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Pistor Paw Prints - October 2025
Pistor Paw Prints Friday, October 17th, 2025 Principal's Message Greetings Panthers and Families, Adolescence is often marked by emotional highs and lows, impulsive decisions, and what adults may perceive as “drama.” But beneath the surface, these behaviors are deeply connected to the neurological changes happening in the teen brain. During adolescence, the brain undergoes major remodeling. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation, is still developing. Meanwhile, the amygdala, which governs emotional responses, is fully active and often dominates reactions. This imbalance explains why teens may: React emotionally before thinking logically Struggle with impulse control Experience intense mood swings Additionally, the ventral striatum, a reward-processing center, is highly sensitive during this time, making teens more reactive to peer feedback and social dynamics. This contributes to the emotional intensity and social “drama” often seen in middle and high school settings. Emotional dysregulation refers to difficulty managing emotional responses in a socially appropriate or goal-directed way. Common signs include: Difficulty calming down after being upset Overreacting to minor stressors Feeling misunderstood or unheard Impulsive or defiant behavior These are not signs of defiance or immaturity—they’re indicators of a brain still learning how to regulate itself. Understanding the science, though, is only half the battle. Here are practical strategies to support teens during emotionally turbulent moments: 1. Co-Regulate First Before expecting teens to self-regulate, help them calm down: Stay calm yourself Offer a quiet space or break Use a soft tone and open body language 2. Validate Their Emotions Even if their reaction seems exaggerated, validation helps: “I can see you’re really upset.” “That sounds frustrating.” Avoid minimizing their feelings or jumping straight to solutions. 3. Teach Emotional Language Help teens name their emotions: Use emotion wheels or charts Encourage journaling or mood check-ins Model emotional vocabulary in conversations 4. Provide Structure and Predictability Routines help reduce anxiety and impulsivity: Clear expectations for behavior Consistent transitions and supports Safe spaces for emotional regulation 5. Offer Autonomy and Choice Teens crave independence. When possible, let them choose: How to complete tasks When to take breaks Who they talk to for support 6. Use Restorative Practices Instead of punishment, use reflection and repair: Restorative circles or conversations Reflection sheets Peer mediation 7. Build Strong Relationships Connection is key to regulation: Regular check-ins Positive reinforcement Showing interest in their lives 8. Teach Coping Skills Explicitly teach and practice: Deep breathing Grounding techniques Visualization Movement breaks 9. Collaborate with Mental Health Staff Partner with counselors and psychologists to: Develop behavior support plans Refer for additional services Provide trauma-informed care Teen drama and emotional dysregulation are not just behavioral issues—they’re developmental milestones. With empathy, structure, and intentional support, adults can help teens navigate this critical phase with resilience and confidence. Announcements Evening Celebration for Honor Roll Recognition We’re excited to share a new way we’ll be celebrating our students’ academic success this year! Instead of holding our Honor Roll celebrations during the school day, we will now host a special evening event so families can join us in recognizing their students’ achievements for all grade levels. 📅 Date: Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Pistor Middle School Cafeteria During this event, we will honor students who have earned: Honor Roll (academic achievement) Principal’s List (highest academic honors) Outstanding Attendance Student of the Month We hope this new format allows more families to participate and celebrate their students’ hard work. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you there! School-Wide Dress Code Reminders As we prepare for upcoming Spirit Week and other special events, we want to remind everyone of our school-wide dress code expectations. Spirit Week Participation Students are welcome to participate in themed dress days during Spirit Week and other school-sponsored events (such as Breast Cancer Awareness Wednesdays). However, these are not free dress days. Any clothing that is not part of the theme must follow the Pistor Middle School Uniform Dress Code. Uniform Dress Code Requirements: Shirts Must have a collar Colors: Red, White, or Gray only No logos or designs Must fit appropriately at the waist Bottoms (Pants, Shorts, Skirts) Colors: Black or Khaki only No rips, holes, tears, or fraying No sagging Outerwear (Jackets, Sweaters, Hoodies) Colors: Gray, White, or Black only Must be solid color with no logos or designs Students who choose not to participate in themed dress days are expected to arrive in full uniform. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a positive and respectful school culture. If you have any questions, please contact the front office. Here's What's Happening at Pistor MS October 2025 9/28/2025 - 10/4/2025 - National Banned Books Week 10/1/2025 - Student Council Fundraiser MOD Pizza at the Landing 10/2/2025 - Last Day of Quarter 1 10/3/2025 - Grading Day - No School for Students 10/6/2025 to 10/10/2025 - Fall Break - No School - Campus will be closed 10/13/2025 - First Day of Quarter 2 10/17/2025 - Fall Picture Retakes 10/27 to 10/31/2025 - Spirit Week 10/28/2025 - Q2 Site Council Meeting at 7:30 AM in the Conference Room 10/28/2025 - Movie and Popcorn for Honor Roll Students (periods 6 & 7) 10/28/2025 - Honors Night from 5 to 7 PM 10/29/2025 - TUSD District-Wide Professional Learning Day - No School for students 10/31/2025 - Kona Ice at Both Lunches ($5 - $9 depending upon size) 11/11/2025 - Veteran's Day - No School 11/17/2025 - Quarter 2 Progress Report - Grade Due 11/21/2025 - Arts and Stars Festival Reminders and Updates Student IDs All faculty, staff, and students are required to wear their ID while on campus. Not having an ID is considered a dress code violation. This year student IDs are required to check out materials from the library, request a hall pass, get breakfast and/or lunch, ride the bus, etc. The first ID is free. Subsequent IDs are available for a $3 donation, payable in advance in the front office. All proceeds support the PBIS Panther Buck Store Fundraiser. ROAR - Respectful, Organized, Accountable, and Responsible Students are expected to come to school ready to learn. There are four things they need every day. Fully charged laptop, in its case, with charging cord Notebook and/or binder Pen and pencil Refillable water bottle (no glass) WICOR Wednesdays and School Spirit Fridays On Wednesdays - All students, faculty , and staff are encouraged to promote our college going culture by wearing college and/or university t-shirts. On Fridays - All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to wear their Pistor t-shirts on Fridays to show their school spirit. Pistor T-shirts are available for purchase in the front office. We have sizes ranging from XS to 3XL in two different styles. Examples are hanging in the front office to view. Solid red - $12 Black edging - $15 Unless otherwise announced, students are expected to be in dress code everyday. Parent Drop Off and Pick Up Parent Drop Off is on Canada Street from 8:00 to 8:45 AM. If you are late, students need to be signed in at the Front Office. The parking lot is only for faculty and staff, students with special needs, day care shuttles, and guests who need to get down to enter campus. Parent Pick Up is on Canada Street from 3:50 to 4:20 PM. Do not park on the opposite side of the street. No parking signs have been posted and drivers will be ticketed. The parking lot is only for faculty and staff, students with special needs, day care shuttles, and guests who need to get down to enter campus. We're Going BANANAS, Again... If you see something, say something... All students have access to an anonymous reporting tool on their Clever page. We call it the BANANAS form. Just look for the bananas icon. Students can use this tool to report issues they are concerned about or request to speak to a support staff member. If they wish to speak to a staff member they will need to include their name. This form is for non-emergency issues only. If someone is being hurt or in danger of being hurt, those issues must be reported immediately and directly to an adult staff member. Pistor Pass and Tardy Policies These are schoolwide expectations designed to support improved academic achievement to ensure students are in the classroom to the greatest extent possible. Passes - Except for emergencies... No passes during the first or last 10 minutes of class. No more than one student out of class at a time. No passes during 4th period. No ID, no pass. Tardies - If a student is late to class... During 1st period, all late students must sign in with the Front Office. Students without a pass will be directed to the Tardy Station. Chronically tardy students will be assigned lunch detention. The ABC and Ds for a Successful School Year 2025-2026 1. Attendance - If you child(ren) are absent or late, please be sure to notify the front office at 520-908-5414 within 48 business hours. Students with excessive unexcused absences (10+ per semester may be subject to retention). Please see attached bell schedule. 2. Backpacks - Students will be expected to carry a clear or mesh backpack from class to class while on campus. Students who bring a backpack that is not see-through, will be provided the opportunity to check their bag and have it stored for the day. 3. Cell Phones - Students must have their cell phone (if they have one), turned off and out of sight (not in a pocket) from the time the first bell rings (8:50 AM) until the last bell rings (3:50 PM/2:50 PM on Wednesdays). This is a zero tolerance policy, no warnings will be given. Students who are observed with a cell phone (or other electronic devices such as ear buds, gaming devices, etc.) will have the device collected, and turned into the office for parent pick up. 4. Dress Code - We are a uniform school. Students who come to school out of dress code will be directed to correct their attire, if possible. If not possible, parents will be called to bring appropriate clothing items or the student will be provided with alternative clothing, if available. All borrowed clothing items must be returned within 48 hours, clean and washed. Campus Hours The campus and office are open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday - Friday. We do not have supervision before or after these times. Students are not allowed on campus prior to or after these times unless they are participating in a club, sports, or tutoring and are being directly supervised by an adult staff member. Contact Us Principal - Kathryn Gunnels Assistant Principal - Siobhan Daniel Assistant Principal - Andrea Ayala Pistor MIddle School Website Location: 5455 South Cardinal Avenue, Tucson, AZ, USA Phone: 520-908-5400 Follow us on Facebook
Monday, Oct 20 2025
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Pistor Paw Prints - September 2025
Pistor Paw Prints September 2025 Principal's Message Welcome to September! As we settle into the school year, we’re excited to celebrate Attendance Awareness Month—a time to highlight the importance of showing up and staying engaged in learning. We know life gets busy, and we understand that no one can be perfect. But every day your child is in school is a day of growth, connection, and opportunity. Even missing just a few days each month can add up and make it harder for students to keep up with their learning and feel part of the school community. Here’s our message: You don’t have to be perfect—just be here. Every day counts, and we’re here to support you in making attendance a priority. Thank you for partnering with us to help your child succeed. Let’s make this a great month together! Thank you and be safe! Mrs. Gunnels, Principal Pistor MS Mission of Pistor Middle School At Pistor Middle School, we nurture integrity, perseverance, and collaboration to empower students as compassionate, responsible global citizens through rigorous academics, character education, and community engagement. Vision of Pistor Middle School At Pistor Middle School, we aim to nurture ethical, resilient individuals by fostering integrity, perseverance, and collaboration to create innovative leaders and proactive citizens. Announcements WICOR Wednesdays and School Spirit Fridays On Wednesdays - All students, faculty , and staff are encouraged to promote our college going culture by wearing college and/or university t-shirts. On Fridays - All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to wear their Pistor t-shirts on Fridays to show their school spirit. Pistor T-shirts are available for purchase in the front office. We have sizes ranging from XS to 3XL in two different styles. Examples are hanging in the front office to view. Solid red - $12 Black edging - $15 Unless otherwise announced, students are expected to be in dress code everyday. Student IDs All faculty, staff, and students are required to wear their ID while on campus. Not having an ID is considered a dress code violation. This year student IDs are required to check out materials from the library, request a hall pass, get breakfast and/or lunch, ride the bus, etc. The first ID is free. Subsequent IDs cost $3 and must be paid for, in advance, in the front office. Amazon Wishlist Please check out our wishlist and be sure to share it with family and friends! Pistor MS Amazon Wishlist Here's What's Happening at Pistor MS September 2025 9/1/2025 - Labor Day - No School 9/2/2025 - Boys' BB and Girls' VB vs. CE Rose @ Pistor MS (Rescheduled 5:00 to 6:00 PM 9/8/2025 - Boys' BB and Girls' VB vs. Mansfeld @ Mansfeld MS 5:00 to 6:00 PM 9/11/2025 - Boys' BB and Girls' VB vs. Roskruge @ Pistor MS 5:00 to 6:00 PM 9/12/2025 - National AVID Day 9/15/2025 to 9/19/2025 - Spirit Week Monday - Jersey Day Tuesday - Mexican Heritage Day Wednesday - Western Day Thursday - Suicide Prevention Awareness Day Friday - Pajama Day 9/15/2025 - Boys' BB and Girls' VB vs. McCorkle @ Pistor MS 5:00 to 6:00 PM 9/17 to 9/19/2025 - PTC Half Days Dismissal at 12:55 PM W, TH, & F 9/17/2025 - Parent Teacher Conferences 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM 9/18/2025 - Parent Teacher Conferences 1:30 to 4:30 PM 5:30 to 7:30 PM 9/22/2025 - Girls' Volleyball Playoffs Pueblo HS at 6:00 PM 9/23/2025 - Boys' Basketball Playoffs Sahuaro HS at 6:00 PM 10/1/2025 - Student Council Fundraiser MOD Pizza at the Landing 10/2/2025 - Last Day of Quarter 1 10/3/2025 - Grading Day - No School for Students 10/6/2025 to 10/10/2025 - Fall Break - No School - Campus will be closed 10/13/2025 - First Day of Quarter 2 10/17/2025 - Fall Picture Retakes Reminders and Updates Parent Drop Off and Pick Up Parent Drop Off is on Canada Street from 8:00 to 8:45 AM. If you are late, students need to be signed in at the Front Office. The parking lot is only for faculty and staff, students with special needs, day care shuttles, and guests who need to get down to enter campus. Parent Pick Up is on Canada Street from 3:50 to 4:20 PM. Do not park on the opposite side of the street. No parking signs have been posted and drivers will be ticketed. The parking lot is only for faculty and staff, students with special needs, day care shuttles, and guests who need to get down to enter campus. We're Going BANANAS, Again... If you see something, say something... All students have access to an anonymous reporting tool on their Clever page. We call it the BANANAS form. Just look for the bananas icon. Students can use this tool to report issues they are concerned about or request to speak to a support staff member. If they wish to speak to a staff member they will need to include their name. This form is for non-emergency issues only. If someone is being hurt or in danger of being hurt, those issues must be reported immediately and directly to an adult staff member. The ABC and Ds for a Successful School Year 2025-2026 1. Attendance - If you child(ren) are absent or late, please be sure to notify the front office at 520-908-5414 within 48 business hours. Students with excessive unexcused absences (10+ per semester may be subject to retention). Please see attached bell schedule. 2. Backpacks - Students will be expected to carry a clear or mesh backpack from class to class while on campus. Students who bring a backpack that is not see-through, will be provided the opportunity to check their bag and have it stored for the day. 3. Cell Phones - Students must have their cell phone (if they have one), turned off and out of sight (not in a pocket) from the time the first bell rings (8:50 AM) until the last bell rings (3:50 PM/2:50 PM on Wednesdays). This is a zero tolerance policy, no warnings will be given. Students who are observed with a cell phone (or other electronic devices such as ear buds, gaming devices, etc.) will have the device collected, and turned into the office for parent pick up. 4. Dress Code - We are a uniform school. Students who come to school out of dress code will be directed to correct their attire, if possible. If not possible, parents will be called to bring appropriate clothing items or the student will be provided with alternative clothing, if available. All borrowed clothing items must be returned within 48 hours, clean and washed. Pistor Pass and Tardy Policies These are schoolwide expectations designed to support improved academic achievement to ensure students are in the classroom to the greatest extent possible. Passes - Except for emergencies... No passes during the first or last 10 minutes of class. No more than one student out of class at a time. No passes during 4th period. No ID, no pass. Tardies - If a student is late to class... During 1st period, all late students must sign in with the Front Office. Students without a pass will be directed to the Tardy Station. Chronically tardy students will be assigned lunch detention. Campus Hours The campus and office are open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday - Friday. We do not have supervision before or after these times. Students are not allowed on campus prior to or after these times unless they are participating in a club, sports, or tutoring and are being directly supervised by an adult staff member. ROAR - Respectful, Organized, Accountable, and Responsible Students are expected to come to school ready to learn. There are four things they need every day. Fully charged laptop, in its case, with charging cord Notebook and/or binder Pen and pencil Refillable water bottle (no glass) Contact Us Principal - Kathryn Gunnels Assistant Principal - Siobhan Daniel Assistant Principal - Andrea Ayala Pistor MIddle School Website Location: 5455 South Cardinal Avenue, Tucson, AZ, USA Phone: 520-908-5400 Follow us on Facebook
Friday, Sep 19 2025
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Welcome to the 25/26 School Year Panthers!
Greetings Panthers and Families! We are very excited for the new school year to start on Monday, August 4th, 2025! The teachers have been working very hard getting their classrooms ready and they can't wait to greet their new and returning students. Just a couple of reminders for Monday... Student Schedules On Sunday night, please be sure to check StudentVUE and/or ParentVUE to see the most up-to-date class schedule. Paper schedules were distributed during the Back-to School Kick-Off but there have been a few schedule changes since then. We will have paper copies available Monday morning on the patio before school starts. Drop-Off and Pick Up Parent drop-off is on Canada Street. The gate opens at 8:00 AM and closes promptly at 8:45 AM when the 1st bell rings. If you arrive after that time you will need to enter campus through the Alaska Street entrance and sign your child in through the office. Parent pick-up is also on Canada Street. We release students at 3:50 PM everyday except for Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, dismissal is at 2:50 PM. The Pima County Transportation Department in cooperation with the Pima County Sheriff's Department have installed No Parking signs on the south side of the street prohibiting parking during dismissal. The easiest way to join the pick-up line is to head east on Alaska Street and then south onto Hildreth Ave and then turn west Canada Street. All students must exit campus via the Canada Street exit. To avoid congestion and prevent injury, we do not allow student pick-up or drop-off in the main parking lot. Breakfast and Lunch All students receive free breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served beginning at 8:15 AM and lunches are based on the student's 4th period class. 7th and 8th grade students will have 1st lunch this year and 6th grade and mixed grade level classes will have 2nd lunch this year. Snacks are available for purchase through the outdoor snack bar window. Student IDs All students are required to wear their ID at all times while on campus. This year, students will use their IDs to get breakfast and/or lunch, to ride the bus, to check out materials from the library, to request a hall pass, to attend school events, etc. If you did not attend the Back to School Kick-Off and/or did not get a school, they will get one during the first week of school. The first ID is free. Subsequent IDs will cost $3 and must be paid in advance in the front office. Uniforms Pistor is a uniform school. Students are required to wear collared red, white, or gray tops with black or khaki bottoms. For more information, please contact the front office for our dress code policy. In addition, all students need to carry a clear or mesh backpack. Students who carry a non-clear or mesh backpack will check their backpack in the front office and can pick it up at the end of the day. School Supplies Any supplies that your student will need for classes, will be communicated via the teachers' syllabus that you will receive by the 2nd week of school or during Open House, Tuesday, August 19th at 5:00 PM. In general, most students will only need a notebook, pen/pencils, their laptop, and a water bottle (plastic or metal only, no glass). Students can refill their water bottle at one of the refill stations we have on campus. Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices All cell phones, earbuds, and other electronic devices, must be silenced and remain out of sight from the time the 1st bell rings at 8:45 AM until dismissal. Students who violate this policy will have their device(s) collected and stored in the front office for parent pick up at the end of the day. Laptops We will begin issuing student laptops on Monday, August 18th through Science classes. In order to check out a laptop, students must have a signed parent consent form. These were distributed and collected during the Back-to-School Kick-Off. If you did not attend the Back-to-School Kick-Off, you can pick one up in the front office. Students who owe more than $100 in technology fines will not be allowed to check out a laptop to take home. Instead, they will need to check out a laptop from the library before school and return it at the end of the day until their account is cleared. Schedule Change Requests Schedule change requests are only accepted during the 1st ten days of the school year. To request a schedule change, students will need to pick up a form from the front office, fill it out, and have it signed by parent before turning it in. Schedule change request forms are processed on a first come, first serve basis. We do not change schedules based on teacher, period, classmates, or lunch preferences. If the schedule change is approved, student will receive their new schedule on their 1st period class sometime during that ten day window. If it is denied, the form will be returned to them explaining why it was denied. Students must continue to attend their scheduled classes until notified otherwise. And finally, please be sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming events... School Picture Day - Thursday, August 14th - More information to come next week. Open House - Tuesday, August 19th at 5:00 PM Thank you and be safe! Mrs. Gunnels, Principal Pistor MS
Friday, Aug 01 2025