Tuesday, Nov. 29 through Dec. 2, our Holiday Shop is back & open for business! Students will have the opportunity to purchase small gifts for family and friends while using their math skills! Our wonderful PTO has brought this fun experience back to Desert Trails to emphasize thoughtfulness, friendship, and love toward others; some of the most important Life Skills we want for all of our children! The Holiday shopping list should have gone home last week. If you need another one, please contact your child's teacher or drop by the office to pick one up!
In keeping with four years running now, SpeakUp! 2011 is now open. Perhaps now more than ever, participation is warranted. Parents, staff and students are encouraged to participate. The data is used in many small and large forums. Please go directly to my blog and click on the SpeakUp! link. Thank you!!
Do you pay Az. Taxes? Well, the Tax Credit deadline is approaching quickly and we need your help! Our iCamp, GenYes, Reading Rocks, Spanish, Drama, & Homework Clubs are all funded through your Tax Credit. PLUS---- the Tax Credit is available to all State of Az taxpayers, regardless of whether you have children in school. The amount you donate-up to $200 (or$400 per married couple)- will be the amount you may claim as a state tax credit. For example, if you donate $50, your state tax credit would be $50. A receipt will be mailed to you by the school.
We appreciate your Tax Credit as it allows us to offer wonderful before & after school programs for all of our students! Please call the office if you have any questions or go directly to the link provided on my blog. THANK YOU!!!
Events
12/1 School Council meeting 7:45 am
12/1 Governing Board meeting 7pm
12/7 Chorus Holiday Show @ DTES 6:30pm
12/14 PTO BINGO @ DTES 6:00-9:00pm
12/15 STAR Lunch with Mrs. Lee @ Mimi's Cafe
12/15 Governing Board meeting 7pm
12/21-1/3 Winter Break
1/10 Half Day Students dismissed at 12:30 (no lunch)
Monday, November 28, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
YOU DID IT AGAIN!
Desert Trails Parents~THANK YOU for supporting us!!!
I am happy to report that both bonds have officially passed. The capital bond was approved and the money will be used to renovate and maintain schools, improve school grounds, and purchase school furniture, equipment, technology and school buses. Work is already beginning at sites where need is greatest. The rest will be phased-in over multiple years to honor our commitment to maintain the district tax burden at current levels. The capital override was also approved. That money will be spent on instructional materials and support vehicles.
Our United Parent Council, Principals, and Teachers, were all important factors in the final results by their collective effort in getting the word out about this important issue.
Thank you for once again supporting your excelling Desert Trail's PV School.
I am proud to be your principal and work with such great, supportive parents.
I am happy to report that both bonds have officially passed. The capital bond was approved and the money will be used to renovate and maintain schools, improve school grounds, and purchase school furniture, equipment, technology and school buses. Work is already beginning at sites where need is greatest. The rest will be phased-in over multiple years to honor our commitment to maintain the district tax burden at current levels. The capital override was also approved. That money will be spent on instructional materials and support vehicles.
Our United Parent Council, Principals, and Teachers, were all important factors in the final results by their collective effort in getting the word out about this important issue.
Thank you for once again supporting your excelling Desert Trail's PV School.
I am proud to be your principal and work with such great, supportive parents.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Troops/Socks/Pediatrics
At Desert Trails we strive to Cultivate World Thinkers but we also take an active role in cultivating community awareness~
From Our Tents To Yours is a partnership between Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and local schools. The Sheriff's Office will be assembling and shipping soldier care packages to our troops. If you would like to let the men and women who serve our country know that we are thinking about them this season of giving, please see the attached list of needs. Then simply drop your item(s) off at school. The program runs Nov. 14-21st.
PTO and Shoebox Ministry is currently collecting warm, new socks for all size feet! Desert Trails has always been a big contributor in stepping up and providing warm socks for those less fortunate. This year we will be collecting Nov. 14 through Nov. 18th. Drop off at school all this week!
Do you know any "Twi-Hards"? Breaking Dawn comes out Friday November 18 and if you know anyone who wants to be one of the first to see it here in the Valley, then you need to pass on this fantastic info. The attached flyer "TWILIGHT" has details for the midnight showing at the new Studio Movie Grill in Scottsdale. A $20 dollar donation gets you a ticket to the movie and popcorn with proceeds going to Jordan's Jungle! Jordan is a past Desert Trails student who created his service oriented outreach to assist ill children. You'll also get a pass for two free movies at Studio Movie Grill, so it's basically a wash and it benefit's charity!!! What could be better? For more info on Jordan's Jungle, please check out www.JordansJungle.org.
From Our Tents To Yours is a partnership between Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and local schools. The Sheriff's Office will be assembling and shipping soldier care packages to our troops. If you would like to let the men and women who serve our country know that we are thinking about them this season of giving, please see the attached list of needs. Then simply drop your item(s) off at school. The program runs Nov. 14-21st.
PTO and Shoebox Ministry is currently collecting warm, new socks for all size feet! Desert Trails has always been a big contributor in stepping up and providing warm socks for those less fortunate. This year we will be collecting Nov. 14 through Nov. 18th. Drop off at school all this week!
Do you know any "Twi-Hards"? Breaking Dawn comes out Friday November 18 and if you know anyone who wants to be one of the first to see it here in the Valley, then you need to pass on this fantastic info. The attached flyer "TWILIGHT" has details for the midnight showing at the new Studio Movie Grill in Scottsdale. A $20 dollar donation gets you a ticket to the movie and popcorn with proceeds going to Jordan's Jungle! Jordan is a past Desert Trails student who created his service oriented outreach to assist ill children. You'll also get a pass for two free movies at Studio Movie Grill, so it's basically a wash and it benefit's charity!!! What could be better? For more info on Jordan's Jungle, please check out www.JordansJungle.org.
Monday, November 7, 2011
The Mouse that.../Red Ribbon Success/PTO
Paradise Valley High School's Drama students will be presenting "The Mouse that Roared"
on Nov. 8, 9, and 10th. 7:00pm curtain! Children & Students with ID $5.00 Adults & Students without ID $7.00. One of our very own past Desert Trails' students, Ms. Garcia, will be in this wonderful production! Flyers available in the Office.
Red Ribbon was once again a huge success! Many thanks go out to all parents who helped during the week long celebration & learning. Mr. & Mrs. Chase, Mrs. Hanna, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. DeLine, Ms. Domingo and a SPECIAL THANKS to Mrs. Owens for organizing the entire week! The helicopter arrival is such an awesome event!
Grades 4, 5, & 6 attended an assembly on Friday that reviewed new football protocols, and cafeteria incentives! As we move forward allowing "FLAG" football at Desert Trails, Coach E. and our Duty Aides will be communicating with students the importance of good sportsmanship, self control, and following safety rules. Students are well aware that they may be removed from football if they chose to not follow the rules now firmly in place. Please speak with your child's classroom teacher should you have any questions.
Rainy Days procedures are now in place as our weather has taken its long awaited turn! Upon arrival, should the playgrounds be wet, have puddles, or it is raining we have established that our Library will open at 8:30 for all K-3 grade students. Also, our Cafeteria will be open at 8:30 for all 4, 5, & 6th graders. Teachers will come to each of these locations to retrieve their students at 8:55. During the day should it remain a "Rainy Day" students will go to lunch at the regular time, and instead of going outside, they simply return to their classroom for free time determined by the classroom teacher. Duty Aides will supervise during this time however, we can always use parents for this coverage time! Please plan some extra driving time on these days as there will be more cars dropping off and picking up students. SLOW DOWN in cross walks!
on Nov. 8, 9, and 10th. 7:00pm curtain! Children & Students with ID $5.00 Adults & Students without ID $7.00. One of our very own past Desert Trails' students, Ms. Garcia, will be in this wonderful production! Flyers available in the Office.
Red Ribbon was once again a huge success! Many thanks go out to all parents who helped during the week long celebration & learning. Mr. & Mrs. Chase, Mrs. Hanna, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. DeLine, Ms. Domingo and a SPECIAL THANKS to Mrs. Owens for organizing the entire week! The helicopter arrival is such an awesome event!
Grades 4, 5, & 6 attended an assembly on Friday that reviewed new football protocols, and cafeteria incentives! As we move forward allowing "FLAG" football at Desert Trails, Coach E. and our Duty Aides will be communicating with students the importance of good sportsmanship, self control, and following safety rules. Students are well aware that they may be removed from football if they chose to not follow the rules now firmly in place. Please speak with your child's classroom teacher should you have any questions.
Rainy Days procedures are now in place as our weather has taken its long awaited turn! Upon arrival, should the playgrounds be wet, have puddles, or it is raining we have established that our Library will open at 8:30 for all K-3 grade students. Also, our Cafeteria will be open at 8:30 for all 4, 5, & 6th graders. Teachers will come to each of these locations to retrieve their students at 8:55. During the day should it remain a "Rainy Day" students will go to lunch at the regular time, and instead of going outside, they simply return to their classroom for free time determined by the classroom teacher. Duty Aides will supervise during this time however, we can always use parents for this coverage time! Please plan some extra driving time on these days as there will be more cars dropping off and picking up students. SLOW DOWN in cross walks!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Parent Input
If you missed the opportunity to share your input by filling out the survey during Parent~Teacher Conferences, I've created a link with the same form.
Please simply go to this pvlearners site CLICK HERE and answer the two questions regarding our Special Areas. Your feedback is important! If you already completed the survey, please do not fill it out again. We would like to have the most reliable feedback as possible.
THANK YOU!
Please simply go to this pvlearners site CLICK HERE and answer the two questions regarding our Special Areas. Your feedback is important! If you already completed the survey, please do not fill it out again. We would like to have the most reliable feedback as possible.
THANK YOU!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Solar/Red Ribbon Week/
Moving forward to save money- You will soon see solar structures at Desert Trails! We are very excited to be one of the first in the state to take advantage of this savings incentive by APS and the Arizona Corporation Commission. To make sure you have accurate information, I have attached articles at the top of my blog that you may read, should you want more information. Remember, you must go to my actual blog to get to the articles. They are located at the top under the solar headings. In Paradise Valley we are proud of our fiscal management, and want you to know in these tough economic times the district is doing everything we can to maximize the money we receive from taxpayers.
Red Ribbon Week Happenings-
Monday~ Winner's Don't Do Drugs! Kick off the week with a fun run-wear your team jersey!
Tuesday~ Give Drugs the Boot! Western Wear!
Wednesday~ Drugs Are No Match For Us! Mismatch day!
Thursday~ Peace Out to Drugs! Wear peace signs!
Friday~ Just Say No! Wear Red! Helicopter arrives at Desert Trails!!! (9:30ish)
THANKS to Andres O. for all of her hard work putting together this special week.
Please find an article, provided by Andrea, that you may find helpful!
Red Ribbon Week Happenings-
Monday~ Winner's Don't Do Drugs! Kick off the week with a fun run-wear your team jersey!
Tuesday~ Give Drugs the Boot! Western Wear!
Wednesday~ Drugs Are No Match For Us! Mismatch day!
Thursday~ Peace Out to Drugs! Wear peace signs!
Friday~ Just Say No! Wear Red! Helicopter arrives at Desert Trails!!! (9:30ish)
THANKS to Andres O. for all of her hard work putting together this special week.
Please find an article, provided by Andrea, that you may find helpful!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
New Faces/Proud % AIMS/Football/Nov. Events
For nearly 8 weeks, it was my pleasure to fill the gap of crossing guard, before school & after! It always started & ended my day on such a happy note with the waves & shouts of good mornings/good byes from students and parents! However, my corner reign has come to a close-- You are now seeing Mr. Michael our new crossing guard! He has stepped in and is doing a wonderful job! Be sure to keep the waving up to make him feel welcomed at Desert Trails!!! Next- be looking for our new Campus Assistant, Mr. Lane. Lane has recently joined the Desert Trails' team to be our jack-of-all-trades! You will see him on the playground, in the classrooms, outside parking lots, cafeteria and also the office doing what needs to be done! Be sure and say hello to him! Last- but not least, in the cafeteria we have two new wonderful moms who have decided to make a positive difference at Desert Trails. Mrs. Deb & Mrs. Beth are in the cafeteria helping students eat and get outside to play! They have been awesome help!
These pro-active people have decided to roll up their sleeves and help support wonderful kids and an outstanding school. WE couldn't do it without THEM!
We are very proud of our 2011 AIMS results and I would like to share a glimpse of the outstanding work our dedicated teachers do on a daily basis.
2nd grade Math 84% (tied for 1st in the District) Meet & Exceeded the Standards/Reading 68% Meet & Exceed the Standards (tied for 3d in the District)/Writing 67% Meet & Exceed the Standards (tied for 2nd in the District).
3rd grade Math 85% Meet & Exceed/Reading 93% Meet & Exceed the Standards
4th grade Math 88% Meet & Exceed/Reading 96% Meet & Exceed the Standards/Science 92%
5th grade Math 80% Meet & Exceed/Reading 91% Meet & Exceed the Standards
6th grade Math 75% Meet & Exceed/Reading 98% Meet & Exceed the Standards
We are always working to improve what we do, and this information will be incorporated into
collecting further data, so teachers can continue to collaborate in Professional Learning Communities and work together to improve Best Practices at Desert Trails!
Football at Desert Trails is under construction, as I work with Students, Coach E., Teachers, and Duty Aides to move in a direction where students can play, be safe, and have fun. Football can get intense, and we have some very competitive students who like to win! Our challenge has been to direct that competitive spirit toward good sportsmanship, following rules, and being a leader instead of displays of physical aggression.
Coach E. has been working on foundational school wide rules, and he has been teaching students in grades 4, 5, & 6 these rules during P.E. classes. Duty Aides have met to review and give input to the rules, and teachers are meeting after Parent~Teacher Conferences to also do the same.
Our grades 4, 5, & 6 Football Assembly will launch playing football at Desert Trails this year.
I will visit classrooms next week in preparation of our assembly, and at that time rules will be coming home for parents. I am optimistic that our students can work together to make recess enjoyable and safe for all!
Nov. Events
11/1-11/4 Red Ribbon Week
11/4 Grades 4-5-6 Football Assembly 10:30am
11/4 PTO Movie in the Park 5:30-7:30
11/11 Veteran's Day ***No School
11/15 Catalina Chaperone meeting 6:00pm School front lobby
11/16 Strings Concert @ D.T. 7pm
11/17 STAR Student lunch with Mrs. Lee
11/23-11/25 Thanksgiving Recess ***No School
These pro-active people have decided to roll up their sleeves and help support wonderful kids and an outstanding school. WE couldn't do it without THEM!
We are very proud of our 2011 AIMS results and I would like to share a glimpse of the outstanding work our dedicated teachers do on a daily basis.
2nd grade Math 84% (tied for 1st in the District) Meet & Exceeded the Standards/Reading 68% Meet & Exceed the Standards (tied for 3d in the District)/Writing 67% Meet & Exceed the Standards (tied for 2nd in the District).
3rd grade Math 85% Meet & Exceed/Reading 93% Meet & Exceed the Standards
4th grade Math 88% Meet & Exceed/Reading 96% Meet & Exceed the Standards/Science 92%
5th grade Math 80% Meet & Exceed/Reading 91% Meet & Exceed the Standards
6th grade Math 75% Meet & Exceed/Reading 98% Meet & Exceed the Standards
We are always working to improve what we do, and this information will be incorporated into
collecting further data, so teachers can continue to collaborate in Professional Learning Communities and work together to improve Best Practices at Desert Trails!
Football at Desert Trails is under construction, as I work with Students, Coach E., Teachers, and Duty Aides to move in a direction where students can play, be safe, and have fun. Football can get intense, and we have some very competitive students who like to win! Our challenge has been to direct that competitive spirit toward good sportsmanship, following rules, and being a leader instead of displays of physical aggression.
Coach E. has been working on foundational school wide rules, and he has been teaching students in grades 4, 5, & 6 these rules during P.E. classes. Duty Aides have met to review and give input to the rules, and teachers are meeting after Parent~Teacher Conferences to also do the same.
Our grades 4, 5, & 6 Football Assembly will launch playing football at Desert Trails this year.
I will visit classrooms next week in preparation of our assembly, and at that time rules will be coming home for parents. I am optimistic that our students can work together to make recess enjoyable and safe for all!
Nov. Events
11/1-11/4 Red Ribbon Week
11/4 Grades 4-5-6 Football Assembly 10:30am
11/4 PTO Movie in the Park 5:30-7:30
11/11 Veteran's Day ***No School
11/15 Catalina Chaperone meeting 6:00pm School front lobby
11/16 Strings Concert @ D.T. 7pm
11/17 STAR Student lunch with Mrs. Lee
11/23-11/25 Thanksgiving Recess ***No School
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