Mr.Argin's Insight
The summer has flown by and the first day of school, Monday, August 13, is just around the corner. I hope that you have all been having a great time in summer. We have been busy all summer preparing for this next school year and are anxious to see all of you again! Enclosed in this newsletter is orientation information, school start and end times, before & after school enrichment program information, drop off and pick up information, supply lists, tax credit information, lunch information, our dress code, and more. Please take the time to read it in its entirety.

We received the AIMS and Terra Nova scores in June and each individual student’s report was mailed. The scores were also publicly released by the Arizona Department of Education in Mid-July. Our scores improved over the past year.

Welcome back to our returning SSA families and to the new families. We are glad you are joining us this year. Most of our classes are full this year and we have waiting list. We are excited to see so many new families in our community and can’t wait to get to know you.

We are looking forward to another exciting year. Please stop by and visit me, or email me at margin@sonoranacademy.org or call me at (602)244-9855 x 25.

Sincerely,

Mr. Mehmet Argin

Supplies Lists
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
If you already purchased the school supply you do not need to purchase any additional items. These are the supplies that students need for 2007-2008 School Year.

Kindergarten Box Kit
2 - Wide rule spiral notebooks (70 pages)
Box #2 pencils
2 - 24 box of Crayola crayons
1 - Crayola 8 classic color markers (regular size)
4 - glue sticks
Bottle of Elmer’s glue
Post-its
Colored pocket folder (red, orange, yellow)
Pocket folders with brads (green and another color)
Large box of tissues

First Grade Supply Kits
1 - 8 pack Crayola Watercolor Paints (only)
3 - Large Pink Erasers
20 - #2 Pencils
1 - 5" Sharp, Pointed Fiskars Scissors
1 - 24 ct. Crayons (no bigger)
1 - 4 oz. Bottle Elmer's White Glue-All (not school glue)
20 - Glue Sticks
1 - 8 ct. Thick Washable Markers (Classic colors)
1 - Plastic School Box (no larger than 8” X 10”)
5 –Folders (with pockets and brads)
1 - Large Box Kleenex Tissue
1 – Backpack (no wheels) (big enough for a folder)
1 - Paint Shirt (with elbow-length sleeves)
1 - Pencil Pouch for storing math materials, approx. 10”x8”
1 box gallon ziplock bags
1- pack anti-bacterial wipes
1- packet color pencils
3 - First Grade handwriting tablets (with the top part blank for drawing)
5 - spiral composition notebooks (wide rule)

Materials for 2nd Grade Box
Pencils
Crayons
A ruler
Glue
Scissors
4 folders with pockets
A water bottle
A box of tissue
Highlighter
Construction paper
School box
Spiral Notebook
Wide ruled lined paper

Materials for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade box
Scissors
Glue stick
Markers, color pencils, or crayons (one type of colors)
Pencils and erasers
Ruler
Pencil box
4 pocket folders
Sketch pad
Tissues
Composition notebook
Red pen
Pens
Highlighter
Wide-ruled loose-leaf paper
Graph paper (larger squares)
Compass
Protractor

Grades 6-12 Supply List
These items are standard for all students: teacher will let students know of any other items on Monday, August 13th.

Student Planner
Binder with paper and folders (or individual notebooks and folders)
Pencils
Pens
Please note: No backpacks.

PE Uniforms
Students in 6-9th grade will take Physical Education 2 times a week as part of their required classes. Each student will need to dress out in the school PE uniform. If you have purchased a uniform in the past, the same one may be used this year also. PE uniforms will be sold during orientation for $18.00

What You Need To Know
After School Activities
The list of after school activities will be available during orientation. Sign-ups for activities will start that day and continue through the first week of the school. Activities will start on Monday, August 27th.

Attendance
Arizona State Law requires students to be in school. Parents must report their child’s absence. While SSA will continue to call parents whose child is not in school to inform them of the absence, any unreported absences will automatically be notated as an unexcused absence. All absences are part of a student’s permanent record. Excessive absenteeism not only causes academic problems for students, but students with excessive absenteeism , excused or unexcused, may be required by SSA and/or state law to repeat their grade. Absences are considered excessive when the number of absent days exceeds ten percent of the 180 required attendance days prescribed by law. Students who do not attend school on a particular day will not be allowed to participate in activities held on that day, such as sports, dances, club activities, field trips etc.

Backpacks
FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:
NO BACKPACKS WILL BE ALLOWED TO BE LEFT IN THE FRONT OFFICE. ALL BACKPACKS SHOULD FIT INTO LOCKERS.

Back To School Nights
Mark your calendar! SSA will have a Back to School Night for parents of middle and high school students on Wednesday, August 22 and for parents of elementary students on Thursday, August 23. Meet in the MPR for a general meeting then off to your child’s classroom to meet the teachers and go over the syllabus and curriculum. This is not the time to discuss individual students. If you have specific questions regarding your child, please schedule an appointment with the teacher.

Before and After School Enrichment Program
The before and after school enrichment program will be administered by SSA. Before school program will at 6:30 am until school starts and after school program will start when school or activity is out until 6:00 pm. There will be before and afterenrichment programthe first day of the school.
The fees for the ’Before and After School Program’ will be as follows:

Registration Fee:$25

Before school:
1st Child $59 per month
2nd Child $49 per month
3rd Child $39 per month
4th+Child $0 per month

After School
1st Child$99 per month
2nd Child $89 per month
3rd Child$79 per month
4th Child $0 per month

Emergency Card:
1 Use Card $10
5 Use Card $40
10 Use Card $90

For registration please stop by at "Before and After school enrichment Program"during Parent Orientation.
Please note: any student not picked up by 3:15 PM or with an after school activity will be sent to the after school enrichment program and will not be able to leave until a parent or guardian picks them up.

Bell Schedule
Middle and High School:
8:05—8:58 First Period
9:02—9:55 Second Period
9:59—10:52 Third Period
10:52—11:22 Lunch
11:22—12:15 Study Table
12:19—1:12 Fourth Period
1:16—2:09 Fifth Period
2:13—3:06 Sixth Period

Elementary School:
8:05—9:35 First Period
9:35—10:05 Recess
10:05—11:35 Second Period
11:35—12:19 Lunch + Recess
12:19—1:12 Third Period
1:16—2:09 Fourth Period
2:13—3:06 Fifth Period

Book Deposit
A $50.00 book deposit is collected from all students and allows them to check out one set of textbooks for use at their grade level. The deposit is held and used to pay for lost books/school owned property at the end of the year. What do you do if you lose a textbook during the course of the school year? For any extra books you want to check out after the initial set a $50.00 deposit per book will be charged.

Car Pool
Interested in car pool? We have a sheet in the front office to sign up on or take names from.

Checking Student Progress
Did you know… At SSA, you can track your child’s progress online!! ID and PIN numbers for your child will be mailed to you in within the first month of school starting. ID and PIN numbers allow you to track your child’s progress in each class. After you receive your child’s ID and PIN number go to our website at www.sonoranacademy.org and click on Student Information System on the left hand side of the screen. Next enter the ID and PIN numbers and choose schedules. And finally, click on Progress on the right hand side of the page of the class you want to check. Teacher will be updating this information at least one time every week. Need help navigating the system? Come in and see an administrator for help. Current students: Your grades are available online now.

Discipline Point System
The major components of DPS is highlighted as the following. For details please refer to Student Handbook that will be given during Parent Orientation.
Every unwanted behavior has a numerical point.

• A teacher can give points only once for the same incident in one class period. The teacher shall fill out a Discipline Referral Form if the same case continues, and contact the Principal.
• A student receiving 10 points in a week (week is defined as from Tuesday to Tuesday), then he/she is required to attend Saturday Detention. Students and parents will be notified no later than Thursday.
  
• Students required to attend Saturday Detention are rewarded a negative 5 points for attending Saturday Detention and obeying rules of conduct for Saturday Detention. Students may receive more DPS points, however for an unwilling behavior.
  
• Failing to attend a Saturday Detention without any confirmed excuse may result in a 1 day out of school suspension.
  
• An accruement of 25 points or more within a semester period may result in 1 day in school suspension.
  
• An accruement of 50 points or more within a semester period may result in 1 day out of school suspension.
  
• An accruement of 70 points or more within a semester period may result in 3 days out of school suspension
  
• An accruement of 75 points or more within a semester period may result in expulsion.
  
• An accruement of 75 points or more within a semester period may result in expulsion.
  

Dress Code
As you are buying school clothes, please keep in mind the following dress code policy. The SSA dress code will be strictly enforced. It is expected that students will respectfully honor the code. Students are expected to dress appropriately for the school environment. How a student dresses often reflects what that student values and the pride that student takes in him or herself and his or her school. Please read the expectations carefully and come to school each day in appropriate dress. Parents are responsible for ensuring their child’s dresses appropriately as they leave home each day. Inappropriate dresses THAT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED in the academic environment includes:

• Short shorts or skirts (shorts must be longer than the longest fingertip length at all times, skirts must be no more than 4 inches above the top of the knee cap).
  
• Tight revealing clothing, exposed undergarments.
  
• Low cut tops, halter-tops, crop tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps, shirt with shoulders exposed.
  
• Any shirt that allows the midriff or back to be exposed when arms are fully raised or when student leans over, sits, or reaches.
  
• Flip flops
  
• Every pair of pants, shorts, or skirts must have a waistband that fits around the natural waist
  PLEASE NOTE! NO LOW-RIDER PANTS, SHORTS, OR SKIRTS!
  
• Torn clothing including knees torn out.
  
• Any clothing that advertises, displays, promotes, or alludes to alcohol/drugs, vulgar/obscene language, offensive language, satanic practices, or gangs.
  
• Any clothing that displays groups or individuals who promote ideas listed above.
  
• “Studded” jewelry, large wallet or key chains that hang on clothing.
  
• Hats and Sunglasses will not be allowed to be worn inside the classroom during the school day.

The first time a student breaks the dress code, a letter will be sent home with the student, requiring a parent signature before the student can return to class. The student will be sent home for any subsequent dress code violations and DPS points will be given.

High School Students
If you have not met with Mr. Achilov before 2006-2007 school year end, see Mr. Ozel (Vice Principal) regarding your schedule for next year please call the office ASAP to schedule an appointment at 244-9855 x 10 or 11.

Lunch
Platters Inc. will be catering our lunch program. SSA Students can receive hot lunch from the caterers for $2.75 per day. Payment can be made by check or cash. Lunch is bought by the month and will start on Monday, August 20th. Lunch forms are enclosed. Forms are due back by Wednesday, August 15th. If you do not wish to participate in the hot lunch program you can bring your own lunch. SSA does not have microwaves or refrigerators available for student use so please plan accordingly. We have applied to be a part of the National School Lunch Program. We should know in early September if we were accepted. If you would like to apply for free or reduced lunch please fill out the two-sided application enclosed with the newsletter. We encourage everyone to fill out this application as this information is also used to apply for grants and to receive additional funding from the state and federal government.

Newsletter Advertising
Own a business or work for a business that needs an alternative way to advertise? This school year we will be adding advertising to our newsletter. This will allow us to offset the cost of producing the newsletter, and improve the quality. Advertising space will be limited. Watch the next newsletter for details and advertising policy.

Orientation
To eliminate the long lines we experienced last year, orientation (grades K-9) has been divided into 3 times periods. Orientation programs will be held on August 9th and 10th according this schedule:

• Thursday, August 9: Students with last name A-G from 2-4 pm
  
• Friday, August 10: Students with last name H-P from 2-4 pm
  
• Friday, August 10: Students with last name Q-Z from 4-6 pm
  

You can come in anytime during these hours. All students should report first to the MPR. During the orientation, elementary students will have a chance to visit their classrooms and meet their teachers. Please remember that books will not be given out until all fees have been paid. If you need to turn in any paperwork please try to do so before this night. We do need volunteers to help us pass out books and schedules. If you are available please call Patty Heid at (602) 244-9855.

Parent Advisory Council Calendar

August 
8-11 Council and Classroom Representative Breakfast 9-11 am
8-15 PAC Meeting 8 am
8-29 Sonoran Family Night 6-8 pm
Aug-September Gold C Coupon Book (Fundraiser)

September 
9-5 PAC Meeting  8 am
9-26 Sonoran Family Night  6-8 pm

October 
10-3 PAC Meeting 8 am
10-24 Sonoran Family Night 6-8 pm

November 
11-7 PAC Meeting 8 am
11-17 Fall Festival (tentative) 11 am - 3 pm
11-28 Sonoran Family Night 6-8 pm
Nov-Dec Cookie Dough Sales (Fundraiser)

December 
12-5 PAC Meeting 8 am
12-12 Sonoran Family Night 6-8 pm (Tentative)

January 
1-9 PAC Meeting 8 am
1-19 Sonoran Family Cultural Celebration 12-3 pm
1-30 Sonoran Family Night 6-8 pm

February 
2-6 PAC Meeting 8 am
2-27 Sonoran Family Night 6-8 pm
Feb Scholastic Book Fair (Fundraiser)

March 
3-5 PAC Meeting 8 am
3-15 SSA Family Picnic 12-3 pm
3-26 Sonoran Family Night 6-8 pm

April 
4-2 PAC Meeting 8 am
4-19 Spring Fling 6-9 pm (Fundraiser)
4-30 Sonoran Family Night 6-8 pm

May 
5-7 PAC Elections ***Time to be Determined***
5-21 Sonoran Family Night 6-8 pm

Start and End Times
SSA’s start and end times have changed this year. Our school will start at 8:05 am and end at 3:06 pm. Students can be dropped off as early as 7:55 am and must be picked up by 3:15 pm.

Tax Credit
You can donate up to $400.00 of Tax Credit for married taxpayers that file a joint return. Are you a single or head of household? You can contribute up to $200.00 to a public school. To qualify for the school tax credit you must make a contribution or pay fees to a public school for support of extra curricular activities or for character education programs. Contributions can be dropped off in front office. Receipts will be mailed in January 2008. For questions call Patty Heid at (602) 244 9855.

August 2007

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri
		1	2	3
6	7	8	9 Parent Orientation	10 Parent Orientation
13 First day of school	14	15 Lunch orders due	16	17
20 Lunch program starts	21	22 Back to school night: Middle & High School	23 Back to school night: Elementary School	24 Last day for high schoolers to add/drop courses
27 After school activities start	28	29	30	31

Cash Back Programs

Did you know… SSA collects box tops and Campbell Soup labels. Save these labels and box tops and hand them in at the front office. This is a great way to help SSA fund student activities. There are also many programs available in our community that offer SSA a rebate or kickback. SSA has applied Fry’s “Cool Ca$h” and Bashas’ “Thanks a Million” programs. Please inquire at the front desk to learn about how you can participate in those programs.

Lunch Menu - August 2007

August 20-24	Menu (Option A)	Vegetarian Menu (Option B)	Portions	Sandwich of the Day
Mon	Cheese Burgers on a Bun; Corn; Potato Salad; Fruit Cocktail; Short Bread Cookies; Milk 1% (Choc. Strawberry, White)	Veggie Burger with/without cheese; Corn; Potato Salad; Fruit Cocktail; Short Bread Cookies; Milk (Soy/Rice)	2 oz. meat; 1 Slice of Cheese; 1 packet each of mayo, mustard, and ketchup; 1/2 cup Potato Salad; 1/4 cup of Fruit; 1 Cookie; half pint of Milk	Egg Salad Sandwich can be a substitute for the Cheese Burgers in any Menu Option
Tue	Tuna Mac Casserole with Breaded Topping; Mixed Veggies; Peaches & Strawberry Jello; Milk 1% (Choc. Strawberry, White)	Stuffed Bell Pepper with Cream of Mushroom Rice Casserole; Mixed Veggies; Peaches & Strawberry Jello; Milk (Soy/Rice)	3/8cup, 1/2 oz Cooked Meat & 3/8 Veggies, 1 Bread Serving (25 grams); 1/2 cup of Vegetables; 1/4 cup Fruit, Jello; half pint Milk	Peanut Butter and Jelly can be a substitute for the Tuna Casserole & Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Wed	Salisbury Steak; Mashed Potato & Gravy; Steamed Broccoli; Apple Sauce; Muffins; Milk 1% (Choc. Strawberry, White)	Veggie Meatloaf; Mash Potato & Gravy (non-Cow Milk, used); Steamed Broccoli; Apple Sauce; Muffins; Milk (Soy/Rice)	2 oz. meat; 1/2 cup Mashed Potato; 1/4 cup of Vegetables; 1/4 cup Fruit; 1 Blue Berry Muffin each; half pint of Milk	Egg Salad Sandwich can be a substitute for any Meat in any of the Menu Options
Thu	Veggie Fried Rice; Popcorn Chicken Salad, Ranch Dressing; Peach Cobbler; Pears; Milk 1% (Choc. Strawberry, White)	Veggie Fried Rice; Garden Salad & Sauteed Mushrooms, Ranch Dressing; Peach Cobbler; Pears; Milk (Soy/Rice)	3/8 cup Fried Rice, 3/8 Vegetables; 1 packet Soy Sauce; 1/4 cup Salad; 1 packet of Ranch Dressing; 1 Serving of Peach Cobbler; 1 Serving Pears, half pint Milk	Regular Bologna & Cheese Sandwich can be substituted for the Veggie Fried Rice of any Menu Option
Fri	BBQ Beef, on a Bun; Scalloped Potatoes; Sweet Peas; Chocolate Pudding; Mixed Fruit; Milk1% (Choc. Strawberry, White)	BBQ Veggie Burger on a Bun; Scalloped Potatoes; Sweet Peas; Chocolate Puddings, soy Milk; Mixed Fruit; Milk (Soy/Rice)	2 oz. meat, 1 Bread Serving (25 grams); 1/2 cup Potatoes; 1/4 cup Vegetables; 1/4 cup Pudding; 1/4 cup Fruit; half pint of Milk	Peanut Butter and Jelly can be a substitute for any BBQ Sandwich Item on either Menu Option
	· Natural or Processed Only. · In the same meal service, dried beans or dried peas may be used as a meat alternate or as a vegetable, however, such use does not satisfy the requirement for both components. · Juice may not be served when milk is served as the other component. · PLEASE WRITE ANY FOODS YOUR CHILD MAY BE ALLERGIC & WILL HAVE ALLERGIC REACTION !!!!!!!!! · PLEASE CIRCLE THE MENU OPTION OF YOUR CHOICE & UNDERLINE THE MILK OF YOUR CHOICE · NSLP Recommend that schools offer larger portions for older children (ages 13-18) based on their greater food energy requirements.

Academic Calendar 2007-2008

Aug 13  First Day of School Aug 29 Early Dismissal Sep 3  Labor Day Sep 14  1st Progress Reports Sep 26-28 Parent Teacher Conferences Sep 26  Early Dismissal Oct 10  End of 1st Quarter Oct 11-12 Fall Break Oct 24 Early Dismissal Nov 9 2nd Progress Report Nov 12 Veteran's Day Nov 22-23 Thanksgiving Holiday Dec 12,13,14 Early Dismissal Dec 17-Jan 1 Winter Break

Jan 21 Martin Luther King Day Jan 30 Early Dismissal Feb 1 3rd Progress Report Feb 18 Presidents' Day Feb 27 Early Dismissal Mar 14 End of 3rd Quarter Mar 17-21 Spring Break Apr 16 Early Dismissal Apr 18 4th Progress Report May 21,22,23 Early Dismissal May 23 Last Day of School May 26-30 Faculty Meetings (Wrap-up)