Asante News

We are officially entering the final week of our Glow Run fundraiser, and thanks to your incredible support, we are getting closer every single day to our goal of $35,000! A huge thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, and cheered on our students so far. We have one more week to make it count, and there is still plenty of time to donate, share your student’s page, earn prizes, and help individual classes and grades reach their rewards. 

The main event itself takes place this Friday, September 18, during specials. To get the best effect under the lights, make sure your student wears white or neon colors on Friday! We also have two hilarious school-wide challenges lined up if we hit our targets. If we reach our $35,000 goal, the top 10 overall fundraising students will get to transform Principal Dean into a Human S'more! If we go above and beyond and hit $40,000, Principal Dean will camp out on the roof for a whole school day. You can view our live standings, send out parent links, or make a contribution directly through the Glow Run Fundraiser Portal. 

Beyond the fundraiser, we want to extend a warm thank you to all the parents who have already signed up to help with our upcoming Book Fair. Your time and support mean the world to our staff and students. If you'd like to get more involved, please join us for our next PTO meeting this Tuesday at 4:15 PM in the Media Center. We will be sharing exciting updates about the Book Fair, our upcoming Trunk or Treat, and several other fun community events. 

Thank you again for making our school community so vibrant! Let’s make this final week one to remember!

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.

Reminder that there will be no school on Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day. We hope everyone enjoys a safe, restful long weekend with family and friends! 

Our major PTO Fundraiser kicks off tomorrow and runs through September 19th. This annual drive is the primary way our PTO funds vital school programs, including field trip transportation, the Ranger Reader Program, the Golden Ranger Ticket Program, and key campus improvements. Even better, 10% of all proceeds go directly back to each grade level to support our classrooms! To make things even more exciting, Ms. Dean has agreed to a Glow Run Challenge: if we raise $30,000, students will get to turn her into a human s'more. If we reach our stretch goal of $35,000, Ms. Dean will become a human s'more and spend an entire day camping out on the school roof! 

Looking ahead, be sure to mark your calendars for Literacy Night: Passport to Adventure on Thursday, September 24th, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Bring the whole family out for an evening packed with delicious local food trucks, library visits, hands-on "make and take" activities, and interactive reading stations. 

Finally, we are gearing up for some of our favorite fall traditions and will need helping hands! Keep an eye out on ParentSquare next week for official volunteer sign-up links for our upcoming Trunk or Treat and the Fall Book Fair. 

Thank you for your incredible support in making our school community thrive!

As we head into September, we are focusing on the critical role daily attendance plays in your child's growth. Building strong habits early in elementary school sets the foundation for lifelong learning and success. 

Why September Matters: Missing just 2 to 4 days in September puts a student at high risk of falling behind for the rest of the year. The 10% 

Threshold: Missing just 2 days a month adds up to 18 days a year—that's 10% of the school year lost. This is considered "chronic absenteeism" and directly impacts academic growth. 

The Reading Connection: Research shows that children who are chronically absent in Kindergarten and 1st Grade are significantly less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3rd Grade. 

Every Day Counts: The academic impact of missing school is the same whether absences are excused or unexcused. Classrooms move fast, and lost learning time is hard to make up. 

Tips for Building Great Attendance Habits: 

Set a routine: Keep consistent bedtimes and morning routines to make start-of-day transitions smooth. 

Schedule around school: Try to plan medical appointments and family trips during school breaks or after hours whenever possible. 

Clubs: 

•  Attention 3rd-5th graders: We are starting our Sports Club on Tuesday, September 8th at 8am in the gym. We are taking the first 25 kids to sign up, so get your permission slip from the front office to get it signed and bring it back to the front office to turn in. We will be working on baseball skills for the first quarter.  
• Students who are interested in 4th and 5th grade who are interested in Student Council applications are in the front office and are due by September 2nd. 
• 3rd-5th graders interested in Cross Country please pick up a registration packet in the front office now. Practices will be before school, starting September 9th. Return interest forms to Lauren Kwiatkowski by Friday, September 4th.  
• Attention 4th and 5th graders who love to sing, Choir Club will be starting on Tuesday, September 15th. You may pick up an informational flyer and permission slip in the front office or in the Music room. Space is limited to 25 kids and permission slips are due by Tuesday, September 8. You may return them either to the front office or Mrs. Wilson.

There will be no school next Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. 

 We thank you so much for your continued partnership!

Thank you to everyone who came out to our first PTO meeting this past week! We have so many exciting events and activities planned for this school year, and we simply cannot do it without the support of this extraordinary group. 

Research consistently shows that when parents stay involved in their child’s education, students earn higher grades, build stronger social skills, and feel more confident in the classroom. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to support your child is by reading together at home for just 20 minutes a day. Sharing stories builds vocabulary, strengthens comprehension, and fosters a lifelong love of learning. Whether you are reading aloud together, volunteering at PTO events, or checking in on daily schoolwork, your active presence directly drives your child's success. 

Please keep these important updates in mind for the coming week: 

Annual Student Updates: All annual updates must be completed in your Parent Portal. This ensures we have current emergency contact info and medical details for your child. It must be updated by Monday 8/31. 

Attendance Matters: Being in class every day builds strong habits and keeps learning on track. Please aim to have your student here on time each morning. 

End-of-Day Dismissal: We kindly ask that you avoid signing students out during the final 15 minutes of the school day. Classrooms are wrapping up key instruction and packing up, making it extremely difficult to pull students during this window. 

Thank you for partnering with us to make this a fantastic year for our students!

Welcome to another exciting school year! Strong parent involvement is at the heart of our vibrant school community. Research consistently shows that when parents are engaged in their child’s education, students perform better academically, build stronger social skills, and feel more supported. We invite you to stay connected and play an active role in your child's learning journey this year. Here are three important updates and opportunities to get involved: 

1. First PTO Meeting of the Year Please join us for our very first Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting of the year this upcoming Tuesday at 4:15 PM in the media center. We hope to see you there as we discuss our goals and activities for the upcoming months! 

2. Annual Student Update Due Soon Please ensure you complete your Annual Student Update as soon as possible. Finishing this form is crucial so your student has access to the health office and other essential services at school. You can complete the update by visiting Dysart.org/ParentPortal or using the Campus Parent app. 

3. Ranger Reader Program Returns for 2026–2027! 

We are thrilled to bring back the Asante Reading Adventure Program for its third year! This year-long program rewards students with special titles and fun prizes as they read, collect points, and work their way up to becoming a Master Reader. 

How it works: 

Read a book. 

Fill out a Book Slip and have an adult sign it. 

Turn it in to earn points, move up adventure levels, and collect prizes! 

Grade-Level Guidelines: 

Kindergarten & 1st Grade: Books can be read independently or aloud with an adult. An adult can fill out and sign the Book Slip. 

2nd–5th Grade: Students read independently and fill out the Book Slip, which an adult signs before submission. 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we can make this a fantastic year for our students!

First, thank you so much for your cooperation, patience, and partnership during our first couple of days of school! It has been wonderful welcoming our students back, and we appreciate your help in making arrival and dismissal run so smoothly. We are so excited for our first House Color Day tomorrow! We encourage all our students to show their school spirit by wearing their house color. Moving forward, please encourage your child to wear their house color every Monday as well! 

Speaking of Mondays, please keep in mind that every Monday throughout the school year is an Early Release day with dismissal at 1:45 PM. Our first Early Release Monday will be Monday, August 10th, so please ensure your pick-up arrangements reflect this earlier time. 

We also ask that all families complete the Annual Student Update, which must be submitted every year. If you have not done so already, pleasevisit Dysart.org/ParentPortal or use the Campus Parent app. 

Additionally, per updated state health guidelines, any shared classroom snacks or group treats provided for school events can no longer contain 11 specific food additives or synthetic dyes (including Red 40, Yellow 5/6, Blue 1/2, Green 3, Red 3, titanium dioxide, BVO, potassium bromate, and propylparaben). Please note that this rule applies only to shared group treats and does not affect your child’s personal packed lunch or individual daily snack. For birthday and classroom celebrations, we strongly encourage fun non-food items like stickers, pencils, or bookmarks instead of edible treats! 

 Thank you again for your ongoing support.

Welcome to the start of a wonderful new school year! We are so excited to welcome our students back to campus. 

As we prepare for our first week, we want to share a few key details to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. Class placements will be available in the Parent Portal starting on Monday, August 3. You can log in then to find out who your child's teacher will be for the upcoming year. We hope you will join us for Meet the Teacher Night on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the classroom, meet your teacher, and pick up important materials for the year. Additionally, representatives from our PTO, DEN Club, and lunch staff will be on-site throughout the evening to help answer any questions you might have. 

Our official first day of school will be Thursday, August 6. Please keep in mind that dismissal will take significantly longer during the first few days as students and staff get used to the new routines. We promise it will become much quicker once we get past those initial days, and we greatly appreciate your patience and cooperation. If you are picking your child up in the car line, please remember to display the name plate you receive at Meet the Teacher Night. 

Finally, please make sure to carefully review the Arrival and Dismissal procedures in our complete opening letter, which contains full details and policies for the start of the year. You can access the full list of opening information through the link provided in this email. LINK

 Enjoy the last few days of summer break, and we cannot wait to see you all on Tuesday evening! 

Thank you, 

Emily Dean

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.

We hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer!  Here is some important information to help you get ready for the upcoming school year: 

Important Dates

• Meet the Teacher, August 4th from 5:00-6:30 PM
• First Day of School, August 6th

Office Information

The front office will reopen starting July 8th and will be open from 8:00-4:30 on Monday-Thursday. 

Supplies and Other Information 

If you are looking for supply list information, you can find them linked here. 

Our opening school letter with all the information is linked here. 

We look forward to an amazing year!

We hope you have a wonderful summer break!  We look forward to seeing you when school starts on August 6th. 

As we come to the close of another wonderful school year, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership. 

Your involvement has made a meaningful difference in the success of our students and school community. We are incredibly proud of all our students for their hard work and growth this year. A very special congratulations goes out to our fifth graders, we are so proud of everything you have accomplished. We wish you all the best as you take this exciting next step into middle school. You will be missed! 

As you begin preparing for next year, please remember that school supply lists for returning students will be available on our school website. Please note that both Wednesday, May 20th and Thursday, May 21st will be early release days. Students will be dismissed at 12:00 PM on both days. 

Save the Dates for Next School Year 

Meet the Teacher: August 4th, 5:00–6:30 PM 

First Day of School: August 6th We hope you and your family have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer. 

Thank you again for being such an important part of our school community, we look forward to welcoming many of you back in the fall!

We’re excited to share some fun and important updates for the upcoming weeks! 

Student Council has planned a full week of themed dress-up days. We encourage all students to participate: 

Monday: House Colors 

Tuesday: Twin Day 

Wednesday: Student/Teacher Swap 

Thursday: Pajama Day 

Friday: Asante Day (Hats and Shades) 

A limited number of yearbooks will be available for purchase next week. 

When: Tuesday through Thursday, 8:40–9:00 AM (before school only) 

Where: Courtyard Cost: $40 (cash only) 

Yearbooks are first come, first served while supplies last. 

Please note that both Wednesday, May 20th and Thursday, May 21st will be early release days. Students will be dismissed at 12:00 PM on both days. 

 Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a fun and spirited week!

With the end of the school year just around the corner, we are pausing to celebrate the teamwork and community spirit that have made this year so special. We are nearing the finish line, and we couldn’t have reached it without you. Whether you spent your hours volunteering at school events, tackling tricky homework assignments at the kitchen table, or dedicated time to reading at home with your child, your support has been the backbone of our success. To the parents, guardians, and mentors: thank you for everything you do, from the big milestones to the small "everything in between" moments. 

It is officially Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! We want to send a massive shout-out to our amazing team. Their passion, patience, and dedication to our students’ growth are truly inspiring. If you see a teacher or staff member, please join us in giving them a well-deserved "thank you" for their hard work all year long! 

 The memories are officially in print! Please take note of the updated dates for yearbook distribution and last-chance sales: Pre-Ordered Yearbooks: If you ordered your yearbook online, they will be distributed in class this Friday, May 8th. Last-Chance Sales: Missed the online window? We have a limited number of extra yearbooks available for purchase. 

When: Starting May 12th, during "Soft Start" (8:40 AM – 9:00 AM)

Cost: $40 (Cash only, please)

Availability: Sales will continue each morning at the same time until we are officially sold out. 

Thank you for making this year one to remember!

What an incredible week! We are still buzzing from the energy at our Imagine, Design, and Create event. Seeing our K-5 students dive into their projects with such curiosity and talent was a highlight of the season. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our young innovators, your presence makes our school community feel like a family.

We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to our PTO. This year, they have been the engine behind so many of our favorite memories. From the spooky fun of Trunk or Treat to our lively Bingo and Restaurant Nights, their dedication has been unmatched. Beyond the fun, their hard work at our Book Fairs and other fundraisers has directly impacted our classrooms by funding: The Golden Ranger Program: Recognizing our students' character and leadership. 

Ranger Readers: Putting books in hands and fostering a love for literacy. 

Field Trip Transportation: Ensuring our students can explore the world beyond our school walls. 

We need you! If you have enjoyed these events, we would love to have your voice and participation for the next school year. Whether you have an hour a month or an hour a year, there is a place for you here. 

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Our educators work tirelessly to inspire and support your children every day. If you’d like to send in a note of thanks, a small treat, or a handmade drawing, next week is the perfect time to show our staff just how much they are valued. 

 As we head into the final stretch of the school year, thank you for your continued partnership. Let’s finish this year Ranger Strong!

Our hallways are absolutely buzzing with excitement as we prepare for a week filled with joy, creativity, and some very well-deserved celebrations! We have so much to be proud of, and we can’t wait to share these special moments with our amazing students and their families. 

 Please join us on April 23rd from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM for our STEM and Arts night, Imagine, Design, Create. This evening is a true celebration of our young inventors and their incredible learning journeys. It’s going to be a full house with grade-level showcases, hands-on experiment rooms that will spark curiosity, and a visit from the Surprise Library. Plus, we’ll have food trucks on-site, making it the perfect night to grab  a snack and explore the wonders of science and art together. 

We are thrilled to announce that our school won the district attendance competition! To celebrate our students’ commitment to showing up and shining every day, we are hosting a special party on April 24th. Sweet Treats: Every student will enjoy a frozen delight thanks to the generosity of Surprise Toyota. Tasty Rewards: Our K-2 students will receive free pizza coupons from Peter Piper, while our 3-5 students will get coupons from Elevate. The Grand Prize: We will also be announcing the overall winning class, who will walk away with coupons for delicious treats from Nothing Bundt Cake!

 Finally, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our two Dysart Heroes for this year: Abbiegail Schallmo and Alexis Anderson! These two incredible individuals embody the spirit of our school community, and they will be officially honored at a special ceremony this Wednesday evening. We are so proud to have them representing us. 

Thank you for your constant support in making our school such a vibrant place to learn and grow. We look forward to seeing you all there!

As we move further into April, we have a lot of exciting events and important milestones approaching. Please take a moment to review the following updates regarding state testing and our upcoming school events. 

 State testing continues this week for our 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students. These assessments are a chance for our students to show off all the hard work they’ve put in this year! Upcoming Test: Math Part 2 Date: Tuesday, April 14th 

How you can help:  

To ensure every student has the best environment for success, please make every effort to avoid scheduling appointments or early sign-outs on testing days. Uninterrupted testing time is vital for helping students stay focused and confident. 

Important Dates & Reminders 

Friday, April 17th: No School (Spring Holiday). Enjoy the long weekend with your families! 

Thursday, April 23rd: Imagine, Design, Create Night. 

 Save the Date: Imagine, Design, Create! 

Join us on April 23rd from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM for an evening of innovation! This year, our focus is on Inventors and Inventions. It will be a fun-filled night highlighting incredible student projects and the creative process. We can’t wait to see the brilliant ideas our young inventors have come up with!

As we move through our state testing season, we want to take a moment to share a huge thank you to our 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade families! Your support has been incredible. Because of your efforts, we have seen amazing attendance with virtually no early sign-outs or late arrivals. This consistency allows our students to perform their best in a calm, focused environment. We have a few more important dates ahead, so please keep that momentum going! 

Upcoming State Testing Schedule 

Please ensure your students are well-rested, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time for the following sessions: 

Tuesday, April 7th: Reading (Part 1) 

Wednesday, April 8th: Math (Part 1) 

Thursday, April 9thReading (Part 2) 

Tuesday, April 14th: Math (Part 2) — Final Test! 

Spring Holiday Reminder 

There will be no school on Friday, April 17th in observance of our Spring Holiday. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend and gets a chance to recharge! 

Save the Date: 

Imagine, Design, Create! Mark your calendars for one of our favorite events of the year! Our annual Imagine, Design, Create evening is just around the corner. 

When: Thursday, April 23rd Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 

What: A night focused on celebrating learning through the Arts and STEM. 

Join us for: 

Interactive Hands-on Activities 

Student Learning Celebrations 

A special performance from our Choir 

A visit from the Surprise Library Local Food Trucks to enjoy with your family! 

Thank you for being such an active and supportive part of our school community. We couldn't do this without you!

As we head into the spring season, our students in Grades 3–5 are preparing to showcase their hard work and academic growth during our upcoming state testing window. These assessments are an important way for us to celebrate the progress your child has made this year. To help our students feel their absolute best, we ask for your partnership in ensuring they get a full night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast on testing mornings. A well-rested mind and a healthy start to the day provide the fuel they need to stay focused and confident. Please remind your child that they have worked hard all year and are well-prepared to succeed! Please mark your calendars for the following testing dates: 

Grades 3–5: State Testing Schedule 

Writing: Wednesday, April 1st 

Reading: Tuesday, April 7th & Thursday, April 9th 

Math: Wednesday, April 8th & Tuesday, April 14th 

Grade 3 Only: Oral Reading Fluency Assessment 

Tuesday, March 31st 

Thursday, April 2nd 

Friday, April 3rd 

 Last Call for Yearbooks! 

Don’t forget to capture the memories of this school year! This is the final opportunity to order yearbooks online. We strongly encourage you to purchase yours now to guarantee a copy. Please note that in-person yearbook sales will be extremely limited once they arrive, and the cost will be higher than the current online price. 

Thank you for your continued support and for helping our students approach these upcoming weeks with confidence and a positive spirit! 

Welcome back! We hope you and your students had a wonderful, relaxing Spring Break last week. It is hard to believe we are already entering the 4th quarter of the school year. As we head into the final stretch, we have several important updates regarding state testing and upcoming community events. 

State Testing Schedule 

State testing will soon begin for students in grades 3–5. To ensure our students can perform their best, please make every effort to avoid scheduling appointments or early sign-outs on these days. Uninterrupted testing time is vital for student concentration and success. 

Grade 5 Only: AzSCIENCE Test 

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 

Thursday, March 26, 2026 

Grades 3–5: State Testing 

Writing: Wednesday, April 1st 

Reading: Tuesday, April 7th & Thursday, April 9th 

Math: Wednesday, April 8th & Tuesday, April 14th 

Grade 3 Only: Oral Reading Fluency Assessment 

Tuesday, March 31st 

Thursday, April 2nd 

Friday, April 3rd PTO FUNdraiser 

Looking for an easy dinner option? Our PTO is hosting a FUNdraiser at Sonic! Come out to support our school and enjoy a treat with the Asante community. Location: 15471 W. Bell Road Date: Tuesday, March 17 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM We look forward to seeing you there and finishing this school year strong!