Message from Principal
Dustie Gunn, MAED; MBA
Robles Elementary
Dustie Gunn, MAED; MBA
Robles Elementary
Dear Robles Families,
We are officially one month into the school year, and it has been a fantastic start! Students are settling into routines, working hard, and already showing great progress. I’m excited to share some of the wonderful things happening on campus this month.
📚 21st CCLC Before & After School Programs
Our 21st Century Community Learning Center programs began on Monday, August 25th and run Monday–Thursday.
Morning: 7:30–8:30 a.m. – Clubs include Legos, Spanish, and Folklorica.
Afternoon: 3:45–5:15 p.m. – We are offering tutoring to support students academically.
These programs are a great opportunity for students to explore their interests, build new skills, and receive extra academic support.
💻 Student Computer Usage Reminder
All student computers are stored in carts at school and should never be taken home. We ask families to help remind students to treat school technology with care. Here are our basic classroom computer expectations:
Handle with care – Carry computers with two hands and never walk around with them open.
Clean hands – Wash hands before use; keep food and drinks away from computers.
Follow teacher directions – Only use approved websites and programs.
Be responsible – Log out when finished and return devices to the correct cart slot.
Be respectful – Technology is a shared tool; use it appropriately and take care of it for the next person.
👵 Grandparents’ Day Luncheon – September 9th
We are excited to welcome our Bobcat grandparents for a special lunch!
Kindergarten–2nd Grade: 11:00–11:35 a.m.
3rd–5th Grade: 11:45–12:15 p.m.
Adult lunch prices $5.25, can be paid in cash on the day of the event. We look forward to celebrating together!
📸 Fall Pictures – September 30th
Get ready for school picture day! Order forms will be sent home soon.
👩🏫 Student-Led Parent Teacher Conferences – September 18th & 19th
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their progress, goals, and achievements with families. Teachers will be sending home scheduling information soon.
We are off to a great start this school year and are excited for all the learning, activities, and special events ahead. Thank you for your continued support in making Robles Elementary a place where our students can ROAR with Respect, Open-Mindedness, Accountability, and Responsibility.
😺 With Bobcat Pride!
Understanding Arizona’s
“Move on When Reading” Law
In Arizona, the Move on When Reading (MOWR) law is designed to ensure that all students are reading at or above grade level by the end of 3rd grade. Research shows that reading proficiency by this age is a key predictor of future academic success—students who are strong readers are better prepared to learn in every subject.
What the law means:
Students in kindergarten through 3rd grade take regular reading assessments throughout the year.
At the end of 3rd grade, the state requires that students meet a certain reading proficiency level on the statewide assessment.
If a student does not meet this standard, the law requires additional reading support. In some cases, a student may not be promoted to 4th grade unless they meet specific requirements.
Why this matters:
The goal is not just to test students—it’s to identify those who need extra help early and give them the tools they need to succeed. This means teachers, families, and students working together to build strong reading skills from the very start.
📚 How Parents Can Support Reading at Home
Here are some simple, powerful ways to help your child grow as a reader:
Read together every day – Even 15–20 minutes a day makes a big difference.
Talk about the story – Ask questions about what’s happening, why characters act a certain way, and what might happen next.
Surround them with books – Visit the library, swap books with friends, or find free e-books online.
Be a reading role model – Let your child see you enjoying books, magazines, or newspapers.
Practice sight words and phonics – Use flashcards, games, or apps recommended by your child’s teacher.
Encourage real-world reading – Have your child read recipes, signs, grocery lists, or instructions with you.
Celebrate progress – Praise effort and improvement, not just perfect reading.
Together, We Can Build Lifelong Readers
The Move on When Reading law is about giving every student the chance to succeed. With consistent support at home and school, our children can develop the reading skills they need—not just to move on to the next grade, but to thrive in school and in life.
If you ever have questions about your child’s reading progress or want more strategies for home, please reach out to their teacher.