A Message From the Mountain

Dear Blackhawk Families,

As we approach the end of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what a remarkable year it has been and share my heartfelt appreciation for your support during my first year as principal. It has been an honor to lead this incredible campus and partner with our students, staff, and families to make this year one of growth, celebration, and connection.

Academically, our students and staff worked hard to achieve great success, and I’m proud to share that Desert Mountain was one of the top-performing schools in the district on our district assessments. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our teachers and the perseverance of our students.

Beyond the classroom, we had so much fun building our school culture through monthly Blackhawk Bonanza assemblies, our exciting Agriculture Career Expo, memorable field trips, and the revamped Hawk Bucks store—now managed by our middle school students—where students had the opportunity to celebrate positive behavior with some well-earned shopping!

Safety remained a top priority this year. Through a grant we were awarded, we welcomed local law enforcement officers onto our campus, helping foster strong community relationships and enhancing campus security. Additionally, thanks to the generous efforts of our amazing PTO, we were able to install beautiful and secure window wraps on every classroom door, as well as in the front office, media center, and gym. These not only add to the appearance of our school but also serve as an important layer of safety.

As we celebrate a successful year, we also prepare to say goodbye to three beloved staff members who are retiring after many years of service: Kim Krause, 3rd grade teacher; Ellen Foreman, preschool teacher; and Julie Ross, preschool paraprofessional. Their dedication has left a lasting impact on our community, and they will be deeply missed.

As we wind down and head into summer, I want to thank you again for making my first year as principal so special. I am proud of all we have accomplished together and am excited for an even better year ahead.

Wishing you and your family a safe and joyful summer.

Warm regards,

Jessica Brunk, Principal

"It's a great day to be a Blackhawk!"

Mr. A was proudly recognized as the DVUSD Rookie Teacher of the Year for his outstanding dedication, professionalism, and impact as a first-year educator. He consistently demonstrates a strong command of content, builds positive relationships with students, and creates an engaging, well-managed classroom environment. Austyn’s thoughtful planning, willingness to grow, and collaborative spirit make him an exemplary new teacher and a valued member of the Desert Mountain team.

Kinsey Ongstad, an eighth-grade student at Desert Mountain School, has been honored as the 2024–2025 DVUSD Middle School Female Athlete of the Year. This prestigious recognition, awarded during the district’s Pursuing Victory with Honor celebration, highlights Kinsey’s exceptional athletic achievements and her embodiment of sportsmanship and leadership.

Kinsey’s dedication, perseverance, and positive attitude have made her a standout in both competition and character. She consistently leads by example, demonstrating integrity, teamwork, and a strong work ethic that inspires her peers and coaches alike. Her commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, reflects the core values of Desert Mountain School and the DVUSD athletic community.

We are incredibly proud of Kinsey for this well-deserved honor and look forward to seeing her continued success as she advances in her academic and athletic pursuits.

Desert Mountain welcomed back 21 members of the BCHS class of 2025, many who attended pre-K and kindergarten there, for the school's first senior walk.

Our Agriculture Career Expo was a highlight of the year, offering students a unique, hands-on opportunity to explore the world of agriculture. From hawks and falcons to goats, donkeys, and chickens, students engaged with a wide variety of animals while learning about the diverse careers that support our agricultural systems. This exciting event was made possible through the generous support of our community partners, Desert Mountain families, and state organizations. Students walked away with new knowledge, meaningful experiences, and a deeper appreciation for the role agriculture plays in our world. We’re already looking forward to an even bigger and better Expo next year!

A special thanks goes out to the following people and organizations who made this day possible:

Craig Dawson

El Hay Guy

Landon Ellis

Performance Equine DVM

Wild At Heart Owls

Arizona Department of Agriculture

Amanda Henderson

Garden Partner

Arizona Agribusiness and Water Council

Congratulations to all of our 8th grade students as they promote to high school! We are so proud of all that you have accomplished and will cherish the memories we have made together.

Please join us:

May 21, 2025

5:00 PM

DMS Gym