Sahuarita Intermediate School

Absence from School:

Absences shall not be counted against a student for the purpose of:

• The student’s participation in a school related activity.
• The student’s excuse for a religious purpose.
• Suspension from school.
• Absence due solely to illness, accident, or disease, when a student’s absence is verified by a certified health professional.
• Court appearances or appointment.

Reporting Absences:

Great teachers help students succeed the most, but if students miss school often, even the best teachers can't teach them effectively.

When a student is absent, a parent/guardian must notify the school attendance office by email at sis.attendance@sahuarita.net no later than
8:30 a.m.

After 10 absences, a medical note may be required.

The parent/guardian must provide written documentation explaining the student’s absence on the day the student returns to school. This will be placed in the student’s file.

Due to state policy, any student missing more than 10 consecutive days of school will be withdrawn. Parents must re-register if returning.

District Truancy Process

Step 1: (3 – 4 Days Absent*)

• Initial Absence Notification Letter Sent to Parent/Guardian
• Teacher and Student Conference

Step 2: (5-6 Days Absent*)

• 2nd Letter Regarding Absences Sent to Parent/Guardian

Step 3: (7-8 Days Absent*)

• Parent/Guardian, Student and SIS Staff Meeting

Step 4: (9-12 Days Absent*)

• 3rd Letter Regarding Absences Sent to Parent/Guardian (US Certified Mail)

Step 5: (9-12 Days Absent *)

• Parent/Guardian, Student, SIS Staff and SRO Law Enforcement

Officer Meeting
*= Total Days Absent (excused & unexcused)

Tardies

Parents or guardians must sign their students in after 7:20 AM.
Consequences are as follows, per quarter, with or without parent/guardian signature:

• 4th tardy: lunch detention
• 8th tardy: after school detention and phone call to parent/guardian
• 12th and over tardy: out of school suspension pending parent/guardian conference

Arriving at School:

We believe in safety above convenience. Students can begin arriving at 6:50 a.m. No supervision is available prior to 6:50 a.m. Students who ride the bus are dropped off at the loading/unloading area north of the school and those coming in a vehicle are dropped off in front of the school and are supervised as they make their way to their designated area or to the cafeteria for breakfast. For safety reasons and traffic congestion, no student should be dropped off at the west side of the school on the street or yellow gate/fire lane area.

Parents who choose to drive their children to school should drop off their children in the front of the school along the curb no earlier than 6:50 a.m. Please park in the parking lot if you choose to walk your child onto the school grounds. If you need to get out of the car, for any reason, we ask that you do not park in the curb area. This curb space is limited to drop-off only and parking curbside will impede the flow of traffic. Students arriving to school after 7:20 a.m. should proceed immediately to the office with a parent, and obtain a tardy pass, before heading to the classroom. Phone calls or notes cannot be accepted. A parent must sign in our permanent record log for auditing purposes.

Be Kind:

Sahuarita Intermediate School is a Be Kind Campus. Students at SIS are encouraged and expected to treat all members of the school as well as others with kindness and respect, regardless of any personal characteristic they have or group they identify with. Bothering others, bullying and interrupting learning will not be permitted. SIS is committed to providing a work environment where students, staff, and parents can work together comfortably and productively, free from harassment, intimidation and bullying. Harassment and bullying is illegal under both state and federal law and will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to: verbal abuse that insults or humiliates others. Also included are name- calling and sexual-innuendos, and using any personal characteristic or identity in a derogatory way or as an insult.

Birthdays:

Birthdays are an exciting time for elementary students. Please adhere to the following guidelines.
Birthday snacks must be store bought. Snacks should be delivered to the front office. Teacher discretion will be used as to when to distribute snacks, as to not interfere with instruction. Balloons, balloon bouquets, or large stuffed animals are not permitted in classrooms.

Bullying and Conflict:

Is NOT tolerated at SIS. Bullying is defined as the activity of repeated, aggressive behavior intended to hurt another person, physically, verbally or emotionally. Students found to be bullying other students, will be disciplined by an administrator. We cannot fix it unless we know about it.

Bus Discipline Proocedures

Open the following page to view our district’s Compact for Success. 

Bus Routes

All bus route information must be obtained through our transportation department at 520-625-3502 ext. 1127. It is the parent’s responsibility to contact the transportation department in order to get correct bus route information so you may provide this to your child’s classroom teacher. Teachers or the front office DO NOT have this information.

You can find route information on the following web page.

In the interest of student safety, consistency, and effective operations, our policy at the District is that we will drop off students at the designated stop as identified by the child’s parent/guardian. One bus stop will be designated for out bus drivers to deliver your child after school. Any changes to the designated schedule must be in writing and given to the teacher/attendance at the beginning of the day – sis.attendance@sahuarita.net . This information is then given to the front office to ensure accuracy. NO PHONE CALL WILL
BE ACCEPTED to change departure information. Only emergencies will be approved through the school principal. Please call the front office at ext. 1200 in the event of an emergency.

Cafeteria and Lunch:

Breakfast is served every morning from 6:50 a.m. -7:20 a.m. Our cafeteria serves nutritionally balanced meals each regular school day. Children may bring a packed lunch from home or eat a school lunch. A menu will go home each month and is posted online/via social media. Sodas are discouraged and energy drinks are not allowed at school during school hours.

The ability to check the balance of your child’s lunch money account and make online payments is now available. All you need is your student’s ID number. Go to the District section of the website, click “Parents” tab, select “Online Payments”, select “Food ServicePayments”, then enter the information required and follow the steps provided. (There is a $2 convenience fee for online payments).

Students who qualify, may receive meals free or at a reduced rate.

Applications for free or reduced lunches are distributed at the beginning of the school year. If a family’s financial situation changes during the year, free and reduced applications will be available in the office.

Payment for lunches should be given to the teacher at the beginning of the day and can be in cash or check made out to Sahuarita Schools. Paying in advance (i.e. one week or one month at a time) is strongly encouraged. Children without lunch money will be given an alternative meal consisting of a sandwich and milk. If you have questions please call the cafeteria at 520-625-3502 ext. 1023.

Cafeteria Rules:

Students should use appropriate table manners and maintain appropriate voice levels.

Excessive misbehavior or disrespect will be reported to the classroom teacher. Depending on the severity of the offenses, an administrator may be informed.

Throwing food will not be tolerated.

Students are not allowed to handle other students’ food.

Any inappropriate behavior may be subject to disciplinary action.

Communication:

You are always encouraged to contact your child’s teacher by email.

You may email your child’s teacher with any important information or questions. You can contact the main office at 520-625-3502, ext. 1200 to leave a message. The front office can also transfer you to the teachers’ voice mail where you can leave a message.

Please be patient with teachers on returning your calls, they are very busy during the day with their students and may not have time to get to their messages until the end of the day.

Conferences:

Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year. Please see the calendar for the dates. Your child’s teacher will send out information to sign up. You can also contact the school for a conference at any time.

Counselor:

The elementary counseling program focuses primarily on classroom guidance, small group sessions, and, on a limited basis, individual sessions. Our counselor will help in any area where help is needed such as test taking skills, making new friends, coping with peer pressure, study skills and more.

Any student should feel free to talk to the counselor whenever they feel the need. Parents are also encouraged to communicate with our counselor and may call to schedule an appointment.

Discipline:

At SIS, general school-wide expectations guide our behavior: Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful, And Follow All Directions.

When school rules are broken, a discipline report will be filled out.

Consequences may include, but are not limited to parent notification, loss of privileges, lunch detention, after-school detention, in-school or out-of-school suspension, etc.

Dress Code:

At Sahuarita Intermediate School, we are committed to preparing our students for the future. This preparation includes academics, social, and job skills. The classroom is the student’s “workplace”; we expect them to dress accordingly. The following dress code is a district requirement for all K-8 students and is linked on the following page.

Dress Code Violation Policy:
If a student is out of dress code, it may result in a lunch detention.

If a student is out of dress code numerous times it may result in
further discipline. If in doubt, please call before sending your student to school possibly out of dress code.

Drug/Alcohol/Weapon Free School Zone/ Zero Tolerance School District:

Sahuarita Unified School District is a drug, alcohol, and weapon free School Zone. Any student caught with, admitting possession of or under the influence of any of these may receive a 1-year suspension.

If a student gives or sells drugs, alcohol or has a weapon on campus, they may be expelled from SUSD.

Early Release Wednesdays:

The Sahuarita School District has early-release on most Wednesdays to allow for staff development. Dismissal time is 1:05 pm. Please see the District Calendar for the dates of the early-release Wednesdays.

Electronic Devices:

Electronic devices are not to be seen or used on campus by students between the hours of 6:50 a.m. – 2:05 p.m. (unless directed by the
Teacher for educational purposes only; it may not be used for reward purposes). Any cell phone or smart watch needs to be turned to vibrate and/or silent and placed in the student's backpack.

Students caught with a phone in hand will have their phone confiscated. A parent or legal guardian must pick up the phone if this is the second offense.

Other Portable Devices not allowed on campus include IPods, MP3s, video game players, laser pens, cameras, and any other devices. The second time an item is confiscated, disciplinary action will be implemented.

If items are lost or stolen, SIS will not be responsible for the theft or investigation of these items.

Expectations of Students:

At SIS, school-wide expectations guide our behavior:

Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful Follow All Directions.

Each student is expected to:

Exhibit regular attendance, punctuality and active participation in the learning process.

Contribute to a positive climate on campus by treating school property, other students, and all adults with respect and by demonstrating positive citizenship.

Emergency and Safety Procedures:

The school has developed policies and procedures in the event of an emergency at school. These policies are taught in the classroom. We will practice and become familiar with procedures before our first scheduled drill.

Field Trips:

Field trips are both fun and educational for students. We may need parent volunteers on the trips. Parents may not bring younger siblings with them on the field trip. A permission slip will go home before each trip.

Fund Raising Sales:

The school does not permit individual students to sell items at school, regardless of whether it is for personal profit or to be donated to a non-profit organization.

Gum:

Chewing gum is prohibited on campus and on the bus at all times.

Homework:

Homework should:

1. Promote growth, self-responsibility, and self-direction in learning;
2. Develop good work habits for students;
3. Enrich, enhance, or extend school experiences;
4. Bring students in contact with out-of-school learning resources (libraries, Internet, or computer programs);
5. Help children learn to budget time; and
6. Provide essential practice in skill acquisition.

Although the teacher can be a friendly reminder, it is the responsibility of the student to get all the make-up work the day the student returns to school. The student will have equal to the number of days absent to make up work. (I.e. if a student is absent 2 days, the students have 2 school days, to complete the work and turn it in for credit.)

Illness at School:

The nurse or health assistant will tend to minor scratches and scrapes, as well as sudden illnesses. For more serious injuries, she
will contact you. Please be sure to send in any changes of contact numbers in case she needs to get in touch with you. If you need to
speak with the health assistant, please call 520-625-3502 ext. 1203. In the event your child requires medication at school, please contact the school. Students may not have prescription or over the counter medications in their possession on school campus. When the licensed health care provider feels it is necessary for students to carry and self-medicate, the licensed health care provider shall provide written recommendations, to be attached to the signed “Request for Giving Medication at School,” form.

Lice:

If your child is suspected of having lice or if nits are present, you will be notified and requested to pick up your child for immediate treatment. As a precaution, students with long hair should wear it up and avoid sharing combs or hats.

L. I. N. K. (After School Program):

L.I.N.K. provides before and after school care for children ages 4 thru 14. The morning L.I.N.K. program is from 6:30 a.m. until the school day begins. The after school program begins at school dismissal and closes at 5:30 pm. There is a fee for this program. This program runs independently from SIS. To obtain more information call 520-625-3502 ext. 1212.

Lost and Found:

Items that are found will be stored in the Library. It is suggested that you write or sew your child’s first and last name in the clothing
they wear to school. The school will hold lost clothing until the last Friday of every month, after that it will be donated to a charitable organization. Please come to the office and feel free to look through the lost and found at anytime. The district or school assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Newsletter:

SIS will send home a monthly newsletter and will post it the SIS social media outlets. For those who do not have technology access call the school to request a hard copy. Some teachers send home weekly or monthly newsletters as well.

Personal Items at School:

Students are encouraged to bring necessary items to school such as backpacks, jackets, etc. Please remember to label them with first and last name. Please remember classroom supplies are often shared as community items. If some school supplies are personal or of great value, we recommend that students use these items at home.

Other items, such as toys, Pokémon cards, sports equipment, and excessive grooming items (lip gloss, hair accessories that don’t stay in the hair all day, etc.) stay home or only be brought to school with parent/teacher permission.

Pick-Up Procedures - During School:

With safety in mind, ALL INDIVIUALS will be required to show a picture ID when checking out students. Adults, other than parents, must be listed by name on the child’s registration form and we must have written authorization from a parent. No person will be allowed to pick up a student from school without the authorization of a parent.

Pick-Up Procedures – After School:

Students who are not riding the bus home will be supervised on our front walk way area until a parent arrives. All students must be picked up by 2:15 pm, or they will be brought into the front office. If your child is in the L.I.N.K. program they will be dropped off in our Gym by the classroom teacher. Parents who need to pick up their child prior to dismissal time are required to sign out their child in the office and show picture ID. Parents are not allowed to get their child directly from the classroom.

Physical Assault:

Sometimes students un-intentionally hurt other students in the course of physical activity or play. Fighting is unacceptable student behavior and will not be tolerated. Consequences may include but are not limited to loss of privileges, parent notification, mediation, after-school detention police involvement, in-school, or out-of- school suspension. Students are encouraged to see an administrator or staff member if they are having issues with another student.

Pets On Campus:

Due to the unpredictability of some pets, all pets are restricted from campus. This ensures the safety of all individuals on campus.

Pledge of Allegiance:

Each school day students will be afforded the opportunity to recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Students participating in the recitation of the Pledge will be expected to stand, face the flag, and recite the pledge in unison.
Students not participating in the Pledge may stand and refrain from reciting the Pledge. Non-participating students shall in no way conduct themselves in a manner which disrupts the observance of the Pledge of Allegiance.

PTP (Parent Teacher Partnership):

SIS has a very active and engaged PTP that consists of parents and teachers. The function is to assist the school. Any parent or
community member is encouraged to join. The PTP plans and organizes fundraising events, Family Fun Nights, and other school activities that support school and community culture. PTP also supports events such as Out of Dress Code Fridays, Teacher Appreciation Week, and more! Meetings will be published in newsletters and via social media. Families can purchase Spirit wear from the PTP Website, which is linked here.

Recess and Playground Expectations:

Unstructured outside play is an important part of a student’s physical and social development. Recesses are scheduled for
students throughout the day. Classroom aides are on the playground to supervise the students during recess periods.

Students should play in the approved, safe areas of the playground.

Games involving tagging, hitting, or tackling are not permitted.

Students should remain on the playground with and SIS employee at all times. Report injuries immediately. Food, candy, or gum is not
allowed on the playground. Students are not permitted to share food brought from home.

Students are expected to follow all school rules while on the playground. Students breaking a rule may receive a Bobcat Behavior Notice from a adult on duty. These warnings or discipline notices will be communicated to the teacher and parents. They may result in further discipline.

Report Cards: 

Report cards reflect the progress your child has made toward the class assignments, assessments, and the state standards. Report
cards are provided at the end of every quarter. Parents are able to view their child’s grades by using the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Information will be provided by the teacher and/or the front office.

Snacks:

Each teacher will send home a note explaining how snacks are done in their classroom. This should be a healthy snack that is quickly eaten, such as: crackers, fruit roll-ups, raisins, or fresh fruit, being mindful of classroom allergies and restrictions.

Social Media:

SIS Staff is very active on social media!

Stay connected via Facebook @SahuaritaIntermediate or Instagram @SISBOBCATS to learn about events, activities, or the great news happening at SIS!

Specialists:

The SIS staff includes music, physical education, computers and library teachers trained to meet the needs of young children.

Students attend these classes each week where the Arizona College and Career Readiness Standards are used to design lessons in these subject areas. Students do check out library books from the school library each week. It is the student’s responsibility to care for and return their books each week. Lost or un-returned books will result in lack of check out privilege.

Supplies:

A supply list will be available for students. There are supply lists for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade; a teacher may provide an individual list with
additional items. Please do your best to provide your child supplies when needed through out the school year.

Visitors and Volunteers:

We value and enjoy having parents and community members visit our school. All visitors and volunteers must check in at the school
office, present their ID, and get a badge upon arrival. It is the goal and responsibility of the school to create a safe learning
environment. Classroom visits need to be pre-arranged with the teacher or principal. Student visitors are not permitted at any time during the school day.

Per SUSD protocol, all parent volunteers must be approved by the board. It is an easy 5 minute paperwork process that can be completed and turned in directly to the SIS office.

Withdrawal Procedures:

Parents should come to the office to officially withdraw their child from school. Lunch charges, and fees for lost textbooks or library
books must be paid prior to withdrawal. Permanent Records will be sent to the student’s new school upon their request. Any student, with 10 consecutive un-excused absences, will be withdrawn from our records.