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Scorpion Scoop
February 18, 2024
A Message from Principal Hann
Scorpion Families,
It was a terrific weekend for the Scorpions. Our Cheer and Pom teams were both in Nationals in California. It was the best showing in school history! Cheer placed 7th in the nation. Pom placed 4th in the nation. Wow! Congratulations to both teams! Additionally, our boy's and girl's wrestling teams placed in the AZ State Championship. Our female brought home 5th place. And our two males grabbed 3rd and 4th places. Way to go to all of our wrestlers this weekend.
We are in the second half of 3rd quarter and things are moving rapidly. Please remember that there is NO School on Monday, February 19th, in observance of Presidents' Day. We hope you enjoy the long weekend with your family.
We are just three weeks away from Spring Break and the conclusion of the third quarter. This is a crucial time for students to stay focused and engaged in their studies as they complete assignments and prepare for assessments. This includes responsible use of their cell phones. We kindly ask you to discuss with your child the appropriate times for cell phone usage at school. To ensure an environment conducive to learning, we ask that cell phone use be restricted to before and after school hours, during breaks between classes, and at lunchtime. Cell phones can significantly distract from the learning process, affecting students' ability to master necessary skills and content. Please reinforce with your child that cell phones should be stored away during instructional times, and their use during class is subject to the teacher's permission. Your support in encouraging adherence to this guideline is greatly appreciated.
Please mark your calendars for Thursday, March 8th, for a Friday early release at 1:20 pm. We encourage you to plan accordingly for your child's early dismissal.
We appreciate your continued support and cooperation as we work together to provide a productive and enjoyable learning experience for our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Have a great week!
Gretchen Hann
Principal
FFA Week Events
We are excited to announce that Paint with the Principal is back for its second year! Please join Mrs. Hann on Tuesday, March 26 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM for a night of painting, wellness, and connectedness. Dinner will be served. Please RSVP by March 8 at: https://bit.ly/DEHSPaint
Spring Testing Dates
National Merit Finalist
Desert Edge High School is thrilled to announce that Manny Nunez has been named among the 15,000 finalists in the prestigious 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. This recognition is a testament to Manny's exceptional academic achievements and dedication to excellence.
Out of 16,000 National Merit semifinalists announced last September, Manny has demonstrated outstanding academic prowess and met the rigorous requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. This significant achievement places Manny among the top high school seniors nationwide.
"We are incredibly proud of Manny Nunez for his outstanding achievement as a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program," said Gretchen Hann, Principal of Desert Edge High School. "Manny's dedication to academic excellence exemplifies the values of our school community, and we are confident that he will continue to excel in his future endeavors."
Desert Edge High School congratulates Manny Nunez on this remarkable accomplishment and wishes him the best of luck as he competes for the National Merit Scholarships. Manny's achievement reflects the commitment to excellence that is fostered within the Desert Edge High School community.
A message from AFHSD Transportation Department
In order to ensure the safety and security of all students, ALL students will be required to have their physical Student ID with the correct bus route in order to ride the bus home. Any student without an ID will be denied a ride home. IDs can be purchased in the Bookstore for $2. Please check with your student to ensure they have an ID that also has their bus route to ensure there is no disruption to their bus ride home.
Join us February 29
Embark on a captivating journey with the DEHS Conservatory of the Arts on February 29 at 7 PM for "Colors." This unique performance promises a nontraditional fusion of Performing and Visual Arts, converging seamlessly on a single stage. Brace yourself for an exhilarating spectacle as the entire Performing Arts Center transforms into a dynamic canvas of movement, sound, and color.
Immerse yourself in a tapestry of transitions and directional shifts, pulsating with energy and artistic expression. Our Conservatory Band, Choir, Dance, and Theatre will take the spotlight in a harmonious sequence, accompanied by Visual Artists who will craft live paintings and sculptures, vividly expressing the colors of performance.
We extend a warm invitation for you to be a part of this truly innovative approach to performance art. Join us for an unforgettable evening that promises to be a symphony of vibrant hues, as "Colors" unfolds into a rich and immersive experience.
Tickets are on sale now online and in the Bookstore.
All proceeds from the performance will support the Conservatory.
Please charge your Chrome Book
Your student's Chromebook is vital to their learning experience here at Desert Edge. Please ensure students are charging their devices nightly and bringing them to school daily. If your student is having issues with their device or charger, please have them see Ms. Lydia in the library at their earliest convenience. Thank you!
CTE Academies & Pathways
Save the Date!
Library News
Active Parenting of Teens
Touchstone Health Services will be providing a virtual parenting course for all of our families at no cost starting February 15. Please see the flyer to register for this great opportunity.
Class of 2025!
Girls Get IT is open to females who are Juniors and Seniors in High School and are interested in the Field of Information Technology. Itโs a fun day filled with dynamic experiences, meeting friends, exploring hands-on workshops, hearing from professionals already working in the field and getting cool swag!
DATE: March 29th, 2024
TIME: 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
LOCATION: Student Union SU104 D & E
Glendale Community College,
59th Avenue and Olive, Glendale AZ
Contact ggit2024@gccaz.edu or kniko@aguafria.org for more information.
Youth4Youth and the Way Out West Coalition (WOW Coalition)
Dear Parents and Community Members,
The Way Out West Coalition and Youth4Youth had an overwhelming response to last yearโs Community Views Survey. We have each of you to thank for that!
Over the past year, we have been working on multiple initiatives that address fentanyl, counterfeit pills, underage drinking, youth marijuana use, and vaping in our schools and community. It is important to gather the views and perceptions of those who live and work in our community regarding these substances as we work together to prevent youth substance use in our teens.
The survey can be completed from your smartphone, tablet, or computer and takes less than eight minutes. The survey is anonymous and will not ask for any personal data. Please complete the general demographic information at the end if you would be kind enough. Buckeye is a truly diverse community, and we want to ensure we are helping all youth reach their potential.
Check out DETV!
Volunteer Information
Community Partnerships
Raising Canes
๐ Huge shoutout to Raising Canes for their generous donation to Desert Edge High School! ๐๐ Your support means the world to us and will make a big difference in our school community. Thank you for investing in our students! ๐งก๐ฆ๐ค
Avondale Toyota
๐ A heartfelt thank you to Avondale Toyota for their amazing generosity! ๐๐จ Your recent donation to our Marching Scorpions Band Program, providing new shirts for our entire class, speaks volumes about your commitment to supporting local education and the arts. ๐ถ Your contribution not only enhances the appearance of our band but also boosts the morale and pride of our students. ๐ We are truly grateful for partners like you who believe in investing in the future of our youth and our community.
A Message from AFHSD Food Services Department
Since July 1, 2014, the US Department of Agriculture's Smart Snacks in School rules have required all foods and beverages sold/offered meet new nutrition standards.
Under Smart Snacks in Schools, all foods must:
- Be a "whole grain-rich" grain product; or
- Have as the first ingredient a fruit, a vegetable, a dairy product, or a protein food; or
- Be a combination food that contains at least 1/4 cup of fruit and/or vegetable; or
- Contain 10% of the Daily Value (DV) of one of the nutrients of public health concern in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (calcium, potassium vitamin D or dietary fiber)
Foods must also meet several nutrient requirements:
< 200 Calories
Total fat: <35% of calories
Saturated fat: <10% of calories
Trans fat: zero grams
< 200mg Sodium
Sugar <35% of weight from total sugars in foods"
In 2022, the Federal Department of Agriculture (FDA) requires a certified Food Protection Manager be present from start to finish when open food/beverage is being sold/offered on school campus. Along with a certified Food Protection Manager, any person(s) serving/providing open food/beverage must have a Food Handler's Card.
Crosswalk Reminder
Please see the attached communication from DEHS Administration regarding Crosswalk Safety.
Thank you!
Helpful Links
About DEHS
Located near the Estrella Mountains, Desert Edge High School is the third high school in Agua Fria Union High School District, opening in the Fall of 2002. Desert Edge was the first "Green" Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certificate high school in Arizona, and the fourth in the nation.
Desert Edge is an A+ School of Excellence! (2016 and 2020). The A+ School of Excellenceโข Program is a comprehensive school assessment program that celebrates outstanding schools and brings to light the positive stories and successes happening in public schools every day.
Desert Edge has consistently been awarded the Washington Post's America's Most Challenging High School and US News and World Report Best High School in America. Desert Edge is the only high school in Arizona to earn gold medal status in the Beat the Odds program for the 2018-2019 school year. Additionally, Desert Edge was recognized in 2019 for building "a college-going community" with The Most Innovative Player Award from the Governorโs Office of Education and The Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education.
Desert Edge is located on Estrella Parkway and Yuma Road near the Goodyear Ballpark, Spring Training home of the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians.
Website: www.aguafria.org/dehs
Location: 15778 West Yuma Road, Goodyear, AZ, USA
Phone: 623-932-7500