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Sunset Hills News

Preschool students

Patriot Day

Sunset Hills hosted activities throughout the day in remembrance of 9/11.


  • Preschool learned about emergency responders and how they help us in times of need
  • Kinder created an anchor chart to learn about what a hero is 
  • First grade read a short story about heroes and how they are to be remembered and celebrated on 9/11
  • Second graders made ribbons of remembrance to adorn the hallways
  • Third grade students wrote a short essay about Patriot Day
  • Fourth grade did a Paying Tribute activity and watched a video about 9/11
  • Fifth grade read Save the Boats, learned about the 9/11 memorials and created their own symbolic tribute to 9/11
  • Sixth, seventh grade, and eighth grade students watched videos about 9/11


09/11/2023 Direct Link

cat eyes with words Cats young actors edition

Sunset Hills Musical

Audition Packets will be released next week for our Annual Musical Production. This year we will be bringing to life the classical story of CATS. 


Check back here for more information as soon as the packets are officially released! We can't wait to share this memory with you!

08/31/2023 Direct Link

chalkboard with words No School

No School - Monday September 4th, 2023

Monday, September 4th, 2023 there will be no school in observance of Labor Day. 

08/28/2023 Direct Link

Boys Baseball Team

Boys Baseball & Girls Softball Tryouts

Boys Baseball

Tryouts:
  • Tue 8/22 from 6:30-8:00 am
  • Wed 8/23 from 6:30-8:00 am
  • Thu 8/24 from 6:30-8:00 am

Pick up tryout packets from Coach Molett in the Gym

Girls Softball

Tryouts:
  • Wed 8/23 from 3:15-5:00 pm
  • Thu 8/24 from 3:15-5:00 pm

Pick up tryout packets from Coach Salasek in Room 231

Regular season games will begin the week of 9/12. Let's Go Bobcats!

08/16/2023 Direct Link

staff at Sunset Hills

23/24 August Newsletter

Please see our August Newsletter!


August Newsletter

08/07/2023 Direct Link

Colorful Paintbrushes

23/24 Elective courses

Beginning in 5th Grade our students get to choose 2 of their classes each quarter from the following categories: P.E., Music, Art, and iExplore. These classes allow students to explore interests outside of the standard math, reading, science and social studies. Students are required to take at least 1 class from each of the 4 categories below but with 8 options throughout the year there is still plenty of room for their favorites!


P.E. Offerings:


  • Outdoor Team Sports (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)
  • Health in Sports (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)
  • Indoor Sports (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)
  • Fitness (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)
  • Lifetime Sports (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)


Music Offerings:

  • American Popular Music (8th)
  • Music Blogging (7th)
  • Jazz & Improvisation (6th)
  • Movie Music (5th)
  • Choir (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)
  • Beginning Band (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)
  • Band (6th, 7th, 8th)
  • Musical Theatre Performance (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)
  • Musical Theater Survey (8th) 
  • Music History (7th) 
  • Music PBL (6th) 


Art:

  • Painting (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)
  • Drawing (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)
  • Ceramics (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)
  • Art & Technology (7th, 8th)
  • 2D/3D Multimedia (5th, 6th)


iExplore:

  • iExplore Coding (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)
  • Creative Technology (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)
  • STEM (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)
  • Robotics (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th)

If you are completing enrollment for the 23/24 School Year and would like more information on our Elective Course Options, including detailed course descriptions please find your grade level below for the complete course guide:


06/01/2023 Direct Link

students eating lunch

Welcome Back Bobcats!

Back to School Information

Enrollment Information:

If you were enrolled with us for the 22/23 school year, your information automatically rolls over to the next school year! If you were not with us for the 22/23 school year you will need to complete the enrollment information on our website. Once completed online,  you will receive an email with instructions for the next steps. In order to complete the enrollment process you will need the following:

  • Completed Enrollment Application Online
  • Provide copies of a Proof of Residence, Birth Certificate, and Immunization Records. These can be provided digitally by uploading during the online application or by bringing copies in person to our front office (or district office if our office is closed for summer)
  • Complete a Home Language Survey, this is a paper form required by state and is unable to be completed online
  • If your student is in 5th-8th Grade you will need to choose Elective Courses. Click here for more information on our 23/24 Elective Choices.

School Supply Lists

Our 23/24 Suggested School Supply Lists can be found here:

School Calendars

Here you will find our District Calendar for the 23/24 School Year as well as our Sunset Hills Calendar for August!

Athletic Opportunities

At Sunset Hills our student athletes bring the Bobcat Pride to any field or court they play on! Our school has been chosen to compete in the Northwest Valley Athletic Conference (NWVAC) bringing even more opportunities to our athletes! Our sports are divided into 3 seasons throughout the year and most are open to 6th-8th grade students.  Our Cross Country Team is the only sport that takes students younger than 6th grade and it is available to students beginning with the 4th grade. 


For more information on all of our Athletic Opportunities and Schedules please see below:

Extracurricular Activities

We have numerous Clubs & Activities for our students to join before and/or after school! This is a great way for your student to get involved with their campus and make connections with other students and staff on our campus. Whether your student wants to be a leader in Student Council, an actor on stage in our annual musical, or even learn to be a gardener; we have the club for you! Click here for more details on all of our exciting Clubs & Activities:

Art Signature Program

Our Signature Program at Sunset Hills is the Arts, and here we believe that Art can be found in every area of our campus. From the art that we all think about in painting and creating to the Art in athleticism. At Sunset Hills we pride ourselves on finding the Art that surrounds us within all subject areas. 

Summer Hours

Our Office will have a modified schedule during the summer. Please contact us during the following business hours:

06/01/2023 Direct Link

Summer Popsicles

Summer Office Hours

Our Office will be open with modified hours for the summer:


Week of 5/29

Monday 5/29 - Closed for Memorial Day

Tuesday through Thursday    7:15 am - 3:45 pm


Weeks of 6/5, 6/12 & 6/19 - Summer School Office Hours

Monday through Thursday    7:30 am - 11:30 am


Weeks of 6/26 & 7/3 - Office Closed for Summer Break


Weeks of 7/10 & 7/17 - Summer Office Hours

Monday through Thursday    7:15 am - 3:45 pm


Regular Office Hours Resume Monday 7/24

Monday through Friday    7:15 am - 3:45 pm



05/30/2023 Direct Link

Glow Run

May Newsletter

Click here for our May Newsletter: 22/23 May Newsletter


And catch up on all of our newsletters here: Sunset Hills Newsletters



05/30/2023 Direct Link

star lights

Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week 5/1-5/5

We invite you to celebrate our teachers and staff next week and show your appreciation for all they have done for us this year!

Thank you so much flyer


If you are looking for ideas of any appreciation gifts here please view the document below for a list of some of their favorite things! 


Sunset Hills Staff Favorite Things

04/27/2023 Direct Link

calendar with pushpins

Sunset Hills State Testing Calendar

Here is the state testing calendar for Sunset Hills: 

State Testing

03/27/2023 Direct Link

student playing flute

23/24 Elective Courses

Monday March 27 our current 4th - 7th graders will be choosing their electives for next school year.


Here are the Elective Offerings for 2023/2024 School Year, (remember to use the grade level your student will be in the 23/24 School Year):

5th Grade Course Descriptions 2023-24

6th Grade Course Descriptions 2023-24

7th Grade Course Descriptions 2023-24

8th Grade Course Descriptions 2023-24

Band Elective Contract and Agreement 2023-24

03/24/2023 Direct Link

Congratulations to our Dysart Heros!

Dysart heros

Congratulations to our Dysart Heroes, Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Boisvert! 

03/09/2023 Direct Link

Newsies Jr

Newsies Jr Musical Production from Sunset Hills Elementary

Newsies Jr Photo Gallery


Get your tickets now at shes.booktix.com


Shows are:

  • Thursday 2/23 @ 7 pm
  • Friday 2/24 @ 7 pm
  • Saturday 2/25 @ 2 pm
  • Saturday 2/25 @ 7 pm

02/23/2023 Direct Link

Sunset Hills School Supply Donation Drive

School Supply Donation Drive

Sunset Hills PTO is hosting a Donation Drive from Feb. 6th - Feb. 17th


Please bring any donated supplies to your homeroom teacher! Homerooms with the most donations will win:


1st Place - Sonic Lunch for the Class!

2nd Place - Sundae/Float Party for the Class!

3rd Place - Popcorn Party for the Class!




02/03/2023 Direct Link

Mrs Older and class

Congratulations to our National Board Certified Teachers!

Sunset Hills would like to Congratulate Mrs. Older and Ms. Moberg on their recertification of their National Board Certification! 

 Ms. Moberg and class

01/31/2023 Direct Link

It's Showtime!

Newsies Jr. Tickets are on Sale Now!

Tickets are on sale now for our highly anticipated production of Newsies Jr.! Our cast and crew have been working hard to make this show big enough to take on the World! Make sure you Seize the opportunity and Watch What Happens when we get 100 Voices Singing on that stage! 


Shows are at The Vista: 

  • Thursday 2/23 @ 7 pm 
  • Friday 2/24 @ 7 pm 
  • Saturday 2/25 @ 2 pm 
  • Saturday 2/25 @ 7 pm  


Get your tickets today @ shes.booktix.com

Here's a sneak peek preview of our amazing show!

01/31/2023 Direct Link

Cross Country Team

January Newsletter

Happy New Year to all of our Sunset Hills community! I hope that you all enjoyed a wonderful winter break! We completed benchmarks for grades 3-5 and finals for grades 6-8 prior to break. Our 6-8 grade students will be taking benchmark 2 the week of January 9. The data from all of the assessments will be used to evaluate growth toward our continuous improvement academic goals as well as individual student driven goal setting. Please encourage your child to do their best!... (click here for full newsletter)

01/11/2023 Direct Link

baseball team

November Newsletter

November is here and the weather is beautiful outside! We are looking forward to a fantastic month ahead! The state has released the 2022 school letter grades based on the A-F Accountability model, and I am thrilled to announce that Sunset Hills is an A school!! I am so incredibly proud of our entire school community and all of the efforts that have gone into the last couple of years to ensure that our students continued to grow academically! We made tremendous gains and continue to work so hard to meet our continuous improvement goals! .....

11/07/2022 Direct Link

Thanksgiving Lunch

Thanksgiving Lunch - Friday 11/18/22

Sunset Hills is so excited to welcome back our families on to our campus for our Thanksgiving Lunch! Please see the attached flier with all the information, including an RSVP that is due this Friday 11/4/22


Thanksgiving Lunch

11/02/2022 Direct Link

star with abstract background

Sunset Hills Earns an “A” Rating

Sunset Hills Elementary School is excited to announce that we have received an A-rating from the newly-released 2022 State of Arizona accountability labels. This letter grade provides us a glimpse into many areas of proficiency and growth for our school, including information about student achievement, college and career readiness, student growth, and other key areas of interest. We appreciate our hardworking students, staff and parents for their contributions in making our school an A-rated school! 

This is the first time the state has issued new labels since 2018-2019, due to House Bill’s 2910 and 2402, which temporarily paused the issuing of A-F letter grades. It is important to note that this year the state used the same cut marks as they did in 2019 for K-8 schools, the last year they issued letter grades. However, this year's K-8 growth score is only based on growth percentile and does not include growth-to-target.

About School Letter Grades: Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-241 requires the Arizona Department of Education, subject to final adoption by the State Board of Education, to develop an annual achievement profile for every public school in the state based on an A through F scale. The system measures year to year student academic growth, proficiency on English language arts, math and science, the proficiency and academic growth of English language learners, indicators that an elementary student is ready for success in high school and that high school students are ready to succeed in a career or higher education and high school graduation rates. 

11/01/2022 Direct Link

Student with binoculars looking at different career fields

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

10/25/2022 Direct Link

Sunset Hills Students Spirit Week Heros

October Newsletter

Our October Newsletter is here!

10/06/2022 Direct Link

Sunset Hills Baseball & Softball Teams

Boys Baseball & Girls Softball Seasons

Our Bobcat Athletes are at it again! The 1st Season of the 22/23 school year kicks off with Girls Softball and Boys Baseball. Both teams will play at the same time/location for the regular season. Games are free to attend so come out and support our athletes as they make their debut into the Northwest Valley Athletic Conference (NWVAC). Good luck Bobcats!

Baseball/Softball Schedule

Photo Gallery

Sunset Hills Boys Baseball

Check out the Photo Gallery of their first games!

09/15/2022 Direct Link

Sunset Hills Musical Images

Sunset Hills Annual Musical


It's time to seize the day and kick off this year's school musical production of Disney's Newsies Jr.!


Important Dates: 

  •  Audition Packets and Stage Crew Applications will be available 9/2 
    • Ensemble Roles for K - 8th Grade Students
    • Principal/Featured Roles for 5th - 8th Grade Students
    • Stage Crew for 6th - 8th Grade Students
    • Dance Team for 5th - 8th Grade Students
  • Cast Auditions begin 9/19 
  • Mandatory Parent Meeting 9/27 (At either 3:30 or 5:30) 


See all of the details in our Audition Packets for how to audition and join our Cast & Crew!

Newsies Musical February 2023
Beauty and the Beast Cast

Interested in Ensemble, Featured/Principal Cast or Dance Crew? 


See all our information here! And pick up a blue packet from the front office to complete.


Newsies Audition Packet

Stage Crew

Interested in Stage Crew?  


See all our information here! And pick up a green packet from the front office to complete.


Newsies Stage Crew Application

09/07/2022 Direct Link

Fall leaves

Sunset Hills Elementary Newsletter

09/01/2022 Direct Link

Cleats on baseball base

Baseball & Softball Try Outs

Boys Baseball & Girls Softball Try Outs are this week! Ask the front office or your coaches for more information and how to get a try out packet. Boys Baseball tryouts will be Tuesday and Wednesday (8/23 & 8/24) and Girls Softball will be Wednesday and Thursday (8/24 & 8/25).  Games begin the week of 9/13. Come on out to cheer on our Bobcats!

08/22/2022 Direct Link

student and parent walking to school

Welcome Back!

Sunset Hills had a successful first day of school!  We were so excited to welcome back our more than 930 students and their 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! Check out the photo gallery from the first day below!

08/04/2022 Direct Link

Sunset Hills bobcat head logo

Bobcats ROAR!

Sunset Hills is ready for another fantastic year! Join us on Monday, August 1st from 5:00-6:30 pm for Meet the Teacher Night.  Our PTO will be ready that night with all the Sunset Hills Spirit gear you will need to start off the new year.  Papa Eddie's BBQ and Cerealphoria will be joining us and ready to serve up some delicious eats, with a portion of their proceeds going back to our fabulous PTO.


We can't wait to see our Bobcats back on campus for our first day of school Wednesday, August 3rd!

Check out all of our Back to School information and see what Sunset Hills has to offer!


Social Media Sites for Sunset Hills

Follow us on Social Media!


Facebook: @Sunset Hills Elementary School 

Instagram: Sunset Hills Elementary @shesbobcats

Twitter: Sunset Hills School @SHESBobcats

#SunsetHills #BobcatsROAR


Sunset Hills Athletics


Sunset Hills Athletics Programs will be competing in the Middle School Athletic Conference this year. Our sports teams are open for students in grades 6-8, with the exception of Cross Country which is open for grades 3-8. Competing in the Middle School Conference also brings an opportunity for our athletes to compete against schools outside of the Dysart Unified School District in an end of season Tournament. 


22/23 Sunset Hills Sports Seasons


22/23 Sunset Hills Electives


At Sunset Hills Elementary School, we begin offering elective classes in the areas of PE, Music, Arts, and iExplore with our 5th grade students. Students are able to take 2 elective courses each quarter in areas that interest them the most! We do require students to take 1 course in each of our 4 subject areas throughout the year.

Sunset Hills Elective Course Layout

07/19/2022 Direct Link

Back to School with clock

Meet the Teacher Night

Join us for Sunset Hills Meet the Teacher Night on Tuesday August 1st, from  5:00-6:30 pm.  

07/11/2022 Direct Link

students smiling for camera on playground.

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. 

06/29/2022 Direct Link

Volunteer assisting in the classroom

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:

  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.




06/02/2022 Direct Link

School lunch

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. 

06/02/2022 Direct Link

teacher working with students in a classroom

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!

06/02/2022 Direct Link

adult on laptop

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.

06/02/2022 Direct Link

Students from west Point and Sunset hills pose in front of the city of surprise council meeting.

Students recognized by Friends of the Surprise Libraries

Students from West Point Elementary School and Sunset Hills Elementary School were recently recognized for being named finalists in the annual Friends of the Surprise Libraries Bookmark Contest. Each year, Friends of the Surprise Libraries invites local sixth through eighth grade students to participate and create bookmarks depicting reading and literacy.  First place, honorable mention, and a Mayor’s Choice Award are selected in each grade category. The following Dysart students were selected as finalists: 

  • First Place - Grace Luu (6th grade, Sunset Hills) and Layla Calico (8th grade, West Point). 
  • Honorable Mention - Kayla Krise (6th grade, West Point), Isabella Jordan (7th grade, West Point), and Kayla Patnod (8th grade, West Point). 
  • Mayor's Choice Award - Audrey Howat (8th grade, West Point)

Each student was recognized and presented a plaque with their winning bookmark, as well as a monetary award at the April 5, 2022 Surprise City Council Meeting. 

Friends of the Surprise Libraries is a non-profit organization supported by local citizens who volunteer their time to promote local Libraries, literacy and reading programs. They are dedicated to supporting the local community by sponsoring various programs, school grants, and providing gifts and donations to public libraries and literacy organizations.

04/08/2022 Direct Link

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