him/her out.” If your child returns from an appointment before the school day ends, “sign him/her in” at the office first, before having your child return to class.
We highly discourage early dismissal. However, if necessary, your child may be excused early with a parent note. Each child who is excused early must be released through the office.
Dismissal Expectations
1. Walkers are to leave the school grounds promptly.
2. Bus riders will be escorted to buses by monitors.
3. Students who are to be picked up by parents are to wait at designated pickup areas.
4. There is no skateboarding, bike/scooter riding or roller-blading within the campus, on the bridge, or in the bus bay area.
Parking
For everyone’s safety, we ask your cooperation in consistently observing these procedures:
1. Cars are not allowed where buses are loading and unloading.
2. Parents and visitors are to park in the east parking lot. (This is not a drive-thru drop-off area.)
3. The area in front of the school is for pickup and drop-off only. Do not leave your vehicle unattended.
Bus Rules
To ensure safe and orderly transportation for all students these rules must be consistently followed:
1. Students will comply with directions from the driver or any adult assisting the driver.
2. Students will conduct themselves in a manner that will not distract the driver’s concentration or endanger the safety of anyone riding the bus.
Should you have any concerns regarding transportation, please call the Transportation Department at 879-2432.
Mesquite’s Cell Phone, Smartwatches, & Other Electronic Device Policy
Use of cell phones, smartwatches or electronic devices is not permitted on campus during school hours (7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.). Any student who brings a cell phone or smartwatch to school must keep it turned off and in his/her backpack during school hours. Consequences for violation of this policy are as follows:
1st offense- cell phone, smartwatch or electronic device is taken and turned into the office- parent is notified and student may pick it up at the end of the school day.
2nd offense - cell phone, smartwatch or electronic device is taken away and turned into the office - student receives a written referral - parent is notified and parents may pick up cell phone, smartwatch or electronic device from front office.
3rd offense - cell phone, smartwatch or electronic device is taken away and turned in to the office - student receives a written referral - parent is notified and cell phone, smartwatch or electronic device is returned to parent or student on the last day of the semester. The student will be suspended if it is brought back to school.
Please keep in mind that additional consequences will occur for a student who not only violates our policy, but also uses a cell phone or electronic device in such a way that breaks other school rules. The school is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items.
Please also know that students are permitted to use the office telephone or classroom telephone only with permission or a pass from a teacher. Please keep telephone calls short. No student will be called from class to receive a telephone call.
DRESS CODE
The Vail School District encourages students to take pride in their attire as it relates to the school setting. Students should dress in a manner that, in addition to the following guidelines, takes into consideration the educational environment, safety, health, and welfare of self and others.
Pants:
* Must be anchored or fitted at the waist, and hemmed or tailored.
* No rips, tears, excessive bagging, sagging, or ill fitting (must be size appropriate).
* May not be worn with vulgar and/or violent messages or pictures, gang oriented insignias, or satanic/negative symbols, illegal substances, beer/alcohol, cigarettes, or otherwise inappropriate design.
* Underwear and boxer shorts should not be visible.
Footwear:
* Because of safety concerns regarding Physical Education and recess, shoes with wheels and backless shoes (for example – flip-flops and other sandals without heel straps) are not allowed.
Tops/Shirts/Sweatshirts:
* Must be no longer than fingertip length and must be long enough to tuck into pants, shorts, skirts.
* No spaghetti straps, midriffs, half shirts, fishnet, see through, strapless, halter tops, muscle (undershirt) shirts, or other bare, skimpy and distracting clothing.
* Sleeveless tops must have straps that are at least two inches in width.
* Jerseys must be worn with a tee-shirt underneath.
* May not be worn with vulgar and/or violent messages or pictures, gang oriented insignias, or satanic/negative symbols, illegal substances, beer/alcohol, cigarettes, or otherwise inappropriate design.
Accessories:
* Hats are not allowed to be worn indoors.
*They may not be worn with vulgar and/or violent messages or pictures, gang oriented insignias, or satanic/negative symbols, illegal substances, beer/alcohol, cigarettes, or otherwise inappropriate design.
* Belts must be entirely looped (no part of belt may dangle)
* No wallet chains.
* Sunglasses may not be worn indoors (must be stored away).
* Make-up may not be worn or brought to school. (Exception: Fifth graders may wear make-up in moderation).
* Body piercing is not allowed with the exception of pierced ears (dangling earrings are not allowed for safety reasons).
* Chains and pet collars may not be worn as jewelry.
* Extreme hair styles that cause a distraction and/or disruption are not allowed (i.e. mohawks, liberty spikes, unkempt, etc).
Shorts/Skirts:
* Shorts must be worn underneath all skirts.
* Must be anchored or fitted at the waist and hemmed or tailored.
* No shorter than mid-thigh/fingertip length when arms are rested at the student’s sides.
* No rips, tears, excessive bagging, sagging, or ill fitting (must be size appropriate).
* Must be visible and not completely covered by a shirt/jacket.
* Spandex/leggings are not allowed unless worn underneath shorts/skirts.
* Underwear and boxer shorts should not be visible.
Student attire should not present health or safety concerns and should not disrupt the educational process. We rely upon your good judgment and discretion as to what your child should wear to school. However, Faculty and Administration of Mesquite reserve the right to make the final decision as to the suitability of any attire and to decide when attire violates the school dress code.
Dress Code Consequences
Parents will be notified by a school staff person. Students will change into appropriate clothing provided by the parent or school personnel. We all share the responsibility of assuring that the school atmosphere is conducive to learning and fosters an environment of respect.
Behavior and Discipline Guidelines
Philosophy
The staff at Mesquite believe that our primary objective is to educate children. We believe that in order for your child to meet the challenges that he or she will face in our society, the development of self-discipline and individual responsibility are essential. Our intention is to have a successful philosophy that supports the right of each student to be educated in a calm, safe, and secure environment.
It is important that parents, school staff and students work together to maintain a positive educational atmosphere. The rules and discipline procedures at Mesquite have been established for the protection of our students. Students are expected to respect these rules as well as the people responsible for carrying them out. Because you, as parents, are the most important people in your child’s life, the staff needs your support in promoting acceptable behavior. Our goal is for each student to learn to be responsible for his or her own actions.
During the first week of school, classroom teachers introduce, define and discuss individual classroom rules with their students. From one classroom to another, rules may vary somewhat depending on the individual teachers.
Classroom Standards
1. Respect others with language and actions. 4. Work quietly
2. Listen and follow directions. 5. Be prepared to learn
3. Work safely. 6. Bell to Bell Learning
Children and teachers will discuss specific and detailed school procedures in class.
Playground Standards
1. Play safely and use equipment wisely. (If someone is hurt, notify an adult immediately.)
2. Stay in the playground area. (Do not retrieve balls unless you have received permission from a
playground monitor.)
3. Throw balls and frisbees only.
4. Leave rocks on the ground.
5. Fighting is not allowed.
6. Be considerate of others’ games.
7. Leave the playground as soon as the bell rings.
8. Games are allowed. Tackling is not!
9. Follow monitor’s directions immediately.
10. Walk bikes/scooters on school grounds.
11. Carry rollerblades and skateboards on school grounds.
Teachers and monitors arrive on the playground at 7:30 A.M. If a student needs to be dropped off at school prior to 7:30 A.M., parents should utilize the before-school daycare program.
Students Will:
1. Use appropriate language and behavior among each other.
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves.
3. Follow directions the first time given.
4. Walk in the playground area.
5. Use playground equipment properly.
6. Keep all food and drink inside the cafeteria.
7. Leave the playground immediately when the bell rings or the whistle is blown.
8. Have a pass to leave the playground.
9. Be respectful and listen to all staff.
Severe Violations and Consequences
Any of the following are termed “severe violations”:
1. Destruction of property
2. Verbal abuse
3. Defiance
4. Loss of self-control
5. Profanity
6. Aggressive, intimidating, harassing and threatening behavior (written or verbal)
7. Physical violence (fighting and throwing punches)
8. Hazing
9. Possession of drugs, tobacco, alcohol or synthetic substances
10. Possession of weapons, explosives or other dangerous objects (real or simulated)
When it is deemed necessary for a student to leave school early because of a severe violation, parents will be notified. It is expected that the parent will come and get their child for the remainder of the day. A conference with the parent, student, teacher, and principal will occur before the child is allowed to return to school. Any of the above severe violations will be dealt with directly by the principal or her designee. Severe violations may result in suspension or expulsion from school. For further information on conduct and consequences, please refer to the Mesquite Code of Conduct.
STUDENT BULLYING, HARASSMENT, & INTIMIDATION (Policy JICK)
Students are prohibited from bullying, harassment, or intimidation on school grounds, school property, school buses, at school bus stops, at school-sponsored events and activities, and through the use of electronic technology or electronic communication equipment on school computers, networks, forums, or mailing lists.
Conflict: Conflict is a natural part of development defined as a struggle or contest between people with opposing needs, ideas, beliefs, values, or goals.
Bullying: Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional, repeated over time, and involves an imbalance of power or strength.
Bullying of a student or group of students can be manifested through written, verbal, physical, or emotional means and may occur in a variety of forms including, but not limited to
Verbal, written/printed or graphic exposure to derogatory comments, extortion, exploitation, name calling, or rumor spreading either directly through another person or group or through cyberbullying,
Exposure to social exclusion or ostracism
Physical contact including but not limited to pushing, hitting, kicking, shoving, or spitting, and
Damage to or theft of personal property.
Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is, but not limited to, any act of bullying committed by use of electronic technology or electronic communication devices, including telephonic devices, social networking and other Internet communications, on school computers, networks, forums and mailing lists, or other District-owned property, and by means of an individual's personal electronic media and equipment.
Harassment: Harassment is intentional behavior by a student or group of students that is disturbing or threatening to another student or group of students. Harassment may be related, but not limited to, race, religious orientation, sexual orientation, cultural background, economic status, size or personal appearance. Harassing behaviors can be direct or indirect and by use of social media.
Intimidation: Intimidation is intentional behavior by a student or group of students that places another student or group of students in fear of harm of person or property. Intimidation can be manifested emotionally or physically, either directly or indirectly, and by use of social media.
Disciplinary action may result for bullying, harassment, or intimidation which occurs outside of the school and the school day when such bullying, harassment, or intimidation results in a substantial physical, mental, or emotional negative effect on the victim while on school grounds, school property, school buses, at school bus stops, or at school-sponsored events and activities, or when such act(s) interfere with the authority of the school system to maintain order. All suspected violations of law will be reported to local law enforcement.
Reporting Incidents of Bullying/Harassment/Intimidation
A student who is experiencing bullying, harassment, intimidation or believes another student is experiencing bullying, harassment, or intimidation is to report the situation to the principal or another school employee. A school employee who becomes aware of or suspects a student is being bullied, harassed or intimidated shall immediately notify the principal. School personnel shall maintain confidentiality of the reported information.
The initial notification of an alleged incident may be provided verbally. A detailed written description of the incident and any other relevant information must be provided on form(s) made available by the school and submitted to the principal within one (1) school day of the verbal report. Should the principal be the employee who observes, is informed of, or suspects a student is experiencing bullying the principal shall document the incident or concern in writing. Failure by an employee to report a suspected case of bullying may result in disciplinary action up to suspension without pay or dismissal pursuant to Board Policies GCQF and GDQD.
Reprisal by any student or staff member directed toward a student or employee related to the reporting of a case of bullying or a suspected case of bullying, harassment, or intimidation shall not be tolerated, and the individual(s) will be subject to the disciplines set out in applicable District policies and administrative regulations.
At the time a student reports alleged bullying, harassment, or intimidation the principal shall provide to the student who has allegedly been bullied, harassed, or intimidated a written copy of student rights, protections and support services available to the student and shall notify the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) of the suspected incident of harassment, intimidation or bullying.
The principal shall investigate all reports of bullying, harassment, or intimidation. If the principal determines that bullying, harassment, or intimidation has occurred, discipline will be administered pursuant to Board Policies JK, JKD, and JKE. Regardless of the outcome of the investigation the principal will meet with the involved students to review the findings of the investigation. Subject to the restrictions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) set out in Policy JR, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the involved students shall also be informed of the findings of the investigation.
Drug Warning
Student non-medical use; possession, distribution or sale of chemical substances (alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, or drugs) is prohibited in the buildings of Mesquite Elementary School, on school grounds, at school sanctioned activities or when students are being transported in vehicles dispatched by the district.
It is unlawful:
1. For a person to intentionally be present within 300 feet of a school or its accompanying grounds, or to be present on any public property within 1,000 feet of a school or its accompanying grounds or a school bus stop, to possess, use, or sell marijuana.
2. For a person to intentionally be present within 300 feet of a school or its accompanying grounds or to be present on any public property within 1,000 feet of a school or its accompanying grounds, or a school bus stop, to possess, use, or sell a dangerous drug or narcotic drug.
Mesquite is a drug-free/tobacco-free campus.
Curriculum
The Vail Curriculum
The Vail School District has a core curriculum that is used in all schools. It is aligned to the Arizona Academic Standards. The curriculum stresses that students actively engage in the learning process with a focus on varied opportunities for functional use of the materials covered. A full copy of the curriculum is housed in the Mesquite media center and is available for review.
Vail’s staff stays current with research on teaching techniques. They are skilled at helping all students reach their potential by finding the teaching strategies that best fit each learner.
Art, Music, and Physical Education
These three programs are essential to our total curriculum. All students are involved in art, music, and physical education programs taught by special area teachers.
Computers
Mesquite has several computers available for student use in each classroom, pod area, and library. Mesquite teachers utilize technology devices as an extension of the classroom. Students are continuously learning while building their technology skills.
Homework
Mesquite recognizes the value of homework as a key component of instruction and as a meaningful part of a total school program. In addition, homework is intended to reinforce and extend classroom instruction, help develop good study habits, and teach personal responsibility and time-management skills.
Homework is work accomplished at home that augments and enriches the school experience in a way that is academically meaningful for the child. Furthermore, it communicates to parents what is going on in the classroom. Parents should provide support and encouragement. The decision on the kind, extent, and frequency of all homework assigned shall be that of the teacher.
Forms of Homework
Reinforcement and completion of classwork
• finishing daily assignments
• drill activities, including practice which reinforces skills/concepts taught in class.
• a reading assignment
• studying for tests and evaluations
• research assignment or project
• preparation for classroom activities
• extra credit and/or enrichment
Home and School Communications
Conferences
Parent-Teacher conferences are the time for parents to discuss with the teacher their child’s performance and special needs. Mesquite Elementary School hopes that both parents will take the opportunity to attend these conferences. Conferences are the time to build mutual understanding of the child and to further the home/school partnership.
While parents and teachers are encouraged to initiate a conference at any time there appears to be a need, formal conferences are scheduled twice a year.
For specific dates for Parent-Teacher conferences, please refer to the student calendar.
Report Cards
Report cards are issued four times a year at the end of a 9-week grading period. In addition, midterm reports are issued halfway between the beginning and end of each grading period.
Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA)
Mesquite is grateful for its supportive Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA). Members of the PTSA are actively involved in our school. They help organize school-wide projects, organize family and community functions, and raise funds for additional items needed by the school. They bring in activities to supplement our regular curriculum and offer programs of interest to families. They are a most welcome and appreciated part of our community!
Some of the projects which may be undertaken by the Mesquite PTSA include book fairs, fine arts projects, fundraising, and family activities and programs.
Belonging to the Mesquite PTSA allows you to vote on issues and grants and to attend seminars and workshops sponsored by the PTSA. Everyone is welcome to attend the monthly PTSA Board meetings. Notification of meetings are found in the school newsletter.
The Gila Monster Weekly
The Gila Monster Weekly is our weekly newsletter sent out via email. It provides students and parents with information about upcoming events and important dates. It is emailed every weekend. You can also view it on our home page at: http://mes.vailschooldistrict.org under Gila Monster Weekly.
Special Services
Extended Learning Program (E.L.P.) for the Gifted and Talented/Enrichment
The E.L.P./Enrichment program in the Vail School District is a special program designed to provide enrichment and extended activities to students. This program offers a variety of options based on the individual needs of each student and information gained from testing and teacher/parent referral.
Special Education
To meet the needs of special education learners, a resource program will provide special services throughout the school year. Students who are experiencing learning or behavior challenges are referred to the child study team. If testing is recommended by the team and the referred child qualifies for the program, special education services are provided.
Children are instructed utilizing the strengths of their own specific learning styles. Specific strategies are applied in the student’s regular classroom as much as possible.
After-School Recreation
KIDCO is an after-school recreation program sponsored by the City of Tucson Parks & Recreation for children ages 5-11, in kindergarten through fifth grade from 2:15-6:00 p.m.. KIDCO registration is handled through Registration Services on a space-available basis during the school year sessions. KIDCO is not in session when students are not at school such as vacation days, intersession breaks, and summer. Contact Registration Services at 791-4877 to get started with registration. To register online go to www.ezeereg.com.
Mesquite Enrichment Center offers preschool, before and aftercare programs as well as Vail Discovery Camp during Intersession breaks through Vail Community Programs. For more information and to schedule a tour, please call Marcia Zataran De Cortina, Director, 879-2184.
• Extended hours - 7 A.M. to 6 P.M.
• Preschool enrichment program
• D.E.S. approved
Community Programs also coordinates the use of rooms, playing fields, and school facilities. For more information call 879-2184.