Norte Families,

Thank you for a wonderful start to the 2026–2027 school year! We appreciate the enthusiasm, flexibility, and support our families have shown during these first few weeks. Your partnership helps us create a safe, welcoming, and successful learning environment for every student.

Curriculum Night: Please join us for Curriculum Night on Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Curriculum Night is an important opportunity to:

     *   Meet with your child’s grade level team of teachers.
            Both the English and Spanish partner teachers.

     *    Learn about grade-level curriculum and academic expectations.

     *   Understand classroom routines, procedures, and communication  methods.

     *   Discover ways to support your child’s learning in the dual language learning model.

     *   Strengthen the partnership between families and our school.

Your participation makes a meaningful difference in your child’s education. We look forward to seeing you!

Arizona Healthy Schools Act and Classroom Snacks

The Arizona Healthy Schools Act takes effect at the beginning of the 2026–2027 school year. The law restricts Arizona public schools from serving or selling foods and beverages that contain certain prohibited additives during the regular school day.

Before donating snacks or treats to your child’s classroom, please carefully review the product’s complete ingredient label. All donated items should be:

     *   Store-bought and unopened.

     *   Individually packaged when possible.

     *   Clearly labeled with a complete ingredient list.

     *   Free from ingredients restricted under the Arizona Healthy Schools Act.

Checking labels also helps us protect students with food allergies and dietary needs. Please contact your child’s teacher before purchasing or delivering any classroom snacks. We appreciate your partnership in supporting the health and safety of all students.

REMEMBER to keep our students hydrated in throughout the year – remember to label your student’s water bottle.

Celebrating Our First-Quarter Norte Ambassadors

We are proud to recognize our 1st Quarter fifth-grade Norte Ambassadors!

Our Norte Ambassadors serve as student leaders and positive role models throughout our school. They demonstrate responsibility, kindness, respect, and pride in our Norte community while helping welcome students, families, and visitors.

Congratulations to:

Aurora C. – Mr. Laux
Amelia B. – Maestra Caraballo-Roman
Minka S. – Mr. Laux
Ryan R. – Mr. Laux
Oli A. – Maestra Caraballo-Roman
Margaret L. – Maestra Salas Murphy
Joseph H. – Maestra Salas Murphy
Morgan O. - Maestra Caraballo-Roman
Dylan M. – Maestra Salas Murphy
Jameson M. – Maestra Caraballo-Roman

We are excited to see these outstanding fifth-grade students grow as leaders and represent our school during the first quarter. ¡Felicidades, Norte Ambassadors!

Thank you, families, for your continued partnership, patience, and support. Together, we are creating a safe, caring, and academically enriching school community where every student can thrive.

Saludos,

Jaime Soto
Principal / Director
Kyrene del Norte Dual Language Academy

Morning Drop-Off and Afternoon Dismissal

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue refining our morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal procedures. The first few weeks of school are always busy, and we are grateful to our families for following staff directions, remaining attentive, and helping traffic move safely.

Please continue to:

Every procedure is designed with student safety in mind. Working together, we can help ensure that every child arrives at school and returns home safely.

For any changes to the typical dismissal method, please email or copy our attendance secretary, Carla Lopez, at clopez@kyrene.org.

The attendance office informs teachers of all changes to typical dismissal methods to ensure that these requests are captured in a timely manner and executed efficiently for students, families, and teachers.

Parking Lot Reminders:

Please refrain from parking in the designated spots that are reserved for Bienvenidos (preschool), Staff or Handicap unless that pertains to you.

The parking lot is a very congested and small space, so careful, slow driving and parking is necessary to keep everyone safe. Thank you for your patience and awareness in and around the parking lots.

POLICY FROM KYRENE FAMILY HANDBOOK:

Pets and Other Animals
For the safety of all students, please do not bring pets on campus. An adult may bring a pet to the classroom for a class period and for educational purposes only if the teacher has obtained written permission from all students’ parents. Animals cannot be transported on school buses. If a pet follows a student to school, the office will contact the student’s home to arrange for pet pick-up.                    (Policy 3-202).

Families must submit their preference in writing when they do not elect to have photos released or prefer that the district not share directory information for their student. Please see the forms below if you wish to submit one or both of theses requests.

Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students)

Please make sure your students' immunizations are up to date and that a health care plan is completed along with a medication consent form if your student is using an inhaler, has an epi pen, is taking daily medication or has a health condition.  Any student taking daily medications must have a medication consent form signed by the provider.  

All over the counter medications must now have a medication consent form signed by the provider, and medications must be left in the health office.

All medications must come in the original box/packaging - cannot be opened and must not be expired.  

There is no Tylenol in the health office this year.  

Please call Patricia Sowden in the Norte Health Office if you have any questions at 480-541-4820.  

Before and after school youth enrichment classes are available at Norte. Kyrene is partnered with both local and national enrichment vendors to bring a wide variety of enrichment opportunities including Science, Technology, Engineering, Sports, Art, Dance, Language, and more! We also provide a number of enrichment classes taught by our own certified Kyrene teachers. Complete course descriptions can be found online.

Kids Club & After Hours 2026-27 Registration Now Open! Looking for a safe, engaging place for your child before or after school? Kyrene offers outstanding programs for both elementary and middle school students, right on campus. Kids Club provides a structured, welcoming environment with activities designed to keep your child engaged, and After Hours gives students a safe place to connect and explore new interests. Check out the 2026-27 Kids Club and After Hours times and locations, and secure your spot today. Programs fill up fast!

The Kyrene School District is pleased to continue the successful Positive Parenting Series this school year, focusing on issues that affect families both at school and at home. We hope you can join us.

August 19 – Transitioning to a New School Year: Family Support Beyond the Classroom

Unlock the secrets to raising a confident, adaptable child in today's fast-paced world. Discover how your child's brain grows and gain practical, stress-free tools to help them bounce back from challenges, manage big emotions, and thrive through life's ups and downs.

Presenter: Joronda Montano

Date and Time:
August 19, 2026  @ 6:00-7:00pm

Location: Registration/Zoom Link

How long have you been in education? 
This is my 12th year in education and 1st year at Norte.

What inspired you to work in education? 
I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was a kid. I love helping people and being able to watch them grow from something you taught them. 

What do you love most about your job? 
I love building relationships with my kids and getting to know the things that interest them. 

Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Arizona.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 
Reading, watching tv/movies, doing outdoor activities, arts and crafts.

Fun facts, hobbies, or something most people don't know about you? 
I lived in an RV for 2 years. 

Favorite quote or motto? 
"You can teach a student a lesson for a day, but if you teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives."  - Clay P. Bedford

How long have you been in education? 
This is my 3rd year in education and 2nd year at Norte.
(Welcome Back, Joy!)

What inspired you to work in education? 
I have always wanted to help the next generation, and teaching just seemed like the right path for me. I enjoy making a positive impact on students lives and helping them grow both academically and personally.

What do you love most about your job? 
My favorite thing about teaching is getting to know my students and seeing their unique personalities shine. I also love watching them grow, not only academically but as individuals, becoming more confident, responsible, and successful.

Any special achievements, certifications, or roles?
I am excited to share that I have begun working toward my master's degree! Starting this new journey has been both inspiring and rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to grow as an educator. I am excited to apply what I learn in the classroom and continue providing the best possible learning experience for my students. I am on track to complete my degree in 2028, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me!

Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Idaho, but moved to AZ for College

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 
I love to read and travel!

Fun facts, hobbies, or something most people don't know about you? 
I am a cheer coach and have coached for five years.

Favorite quote or motto? 
"Just keep swimming!"

Arizona Healthy Schools Act (Important changes for the 2026-27 school year)

Arizona's new Healthy Schools Act changes laws governing food in schools, to help kids stay healthy. The law identifies 11 banned ingredients, and schools participating in federal meal programs cannot serve or sell foods with any of the ingredients. Additionally, food brought to campus during the school day must not contain any of the banned ingredients.

Important! These new rules do not apply to parents packing their child’s individual lunch or snacks. You can still pack any lunches, snacks, or treats for your individual child. However, the new rules do restrict the foods allowed during classroom parties and other celebrations during the school day. For a full list of banned ingredients, answers to frequently asked questions, and additional information, visit Kyrene.org/healthyschools.

AUG 5:    Curriculum Night:  5:30pm - 7:20pm      

AUG 11:  Watch D.O.G.S. Info meeting @ 5:30pm
                    in Library

AUG 13:  NNO - Zzeeks Pizza / PTO Meeting
                    @ 4:30pm

AUG 14:   Be Kind Assembly
                 Friday Early Release @ 1:55pm
                     (Teacher planning)

AUG 17:  NO SCHOOL - Staff Development Day

AUG 23:  NNO - D-Backs game @ 1:10pm

AUG 24:  Student of the Month Celebration 9:30am

AUG 27:  FALL Picture Day

SEPT 3:    FALL Picture RETAKE Day

SEPT 7:   NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

SEPT 9, 10, 11:  Parent Conferences 
                   (Early Release all 3 days at 1:55pm)

SEPT 9, 10, 11:  Scholastic Book Fair in Library

SEPT 9, 10, 11:  PTO - NNO - What's the Scoop

Sept 14-18: National Arts in Education Week

Sept 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month begins

SEPT 24:  NNO- Skateland 5-7:30pm

SEPT 25:  End of Q1 (Fall Break: Sept. 28-Oct. 9)

Oct. 12: NO SCHOOL (Teacher Planning)

Oct. 13:  Q2 begins - Students return

 (LINK TO STAFF FAVORITES)

In addition to InTouch Receipting and cash/check payments, families may now use LINQ Connect—a website and mobile app that allows instant deposits, spending limits, alerts, sibling transfers, and more.
Learn more at the Food Services webpage. 

Please remember you must re-apply for Free and Reduced Meals each year.

Students may bring cash to pay for their meal account – please remember no change is provided back to the student, the entire amount is applied to the student’s account. Cash or checks should be brought to the office so money can be applied to the account before lunch.  

If a student does not have enough funds on their account, after two (2) meals (breakfast or lunch) they are provided an alternate meal as per District policy. The student may still get side options and salad bar along with their milk.

Using the mobile app?

The ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps have a new version, and the older one is no longer supported. When you log in, you may be prompted to update — it takes less than a minute. After updating, you'll reconnect to Kyrene School District and then select "Already Activated" to get back into your existing account.

If you have any questions or need help accessing your account, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Parent Resource Link

IMPORTANT: families should notify the school office and administration for extended absences.
We understand that every circumstance is unique to each family, but communication is essential
for a successful educational experience for the students. Extended absences for vacations must
be pre-approved by admin so make up work can be discussed with the teaching team.

Playground opens: 8:40AM 

First Bell Rings: 9:05AM

School Begins: 9:10 AM 

Students dropped off after 9:10AM need to be signed in at the front office. 

ATTENDANCE LINE: 480.541.4801 
The attendance line is open 24/7

Parents/guardians are required to call the attendance line day their child is absent, indicating the student's name, grade, and there must be a reason for the absence.

Please call before 8:30 AM to ensure the student is accounted for. 

For student safety, it is essential that we verify that you are aware that they are not in school. 
For extended absences, administration approval is needed. School attendance is not only a good habit, but state law requires it. 

To keep families informed regarding their student's attendance, letters will be sent to families when a child has been absent 4 days,
8 days, 13 days, and when a student has reached chronic absenteeism which is more than 18 absences. 

NOTE: Due to the busy end-of-day activity in
the office, we request that all students being checked out early, be done so at least 20 minutes before the end of the school day.

NEW!! In addition to calling in an absence on the attendance line, you can now report your child’s absence through ParentVue by following these steps:

1. Log into ParentVUE

2.  Click the Report Absence button

3.  Enter Absence Information (details)

4.  Click Save to submit to the attendance office.

Kyrene School District is proud to offer the Speak Up Kyrene anonymous reporting system. This system provides an additional layer of safety by allowing students, families, and community members to confidentially report safety issues or mental health concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year.

About Speak Up Kyrene
In partnership with Sandy Hook Promise and Navigate360, Speak Up Kyrene is designed to strengthen after-hours response and support student well-being. This is part of Kyrene’s broader safety strategy, which includes social-emotional learning, staff training, emergency planning, and strong partnerships with public safety agencies.

Ways to Report
Text #SpeakUpKyrene to 738477
to receive a link to our anonymous tip form.

Call 1-844-572-9669

Download the App! App Store | Google Play Store

Responsible Reporting
Students play a vital role in maintaining safe and supportive schools and Speak Up Kyrene empowers them to take that role seriously. Students now have a tool to heed the advice to "report, don't repost." Training and education are key to the system's success. Students have received and will continue to receive guidance on responsible use of the platform, and the district will regularly share information about the tool to families and community members. 

More information about Speak Up Kyrene can be found online at www.kyrene.org/speakup.

DOWNLOAD THE NEW COMMUNICATIONS APP:

Catch up on the latest news, events and other updates from Kyrene School District and Kyrene del Norte Dual Language Academy with our NEW app. It’s everything Kyrene and Norte, in your pocket. If you haven’t already, download the app for free on Google Play or the Apple App Store today!

Kyrene del Norte

1331 E. Redfield Road

Tempe, AZ 85283

Phone: (480) 541-4800

Fax: (480) 541-4810

Attendance: (480) 541-4801

School Hours: 9:10 am - 3:55 pm

Early Release Wed: 1:55 pm

Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Wednesday: 8:00 am - 2:30 pm