Curriculum
Our Mission
To provide students with knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens.
The Arizona Department of Education provides the academic standards that we teach. CUSD has broken those standards into performance objectives so that students can demonstrate benchmark competencies. This progress is monitored quarterly. In addition to language arts and mathematics objectives, science and social studies are regular parts of the curriculum. Students receive physical education weekly and participate in general music, library and technology classes. Fifth and sixth grade students may take band or orchestra in lieu of general music.
View CUSD Curriculum and State Standards by content area
Homework Expectations
Homework is an important part of your child's education. Our district recommends that homework be given to all students at each grade level. Schools do their best job of educating your child when they have you, the parents/guardians as partners. Homework provides a significant opportunity for you to show your interest and to give your support.
Part of the purpose of homework is to teach responsibility to the student. Your child should assume the major responsibility for completing homework assignments. Homework expectations will be enhanced when your child accepts responsibility for:
- Understanding the assignments before leaving school.
- Completing all assignments accurately.
- Turning in all assignments by the due date.
- Asking the teacher for assistance if unable to accurately complete homework assignments.
Our district guidelines suggest minimum and maximum amounts of homework. The amount of daily homework varies from 10 minutes (Kindergarten) to 50 minutes (6th grade).
Homework is recommended a maximum of four times a week and is not assigned over weekends or before holidays.
The following are CUSD guidelines for homework minutes:
| Grade | Homework minutes |
|---|---|
| Kinder | 10 - 15 minutes |
| 1st | 10 - 25 minutes |
| 2nd | 10 - 25 minutes |
| 3rd | 20 - 30 minutes |
| 4th | 20 - 30 minutes |
| 5th | 30 - 50 minutes |
| 6th | 30 - 50 minutes |
Honor Roll (Grades 4-6)
In an effort to recognize and promote academic excellence at the "4th-6th Grade" elementary level, honor rolls have been established at each school.
To be eligible, a student must have the following grades:
- Principal's List - All A's
- Dean's List - Combination of A's and B's with a minimum of four A's.
- Honor Roll - Combinations of A'sand B's.
Students are thoroughly informed of the honor roll system and carefully instructed to ensure an understanding of the specific goals and methods of computing the honor roll formula. The district promotes public recognitions of students who have attained honor roll status.
The elementary grading scale is based on the following percentage scale:
- 90-100: A (Consistently Outstanding)
- 80-89: B (Frequently Above Average)
- 70-79: C (Generally Satisfactory)
- 60-69: D (Frequently Below Average)
- Below 60: F (Consistently Unsatisfactory)