15802 North Parkview PlaceSurprise, Arizona 85374

***** ECRWSS **

Postal Customer

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage PaidPhoenix, ArizonaPermit No. 1664

August 2015 Winner of the NCA Model School District AwardAdvancED Accreditation

TLN Technology Spotlight Award

BACK TO SCHOOL!The Arizona Department of Education

released its state rating system, A-F Ac-countability Profiles, for all public schools throughout the state for the 2014-2015 school year. The Dysart Unified School District earned a grade of “A” from the Arizona Department of Education.

Additionally, eight Dysart schools re-ceived state grades of “A” including Can-yon Ridge, Cimarron Springs, Dysart El-ementary, Marley Park, Mountain View, Rancho Gabriela, Sonoran Heights and Sunset Hills. Thirteen Dysart schools received state grades of “B” including Ashton Ranch, Countryside, Dysart High

School, El Mirage, Kingswood, Luke, Parkview, Riverview, Shadow Ridge High School, Surprise, Valley Vista, West Point and Western Peaks. All Dysart Unified School District schools continue to dem-onstrate positive and continued growth in student achievement.

The A-F Letter Grade System was cre-ated by the Arizona Department of Educa-tion to provide clear, easy-to-understand information to parents. It was designed so parents could base their educational deci-sions on the best information available about the overall academic performance of schools and districts/charter holders.

Dysart labeled an “A” districtMarley Park, Sonoran Heights earn A+ School of Excellence title

Marley Park and Sonoran Heights elementary schools were named 2015 A+ Schools of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation.

The A+ School of Excellence Program is a comprehensive school assessment program that celebrates outstanding schools and brings to light the positive stories and successes happening in public schools every day.

The program also makes available a comprehensive framework of key criteria for school effectiveness that can serve as a basis for participatory self-assessment and plan-ning in schools. In addition, it facilitates communication and sharing of best practices within and among schools based on a common criteria related to success.

The title requires a comprehensive application and assessment process. The selec-tion panel includes award-winning principals, teachers and community leaders. Panel members conduct site visits to selected schools throughout the state in order to choose A+ School of Excellence™ award winners. Each school received $500 and a banner designating it as an A+ School of Excellence.

The Dysart Unified School District has had four schools receive the Arizona A+ School of Excellence Award in the last three years. Marley Park and Sonoran Heights joined Canyon Ridge School and Sunset Hills Elementary School in earning the recognition.

DUSD schools earn “Best High School” titleDysart Unified School District is proud to announce that

Shadow Ridge and Valley Vista high schools were each named as a 2015 Best High School by U.S. News and World Report and earned bronze medals for the second consecutive year. Principal Michael Hawkins has held his role at Shadow Ridge since the doors first opened in 2009. Roberta Lockhart has served as principal at Valley Vista High School since 2013.

Using comprehensive data and methodology, U.S. News gave each eligible school a College Readiness Index score, and then numerically ranked and awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals. This year, 500 high schools earned gold medals, 2,027 took home silver, and 3,990 were awarded bronze. U.S. News analyzed more than 19,753 public high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

GOVERNING BOARD CALLS FOR OVERRIDE ELECTION Page 3

STAY IN TOUCHwith the Dysart School District

facebook.com/DysartUSDtwitter.com/DysartUSD

youtube.com/c/DysartUSD

BACK TO SCHOOL INFO Page 2

Dysart Achiever - August 2015

Ashton Ranch• August 3, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Canyon Ridge• August 3, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Cimarron Springs• August 3, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Countryside• August 3, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Dysart Elementary• August 3, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

El Mirage• August 3, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Kingswood• August 3, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Luke• August 3, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

(Grades 1-8)• August 4, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

(Preschool and Kindergarten)Marley Park

• August 3, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. (Grades 1-8)

• August 4, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. (Preschool and Kindergarten)

Mountain View• August 3, 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.• August 3, 5:45 - 6:15 p.m.• August 3, 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Parkview• August 3, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Rancho Gabriela• July 31, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Riverview• August 3, 5:20 - 6:30 p.m.

Sonoran Heights• August 3, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Sunset Hills• August 3, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

(Grades 1 - 8)• August 3, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

(Kindergarten)Surprise Elementary

• August 3, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.Thompson Ranch

• August 3, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.West Point

• July 31, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. (Kindergarten)

• August 3, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. (Grades 1-8)

Western Peaks• August 3, 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.

(Grades 1-8)• August 3, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

(Kindergarten)

Back to school/meet your teacher

To register in a K-8 school, please visit your local school to begin the registration pro-cess. To ensure a smooth and complete transition to our schools, please note the follow-ing: Children must be five years old prior to Sept. 1st to enroll in kindergarten, a parent or guardian must be present to enroll a child, and the registration packet (either obtained from your home school or online) must be completed and submitted. Please double-check that all forms have been completely filled out and signed in all appropriate places.

The following documents are required for registration:• Child’s original birth certificate• Immunization records (for more information on locations for immunizations, please

visit www.mcchip.org/immunization_clinics.php)• Proof of residency (i.e., lease of purchase agreement, utility bill, etc.)• Parent or guardian’s government issued photo identification• Official withdrawal paperwork from previous school (if enrolling during the school

year)

To ensure that your child receives the appropriate services, it is highly recommended that parents provide the following:• Academic records and information from previous school• Current individualized education plan (IEP)• Existing 504 plan

For more information, including need-to-know items such as school boundaries, trans-portation, immunizations and special education services, please visit www.dysart.org.

School SuppliesArizona law requires that public schools provide the supplies required for academic

success. All materials required for a student’s education are provided by the Dysart Dis-trict. Please check with your K-8 school and your child’s teacher for an optional supply list before purchasing any supplies. If you have any questions, please contact your K-8 school.

Students must register and have their ID badges before the first day of school on Wednesday, August 5. For more information regarding the high school registration process, including any updates, please call the schools or visit their websites.

K-8 registration information

High school information

Dysart High School11425 N Dysart Road, El Mirage, AZ 85335623.876.7500 • www.dysart.org/dhs

Freshman OrientationMonday, August, 3 from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Open HouseMonday, August 3 from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Shadow Ridge High School10909 N. Perryville Road, Surprise, AZ 85388623.523.5100 • www.dysart.org/srhs

Freshman Orientation (Camp Stallion)Tuesday, August 4 from 7:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Open HouseMonday, August 3 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Valley Vista High School15550 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374623.523.8800 • www.dysart.org/vvhs

Freshman OrientationTuesday, July 21 from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. (A-M)Tuesday, July 21 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. (N-Z)

Returning Student RegistrationWednesday, July 22 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (10th-12th graders)

Open HouseMonday, August 3 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Willow Canyon High School17901 W. Lundberg Street, Surprise, AZ 85388623.523.8000 • www.dysart.org/wchs

Freshman iWillow Transition CampMonday, July 27 from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Freshman OrientationMonday, August 3 from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Walk-Through RegistrationJuly 28-29 from 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Open HouseMonday, August 3 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Sundown Mountain Alternative Education Program23251 N. 166th Dr, Surprise, AZ 85387623.876.7250 • www.dysart.org/sundownmountain

Open HouseTuesday, August 4 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Three schools in the Dysart School District have changed start times for the 2015-2016 school year.

• Canyon Ridge - 8:15 a.m.• Dysart Elementary - 9:00 a.m. • Sonoran Heights - 8:15 a.m.

Visit www.dysart.org/schools for a complete list of school start times.

New start times for 3 elementary schools

Dysart Unified School District will again ask voters to approve a Maintenance and Op-erations Override during the 2015 general election. The Dysart Governing Board autho-rized placing the override on the November 3, 2015 ballot.

An effort to gain approval for the continuation of the override failed in the November 4, 2014 election, resulting in an $18 million reduction of funding over the following 3 years, $6 million per year. Override ballots had been approved by voters since 2000 to support smaller class sizes, additional course offerings in the fine arts, band and music, full-day kindergarten, athletics and early intervention for students in reading and math.

Because the override failed, budget reductions were required for 2015-16 and additional similar cuts will follow in 2016-17 and 2017-18. These cuts resulted in higher class sizes, fewer band and music classes, cuts to athletic budgets and a return to half-day kindergar-ten. The number of teaching positions lost for 2015-16 because of the override failure were 143. Another 60 support staff positions were cut because the state legislature reduced funding for 2015-16. If a new override is not passed in November 2015, additional teacher and staff positions will be lost, resulting in further increases in class size and additional program cuts. If a new override is not approved by voters, another $6 million will be lost for 2016-17 and again in 2017-18 for a total budget reduction of $18 million over 3 years. Similar staff position reductions and program changes will continue.

Currently, DUSD is “A-rated” and one of the top districts in the region. The override supports quality schools which educate a competitive workforce. No override dollars are spent on administration.

Providing a high quality education supports not only student success, but economic development and thus the quality of life in our area. A highly trained workforce draws

businesses, broadens our tax base and helps us maintain property value.The passage of the override is essential in order to retain highly qualified teachers and

staff and maintain manageable class size and effective programs.

District AdministrationGail Pletnick, Ed. D., Superintendent

Stephen Poling, Ed. D., Assistant Superintendent for Education ServicesJim Dean, Assistant Superintendent for Support Services

Jack Eaton, Executive Director for Business ServicesPatricia Buck, Executive Director for Human Resources

www.dysart.org

Meet the Governing Board

Governing Board Meeting Schedule

July 15, 2015August 5, 2015August 19, 2015September 2, 2015September 16, 2015October 7, 2015October 21, 2015November 4, 2015

November 18, 2015December 2, 2015December 16, 2015January 6, 2016January 20, 2016February 3, 2016February 17, 2016March 2, 2016

April 6, 2016April 20, 2016May 4, 2016May 18, 2016June 1, 2016June 15, 2016

The Governing Board meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month with an exception in March 2016 at the Dysart Education Center, 15802 N. Parkview Place,

Surprise, AZ 85374, 623-876-7002

Dr. Spencer BaileyMember

Jennifer TannerClerk

Suzanne KellisMember

Traci Sawyer-SinkbeilMember

The Dysart School District’s Governing Board welcomes the public, including all school staff, parents, and community members to its meetings.

2015-2016 Meal PricesMeal prices remain the same for the 2015-2016 school year for

elementary, high school, and adult lunches.

Grade Levels Full-Price Breakfast Full-Price LunchElementary $1.00 $2.50High School $1.00 $2.75Adult $1.75 $3.25

Factual information about the override renewal

More than 2,010 volunteers generously gave 37,166 hours of their time and talents regularly to Dysart schools during the 2014-2015 school year. Each of us has the power to initiate change and improve the lives of others. Regardless of your background or area of interest, we are always looking for motivated, compas-sionate parents and community members to join Dysart as volunteers. Whether you have an hour, a morning, or a day, spending time in a classroom betters a child’s education. Every volunteer’s efforts truly enrich the lives of the community we serve. Share your gifts with our students while teaching them the benefits of helping others. Let us help make your volunteer experience fulfilling. Please visit www.dysart/vol-unteer or call 623.876.7875 to learn about the numerous volunteer opportunities that exist in K-12 classrooms, libraries, offices, district sports programs, and early childhood development program in the Dysart School District. Every minute counts!

Volunteers strengthen school-community relations

Dysart Unified School District offers automated prepayments to your child’s meal account via the telephone or internet. Simply call 877-237-0946 or log on to www.MyPaymentsP-lus.com to fund your child’s meal account. Make payments quickly and securely at your convenience. The service is available 24/7 and payments can be made with check, VISA, Mastercard, or Discover. It may take up to 48 hours for your payment to show up at the school site. Please note: A $2 convenience fee will be added to the total payment amount of your transaction if your payment is less than $40.

Bonnie SchroaderPresident

Looking for more information on the Dysart Unified School District? Our best resource for communication is www.dysart.org. Here are some helpful links to assist with navigating the site:

Dysart Curriculum and Standardswww.dysart.org/iplan

Dysart Gifted Programwww.dysart.org/gifted

District Budget www.dysart.org/budget

Join Our Team! www.dysart.org/careers

Become a Volunteer www.dysart.org/volunteer

Helpful District Website Links

Parents, students, staff and community members must work in partnership to identify and resolve situations that impact the safety of every campus. Please share with your children the following safety tips for walking to and from school:

• Students walking or riding bikes to and from school should walk in groups and avoid walking alone.

• Encourage your child to be aware of his/her surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to you as parents and to the school office.

• Teach your child to always let a trusted adult know where they are going and what route they’ll be taking.

• Urge your child to get away fast if someone does or says something that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Dysart School District Safety Tip

Three Shadow Ridge High School athletes earn state champion title in 2015Shadow Ridge High School is now home to four state

athletic champions after two track athletes and a tennis player earned the prestigious title during the 2015 season.

Sophomore Carlos Hassey won the Division II State Tennis Tournament. Hassey defeated the defending state champion in the semifinals in two sets, 6-4, 6-3. He had never defeated this player before. He then defeated his opponent in the championship match 6-3, 6-4 to become

the first state tennis champion in the history of Shadow Ridge High School.

Senior Jake Hageman and Junior Michael Williams took first place in their respective events to become the 3rd and 4th athletic state champions in Shadow Ridge High School history. Hageman qualified for the Division III State Track Meet in both the 110M and 300M hurdles. Hageman ran a time of 39.81 to win first place in the

300M hurdles. Hageman also placed 3rd in the 110M hurdles with a time of 15.21.

Williams qualified for the the Division III State Track Meet in high jump and cleared 6’8” to win first place. Williams also placed first at the Meet of Champions, an invite only meet for state champions in all divisions, by clearing 6’8” again. This allowed him to remain unde-feated throughout the 2015 season.

1619 of 180 AUGUST ’15

S M T W Th F S

30 31 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

Dysart Unified School District No. 89 2015-2016 CALENDAR

21/40 of 180 SEPTEMBER ’15

S M T W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

16/56 of 180 OCTOBER ’15

S M T W Th F S

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

18/74 of 180 NOVEMBER ’15

S M T W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30

14/88 of 180 DECEMBER ’15

S M T W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

19/107 of 180 JANUARY ’16

S M T W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

19/126 of 180 FEBRUARY ’16

S M T W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29

18/144 of 180 MARCH ’16

S M T W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

19/163 of 180 APRIL ’16

S M T W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

17/180 of 180 MAY ’16

S M T W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

First Day for Students Labor Day K-8 Parent/Teacher Conf. Fall Break No School/Staff Development Veterans Day Thanksgiving Recess High School Final Exams Early Release Winter Break School Resumes Martin Luther King Jr. Day President’s Day Break Spring Break K-8 Parent/Teacher Conf. Spring Holiday Graduation Day High School Final Exams Last Day for Students K-8 Quarters End/Days October 2 42 days December 18 46 days March 11 48 days May 24 45 days

August 5 September 7 Oct. 8-9 [1/2 days K-8] October 12-16 October 30 November 11 November 26-27 Dec. 17-18 [1/2 days HS] Dec. 18 [1/2 days K-8] Dec. 21– Jan. 1 January 4 January 18 February 12-15 March 14-18 March 24-25 [1/2 days K-8] April 22-25 May 24 [1/2 days HS] May 23-24 [1/2 days HS] May 24 (1/2 day K-8) HS Semesters End/Days December 18 88 days May 24 92 days

Students are dismissed early every Monday beginning Aug. 10 to provide time for teacher professional development.

Approved by Governing Board on June 19, 2013; revised on December 4, 2013.

K-8 SchoolsAshton Ranch14898 W. Acoma DriveSurprise, AZ 85379623.523.8300

Canyon Ridge17359 W. Surprise Farms Loop NSurprise, AZ 85388623.523.8450

Cimarron Springs17032 W. Surprise Farms Loop SSurprise, AZ 85388623.523.8600

Countryside15034 N. Parkview PlaceSurprise, AZ 85379623.876.7800

Dysart Elementary12590 W. Varney RoadEl Mirage, AZ 85335623.876.7100

El Mirage13500 N. El Mirage RoadEl Mirage, AZ 85335623.876.7200

Kingswood15150 W. Mondell RoadSurprise, AZ 85374623.876.7600

Luke7300 N. Dysart RoadGlendale, AZ 85307623.876.7300

Marley Park 15042 W. Sweetwater RoadSurprise, AZ 85379623.523.8200

Mountain View18302 W. Burton AvenueWaddell, AZ 85355623.876.7450

Parkview16066 N. Parkview PlaceSurprise, AZ 85374623.523.8650

Rancho Gabriela15272 W. Gabriela DriveSurprise, AZ 85374623.523.8500

Riverview12701 N. Main StreetEl Mirage, AZ 85335623.523.8950

Sonoran Heights11405 N. Greer Ranch PkwySurprise, AZ 85379623.523.8550

Sunset Hills17825 W. Sierra Montana LoopSurprise, AZ 85388623.523.8700

Surprise12907 W. Greenway RoadEl Mirage, AZ 85335623.876.7400

Thompson Ranch11800 W. Thompson Ranch RdEl Mirage, AZ 85335623.523.8400

West Point13700 W. Greenway RoadSurprise, AZ 85374623.876.7750

Western Peaks18063 W. Surprise Farms Loop SSurprise, AZ 85388623.523.8750

High SchoolsDysart High School11425 N. Dysart RoadEl Mirage, AZ 85335623.876.7500

Shadow Ridge High School10909 N. Perryville RoadSurprise, AZ 85388623.523.5100

Valley Vista High School15550 N. Parkview PlaceSurprise, AZ 85374623.523.8800

Willow Canyon High School17901 W. Lundberg StreetSurprise, AZ 85388623.523.8000

Specialized ProgramsSundown Mountain23251 N. 166th DriveSurprise, AZ 85387623.876.7250

iSchool15550 N. Parkview PlaceSurprise, AZ 85374623.876.7872

Dysart Achiever - August 2015

The Dysart Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or age in its programs or activities. For information regarding discrimination grievance or complaint procedures, contact the Executive Director for Human Resources at (623) 876-7000.

Dysart School Directory

The Dysart Unified School District believes that there is a connection between stu-dent dress and academic success. In the spring of 2009, a Strategic Plan committee re-viewed and revised Dysart’s student dress code. The committee, consisting of parents, teachers and administrators, presented dress code revisions to the Governing Board and the revisions were implemented in the 2009-2010 school year. Dysart’s student dress code is set to remain unchanged for the 2015-2016 school year. The student dress code can be viewed at www.dysart.org under the tab, “Parents and Students.” The most prominent items in the K-12 student dress code include:

Dysart School District student dress code

Shirts/Tops • Must not include tank tops, spaghetti straps, halter tops, strapless tops and racer back tops. Tank tops are any sleeveless top with a strap of less than three inches.• Must not have a neckline lower than 4 in. from collarbone and must not expose cleavage.• Must not extend in the armpit lower than six inches from the collarbone.• Must not expose any part of the midriff when sitting, bending or standing.• Must not expose undergarments when sitting, bending or standing.

Pants/Shorts/Bottoms• Must be worn at the waist at all times.• Must be no shorter than 4 in. above the top of the knee when standing, if shorts/skirts.• Must not expose undergarments when sitting, bending or standing.

The Dysart Unified School District announces the 2015-2016 Child Find Screening dates. Child Find Screenings will be offered at Kingswood Elementary School (15150 W Mondell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374). Parents/guardians who have concerns about their children’s development may contact the district office at 623-876-7022, option 2, to schedule a free screening. Children must be at least 2 years and 9 months to be eligible for a screening and families must reside in the Dysart district. For information regard-ing screening children ages birth to 3 years old, please call the Arizona Early Interven-tion Project at 602-532-9960.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA, 2004) re-quires that public school agencies ensure that all children from birth through age 21 with delays or developmental disabilities are identified, located and evaluated to re-ceive the support and services they need. This includes all children living within the geographic boundaries of the school district, including children who are homeless or wards of the state, children with disabilities attending private schools, or those who are homeschooled.

Public schools and the Arizona Early Intervention Program are responsible for “find-ing” eligible children and providing services needed for them to reach their devel-opmental milestones or meet their educational needs. Dysart Child Find screenings address vision, hearing, motor, speech and language, cognitive and social skills.

The time to complete a screening is approximately one hour and parents must be present with their children during the screening process.

Dysart announces preschool screening dates for 2015-2016Screening DatesJune 17, 2015July 29, 2015August 19, 2015September 2, 2015September 16, 2015October 7, 2015October 28, 2015November 18, 2015December 2, 2015December 16, 2015January 13, 2016January 27, 2016February 10, 2016February 24, 2016March 9, 2016March 30, 2016April 13, 2016April 27, 2016May 11, 2016May 25, 2016

For more information regarding Dysart schools, please visit www.dysart.org/schools