Good afternoon,

Since next week is a short week, we will have fall spirit days on Monday and Tuesday.

On Monday, students can wear CCUSD spirit shirts with their uniform bottoms. Tuesday will be a flannel spirit day and if students participate they can be out of uniform.

Just a reminder that Thanksgiving Break starts on Wednesday next week. I hope all of you enjoy time with your family and friends.

Sincerely,

Kelly Zywczyk

Principal, Desert Sun Academy

Congratulations to Everett, our Superintendent's Student of the Month for DSA.

11/27-11/29- No School- Thanksgiving Break

12/02- School Resumes

12/04- Early Release- Dismissal at 2:00

12/06- Movie Night- Doors open at 5:45

12/11- Winter Band Concert- 6:30

12/16-12/20-DSA Spirit Week- Please see the flyer below.

12/17- Volunteer Training- 6:00

12/19- Winter Concert at 2pm

12/20- Be You Day

12/20- Early Release- Half Day-Dismissal at 12:30

12/20- Howling Coyotes

12/23-01/03/25- No School- Winter Break

If your child has a fever, has thrown up, or has diarrhea they need to remain home. Students have to be fever free WITHOUT the assistance of medication for 24 hours before returning to school. Same with vomit or diarrhea, they need to be free of symptoms for 24 hours prior to returning to school

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

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

Per our District Office, we will be offering volunteer training sessions monthly in the front office conference room. In order to volunteer in any of the above mentioned capacities, volunteers are required to take one of the trainings. Unfortunately, if you do not attend one of the sessions you will not be able to volunteer at DSA. Please see the dates and times listed below and RSVP to Dot Silva at 480-575-2901 if you would like to volunteer.

• December 17th- 6:00 PM
• January 21st- 9:15 AM
• February 27th- 4:00 PM
• March 27th- 9:15 AM
• April 24th- 4:00 PM

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF DSA!!

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

Please join us on Friday, December 6th for Movie Night! See the flyer below for more information and the RSVP form.

December is busy! Give your kitchen a break and come and join us on Wednesday, December 4th as DSA Dines Out! This month's spot is Harold's Cave Creek Corral. Please see the flyer below for more details.

Let your friends and family know that when they purchase a Dave & Buster’s Power Card before December 20, 2024, 50% of the purchase will be donated to support Desert Sun Academy!

Here is our link to join: https://grouprai.se/davebusters5T8F6Ze

Whether it’s a family or friend outing, or a fun date night–enjoy a day of games, fun, and excitement at Dave & Buster’s while contributing to a great cause. Simply purchase your Power Card at the link above, then head to your nearest location to redeem and play–all while supporting Desert Sun Academy!

Thank you,

Teshya
Desert Sun Academy

Hello DSA Families!

Here is another recipe to share with your loved ones over the upcoming holidays! We hope you enjoy it! As a reminder when you are scanning boxtops make sure you select your homeroom teacher! They are still competing for a class pizza party! The last day for this competition is December 13th! Our current first place spot is Ms. Clark's Homeroom! Make sure you get those boxtops scanned! Thank you!

Reminder, all schools and offices will be closed from November 27-29 for Thanksgiving break. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

At the November 19, 2024 Governing Board meeting, the Board tabled adopting a calendar and will be sending questions to administration for additional information. They also requested a list of options be brought for their consideration during the December 10 meeting.

For the past several months the CCUSD Facility Focus Group has been meeting to review current and future enrollment in the district, evaluate facility usage, and to evaluate current and future facility needs. At the upcoming special meeting of the CCUSD Governing Board, the Focus Group will be presenting their findings from the research, including recommendations for possible school closures, school boundary adjustments, and grade reconfiguration. This presentation is only the first step in the process. No action will be taken at this informational meeting.

The Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation (CCUEF) is excited to host the annual Run the District event on Saturday, January 25, 2025! Join us for a fun and energizing run while supporting our amazing teachers. For more information, go to: https://ccuef.org/run-the-district-5k/

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