Ford Elementary School
[Loading Announcements]
Our unique offerings include the Opening Minds through the Arts (OMA) program, where students explore band, orchestra, and visual arts. We also provide a variety of extracurricular activities including gardening club, basketball, track, cross country, and kickball, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build strong friendships outside the classroom.
[Features list coming soon...]
Our Calendar & District Calendars
All schools and District offices are closed.
New teachers and principals report to their school.
Family and community resource fair at Palo Verde Magnet High School.
Teachers report to the University of Arizona for professional development sessions.
Heather MartinSchool Community Liaison
Heather is one of Ford Elementary’s longer-lasting employees, having spent the last 15 years at the southeast school. She loves being a resource for families, especially if they are going through any rough patches. The school puts on Family Nights, where Heather and other staff invite families to workshops and provide a variety of information.
Now that the Parent/Teacher Advisory group is established again, Heather hopes that, with their help, she can get the fall carnival back at Ford Elementary.
“We’re trying to get more parent volunteers and get out school to be more of a community and have more fun events to bring in our families,” Heather said.
Christine Pizarro2nd Grade Teacher
Christine may be new to Ford Elementary, but she was always meant to be at the southeast school. The 15-year Tucson Unified veteran came to the southeast school when a position opened, and because her son encouraged Christine to apply at Ford because the school needed more teachers like her.
So, she did and, funny enough, she gets to work alongside her son, who is a TA in her classroom for the first half of the school day, each day.
At first, Christine said, it was intimidating to move to a new school because one never knows how they’ll be received or what the culture is like at a different site, but the transition has been smooth. Now, she has no plans to work anywhere else; the plan is to retire from Ford.
“The support here is wonderful, not just from the staff, but from families as well,” Christine said.
Katherine Makovic3rd Grade Teacher
Nine years ago, Katherine attended a job fair where she met the then-principal at Ford Elementary. The interaction went well because a position was created to have Katherine join the staff.
“I love it,” Katherine said. “I haven’t taught anywhere else, and I don’t plan to any time soon.”
The third grade teacher loves that the school not only focuses on teaching students academics but also help the students with social and emotional learning to make sure students grow into the best versions of themselves.
Walking into Katherine’s classroom, it is evident how much the former Tucson Unified Teacher of the Year loves her students.
“They’re my babies; I love them all,” Katherine said. “They are so individually different, and we differentiate, but I love loving them. And it encourages them to try their best.”