Our first 2009-2010 School Council meeting was held the first week of school and we are working hard to do what is best for kids! At this meeting Tax Credits were approved by the Council which means our Tutoring program, Homework Club, GenYes, and many more before and after school enrichment activities will be starting soon! Also, along with the approval of Tax Credits, the Council approved our 6th graders going to Catalina and our 4th graders going to the Grand Canyon. The Council was very interested in the new V-Rep reading training and they supported that direction as well.
The Council will be gathering input from teachers, parents, and community members on how to best educate our community about Tax Credits. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how to get the word out, please see one of your representatives or go to our school site, click on School Council and you will find a direct email link. Your input is important and we appreciate it.
Also, please know all agendas and minutes are posted on our school site @ http://cmweb.pvschools.net/dtesweb/
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
H1N1 or "Swine" Flu
Understandably we all have concerns with what we are hearing in the news regarding the upcoming Flu season. Here is what we know and are doing at this time:
This novel flu is still circulating in Arizona and it appears that it is affecting our younger population at a disproportionally higher rate than our normal “seasonal” flu. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health reports that more than half of those hospitalized have been school or per-school aged children, and confirms one pediatric death this summer in our county attributed to novel H1N1. Many more cases are possible this fall. Because of this, we all need to become much more vigilant in our efforts to keep our school community and your home environment flu-free.
1.) Teach your kids good hygiene (we will be doing the same at school): This means teaching them how to cover coughs/sneezes with their elbows, good hand washing habits and to keep their hands away from their face.
2.) Keep your kids home when they are sick: When a child comes to school sick, he/she can infect classmates at amazing rates. If too many kids are sick at school, we may be required to implement extreme measures such as closing the school, which has a negative effect on all of us.
3.) Consider seasonal flu vaccine: Although there won’t be a vaccine for the novel flu until later this fall, our regular seasonal flu vaccine should be available in September. The more students (and staff) who are vaccinated with seasonal flu vaccine, the better chance we have of keeping this virus from jumping from child to child in our school and then bringing it home to your family. If your primary care doctor does not have flu vaccine, contact Community Information and Referral at 602-263-8856 for vaccine locations.
We are monitoring both the novel and seasonal flu closely and will be reporting abnormal absentee rates in our school to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. However, we cannot stress enough that it will be our parents who will ultimately make the largest impact on the health of our school.
Please contact Nurse Trudy should you need further information.
Thank you,
This novel flu is still circulating in Arizona and it appears that it is affecting our younger population at a disproportionally higher rate than our normal “seasonal” flu. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health reports that more than half of those hospitalized have been school or per-school aged children, and confirms one pediatric death this summer in our county attributed to novel H1N1. Many more cases are possible this fall. Because of this, we all need to become much more vigilant in our efforts to keep our school community and your home environment flu-free.
1.) Teach your kids good hygiene (we will be doing the same at school): This means teaching them how to cover coughs/sneezes with their elbows, good hand washing habits and to keep their hands away from their face.
2.) Keep your kids home when they are sick: When a child comes to school sick, he/she can infect classmates at amazing rates. If too many kids are sick at school, we may be required to implement extreme measures such as closing the school, which has a negative effect on all of us.
3.) Consider seasonal flu vaccine: Although there won’t be a vaccine for the novel flu until later this fall, our regular seasonal flu vaccine should be available in September. The more students (and staff) who are vaccinated with seasonal flu vaccine, the better chance we have of keeping this virus from jumping from child to child in our school and then bringing it home to your family. If your primary care doctor does not have flu vaccine, contact Community Information and Referral at 602-263-8856 for vaccine locations.
We are monitoring both the novel and seasonal flu closely and will be reporting abnormal absentee rates in our school to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. However, we cannot stress enough that it will be our parents who will ultimately make the largest impact on the health of our school.
Please contact Nurse Trudy should you need further information.
Thank you,
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Parent Orientation Night
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!
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!
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.
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