Dysart Middle News

We're seeking your input on our annual Parent Survey, which should take about 5 minutes to complete. We want to know what our district and schools are doing well and how we can improve in the future. The survey will be open through May 15. Find it in English at www.dysart.org/survey and in Spanish at www.dysart.org/encuesta.

There will be no school on Friday, April 18th. The office will also be closed due to the spring holiday. School will resume on Monday, April 21st at 7:55am. 

Enjoy your three day weekend with friends and family!

The AzSci (Arizona Science) and AASA (Arizona Academic Standards Assessment) tests are coming up soon for middle school students! These assessments are an important way to measure your child’s progress in key subjects like science, math, reading, and writing.  

AzSci Test: This will assess your student’s knowledge of scientific concepts, helping to evaluate their understanding of the world around them (5th and 8th grade students only). 

AASA Test: This includes both English Language Arts and Math assessments, focusing on academic skills aligned with Arizona’s standards. 

Families can help by making sure your student comes to school each day on time, with a charged Chromebook. Also, please refrain from picking students up early on testing days. 

These tests are not just a way to measure academic progress, but also an opportunity for students to demonstrate their hard work and growth over the year. Let’s work together to ensure they’re ready to do their best!

2025 Testing Schedule:

AzSci Part 1 March 26 (5th and 8th grade only)

AzSci Part 2 March 27 (5th and 8th grade only)

AzSci Part 3 March 28 (5th and 8th grade only)

AASA Writing April 2 

AASA Reading Part 1 April 9 

AASA Reading Part 2 April 10 

AASA Math Part 1 April 15 

AASA Math Part 2 April 16

There will be no school Monday, March 17th- Friday, March 21st for Spring Break. The school office will also be closed and will reopen on Monday, March 24th at 7:15am.  Remember to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather! We will see everyone back on Monday the 24th rested, relaxed, and ready to take on the last quarter of the school year!

We are thrilled to share that our school has received the prestigious "A" label from the Arizona Department of Education, a recognition that highlights our commitment to excellence in education. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our students, staff, and families. 

Earning the "A" label is just the beginning. As we celebrate this incredible accomplishment, we remain focused on continuing to provide an environment where every student can thrive and succeed. Our school is committed to maintaining the highest standards of excellence and working together to support the growth and development of our students. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. We are incredibly proud of our school, and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future!

All Dysart Middle School students will be taking the ELA and math benchmark tests. ELA will take place on Tuesday, January 28th and Math will take place on Thursday, January 30th. You can help by ensuring your student arrives to school on time and by not scheduling any appointments on testing days. Please be sure your child charges their Chromebook each night as well. 

Benchmark tests are a valuable tool for ensuring that students are receiving the support they need to succeed academically. We greatly appreciate family support and are grateful for your partnership in helping our students reach their full potential!

Wesley Gilmour and Esue Perez will both be joining the 2025 All-State Band! Not only was 8th grader Wesley accepted into the Arizona All-State Band, but he earned an impressive 2nd chair on bass clarinet, outplaying 14 other talented bass clarinetists. We're incredibly proud of his achievement. 

6th grader Esue Perez was nominated and will perform with the 6th grade band on flute.  We’re thrilled for both of these exceptional young musicians!

There will be no school on Monday, January 20th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The office will also be closed and will reopen on Tuesday, January 21st at 7:55am. 

Mrs. Peters was selected as a recipient of the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers program! Her wish to purchase STEM kits for her students has been granted, helping enhance the classroom experience for her eager learners.  

Through the Wishes for Teachers program, the Fiesta Bowl Organization is supporting Arizona teachers like Mrs. Peters who go above and beyond to enrich their students' education. Over the past nine years, this incredible program has awarded $8.25 million in grants to over 2,600 teachers, impacting more than 1 million students across the state.

We are so proud of Mrs. Peters who makes a difference in the lives of her students every day! 

Join us on Tuesday, December 17th from 5:00pm-8:00pm for a night of performances and art displays. This event will be held in the cafeteria and is open to all parents, students, and families. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Hillary Bond, Music Teacher at hillary.bond@dysart.org.

There will be no school November 25th-November 29th for Thanksgiving Break. Students will return on Monday, December 2nd; gates will open at 7:55am. 

The office will also be closed and will reopen on Monday, December 2nd at 7:15am. 

We hope you enjoy your time with friends and family. We are truly grateful for all of our staff, students and families of DMS!

You can view the Dysart school district calendars HERE!

The Dysart Governing Board called for the November 5, 2024 bond election at the March 14 board meeting after a unanimous community committee recommendation. The bond program would be $127 million to fund safety and security improvements, school bus replacements, facility renovations at each site, construction of a new elementary school and land for a new high school in the Northwest Asante area. 

Based on the estimated average assessed home value within our district of $197,830, the average homeowner would pay $5.94 per month, for a total of $71.22 estimated per year.

The Dysart community is scheduled to pay off the voter-approved 2006 bond in fiscal year 2028. If approved, the proposed 2024 bond would phase in over three years, so there is no expected tax rate increase associated with the proposed bond. The bond tax rate would actually drop to approximately half of the current rate beginning in 2029 due to the 2006 bond phasing out.

The community is invited to learn more about the 2024 Dysart bond at Dysart.org/Bond2024, as well as detailed information on Dysart’s budgets and annual financial reports at Dysart.org/Budget.

Note: Tax rates are an estimate and are influenced by a variety of factors including Maricopa County assessed valuation fluctuations. The tax rates listed here are based on a revised estimate in July 2024.

The Dysart community is scheduled to pay off the voter-approved 2006 bond in fiscal year 2028. If approved, the proposed 2024 bond would phase in over three years, so there is no expected tax rate increase associated with the proposed bond. The bond tax rate would actually drop to approximately half of the current rate beginning in 2029 due to the 2006 bond phasing out. 

The community is invited to learn more about the 2024 Dysart bond at Dysart.org/Bond2024, as well as detailed information on Dysart’s budgets and annual financial reports at Dysart.org/Budget.

Note: Tax rates are an estimate and are influenced by a variety of factors including Maricopa County assessed valuation fluctuations. The tax rates listed here are based on a revised estimate in July 2024.

The Dysart Governing Board called for the November 5, 2024 bond election at the March 14 board meeting after a unanimous community committee recommendation. The bond program would be $127 million to fund safety and security improvements, school bus replacements, facility renovations at each site, construction of a new elementary school and land for a new high school in the Northwest Asante area. 

Based on the estimated average assessed home value within our district of $197,830, the average homeowner would pay $5.94 per month, for a total of $71.22 estimated per year.

The Dysart community is scheduled to pay off the voter-approved 2006 bond in fiscal year 2028. If approved, the proposed 2024 bond would phase in over three years, so there is no expected tax rate increase associated with the proposed bond. The bond tax rate would actually drop to approximately half of the current rate beginning in 2029 due to the 2006 bond phasing out.

The community is invited to learn more about the 2024 Dysart bond at Dysart.org/Bond2024, as well as detailed information on Dysart’s budgets and annual financial reports at Dysart.org/Budget.

Note: Tax rates are an estimate and are influenced by a variety of factors including Maricopa County assessed valuation fluctuations. The tax rates listed here are based on a revised estimate in July 2024.

Based on the estimated average assessed home value within our district of $197,830, the average homeowner would pay $5.94 per month, for a total of $71.22 estimated per year.

The Dysart community is scheduled to pay off the voter-approved 2006 bond in fiscal year 2028. If approved, the proposed 2024 bond would phase in over three years, so there is no expected tax rate increase associated with the proposed bond. The bond tax rate would actually drop to approximately half of the current rate beginning in 2029 due to the 2006 bond phasing out. Learn more at Dysart.org/Bond2024

Note: Tax rates are an estimate and are influenced by a variety of factors including Maricopa County assessed valuation fluctuations. The tax rates listed here are based on a revised estimate in July 2024.

There will be no school on October 14th-18th for Fall Break. The office will be closed during this time and will reopen when school resumes on Monday, October 21st. Enjoy your time with friends and family! 

The Scholastic Book Fair will be on campus on Monday, October 7th-Friday, October 11th. Students will be able to shop during their lunch on each of the days and we will have a family shopping day on Thursday, October 10th from 1:00pm to 6:30pm. We encourage families to create an eWallet for cash-free shopping, although cash and cards will still be accepted at the Book Fair. eWallets can also be shared with friends and families so that your student can find even more to read! 

Set up your eWallet here!

• School safety improvements 
• Replace Aging AC units 
• Roof Sealing and Repairs 
• Replace school buses over 15 years old 
• Construction of a new elementary school and land for a new high school in the Northwest Asante area 
• Facility renovations at each site 

If approved, the bond tax rate would drop to approximately half of the current rate beginning in 2029 due to the 2006 bond phasing out. Based on the estimated average assessed home value within our district of $197,830, the average homeowner would pay $5.94 per month, for a total of $71.22 estimated per year.  

Learn more at Dysart.org/Bond2024

The meeting is an opportunity for the community to learn facts and get questions answered about the November 5, 2024 Dysart bond election, which would include the construction of a new elementary school and land for a new high school in the Northwest Asante area, if it is approved. There will be a brief presentation of factual information relating to the bond by Dysart representatives, and then an opportunity for attendees to ask any questions they may have.  

 If you are unable to attend this meeting, additional meeting opportunities are available: 

•  Tuesday, September 24, 10:00am* - Hosted by City of Surprise District 2 at Grand Agua Fria Room (Sun City Grand), 17100 W. Clearview Blvd., Surprise AZ 85387 
•  Wednesday, September 25, 6:00pm*- Hosted by City of Surprise District 2 at Cimarron Springs Middle School, Media Center, 17032 W. Surprise Farms Loop S, Surprise, AZ 85388 
•  Friday, September 27, 10:00am* - Hosted by City of Surprise District 2 at AZ Traditions Ballroom, 17225 N. Citrus Rd., Surprise AZ 85374 
•  Monday, October 7, 10:00am - Hosted by PORA in the PORA Conference Room at 13815 W. Camino Del Sol, Sun City West, AZ 85375

The community is invited to learn more about the 2024 Dysart bond at Dysart.org/Bond2024, as well as detailed information on Dysart’s budgets and annual financial reports at Dysart.org/Budget.

We hope you are able to attend to learn more and get your questions answered.

*Please note that some meetings are combined with city council district meetings, so there may be items on the agenda prior to the start of the Dysart Bond Information Meeting.

September is Attendance Awareness Month! Being in class every day is super important for your child’s success in school. Missing too many days can make it harder to keep up with learning and can even affect future opportunities. Let's work together to make sure your child is here on time and ready to learn every day!

You can read more about attendance procedures in our Parent/Student Handbook!

Tryouts are complete and teams have been selected! DMS Baseball and Softball games will start on Tuesday September 3rd. You can find a complete game schedule here:

DMS Baseball and Softball Game Schedule

Grads Photography will be on campus on Wednesday, August 21st for Fall Pictures. Families will be able to view and order pictures online at Grads Photography after pictures have been taken. If you have any questions, you can call the school office at 623-876-7100 or contact Grads at 623-580-4723. 

If you are interested in trying out for baseball or softball please ensure that you are registered and ready for tryouts! 

Tryouts will take place afterschool on the fields the week of August 12th and 19th. Students will need to be registered on Aktivate before tryouts. A video tutorial for the sign-up process can be found here.  

Make sure that you bring water, your glove, and all equipment needed to tryouts. Good luck!

Please remember to complete the Annual Student Update through your parent portal. This update is important to ensure that we have up-to-date medical and contact information for your child in the event of an emergency. You are also able to adjust your communication preferences (phone, text, and/or email) to ensure you are getting the various message types in the way that you would like.  To complete this update please visit Dysart.org/ParentPortal or use the Campus Parent app.

We are so excited to start the 2024-2025 school year. We would love students to bring any or all of the supplies that can be found on each grade levels list. 

5th Grade

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

Electives

Families will have an opportunity to checkout Chromebooks before school starts! Chromebook distribution will happen July 16th, from 9:00am-1:00pm and on July 17th from 1:30pm-4:00pm in the gym. 

Families should plan to bring $25 exact cash or a check per Chromebook for device protection. As a reminder, students and guardians must be present to sign the technology agreement in order to checkout the Chromebook. If you have any questions, you can call the front office at 623-876-7100 or email us at dysartmiddle@dysart.org. 

The 2024-2025 school year is right around the corner! Stop by the campus on July 30th from 5:00PM-7:00pm to meet teachers and staff. Classrooms will be open and class schedules will be available. You will also be able to purchase DMS and House merchandise at this time.  

We can't wait to see all our new and returning Eagles for another exciting year!

Important Dates

• May 27-School Office is closed in observance of Memorial Day. 
• May 28-30th School Office open regular hours, 7:15am-3:45pm.   
• June 3rd-July 9th, office is closed. 
• July 10 - School office reopens at 7:15am and will close at 3:45pm. The office will be closed on Friday's until July 19th.

To enroll for the 2024-2025 school year, visit us here.

DUSD will host the annual Summer Feeding Program with free breakfast and lunch for all children ages 18 and under from June 3 through June 27.    

Breakfast and lunch will be served Monday through Thursday, at El Mirage Elementary School, which is located at 13500 North El Mirage, AZ 85335. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 am through 9:00 am and lunch will be served from 11:30 am through 12:30 pm. 

Per federal regulations, all meals must be consumed on site in the cafeteria. Meals for adults over the age of 18 are $1.75 for breakfast and $3.50 for lunch.  

Students will be released at 11:15am on Wednesday, May 22nd and Thursday, May 23rd. Thursday, May 23rd is our last day of school for the 2023-2024 school year. Families, please don't forget to make transportation arrangements to have your student picked up on time. 

Thank you to all our students, families, and community supporters; it has been a wonderful school year! See you in August!

Do you have a 4th grader that will be attending DMS next year? Join us for Future Eagles Night on May 9th from 5:00pm-6:30pm during our Academic Showcase. Students and their families will be able to check out classrooms and tour the campus. They can also meet staff and view performances. We hope you can make this fun, family event!

We will celebrate the promotion of 8th graders to high school on on Wednesday, May 22nd at 7:00pm. The promotion will be held at the The Vista Center for the Arts which is located at 15660 N Parkview Pl, Surprise, AZ 85374. There is no ticket requirement, so all are welcome to attend. 

Please keep all balloon bouquets in your vehicle until after the promotion ceremony. We want to be sure everyone is able to see this special moment from their seats. Please contact the front office or your child's teacher if you have any questions. 

There will be no school on Friday, April 26th. The office will also be closed and will reopen on Monday, April 29th at 7:15am. 

Enjoy your Spring Holiday Eagles!

Congratulations to Alexa Cervantes Reyna, Adam Campbell, and Daisha Jones for being selected as winners of the 2023-24 Dysart/City of El Mirage Essay Contest in the 5th-8th category. The students were recognized at last nights City Council Meeting and will again be honored next week at the Governing Board Meeting.  Each are 6th grade students in Ms. Warwick's English Language Arts Class. 

1st Place-Alexa Cervantes Reyna 

2nd Place-Adam Campbell 

3rd Place-Daisha Jones

State testing will be starting March 26th and will continue through April. Students should be present for all testing days in order to avoid make-up test sessions. They should also bring their Chromebooks charged each day as tests will be completed online. The testing schedule is as follows:

AzSci (5th and 8th grades only) March 26th-March 28th

AASA Writing (5th-8th grade) April 2nd

AASA Reading and Math (5th-8th grade) April 16th-April 19th

The DMS office will be closed on March 18th through March 22nd for Spring Break. Get out and enjoy the beautiful, spring weather. We will see you back on Monday, March 25th!

Come join our band, choir, dance, theatre, and art students this Saturday, March 9th at the Festival of Arts. The festival will be held at Valley Vista High School from 10am-3pm. There are going to be over 100 performances from every elementary and high school band, choir, theater, and dance program in Dysart along with a beautiful art showcase.  There will also be arts and crafts to participate in, chalk murals being created, over 50 vendor booths to shop, and tons of food trucks to snack at. It is free to attend, so please come spend your day celebrating and experiencing the arts with us and cheering on your classmates.

Grads Photography will be on campus on Thursday, February 29th for Spring Pictures. Families will be able to view and order pictures online at Grads Photography after pictures have been taken.

If you have any questions, you can call the school office at 623-876-7100 or contact Grads at 623-580-4723. 

We are always looking to grow and improve at Dysart Middle School; your feedback helps us to do that! Please complete the yearly parent survey, which should only take about 5 minutes of your time. The survey will close on Sunday, February 18th. Thank you for your continued support of our school!

English Parent Survey 

Spanish Parent Survey

Family conferences will be held February 5th-February 9th. If you have not scheduled a time to meet with teachers, please call 623-876-7100 or email your child's teacher. Also, students will be released at 1:00pm on Thursday, February 8th and Friday, February 9th.  

We can't wait to see to see all our Eagle Families!

All DMS students will be taking Benchmark Tests on January 30th and 31st. You can help your student(s) be successful by making sure that they arrive to school on time, have a healthy breakfast, and get a good night's sleep. Also, please do not schedule any appointments on these dates in which students need to leave early. Take your time and do your best Eagles!

Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday honoring the life and birthday of one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history? Although the holiday is observed annually on the third Monday of January, this year is extra special because the holiday falls on King's actual birthday, Jan. 15th.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. there will be no school on Monday, January 15th. The office will also be closed. Students will return on Tuesday, January 16th at 7:55am. 

On Friday, December 15th, students participated in our 1st Annual Reindeer Run. Students and staff were challenged to run or walk a half mile. The top 3 boys and girls of each grade level were awarded with a medal. You can see more pictures from this event on our Instagram and Facebook pages!

Dysart Middle School will release at 11:15am on Thursday, December 21st and Friday, December 22nd for final exams. 

There is also no school from December 25th to January 8th for Winter Break. The office will also be closed during this time. The office will reopen on Monday, January 8th, at 7:15am. School will resume for all students on Tuesday, January 9th. 

Have a safe winter break!

The Roving Chef was on campus today. Students got an opportunity to work directly with our District Chef to learn about food, food safety, and then follow a recipe to cook! DMS Eagles made delicious calzones for lunch today. What a great opportunity to learn culinary basics!

We recently celebrated year of service on the DMS campus. A special shout-out to Mrs. Heck who earned her 30 year pin. Thank you Mrs. Heck for being so special to the Dysart Middle campus; your unwavering dedication to the staff and students at DMS is commendable!

There will be no school November 20-24 for Thanksgiving Recess. The office will be closed during this time and will reopen on Monday, November 27th at 7:15a.m. 

Enjoy your time off and be safe Eagles!

Checkout the most recent issue of Community Connect which showcases Fashion Club at DMS. This club, facilitated by Mrs. Prewitt, began with very few students during the 2020-2021 school year, but now has grown both in student participation and community involvement with the newly formed partnership with the Quilters on Grand Sun City Club. 

There is no school from October 9th-October 13th for Fall Break. The office will also be closed and will reopen on Monday, October 16th at 7:45am. To enroll a student, please visit www.dysart.org/enroll. 

Enjoy your time off Eagles!

Please join us on Friday, October 27th from 4:30pm-6:30pm for our annual Fall Festival. We will have games, vendors, and food trucks; we will also have art displays, choir and band performances. This event is free and open to all DMS students, friends, and families. Students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the event. This is a cash only event and game tickets can be purchased at the door. 

Families can also bring a carved/decorated pumpkin to enter in the pumpkin contest.

We look forward to seeing all of our DMS friends and families on the 27th!

Family conferences will be held on October 2nd-October 6th at DMS. Parents should schedule a time to meet with their child's homeroom teacher. Students will be released early on Thursday, October 5th and Friday, October 6th at 1:00pm. 

Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions!

Dysart Schools invites you to join us for a Vaping 101 presentation on Wednesday, September 27 from 6:00-7:30pm at The Vista Center for the Arts (15660 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374).

Vaping is one of the largest behavioral issues we see in our schools today, especially among middle and high school students. This event will explore current facts and myths around vaping, and you’ll leave with effective solutions in protecting your student(s).  Anyone in the community is welcome to attend, and the presentation is appropriate for all ages, so parents can bring their school-aged children along to hear about vaping directly if they choose.  

We hope you can join us for this informational presentation.

Please join our Middle School and High School Choirs as they help represent Dysart Unified at our DUSD AZ Diamondback night! Our singers will be performing the National Anthem on the field at the game on Saturday, September 2nd, at 5:10pm. Tickets must be purchased online here in order to attend the performance. Proceeds will go to benefit our Dysart Choral programs. Please come to the game and support our singers!  

For more information, contact Hillary Bond at Hillary.Bond@dysart.org

Please remember to complete the Annual Student Update through your parent portal. This update is important to ensure that we have up-to-date medical and contact information for your child in the event of an emergency. You are also able to adjust your communication preferences (phone, text, and/or email) to ensure you are getting the various message types in the way that you would like.  To complete this update please visit Dysart.org/ParentPortal or use the Campus Parent app.

Staff will be available in the Gym on July 19th from 12:00pm-6:00pm and July 20th from 9:00am-1:00pm for Chromebook distribution. Families will need to bring $25 exact cash or check for the device protection plan. 

PTO will also be accepting new members for only $5 as well on these dates. Any families who sign up, will also get $5 off the purchase of DMS Spirit Wear. 

You may contact the front office at 623-876-7100 if you have any additional questions. 

Click on the link below to view the recommended school supply lists for the 2023-2024 school year. The front office is always accepting donations of supplies throughout the year!

5th Grade Supply List 

6th Grade Supply List 

7th/8th Grade Supply List

Please join us for Meet the Teacher Night on Tuesday, August 1st from 5:00pm-6:30pm. This is great opportunity for students and families to meet the staff of DMS and to see all of our learning spaces for the 2023-2024 school year. We can't wait to see you!

Please take note of the summer office hours:

• June 5th through June 22nd the office will be open from 8:00am to 12:00pm for Summer Learning 
• June 26th through July 7th the office is closed 
• July 10th through July 20th the office will be open from 7:15am to 3:45pm 
• July 24th normal office hours resume
• The office is closed each Friday from June 2nd through July 21st

To register your student, please visit dysart.org/enroll or you may call 623-876-7151 for assistance.

The first day of the 2023-2024 school year will be on Thursday, August 3rd! School hours are from 8:15am-3:00pm. The gates will open at 7:55am. We are looking forward to a successful school year!

Dysart Schools is hosting a free Summer Feeding Program for breakfast and lunch from June 5 through June 29.  Children ages 18 and under may receive meals Monday-Thursday from 8-9am and 11:30am-12:30pm at El Mirage Elementary School (13500 North El Mirage Rd., El Mirage AZ 85335). Meals need to be consumed on site, per federal regulations.

Parents and guardians can register new students online at Dysart.org/Enroll at any time. For in-person K-8 enrollment assistance between June 5th and June 29th, families may visit the District Office (15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise). All K-12 school offices will reopen for in person enrollment on Monday, July 10.    

Dysart Middle School will be offering a free, in person Summer Learning Opportunity for all students in 5th - 8th grade.  The focus of Summer Learning is to review priority standards in Math and Reading from the current grade level, to prepare students for success during the 2023-2024 school year. Summer Learning will run for 3 weeks, June 5th-22nd, from 8:00am-11:00am.  Transportation is not available for Summer Learning. You can pickup a permission slip in the front office or from your child's teacher. For more information, please contact the Summer Learning Coordinator, Linda Heck, at linda.heck@dysart.org.   

The DMS office will be closed on March 13th through March 17th for Spring Break. Get out and enjoy the beautiful, spring weather. We will see you back on Monday, March 20th!

All Arizona public school students in Grades 3-8 will take the grade level AASA assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics. DMS students will be testing on April 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th. Please do not pick up students early on these dates and encourage students to be present and on time on all testing days. 

Yearbooks are currently on sale for only $25! The price will increase to $30 starting April 1st. Make sure that your student doesn’t miss out on this meaningful keepsake. It’s the only book that captures the year’s events, activities, friendships, experiences and memories from the 2022-2023 school year. Place your order for the yearbook at gradsyearbook.com and follow the steps below. 

Our STC PE class participated in the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at Dysart High School and brought home a GOLD medal! Thank you to our Coaches: Coach Mo and Coach Leonard and our STC teachers and paraprofessionals for all their support during the tournament. Congratulations students on your win!

Do you have a 4th grader that will be attending DMS next year? Join us for Future Eagles Night on January 25th from 5:00pm-6:30pm. Students and their families will be able to check out classrooms and tour the campus. They can also meet staff and view a band and choir performance. We hope you can make this fun, family event!

Members of Dysart Unified School District’s Textbook Adoption Committee will evaluate textbooks for grades 4-6 English Language Arts (ELA) and high school Advanced Placement (AP) Economics. 

The materials will be made available for review online and will be on display November 14, 2022 through January 13, 2023 at Freedom Traditional Academy, 16066 N Parkview Place Surprise, Arizona 85374. 

Parents and community members are invited to view the materials before and after school, from 7:15-8:00 AM and 3:00-3:45 PM. The last evening dates will be on January 10, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  To view the materials online, visit Dysart.org/CurriculumReview.  

All Dysart curriculum is aligned to state standards and current legislative mandates. To learn more about Dysart’s curriculum and adoption process visit Dysart.org/Curriculum, or contact the Dysart Schools Educational Services Department at 623-876-7173 for more information. 

DMS will be closed for Winter Break beginning December 21, 2022-January 3, 2023. The school office will reopen on Wednesday, January 4th and students will return to school on Thursday, January 5th. We wish everyone a safe and happy break!

Join us for Choir and Band performances!

Choir: December 8, 2022 at 5:30pm in the DMS cafeteria.

Band: December 8, 2022 at 7:00pm in the DHS auditorium. 

Please note that there is no school November 21st-November 25th for Thanksgiving Break. The office will be closed and will reopen on Monday, November 28th at 7:15am. We are so thankful for all our Eagle students, families, teachers and staff and wishes everyone a restful break!

Fall sport tryouts begin this week! See below for all sports that will be holding tryouts, with dates and coaches to see for more information!

• Cross Country, November 4th, Coach: Ms. Howard.
• Cheer Tryouts, Week of November 14th, Coach: Ms. Altamirano
• Flag Football, November 15th-17th, Coaches: Mr. Vasquez and Mr. Barajas
• Boys and Girls Volleyball, November 15th-17th, Coaches: Coach Mo and Coach Leonard

Good luck Eagles!

 Dysart Unified School District invites parents and students to a Career and College Expo on Wednesday, October 26 from 5:30 - 7:30pm at the Dysart District Office, located at 15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise.  

The expo showcases Dysart's Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, West-MEC, colleges and universities, and military representatives so families can explore opportunities to pursue in and after high school. This is a great way for 5th through 11th grade students and their parents to get hands-on with all of the career pathway classes and programs offered at Dysart Schools. The event is free and open to the public. Details can be found at www.dysart.org/CTEexpo. 

Dysart Schools currently offer 17 CTE programs at four high schools (Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School.) Program options include Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Digital Animation, Digital Photography, Education Professions, Engineering, Film and TV Production, Fire Science, Graphic Design, Laboratory Assisting, Law and Public Safety, Marketing, Nursing Services, Software and App Design, Sports Medicine, Stagecraft Design and Production and Technology Device Maintenance. Learn more at www.dysart.org/CTE. 

Please join us for Family Conferences October 3rd-7th. This is a great time to meet with teachers to talk about how your student is doing in school and/or ask questions about the class or your child's progress. If you have not scheduled a time to meet with your student's teachers, please contact the school office. We look forward to seeing families on our campus!

There is no school on October 10th-14th for Fall Break. The office will be closed during this time. The office will reopen when school resumes on Monday, October 17th. Enjoy your time with friends and family! 

Please join us on October 21st from 4:30pm-6:30pm for our Fall Festival! This event will have game booths, vendors, food trucks, performances, and a carved/decorated pumpkin contest! This event is open to all DMS students, friends, and families! Can't wait to see you there!

Each month, our Sunshine Committee recognizes outstanding teachers and staff members who are making a positive impact at DMS. September's certified winners are Spanish Teacher, Mrs. Gutierrez and Science Teacher, Ms. Martinez, respectively. 

It’s Fall picture time at Dysart Middle School! Grads Photography will be on campus Thursday, September 15th for individual and fall team sports photos. Please make sure that your child is dressed and ready for this memory-making  opportunity. Pictures can be purchased online after September 15th. If you have any questions, please call Grads Photography at 623.580.4723. We look forward to seeing those smiling faces!

Please remember to update the Annual Student Update on the parent portal. Without this update we cannot administer any medications, Vaseline, bug bite cream, or other over-the-counter medications. This is also important as we want to have up-to-date medical information and contact information on your student in the event of an emergency. You can complete the Annual Student Update by accessing the Parent Portal via Dysart.org or through the parent portal app.

You will see a new face amongst students and staff! Officer Clay with the El Mirage Police Department will now be a daily fixture on our campus as a Student Resource Officer (SRO). Officer Clay's main role is to form positive relationships with the students. He will also be an educational source to students and be present for any safety issues. We hope having an SRO will also help to reduce inappropriate student behaviors, develop a positive relationship between youth and law enforcement, and promote positive attitudes regarding the role of police in society. Share a wave and a smile the next time you see Officer Clay! 

• 5th Grade Supply List
• 6th Grade Supply List
• 7th Grade Supply List
• 8th Grade Supply List

Join us Monday, August 1st from 5:30pm-7:00pm to visit the campus and meet teachers and staff. Feel free to park in the front or back parking lots, as both doors will be open for families. We are looking forward to seeing all of our Dysart Eagle students and families!

We can't wait to see everyone back for the first day of school on August 3! Make sure you mark your calendars for event and activity dates and keep an eye on our new website for important information as the start of school approaches.

Our Meet the Teacher night will be on August 1 from 5:30-7pm. Please join us to see the campus, meet your child's teachers, and get information on what to expect this year. 

Still need to enroll? There's still time to get your children enrolled for the 2022-2023 school year! Parents and guardians can complete the necessary registration information online at Dysart.org/enroll at any time.  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. For additional assistance with student registration, families are welcome to contact our front office.

Don't forget to make sure you have access to the Parent Portal to keep up with your child’s academic progress throughout the year! Sign up or access the site online at Dysart.org/parentportal or via the Campus Parent app. 

Dysart Schools have many opportunities for the community to assist schools in providing an amazing educational experience to each and every student. Volunteers help to enrich children’s learning opportunities, provide individual attention to children who need one-on-one assistance, promote a school-home-community partnership for quality education, provide staff members with more time to work with students, and assist staff members and support personnel with non-instructional tasks.

Where is Help Needed?

• Classroom and teacher support 
• One-on-one student assistance 
• Event help (preparations, setup, operations, tear-down)  
• Guest speakers (experts or retirees in various fields) 
• Front office assistance

How to Become a Volunteer:

1. Review the volunteer handbook and complete the volunteer application at Dysart.org/Volunteer 
2. Make an appointment for your volunteer orientation 
3. Coordinate your schedule through the school office 
4. Put on your volunteer badge and have fun!

Who Should Apply to Volunteer?

Anyone who cares about children and education is a potential volunteer. Parents, grandparents and community members 18 years of age or older who want to make a difference in the lives of children and support educators are encouraged to apply to become a volunteer with Dysart Unified School District. Volunteers are welcome in all of our schools and prior teaching experience is not necessary.

Learn more or apply here.

Dysart Nutrition Services ensures that students at all schools have fresh, wholesome and nutritious breakfast and lunch options to support their education and focus in class. Learn more about Nutrition Services at Dysart.org/Nutrition. Menus and nutritional information may be viewed at Dysart.Nutrislice.com.

Apply for Free and Reduced Meals

Beginning July 1, 2022 the USDA is returning to income eligibility guidelines for free or reduced meals. All families should complete a Free and Reduced Lunch Application at SchoolCafe.com to help maintain school funding and make sure that qualified families receive this and other benefits. Only one application is required per family, and may be completed at SchoolCafe.com.

How to Add Meal Funds to an Account

Cash and checks are accepted for meal purchases, or families may utilize SchoolCafe.com to prepay for meals online, view their balances, or place restrictions on purchases. Online payments take 24 hours to post to student accounts.  

Meal Prices 

• Elementary Lunch $2.60, Reduced $.40, Adult $3.50  
• Elementary Breakfast $1.25, Reduced $.30, Adult $1.75  High School Lunch $2.85, Reduced $.40, Adult $3.50  
• High School Breakfast $1.25, Reduced $.30, Adult $1.75 

A la carte and snack items are available for purchase on each campus, and additional meals are available for an added charge. Parents are always welcome to dine with their child, but please be sure to call in advance and check-in at the school office. Adult meals may be purchased for $1.75 for breakfast or $3.50 for lunch. 

Dysart is the largest employer in both the cities of Surprise and El Mirage with over 2,700 employees. Dysart Schools offer highly competitive salaries, full benefits and an inviting school-year calendar with holidays and weekends off for most positions. 

With a wide-variety of positions ranging from groundskeeper, to mechanic, to office staff, and teachers, we’re always looking for great people to join our Dysart team!

Current High Need Areas: 

•  Bus Drivers and Aides
•  Childcare and Preschool Aides
•  Paraprofessionals
•  Behavioral Technicians 
•  Speech and Language Pathologists 
•  Special Education Teachers 
•  Math Teachers 
•  Science Teachers 
•  ASL Teachers 
•  Health Services Assistants 
•  Crossing Guards 
•  Maintenance Workers and Plant Managers 
•  Social Workers

Check out our current openings at Dysart.org/Careers and apply today!

The Parent Portal is a great tool to stay informed 24/7 about your child’s academic progress. Grades, attendance, assignments and more are viewable in real time online or via the app, Campus Parent. A single login allows parents with multiple students to access information for all of their children in one place. Learn more at Dysart.org/ParentPortal.

Update Your Communication Preferences and Contact Info

To make sure that we can keep you informed in emergency situations, please ensure that your contact information is current in the Parent Portal. You are also able to adjust your communication preferences (phone, text, and/or email) at Dysart.org/ParentPortal or on the Campus Parent app to ensure you are getting the various message types in the way that you would like. Remember that if you select more than one type of communication per category, you will receive the message multiple times via each of those avenues.