Join us August 26 for our 2009-2010 Parent Orientation Night!
Kindergarten & 5th grade & 6th grade = 5:30-6:00
1st grade & 2nd grade = 6:10-6:40
3rd grade & 4th grade = 6:50-7:20
Special Areas, Reading, Speech, Resource, Honors = 6:00-7:00
All teachers will be presenting in their classrooms.
We look forward to seeing you!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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!!!
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!!!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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...
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...
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
End of the 2008-2009 School Year!
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.
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, 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,
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