Welcome From The Staff
We believe that you will find the North Ranch Elementary School to be a positive, caring environment in which your children will have the opportunity to grow both academically and socially.
This handbook information
will provide you with basic information and procedures. It is for your
use and reference at home. Please read it carefully and discuss it with your
children. Feel free to contact the office for answers to any questions
you may have.
About Our School
About Our School
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
AM Playground Supervision
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Mission
The North Ranch community mission
statement is:
At North Ranch we empower
our minds with challenging inquiry and our hearts with compassionate action.
Vision: We excel in every way and get better everyday. Entering North Ranch
Elementary School, you immediately recognize "A World of Caring Citizens".
You cross the threshold where diversity is accepted and celebrated. You recognize
we are vibrant spirits with equal worth. At the Ranch, we develop citizens whose
communication, technology, and thinking skills are integral components of the
teaching and learning environment. We strive to make a difference in the lives
of all who enter here - students, teachers, parents and community members. Departing
through our doors you will be committed to making the world a better place for
yourself and others with a compassionate heart and a positive attitude. You
are an educated citizen of the world.
Values: We, the stakeholders of NRES community, value: the right to learn and be in a safe environment; all students and their success in learning; academic excellence, collaboration of students, parents, staff and community; positive words and actions, continuous growth in all areas and character education.
Motto 
Roping Up Success
School
Colors
Silver
Turquoise
For Your Child’s Safety
Students should not be on campus
before 8:30 a.m. since playground supervision by duty aides begins at 8:30 a.m.
Students should leave school grounds promptly at the 3:00 p.m. dismissal time,
unless they are involved in an adult-supervised activity.
Parents of students who arrive too early or are late on a regular basis will be contacted to resolve the situation.
Wrangler Club is available
for child care. Please make a plan with your child for dismissal if you are
late. The office closes at 4:00 p.m. Behavior Tickets will be issued if students
are on campus too early or late.
Students arriving after 9:00 a.m.
must check in through the school office.
Change
Of Address Or Telephone 
So that our files can contain accurate
information, please submit immediately to the office any change of address
or phone number. All parents should have a phone number on file where
they may be reached during the school day
Admission To School
In order for a child to be enrolled
in elementary school in Arizona, he/she must reach age 5 prior to September
1st to be eligible for kindergarten. A child must reach age 6 prior to September
1st to be eligible for first grade.
Parents will need to bring a birth
certificate, proof of residency within North Ranch boundaries or annual tax
statement and immunization records to complete registration. By state
law, no student can be registered without an immunization history and all immunizations
must be current.
Attendance
Regular attendance is essential for
academic success in our school. If it is necessary for a student to be absent,
the school office must be notified before 10:00 a.m. If a child does not arrive
at school, we want to be sure he/she is safe with you. The attendance phone
line is 602-449-6401, press 1, and is available for messages 24 hours each day.
Please do not leave urgent messages on this line; call the school office.
Pursuant to our district attendance policy, students who have excessive absences will receive a letter from the school. After a student is absent 10 times, we will send you a letter notifying you of our concern regarding the number of absences of the student. A second letter will be sent at 15 absences, with a request for medical documentation. According to the District Governing Board policy, excessive absences can also result in the withholding of credit or promotion to the next grade.
If a child has an appointment during school hours, the parent must come to the office to sign the child out of school. Do not go directly to classrooms. Teachers may not release students. The office will call for your child to meet you in the office. Students may only leave school with persons listed on the emergency card. Students may not leave school on their own.
Our school day begins
at 9:00 a.m. and it is important that students be in their classrooms and ready
to learn. Students who are frequently tardy will receive warning notices and
parents will be asked to assist in having their child at school on time each
day.
To
Report An Absence
Under the District’s attendance policy,
it is the parent/ guardian’s responsibility to notify the school of an absence.
Absences not reported by the parent or guardian are considered “truant”. It
is important for you to call the school office prior to, or by 10:00 a.m. on
the actual day of the absence.
Please call the Attendance
Line message machine to report an absence: 602-449-6401, then press 1. Do not
leave urgent messages on this machine; call the office.
Early
Release Days
Thanks to the support of our community,
the Paradise Valley School District has several early release days for staff
development. Students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. and lunch will not be
served on those days. Mark these dates on your calendar!
Link to Early Release Day Schedule
Parent
Communication
Good communication is important to
the academic success of your child. We will keep you informed through our monthly
school newsletter. Our annual Meet Your Teacher, which allows students to visit
classrooms, is held in August prior to the start of school. A notice is mailed
home. We also have a Curriculum Night in August for parents to visit the classroom
to hear about the academic program and expectations.
Individual parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for all parents at the end of the first and second quarters. We are most willing to schedule a conference at other times during the school year. Please call the teacher to arrange a time in advance. Written grades and/ or progress reports to parents of students in grades one through six will be issued every nine weeks. Midterm reports are also issued in most grade levels to inform parents of progress. Kindergarten reports are issued twice per year.
There may be times during the school year when you have a concern about your child. We hope to be able to always communicate with you on a regular basis and resolve any problems as the need arises. Our goal is to provide an effective learning environment for your child and we want to know if a problem arises. Please contact your child’s teacher first, if you have concerns.
Information on the
Parental Complaint procedure is available in the District’s Parent-Student Handbook.
District guidelines state that the parent must speak with the staff member involved
concerning the problem before initiating the Parental Complaint procedure.
PTA
The Parent Teacher Association is
a group of parents, teachers and staff who work together as a team to provide
students with programs, such as educational assemblies, enrichment programs
and family social functions. All parents are invited to join during the
fall membership drive or at any time during the school year and attend monthly
meetings and events. Information on meetings is sent home with students
through the school newsletter. For more information, call the school office
or PTA Officers through the school directory or web link.
School Council
Our School Council is composed of
two parents, one community member, two teachers and one classified staff member
and the Principal. Our focus is directed toward the benefit of students and
the school community. School Council meetings are open to the public.
Link to School Council Page
Student Pick Up 
Traffic at arrival and dismissal
is a problem at North Ranch. We need your cooperation:
* Please slow down and follow the
directions of our Duty Aides.
* Stop for buses loading and unloading
children.
* Children must stay on sidewalks
and out of the parking lot.
* Do not drop off your child across
the street and expect them to cross lanes of traffic to reach the school. This
is illegal.
* Pope John VIII does not allow North
Ranch parents to park in their lot. Please observe our neighbor's request.
* Please observe the no parking /
no stopping / no standing signs along our streets, especially on Kings and 61st
Place. Do not leave your vehicle unattended in any student drop-off zone
at arrival and dismissal times.
Traffic Safety Plan:
Morning Drop-off
* Drive into parking lot
* Unload students only at Multipurpose
room yellow striped area
* Exit out of parking lot, RIGHT
TURN ONLY.
* Do not unload your child across
the street. It is unsafe and illegal.
Afternoon Pickup
* Enter through parking lot and drive
around the Multipurpose Room to the west side of the building
* Students are loaded into cars by
our duty aides.
Visitors
And Volunteers
All visitors must wear a Visitor
Badge while on school grounds. You must sign in first at the office before
going to any classroom, the cafeteria or playground. This is required by state
law for the protection of your children
Parents are always welcome to visit or volunteer in our classrooms. As a courtesy to the teacher, please make contact in advance so that you can arrange your visit. While visitors are always welcome, busy classrooms are sometimes engaged in activities, which will provide observers with little information on that day. Private conferences with the teacher are not appropriate during class visits. Also, because of insurance or liability reasons, students who are not enrolled at North Ranch are not permitted to visit the school unless accompanied by an adult.
One of the strengths
of North Ranch is the volunteers who help us in our classrooms and the office.
If you would like to volunteer in the office or classrooms, as well as on the
playground at recess or in the cafeteria, we welcome your help. Please call
the office.
Bicycles
Only students in grades 4 through
6 may ride their bicycles to school with parent permission. Students must wear
bike helmets in order to ride their bikes to school. All students riding
bicycles to school must complete a bicycle safety class sponsored by our
PTA.
All students must walk their bicycles on the campus and adjacent sidewalks at all times. Walk your bike through safety crosswalks. Only one rider may ride each bike. Please lock your bike in the bicycle compound. Although this area is locked, we cannot assume responsibility for students’ bicycles. Bicycles may not be ridden on school grounds or parking lots before or after school. This class will go over the bicycle safety, traffic rules and issue a license.
SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER
BLADES, MOPEDS, SHOE SKATES AND SCOOTERS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS
AT ANYTIME!
Bus
Information 
The District Transportation Department
is responsible for bus schedules and routes, bus stops and items lost on the
bus. If you have any questions, please call: 602-449-2251.
Children may ride the bus to school if they live one mile or more from school or, in Kindergarten, if they live more than one-half mile from school. Buses will pickup/ drop off students at their designated stops. Parents of open enrollment students must provide transportation for their children
You, as a parent, are encouraged to be waiting for your child at the stop. This is particularly important for younger students during the first few weeks of school. Tell your child if he/she is ever scared or confused to talk with the driver and stay on the bus.
Each child shall be at his/her assigned bus stop and wait until the bus makes a full stop before approaching it. The bus will not wait for tardy students. Students waiting for a bus are to stay off the road and wait quietly on the sidewalk until the bus arrives. Any student who is required to cross the street must cross in front of the bus after all vehicles have come to a complete stop.
The bus driver shares the interest of the parents and school in keeping every child safe. Students must respect the driver and follow his/her instructions at all times. The school bus is an extension of the school and the same rules of behavior apply. Students must understand that riding the bus is a privilege and can be withdrawn if conduct is unsatisfactory. Please obey these bus rules:
1. Obey the bus driver’s
instructions at all times.
2. Bus aisles/ emergency exits shall
remain clear of all objects.
3. Stay seated with your back against
the seat back, your body facing forward, and all parts of your body out of the
aisle.
4. Keep head, hands, feet and objects
to yourself and inside the bus.
5. Talk quietly, use respectful language.
6. Do not eat or drink on the bus,
except for water in plastic bottles.
7. The bus driver may assign seats.
8. Animals, insects, skateboards,
glass containers, weapons/ dangerous instruments, tobacco, alcohol or drugs
are not permitted.
Students who wish to
ride a different bus home or get off at a different stop with a friend must
have written permission in advance from their parent / guardian. This
note must be taken to the office to obtain a bus pass from the office before
boarding the bus. Students will not be allowed to use the phone to make bus
pass arrangements. Permission may be denied if space is unavailable.
Cafeteria 
A hot lunch is available for all
students. Lunches may be purchased for $1.75 per day. Breakfast is served from
8:30 to 9:00 a.m. for $1.00. Milk can be purchased for $.25.
A debit card system is available and students may deposit money in their account daily in the lunchroom before school. Your student will receive a “hand stamp” the day before his account becomes empty. Applications for free or reduced lunch are given to each student at the beginning of the school year and are available in the office. You are welcome to join your child for lunch; adult lunch $2.00 and .25 for milk. Please visit the office for a visitor badge.
Students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. Assigned seating by class will be used in the cafeteria. Students may not return to the building unless given permission by staff.
Student
Health
Our nurse, Sue Bast, is here to help
your child should he/she become ill or injured. Please read the Health Office
Brochure which explains all health guidelines. Some important information is
summarized below:
Medication: Students may not carry or administer medication themselves. Prescription medication must be in the original container with a current prescription label with written permission from the parent to administer. Over- the-counter medications will not be stocked by the nurse. If your child needs medication, call the nurse.
PE Excuses: If a child is ill or injured, a note from the parent will excuse him/ her from active participation. Any illness or injury requiring that a student be out for more than three days, will require a doctor’s excuse.
Emergency Cards: Each student must have a current emergency card completed by the parent on file by the first week of school each year. Any changes must be noted and returned to the school promptly. Please make sure that there are two emergency contacts if parents cannot be reached during the school day.
New Students: You will need the following information when registering: document of immunization, emergency contact information including home, work, cell phone numbers and pager numbers and any documents for current health problems.
Accident Insurance is available through the school. The school does not carry medical insurance on students for accidents that may happen on school property.
Dress For Success
The way we dress at North Ranch makes
us proud to be a Wrangler. Students are expected to be well groomed and
appropriately dressed for school. Good grooming, neatness, and modesty
are important standards of appearance.
The Paradise Valley
Unified School District Governing Board policy states: “Students’ dress, personal
appearance, or conduct shall not disrupt nor distract from instructional procedures,
school-sanctioned social functions, or the disciplinary control of the teachers.”
At North Ranch we will use the following dress code :
1. By state law, shoes must be worn
at all times for health and safety reasons. We have found that high-heeled
shoes and open sandals have resulted in accidents and insect bites. Therefore,
shoes must be closed and flat with a heel strap. Closed toe sandals with
a heel strap are permitted. Sandals with socks do not count as closed
shoes. Tennis shoes are required on Physical Education days.
2. Attire which attracts undue attention
to the wearer and causes disruption in the school is unacceptable. Apparel
which advertise alcohol, drugs, tobacco or have inappropriate language
or pictures on them is not allowed.
3. Hairstyles and hair colors which
attract undue attention and cause disruption in the school are not acceptable
(designated spirit days are the exception).
4. Students may not bring or
wear makeup unless there are medical reasons or special circumstances which
have been discussed with the Nurse.
5. There must be adequate coverage
of the body. The length of shirts and blouses must extend beyond the belt
level and the midriff must not be visible, even when both arms are fully raised.
Tank tops, muscle type shirts, backless or halter tops, sheer garments, torn
or cut garments are not permitted. Tops or dresses with thin (spaghetti)
straps are inappropriate unless worn over another shirt or under a jacket.
6. Oversized apparel, including baggy
or sagging trousers, is not permitted. Clothing may not be worn in a manner
that exposes underwear. Shorts and skirts must be an appropriate length.
7. Long belts may not be worn.
Chains or spikes of any kind are not permitted.
A student who dresses inappropriately
for school activities will call home for a change of clothes. Parents
cooperating with this policy make our school a better place to learn.
Decisions as to the appropriateness
of dress rest with the school administration. Students violating the dress
code will not be permitted to attend school- sanctioned functions and other
school-sponsored activities.
Discipline
Our North Ranch discipline philosophy
is based on the school-wide rule:
EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO LEARN AND
BE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. Our discipline plan reflects the Character Counts
program, which is based on the six pillars of character.
A North Ranch student
is: Trustworthy
Respectful
Responsible
Fair
Caring
Good Citizen
Our goal is to help students become good decision makers in the area of self control and social relationships in a positive learning environment. Our expectations are that students will be good citizens on campus, during field trips, riding the bus and going to/from school. Please discuss these expectations with your child and we ask for your cooperation in their enforcement .
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
. Students will use appropriate language.
. Students will show consideration
for others.
. Students will use all equipment
in the manner for which it was designed.
. Students will travel throughout
the school in a safe and orderly manner.
. Students will show respect for
all adults, other students and property.
Specific rules for the playground, classroom and other school areas will be discussed with all children on a regular basis.
STUDENT
REWARDS
North Ranch believes that good behavior
should be recognized and held as a model for others. During the coming school
year, we will develop more student incentives for good behavior. We have Compliment
Cards, Honor Roll, Attendance recognition, and a variety of classroom recognition
and incentive programs.
STUDENT CONSEQUENCES
Our goal is to provide a safe and
positive environment for all students at school. Conflict can be handled in
a peaceful manner. Together we can make this happen. Each student starts with
a clean slate each quarter of the school year. Classroom behavior steps are:
Step 1 Warning
Step 2 Time Out
Step 3 Inappropriate Behavior
Ticket/Automatic Detention - phone call home
After three Inappropriate Behavior Tickets, a student will receive a Referral to the Principal. Each student begins with a clean slate each quarter.
Some offences are an
Automatic Referral to the office. These include the following:
. Rock throwing: If a student chooses
to pick up a rock, it is assumed the intent is to throw the rock.
. Fighting: This includes playfighting,
intimidation and / or provoking a fight,
. Disrespect or defiance of
staff member.
. Indecent Activity, such as
exposure, touch or pornographic materials.
. Possession, use or sale of:
alcohol, tobacco, illegal or dangerous drugs, lighters, matches, weapons, firecrackers
or any dangerous objects.
. Bullying or harassment.
When a student is referred
to the office, the following procedures will apply:
Referral #1: (3 Inappropriate Behavior
Tickets or 1 Automatic Referral)
Parent will be contacted by Principal
for on-campus or out-of-school suspension and written Plan of Improvement will
be developed with the parents, student and the Principal.
Referral #2: (6 Tickets or 1 automatic Referral) A further on-campus or out-of-school suspension, with parent conference and Plan of Improvement will also apply. Additional consequences may be developed to improve student behavior.
Students placed for on-campus or out-of-school suspension may not be at any school-sponsored event during the suspension. On-campus suspension is directed toward eliminating inappropriate behavior and allows the student to attend school and complete academic work in another classroom under supervision. Placement may be from one to ten days, depending upon the office. Students are assigned there by the principal.
Emergency Drills
When the signal for a fire alarm
is sounded, it is important to follow the teacher’s instructions quickly and
quietly. Line up quietly for exit from your room and walk quickly along the
route to the field. Return quietly when the signal is given.
When a Lockdown is
announced, teachers will lock the classroom door. Teachers may not open the
doors for anyone. Any students in the hallways will go to the Cafeteria
or Library. No one may leave or enter the building until the lockdown is completed.
A sign will be posted on the outside door to inform visitors. Lockdowns and
fire drills will be practiced on a regular basis.
Good
Neighbor Policy
School rules and other reasonable
expectations for student behavior are extended to include student conduct while
going to and from school. This includes the responsibility to observe traffic
and pedestrian laws and the responsibility to act as a good neighbor, respecting
the safety, welfare and property of others during this time. Failure to act
as a good neighbor within the school community may result in disciplinary action.
State law gives the school jurisdiction over student behavior from the time
the student leaves home in the morning until s/he returns home in the afternoon.
(ARS 13-201)
Harmful Articles Prohibited At
School
Permission to bring pets to school
must be granted by the teacher and principal in advance due to student allergies
to animals. Animals are not allowed on the bus.
For the safety of your child and others, please keep personal possessions at home which are not used for school work, such as ipods, cameras, cell phones, pagers, laser pens, water guns, baseballs, bats, radios, toys, games, tape / CD recorders, or electronic devices, etc. Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards are not allowed at school. Skateboards, roller blades, mopeds, shoe skates and scooters are not allowed on school grounds at anytime.
Drugs, alcohol and tobacco are not permitted at any time on school grounds. Weapons will not be allowed at school. A weapon is defined as any object, which is intended to do harm to another person. Students using or in possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or weapons will be suspended from school in accordance with District Policy. This includes look-alike weapons or drugs.
Various Prevention
Programs will be offered to educate students about alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
Students will learn resistance skills through the 5th grade DARE program and
other classroom programs.
By Arizona state law, smoking is
prohibited by everyone on all areas of the school campus. Possession of tobacco
on a school campus is now a petty offense. All visitors to the school are expected
to comply with this law.
Lost
And Found
A box for lost and found articles
is located in the cafeteria. Each student should mark clothing and items with
a name. Bringing toys to school is discouraged because of loss and breakage.
Articles not claimed at the end of the year will be given to charity.
School
Safety
Always walk on campus. Leave
your classroom in a courteous manner by taking turns and do not push or shove.
In the morning, wait quietly in a line for your teacher to open the door. Students
must carry a pass and sign out when they leave a classroom during the day. Never
walk across the school parking lot; always use sidewalks.
Always use the school crosswalks to cross our streets. Crossing guards will be on duty before school begins and after school is dismissed. Please walk your bike across the street and obey the instructions of our Duty Aides.
Please remember Stranger
Danger guidelines about walking to school. Students should always walk with
a friend, never alone, never talk to strangers and go directly home or to school.
Make a plan for checking-in after school to make sure your child has arrived
home safely. On days when a notice of a Stranger Danger incident in our community
is received, a note will be sent home to parents, and students will be informed
to take special care in walking home.
The following playground rules have been established for the safety of all students.
No tackling games or
play fighting games are permitted.
When using any slide you must sit down and go foward only. No drops of any kind
or standing on bars.
Swings must be sat on at all times. No pushing or running under the swings.
Twirling, bumping and jumping off swings are prohibited. Climbing on the poles
of swings is not allowed. One hundred counts on a swing per child when others
are waiting.
No pushing, shoving, rock or sand throwing.
No spitting - at another person or otherwise.
Ask a duty aide to retrieve any balls or equipment for you if they go over the
fence. The exception is 5th or 6th graders, after asking permission.
Wall ball is not permitted.
A student must have a pass from their teacher to return to the building during
lunch. The nurse has asked that students wait until back in their class to get
a pass to the nurse's office. Emergencies are always an exception, such as excessive
bleeding, possible broken bone and breathing problems
No tag on or near equipment.
No "closed" games. Anyone can play.
Games must be played in areas as designated by duty aides.
Playground equipment brought from home must have the aide/teacher's permission,
is brought at student's own risk and must be for "open" play.
The duty aides are to be treated with respect and their directions are to be
followed for the safety of all students. Duty aides may eliminate an activity
that is dangerous or has the potential for injury.
Students are supervised on the playground 30 minutes before school and during
lunch recess. All school rules and character values apply on the playground.
Duty aides are the adults in charge and are instructed to give office referrals
to students choosing to be defiant or dangerous to themselves or others. Students
who are disruptive will have their behavior reported to their homeroom teacher.
Student
Harassment Or Bullying
1. Policy: All students have the
right to attend school without fear of harm, threat, intimidation or harassment,
and that right shall be protected. Students shall not bother or annoy
another student physically or verbally. This includes language or gestures which
insult or intimidate another person, including name calling of "any"
kind; racial, ethnic, religious or sexual slurs; profanity directed at another
student; insulting gestures; suggestive or obscene letters, notes, emails, I-messages,
invitations, pictures or clothing; real threats or implied threats of any kind;
spreading rumors; preventing another student from moving freely; jokes told
at another student's expense; unwelcome teasing and unwelcome physical contact
of any kind.
2. Definition:
Harm: Students shall not kick, strike
or be physically aggressive to any other person while on school grounds or during
school time.
Threat: Students shall not threaten
to harm any other person for any reason while on school grounds and/or during
school time. This includes direct or indirect suggestion or harm for any reason.
Extortion will not be tolerated at school. Extortion is defined as demanding
something of value in exchange for protection from harm.
Intimidation: Students shall not
engage in any activity that frightens another student or makes a student unhappy
or uncomfortable in the school setting.
Harassment: Students shall not bother
or annoy another person physically, verbally or visually. This includes the
use of offensive language, symbols, gestures, gossip, rumors as well as touching,
or any unwanted sexual advances.
3. Consequences: Consequences will
be consistent with the school district discipline policy and may include warning,
suspension, expulsion or dismissal. A referral may also be made to the
school nurse, psychologist and /or a social worker for the students involved.
Telephone
Usage
The school telephone is primarily
for business use. It is not to be used by students to make arrangements
to go home with a friend or call for forgotten items. These arrangements should
be made at home the day before. However, when emergencies do arise, students
will be allowed to use the phone to resolve problems. Students must obtain written
permission from their teacher to use the phone.
We are unable to give personal messages to your child during the school day, unless it is a “true emergency”, e.g. medical crisis. With limited clerical staff, we cannot deliver messages to students. Interruption of classrooms is a disruption of your child’s education. Forgetting homework, lunch money or instruments at home is not an emergency. Please do not interrupt class lessons by the delivery of items to your child.
Textbooks
All textbooks and library books are
loaned to students free of charge. Students will be expected to pay for lost
and damaged books. Students will be requested to bring certain supplies to school
for their learning needs.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Class
Placement
Students are placed in classrooms
based upon a variety of factors: math / reading levels, gender, number of students,
social factors, etc. New students are placed on a tentative basis until an appropriate
placement can be determined. Please be advised that we do not accept
requests for specific teachers. Class lists are posted prior to the starting
of school in August.
Educational
Referral
The Student Study Team can help find
special assistance for those students in need. Teachers, parents or students
can refer to the SST, who will evaluate requests for various services: interventions
for school and home, psychological/academic assessment, outside intervention
or in-class assistance. A school psychologist, speech pathologist, special education
teacher, nurse and the principal are members of this team to provide services
to children experiencing difficulties in school.
Homework
The Paradise Valley Governing Board
recognizes the need for practice at home to improve academic skills. As such,
students in all grades will be required to do homework. We recognize that each
child has individual needs and that homework must be flexible. Parents will
be advised by the teacher what is expected of their child and how they can assist
their student. Homework Club is available daily after school for students to
receive help in completion of homework.
Parents may request
homework for children who are absent by calling the office prior to 11 a.m.
on the day of absence. This allows the teacher time to prepare a homework packet
before the end of the school day. If a student is absent for less
than two days, it may not be beneficial to request homework. If students are
ill, they may need time to rest before doing homework. Students are given time
after they return to make up assignments.
Honors
Our honors program provides services
for students in Kindergarten through sixth grade. In Kindergarten, these services
are provided through materials and consultation with the classroom teacher.
In first and second grades the services range from cluster grouping to a pull
out enrichment program which meets several times a week. Pull out services in
Reading, Math and Nonverbal reasoning are provided at the third through sixth
grade levels. Testing for the program is ongoing and based on teacher recommendation.
In most grade levels, students are taken from the regular classroom to receive
instruction from the Honors teacher. Our goal is to challenge our students with
an extended curriculum as well as accelerated instruction. Honors students should
have the opportunity to learn "Something New Every Day".
Parental
Rights And Responsibilities
Parents or guardian of a student
being considered for an evaluation for possible placement in special education
must be fully aware of their legal rights under Public Law 94-132, Education
of the Handicapped Act, and Arizona State Board of Education Standards for Public
School and State Supported Institutions. The district assumes the responsibility
of informing parents of their due process rights pertaining to evaluation and
placement procedures for special education programs and services. As a participating
parent, you must be made aware that informed consent is required.
Promotion
And Retention
Students will normally progress from
grade to grade. There will be close cooperation between home and school if retention
is necessary. Each child will have individual consideration and decisions will
be made after careful study of all aspects of the child’s growth and development.
According to state law, teachers make decisions for promotion and retention
of students. This decision may be appealed to the Governing Board.
Special Extracurricular Programs
Wrangler Club: Through the
District’s Community Education Department, North Ranch provides before and after
school care for our students. Care is also provided on afternoons of early dismissal.
Call 602-449-2200.
Student Council- Students in grades 4-6 participate in Student Council which is designed to develop leadership skills and to provide a forum for decision making in our school. Officers and classroom representatives are elected at the start of the school year.
Homework Club and other
after school activities are offered for our children. Computers, chess, music,
guitar, science club, and Read Naturally are offered through the Tax Credit
Donation program through the State of Arizona.
Special Area Classes
Music, art, library, computers and
physical education are offered to students through a rotating special area schedule
during the day. Classes are also offered for students in Chorus, Band and Strings
which produce wonderful concerts for our community. Strings will be offered
to grades 5 and 6. Students may attend either band or strings, but not
both.
When band and strings instruction is provided during the special area time, students are to report to their music class. Music students will, of course, still be able to report to other specials on those days when they are not attending their music class. Because of the reduced time your child will be spending in other special areas, those teachers may give a grade of "n/a" for that area on your child's report card with a notation that the student was attending their music class. All students will receive special area instruction throughout the course of the year, as it is a rotating schedule.
Teacher Planning And Preparation
Time
Preparation time is a valuable and
limited commodity in a school setting. Teachers use their time before and after
school and during their brief planning period to write lesson plans, assess
student work, make preparations for the day, clean up after activities or meet
with parents / students. Please respect these planning times by setting appointments
in advance to meet with teachers. Teachers would like to give their undivided
attention and be prepared with records when meeting about your child. Their
meetings with you will be more productive if prearranged.