Ready or Not-Here We Go!

I hope this end of the summer letter finds each and every Desert Trails' family healthy, happy and eager to get back to the best school in the west! I know I am! What a terrific summer I had which included the assimilation of new staff into Desert Trails.
For the 2010-2011 school year our new staff members will be: Devra Kaplan-First Grade/Barb Kapla-Second Grade/Cari Carlin-Fourth Grade/Dawn Goodland-Fifth Grade/Denice Baldetti-Library/Ms. Brooksby-Strings. All come with experience, dedication, and a love for children. I know they will embrace the Desert Trails' community quickly and smoothly.

Parking Lot Jam! No, nothing you'll find on the shelf at Albertson's but please remember how the first few days of school can be with the amount of cars on campus. Planning ahead, leaving a few (5-10) minutes early, and breathing deeply will make those "crunch times" much more pleasant for all of us! Mostly the kids, as they hear and see everything! We need your help with following all traffic signs, speed limits, red zones, and cross walks. We would LOVE for any parents to help us direct traffic, new students, etc... to join us. Thank you!

To our incoming Kindergartners we open our arms and welcome you! Rest assured, the majority of Desert Trails' staff understands how difficult the first day of school will be for some of you. Harder for moms and dads, than the kids!!! A letter will be in the mail to all Kindergarten parents that will welcome you and review first day procedures. Be watching for that!
A Kindergarten Welcome will be held at 9:15 in the Cafeteria for all Kindergarten parents on the first day of school. Please drop off your precious cargo in their classroom, and come down to join us. PTO, Art Masterpiece, and myself will be there to greet you and share some Desert Trails news with you. Also, please help us with our Kindergarten parking lot as it is a very busy place, with children everywhere. Safety first at Desert Trails, so please, please, please take your time in the parking lot, don't double park, do not park in the red zone, or the drop off/pick up zone. Allow yourself a few extra minutes to safely walk your child into the Kindergarten playground and then into the classroom at 8:55. An option: Several parents will need to park on the nearby neighborhood streets.

Here are some important August dates you won't want to miss:

Class-lists posted: Wednesday, Aug. 11 at 4:00 on the front office doors!
Ice Cream Social: Thursday, Aug. 12 at 3:00-5:00 Come meet your teacher!
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 16 at 8:55 We'll be looking for you!
Parent Night: Wednesday, Aug. 25 Times and schedule to be announced
Half day: School dismissed at 12:30, Tuesday, Aug. 31

School Council will be having a booth at the Ice Cream Social to share what School Council is all about at Desert Trails. Currently we have an open parent position, and if you would like some more information, please stop by the booth. Our School Council Members will be there to meet you!

More information to follow!

Digital Learners at Desert Trails

Summer Greetings! I hope your summer has been filled with popcorn nights, water fun, and several special family moments! The office has been back this week gearing up for this coming school year and we are well on our way! The office will open to the public starting Monday, July 26. I am anxious to share with you some great things that are in the pipe as we will be launching a new Technology Signature Program at Desert Trails!!! We will be having some "camp" meetings where all parents and teachers will be invited to dream and plan together.
Here is a glimpse to get you as excited as I am:
Desert Trails has been selected to pilot the brand new Smart Table! Similar to the Smart board this high student engaged tool will be facilitated and connecting kids at the primary level. ALSO---
We will start the year with 15 iPads & 15 iTouches. Teachers will be utilizing these hands-on technology tools in centers focused on academic units and projects. I am currently shooting for an iTouch for every Desert Trails' student!!!! Our Smart Boards, Student response "Clickers," iPads, iTouches, and more, verify we are well on our way to equipping our Desert Trails' students for 21st Century skills and a successful future that is wrapped in technology. Please join us at these "camp" meetings. We want and value your input.
Classlists will be posted as usual on the Office front doors Wednesday, Aug. 11 at 4:00. Be sure to join us on Thursday, Aug. 12 3:00-5:00 for our annual PTO Ice Cream Social. This is a great time to see old friends and meet your new teacher!!! I will be looking for you and I am truly excited about the great year we are going to have. Stay tuned to this blog---more information to come!