Principal: Traci Matela
Assistant Principal: Rob Kuri

Principal's Message

August 2011

Dear Arizona Family & Community Members:

Welcome to Arizona Middle School, home of the Apaches. It is my privilege to serve the district and return to the middle school I attended, now as Principal. I am a product of Alvord Unified School District and chose to be an educator here because I believe our family oriented community is what sets us apart from others. I have such confidence in Alvord’s schools and teachers that my own children attended Alvord schools on transfers from another district. You are privileged to call Alvord home to your child’s education.

Arizona staff maintains a caring climate to support middle school aged students in their academic and social journey. Your child will be scheduled with a team of teachers in language arts, history, math, and science. This schedule enables teachers to develop interdisciplinary lessons and collectively respond to the individual needs of each student on their team. Your child will also be enrolled in physical education and an exploratory class to meet his/her specific needs.

We encourage students to get involved in school activities. Co-curricular programs at Arizona include ASB sponsored activities, events, and a variety of teacher led Clubs. Students have access to three counselors, along with classroom presentations from various agencies, and other support programs. Academic intervention and enrichment opportunities are provided through daily Tutorial time. In addition, the after school PRIME Time program is available to assist with homework and social needs.

Academic awards and incentives for attendance help promote an affirming school climate to enhance student learning. Students who demonstrate academic excellence and perfect attendance will be recognized at the 1st Semester Awards ceremony and the End of the Year Awards ceremony. We are fortunate to have community support from Singh Chevrolet who recognizes perfect attendance with drawings for prizes each semester and a family banquet at the end of the year.

Student success is a continued focus at Arizona. Because we want to ensure that we maximize our students’ learning time we will not interrupt classrooms during instructional time, thereby supporting student success. We ask for your support in avoiding classroom interruptions by preplanning with your children. You can also help by scheduling your child’s appointments outside of the school day. Because individual student parties/celebrations are personal events we ask that you hold these special events at home; as they are not permitted at school. Also, any after school plans and/or arrangements should be planned prior to the start of school so that children know what they are to do at dismissal time. With your support we will continue to provide our students with a quality educational program.

We ask that your child attend school each and every day on time. Attendance is an important element of student success. If your child is not able to attend school, we ask that you call the front office. Please remember that if your child is tardy, leaves early, or is absent she/he misses out on important learning time. If your child has a medical or dental appointment, please request a note from the doctor for your child’s absence. In addition, your child should receive any missed work during the time of the absence. Once your child returns, the work should be completed and turned in to the teacher for credit.

With the partnership of home, school, and community, we can work together to support the success of your child. Parents have the opportunity to provide input in school programs through the PTSA, School Site Council, and English Language Advisory Council. If you are interested in serving on any of these committees please fill out and return the parent information attached to your child’s registration packet. Representatives for the School Site Council must be elected by the parents of Arizona Middle School. Elections will be held at Back to School Night.

Working together with involved parents, amazing teachers, and enthusiastic students, Arizona Middle School will continue to be what it is today; an over 800 API school, a California Distinguished School, and a No Excuses University school. Our goals are limitless and graduation begins today!
Sincerely,

Traci J. Matela
Principal

 

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