Middle school off to great start

Maricopa Wells Middle School had a successful opening, according to Principal Stephanie Sharp.

“On the first day there were some students with worried faces in the morning, but those turned to smiles by afternoon,” said Sharp.

Maricopa Wells is in session from 8:30 a.m. to 3:36 p.m., and the office is open form 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The school phone is (520) 568-7100.

Parents may access information on bell schedules, bus routes, the handbook and dress code policy on the school’s district Web page.

Teachers and administrators would, however, like parents to remember the following:

Dress Code: There are changes to this year’s 6-12 grade District Dress Code Policy. Shirts must have sleeves and be free of writing and pictures/logos larger than two by two inches. School T-shirts are acceptable. Shirts of any color are okay at this time. Hats are not permitted unless they have a school logo on them. Pants must also be free of writing, etc., with no holes; they should fit at the waist.

Bus Routes: Children should know their bus driver’s name, the bus number and where to get off the bus. If you are new to the area, have your student’s address and phone number written down and on their person or in their backpack. All buses should be on time by the end of the week, but students should board them right after school ends.

Lunches: Parents can save time by paying for student lunches online. Children should memorize their student ID in order to speed up lunch lines.

Planners/Lanyards/IDs: Planners will be available this week. Identification cards and lanyards are required; this will be enforced beginning next week. By then all our students ID cards should be completed and free lanyards (green) will be passed out. Students may purchase MWMS lanyards at the bookstore for $3.

After School Program: This program is available Monday through Thursday and has transportation for those normally riding a bus home. Students in grades 6 – 8 can attend free of charge. Forms and program information are available online.

Important upcoming events:
Aug. 20: The first Site Council and PTO Meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the library. Nominations for any vacant offices will be taken at this meeting. This group is the school’s parent/community input and decision-making body.

Aug. 21: Picture Day

Aug. 28: Curriculum Night from 5 – 7p.m. (Student textbooks should be ready to go home on or before this date.)

Aug. 31 Back-to-School Dance from 6 – 8pm (Tickets will be sold in advance starting next week in the bookstore. Students must have a ticket, an ID and be enrolled to attend.)