Handbook

Vision

In an Ever Changing World: We Can Lead, We Can Learn, We Can Inspire

Mission 

Develop students strengths and confidence by promoting a Growth Mindset

Core Values

• Engaging stakeholders through cooperative learning and technology
• Involving parents and the community and our school
• Using data to drive instruction and decision making
• Using CUBS expectations to create a safe and positive environment
• Celebrating successes of all stakeholders
• Differentiating instruction
• Promoting leadership opportunities

Administration Staff:

• Principal: Curtis (CJ) Smith
• Assistant Principal: Andy McClellan
• Secretary: Gina Robertson
• Registrar: Becca Sharp
• Attendance Clerk: Kendy Villegas De Jones
• Plant Foreman: John Padilla
• Health Associate: Suzanne Swisher
• Cafeteria Manager: Valerie Martinez
• School Psychologist: Margaret Boatright
• Social Worker: Cassie Moore
• Social Worker: Gabrielle Boerema

Important Phone Numbers

• Camelview School Office: 602-664-7200
• Camelview School Nurse: 602-664-7220
• Attendance Office: 602-664-7221
• School Cafeteria: 602-664-7297
• MAC: 602-664-7226
• District Office: 602-664-7900
• Transportation (School Bus): 602-664-7701

Web Addresses

• Madison District: www.madisonaz.org
• Camelview School:  https://camelview.madisonaz.org/

Students are allowed on campus starting at 7:15 a.m. Supervision begins at this time.

• 7:15 AM Cafeteria opens: Students report to the classroom if they are not having breakfast.
• 7:40 AM First bell: Report to Class
• 7:45 AM Late Bell: Classes begin (students arriving in classrooms after the late bell will be marked tardy)
• 11:00 AM Half Day Dismissal (see calendar for dates)
• 1:00 PM Wednesday TCT Release (see calendar for dates)
• 2:30 PM All School Dismissal

Once students arrive at school, they may not leave without permission from the office.  After school, students must leave campus and go directly home unless they are in a supervised after-school activity.

When there is a change, even for the day, in the way a child is to go home, that change must be given in writing to the teacher and to the school office.  An email can be sent to Camelviewoffice@madisoned.org and please include your teacher(s) on the email. Due to the child’s safety, changes to how they are going home will not be made after 1:45 p.m., including picking up students 30 minutes in advance of dismissal. 

When a parent needs to take a child from school during the day, the parent or a person designated in PowerSchool must come into the office to sign the student out and present proper identification. Children will not be released without proper identification.

If a student has left school during the day (with permission) and then returns, they must check back in with the office to record the time of the return.  

Students may not go home for lunch unless a parent picks them up and signs them out in the office and then in again upon their return.

Arizona State Law charges the parent or guardian with responsibility for the student’s consistent school attendance. Attending school each day, being on time, and remaining for the entire day is very important for the total commitment to learning. Absences, tardiness, and early checkout disrupt the learning process. Students are expected to attend regularly (minimum of 90% of the school days) and be prompt arriving at school. Parents are encouraged to make doctor, dentist, and other appointments at times that will not interfere with school.

• Parents or guardians must call the Attendance Office, at 602-664-7221 to report an absence within 24 hours of the absence or it will be an unexcused absence or truant absence. If an absence note is submitted upon the student’s return, it too must be received within the 24 hours of the absence. Student-initiated calls will not be accepted. Students whose parents do not excuse the absence are considered truant.  

• For your convenience, voicemail is available 24 hours a day to inform the school of an absence. Call 602-664-7221.  You can also email Camelviewoffice@madisoned.org. 

• When calling in an absence: make sure you indicate the reason for absence when leaving a message on the voice mail or email.  

• Students arriving at or after 7:45 am are considered tardy. All tardy students must stop in the Main Office prior to going to class. Tardies are recorded and reported on student report cards. 

• A half or whole day absence (depending on the amount of school time missed) will occur for students that are tardy. 

• Camelview will strictly enforce the laws regarding attendance. Regular school attendance is essential for success in school; therefore, absences shall be excused only for unavoidable reasons. Such reasons include bereavement, other family emergencies, observance of major religious holidays of the family’s faith and illness. Family trips should be scheduled during non-school days.  

• A doctor’s note may be required in the case of excessive absences.  It is necessary that students attend a minimum of 90% of school days to be considered for promotion into the next grade. 

Consequences for attendance violations:

• 5 Absences = Warning letter is issued
• 10 Absences = Meeting school administrator. During the meeting, the parent will sign an action plan committing to the improvement of their child’s attendance.  
• 15 Absences = Meeting school administrator. Revisit the action plan signed by parent and issue a warning they will be reported to the Maricopa County Juvenile Court C.U.T.S (Court Unified Truancy Suppression) program. 
• 19+ Absences = Student is considered to have “excessive absences” The student will be cited to the CUTS Program through the Juvenile Court. The hearing will be at the Juvenile Court Center. A parent or legal guardian must be present with the student at the time of the hearing. Consequences can be reviewed in the Madison School District Student & Parent Handbook. 

For open enrollment students, failure to improve attendance can result in a recommendation to a Hearing Officer for your child’s Open Enrollment to be revoked.

Madison Camelview Late Pick up Procedures:

Student safety is the highest priority at Madison Camelview Elementary. Therefore, we make every effort to ensure that all students are under appropriate supervision until they return to you at the end of their school day.

For that reason, we are concerned about students who are left after dismissal. The school is not staffed to provide supervision for students after dismissal and children can feel confused and apprehensive when they are not picked up on time.

If a child is picked up late more than two times a parent or guardian will need to meet with Principal CJ Smith or our Assistant Principal Andy McClellan to develop a plan for an on-time pick-up plan for your child. 

If late pick-up continues a referral to the Department of Child Safety may be made as this may be considered child neglect.

If you are unable to pick up your child at our regularly scheduled dismissal time, we do offer an after-school program that is available until 6:00p.m. You may register for the afters-school program, MAC,  online at madisonaz.org through the Community Education Department. Thank you for working with us to prioritize your child’s safety.

Please be on time to pick up your children. Parents of children who remain in the front office after 3pm will: 

• First offense: Receive a reminder
• Second offense: 2nd Reminder 
• Third offense:  Meeting with administration
• More than three offenses: May be reported to the Department of Child Safety as well as to the Phoenix Police Department. 

Withdrawing from School

When withdrawing a student from school a withdrawal form must be filled out and signed by a parent/legal guardian on the last day of school. All books, including library books must be returned, and all charges (cafeteria if applicable) must be cleared at this time. If you anticipate moving from our school area, please come to the school office or call the office at least one day prior to leaving so that the school secretary can prepare a form for signature. Once a child has been withdrawn, they may not be brought back to school unless re-enrolled by the parent. Parents of students on open enrollment who are withdrawn must reapply for open enrollment and be accepted by administration for admission.

In an effort to go paperless and to keep our families up-to-date with any changes to our calendars they are available online at the following links:

2024-2025 School Calendar

A paper copy of the calendar will be available in the main office upon request. 

School Uniforms

The uniform expectations are:

• White, light blue, or navy (not royal blue) collared or polo shirts, or any approved Camelview spirit shirt.  No logos on shirts except for official Camelview shirts and sweatshirts. No designs, decorative stitching, stripes, etc. on shirts or pants. Denim is not a uniform option. Shirts must be long enough to cover the belly. No spaghetti straps or sleeveless shirts, no off-the-shoulder style sleeves. These expectations also apply to any sweatshirts, sweaters, and jackets worn in the classroom.
• Navy or khaki shorts, skirts, skorts, jumpers, pedal pushers, or pants. Pants are expected to fit well at the waist so as not to allow sagging.
• Leggings, tights, knee high socks must conform to the uniform colors. This means no stripes, no patterns or any other designs. Only solid uniform colors are allowed.
• No holes/tears will be permitted on school uniforms.
• Heelys or shoes with wheels, flip flops or slides will not be permitted.
• Hats and hoods are not permitted indoors. Hats and hoods will be allowed outdoors to provide protection from the elements.

Lost and Found

Found items are kept just outside the nurse’s office.  These items will be stored for a short time only, and will then be donated to a local charity.  It is important for students and/or parents to frequently check the lost and found.  To avoid lost items, please put first and last names on clothing and personal items brought to school.  

Cafeteria Service

Both breakfast and lunch are available at Camelview Elementary School for students. For information regarding pricing or to apply for the free or reduced meal program, please visit our Food and Nutrition web page.

Nut Free Table:

There is a nut free table available in the cafeteria for all children with food allergies.  Children who choose to dine at this table as a companion must have food that is nut free.

Breakfast:

Beginning at 7:15 a.m., breakfast is served in the school cafeteria.

Full breakfast, with choices in items, is served until 7:40 when the first bell rings.  Students who arrive between 7:40 and 7:45 will be given a breakfast with limited choices.

Regardless of when they arrive on campus, students who remain in the cafeteria after the 7:45 bell and are not in class when attendance is taken, may be marked absent in PowerSchool.  

Camelview Lunch Schedule 2024-2025 

(including TCT early release days)

Breakfast Menu

Breakfast choices include a daily entrée; cereal; fat free white or chocolate milk; 100% juice; and fruit. 

Breakfast is served daily before school begins from 7:15 a.m.-7:40 a.m.

Lunch Menu 

Lunch includes a choice of 3 daily entrees, fresh fruits and vegetables, fat free white, chocolate or strawberry milk. Please review the current food allergy policy online. Also, please inform the school nurse of your student’s food allergies, and if they change at any time throughout the school year.

You can view the monthly menus as well as a list of current meal pricing by visiting the Madison Food & Nutrition page.

School Birthday Celebrations         

Arrangements can be made through the cafeteria to have a treat be given to a student’s entire class. An order form can be picked up at any time but please submit no later than 7 days in advance to arrange a treat and payment. Food purchased outside of the cafeteria will not be accepted. 

Drop Off:

• Bus riders will be dropped off in the bus lane and will enter campus through the designated field gate. 
• Families will drop off their students in the valet loop off Campbell Ave. between 7:15 – 7:40. K-4 students will enter through the “Commons” doors. 
• Walkers & Bike Riders: Students who live in our immediate neighborhood and  arrive by walking or riding their bikes will walk their bike when on campus and park their bike or scooter in the fenced bike area.
• Breakfast visitors must be on the student’s approved check out list as submitted by the custodial parent or legal guardian. All visitors must sign in at the school office and get a visitor badge before going to the cafeteria. Office personnel will facilitate the process for visitor registration. Visitors will be required to provide a valid government-issued ID/correspondence that will be entered into the Raptor Visitor Management System. Visitors will be issued a temporary ID badge that is to be worn while at the school.
• Visitors wishing to come on campus prior to the start of the school day must first visit the front office to sign in with a legal form of identification using the district wide Raptor system. Raptor photo identification badges must be worn by all adults anytime they are on campus.

Pick Up: 

• Families with only one child in grades K-1-2-3, will pick up their student in the valet loop off of  Campbell Ave. at 2:30. 
  • K-3 students will exit through the door to the right of the main office.
• Families with only one child in either grade or 4 or multi-student/daycares will pick up their student from  the retention grassy area. (Veer left upon entering). 
• Walkers & Bike Riders: Students who live in our immediate neighborhood and  arrive by walking or riding their bikes will exit the campus through the cafeteria doors.
• Due to the nature of our second parent pick up lane cutting through the school parking lot, we are asking that all parents use the valet lanes to pick up their child and please do not park your car in the lot and walk up.  There is a high probability that you will not be able to get out once you have parked.

Student Identification Cards

Students are required to have a school-issued identification card (ID) at all times during the school day. Students must be in possession of their ID at all school related functions. In addition, the ID is required to ride the school bus to or from school. ID’s will be issued at the start of the school year and attached to student backpacks. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain this card. In the event that the card is lost or stolen, the student will be responsible for purchasing a replacement card for $3.00. Replacement cards can be purchased from the school librarian. 

Gifts for Students

We completely understand the excitement to celebrate your student but please arrange for any gifts to be given outside of the school day. In order to limit interruptions in the classroom, the main office will not be accepting or calling down students for the purpose of giving a gift. 

Holiday and Classroom Parties

Holiday and classroom parties are exciting events for our students. To help limit interruptions in the classroom please have your child carry items with them to class instead of dropping them off for them. To accommodate kindergarten and first grade a cart will be placed outside for drop off.  

Student of the Month Lunches

Student of the Month lunches are held to recognize and celebrate students. Parents of honored students are invited to have lunch with their student at this event. 

School Safety

To ensure student and staff safety, Madison performs numerous emergency response drills throughout the school year. Madison’s Emergency Response Plan consists of information provided by the Department of Homeland Security and the Arizona Department of Education. Our staff is regularly trained on how to handle campus emergencies through best-practice courses offered by the Arizona Division of Emergency Management and FEMA.

• Fire Drills: All Madison schools perform monthly fire drills. 
• Bus Evacuation Drills: All students practice bus evacuation procedures once a semester.
• Shelter in Place Drill: During a shelter in place students remain inside the campus and all exterior doors are locked. 
• Lockdown Drills: All Madison schools hold at least two lockdown drills each year. During a lockdown, all campus buildings are closed and locked. No one, other than emergency responders, is permitted to enter or leave the building until the all-clear is given. The auto-dialer system will be activated during lockdowns with an automated response to ensure proper communication. 

*For your own safety, as well as that of the children inside, we ask that parents refrain from congregating outside the campus during a school-wide emergency. Details and/or instructions will be sent to parents via our all-call phone and email system. Please be advised that staff is not permitted to answer phones during drills/emergencies in order to keep lines open for critical communication.*

Curriculum

The Madison School District has aligned all adopted curriculum to Arizona’s State Standards. Teachers use these standards to plan daily lessons. In addition to the adopted curriculum of Into Math, Wonders, Inspire Science and Impact Social Studies, teachers use Thinking Maps and Write from the Beginning and Beyond. 

Grade Specific academic standards can be found at: https://www.azed.gov/standards-practices

Core classroom subjects are taught including: reading & language arts, math, science and social studies. Special area classes taught are music, art, engineering and physical education. 

Library

Students with parental permission to check out library books have the privilege of doing so regularly. There are no fees charged for the loan of library books.  However, each student will be responsible for the books he/she checks out.  If books are stolen, or if through neglect or carelessness, books are damaged or lost, payment or replacement must be made before another book will be issued.

Physical Education 

Students are required to take physical education. A student may be excused from PE for three days upon written request from a parent/guardian.  For any longer period of time, a written request from the child’s physician is required.  Please help your child remember to wear sneakers or close toed shoes on his or her PE days.

Special Education Program

On a continuum of services to meet the individual news of a student, a resource program is available for the remediation of the learning and/or emotional disabilities of those students who qualify.  Students spend a portion of their day with a resource teacher specialist who supports their special learning needs and style.  Students are evaluated and admitted to the program after a systematic identification process along with written consent and consultation with parents/guardians. For more information, please reach out to the school psychologist. 

School Psychologist

Services of the school psychologist are available for the evaluation and placement of students in special education and for diagnostic assistance in evaluating school-related problems of children.  

Speech/Language Services

Educationally relevant speech and language services are provided for students who are found to be eligible through the multi-disciplinary evaluation process. 

Native American Education

Instructional assistance is available for Native American students. Please reach out to Martha Sullivan, msullivan2@madisoned.org , if interested.  

School-Wide Behavioral Expectations for Camelview Students

School discipline is a team effort. It requires the cooperation of students, parents, administrators, school staff, and the community. In all school settings - classroom, playground, cafeteria, or bus - our goal is to develop a healthy, safe, and optimal learning environment. To ensure this, we use PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports). PBIS is a research-based, school-wide approach to improve school climate and create safer and more effective schools

One of the key components of PBIS is the use of clear and specific school-wide expectations which promote positive student behavior. We refer to them as our CUBS expectations:

• C- Courteous and Respectful 
• U- Understand your responsibilities
• B- Be Safe 
• S- Spreading Kindness 

Throughout the day, teachers and support staff at Camelview acknowledge appropriate student behavior by awarding Class Dojo points, which students collect and use to earn classroom privileges, CUBS Tickets, Kindness Beads, Brag Tags, or chances to visit the CUBS store.  The Camelview CUBS store will be available to students on Fridays during recess in which they will be able to use their DOJO points to purchase items.  The students will each be issued a CUBS card which they are responsible for. If this CUBS card goes missing they will have to start over with their point redemption. If your student has earned enough DOJO points to purchase a prize on Fridays you can expect this in their backpack. 

When students choose behavior that does not follow CUBS expectations, predictable and logical responses are enacted.  Please refer to the Madison Handbook for a description of discipline violations and resulting responses. The district hand book is available online or at this link:  Madison School District Student & Parent Handbook 

Site Council

Madison Camelview Elementary School has an active “Site Council,” to involve parents and other community members in the operation, goals and planning of the school.  Together, we can make a world of difference for our students.

Our Site Council consists of teachers, parents, community members, and other staff members who meet to discuss and plan school programs and needs.  Parents are invited to call and inquire about serving on this team. Please call (602) 664-7201.

Parents are encouraged to visit the school, share ideas and suggestions on how to improve programs and schedules, and otherwise add to the educational experiences available to the children at Camelview Elementary School.

Opportunities for Communication

Good communication between the school and home is very important.  To promote this, parents are encouraged to connect with classroom teachers through Class Dojo, a free web-based program. Teachers will provide each parent with information about setting up a Class Dojo account, which will allow the easy exchange of messages, special events and classroom activities. ALL communication will go home through classroom DOJO and will also be posted to the Camelview website.  We also encourage you to check PowerSchool each week, and to set up an appointment if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s grades.  Progress reports will be sent home at the end of the midterm. 

It is the procedure of Madison Camelview Elementary School to communicate with parents throughout the school year.  We encourage parents to contact the school with compliments, questions and opportunities for improvement.  Teacher surveys will be sent out two times a year to gather feedback. 

When home and school coordinate their efforts, the chances for student success increase greatly. The home-school partnership helps students to be happy, successful life-long learners.  Thank you for being active in helping to achieve that goal.

Teacher Appointments

Teachers will meet with parents at any time throughout the year, upon scheduling an appointment.  Appointments can be arranged through Class Dojo, teacher email or calling the main office. Please refrain from talking to teachers during drop off/pick up time as they are on safety duty and their attention should be focused on getting children safely into and out of the building. 

Parent Involvement Statement

To ensure that Madison Camelview School fulfills its mission of developing students’ strengths and confidence by promoting a growth mindset, it is essential that parents serve as engaged and informed team members.  Parents will be provided academic updates and school performance and improvement goals.  They will have a voice in formal and informal feedback to the site.  Parents are invited and encouraged to attend school functions and be active members of the school community.  They will receive frequent communication from the school site to keep them informed of school progress and goal-setting. Strong parent support helps us to achieve our Madison Camelview School improvement goals. Parent surveys will be administered once per semester to provide feedback.

Report to Parents

Student progress reports (report cards) are issued four times during the year for Grades K-4. You may check your child’s grades at any time through PowerSchool.  Midterm reports are provided to students earning grades below a “C”.    

Parent-Teacher Conferences 

Parent-teacher conferences are formally held twice a year in October and February.  These conferences are an opportunity to talk about strengths for your child, as well as areas in which improvement is needed. Conferences may be held virtually or in person, pending availability.  

In addition, please feel free to ask for a conference with your child's teacher any time the need arises.  We ask that you not let a problem continue or a question go unanswered if you are in doubt. Please contact your child’s teacher through district email, ClassDojo, or by phone if you have questions and concerns. Generally, teachers are expected to return all messages within 24 business hours.

Homework

The purpose of homework is to provide additional practice on previously introduced skills or to enrich classroom experiences. Homework provides students an opportunity to achieve mastery of a particular concept; to maintain and use practical skills previously mastered; to encourage self-discipline and acceptance of responsibility; and to provide a channel of communication between school and home.   Parental cooperation is important in providing materials and in making sure that homework is completed on time.  Participating in homework in a supportive manner enables parents to be aware of student growth, provides an opportunity for positive reinforcement, and enables parents to communicate with the teacher if a problem area is observed.  Homework will be provided upon the return of a student who is absent for one (1) day.  If the student is absent for more than one (1) day, teachers will provide homework as requested by parents.  The following times are recommended as a guide to the length of homework assignments per day, though these times may vary from teacher to teacher.  If your child forgets their homework, we are not able to accept it being dropped off during the school day.

• Kindergarten: 10-15 minutes 
• 1st and 2nd Grade: 15-20 minutes
• 3rd Grade: 25-35 minutes
• 4th Grade: 25-35 minutes

School Related Criminal and Civil Laws

Abuse of Teacher or School Employee in School

It is a violation of the law ARS 15-50 for a person to knowingly abuse a teacher or other school employee on school grounds or while the teacher or employee is engaged in the performance of school related duties.

Drug Free Zone

It is unlawful for a person to intentionally be present with one or more persons within 300 feet of a school or its accompanying grounds or to be present on any public property within 1,000 feet of a school or its accompanying grounds or a school bus stop to possess, use or sell marijuana, a dangerous drug, or a narcotic drug.  It is unlawful for a person to intentionally be present on a school bus and to possess, use, or sell marijuana, a dangerous drug, or a narcotic drug.

Circumstances Involving Custody

In most cases, natural parents shall be given reasonable access to their children at school.  Exceptions to this will be made in cases where there are court orders restricting the rights of one parent to access a child and/or the child’s official school records. It shall be the responsibility of the natural parent who has a court order restricting the rights of the other parent to access a child or the child’s official school records to notify school officials of the conditions and to provide school officials with a current copy of the court order.

In cases in which a person other than the natural parent has been granted guardianship, the rights and privileges of the natural parent shall be considered divested in the absence of court action granting the natural parents specific rights.  In cases of guardianship, the legal guardian shall be responsible for notifying the school officials of the conditions of the guardianship and for providing school officials with all pertinent written documentation or changes.

Information Regarding Homeless Students

Students may be considered homeless if they are:

• In a shelter, motel, vehicle or campground

• On the street

• In an abandoned building, trailer or other inadequate accommodations

• Doubled up with friends or relatives because they cannot find or afford housing

If children are homeless they have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.  These protections include the right to:

• Go to school, no matter where they live or how long you have lived there

• Be enrolled immediately without birth certificates, immunizations for school records

• Attend school while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records or any other required documents

• Enroll in school without giving a permanent address.  Schools cannot delay enrollment.

• Continue in the school they attended before becoming homeless or the school they last attended

• Receive transportation to and from the school of their attendance area or the school they last attended, if requested.  

If you have questions or concerns, please contact our social workers Jackie Swigart at jswigart@madisoned.org 602-664-7205 or Gabby Boerema gboerema@madisoned.org or 602-664-7286.

Parent/Guardian Compact

I want my child to achieve.  Therefore, I will encourage him/her by doing the following:

• See that my child is punctual and attends school regularly.

• Support the school in its efforts to maintain proper discipline.

• Support the school in its efforts to deliver appropriate curriculum and classroom instruction.

• Encourage my child’s efforts and be available for help or questions on homework.

• Provide a quiet, well-lit space for nightly homework/study.

• Provide appropriate attire (see uniform policy).

Student Agreement

It is important that I work to the best of my ability. Therefore, I will strive to do the following:

• Attend school regularly and on time.

• Wear the school uniform

• Come to school each day with the necessary tools (pens, paper, pencil, or other necessary items) and be ready to learn.

• Complete and return assignments in the time prescribed.

• Have a set time for homework in a quiet environment.

• Follow the school rules.

Teacher Agreement

It is important that students achieve.  Therefore, I will strive to do the following:

• Provide necessary assistance to parents so that they can help their student with assignments.

• Encourage students and parents by providing information about student progress.

• Use teaching methods that promote student achievement that align with state standards.

• Provide students with appropriate feedback on assignments that develop their understandings.

• Maintain and foster high standards of academic achievement and behavior.

Principal Agreement

I support this form of parent involvement.  Therefore, I will strive to do the following:

• Provide an environment that allows for positive communication between the teacher, parent, and student.

• Actively and consistently work toward the goal of achieving EXCELLENCE in our School.