El Mirage News
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Make sure you mail your ballot by Tuesday, October 27!
If approved, it Proposition 421 fund:
• New air conditioning systems to ensure a safe environment, and uninterrupted learning for students
• New fire panels to improve safety at all schools
• Construction of a new elementary school to address the rapid growth in the northwest part of our district.
• Land for a high school to ensure the district is prepared for future growth
• Renovation of aging facilities, to include construction of public restrooms for athletic facilities at our high schools, renovation of the aging auditorium at Dysart High School, the district’s original high school.
Looking for more details about the election and potential impacts? Check out these factual resource links available on our website and share with others:
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Fall Break!
We are headed into the second quarter of the school year. Thank you for a great start!
School will be closed for Fall Break from October 12 through October 16. School will resume on Monday, October 19. We can't wait to see all of our Tigers back at school. Remember, attendance matters!
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Attendance Matters Spirit Week
Attendance Matters Spirit Week brings the school together to celebrate the crucial role that showing up every day plays in student success. September 21 through September 25 El Mirage students had daily themed dress-up days. Spirit Week serves as a powerful reminder that consistent attendance builds strong learning habits, fosters deeper friendships, and keeps students connected to supportive teachers and staff. Every single day in school counts toward building a brighter future.
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Dietician Visits 3rd Grade
Our 3rd Grade Tigers partnered with our Nutrition Department and engaged with a Registered Dietician. Our students learned about nutrition, healthy eating, and wellness.
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Register to vote by October 5!
Get registered to vote by October 5 at Elections.Maricopa.gov and learn more at Dysart.org/Prop421.
If approved, Proposition 421 would fund:
- New air conditioning systems to ensure a safe environment, and uninterrupted learning for students
- New fire panels to improve safety at all schools
- Construction of a new elementary school to address the rapid growth in the northwest part of our district.
- Land for a high school to ensure the district is prepared for future growth
- Renovation of aging facilities, to include construction of public restrooms for athletic facilities at our high schools, renovation of the aging auditorium at Dysart High School, the district’s original high school.
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First Cross Country Meet
The Tiger Cross Country Team had their first meet on Monday, September 14. All of our athletes did a great job. Congratulations to Damond Brown and Santana Kimble for placing 2nd and 3rd in their first meet! Thank you to their amazing coaches Mrs. Key and Mrs. Honnen.
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Bingo Night
September 14 was our first PTO Bingo Night of the year. Our Preschool through 1st grade families had a blast playing Bingo, eating pizza and winning prizes. Thank you to our amazing PTO and teachers for organizing this fun event! And thank to all of our Tiger families for joining us!
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Information about Prop 421
The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board has placed Proposition 421 on the November 3, 2026 ballot to maintain safe, functional learning environments, and support continued growth. The estimated tax impact to the community is $3 per month, or $36 per year.*
If approved, here are a few of the ways our schools and community needs will be supported:
- Replacement of aging air conditioning systems and fire panels
- Renovation of aging facilities
- Construction of a new elementary school
- Land for a high school
Get registered to vote in this mail-in only election by October 5 at Elections.Maricopa.gov and learn more at Dysart.org/Prop421.
*Based on an estimated $0.17 tax rate on an average assessed home value of $215,435. Assessed value is determined by the Maricopa County Assessor's Office to calculate property taxes, and is not the same as the market value that a home would sell for. Tax rates are an estimate and are influenced by a variety of factors including Maricopa County assessed valuation fluctuations.
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PTO Peter Piper Pizza Night
Thursday, August 27, was our first PTO Peter Piper Pizza Fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Tigers. If you are interested in learning more about PTO please join them for their next meeting on September 10 at 4:15pm in the El Mirage Elementary School Library.
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Curriculum Night
Families gathered at El Mirage Elementary for Curriculum Night on August 20. The night began with an informative Title 1 presentation by Principal Alejos. Following that, parents and guardians headed to individual classrooms where teachers provided a look at grade-level learning standards, daily routines, and academic goals for the year. The evening was a wonderful opportunity for families to partner with the school to support their children's educational journey.
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Aquatic Therapy
Mrs. Kat's class, Mrs. Reagan's class, and Ms. Woody's class had the amazing opportunity to learn all about the values of having a pet fish. Adam from AK Fishkeeping came for a visit and talked to them about the benefits of how calming fish can be. Some of the students colored and labeled the parts of the fish. Adam also read the book Rainbow Fish to the students. One student even got to touch a snail, and Mrs. Kat's class now has a pet fish to take care of. We would like to thank Adam for taking the time to teach our students!
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Back to School!
We are so excited to have our Tigers back on campus this week! School is off to a great start. Our dedicated teachers and staff are ready to support and teach our students as they learn and grow together. We started off our year with an amazing Tiger Pride Assembly. We are excited to see all of the great things that this new school year will bring!
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Thank You
We would like to shout out the El Mirage Police Department and Advent Episcopal Church for donating to El Mirage Elementary School. We are grateful to have these amazing community partners who love our Tigers as much as we do.
The El Mirage Police Department will be hosting a School Supply event at the El Mirage Police Department on July 29 from 3pm to 7pm.
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Welcome Back!
Welcome Back, Tigers! A new school year brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and make new friends. We are excited to see all of our students back on campus.
Important Dates
- Meet the Teacher Night - Tuesday, August 4, 2026 - 5:00pm to 6:30pm
- First Day of School - Thursday, August 6, 2026
School Hours
Monday
Gates open at 8:40am
School begins at 9:00am
Early Release at 1:45pm
Tuesday - Friday
Gates open at 8:40am
School begins at 9:00am
School released at 3:45pm
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New Student Enrollment Open for 26-27 School Year
Dysart Unified School District is accepting new PreK-12 student enrollment applications for the 2026-2027 school year. Parents and guardians can complete the necessary registration information online at Dysart.org/enroll at any time. Within the enrollment application, parents are able to select their home school, or request their child attend another school outside of their boundary school, including Freedom Traditional Academy, through Open Enrollment. Preschool enrollment options are also available on the main enrollment link above, as well as at GrowingMindsPreschool.org. Learn more at Dysart.org/Preschool.
For in-person enrollment assistance between June 8th and July 1st, families may visit the District Office Monday through Thursday at 15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise, Arizona from 8am-4:30pm. All K-12 school offices will reopen for in person enrollment on Wednesday, July 8.
Please note that in order to finalize registration the following documents will be required: government issued photo identification; birth certificate; proof of residency; and immunization records. To keep up with their child’s academic progress, parents are encouraged to sign up for the Parent Portal at Dysart.org/parentportal or via the Campus Parent app, available as early as 24 hours after registration is finalized. To find out if your child is eligible for transportation, visit Dysart.org/Transportation.
Dysart Schools looks forward to serving the community by providing an outstanding preschool through high school experience for students. For additional assistance with student registration, families may contact their local school beginning July 8, call 623-876-7151, or email SISTeam@dysart.org.
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Summer Break!
Have a wonderful break! We can't wait to see again on August 6!
Summer Office Hours
- May 22 - June 4: Office is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
- June 5 - July 7: Office is closed.
- July 8: Office re-opens (closed Friday, July 10 and Friday, July 17).
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City of El Mirage Essay Contest Winners
The winners from the City of El Mirage Essay contest were selected in grade bands. Second and third place winners were also recognized. Students were recognized at the City of El Mirage City Council Meeting on April 21, 2026, where they were presented with certificates and ribbons. For grades 3-5, first place was awarded to Kenzie Johnson and Lucas Dobos, who has this to say about their hometown, “[We] love El Mirage because even though we have a small city, we have a huge community with our neighbors and friends. We all work together to make our city the best it can be!” Alexia Espinoza and Mia Espinosa placed second, and Billiabella Leyena and Nina Marmullaku rounded out the category placing third. There are 5 Elementary schools in the City of El Mirage, and all three winning teams are from El Mirage Elementary School
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Volunteer Breakfast
The Volunteer Breakfast was held on April 21, 2026. We are so grateful to all of our volunteers for the time that they dedicate to our Tiger family. They volunteer in a variety of ways, ranging from the Parent/Teacher Organization to working with students in small groups and individually. They are a vital part of our community, and we couldn't do it without them. Thank you for being a part of our family. Tigers ROAR!
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Spring Egg Hunt
Our kindergarteners participated in a Spring Egg Hunt on April 3. The event was filled with excitement and laughter. Students decorated bags and eagerly searched high and low for hidden eggs scattered across the playground. The activity not only sparked joy and curiosity but also encouraged teamwork and sharing.
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Fun Run
Fun Run 2026 was huge success on March 30. The students had a blast running around the field getting sprayed with colorful chalk. Thank you to our amazing Tiger families for supporting this fun filled fund raiser. And a big thank to our staff members, PTO, and other volunteers who helped to make this memorable event possible.
