meet the teacher

celis

Welcome Back Braves!

We are beyond excited to kick off the 2025–2026 school year with you. The summer months are always a little too quiet without the energy and joy that our students bring, and we can’t wait to have them back in our walkways and classrooms!

Our first day of school is Friday, July 25th, and we are committed to starting strong. As your principal, it is my priority to ensure that every student and staff member begins the year equipped, supported, and ready to thrive. Below, you'll find important back-to-school details. If you have any questions prior to Meet the Teacher Night on Thursday, July 24th from 4:00–6:00 p.m., please don’t hesitate to reach out.

This year, we continue to build on the strong foundation we’ve created with the same initiatives that support student success, fostering strong relationships, prioritizing academic growth, and creating a safe and respectful learning environment. We are especially proud to have been recognized as a National Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) Showcase School and will continue implementing these powerful strategies across our campus this year.

Our 2025–2026 theme, “Driven by Growth, Fueled by Teamwork,” reminds us that our greatest strength is in working together. At Sacaton Elementary, our vision is to provide educational delivery of the highest quality that is grounded in the O’otham Himthag.

As we prepare for the year ahead, we encourage all families to stay informed and engaged. Be sure to read the latest edition of our district newsletter for updates, including important information about our cell phone policy and transportation changes.

Thank you for your continued support, trust, and partnership. We are confident that we’ve made student-centered decisions that will allow us to provide your child with a high-quality learning experience every single day.

We can’t wait to see you soon!

In partnership,

Stephanie Celis

Meet the Teacher

Join us on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM for our annual Meet the Teacher event!

  • Class lists, school uniform tops, and transportation information will be available in the gym.

  • Enjoy a hot dog and drink in the cafeteria.

  • Be sure to visit your child’s classroom and meet their teacher.

  • Have registration questions? Our office staff will be available to assist you.

Dress Code

To help create a focused and respectful learning environment, all students are expected to wear their school shirts or a white, purple, or yellow polo shirt with dark bottoms each day. School shirts will be provided during Meet the Teacher night, where each student will receive three shirts to start the year. Hoodies are not part of the dress code and should not be worn to school. In addition, clothing with inappropriate or distracting logos is not allowed. By helping your child come to school dressed for success, you're supporting a positive and productive learning space for all.

Arrival and Dismissal

As we get ready for the new school year, we want to let you know that only a few small changes have been made to our arrival and dismissal routines at the elementary school. The most noticeable change is that Middle School will now start 30 minutes later than before and will be released later.

Ensuring that students arrive on time each day is essential for a smooth and successful start. When students are on time, they can begin their day with clear expectations, a sense of routine, and a safe, calm environment.

To help us maintain a safe and focused end-of-day routine, all early pick-ups must be made before 2:45 PM. Any pick-ups after 2:45 PM will need to wait until regular dismissal at the designated pick-up location. This process helps prevent classroom disruptions and ensures all students are accounted for and safe during the final part of the school day.

These updates are designed with your child’s safety in mind, and we appreciate your support as we make these improvements. As always, we welcome your feedback and are here to answer any questions. For transportation specific information please contact dispatch at 520-562-8600, ext. 3044

Cell Phone Policy Update – Effective July 25, 2025

As we prepare for the new school year, please be aware that Sacaton Elementary School District has adopted a new cell phone policy, effective Friday, July 25, 2025. In compliance with state and federal laws, student cell phone use will be restricted during the school day.

All classrooms will have phone storage sleeves. Students must silence their phones and store them upon entering class. Phones may only be used during passing periods and lunch (middle school only). Parents needing to reach their child during school hours should call the front office.

Exceptions to the policy include teacher-approved educational use, emergencies, or medical needs. A full letter with detailed guidelines is included in this memo.

Parent Support

Coffee with the Principal

We’re excited to continue building strong partnerships with our families! One way we’ll stay connected is through Coffee with the Principal, held once a month. This is a great opportunity to hear school updates, ask questions, and share ideas. Our first gathering will be Friday, August 15th from 9:00–10:00 a.m., I’d love to see you there.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” —Helen Keller

back to school

school expectations

transportation news

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