Countryside News
)
Spirit Week March 27 - 31st
Monday - Sports Gear Day
Tuesday - Teacher vs Student (teachers dress as students and vice versa)
Wednesday - Disney Day
Thursday - Super Hero Day
Friday - Pajama Day
)
Kinder Experience - Register Now through July!
Your child will explore reading and math instruction while learning routines, procedures, and expectations needed for making friends and having a successful school experience. This will help with the transition into school and ease their anxiety as they begin a new school
year!
Kinder Experience (click to register)
or
Register by phone @ 623-876-7815
)
Science Fun
Who knew Science could be so fun!! Our friend, Albert, came to visit in Preschool. We learned that all living things have different skin and different ways of eating. Albert has cold rough skin and eats by catching food with his sticky tongue. Also, did you know Albert can see two different things in opposite directions at one time? Preschool can tell you all about it!
)
Kinder Showcase Fun!
Thank you for joining us for our Kinder Showcase! We hope you and your future Coyotes had fun!
)
Congratulations to our Dysart Heroes!
The Dysart Hero Squad visited us last week to celebrate Mrs. Judd and Mrs. Hayden. Congratulations!!
)
City of Surprise and El Mirage Award Student Essay Winners
In partnership with the City of Surprise and the City of El Mirage, students across the Dysart Unified School District were invited to participate in the My El Mirage and My Surprise Essay Contests in November of 2022. Prompts were developed in partnership with each city to elicit responses that spoke about each city’s mission or vision.
More than 200 students in grades 3-12 submitted their essays with schools choosing the top 128 district-wide. The writings were evaluated based on understanding of city services/amenities, creativity, clarity, sincerity of thought, and proper grammar.
Winners from Surprise were selected in specific grade bands and were honored March 7 at the Surprise City Council meeting including: Cadence Fumia and Rose Vasquez from Countryside Elementary in the grade 3-4 division, Tatianna Pellegrino from Freedom Traditional School for 5-8th grade and Kaleb Delgado from Shadow Ridge High School who won for the high school division.
Excerpts included below.
Cadence Fumia encourages people to live in Surprise: “My name is Cadence and I live in Surprise, Arizona. If you don’t, what the heck are you waiting for?”
Rose Vasquez expresses how she feels living in Surprise: “I am really happy I moved here because I have my family, a great school that I really like. I have some new friends, and it’s really clean, safe, and friendly.”
Tatianna Pellegrino shares this insight about Surprise: “Danish architect and urban design consultant, Jan Gehl once said, ‘A good city is like a good party–you stay for longer than you plan.’ Surprise isn’t just a good party; it's a great party.”
Kaleb Delgado says: “[Surprise] carries nothing by surprises, and as a resident here, I am proud to be in such a beautiful community.”
The City of El Mirage structured their essay winners a bit differently and awarded the top three students in grade 3-8: Esmeralda Olvera Martinez; 1st place, Lejla Tvrtkovic; 2nd place, and Kaleb Rodriquez; third place all from El Mirage Elementary School. High school recognitions include Nathaniel Cosio, and Andre Mena, both 11th grade students at Valley Vista High School.
The five students and their families were invited to attend the City of El Mirage Council meeting on March 7. The students were recognized and received ribbons and certificates.
Esmeralda Olvera Martinez shares her reasons for loving her city: “So, do you want to know why El Mirage is special? Well, I’ll tell you. You’re going to love it.” She goes on to describe the schools, library, and festivals in El Mirage.
Nathaniel Cosio shares the value of community: “In the El Mirage community, I feel like everyone knows each other and have fun just getting to live in the city.”
Student winners from both categories were recognized at the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board meeting on March 9th, 2023.
Danielle Edgerton coordinated the dual city essay contest with support from teachers, administrators, and city leaders.
“It has been such a rewarding experience to partner with both the City of Surprise and the City of El Mirage to honor our scholars and writers,” shared Edgerton. “The essays submitted by all of the students were sincere celebrations of their schools and communities.”
)
Wildlife World Zoo Field Trip
Our 1st graders had an amazing time at the Wildlife World Zoo!
)
Spring Break - March 13 - 17
Enjoy your Spring Break and we will see you back on Monday, March 20th!
)
Thank you to all of our Guest Readers this week!
Countryside will be hosting more than 100 guest readers this week to include Surprise City Council members, Ottawa baseball/football players, Surprise firefighters, Surprise Policy Academy Recruits and more!
)
Welcome future Kinders!
Please join us on March 21st beginning at 5:30 pm to learn about our free, full-day program. This is a great opportunity to tour Countryside, meet our amazing Kinder teachers and enroll your child!
You may also register online at Dysart.org/Registration.
)
Dysart Festival of the Arts - March 25th
The festival will take place at Valley Vista High School, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Back-to-back performances on eight stages, to include band, choir, dance and theatre troops! There will also be over 60 arts vendors, food trucks and community partners!
)
PTSA Book Fair
February 17th and February 21st - 23rd
Students will be visiting the Book Fair with their classmates and parents are welcome each day after school from 3:45 - 4:45 pm.
)
President's Day - No School
There will be No School on Monday, February 20th, in honor of President's Day!
)
Read Across America Spirit Week - Dr. Seuss Style!
Monday, February 27th
Green Eggs and Ham - Dress Like A Chef!
Tuesday, February 28th
Oh, The Places You'll Go - Wear something that shows where you would like to go or where you have been
Wednesday, March 1st
Wacky Wednesday - Time to be wacky!
Thursday, March 2nd
The Cat in the Hat - Dress like the Cat in the Hat, wear a red and white striped hat, a red bow tie, tails and ears!
Friday, March 3rd
What Pet Should I Get? - Dress as your favorite animal or pet
)
Literacy Night - Thursday, March 2nd
Come join us with your family for workshops, food trucks, student presentations, and great literacy fun!
Waffle Love and Guapo Tacos have confirmed they will join us!
)
Early Release for Parent Teacher Conference
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on February 9th and 10th. Students will be released at 1:45pm both days.
)
)
Spring Picture Day - Thursday, February 16th
Personality and Class Group Pictures
Students new to Countryside will have their pictures taken for our yearbook, as well as any individual pictures that are pre-purchased.
Order forms will be sent home the week before picture day.
** Please Note: Only students with an order will be photographed individually. Parents online orders must be placed prior to 9:00 AM on picture day. Parents can use the flyers/forms they receive or purchase online at www.dorianstudio.com.
)
Safety Town - Sponsored by Banner Health/Surprise Fire-Medical Dept
Kinder, 1st and 2nd grade students were able to participate in a free hands-on, interactive program targeting important risk areas including fire and home safety, drowning prevention, helmet safety, healthy eating choices, pedestrian safety, car safety, poison, etc.
)
PTSA Meeting
Tuesday, February 7th @ 6 pm
Do you want to know how to become a member? Or what we are planning for the remainder of the year? Join us to find out!
)
Buy Your Yearbook Now!
2022-23 Yearbooks on Sale NOW for only $20! Get yours before they are gone!
Purchase by 3/2/23 at:
School code: 708887
)
Ashton Ranch Future 5th Grader Night
Where: Ashton Ranch Elementary, 14898 W Acoma Dr., Surprise, AZ 85379
When: Wednesday, January 18th
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Take a Tour of our Campus
Learn about our Electives and Athletics
Hear from Student Speakers
Meet our Faculty & Staff
)
No School on Monday, January 16th
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 16th, there will be no school.
)
Community Rewards
Countryside Families!
It has never been easier to support your child's school. Do you shop at Frys? Did you know you can support Countryside while doing so?!
Here's how you can support our school while you shop:
1. Go to your Rewards Page in the menu options of the Fry's App
2. Click on COMMUNITY REWARDS
3. Search Countryside Elementary PTSA
4. Hit Enroll
Help support your PTSA while shopping for your family! Thank you for your support.
)
)
Happy New Year! Welcome 2023!
We will see you back on January 5th, 2023
Be safe and enjoy your Break!
)
Countryside Winter Concert
Date: Wednesday, December 14th
Where: The Vista Art Center
Time: 6 pm
Please join us as our Coyotes sing Frosty the Snowman, Feliz Navidad and other traditional holiday songs!
)
Kinder Christmas Sing-A-Long
Come join us on Friday, December 16th @ 2 pm for Kinder Christmas Sing-A-Long!
)
)
December 19th and 20th
Monday, December 19th and Tuesday, December 20th are both Early Release Days!
)
Cross Country Meet Dates
Where: Ashton Ranch Elementary
Date(s): Saturdays starting 12/3/2022
Doors open at 7 am and the Meet starts at 8 am
)
Spirit Week November 14 - November 18
Monday 11/14 - Triplet Day
Tuesday 11/15 - Career Day
Wednesday 11/16 - Class Colors
Thursday 11/17 - 90's Day
Friday 11/18 - Superheroes Day
)
Remember to fill out your Free and Reduced Lunch Application!
Complete your application online today!
)
Glow Run 2022
Hello families! We have officially launched our Glow Run Donation Drive! From now until
November 10th your student’s goal is to find sponsors for the Glow Run. Our goal is to raise $15,000 to help fund school beautification projects, field trips and more! Information has been sent home with more details!
)
No School Friday, November 11th
In observance of Veteran's Day school will be closed.
)
Picture Retakes and Club Pictures - Tuesday, November 15th
Get ready to look your best! Club advisors will let members know what time their group picture will be taken. New students and student retakes will be taken as well. Please send your original packet back with your student if you are requesting a retake.
)
No School November 21st - 25th
We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving Break! Stay safe!
)
Spelling Bee Winners!
Congratulations to our school winners and Congratulations to Alexandra who will attend the District Spelling Bee!
)
Career and College Expo
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.
)
PTSA Holiday Fundraiser
Packets are being sent home this week! Shop to your heart's content in the Holiday Cheer catalog. All order forms are due back to the classroom by November 1st. Orders will be delivered to Countryside's PTSA by December 8th - in time for the holidays!
)
Friends of Surprise Libraries Donation
Thank you to the Friends of Surprise Libraries for the couches and the chairs you provided to our preschool program. The kids love to read and they were very excited to have a special and comfortable place to sit and read.
Ms. Emily Winnie
)
Learning About Our Five Senses
Our Dramatic Play area was transformed into an Optometrist's Office. The students checked in by writing their name and age, then circling their eye problem in preparation for their eye test! More...
)
Rogers' Royal Kingdom
Marvelous Math students working hard in Rogers' Royal Kingdom! More...
)
)
Force of Motion
1st grade students were pushing cars on a flat and high surface and tracking their findings. They discovered that If the car went down the ramp, it went faster and if they also pushed harder, the car would go farther.
)
Recycle your clothes and shoes!
"Every Pound Recycled Supports the Countryside Elementary PTSA"
The recycle bin is located near the soccer fields when you first drive in.
)
Let's Raise Some Dough!
Thursday, October 27th from 4 - 8pm
Peter Piper Pizza - 12851 W Bell Rd, Surprise
15% of all food, beverage and funpass game credit sales benefit Countryside!
)
Thank you from Mrs. Price's room!
Thank you to the Friends of the Surprise Libraries for their donation of some amazing book sets!
Chronicles of Narnia, The Judy Moody Most Moodtastic set, The Boxcar Children and many more!
)
Storm Coming Parade
Valley Vista's Annual Storm Coming Parade visited Countryside Elementary. The floats were amazing and our Coyotes loved the candy that was thrown to them! Click here for more pictures!
)
Don't forget to call!
Please be sure to call our Attendance Line @ 623-876-7803 to excuse your child when you know they will be absent or late!
)
)
)
Spirit Week Oct 3 - 7
Monday 10/3 - Mismatch Day
Tuesday 10/4 - Dress to Impress
Wednesday 10/5 - Disney Day
Thursday 10/6 - Tye Dye Day
Friday 10/7 - Pajama Day
*Please make sure you still follow school dress code, shoes must be worn on all days.
)
)
)
Spirit Shirts on Sale Now!
Order your Countryside Spirit shirt by October 7th.
https://stores.inksoft.com/COU000
.jpg?w=1600&h=600&mode=crop&scale=both&crop=(0,1166,4032,2678))
First Friday Assembly
Our Coyotes loved the First Friday Assembly for September! Lots of fun for all!
)
Patriot's Day
Students showed their patriotism by creating red, white and blue remembrance ribbons.
)
Reading Under the Stars
Join Us for our Reading Under the Stars night! Bring a blanket, flashlight, and a book or stop by the Book Fair to purchase a new book! Dungan Dogs food truck will be on campus during this event!
)
Welcome Back!
Countryside had a successful first day of school! We were so excited to welcome back our students and families for another great year. Please continue to check our website and social media to learn more about all the great activities and events planned, as well as updates on our academic progress! We hope you have a great year, and please reach out if you need anything to help make your student successful!
View Photos from the first day!
)
Welcome Back Letter to Parents
Greetings Countryside Parents and Students! We'd like to invite you to read our first back to school letter to our community. Please CLICK HERE.
)
)
Meet the Teacher Night
Join us for our Meet the Teacher night!
Monday, August 1st from 5pm - 6:30pm
)
Welcome Back!
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 5:00-6:30pm. 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.
)
Volunteer Opportunities
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:
- Review the volunteer handbook and complete the volunteer application at Dysart.org/Volunteer
- Make an appointment for your volunteer orientation
- Coordinate your schedule through the school office
- 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.
)
School Breakfast and Lunch
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.
)
Employment Opportunities in Dysart
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!
)
Stay Informed on the Parent Portal
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.