Dear Coyote Families,

We started Math Magic in our classrooms this week to work on our student's mathematical ownership, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving strategies. As a staff, we worked on our collaborative goals during our early release time. We are always looking to continuously improve our learning environments, classroom and instruction, and professional learning communities at DSA. I hope you enjoy the pictures below that capture student learning at DSA.

Choir at DSA is starting next week if your student is interested in joining this year! I am excited to announce that Mrs. Huguley will be our advisor for our Girls Who Code Club. Please check out the information below. I am working on options for our boys who would like to join a similar club too.

This year, we will communicate with our families whenever we have a drill on campus. Not only does that let you know what is going on at campus, but also helps us train and prepare our students and staff and practice our procedures should a real emergency occur on our campus.

Please visit our CCUSD safety website for more information.

I included our CCUSD student expectations for telecommunication below for your reference. I have noticed a few students wearing smartwatches during the school day so I reminded them about the expectations on our morning announcements this week. If you have questions about our new district expectations, please reach out to me.

Just a reminder that DSA would like to invite families to join their students for lunch on September 24th. Please see the information below for details.

We are excited to see all of our families at Parent/Teacher Conferences this month so please look for information from our teachers.

Sincerely,

Kelly Zywczyk

Principal, Desert Sun Academy

Students in possession of telecommunications devices, including but not limited to, cell phones, smartwatches, non medical listening devices, AirPods and headsets, while on school property will adhere to the following expectations:

1. Telecommunication devices will be accessed and operated only before and after the regular school day, unless an emergency situation exists that involves imminent physical danger or a school administrator authorizes the student to use the device.
   
   

2. Students will not send, share, view, or possess pictures, text messages, emails or other material depicting sexually explicit conduct as defined in Policy © 5-305 in electronic or any other form on a cell phone or other electronic device, while the student is on school grounds (this includes any school-sponsored event, buses, etc.)
   
   

3. When a school official has reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts, that a student is using a telecommunications device in a manner that violates the law or school rules, the school official may confiscate the device, which will only be returned to the student’s parent or legal guardian. The device will be locked in a safe area until the parent/guardian is able to pick it up.
   
   

4. While devices are allowed on school grounds, they are not to be in evidence during the academic portion of the day (including passing and lunch).
   
   

5. Students are responsible for devices that they bring to school. DSA will not be responsible for loss, theft or destruction of the device if brought on campus.
   
   

6. Students who violate this expectation and bring their device to school will be subject to disciplinary action. This action can range between locking the phone in a secure location at the beginning of each school day to out of school suspension or expulsion if the violation is of a serious nature.

We look forward to working with your children this year to inspire creativity, foster growth, and make a lasting impact on our DSA students. Here's to a wonderful school year filled with exciting opportunities and meaningful connections! -Miss Kandice, Mrs.Baldyga, and Mrs.Wood

To learn more about the expectations for each special class follow the links below.

Music Expectations

P.E. Expectations

STEAM Expectations

Monday, September 9th- Site Council Meeting

Wednesday, September 11th- DSA Dines Out-The Creek Patio Grill- 11:00 AM-9:00 PM

Early Release-Dismissal at 2:00- Students can wear Red, White, and Blue today for Patriot Day.

Thursday, September 12th- Fall Picture Day

Wednesday, September 18th- Early Release-Dismissal at 2:00

Tuesday. September 24th- Volunteer Training at 9:15 and BBQ Lunch starting at 11:30

You are welcome to join your child(ren) during lunchtime for a delicious lunch of hamburgers or hot dogs, sliced apples, and carrots along with a bag of chips. The adult price will be $4.15 cash or check only. (Change cannot be provided).

2024-2025 Lunch Times

11:30-11:50- 4th and 6th grade

11:55-12:15- 5th grade

12:20-12:40- K, 1st and 2nd

12:45-1:05- 3rd grade

Wednesday, September 25th- Early Release at 2:00

Thursday, September 26th and Friday, September 27th-Half Days and Dismissal is at 12:30

Friday, September 27th- Be You Day

Dorian Studios will be here on Thursday, September 12th for Fall Picture Day. Please dress in your best DSA Uniform!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are excited to announce that Desert Sun Academy is implementing a new card system to streamline the process of signing students in and out of our Kid Account system. Using these ID cards for the Kid Account management system, we will continue to enhance security and improve efficiency at our school.

Here’s what you need to know:

• What is changing? Starting October 7th, parents will use a designated card to sign their child in and out of school. Each family will receive (2) unique cards for this purpose.

• How will it work? Upon arrival and departure, simply scan your card at the check-in/check-out station located at the main entrance. This will automatically log your child’s attendance. Once all students have an ID card (these will be provided on school picture day), you can use those ID’s to check in your child.

• Receiving your card: Cards will be distributed at Desert Sun Academy parent/teacher conferences. If you need a replacement card, contact the school office. If you cannot make parent/teacher conferences, your card will be at the front office for pick up.

• Need assistance? If you have any questions or need help with the new system, our staff will be available. Additionally, should you forget your card, you will need to enter your child’s ID# to find them in our system.

We appreciate your cooperation and support as we make this transition. The new card system is designed to enhance safety and ensure a smooth check-in/check-out process for everyone.

Most sincerely,

Kelly Zywczyk, Principal

Desert Sun Academy

Coaching Opportunities at DSA

We have exciting coaching opportunities here at DSA in the new school year. Each club is a season of 10 sessions and 1 culminating district activity. Typically these clubs are held before school but could happen after school. Coaches will be compensated for their time and energy. Please reach out to our P.E. Teacher Shaunna Baldyga if you are interested or have any questions. sbaldyga@ccusd93.net

Nov/Dec: Basketball

Jan/Feb: Cross Country

Mar/Apr: Track & Field

Are you interested in giving time to DSA students and teachers? We would love to have you! Below are some volunteer opportunities here at DSA:

• Classroom parent
• Classroom parties
• Field Days, picture days, and bookfair helpers
• Small group help in the classroom
• Chaperoning field trips

We will be offering volunteer training monthly at 9:15 AM in the front office conference room. Please see the dates listed below and RSVP to Dot Silva at 480-575-2901 if you would like to volunteer.

• September 24th
• October 22nd
• November 19th
• December 17th
• January 21st
• February 25th
• March 25th
• April 22nd

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF DSA!!

• Teshya Hutchison- President
• Amy Kessinger- Vice President
• Kylee Steier- Secretary
• Kelsi Westhoff- Treasurer

CCUSD Families- We value your feedback! Thank you to all of you who have already completed the calendar survey that was emailed and text messaged to you on Wednesday, September 4. If you have not already completed it, please click here to give us your feedback. You will need your student's ID number. The survey closes on Wednesday, September 11. You can submit one survey per student.

Prek-6th graders, join CSHS Cheerleading Future Falcon Clinic. See the flyer below for more detailed information.

Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found at https://myers-stevens.com/enrollment/

Arizona 's tax law (ARS 43-1089.01) allows families a tax credit of up to $400 if they contribute to extracurricular activities in public schools. Individuals can give up to $200. Contributions that are made on or before the fifteenth day of the fourth month (April 15), following the close of the taxable year, may be applied to either the current or preceding taxable year and is considered to have been made the last day of that taxable year.

(Please see the picture below to show the simplicity of how it works)

Extracurricular activities are school-sponsored activities that may require enrolled students to pay a fee, including fees for:

• Extracurricular activities, such as field trips, student council and our amazing science lab!
• Character education programs.

From and after June 30, 2019 through June 30, 2024, these items are also Tax Credit eligible:

• Capital items (example: furniture, furnishings, athletic equipment, computer software, pupil & non pupil transportation vehicles & equipment, textbooks, instructional aids, library books)
• Student consumable health care supplies (example: tissues, hand wipes, bandages)
• Playground equipment, shade structures for playground equipment

A single individual or a head of household can use the tax credit for $200. A married couple filing a joint return can use the tax credit for $400. Tax credit donations made on or before April 15th may be applied to either the current or preceding tax year.

How to contribute in a few easy steps!

1. Write a personal check to the school of your choice
   (checks CANNOT be accepted from Partnerships, S Corporations, Regular Corporations, Trusts, Estates and LLCs)
2. Mail or deliver the check to the school with a completed tax credit form.
3. You will be provided with a receipt verifying your contribution.
4. You can claim your tax credit of up to $400.

Email: kzywczyk@ccusd93.net
Website: https://www.ccusd93.org/dsa
Phone: 480-575-2900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Desertsunacademy
Twitter: @CCUSD_93