Desert Trails 2008-2009 "EXCELLING"

"The AZ Learns accountability system is the best way to measure a schools performance from year to year, and gives parents a snapshot as to how their school compares with other schools around the state," said Arizona Superindent of Public Instruction Tom Horne.

Meanwhile, 74 percent of Arizona schools made "adequate yearly progress" under the federal No Child Left Behind system.

The components for evaluating schools in determining their annual AZ Learns profiles are the following: AIMS/Dual Purpose Assessment (DPA); Measure of Academic Progress; Graduation/Dropout rates (HS); and the reclassification of ELL students.

Arizona Schools Superintendent Tom Horne stated, "We have a record number of schools excelling this year, going from 17% in 2008 to 21% excelling in 2009. We also are seeing an increase in the number of schools in the performing plus designation, moving from 21% in 2008 to 32% in 2009."

Education leaders say The AZ learns accountability system is the best way to measure a schools performance from year to year, and gives parents a snapshot as to how their school compares with other schools around the state.

"In the Scholastic Aptitude Test we're above the national average. In the ACT college entrance test we're above the national average. So I think that our emphasis on academic rigor in the classroom is really paying off," said Horne.

The federal accountability system, No Child Left Behind, measures Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) from year to year and has 253 specific points of measurement. The components for evaluating schools in determining their AYP status is: the percent of students passing; the percent of students tested; and graduation rate.

If a school fails just one of the 253 categories, the school fails to make AYP.
CONGRATULATIONS DESERT TRAILS' STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND STAFF!!!

Up Coming Events & Dates

Here are some up coming school events and dates you won't want to miss!

School office open 7/29
Welcome Back letter sent via email 8/3
Class Lists posted at 4:00 8/12
Ice Cream Social at 5:00-7:00 8/13
School starts 9:00 8/17
School Council meeting 8/20 3:15
Half Day 8/25 School out at 12:30
Parent Orientation Night (times to be determined) 8/26
Kindergarten Silent Auction winners lunch with the Principal 8/28
K-12 Recess No School 9/7
PTO General Membership meeting 7:00 9/10
Star Citizen Mimi's lunch with the Principal 9/11

Summer Wrap up!

August is right around the corner, which only means one thing to me...Desert Trails will be buzzing with students, teachers, and parents soon!!! I am excited for the new school year because it always brings with it opportunities I never imagined. Already I have been meeting with parents and teachers to get ideas and input on creating a vital and instrumental Parent Volunteer program. Working together with our PAC and School Council, I know this will be a successful support we will put in place for our students this year.We will be meeting again July 30th at 9:00 and all are welcome.

I am pleased to welcome Mrs. ElizaBeth Warner as our new Gifted teacher. ElizaBeth comes from Cactus View, has done several district level professional development trainings for our own PVUSD teachers, and has also presented at the State Gifted Conference. Along with her classroom experience she has been a successful Cluster teacher. Her instructional practices are cutting edge and defined under Best Practices. She is the mother of two gifted children, so her practical application will be a wonderful resource for all. I am looking forward to the great things she has planned for our students and staff!

Our Ice Cream Social will be August 13th 5:00-7:00. This is a great time to meet your child's teacher, see old friends, and sign up to participate at school. We always can use Duty Aides, Crossing Guards, Cafeteria and Playground staff.If you can help a feww hours a week, that would be wonderful and appreciated. Perhaps you could be on our emergency call list when we a short handed. Please see Kim or Pam in the office for more information!

We continue to watch our class sizes in grade 2 and in Kindergarten. I am working closely with the district and they are aware of our numbers. Those numbers will be verified the first week of school, and at that time we will have a better understanding of our direction. My goals will be to #1 Do what is best for all students #2 Make any transition necessary as smooth as possible.
I appreciate your patience and positive attitude as we work through this together.

Enjoy these last few days of summer! The school bell will be ringing soon...