Handbook

Parent Student Handbook
Download a pdf of the 2022-23 Parent Handbook 
 

Blenman Vision Statement 

The vision of Blenman Elementary is to prepare our students to become critical, analytical thinkers through authentic learning so that they become responsible collaborative participants in a global economy. 
 

Mission Statement 
The mission of Blenman is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where students develop critical thinking skills as self-directed learners who are empowered to contribute to their communities. 

 

Blenman Kindness Pledge 

At Blenman, we are all about Kindness, Respect, and Responsibility. 

I show kindness when I have empathy for others.

 I show respect when I treat others the way I want to be treated. 

I show responsibility when  I am accountable for my actions. 

At Blenman we are all about Kindness, Respect, and Responsibility. 

This handbook has been prepared to help you become familiar with Blenman Elementary School.  It was developed to inform you of the policies and procedures that may concern you and your child during the year.  Please read it thoroughly as it can answer questions and/or concerns that may arise throughout the year. 

History/Welcome

Photo of Charles Blenman With The Text Judge Charles BlenmanBlack and White Photo Of Blenman School

 

Blenman History  A six-classroom facility was built in 1941-42 with classes starting in September 1942.  From a six-classroom school, the facility has grown to now accommodate over 500 students annually.   Blenman is named for Judge Charles Blenman, a prominent Tucson land developer.  He was instrumental in establishing the San Xavier Indian Reservation.   

   
1695 N. Country Club
Tucson, AZ 85716
Phone (520) 232-6500
http://blenmanes.tusd1.org
Kelly Mack, Principal

SCHOOL HOURS:  M, T, Th, F 8:26-2:40 PM
8:26AM-1:40 PM Wed.
OFFICE HOURS:  7:30 AM– 3:30 PM
EAGLES are:
Empowering our students to be independent, 
Artistic, and creative thinkers with a
Growth mindset through a
Loving community while
Encouraging cultural diversity amongst all learners in a rigorous and
Supportive academic environment


 

2022-2023 Parent Handbook

ATTENDANCE/LEAVING EARLY

Direct Phone Line: 232-6502

 Please assist the school by having your child be at school every day and on time. The first bell rings at 8:26 am. Your child is considered tardy after the second bell at 8:30. Whenever a student must be absent from school, a parent or guardian must notify the school attendance office.
 
All voicemail messages will be picked up promptly.  If the school is not called, an automated voice message will call your home starting at 9:00 to inquire why your child is not at school.
Students may not be dismissed between 2:30-2:40.
Please see that your child arrives at school on time every day.  All children arriving at school after the 8:30 AM bell are expected to be escorted to the office by a parent for a late pass.

BIRTHDAY and PARTY CELEBRATIONS:
Please check with your child’s teacher at least 24 hours in advance of any birthday or other celebrations. Only store bought items can be brought in.  No balloons will be allowed in the classroom.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM

Breakfast will be served from 8:00-8:35 each morning. Breakfast and lunch is free to all students.
Candy, sodas, and “Takis” (or other Taki-like chips) are not to be brought to school.

BUS TRANSPORTATION                                                          Direct Line: 225-4800
Bus transportation is a privilege for students who live in the designated distances from school.  Bus routes are created each year and are available at the opening of school. Please discuss the safest route home to and from the bus stop with your child.

CLASSROOM CONCERNS
If you have a question or concern about a classroom procedure or your child’s progress, please contact the teacher directly.

CELL PHONES 

Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed to be used on campus. If a student is using the cell phone during school hours, even on the playground, it is TUSD policy to take the cell phone away and place in the office vault/principal’s office. First offense, student will be given the phone back at the end of the day. After first offense, a parent will need to come to retrieve the phone. Recording of any kind by a student or parent is absolutely not allowed.

CHILD CUSTODY

In most cases, when parents are divorced, both mother and father continue to have legal rights when their children are concerned.  If you have a court order that limits the rights of one parent in matters such as custody or visitation, please bring a copy to the school office.  Unless the court order is on file with us, we must provide equal access rights to both parents. It is the expectation that both parents cooperate within school grounds.

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES
School personnel are mandated by law to report situations about children (such as non-accidental injuries, physical neglect, or emotional abuse) to law enforcement or the Dept. of Child Safety (DCS).

CODE OF CONDUCT   “Be Kind, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible”
  • Follow all directions of the adults who work in our school building.
  • Show respect for everyone and everything in and around the school.
  • DO NOT leave the school grounds for any reason without permission from a trusted adult.
  • Play safe – no dangerous or harmful activities allowed.
  • Line up quickly and quietly when the bell rings or when signaled to do so.
  • Keep hands and feet to self.
  • Walk quietly in the hallways and always have a pass.
  • Gum chewing is not permitted for health and safety reasons.
  • Hot Cheetos, Taki’s, or Taki-like chips, soda, and unhealthy snacks are not permitted.
  • Fidget spinners, cubes, and other toys are not permitted.
  • Makeup and purses should not be brought to school.
  • Walk bicycles on school grounds and always wear a helmet.
  • No foul or inappropriate language.
  • No fighting allowed.
  • Personal items that cause disruption or dangerous are prohibited (cellphones, computer games, toys, electronic devices, Pokemon cards, lighters, matches, weapons)
Note: This list is not all inclusive and is subject to change per principal discretion.

DISMISSAL
All students are escorted by teachers/staff to their designated place to be picked up. Parent pick up in cars is along Bentley Street at 2:40. Daycare pickup is along Adams Street. Bus pickup is through the parking lot off Bentley.

DRESS CODE   Dress for Success

Students are expected to dress appropriately and present themselves in a manner that reflects personal and school pride.  While we do not have a uniform, Blenman students will follow TUSD Dress Code.
  • No spaghetti straps or shirts that expose the midriff, or plunging necklines, or “muscle shirts,” or basketball shirts without an accompanying under t-shirt.  Clothing should be free of tears and rips. Tank tops may be worn if the straps are 2 finger-width wide.
  • No short-shorts or short skirts. No shorter than mid-thigh/fingertip length.  Shorts cannot be completely covered by long t-shirts.
  • No sagging or oversized clothes, pants must fit at the waist and underwear or boxer shorts must not be visible.
  • No clothing that portrays any statement or image that is inappropriate in any way.
  • No accessories that can be used as weapons, such as chains, spiked rings and/or collars.
  • No hats or sunglasses inside the building. Hats worn for decorative or sun protection outside must be worn with the visor in front.
  • Shoes must be appropriate for school activities. Tennis shoes are strongly recommended. (No Heelys (shoes with wheels), house slippers, sandals, flip flops or high heels). Parents will be called to bring different shoes if flip-flops are worn to school.
  • Hair color and styles must not interfere with the learning environment.

EMERGENCY DRILLS  

Blenman students participate in regular evacuation drills (fire drills, evacuation, and bus drills) during the year. Additionally, we have drills for lock-downs or entire school evacuations.

HEALTH OFFICE                                                                        Direct Line: 232-6517

If your child becomes sick at school, parents are expected to make arrangements for their child to be taken home within one hour after being notified.

Non-prescription medicines of any kind will not be given or allowed at school unless accompanied by a doctor’s note.  Please do not give your child cough drops or other medicine to take at school by themselves. All prescription medicines, including inhalers, must be in the original containers and must be kept in the Health Office.

HOMEWORK POLICY

It is the belief of the teachers at Blenman Elementary School that the most valuable homework for students is to practice reading and math facts nightly. We will not be sending home packets of work.
 

PARENT PARKING and PICK-UP

  • During morning arrival and dismissal no cars are to proceed through the bus-bay parking lot outside the cafeteria. This is staff parking only and all gates will remain locked.
  • Drop off for students in the morning is by the purple playground on Bentley. Gates will be locked until 8am when supervision arrives. Do not allow your child to jump over the fence to get into the school yard.
The north parking lot is not to be used to drop students off in the morning. 

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Please plan to attend your child’s scheduled parent/teacher conferences in order to stay current on his or her progress. 

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Cell phones, trading cards (Pokemon cards), toys and electronic games may not be brought, sold, traded or played with at school.

PLAYGROUND RULES
Students are expected to follow playground rules and our PBIS expectations of be kind, be responsible, and be respectful. Rough housing and play fighting can lead to actual conflict and will not be permitted.

RETENTION AND PROMOTION

Teachers make decisions regarding retention or promotion using observation and performance data. They will meet with you throughout the year to review your child’s progress.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL

Blenman’s School Site Council is a site-based committee that includes and represents parents, teachers, staff members, the community and the principal.  Please let the front office know if you are interested in becoming a parent representative for the Site Council.

STUDENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

TUSD established the Code of Conduct to help students, families, and schools achieve a quality education. These guidelines for student behavior are intended to help create a positive and safe teaching and learning environment in all schools.

SUPERVISION

Supervision of the school grounds begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 2:55 PM.  In order to maintain the health and safety of all individuals, students cannot report to school prior to 8:00 AM.