As we wind up such a wonderful school year, I want to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing PTO President, Becky McHolland. Becky has served the Desert Trails' students and staff with all of her heart and energy. Daily she has been at school to do whatever needed to be done, follow up with teachers, collect items, and much more.
Becky moves up to Explorer & Vista Verde middle schools, where she will once again be instrumental in helping impact student success. I wish Becky the very best and thank her for all of her endless hours, hard work, and support that she has given to me.
Also, I would like to recognize and thank are our wonderful volunteers and PTO leaders. Field trips, classrooms, reading support, copying materials, testing, events, etc... are just some of the ways our parents have demonstrated their support this year.We thank you for all you do each and every day to help make Desert Trails a great place for students to learn.
Next year will bring many challenges, but working together will be key in turning those challenges into opportunities. My door is always open to parent input and I look forward to working through our School Council, PTO, Student Council, Students and Staff to make next year the best ever.We will be looking for parents to join us on two school committees: Safety & Anti-Bully committees.
If you are looking for a way to get involved, simply come to the front office, and we will have a place for you!!!
I hope you all have a wonderful & safe summer and can find some time to be with family and friends. School begins August 17th and our Ice Cream Social will be the week before. I will be communicating over the summer to make sure you have any upcoming important dates.
Thank you for your support and participation this year. I look forward to continuing our belief in Success Each Day~Success Each Child.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Creating Dynamic Learning Environments!
Soon it will be time when teachers and administration meet to create classrooms for next year. The criteria is listed below and in our Student Handbook as to our goals. Parent input is wanted, appreciated and valued. Thank you for taking the time to fill out the form. We seek to work with you in this process. You will find listed below some valuable information.Should you have any questions, please email/call me and I will be happy to discuss this further.
Input forms are available now. Through my monthly E-news April edition the Parnet Input form is attached and also you may obtain the Parent Input form at the front office. All forms received before the due date, April 15, will be given equal value.
Please know the children's current grade level teachers will be provided with the input forms and directed to attempt to accommodate. However, classroom balance will be the top priority, and no guarantees can be made. Classroom teachers will make all placements in a meeting session that will include DTES administration.
Final class lists will be created by grade levels and then passed to the special area teachers, resource teachers, gifted teacher, psychologist and administration for a final review.
Only students formally identified as "gifted" will be automatically placed in cluster classrooms in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. All other students will be placed normally. Any other approach undermines the cluster rooms, as well as the other classes in those grade levels.
It is important to understand that each child's placement is done with a great deal of care by all involved, who considered a variety of factors, and believes the placement will be successful.
Published class lists are final, whereas making a single adjustment can undo a great deal of time and effort in creating well-balanced classes. Parents are encouraged to work closely with the new teacher over the first few weeks to alleviate any issues that may be perceived. Please refer to Student Handbook for further information.
We believe that any issue can be resolved. With such a supportive community and a flexible teaching staff, there is not a teacher-student combination that can not be successful if issues are addressed from productive team approach. Thank you for your partnership and support throughout the year. Here's to 2009-2010!!!
Input forms are available now. Through my monthly E-news April edition the Parnet Input form is attached and also you may obtain the Parent Input form at the front office. All forms received before the due date, April 15, will be given equal value.
Please know the children's current grade level teachers will be provided with the input forms and directed to attempt to accommodate. However, classroom balance will be the top priority, and no guarantees can be made. Classroom teachers will make all placements in a meeting session that will include DTES administration.
Final class lists will be created by grade levels and then passed to the special area teachers, resource teachers, gifted teacher, psychologist and administration for a final review.
Only students formally identified as "gifted" will be automatically placed in cluster classrooms in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. All other students will be placed normally. Any other approach undermines the cluster rooms, as well as the other classes in those grade levels.
It is important to understand that each child's placement is done with a great deal of care by all involved, who considered a variety of factors, and believes the placement will be successful.
Published class lists are final, whereas making a single adjustment can undo a great deal of time and effort in creating well-balanced classes. Parents are encouraged to work closely with the new teacher over the first few weeks to alleviate any issues that may be perceived. Please refer to Student Handbook for further information.
We believe that any issue can be resolved. With such a supportive community and a flexible teaching staff, there is not a teacher-student combination that can not be successful if issues are addressed from productive team approach. Thank you for your partnership and support throughout the year. Here's to 2009-2010!!!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Kindergarten Round-Up!
Today, March 9th, we begin taking registrations for our incoming Kindergarteners! The Kinder Teachers are looking forward to their Meet & Greet night tomorrow starting at 5:00. Also, be sure and check out our Kinder slide show posted on our site that really captures what Kindergarten is all about at Desert Trails! Thanks to Mrs. Worsham, who created the slide show!
Be sure to mark your calendar for our Islands & Barnes and Nobles Family Night Out on March 25. I will be reading a story in the children's section at 5:00 and 5:30. So, come hear a great story and then enjoy a delicious dinner with Desert Trails' friends! It is a great way to support our school!
Enjoy your Spring Break March 16-20.
Plus don't forget our PTO will be hosting their annual Spring Fling on April 3 starting at 4:00 on our playground!!!
After Spring Break we'll come right back to wrap up fourth quarter, AIMS, TerraNova, and many other great end of the year activities.
Please do not hesitate to email me with any input, thoughts or questions.
Have a wonderful week,
Be sure to mark your calendar for our Islands & Barnes and Nobles Family Night Out on March 25. I will be reading a story in the children's section at 5:00 and 5:30. So, come hear a great story and then enjoy a delicious dinner with Desert Trails' friends! It is a great way to support our school!
Enjoy your Spring Break March 16-20.
Plus don't forget our PTO will be hosting their annual Spring Fling on April 3 starting at 4:00 on our playground!!!
After Spring Break we'll come right back to wrap up fourth quarter, AIMS, TerraNova, and many other great end of the year activities.
Please do not hesitate to email me with any input, thoughts or questions.
Have a wonderful week,
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
CATALINA was a blast!
On February 5th at midnight the 70 - 6th graders and 9 chaperones pulled out of the Desert Trail's parking lot on our way to beautiful Catalina Island. CIMI or otherwise known as Catalina Island Marine Institute is a place where our students participated in activities in the various settings such as: inside well equipped labs, outside labs on the beach, in the ocean, the canyon around the bay, and the dormatories. The weekend learning experience included dissecting squid, touching and feeding several baby sharks, studying about algae, snorkeling, and we even learned about night creatures.
Our Chaperones did an outstanding job supervising and participating in the activities! A huge THANK YOU to each of them!
Our trip concluded Sunday night around 10:30 p.m. We all returned safe and sound with many wonderful memories and with more knowledge and insight to our environment and sea life.
On February 5th at midnight the 70 - 6th graders and 9 chaperones pulled out of the Desert Trail's parking lot on our way to beautiful Catalina Island. CIMI or otherwise known as Catalina Island Marine Institute is a place where our students participated in activities in the various settings such as: inside well equipped labs, outside labs on the beach, in the ocean, the canyon around the bay, and the dormatories. The weekend learning experience included dissecting squid, touching and feeding several baby sharks, studying about algae, snorkeling, and we even learned about night creatures.
Our Chaperones did an outstanding job supervising and participating in the activities! A huge THANK YOU to each of them!
Our trip concluded Sunday night around 10:30 p.m. We all returned safe and sound with many wonderful memories and with more knowledge and insight to our environment and sea life.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Budget cuts impact Desert Trails
As you are hearing daily the State is in a constant state of change as to how much money will be given to education for the 2009-2010 school year.
Due to these ups and downs I have waited to send out any information. However, final word has now come from the District and I will be sending information soon regarding the impact to Desert Trails.
Thank you for your patience.
Due to these ups and downs I have waited to send out any information. However, final word has now come from the District and I will be sending information soon regarding the impact to Desert Trails.
Thank you for your patience.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Conference Week at Desert Trails
It is wonderful to see so many families coming for Parent Conferences! Our wonderful PTO has provided a delicious dinner so teachers could catch their breath, relax, and enjoy a nice dinner.
Thank you PTO! You are generous, thoughtful, and support us all every day!
As I walked around getting great pictures of conferences it was fun to hear and see the learning taking place. The portfolios are an excellent way for parents and students to see first hand the growth that has taken place. We have such a dedicated staff!
Our 6th graders are preparing for our trip to Catalina!!! Be watching for pictures coming back from Catalina to be posted for all to enjoy!
Thank you PTO! You are generous, thoughtful, and support us all every day!
As I walked around getting great pictures of conferences it was fun to hear and see the learning taking place. The portfolios are an excellent way for parents and students to see first hand the growth that has taken place. We have such a dedicated staff!
Our 6th graders are preparing for our trip to Catalina!!! Be watching for pictures coming back from Catalina to be posted for all to enjoy!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Jan. 6, 2009
Happy New Year!
It is great to be back to school and see our students and teachers engaged in learning. As I walk from classroom to classroom, it appears no one has missed a beat.
We have jumped right into DIBELS, Catalina Parent Night meeting, Author visit, and so much more wonderful events at Desert Trails.
Be watching for my Jan. E-news coming home this week and also information for Parent Conferences held at the end of this month!
Happy New Year!
It is great to be back to school and see our students and teachers engaged in learning. As I walk from classroom to classroom, it appears no one has missed a beat.
We have jumped right into DIBELS, Catalina Parent Night meeting, Author visit, and so much more wonderful events at Desert Trails.
Be watching for my Jan. E-news coming home this week and also information for Parent Conferences held at the end of this month!
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