Good afternoon DSA families!

Our teachers have been busy working on their Student Progress Goals and reviewing multiple sources of data to prepare for Parent/Teacher Conferences. We are excited to see all of our families so we can continue our home-to-school connection.

This week our amazing PTO executive board and I visited classrooms with our Woot Woot Wagon to deliver treats for our staff. Please check out a few pictures below! I also recognized a few students for their positive behavior at DSA. Our Callie Card winners received a $2.00 bill to spend at the DSA book fair. You can find additional book fair information below for your reference and a shout-out goes out to Amy Kessinger for dressing up as the Incredible Hulk for our staff and students!

In the CCUSD, student safety continues to be our top priority, and wearing visible identification (ID cards) plays a crucial role in maintaining a secure environment. We recently had picture day at DSA and all DSA students now have a student ID. All elementary schools in CCUSD plan to implement students wearing ID cards in Quarter 2. I plan to send out additional information to families after I meet with the other elementary principals next week.

We are so excited to announce that on September 27th, our school is being recognized at the CSHS football game. Our goal is to fill the stands with Future Falcons and cheer our team on to victory!

Along with our school being recognized, we also will have two staff members recognized during halftime. (Mrs. Paul and Miss M.)

Here are a few details about that evening:

• The game starts at 7:00 pm.
• All students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• You can purchase tickets at GoFan using the app

Wear (or purchase your Falcons gear at the game). The theme is DSA Night!

We look forward to seeing you at the game! Let’s have a fun night together supporting our high school team!

Sincerely,

Kelly Zywczyk

Principal, Desert Sun Academy

Congratulations to Ms. Maria our Employee of the Month!

Miss M. passed the Goose on to Mr. B. for being positive, a problem solver, and his leadership!

Friday, September 20th-Thursday, September 26th- Scholastic Book Fair

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, carrots, and 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 and Apple Themed Spirit Day

Students and teachers are invited to wear their favorite apple color, along with uniform bottoms. (yellow, red, green) Classes can also stop by the former computer lab to 'Guess How Many Apples' and enter their estimations for a prize. Teachers will offer educational experiences in the classroom that are both fun and enriching. Providing opportunities for students to explore various subjects engagingly while promoting creativity, healthy habits, and community spirit.

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

Friday, September 27th- Be You Day

Monday, September 30-Friday, October 4th- Fall Break-School Closed

Monday, October 7th- Site Council Meeting-3:45

Wednesday, October 9th- Early Release-Dismissal at 2:00

Saturday, October 12th- Octoberfest - Harold's Cave Creek Corral

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

Basketball Coaching Opportunity at DSA

We are in need of a Basketball Coach, grades 4-6, for the Nov.-Dec. season. There are 10 practices and an all district tournament on Dec. 10th. Please let us know if you would like to coach our DSA 'Ballers' this upcoming season. 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

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 15th- 4:00 PM
• 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

Hello, Amazing DSA Families!

We have used Box Tops for Education to support our school's needs in previous years! This is an easy way for families to help the PTO with fundraising efforts just by buying groceries! We are bringing it back and wanted to let all our families know about it! Please see the flyer below for more information on how to download the app to start raising money for DSA! For a bonus, you can select your teacher (for combo grades please select your homeroom teacher) and the homeroom class that has the most will win a pizza party the week of December 16th! Boxtop collections for this competition will start on Friday, September 20th - Friday, December 13th.

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