Gecko Gazette
Desert Sage Newsletter - March 2024
Closed Campus to Visitors in April
For the month of April due to AASA testing, Desert Sage will be a closed campus. This means that classroom visitors/volunteers will not be allowed on the testing dates. Having the school operate as a closed campus limits interruptions, maintains the testing environments, and fosters a strong attention to task to perform at our best.
Solar Eclipse: Monday, April 8th
On April 8, 2024, there will be a spectacular total eclipse of the Sun, visible on a narrow path that
stretches from western Mexico through Texas, and then northeastward toward New York, New England
and eastern Canada. In such a total eclipse, the Moon exactly covers the Sun, and our star’s faint atmosphere (the corona) becomes visible.
It is not safe to view the solar eclipse without specific protection for your eyes. To ensure the safety of all students and staff, Desert Sage will be conducting in-door activities (including recess) during the time frame of the eclipse (10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) Students will not be permitted outside during this time frame (even with appropriate personal protective eyewear). Teachers will be providing opportunities for viewing the eclipse via livestreaming in their classrooms.
If you would like to learn more about the solar eclipse, please take a moment to read this community handout from the National Science Teaching Association.
Congratulations 2024 CLTA Mandarin Speech Winners!
Three of our #extraordinary Mandarin Immersion program students who advanced to the finals in the CLTA 2nd Annual Mandarin Speech Contest placed in the top 3 from over 200 students Congratulations to 6th grade Julia M. for earning 3rd place, 5th grader Olivia F. for earning 2nd place, and 4th grader Charlotte F. for also earning 3rd place! We are so proud of you!
Thank you Assistant Principal Race!
April 1st through April 5th is National Assistant Principal Week. We wanted to share our thanks for all the hard work and effort Mrs. Race brings to Desert Sage everyday. Below is a poem that says best how appreciative we are of having Mrs. Race as part of the Desert Sage team and family.
To our assistant principal, so kind and true,
We thank you for all that you do.
You guide us with wisdom, through good and through bad,
Your support and your care, we've always had.
With your leadership, our school thrives,
You help us to grow and reach for the skies.
Your hard work and dedication, we truly appreciate,
For making our school a better place, so great.
Thank you for your guidance, your patience, and grace,
You make our school a warm and welcoming place.
We're grateful for all that you do each day,
Our assistant principal, in every single way.
Congratulations to Battle of the Books Teams!
This year we had an amazing 18 teams participate in the Battle of the Books. Through three rounds of battles the ultimate winning team was the Bookworms (6th graders: Alexa R. and Julia M.). The Bookworms will represent Desert Sage at the district finals on April 4th. Go Bookworms!
Thank you to all of our Battle teams. You are awesome!
- Beauties and the Books
- Bombasstic Side eye
- The Bookers
- Goofy Nerds
- Ice cubes
- Purple Chosen People
- Sorry We're Booked
- Team Dobby
- The Three Booketeirs
- Blank
- Creepy Chapter Crawlers
- Bookworms
- The Fruit Loop Warriors
- Anonymous
- Sunset duo
- Hogwarts Champions
- Bad Alphas
- Book Wrestlers
Culture Camp Life Skill Weekly Winners
This year as part of Desert Sage’s efforts to build our student’s social-emotional skills we are highlighting a specific Life Skill each week. Throughout the week, students participate in class meetings that we call “Fireside Chats” as we are doing a camp theme this year. During these Fireside Chats the Life Skill of the week is defined and discussed to learn how to recognize and build this skill. Additionally, students hear information that supports the Life Skill of the week on the morning announcements and other instructional moments with their teachers.
We are taking the time each week to also recognize one student from each class, who has best exemplified the Life Skill of the week. This student will receive a certificate and a Gecko Pride Culture Camp sticker when they are recognized by Principal Gill and Assistant Principal Race.
Life Skill: Resourcefulness
To respond to challenges and opportunities in innovative and creative ways
Life Skills Weekly WInners!
Life Skill: Perseverance
To keep at it
Life Skill: Initiative
To do something, of one’s own free will, because it needs to be done
Life Skill: Responsibility
To respond when appropriate; to be accountable for one’s actions
Life Skill: Sense of Humor
To laugh and be playful without harming others
Mark Your Calendar - Important Dates
- Wednesday, 4/3: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
- Wednesday, 4/3: 1st grade Wildlife Zoo Field Trip
- Thursday, 4/4: School Librarian Appreciation Day
- Thursday, 4/4: PTO Zoom Meeting @ 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, 4/5: 4th-6th grade Field Day
- Friday, 4/5: Dismissal @ 3:30 p.m.
- Friday, 4/12: Dismissal @ 3:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, 4/16: Volunteer Training @ 8:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, 4/17: Kindergarten Children's Museum Field Trip
- Friday, 4/19: Dismissal @ 3:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, 4/23: Bus Driver Appreciation Day
- Wednesday, 4/24: Administrative Professional Appreciation Day
- Thursday, 4/25: 4th grade Desert Outdoor Center Field Trip
- Friday, 4/26: Dismissal @ 2:00 p.m.
- Friday, 4/26: PTO Carnival
AZ School Tax Credit for Desert Sage
Your school tax credit donations can provide Desert Sage students with opportunities to after school and summer programs, field trips, music and athletic programs or any other extracurricular activity.
- The Arizona tax credit program (A.R.S. 43-1089.01) allows a tax credit of up to $200 for individuals and up to $400 for married couples, filing jointly, in support of extracurricular activities.
- The tax credit reduces your tax burden to the state of Arizona, dollar for dollar.
Make your tax credit donation to Desert Sage at: https://az-deervalley.intouchreceipting.com/.
Desert Sage Elementary
Website: dvusd.org/desertsage
Location: 4035 West Alameda Road, Glendale, AZ, USA
Phone: (623) 445-4700
Twitter: @DesertSageElem
Instagram: dvusd_desertsage
Facebook: DVUSD Desert Sage