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!!!

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,