Frequently Asked Questions
School begins at 8:40 a.m., and the tardy bell rings at 8:45 a.m. Students must be in their seats before the tardy bell! School ends at 3:40 p.m. every day except for Mondays. On that day, we release students early at 2:10 p.m. Parents, please don't bring your children to school any earlier than 8:15 a.m. We do not have supervision before then.
Back to TopWhat should I do if my child is absent?
The Arizona State Department of Education now requires that you send a written note excusing your child's absence. We put these notes into your child's permanent record for a period of four years. No child can receive an excused absence without a written note signed by the parent or a doctor.
Back to TopIf I need to take my child out of school early, what steps should I follow?
Check in with the front office to let us know you want to take your child out of school early. Once you arrive in our office, we will notify the classroom teacher to send him/her student to the office. We will not dismiss students to walk alone to go home or to appointments. You must be present to check out your child.
Back to TopWhat meals does the cafeteria serve and what does it cost?
Elementary Pricing Schools: Alice Byrne, Palmcroft, Rolle, Otondo, Desert Mesa, and Sunrise.
We know that breakfast is the most important part of the day. That is why at Yuma School District One, we offer breakfast at no cost to students. We serve breakfast from 8:10 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. Please join us. If a parent or child would like to join a student and purchase breakfast, the cost is $2.50. Lunch is available to all students for $1.50 every day. If a parent or guest would like to join their child for lunch, the cost is $3.50.
You may fill out a free and reduced lunch application at any time during the school year if you think your family may qualify. If you would like to manage your meal account online or make an online payment, please go to family.titank12.com. You just need your child's eight-digit student i.d. number. See the cafeteria manager for more details. We look forward to serving you.
If students bring a sack lunch from home, they may still purchase a juice or milk for 25 cents. Due to USDA guidelines, milk or juice is 25 cents, regardless if your student qualifies for free and reduced priced meals.
Back to TopWhat is Desert Mesa Elementary's dress code?
We ask that students come to school dressed ready to learn. Please wear clean and modest clothing. Wear your pants or shorts at the waist line. Shirts should be long enough that they can be tucked in if necessary. We allow caps on campus but not in the classroom, and students may wear knitted caps only when the weather is cold enough.
The uniform dress code is as follows:
- Shirts: Short or long-sleeved polo or crew-necked shirt. Shirts must be solid gray, maroon, or navy. The only design allowed is the bobcat. Other acceptable shirts are Desert Mesa spirit shirts.
- Pants, shorts, jumpers, or skirts must be all denim, navy blue, or khaki.
Samples are on exhibit in the school office.
Offenders:
- First time - The student will receive a warning.
- Second time - The student will lose a recess.
- Third time - The student must call home for appropriate clothing.
What personal items should my child not bring to school?
Please do not bring the following items to school: radios, tape recorders, electronics of any kind, expensive jewelry, large sums of money, or toys.
Back to TopWhat if my child loses a belonging?
We try our best to return lost items to students, but we need your help. When possible, please label your children's coats, sweaters, lunch pails, and anything else you would want returned to you if it is lost.
Back to TopCan my child ride a bike to school?
Yes, we allow students in second through fifth grades to ride bikes to school. City law requires your student to wear a helmet for safety reasons. We also have bike racks available for parking the bikes, and we do require students to lock their bikes. Desert Mesa Elementary is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged bikes.
Back to TopCan my child ride rollerblades, skateboards, or scooters to school?
We only allow students in second grade and up to ride scooters or skateboards to school. All students must wear appropriate helmets when riding.
Back to TopIs bussing available for my child?
Yes. Students who live one and one-half miles or more away from the school are eligible to ride the bus each day. Please remind your child that riding the bus is a privilege. Students who behave inappropriately on the bus will lose their bus riding privileges.
Back to TopMy child needs to take medication daily. How will you make sure he/she will receive it?
ALL medications will be kept in the school health office for safety of all students. Only the school nurse, health paraprofessional, or other staff member as directed, will deliver medications to a student.
Prescription Medication
- Must be prescribed by a Health care provider who is licensed in the state of Arizona and/or California.
- According to Arizona Law, no medication from Mexico will be permitted to be administered at school.
- All prescribed medication must be in the original container from the pharmacy.
Over the Counter Medication
- Written permission by parent must be provided on the OTC-consent form.
- Any over-the-counter medication sent by parent must be in the original packaging with all directions clearly marked.
Medication that is not properly labeled, expired, and/or without a signed consent by parent/guardian and healthcare provider will not be administered to any student!
Back to TopWe divide the school year into four grading periods and send out grades on the Thursday following the end of each period.
Back to TopDoes my child have access to the Internet at school?
Yes. We equip all classrooms with Internet access, and we take precautions to make sure our students use our computers appropriately. Every parent and student must sign a permission slip, which tells us you are willing to follow the guidelines of good conduct when using the Internet in the classroom.
Back to TopDo Desert Mesa students have access to a school library?
Absolutely. We encourage kids to read every day. We allow students in second through fifth grades to check out two books at a time. Students in first grade may check out one book. Kindergarten students may check out one book and keep it inside the classroom. We let all other grade levels take the books home. Just remember to bring your books back each week on Tuesdays. Students will have to pay for lost or damaged books.
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