Ironwood Elementary Handbook

Marana Unified School District

Inspiring our educational community to positively influence the future.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome From The Principal …………………………………………………………………………….        3
Quick Info At A Glance…………………………………………………………………………………….        4
        Phone Numbers……………………………………………………………………………………        4
        Hours………………………………………………………………………………………………..        4
        Mission/Vision…………………………………………………………………………………….        4
Morning, Dismissal, and Lunch Schedules……………………………………………………………        5
Faculty and Staff…………………………………………………………………………………………..        6
Campus Map………………………………………………………………………………………………..        7
Student Arrival Procedures ………………………………………………………………………………..        8
        Student Drop Off …………………………………………………………………………………        8
         Parents, Siblings, and Pets on Campus………………………………………………………        8
Student Dismissal Procedures………………………………………………………………………………        9-10
          Important Reminders……………………………………………………………………………….        9
         Leaving School Grounds……………………………………………………………………………        10
Student Absence s…………………………………………………………………………………………        11
Policies and Procedures ………………………………………………………………………………….        12
         Cell Phones and Electronic Devices……………………………………………………………        12
         Other Prohibited Items…………………………………………………………………………….        12
         Selling, Trading, and Possession of Money on Campus………………………………        12
Dress Code…………………………………………………………………………………………………        13-14
Academic/Classroom Expectations ………………………………………………………………………        15-16
         Report Cards/Progress Reports …………………………………………………………………        15
         Grades………………………………………………………………………………………………        15
          Homework………………….……………………………………………………………………..        15
                Student Recognition………………………………………………………………………………        15
         Student Classroom Assignment…………………………………………………………………        15

Specials (PE, Music, etc.)…………………………………………………………………………..        16
         Field Trips ……….………………………………………………………………………………        16
         Chromebooks………………………………………………………………………………………        16
          Movies………………………………………………………………………………………………        16
         After School Activities………………………………………………………………………………        16
Library/Media Center……………………………………………………………………………………………        17
PBIS and the HOWL Code …………………………………………………………………………………..        18-19
Communication…………………………………….………………………………………………………        20
          Ironwood Paw Prints………………………………………………………………………………        20
         Conferences………………………………………………………………………………………..        20
         MUSD and Ironwood Websites…………………………………………………………………        20
Playground Expectations……………………………………………………………………………………        21
Birthdays, Celebrations, and Special Events…………………………………………………………        22
MUSD 2019-2020 School Calendar……………………………………….………………………………        23

Thank you for choosing Ironwood and the Marana Unified School District.  I have proudly called Marana my home since I moved here in 2006.  My wife and I believe this town is the perfect place to raise our three children.  We have found that the Marana community values family, tradition, and excellence, especially when it comes to our schools.

I know that you have many choices when it comes to choosing a school.  At Ironwood, it does not take long for people to realize that this is a special place of warmth, kindness, and belonging.  You will find our school to be a place where we focus on the whole child.  We’re proud of our challenging academics, and feel strongly about character education, fine arts, citizenship, and community building.

As Ironwood Coyotes, we follow the HOWL code.  It is much more than a happy, positive chant to start each day.  It is a set of principles to live by!

‘H’ is for “Have respect and be kind”.  The first thing you see when entering campus is a giant mosaic that reads, “be kind”.  Respecting each other and treating one another with kindness is one of the most powerful things we can do.  Join us in teaching your children to greet others in a kind and respectful way.  Model for your children holding open doors for strangers, and removing your hat when indoors.  Reinforce respectful interactions in your home.

‘O’ is for “Obey the first time.”  Obedience to rightful authority is not only required in our society, it shows respect.  Students are expected to follow the directions of all teachers, aides, support staff, and administration.  Please partner with us in teaching our children to listen to adults the first time.  You will reap the rewards at home too!

‘W’ is for “Work it out peacefully.”  As a father, I have struggled with the fear that something will happen to my children.  In my heart, I know that this can be unhealthy, and furthermore, that I need to allow my children the space and time to work out their own minor problems – advocating for themselves.  

‘L’ is for “Live and act responsibly.”  At our core, we want to raise children who will become honest, trustworthy, and contributing members of our society.  We need to teach and show our children how to be responsible; with our personal things, our money, our assignments, and our relationships.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children, and I look forward to an amazing school year!

Sincerely,

Aaron Johnson, M. Ed.
Principal

Administration:
Mr. Aaron Johnson, Principal  (520) 579-5159
Mrs. Robyn Yorke, Associate Principal  (520) 579-5199

Front Office Staff:
Christy Lynch, Principal’s Secretary  (520) 579-5152
Chrissy Roepke, Attendance Clerk  (520) 579-5153
Laura Villareal, Health Assistant  (520) 579-5156

Important Phone Numbers:
LEAP  (520) 352-2421 ext. 7216
Attendance Line  (520) 579-5188

3300 W. Freer Drive, Tucson, AZ, 85742
Phone: (520) 579-5150
FAX: (520) 579-5164

____________________________________________________________

School Hours: 7:45am – 2:00pm, Monday through Thursday

                                              7:45am – 12:45pm on Friday

**NO CHILDREN WILL BE ALLOWED ON CAMPUS PRIOR TO 7:25AM                      NO SUPERVISION PROVIDED PRIOR TO 7:25AM OR AFTER 2:05PM Mon – Thurs, OR AFTER 12:50 FRIDAY**

____________________________________________________________

                      School mascot: Coyotes                                                       School colors: Turquoise and Black        

                     Purpose:                  

Morning, Dismissal, and Lunch Schedules

7:25am – First bell (coyote howl) – campus is open to students

Adult access to campus (including parents) must be approved through the front office.  All campuses in MUSD have controlled access in order to keep our students safe (see pg.6 in this handbook for additional information).

7:37am – Second bell – all students go to classrooms

7:45am – All students are in their seats.  Students not in their seats will be marked tardy.

1:55pm – Early dismissal bell for grades K-3

2:00pm – Dismissal bell for grades 4-6

For additional information on arrival and dismissal procedures, please refer to page 6.

Lunch Schedule 

Students begin in the cafeteria and proceed to recess when finished.  Students wanting additional time to eat are allowed to remain in the cafeteria.

Monday – Thursday (Regular Schedule)        Friday (Early Release Day)

Kindergarten        11:20 – 11:55am                10:50 – 11:25am
1st Grade        11:20 – 11:55am                10:50 – 11:25am
2nd Grade        12:00 – 12:35am                11:20 – 11:55am
3rd Grade        12:00 – 12:35am                11:20 – 11:55am
4th Grade        12:00 – 12:35am                11:20 – 11:55pm
5th Grade        11:40 – 12:15pm                11:40 – 12:15am
6th Grade        11:40 – 12:15pm                11:40 – 12:15pm

Bus Schedules can be obtained on our website (www.maranausd.org/ie), or in the front office.

Breakfast and Lunch Menus, and additional information about your child’s cafeteria account can be found in the District Handbook on pages 24-30.

Ironwood Faculty and Staff

Good communication between home and school is critical.  The half hours immediately preceding and following the school day are the best times to reach a teacher by phone (520-579-5150) when questions or concerns arise.  

Student Arrival Procedures

Campus opens to students at 7:25am.  Students can eat breakfast in the cafeteria or proceed directly to the playground.  All students must be in their seat prior to the 7:45am bell or they will be marked tardy.

Instruction begins promptly at 7:45am.  Please make every effort to leave your home with plenty of time to account for traffic, construction, and congestion in the parking lot and at The Loop.  Students who arrive late for any reason will be marked tardy.

Student Drop Off

The best way to drop your child off is in The Loop.  If you choose to use the front parking lot, you must first park, and then walk your child to the front of the school.  Stopping in the fire lane is prohibited at all times.  Cars stopping in the fire lane will be asked to move and may receive a ticket from our School Resource Officer or other law enforcement.

Parents, Siblings, and Pets on Campus

In an effort to keep our children safe, all MUSD campuses are closed with restricted access.  

Parents are NOT allowed on campus unless you have a scheduled meeting, conference, or volunteer appointment.  All parents must check in at the front office and wear a visitor or volunteer badge.  

We do love having parents on campus and believe it is part of what makes Ironwood so special.  Please consider asking your child’s teacher for opportunities to volunteer, chaperone field trips, and you are always welcome to eat lunch with your child.  You must sign in at the front office, and let staff know the intentions for your visit.  Siblings are allowed to join you for lunch but are NOT allowed on the playground, in the classroom, or on field trips.

Pets are NOT allowed on campus.

If you would like to speak with a teacher or staff member in person, please call the front office at (520) 579-5150 to schedule an appointment.  You may also call or email your child’s teacher directly.  

Parents of K-1 students are allowed to walk students back to their classroom on the first day of school only.

Student Dismissal Procedures

There are five ways your child can be dismissed from school:

1. Through the front gate
2. At The Loop (oval-shaped pick up/drop off lane to the east of campus
3. In the cafeteria (for Kindergarteners and students going to LEAP)
4. To the bus lane
5. On a daycare van (bike rack is located here as well for bike riders)

Important Dismissal Reminders

If your child’s normal routine for getting home changes, you MUST send a note or email to the attendance clerk (C.D.Roepke@maranausd.org).  It is helpful if you send one to the teacher as well.  This must be done prior to 1:30pm or 11:00am on Fridays.  

Last minute changes to your child’s dismissal schedule creates an unsafe situation.  We expect you to discuss dismissal plans with your children on a daily basis.  

If a student wants to ride home with a friend on a bus that is not their own, a note from both families is required before a bus pass will be issued.  Bus passes are issued in the front office.

Students being picked up at The Loop MUST enter the car curbside.  Crossing in front of or behind vehicles is extremely dangerous!

Parking in the fire lane is prohibited at all times.  If using the front parking lot, you must first park, and then meet your child at the front gate.  Cars stopping in the fire lane will be asked to move and may receive a ticket from our School Resource Officer or other law enforcement.

Notify the office immediately if you feel someone unauthorized by you may attempt to pick up your child.

Student Dismissal Procedures (continued)

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS

Arizona law makes the school responsible for the welfare and behavior of students during the school day.  We have no opportunity to supervise or protect students when they are away from school. To ensure the safety of your children, the following rules need to be emphasized:

1.         All children shall remain on the school property at all times after they have first arrived until afternoon dismissal.  Students who leave school prior to the dismissal bell will not be eligible for perfect attendance.

            2.        If you are checking your child out of school after his/her arrival, for a doctor's appointment or any other reasons, it will be necessary for you to sign the child out in the office.  Have your ID with you.

3.        Students will be released to a parent/legal guardian or authorized agent only.  Adults not known to office staff shall be asked to show identification.

4.        The principal must be notified in writing if there has been any change in the legal custody of your child. Please provide the office with copies of legal documents that specify any change in custody.

Student Absences

We realize that there will be times when your child is too ill to attend school.  When a child has been absent because of illness, the teachers will do their best to provide make-up work, but class discussions and group work often cannot be made up.

Additional information on when students should be kept home can be found in the district handbook on pages 32-35.

If your child will be absent, call the attendance line (520) 579-5188 (available 24hrs a day).  Arizona statutes require that we contact the parents of absent children, so if we have not heard from you by 9:00am, you will receive a call to inform you of the absence and ask the reason.  

For absences of 1-2 days, teachers will work on an individual basis with the student upon return to school, reviewing material and assigning only those activities necessary to indicate competency or understanding of important concepts.

For absences of 3 or more days*, the student and/or parent is responsible for arranging with the teacher an acceptable period of time for the return of the make-up work.  The student will be responsible for all missed assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects.  

If your child has been absent for 3 or more days, call the office no later than 9:00am to request work from the teacher.  Plan to pick up the work between 2:30 – 3:30pm.  You may also arrange for another student to bring the make-up work home.

Parents of students with tardies and absences that are impacting their ability to be successful at school will be contacted by phone, email, or mail.

Policies and Procedures

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

The use of cell phones and other electronic devices (including but not limited to smart watches, iPads, tablets, portable game systems, music players, and walkie talkies) are not allowed on campus at any time.  

Students may use their cell phones before and after school but NOT on campus.  These devices must be off and away at all times.  If a student has their phone or other electronic device out while on campus, it will be confiscated, and only released to the student’s parent.  Disciplinary action could also occur at the discretion of administration. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the parent that an item has been confiscated.  The device may be seized and disposed of pursuant to policy JIH of the Marana Unified District Discipline Policy.  It is recommended that such devices not be brought to school.

The school and district are NOT responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.  Administration will not be able to investigate personal items that are lost or stolen on campus. 

Other Prohibited Items

No item should be brought to school that could be used as a weapon (i.e. slingshots, toy guns, pocket knives, etc.)  Food, gum, and candy are not allowed anywhere on campus other than the cafeteria, unless students are under the supervision of an adult.  Any other item that could cause a distraction, disruption, or safety issue should not be brought to campus and may be confiscated by administration.

Selling, Trading, and Possession of Money On Campus

Due to the danger of loss of money or personal items and misunderstandings, students are not allowed to sell, buy, or trade personal belongings at school.  This includes but is not limited to candy, stickers, chance tickets, trading cards, etc.

There is to be absolutely no selling of items by students for personal profit.

We strongly discourage allowing your child to bring money to school other than the amount needed for lunch or another school function.  For events such as the Book Fair, students may bring a reasonable amount of money.  They are NOT to give money or purchased items to other students.

Dress Code

In MUSD, all students are expected to dress in clothing and footwear that is appropriate and does not disrupt the educational environment.

Inappropriate content or language (such as references to alcohol, drugs, or weapons of any kind) may not be worn on any clothing at school. If a child is dressed in an inappropriate, distracting, or what could be an unsafe fashion, they may be asked to change either at the health office or at home.

Dresses, skirts, and shorts must be appropriate in length. An appropriate guideline for shorts is that they not expose undergarments and should provide necessary coverage.

For PE, students should wear athletic shoes.

Hats or head coverings may be worn while on campus, however it is up to the teacher if students can wear a hat in class. Hats must be worn forward at all times.

No make-up may be worn at school.

Shirts should cover the stomach and back. Undergarments may not be visible at any time. Also, cologne and perfume are not appropriate due to student/staff allergies.

Academic/Classroom Expectations

Report cards are issued at the conclusion of each quarter, and are available online through ParentVUE.  See page 11, and 38-40 of the district handbook for more information.  

Progress Reports are available at the midpoint of each quarter through ParentVUE.

Grades – the following scale is used to reflect academic progress on instructional objectives listed on the report card for the grades:

1 – Falls Below the Standard
2 – Approaches the Standard
3 – Meets the Standard
4 – Exceeds the Standard

Homework – Ironwood follows the guidelines of the National Education Association, which recommends 10 minutes of homework at the lowest grades, followed by an increase of 10 minutes with each subsequent grade level (ex. 20 minutes in 2nd Grade, 30 minutes in 3rd Grade). Homework (excluding projects or other in-class activities that carry over to home) does not count towards academic grades.  It can affect grades in the section of the report card entitled “Characteristics of Successful Learners”.

Student Recognition – students at Ironwood are recognized throughout the year for achievements in many different areas including: academics, behavior, leadership, citizenship, and physical accomplishment.  These recognitions take various forms; some taking place in the classroom, at the grade-level, on the announcements, or at a school-wide assembly.

Student Classroom Assignment – In order to create the optimal classroom environment for our students, we look at several factors relative to placement.  Some of the criteria we consider are: academic ability, boy/girl ratio, special education, behavior, gifted, and home language spoken.

Parents can fill out the “Parent Input for Student Classroom Assignment” to help us know the type of learning environment you believe would best suit your child.  As per board policy, the responsibility for final placement belongs to the principal.

Academic/Classroom Expectations (continued)

“Specials” -  students will attend library once a week, music twice a week (5th and 6th grade Band and Orchestra can be three times a week), and Physical Education (PE) twice a week.  

Field Trips -  students may have the opportunity during the year to go on field trips to various places of interest with their class or grade level.  Parents are welcome to join the class on these field trips as space allows.  If you are interested in joining your child, and chaperoning, contact the teacher.  As a chaperon, you will support the teacher by helping to supervise students, and ensure the safety of all.  Parents going on field trips will NOT be allowed to take siblings along.

Field trips are a privilege.  Students whose behavior could jeopardize the educational experience or enjoyment of others may be excluded.  Teachers will discuss an exclusion with parents prior to the field trip.  

In addition, a student may be excluded from a field trip due to past disciplinary infractions.  

Chromebooks – all Ironwood students are assigned a Chromebook at no cost to the parents.  Chromebooks remain at school at all times for students K-2.  Students in grades 3-6 will be responsible to take their Chromebooks to and from school.  Students are led through a series of “digital citizenship” classes to make sure they are adept 21st century learners.  

Movies – your child will not be shown a movie with a rating other than ‘G’ without your prior knowledge.  Movies and videos shown support the academic goals of the school.  Rare exceptions are made for classroom rewards, end-of-year parties, etc., however, the teacher must submit for approval from administration prior to showing a movie for entertainment purposes.

Declaration – Arizona statute requires students in grades fourth through sixth to recite the following passage from the Declaration of Independence every morning, unless the student’s parent or guardian object:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”

After School Activities – We provide after school classes at different times throughout the year (golf, tennis, art, dance, drama, chess, etc.).  When such classes are available, students will be sent home with appropriate information and registration forms. This information will also be sent by email in the weekly Paw Prints (see page 18 in this handbook).

Library/Media Center

Students are allowed to check out materials from the library on a weekly basis, and/or when an adult is available to operate our library accounting system.  

Lost or damaged books must be paid for before additional books/materials can be checked out.  In addition, students cannot purchase a school yearbook until the fines are paid.  

Students cannot check out materials from any library in the MUSD system until the overdue charge is cleared.  

Overdue, lost, and damaged book notices will list the replacement cost of the book.  This charge must be paid through the principal’s secretary or the librarian.  All returned books, no matter the cost or timeliness will be reimbursed if the book is returned in good condition.

It is at the librarian’s discretion when to change an overdue book to a lost book during the school year.  Policies at the elementary school level require that the books be labeled lost before yearly inventory in May.  Librarians will mark all missing, damaged, and overdue books as lost (in all grade levels, not just exit grades) in May.  Remaining debts become part of the student’s permanent file until they are paid in full.

Overdue notices will be emailed to teachers, printed, and distributed to students at school periodically during the school year.

PBIS and the HOWL Code

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), is a nationally adopted framework that supports students, and helps them make good choices.  At Ironwood, we center our framework around the HOWL code:

        Have respect and be kind  Obey the first time  Work it out peacefully  Live and act responsibly

All students learn the HOWL code, and we reinforce it across all areas of campus (and off campus too!)  One way we recognize good behavior is by awarding students HOWL tickets.  If your child receives a HOWL ticket, they can bring it up to the office where they will stick it on the post for their grade level.  They then get a bright orange HOWL sticker to wear throughout the day.  These tickets automatically enter the student into a grade-level drawing that occurs prior to each assembly.  Students who are drawn will be called up on stage and receive a prize.  Below is what the HOWL code looks like on every area of campus.  Please review this information and discuss it with your child.

PBIS and the HOWL Code (continued)

Communication

Ironwood Paw Prints – you will receive a weekly e-newsletter called Ironwood Paw Prints on Fridays.  This communication contains a message from the principal, important weekly news, pertinent links, after school activity information, registration forms, and upcoming calendar dates.  

Make sure we have all adults’ current email addresses so you can receive this, and other important district communication. See Chrissy or Christy in the front office for additional help.

Conferences – Twice a year, during the first and third grading periods, we schedule parent-teacher conferences.  These meetings are very important as communication between home and school provides us with the best possible conditions in which to meet the needs of your child.  Make every effort to attend these conferences.  

MUSD and Ironwood Website – you will find a TON of important information on the district and school website.  

Marana Unified School District   www.maranausd.org       

Ironwood Elementary School   www.maranausd.org/ie 

Additional Communication – you can find additional information about Ironwood on our Facebook page, and PTO Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/IronwoodElementarySchool/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/IronwoodCoyotesPTO/

Your child’s teacher will also communicate with you by phone, email, and with newsletters and/or other forms of communication sent home with your child.  If you have a question about anything, you can always call us in the front office at (520) 579-5150.

Playground Expectations

Ironwood’s HOWL code applies to all areas of campus, especially the playground.  

General Expectations (HOWL Code – see chart on page 16)

-Take Turns

-Include Everyone (use the “Buddy Bench”, with bright yellow letters near the Play Master, if you need a friend to play with)

-Respect Adults (follow directions of the aides and other school staff on the first time)

-Play Safe (engaging in unsafe playground behavior can result in removal, loss of privilege, or disciplinary action)

-Follow Playground Rules (Football is two-hand touch only)

-Be an Active Problem Solver (use Kelso’s Choices – look for the signs posted on the fence)

-Follow Game Rules

-Ask to Leave the Playground (if needing to go to the office, bathroom, cafeteria, health office, etc.)

Swings – students are to swing facing west.  No jumping off, twisting, or side to side movements are allowed.  Students waiting for a swing should give a “100 Coyote” count (i.e. 1 Coyote, 2 Coyote, 3 Coyote…), and then get a turn.
Teeter Totter – bouncing, and feet up on the bar are not allowed.  Students are to give a 100 Coyote count if waiting for a turn.
Merry Go Round – 6 students MAX are allowed on the merry-go-round at one time with 1 pusher.  If students are engaging in unsafe activity on the merry-go-round, they will no longer be able to use it that day.
Play Master (main play structure) – students are to move in one direction on the monkey bars.  One hand is to be on the bar if hanging upside-down.  Sliding on slides is to be done feet first.  Do not sit on the bridge.  Tag should not be played on the Play Master.
Chin Up Bars – sitting on the chin up bars is prohibited.
Trees and Fences – climbing trees or fences is not allowed on campus.

Community Use of the Playground – we leave our main playground open to the public during non-school hours.  Pets are not allowed on the playground.  Bikes and motorbikes are also prohibited.  

Birthdays, Celebrations, Special Events

Birthdays – we love celebrating student birthdays.  At Ironwood, we recognize student birthdays in the classroom, as well as during the morning announcements.  Students also receive a personalized birthday card mailed to their home!

Our kindergarten teachers allow for treats to be brought in – please contact your child’s teacher prior for additional information.

Some of our students have life-threatening allergies.  Because of this, parents may NOT bring birthday treats to celebrate on campus.  As an alternative, many parents choose to join their child for lunch in the cafeteria, or at one of our picnic tables.

Balloons and flower deliveries are NOT allowed as they cause a disruption in the classroom.  Parents are reminded that balloons and glass containers are also not allowed on school buses.  

Celebrations, Parties, and Assemblies – In as much as they contribute to the general welfare of the school, and to improving the social skills of the individual student, observances of tradition and patriotic holidays may be conducted in classrooms in a manner and under conditions specified in administrative regulations.  Parties will be planned in individual classrooms or grade levels.

On several occasions throughout the school year, we have various types of student assemblies and programs for our students.  If you do NOT wish for your child to participate in one or more of these activities, you will need to inform the classroom teacher of your desires before the day of the event.

All-school assemblies are conducted approximately every other week, and are held in the amphitheater on Fridays at 12:15pm.  We begin every assembly singing a patriotic song, followed by recognition of student achievements, announcements, and games led by our student council.  You are welcome to join us – first you must check in at the front office.