Good afternoon DSA families!

Please see the updated link for DSA apparel and merch below in our PTO section. They recently added hoodies and long-sleeve options for the cooler weather.

We will have a Halloween Spirit Day on October 31st.

Students can wear Halloween colors: Orange, Green, Purple, Black and/or Halloween t-shirts and accessories such as hats and headbands. Students who participate can be out of uniform.

Our “Love Our Schools” day is on Saturday, November 2nd, and we’d greatly appreciate your support. We’re seeking families who would like to help with various projects and lend a hand where needed. Here are some of the projects we’re currently planning:

• Campus Beautification (manual labor)
• Cleaning and Organizing our Staff Lounge (manual labor)
• Stocking the Staff Lounge with Snacks and Drinks (Items can be donated and dropped off before or on November 2nd)
• Providing gift cards and incentives to celebrate our amazing staff (Items can be donated and dropped off before or on November 2nd)

Thank you for considering getting involved and below you will find the links to the Desert Sun Academy Projects that are posted to the School Connect website.

https://schoolconnectaz.org/love-our-school/desert-sun-academy-campus-beautification-cave-creek-unified-school-district/

https://schoolconnectaz.org/love-our-school/desert-sun-academy-love-on-faculty-and-staff-cave-creek-unified/

Sincerely,

Kelly Zywczyk

Principal, Desert Sun Academy

Congratulations to Ms. Cook for being selected as our

DSA October 2024 Employee of the Month Award winner!!

Friday, October 25th- Trunk or Treat

Wednesday, October 30th- Early Release

Thursday, October 31st- Students can wear Halloween colors: Orange, Green, Purple, Black and/or Halloween t-shirts and accessories such as hats and headbands.

Saturday, November 2nd- Love our Schools Day

Monday, November 4th- Site Council Meeting

Wednesday, November 6th- Early Release

Friday, November 8th- Veterans Day Concert

Beginning of next week we will be doing vision and hearing screenings. If you as a parent/guardian are wanting to OPT OUT please reach out to Kari Wedge at kwedge@ccusd93.net.

Hearing and Vision screenings are generally initiated at the beginning of the school year but

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 in the front office conference room. Please see the dates and times listed below and RSVP to Dot Silva at 480-575-2901 if you would like to volunteer.

• November 19th- 9:15 AM
• December 17th- 4:00 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

Hello Amazing DSA Families!

Help your class win a PIZZA PARTY! Our Box Tops for Education classroom competition is still going on. Make sure you are selecting your homeroom teacher to get credit all while shopping for groceries! This competition will end on December 13th and the winning class will get a pizza party the week of December 16th! Make sure to download the app for all your Box Top needs!

Our DSA families are invited to join CSHS and BMES for an informal and fun Costume Run, students 3rd-6th grades.. Please use the flyer below for all the details.

Dear Amazing Parents,

Ready for a spook-tacular event your kids will love? Join us for the Cactus Shadows Chapter

NHS Trunk or Treat—a fun-filled afternoon that will have your kids talking about it all season!

👻

🗓 When: October 30th, 3-6 PM

📍 Where: Black Mountain Elementary Field

💲 Tickets: Only $8 on GoFan and at the door

All proceeds go directly to the Foothills Food Bank, so not only will your family have an

unforgettable time, but you'll also be helping those in need during the upcoming holidays.

This is the perfect chance to give your kids an afternoon of Halloween fun and do some good in

the process.

Grab your tickets now before they sell out!

See you there,

The Cactus Shadow’s NHS Chapter

Last week, Crystal Kazik from New Life Center, spoke to CCUSD parents on teen dating violence and sextortion. She emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs of abuse and exploitation in teen relationships, both online and offline.

Teen Dating Violence: Signs of dating violence often include behaviors where one partner tries to control or manipulate the other, such as isolating them from friends or family, being overly jealous, making decisions for them, or resorting to physical or emotional intimidation. Teens in such relationships may feel scared, isolated, or pressured into doing things they’re uncomfortable with. Healthy relationships, on the other hand, are marked by mutual respect, good communication, and maintaining individuality.

Sextortion: Is a form of exploitation where online predators (or significant others) trick teens into sharing explicit content, often by pretending to be someone else. Once they obtain compromising material, they blackmail the victim for more content or money, using threats to ruin their reputation or harm them emotionally. Sextortion has become increasingly common, and many cases remain unreported due to embarrassment or fear. It’s essential for teens to understand the dangers of interacting with strangers online and for parents to have open conversations with them about internet safety.

All of the parent forums have many overlaps that include social media, mental health and substance use. We have included the PowerPoint from this presentation as there were many wonderful hints and strategies for parents. Thank you!

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