Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/13/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District invites the community to a Career Fair on Tuesday, December 11, 2024 from 3:00-6:00p.m. at the Dysart District Office located at 15802 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, 85374.  

The Career Fair will feature a variety of employment options within Dysart Schools for immediate openings. High need areas include teachers, paraprofessionals, often referred to as classroom assistants, child care and preschool aide positions, maintenance positions, as well as food service workers. Interested candidates may walk in between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.  

Interested applicants can also apply online for any open positions at Dysart.org/Careers prior to or at the Career Fair.  Attendees will also be able to meet with multiple schools and departments to learn more about job opportunities and visit with the Human Relations staff.  Prospective applicants should bring their current resume and be ready for an interview. 

Dysart Schools is an “A” rated district that employs over 2,700 staff members at 26 schools and two support sites.  Along with competitive salaries, Dysart offers a comprehensive benefit package to staff, has won many awards for its wellness program, and was named a Top 10 Healthiest Employer by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2023.  Dysart is the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, is a two time Forbes Best-In-State Employer, and has been recognized as one of the Best Companies to work for by both Zippia and TalentDesk. Dysart’s starting salary for a new teacher is one of the highest in the Valley, at over $55,600 when Proposition 301 base and performance funds are included. Based on the Auditor General Report, Dysart’s average teacher salary ($67,837) is well above the state average ($62,934) and that of peer districts ($59,762). Additionally, hard-to-fill stipends are available for SPED, math and science teachers, and employees have additional earning power through employee referrals, professional growth, and other opportunities. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/04/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Freedom Traditional Academy will be accepting enrollment applications for the 2025-2026 school year beginning on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Dysart.org/Enroll. Freedom ranks 7th among 1,367 K-8 schools in Arizona according to the recently released state accountability labels, and earned an “A” rating. The school also touts the highest test scores among any other schools in Surprise and El Mirage for the third year in a row.  

Several upcoming events are planned for parents that would like to learn more, see the campus, and have their questions answered. First, a Future Kinder Night is scheduled at 5:30 pm on Thursday, December 5 for those with incoming Kindergarten students. Additionally, the school will host a Prospective Parent Open House at 5:30 pm on Thursday, January 16 for prospective K-8 families. Both events will be held on campus at 16066 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374. 

Parents interested in enrolling their K-8 student(s) in Freedom Traditional Academy for the 2025-2026 school year can complete an enrollment application online at Dysart.org/Enroll. Enrollment assistance is also available at the school office during regular business hours at 16066 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374, or by calling 623-523-8650.  

The Early Bird Application Deadline for those wanting to be included in the first round of application reviews is Sunday, December 8, 2024.  After this date, applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed based on space availability. 

About Freedom Traditional Academy 

Freedom Traditional Academy is a tuition free school that serves kindergarten through eighth grade students, and also has a preschool program on site.  It offers a highly-performing academic program that features accelerated options, Saxon math, Spalding reading, and Spanish at all grade levels. Freedom focuses on civic values and patriotism in a traditional, structured atmosphere. Arts, athletics and extracurricular activities are also offered. Learn more at Dysart.org/Freedom.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/01/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - With the top-rated schools in the area, the “A” rated Dysart Unified School District is proud to offer our community a choice in school enrollment. Dysart will begin accepting open enrollment applications for the 2025-2026 school year on Thursday, November 14, 2024.  Parents or guardians who would like their child to attend a school outside of their residential attendance boundary for the 2025-2026 school year, must apply for open enrollment online at Dysart.org/OE. 

Dysart schools are among the best in the state of Arizona, and the district is home to the #7 (Freedom Traditional Academy) and #20 (Canyon Ridge School) K-8 schools in Arizona, and a National Blue Ribbon School (Shadow Ridge High School). Overall, 100% of Dysart schools are “A” or “B” rated based on state accountability labels, many of which out-rank our local counterparts. Additionally, Freedom Traditional Academy has the highest test scores of any school in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage. Dysart Schools have been recognized both nationally and internationally with AdvancED Accreditation, and are dedicated to serving the needs of all children with high quality academic coursework, before-and after-school programs, and services for the entire community.   

Open enrollment allows parents the opportunity to request that their children attend a Dysart school outside of their residential boundary area. This includes all Dysart elementary schools, middle schools, Freedom Traditional Academy, and high schools. Information about Dysart Schools academics, arts and athletic programs can be found at Dysart.org. Open enrollment applications can be submitted online at Dysart.org/OE beginning Thursday, November 14.  

Parents whose students are currently open enrolled at the school of their choice will not need to reapply. The priority open enrollment period ends January 6, 2025. After this priority period, submitted applications will continue to be accepted and will be reviewed on a monthly basis as capacity becomes available. 

Parents needing access to a computer to complete the open enrollment application may visit any district school or the front lobby of the Dysart District Office, located at 15802 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374, during regular business hours.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/28/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District was named an “A” rated district in the 2024 state accountability labels for the second year in a row. Within the district, 100% of Dysart’s schools earned an “A” or “B” rating, with 18 schools achieving an “A,” and 6 schools earning a “B.”  

“Once again Dysart has earned the state’s top rating, which illustrates the high quality education we provide the students in our community, and the tremendous growth reflected in their work,” said Superintendent Dr. John Croteau. “It is an honor for us to receive an ‘A’ rating, and it shows the importance and value of the diligent work that our staff does each and every day to educate our students.” 

Dysart schools that received an “A” rating include Asante Preparatory Academy; Ashton Ranch Middle School; Canyon Ridge School; Cimarron Spring Middle School; Dysart High School; Dysart Middle School; El Mirage Elementary School; Freedom Traditional Academy; Kingswood Elementary School; Luke Elementary School; Marley Park Elementary School; Mountain View School; Rancho Gabriela Elementary School; Shadow Ridge High School; Valley Vista High School; Western Peaks Elementary School; West Point Elementary School; and Willow Canyon High School. “B” rated schools include Countryside Elementary School; Riverview School; Sonoran Heights Middle School; Sunset Hills Elementary School; Surprise Elementary School; and Thompson Ranch Elementary School. Dysart had zero “C,” “D,” or “F” schools.  

Highlights of this year’s Dysart Schools scores include: 

• 100% of Dysart schools are “A” or “B” rated 
• 100% of district high schools have an A-rating 
• Dysart had zero “C,” “D,” or “F” schools for the first time in district history 
• Freedom Traditional Academy scored 7th highest in the state, and Canyon Ridge ranked 20th among all K-8 schools 
• Shadow Ridge High School was ranked #29 among all high schools in the state 
• All Dysart high schools ranked in the top 80 across the state, among 234 high schools 
• Five Dysart schools scored in the top 10% of the state, including Canyon Ridge, Cimarron Springs, Freedom Traditional, Marley Park, and Western Peaks, and another four are in the top 20% (Kingswood, Luke, Mountain View, and Shadow Ridge) 

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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/22/24

DYSART SCHOOLS - Students entering high school in the 2025-2026 academic year, and their parents, are invited to attend an incoming freshman meeting on Tuesday, November 12 at 5:30 PM to learn about high school expectations, unique programs, and the process for registration and class selection. These meetings are designed to provide incoming freshmen with an overview of the academic programs available at Dysart Unified School District’s four high schools and explain the process of registering for ninth-grade classes.  

Future Freshman Night will take place at the following schools at 5:30pm on Tuesday, November 12:  

• Dysart High School - 11425 N. Dysart Road, El Mirage 
• Shadow Ridge High School - 10909 N. Perryville Road, Surprise 
• Valley Vista High School - 15550 N. Parkview Place, Surprise 
• Willow Canyon High School - 17901 W. Lundberg Street, Surprise 

Students and parents will learn about high school classes, course selection, unique and career-related programs, core curriculum, and graduation requirements. Attending Future Freshman Night motivates eighth graders to remain focused on their true academic goal – completing high school and beyond.  

Dysart offers four “A” rated high schools to the community. Visit Dysart.org to learn more about our high schools academics, arts and athletics. To view school locations and residential attendance boundaries, visit Dysart.org/Boundaries. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10-07-2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District invites the community to a Job Fair on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 2:00-5:00p.m. at the Dysart Support Facility located at 13825 W Desert Cove Rd., Surprise, 85379.   

The Job Fair will feature a variety of employment options within Dysart Schools. High need areas include paraprofessionals, often referred to as classroom assistants, child care and preschool aide positions, maintenance positions, as well as food service workers.  Interested candidates may walk in between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM

Interested applicants can also apply online for any open positions at Dysart.org/Careers prior to or at the Job Fair.  Qualified candidates will be able to complete a screening interview on October 22. Prospective applicants should bring their current resume and be ready for a screening interview. 

Dysart Schools is an “A” rated district that employs over 2,700 staff members at 26 schools and two support sites.  Along with competitive salaries, Dysart offers a comprehensive benefit package to staff, has won many awards for its wellness program, and was named a Top 10 Healthiest Employer by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2023.  Dysart is the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, is a two time Forbes Best-In-State Employer, and has been recognized as one of the Best Companies to work for by both Zippia and TalentDesk. Dysart’s starting salary for a new teacher is one of the highest in the Valley, at over $55,600 when Proposition 301 base and performance funds are included. Based on the Auditor General Report, Dysart’s average teacher salary ($67,837) is well above the state average ($62,934) and that of peer districts ($59,762). Additionally, hard-to-fill stipends are available for SPED, math and science teachers, and employees have additional earning power through employee referrals and other opportunities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/2/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart’s four high schools now have extra support for student athletes thanks to a new partnership with Dignity Health to provide athletic training and sports medicine services. The partnership launched on August 30, 2024, and is in place at Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School. 

Dignity Health is now providing medical oversight for all district athletic trainers. The partnership includes employment of two of the four clinical athletic trainers in Dysart, and integrates three Dignity Health physicians as team doctors for high school athletics. The agreement includes an education component, which includes annual training on the latest sports medicine and injury prevention, as well as support for career and technical education opportunities and professional development. Additional benefits include healthcare access for student athletes, including integrated care coordination, annual sports physicals and priority scheduling.  

“Dysart is pleased to be able to offer such an exceptional level of care to our student athletes,” said Superintendent Dr. John Croteau. “With health and safety as our top priority, this partnership with Dignity Health, fills a critical need for our community.” 

Dysart offers eighteen sport options at the high school level, including badminton, baseball, basketball, cheer, cross country, flag football, football, golf, pom, sand volleyball, soccer, softball, spiritline, swim and dive, tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling. Last year Dysart student athletes earned ten state championships, among other player of the year and first and second conference and region team honors. Competitive athletic classes are also offered in Dysart, where students participate in weight training, physical conditioning routines, and additional practice time to complement their sport of interest. 

"We are very excited to partner with Dysart Unified School District and serve the communities of Surprise and El Mirage,” said Dignity’s Dr. Kareem Shaarawy, MD. “With our experience in professional, collegiate, and high school sports, we look forward to closely working with athletic trainers to provide comprehensive athletic healthcare and ensure the safety and well-being of every student-athlete."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 09/26/24

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District invites parents and students to a Career and College Expo on Thursday, October 24 from 6:00 - 8:00pm 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. 

Businesses and organizations interested in hosting a booth at the event to highlight a college or career pathway can call 623-876-7991, email james.grieshaber@dysart.org. 

About Dysart CTE Programs  

Dysart Schools currently offer 19 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, Emergency Medical Services (EMS/EMT), Engineering, Film and TV Production, Fire Science, Graphic Design, JROTC Army, Lab 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. 

Dysart Schools CTE is currently working with Sun Health, Banner Health, and the City of Surprise through partnerships and to provide students with extended learning opportunities and internships.  Businesses and organizations interested in partnering with the district should call 623-876-7991 or email james.grieshaber@dysart.org. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 09/23/24

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District invites parents and community members to attend a Drug Information Night.  Attendees will learn about the misconceptions and risks associated with drug use, including alcohol, marijuana, vaping and fentanyl. Information will be shared about health risks as well as potential legal ramifications, and resources where individuals can receive support. Additionally, parents can learn about warning signs to watch for, and come away with information they can use in conversations with their students. 

Drug Information Nights are free to attend, and will be held at each high school within Dysart on the following dates: 

• Monday, September 30 at 6:00pm - Willow Canyon High School, 17901 W Lundberg St., Surprise, AZ 85388
• Wednesday, October 2 at 6:00pm - Valley Vista High School, 15550 N Parkview Pl, Surprise, AZ 85374
• Tuesday, October 8 at 6:00pm - Shadow Ridge High School, 10909 N Perryville Rd, Surprise, AZ 85388
• Monday, October 21 at 6:30pm - Dysart High School, 11425 N Dysart Rd, El Mirage, AZ 85335

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 09/23/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Shadow Ridge High School received the 2024 National Blue Ribbon School award from the U.S. Department of Education for high academic achievement and progress in closing the achievement gap. Shadow Ridge is among only 356 schools across the United States and only 6 schools in Arizona to receive this recognition. They are the only high school in Arizona this year to receive this designation. 

The Department recognizes schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Shadow Ridge was recognized for both performance categories, as an Exemplary High Performing School and as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School. Exemplary High Performing Schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests, and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.   

"The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”  

National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation, and are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success. Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.  

“We are deeply honored that Shadow Ridge High School has earned this prestigious national achievement,” said Superintendent Dr. John Croteau. “A National Blue Ribbon School award demonstrates highly effective and innovative educational practices, which is something we strive for throughout our district. To have a school that serves as a model nationwide is a reflection of the hard work that our highly skilled staff does every day across our district.”  

The Arizona Department of Education nominated Shadow Ridge for their exemplary school practices. Shadow Ridge High School is an “A” rated school, scored in the top 10% in state rankings, and was named a 2024 Best High School by U.S. News & World Report. Last year, Shadow Ridge seniors earned over $11 million in college scholarships, and boasted a Flinn Scholar and four National Merit Finalists. Shadow Ridge is the first Dysart school to earn the National Blue Ribbon School designation, and a delegation from Shadow Ridge and the district will attend the awards ceremony this November in Washington D.C.  

View the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools SRHS School Profile.   

About the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program 

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year the U. S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. Schools are eligible for nomination after five years. The coveted National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. The National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing an entry or flying overhead is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. Learn more at https://www.nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov.

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District is seeking parents, students, staff, and community members who are interested in serving on a cell phone committee for the purpose of evaluating the district’s current policy and usage. The committee is being established at the request of the Governing Board. It is important to note that the committee is not specifically studying a cell phone ban, rather, it will be gathering information and feedback from stakeholders to share with district leadership.  

Interested individuals should complete the interest form at www.dysart.org/CellPhoneCommittee by Thursday, September 19 to apply. Those selected will be notified by the end of day on Friday, September 20. Applicants should be prepared to attend meetings on the following dates from 4:00-5:00pm: September 25, October 23, November 20, and January 22. 

Dysart is committed to ensuring that there is staff, parent and student representation from all areas of the district on the committee, including individuals with an affiliation to each school. The committee’s final recommendations are expected to be presented to the Governing Board during a public meeting at the conclusion of the meetings.  The district’s current policy regarding cell phone use is covered in the student handbook under “electronic devices”. The handbook defines minimum and maximum consequences, and currently allows for teacher discretion for possible use in the classroom, as needed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 9/11/24

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart is partnering with local cities and organizations to provide several meeting options to the community to learn facts and get questions answered about the November 5, 2024 Dysart bond election. 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.  

Scheduled Dysart Bond Information Meetings include: 

• Thursday, September 19, 6:00pm* - Hosted by City of Surprise District 1 at Asante Library, 16755 W. Verada Solana Dr., Surprise, AZ 85387 
• 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, 5:00pm - El Mirage Senior Center, 14010 N. El Mirage Rd., El Mirage, AZ 85335 
• 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. 

*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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/10/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District Exceptional Student Services Department will be hosting a meeting for private school administrators, private childcare providers, and any families of students in private and homeschool settings within Dysart district boundaries to discuss Child Find procedures and the types of services the district is able to provide through Proportionate Share. Proportionate Share is a set of funds set aside specifically to offer private and homeschool students some special education support through the public school district. 

The informational meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 5:15-6:00pm in Training Room 2 of the Dysart Unified School District Support Services Facility, located at 13825 N.Desert Cove Road Surprise, Arizona. Parents and guardians that are concerned about their child's development should attend to learn about how the Child Find process may benefit their family. 

About Child Find Services in Dysart Schools 

The Dysart Unified School District abides by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), which requires that public school agencies ensure all children (from birth through age 21) with delays or developmental disabilities are identified, located, and evaluated to receive the supports and services they need. This includes all children living within the geographic boundaries of the school district – those who are homeless or wards of the state, are attending private schools, or are home schooled.  

Dysart Unified School District offers Child Find screenings for students aged 2 years 9 months through 5 years old who may have developmental delays. Suspected delays may be evidenced in the areas of communication, cognition, behavior, as well as in physical, auditory, visual and sensory development. Parents of a preschool child (aged 2 years 9 months through 5 years old) with suspected developmental delays that resides within the boundaries of the Dysart Unified School District, should call (623) 876-7022 (Select option #2) to schedule a free Child Find screening.  For additional information about Child Find for children younger than 2 years 9 months, please contact the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) at 602-532-9960, 888-352-4558, allazeip2@azdes.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 08/27/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District is named on the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Employers for the second year in a row. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., and was announced on August 20, 2024 on the Forbes website. Dysart is one of only four K-12 school districts listed among the 75 employers in the state of Arizona.  

“We would not be able to do the critical work of serving students without our Dysart employees,” said Dr. John Croteau, Superintendent. “As an ‘A’ rated district, we clearly have a remarkable staff focusing on the success of our students. We are honored to be on this prestigious list, and thank our dedicated employees for selflessly giving each and every day.” 

America’s Best-In-State Employers 2024 were identified in an independent survey from a vast sample of over 160,000 employees working for companies employing at least 500 people within the U.S. The ranking is open to companies from all industry sectors. Around 4.4 million employer evaluations were considered, using data from a period of three years. An employer’s final score is determined on a state-by-state basis and is built upon two types of employee evaluations, both personal and public. 

Dysart Schools is an “A” rated district that employs over 2,700 staff members at 26 schools and two support sites.  Dysart’s starting salary for a new teacher is one of the highest in the Valley, and hard-to-fill stipends are available for SPED, math and science teachers. Employees have additional earning power through employee referrals and other opportunities. Along with competitive salaries, Dysart offers a comprehensive benefit package to staff, has won many awards for its wellness program, and was named a Top 10 Healthiest Employer by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2023.  It is the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, and has been recognized as one of the Best Companies to work for by both Zippia and TalentDesk.  

About Statista

Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high-profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, relevant business data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys. The full list of winners can be viewed on the Forbes website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 08/23/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District has again received awards for meeting high standards on the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Dysart has received the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) award for the 29th consecutive year, and it is the 20th consecutive year that Dysart has achieved the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) award.  

“Dysart is dedicated to being responsible to our community through financial transparency,” said Marydel Speidell, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services. “It is an incredible honor to receive these awards, which are a reflection of the hard work that Dysart does to be accountable and transparent with the funds that are entrusted to us.” 

Dysart Schools received the Certificate of Excellence (COE) in Financial Reporting from ASBO for meeting high standards for financial reporting and transparency. By participating in the ASBO COE program, school districts demonstrate their commitment to financial transparency and excellence in financial reporting. The ACFR must inform stakeholders about the financial and economic state of the district, and be a communications tool to engage with the community. 

Additionally, Dysart received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the GFOA. The GFOA Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by an organization and its management. In order to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, an organization must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. This report must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements.  

The awards were presented to the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board at the August 22 board meeting. Dysart budget and financial reports are always available for viewing at Dysart.org/Budget. 

About ASBO International 

Founded in 1910, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is a nonprofit organization that, through its members and affiliates, represents approximately 30,000 school business professionals worldwide. ASBO International is committed to providing programs, services, and a global network that promote the highest standards in school business. Its members support student achievement through effective resource management in various areas ranging from finance and operations to food services and transportation. Learn more at asbointl.org. 

About GFOA

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve. The GFOA established the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program (Certificate Program) in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare annual comprehensive financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 08/13/2024

Recent Shadow Ridge High School graduates Hunter Conditt and Rydon Inthasak had the opportunity to compete against fellow high school animators over the summer during the 2024 National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, GA.  Their 30-second animation won them the National Championship, complete with gold medals.  Shadow Ridge Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher Scott Kaczynski served as their advisor and coach during the competition.

The annual SkillsUSA event hosts high school teams from across the country, and showcases various personal, workplace, and technical skills.  For the Animation division, the day-long competition started with each of the 45 teams being given the prompt.  This year’s challenge was to create a story about toy cars racing on a track.  It had to be 30 seconds long and consist of three separate scenes.  Color, pixel resolution, and use of the industry standard of 30 frames per second (FPS) were all taken into account by the judges.  Then, the teams had only eight hours to design, model, texture, animate, and render their submission.  

Hunter and Rydon agree that teamwork played a big role in completing their award-winning submission on time.  “It took a lot from both of our sides,” Hunter said of their collaboration.  “It was all made onsite, so it was a real quick deal where we just threw ideas out and made it work.”  Hunter made the majority of the assets used in the animation, but credits Rydon with bringing it all to life.  The duo relied heavily on what they learned from their animation teacher, Mr. Kaczynski.  Both students had been in his class since they were Freshman.  While Mr. Kaczynski had taught them technical skills like lighting, texturing, and rendering, according to Rydon, the most important skill they learned was the art of storytelling.  “You can have a really good looking animation, but if there’s no story, then there’s no substance.”

Mr. Kaczynski is understandably proud of his former students, but he’s not surprised they’re gold medalists.  “Champions cannot be ‘one hour a day’ animators,” he said. “[Hunter and Rydon] have always been self-motivated, going the extra mile and working on personal projects outside of the class.”

When they were announced as the winners, Hunter and Rydon said they cheered until they lost their voices.  Even their competitors from other Arizona schools could be heard celebrating their achievement.  While this may seem like the ultimate reward for four years of  animation classes, they say their CTE experience has given them much more than a gold medal.  Both Hunter and Rydon are now launching their careers as Commission Artists who create 3-D models for independent games, among other things.  They feel that CTE courses allow students like them to explore career options that they would never have considered before.  Giving students practical, hands-on experience allows them to experiment with a wide variety of career fields.  “Nowadays there are so many ways to make money,” Rydon notes.  “So I just think that it’s important that schools offer things like this to let kids explore.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 07/22/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS — Dysart Unified School District will be participating in the National School Lunch Program and Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). As part of this program, Dysart Unified will offer healthy meals every school day. Breakfast will cost $1.50. Lunch will cost $2.75 for Elementary/Middle and $3.00 for High School. Your child(ren) may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Reduced-price meals for breakfast and lunch cost is $0.00 for the 2024-2025 school year.  

Students at Eligible CEP Schools will receive free meals at no cost. Your child(ren) will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch every school day without having to pay a fee or submit a household application. 2nd meals and a la carte items will still be available to purchase at their paid rates. In lieu of a household application please submit an alternate income form at www.schoolcafe.com. 

The following 11 schools have been approved to operate Community Eligibility Provision: Countryside Elementary School, Dysart High School, Dysart Middle School, El Mirage Elementary School, Kingswood Elementary School, Luke Elementary School, Riverview School, Surprise Elementary School, Thompson Ranch Elementary School, Valley Vista High School, and West Point Elementary School. As part of this program, meals are provided at no cost to students attending the schools above. 

Qualifications for children to receive free or reduced-price meals include: belonging to a household whose income is at or below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines, attending a CEP approved site, belonging to a household that receives public assistance, or if the child is homeless, migrant, runaway, foster, or participates in a Head Start or Even Start pre-Kindergarten program. Household size and income criteria are used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits if the household does not receive assistance or the children are not in the other categories mentioned above. Children can get free or reduced-price meals if the household’s gross income falls at or below the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guideline chart.

To apply for free or reduced-price meals, we highly recommend applying online at www.schoolcafe.com. Paper applications are available in each school office and can be returned to the school once completed unless the household has already received notification that their children are approved for free meals this year. Applications include a letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for their children and what is required to complete on the application, 

Only one application is required for all children in the household and the information provided on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. Applications may be verified at any time during the school year by the school or other program officials. An application for free or reduced-price benefits cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions. In the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability. 

Families can apply for benefits at any time. If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the Federal Guidelines. Contact Claudia Zamora, Nutrition Liaison at any time to request an application. 

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price policy, the Nutrition Liaison will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Marydel Speidell at 13825 W. Desert Cove Rd., Surprise, AZ 85379. 

When known to Dysart Unified households will be notified of their children’s eligibility for free meals if they are members of households receiving assistance from the: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR); or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), if the State program meets Federal standards. 

An application is not required for free meal benefits for Assistance Program participants and all of the children in the household are eligible for free meal benefits. If any children were not listed on the notice of eligibility, or if a household does not receive a notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school to have free meal benefits extended to them. Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals, but they will need to turn in an application including household size and total income. 

When known to Dysart Unified households will also be notified of any child’s eligibility for free meals if the individual child is considered “Other Source Categorically Eligible”, because the child is categorized, as defined by law as: Foster, Homeless, Migrant, Runaway, Enrolled in an eligible Head Start, or Enrolled in an eligible pre-kindergarten class. 

If any children were not listed on the notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school about their eligibility through the list above or should submit an income application. Households notified of their children’s eligibility must contact the school if the household chooses to decline the free meal benefits. For more information, you may call the Nutrition Department at 623-876-7075 or e-mail at nutrition@dysart.org. 

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. 

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: 

1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or 

2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or 

3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 07/01/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District invites the community to a Job Fair on Monday, July 15, 2024 from 3:00-6:30p.m. at the district office located at 15802 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374. Walk-ins are welcome, but interested candidates can also register in advance to schedule an onsite interview at Dysart.org/Careers. 

The Job Fair will feature a variety of employment options within Dysart Schools. Positions range from support staff to teachers. High need areas include paraprofessionals, often referred to as classroom assistants, child care and preschool aide positions, bus drivers and bus aides as well as Special Education teachers.   

Interested applicants can also apply online for any open positions at Dysart.org/Careers prior to or at the Job Fair.  Qualified candidates will be able to interview on July 15. Prospective applicants should bring their current resume and be ready for an interview. 

Dysart Schools is an “A” rated district that employs over 2,700 staff members at 26 schools and two support sites.  Along with competitive salaries, Dysart offers a comprehensive benefit package to staff, has won many awards for its wellness program, and was named a Top 10 Healthiest Employer by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2023.  Dysart is the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, and has been recognized as one of the Best Companies to work for by both Zippia and TalentDesk. Dysart’s starting salary for a new teacher is one of the highest in the Valley, at over $55,600 when Proposition 301 base and performance funds are included. Based on the Auditor General Report, Dysart’s average teacher salary ($67,837) is well above the state average ($62,934) and that of peer districts ($59,762). Additionally, hard-to-fill stipends are available for SPED, math and science teachers, and employees have additional earning power through employee referrals and other opportunities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 06/17/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart has earned two of only four LEAP Certifications for preschool classrooms in the state of Arizona. One classroom is at Asante Preparatory Academy, and the other at Rancho Gabriela Elementary School, and both are now officially certified as LEAP Preschool Model Classrooms.   

LEAP stands for “Learning Experiences Alternative Program for Preschoolers and their Parents,” and is a model brought to Dysart through a competitive grant with the Arizona Department of Education and the Positive Early Learning Experiences (PELE) Center at the University of Denver. LEAP Preschools focus on providing a science and research-based inclusive preschool model both for typically developing children and their peers that qualify for Exceptional Student Services (ESS). The certification was a two-year process that involved a direct coaching model which trained classroom staff on the LEAP Quality Program Indicators, which include: 

• Classroom Organization 
• Teaching Strategies 
• Promoting Social interactions  
• Teaching Communication Skills  
• Interactions with Children 
• Interaction with Families  
• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Measuring Progress  

Fourteen staff members who went through this train-the-trainer style program earned the certification, which lasts for three years. Dysart plans to continue partnering with the University of Denver to be a demonstration district for high quality preschool inclusion, and to continue expanding the program within the district to enhance the opportunities for all preschool children.  

“We are really excited to be offering direct coaching from University of Denver coaches along with our internal preschool teaching and learning specialists to all of our classrooms. Having concrete strategies and support sets the foundation for learning for our youngest learners,” said Shara Rose, Dysart’s ESS Coordinator. “From the physical classroom setup, to predictable and structured routines, and explicit individualized teaching methods, we are able to provide concrete strategies that allow ALL students to engage and learn from one another in a routine and intentional classroom environment. For students with identified disabilities, the opportunity to engage and meaningfully participate with non-disabled peers in their neighborhood school allows them the opportunity to develop and apply skills learned in a natural environment.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 06/10/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Luke Elementary School won the West Valley Best Public School in the Best of the Desert Community’s Choice Awards at a gala on June 6. Luke’s selection was based on nominations from community members during the initial round in January. The school was named a finalist in March, where there was another voting opportunity for the community. Luke Elementary was presented with a plaque at the gala, which was received by two school staff members - Bobbi Sue Jojola and Dulce Padilla. 

“We are so honored to receive this award, and humbled that the community we serve voted for us,” said Principal Kara Sehr.  “It is the ultimate reflection of the hard work of not only our amazing staff, but also the involvement of our students and parents.  At Luke, we work tirelessly to provide the very best education possible, in a supportive environment, and we will continue to seek ways to help our Luke Jets SOAR!” 

“A” rated Luke Elementary School has had an impressive school year. In September of 2023 Luke’s Principal, Kara Sehr, was named the Principal of the Month by Grand Canyon University, In October of 2023, Luke was named the first Purple Star Candidate School in the state of Arizona for their strong support of military families through numerous partnerships with Luke Air Force Base, their student transition program, designated staff point of contact, staff training, and dedicated web page resources for military students and families. In the previous school year, Luke was named an APS/NAU STEM Focus School for the Future.  

About Luke Elementary School 

Luke Elementary School is a preschool through eighth grade school with over 500 students that is situated next door to Luke Air Force Base at 7300 North Dysart Road in Glendale, Arizona. It has served the community since 1958. Learn more at Dysart.org/Luke. 

About the Best of the Desert Community’s Choice Awards 

Each year, the Best of the Desert Community’s Choice Awards recognizes more than 660 businesses and organizations among more than 220 categories. The awards program starts with public nominations, and from the top nominees in each category, the voting round selects the finalists and winners.

CORRECTED 5/30/24

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5/30/24

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District is accepting new student enrollment applications for the 2024-2025 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.  

For in-person enrollment assistance between June 4 and July 3, families may visit the District Office Monday through Thursday at 15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise, Arizona.  All K-12 school offices will reopen for in person enrollment on Wednesday, July 10.    

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. 

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 10, call 623-876-7162, or email SISTeam@dysart.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/28/24

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Schools had a stellar 2023-2024 school year, which was kicked off with being named an “A” rated school district by the state of Arizona. Successes and celebrations continued throughout the year in academics, arts, and athletics for the district and its 26 schools. 

Dysart had 92% of its schools rated as “A” or “B,”, and the number of “A” rated schools increased by 50%, to a total of 18.  Five schools scored in the top 10% of the state, with another five in the top 20%. Freedom Traditional Academy was ranked #6 among all K-8s in the entire state, and for the second year in a row, it had the highest test scores among any other school in Surprise and El Mirage. 

For the second straight year in a row, Dysart Schools was voted the Favorite Public School District by the community in the West Valley Favorites competition. All four of the district’s high schools were named Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. Luke Elementary School was named the first Purple Star School Candidate in Arizona for their strong support of military families. Additionally, Luke was voted a Top Public School by the Best of the Desert Awards and Willow Canyon was named a SkillsUSA Models of Excellence School for their technical skills programs for the fourth time since 2018. 

Dysart students are excelling in academics. This year brought another Flinn Scholar, four National Merit Finalists, two U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education, an appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy, Air Force High School Scholarship Program Scholarship, among many other student accolades, including over $40 million in college scholarships. Dysart High School’s JROTC program qualified for the prestigious 2024 Army JROTC Academic Bowl Championships. Valley Vista High School came in first and second place in the state for the annual AZ Council of Economic Education’s (ACEE) Stock Market Game. The Shadow Ridge and Dysart High DECA programs won Gold-Level Certifications for their school-based enterprises, and several Willow Canyon High School students won Cambridge Scholar Awards of Merit or Distinction, in addition to one Top in Country Award for History.  

In the arts, Dysart students earned the most Arts Seals of Proficiency in the entire state, at 228 seals, up from 139 last year. We also saw multiple students win honors in the Congressional Art Contest. Dysart schools earned numerous top ratings for their bands and choirs at regional and state festivals, solo and ensemble festivals, marching, and choral competitions.  This year, five students won the New Horizons High School Student Art Exhibit, and we had a third place winner in the Oceanside Sound Off Choir Competition. 

Competitive sport options abound for Dysart students that want to play. With championship teams, athletic classes, and numerous sport offerings, student athletes can truly excel. This year, Dysart schools had 14 region champions, 25 state qualifiers, and 10 state championships. Fourteen students made the All Conference 1st or 2nd team, 145 made All-Region 1st or 2nd team, and 27 students earned Player of the Year awards. Dysart coaches brought in eight AIA Coach of the Year awards for their regions, and two Arizona Republic Top 50 Softball Players in the state were from Willow Canyon.  

Student safety is always a top priority in the district. This year, we added School Resource Officers and School Safety Officers to all of our elementary schools. Also, our camera system was expanded and upgraded, along with site radios, and public safety access boxes. Classroom window coverings were installed, and several schools received new lockdown systems and alarm panel upgrades. We continue to prioritize strong partnerships with law enforcement, specific safety protocols, planned drills and training, and coordinated Threat Assessment Teams and School Safety Committees to strengthen our practices. 

As the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, Dysart employs more than 3,000 teachers and support staff. Accolades are abundant with 66 National Board Certified staff members, a Maricopa County Exemplary Principal, DECA Administrator of the Year, Rio Salado Outstanding Adjunct Faculty member, Grand Canyon University Principal of the Month, and a Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher. Dysart was voted a runner-up for Favorite Place to Work by the community in the West Valley Favorites competition, and has won various accolades for its employee wellness program. Dysart Schools are always hiring, and openings are posted at Dysart.org/Careers. 

Fiscal responsibility is a priority in Dysart, and the district has earned the Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for 28 years in a row. Additionally, Dysart has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for 19 years in a row. Administrative costs in Dysart (8.9%) are lower than the state average (10.3%), and those of peer districts. Budget details are always available at Dysart.org/Budget. 

Looking ahead, Dysart has some exciting things on the horizon. In the 2024-2025 school year, Dysart will launch a new EMS/EMT Program in partnership with the City of Surprise, which will give high school seniors the chance to earn an Emergency Medical Certified Technician (EMCT) certification upon graduation. Additionally, Girls Flag Football is being added to the athletic line-up for the fall at all four high schools. The 2024-2025 school year begins on Thursday, August 1, and enrollment can be completed online at Dysart.org/Enroll.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/23/24

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District will host the annual Summer Feeding Program with free breakfast and lunch for 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.  

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. 

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or Email: Program.Intake@usda.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/21/24

DYSART SCHOOLS - 642 Dysart Unified School District graduating seniors earned the Arizona State Seal of Personal Finance for the 2023-2024 school year, up over four times from the 150 earned last year.  

The personal finance seal is awarded to high school students who achieve a high level of proficiency in Personal Finance, and they receive a seal on their diploma, and a notation on their transcript. Students must meet certain requirements to qualify, which includes a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 in all social studies courses. Participating students must then complete an approved personal finance program, participate in a co-curricular or extracurricular program, complete a college and/or career readiness plan, and pass a personal finance assessment. Each of Dysart’s high schools, including Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School had students earn the seal. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/20/24

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District students earned 228 Arizona State Seals of Arts Proficiency, the most of any district across the state of Arizona for the 2023-2024 school year. The arts seal is awarded to high school students who meet rigorous standards, and have demonstrated artistic literacy and high levels of competency in media arts, visual arts, dance, theatre, or music.  The last two years, the district had the second most seals in the state, with 129 last year, and 100 the year before.  

Students must meet certain requirements to qualify, which include achieving a minimum “B” average on all approved arts courses, completing a minimum of 4 credit hours of approved arts courses, completing 80 hours of arts-related extracurricular activities, and a senior capstone project.  Each of Dysart’s high schools, including Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School had students earn the seal.  

Dysart Unified School District was one of 43 school districts across Arizona that participated this year.  A total of 149 Arizona schools participated, and 1,751 students earned the Arts Seal, 205 of those were from Dysart for a total of 228 seals earned. Twenty-three Dysart students earned double-seals for completing the requirements in two different disciplines, and one student earned triple-seals. Only 45 students statewide earned multiple seals. 

"Our students have dedicated countless hours to their discipline, and we are thrilled to share their hard work," said Danae Marinelli, Director of Arts. "The Seal of Arts Proficiency pushes motivated students to exceed their classroom efforts. These students have crafted portfolios that showcase their growth as artists throughout their high school journey, including their future plans. As arts educators, our aim is to foster lifelong artists who continue to embrace and value the arts beyond high school. The Seal plays a vital role in making that impact possible."

DYSART SCHOOLS - Freedom Traditional Academy (FTA) Principal, Connie Wolford, received the prestigious Exemplary Principal Award from Steve Watson, Maricopa County School Superintendent.  Wolford was surprised with the award during a meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2024, while surrounded by fellow district principals and administrators. 

“Connie Wolford has done an amazing job at Freedom Traditional Academy,”  said Dr. John Croteau, Superintendent of the Dysart Unified School District.  “Under her leadership, the school is ranked 6th in the state, is A-rated, and has the highest test scores among all schools in the area. We’re so proud of Connie’s accomplishments, and are honored to have her serving Dysart students each day.” 

The Exemplary Principal Award recognizes leaders who understand the connection between a thriving school culture and high levels of student achievement and teacher retention. These leaders intentionally and strategically nurture school environments where teacher and student voices set and realize the school's vision. They lead schools where students achieve academically and emotionally, and teachers are inspired to remain at the school and in the profession.  

“It is an honor to recognize Connie Wolford as an Exemplary Principal,” said Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson. “Connie is a data-driven transformational leader with a strong vision for student and staff success. She has created a warm and collaborative culture at Freedom Traditional Academy that reflects high expectations and unwavering support. Connie is a true champion for education who builds capacity in all those around her, and her leadership, compassion, and commitment have resulted in a sense of connection, collective efficacy, and fun that can be felt throughout the FTA campus.” 

Award recipients undergo a rigorous evaluation that involves a superintendent nomination, application, teacher survey, video interview, site visit and extensive data review.  Criteria for selection includes the ability to: actively engage staff, parents and community members in developing an effective school culture; utilize data to guide instruction and decisions regarding staff development; consistently demonstrate high teacher retention; and successfully develop and inspire others. 

Wolford has served in the Dysart Unified School District for fifteen years, starting in the district as a Language Arts teacher at Mountain View School. She taught 5th, 7th and 8th grades at various times, and became an Assistant Principal in 2016, serving in this role at Luke Elementary School, Kingswood Elementary School and Mountain View School. She has been at Freedom Traditional Academy as Principal since it opened in 2019, and the school has been “A” rated by the state of Arizona since its inception. Wolford was also recently named a 2024 Dysart Hero for her outstanding service to the district and community.

The Dysart Education Foundation (DEF) annual scholarship awards dinner was hosted on April 30, 2024 at the Dysart Unified Support Services Facility. DEF awarded $90,000 to 19 graduating seniors from the four Dysart Schools high schools, with scholarship funds to obtain higher education in their chosen fields. 

Students received their certificates in the presence of more than 140 guests including their families, Dysart Schools principals, counselors, administration, governing board members, scholarship donors, and community leaders and officers from Surprise and El Mirage. 

The dinner opened with the presentation of colors by the Valley Vista High School Color Guard and the National Anthem and entertainment sung by the Willow Canyon High School Theatre Troupe 690.  Southwest Foodservice Excellence (SFE) sponsored and catered the dinner. 

This year was the introduction of the Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School Alumni Awards. Ongoing donations are open for everyone to designate which high school they choose and can be accessed by visiting https://dysarteducationfoundation.org/scholarships.

The following scholarships were awarded: 

Subaru Superstore of Surprise/DEF $5,000 Scholarship: 

Dysart High School: Brooke Wilkins and Alexis Dytrt

Shadow Ridge High School: Cian Moore and Jarret Brooks

Valley Vista High School: Anh Khoi Doan and Emma Ramirez Points

Willow Canyon High School: Johanna Delgado and Lily Sekosky

Southwest Foodservice Excellence $5,000 Scholarship: 

Willow Canyon High School: Isabella Marquez

Valley Vista High School: Samantha Catalano

Randy Sterna Grand Opportunity $5,000 Scholarship: 

Shadow Ridge High School: Rylee Maki

Dysart High School: Alessandra Castillo

Dysart High School Alumni Eddie Rios Memorial $5,000 Scholarship: 

Dysart High School: Barbara Lopez and Bethany Bazin

Ty Timbrooks Memorial $2,500 Scholarship:

Dysart High School: Victor Mendivil and Diana Garcia-Romo

High School Alumni $5,000 Alumni Scholarship:

Shadow Ridge High School: Mbuseni Tshivhase

Valley Vista High School: Josiah Chang

Willow Canyon High School: Matthew Cabello

Dysart Education Foundation still has one scholarship available now through May 31, 2024. The scholarship is sponsored by the Surprise Public Safety Organization. Applications are accepted through the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) who is the administrator for DEF scholarships. Four scholarships in total will be awarded, with one for each high school.  The one-year scholarships totaling $500 each will be given in the first semester. Visit https://dysarteducationfoundation.org/scholarships for directions on filling out the application and for eligibility requirements.

The Dysart Education Foundation thanks and appreciates everyone that contributed to this memorable evening. DEF is a nonprofit volunteer organization founded in 1985 whose sole purpose is to enrich and enhance educational opportunities in the Dysart Unified School District through fundraising.  College scholarships are awarded to seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement and need financial assistance.  

DEF’s intent is to engage the community in supporting public education by stimulating community involvement in education.  Scholarships are available to apply in January through March of the graduating school year and are administered by the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF). Visit https://dysarteducationfoundation.org/ for more information and to offer donations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/01/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District will host high school graduation ceremonies for the 2024 senior class on Wednesday, May 15.  The four graduation ceremonies will take place at the State Farm Stadium located at 1 Cardinals Drive in Glendale, Arizona.  Ceremonies will begin at the following times: 

• 10:00 a.m. – Dysart High School
• 12:30 p.m. – Valley Vista High School
• 3:00 p.m. – Willow Canyon High School
• 5:30 p.m. – Shadow Ridge High School  

All graduation ceremonies will be live-streamed by Dysart Student Broadcasting Live (DSB Live) students at Vimeo.com/DSBlive. DSB Live is a program to provide high school students with the opportunity for hands-on, real-world experience in broadcasting.  The live stream is free of charge, and will allow anyone to watch the ceremony live. The video recording will also be available to view or download after the event. 

Graduation ceremonies are open to the public. There is no charge for admission or parking, and tickets are not required.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/30/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Schools and Shadow Ridge High School senior, Carolyn Austin, was named a Flinn Scholar and will receive the prestigious Flinn Scholarship valued at more than $130,000.  

Austin is one of only 20 recipients across the state of Arizona, selected out of 1,045 applicants for her academic achievement, leadership and involvement, service to the community, ability to communicate, and personal qualities. She plans to attend Arizona State University’s Tempe campus, and major in Culture Technology and Environment, and will be finishing high school with a full year of college completed due to taking Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment classes. Austin is ranked ninth in her class of 546 and has a 4.625 weighted GPA.  She is a member of the National Honor Society and a football team manager. Austin is the first Flinn Scholar in Shadow Ridge High School’s history. 

“We are very proud of Carolyn and her accomplishments,” said Cedricia Hester, Shadow Ridge High School Principal. “She is the epitome of utilizing and maximizing high school as a springboard for the future. Carolyn's future is bright and we wish her all the best!” 

About the Flinn Scholarship 

The Flinn Scholarship, awarded annually to approximately 20 Arizona high-school seniors, is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships in the United States. It supports four years of study at an Arizona public university, study abroad, personal mentorship by faculty and alumni Scholars, and many other benefits. The first Flinn Scholarships were awarded in 1986. The total award, provided via a partnership with Arizona’s public universities, is valued at more than $130,000. 

The Flinn Foundation is a Phoenix-based, private, nonprofit philanthropic endowment established in 1965 to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations. In addition to the Flinn Scholars, the Foundation supports the advancement of the biosciences in Arizona, arts and culture, and the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/22/24

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District annually names staff members as Heroes to recognize outstanding service to the district and the community. This year, 55 staff members received the honor of being named a Dysart Hero, after being selected through a peer nomination process.  There were hundreds of nomination letters this year, truly demonstrating the hard work and dedication of Dysart’s staff. Heroes were surprised with the awards by the Dysart Hero Squad, made up of district administrators and Governing Board members, over the course of several days in March.  

The Dysart Heroes were honored during a ceremony and silent auction on April 18, 2024 at Happy Trails Performing Arts Center. Dr. John Croteau, Superintendent of Dysart Schools, was the Master of Ceremonies and read excerpts from the nomination letters. A commemorative Hero plaque, sponsored by the Dysart Education Foundation, was presented by Assistant Superintendent of Support Services, Marydel Speidell and members of the Dysart Governing Board.  Attendees enjoyed dinner and a silent auction along with the awards ceremony. 

2024 Dysart Heroes:

Certified / Classified 

Asante Preparatory Academy - Dana Choo-Drwencke; Todd Hohn 

Ashton Ranch Middle School - Mallorie Yeakel; Adelina Calvo 

Canyon Ridge School - Brooke McNeil; Lisa Benner 

Cimarron Springs Middle School - Ashley Robbins; Kimberly Knox 

Countryside Elementary School - Nicole Grubb; Felicia Lucero 

Dysart High School - Alesha Wisbey; Sherrie Klemmetson 

Dysart Middle School - Poonam Saini; April Harrison 

El Mirage Elementary School - Kaitlyn Wagner; Laura Jacobo 

Freedom Traditional Academy - Sarah Coelho; Layla Henley 

Kingswood Elementary School - Renee Puig Hink; Kevin Bauer 

Luke Elementary School - Christina Tormollan; D'Lynn Celis 

Marley Park Elementary School - Meegan Alfred; Sara Massey 

Mountain View School - Carolyn Jordan; Donna Litwin 

Rancho Gabriela Elementary School - Michelle Ives; Marcia Ideran 

Riverview School - Michael Mundstock; Andrea Cervantes 

Shadow Ridge High School - Elizabeth Enk; Deborah Eggers 

Sonoran Heights Middle School - Monica Bowers; Heidi Gibbs 

Sundown Mountain Alternative Education Program - Martha Aranda; Andrea Gersjes 

Sunset Hills Elementary School - Rose Vargas; LD Howard 

Surprise Elementary School - Lisa Ruggiero; Celia Tapia 

Thompson Ranch Elementary School - Kathleen Burton; Danielle Hedrick 

Valley Vista High School - Heather Hadenfeldt; Brandi Harris 

West Point Elementary School - Amanda Hryb; Nitosha Siqueiros 

Western Peaks Elementary School - Tara Tirado; Rebecca Labrie 

Willow Canyon High School - Heather Casey; Frances Valencia 

District Departments - Wendy Frederick, Human Relations ; Don Philippe, Transportation 

Volunteer   

Carolyn Brzeczek, Canyon Ridge School 

Administrators 

Danae Marinelli, Arts Director 

Connie Wolford, Freedom Traditional Academy Principal 

The Dysart Hero Awards were sponsored this year by generous community partners including: 

Diamond Sponsors: Emcor, Valley Schools 

Platinum Sponsors: 1GPA, Chasse, Dysart Education Foundation, Turboscape 

Gold Sponsors: AstroTurf, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona, General Acrylics, Magellan 

Silver Sponsors: AG Part Worldwide, Bel-Aire Mechanical, Biddle and Brown Fence Co., Brock USA, CHWP Expos, Colonial Life, CORE Construction, Dave Bang and Associates 

Bronze Sponsors: EMI Health Dental, Logicalis, Sun Life 

A special thanks to our schools and Parent Support organizations for donating silent auction items and to the Dysart Education Foundation for sponsoring our Dysart Hero plaques and bags. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/10/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District is preparing to destroy archived special education records from the 2020-2021 school year and will begin this process in July 2024. Special Education records, including placement records, referrals, evaluations, testing data, etc. are maintained for four fiscal years after a student’s final enrollment in a special education program. Final enrollment in a special education program is defined as the last day a student is enrolled in a special education program and is no longer receiving services. Parents, guardians, or eligible students have the right to review and/or receive a copy of these records before July 2024. Please contact ess.records@dysart.org or 623-876-7198 prior to July 2024 to review records.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 03/28/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - “A” rated Freedom Traditional Academy, the sixth ranked K-8 school in the state of Arizona, is inviting prospective parents and students to an Open House on Wednesday, April 10. The event will begin at 5:30pm on the school campus, which is located at 16066 N. Parkview Place in Surprise. Families are encouraged to RSVP here in order to receive a free insulated school-branded water bottle upon enrollment. 

Prospective families are invited to learn about why Freedom Traditional Academy is the premier school of choice in Surprise. Participants will receive a guided tour of the school, meet teachers, and have a Q&A with the principal, current parents and students. Information will be available on student activities, gifted and ESS services, the Parent Teacher Association and before and after care. 

About Freedom Traditional Academy 

Freedom Traditional Academy is an “A” rated tuition-free school that serves kindergarten through eighth grade students, and also has a preschool program on site.  Freedom ranks 6th among 1,369 traditional K-8 schools in Arizona according to the recently released state accountability labels. The school also touts the highest test scores among any other schools in Surprise and El Mirage for the second year in a row. Freedom offers a highly-performing academic program that features accelerated options, Saxon-like math, Spalding reading, and Spanish at all grade levels. Freedom focuses on civic values and patriotism in a traditional, structured atmosphere. Arts, athletics and extracurricular activities are also offered. Learn more at Dysart.org/Freedom.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 03/27/2024

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

The vote came after a unanimous citizen’s committee recommendation to the Governing Board. The committee was formed after a September 14, 2023, Governing Board directive to the Superintendent to create a committee to review the district’s needs and determine whether a recommendation would be made to the Governing Board to call for an election. The committee consisted of 30 members who represented all schools, along with general community members. They began meeting in October, 2023, and held six meetings in addition to a district facility tour. Meetings were open to the public and live streamed for the community, with agendas and meeting videos viewable at Dysart.org/ElectionCommittee. 

Bond funding would support the following, if approved by voters: 

• Safety and security improvements (~ $17M): a standardized lockdown system; fence/gate repairs and replacement; building access and safety-related communication systems; automatic gate openers; tactical diagramming and fire panel upgrades and replacement 
• School bus replacements (~ $17M): Replacement of 78 buses that were purchased on or before 2008, including 46 regular yellow buses and 32 special education buses. 
• Facility renovations at each site (~ $48M): heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; roofing; flooring; building weatherization; freezers and walk-ins; Dysart High School auditorium; high school community restroom facilities for athletics 
• Construction of a new elementary school in the Northwest Asante area (~ $35M) 
• Land for a new high school in the Northwest Asante area (~ $10M) 

“I appreciate the citizen’s committee, and the work they have done in thoroughly evaluating our district’s needs,” said Dr. John Croteau, Superintendent. “Dysart has a strong legacy of serving our community, and it is our honor to provide an “A” rated education to our families. We look forward to hearing from the voters on the ballot in November, to see if they will support the needs identified by the committee.”  

The last voter approved bond in Dysart was in 2006, for $192 million, however the district only ended up selling bonds for $122 million. The estimated average annual tax rate for the proposed bond authorization is approximately $0.36 cents per $100 of net assessed valuation used for secondary property tax purposes. 

Any persons wishing to submit an argument "for" or "against" the override question (not to exceed 200 words) may do so by mail or hand delivery of the argument to the Maricopa County School Superintendent's office, County School Superintendent, School Elections Office 4041 N. Central Avenue, Suite 1200, Phoenix, AZ 85012. The deadline for submitting arguments “for'' or “against” the Bond to the Maricopa County School Superintendent is August 9, 2024 at 5:00 P.M.

DYSART SCHOOLS - iSchool Summer School registration is now open for Dysart Schools high school students. Courses are online and students may choose to take up to two classes, depending on when they begin their coursework. Dysart iSchool Summer School will run April 22 through June 20, 2024.  

The deadline to register is April 18, 2024 for those wanting to start classes on April 22, and Thursday, May 23, 2024 for those who want to start on May 28, 2024. Students who choose to begin on April 22 have the ability and opportunity to complete 1.0 credit during iSchool Summer School if they sign up for two courses. Students who begin courses on the second start date of May 28, 2024 will only be able to complete one course for .5 credit. 

The cost is $150 per 0.5 credit, or $75 for those on free and reduced lunch or children of Dysart employees. All offered courses meet graduation requirements and are taught by certified teachers. While coursework is online, students will have access to in-person instructors for additional support, if needed. Students are required to take an in-person final exam at Valley Vista High School before noon on June 20 to complete the course. In order to receive iSchool credit, students must pass the course AND pass the final exam with a 60% or better, regardless of their grade going into the final. 

Dysart iSchool Summer School is open to current ninth through twelfth grade students from the four Dysart high schools. Current Dysart students who are interested can register with their school counselors, or may contact the iSchool office.  For additional information, visit Dysart.org/summerschool, email ischool@dysart.org, or call 623-876-7295. 

 Limited Summer Learning opportunities for K-8 students are available at El Mirage Elementary, Kingswood, Riverview, Surprise Elementary and Thompson Ranch through a 21st Century grant. Specific details and offerings will be shared by each school to currently enrolled families. Additionally, Canyon Ridge, Countryside, Kingswood, Luke Elementary, Riverview, Thompson Ranch and West Point will offer a Kindergarten Experience opportunity in July for incoming Kindergarteners.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 03/13/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Luke Elementary School is one of the top schools nominated for Best Public School in the Best of the Desert Community’s Choice Awards.  Luke’s selection was based on nominations from community members during the initial round in January. The voting round runs from March 13-27, and the community can vote once a day for their favorites among the top finalists in various categories at Community Choice voting site.  

Luke Elementary School is “A” rated by the state accountability letter grades. In October, 2023, Luke was named the first Purple Star Candidate School in the state of Arizona for their strong support of military families through numerous partnerships with Luke Air Force Base, their student transition program, designated staff point of contact, staff training, and dedicated web page resources for military students and families. In September of 2023 Principal Kara Sehr was named the Principal of the Month by Grand Canyon University, and in 2022-2023, Luke was named an APS/NAU STEM Focus School for the Future. 

About Luke Elementary School 

Luke Elementary School is a preschool through eighth grade school with over 500 students that is situated next door to Luke Air Force Base at 7300 North Dysart Road in Glendale, Arizona. It has served the community since 1958. Learn more at Dysart.org/Luke. 

About the Best of the Desert Community’s Choice Awards 

Each year, the Best of the Desert Community’s Choice Awards recognizes more than 660 businesses and organizations among more than 220 categories. The awards program starts with public nominations, and from the top nominees in each category, the voting round selects the finalists and winners.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 03/05/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Shadow Ridge High School’s four National Merit Semifinalists have moved on to be Finalists in the next stage of the National Merit Scholarship Program. Student’s include Luke Esh, Donovan Lerma, Troi Orton and Wyatt Wilson. 

In September, 2023, the highest scoring students in the state were named Semifinalists out of over 1.3 million high school juniors that take the PSAT/NMSQT test each year. Only 16,000 students, or less than one percent of all high school seniors in the U.S., advance to be Semifinalists, and these students can submit an application to be considered for Finalist and compete for one of 2,500 National Merit Scholarships that will be awarded in the spring. 

About National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) 

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 320 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 03/01/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - For the second straight year in a row, the Dysart Unified School District was voted the Favorite Public School District by the community in the West Valley Favorites competition. Dysart is an “A” rated district, and won additional accolades in several other categories including Favorite Music School, Favorite Festival for the Dysart Festival of the Arts and was runner-up for Favorite Place to Work. Dysart’s The Vista Center for the Arts won for Event Venue, Live Theatre and Music Venue, and Shadow Ridge High School took top honors for Performing Arts School. Growing Minds Preschool was a runner-up for both the Preschool and Childcare/Daycare categories, and Dysart High School's Elena Lozano was runner-up for Teacher. 

“Dysart is honored to receive this designation from our community,” said Superintendent Dr. John Croteau. “We are here to provide the very best educational experience possible to our families, and this vote of confidence shows that we are doing things right, and making a difference in the lives of our students. Dysart continually seeks to improve and grow our student support efforts, and we invite the community to walk alongside us in this endeavor.” 

West Valley Favorites is a contest administered annually by Independent News Media, and solicits nominations and votes from the community. There are a variety of categories covered, including Arts & Entertainment; Health, Fitness & Wellness; Home & Garden; Community; Vehicles & Services; Food & Drink; Professional Services; Shopping & Beauty. This year, there were a total of 28,863 nominations, and 51,823 total votes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  - 02/26/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Job seekers interested in school bus driver or bus aide positions can come to a Ride & Drive Event on Wednesday, March 6 from 3:00 - 6:30 p.m. The event will be held in conjunction with the Dysart Career Fair at the district office, located at 15802 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374.  

Prospective hires should first check-in at the Career Fair, and proceed to the Transportation booth to get placed in the queue. Ride & Drive participants will get the chance to sit on a school bus, and drive the bus forward in a controlled environment with the assistance of a trainer. Information about the paid training process and obtaining a CDL permit will be shared, and staff will be available to answer questions. 

“Anyone with a curiosity about school bus positions is encouraged to join us,” said Danielle Moehr, Director of Transportation. “Bus drivers and aides are a critical part of the educational process, ensuring students are transported to and from school safely each day. The impact that these staff members have through their interactions with students is immeasurable, and extremely rewarding.”  

Transportation positions within a school district are a great opportunity for anyone, including retirees, college students, or parents of school-aged children. Benefits of being a Dysart Schools bus driver or aide include full medical, state retirement, holidays, weekends and summers off, and the ability to select additional shifts, when available. One of the most unique benefits is a split schedule, which can allow flexibility to run errands during the day. Drivers receive paid CDL training at their full hourly rate.  

Dysart Schools is an “A” rated district that employs nearly 3,000 staff members at 26 schools and two support sites.  The starting pay for a Dysart bus driver is $21.43 an hour for those with zero to three years of experience. The rate increases to $22.50 for four to six years of experience, $23.57 for seven to ten years of experience and $24.64 for eleven or more years of experience. All current Dysart job openings may be viewed at Dysart.org/Careers. Current Dysart employees that refer new employees to work in the district are eligible for a stipend up to $500.  

About the Dysart Career Fair 

Dysart Unified School District is hosting a Career Fair on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 from 3-6:30pm at the district office located at 15802 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374. Walk-ins are welcome, but interested candidates can also register in advance to schedule an onsite interview at Dysart.org/Careers. 

The Career Fair will feature nearly 150 employment options, either for immediate openings or for positions for the 2024-2025 school year. Positions range from teachers in all subjects, to support staff and administrators. High need areas include Special Education teachers, paraprofessionals, often referred to as classroom assistants, child care and preschool aide positions, bus drivers and bus aides. Prospective applicants should bring their current resume and be ready for an interview.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 02/23/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Schools will launch girls flag football as a student sport for the fall 2024-2025 school year. It will be offered at Dysart’s four high schools, including Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School and Willow Canyon High School. 

The Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) officially sanctioned girls flag football to begin in the 2023-2024 school year. Dysart will join other schools in the state of Arizona that competed in girls flag football through the AIA this year. There is only a Varsity level of play for girls flag football, and games will be played on Tuesday nights against other schools in the same AIA conference. Flag football puts 7-player teams on a football field with a shortened width. Rules are similar to football rules, and athletes wear uniforms, flags, cleats and mouth guards and use a youth-sized football.  

“Dysart is dedicated to improving opportunities for student athletes and the community we serve, so we are thrilled to expand our athletic offerings by adding girls flag football next year,” said Craig Mussi, Dysart Schools Assistant Superintendent for Support Service. “We believe there is a lot of interest for this sport, and are excited to watch our athletes compete in it next year.” 

Last year, the district installed turf fields at Dysart High School and Willow Canyon High School. New turf field construction has begun for the district’s two remaining high schools - Shadow Ridge High School and Valley Vista High School, and will be completed prior to the start of the next school year. With the completion of turf fields, and the durability and safety features they provide, Dysart is confident their football fields can now withstand the wear and tear of both tackle and flag football being played simultaneously. 

Dysart Athletics

Dysart Schools offers 17 high school sports to choose from and won 14 state championships in 2022-2023 in girls basketball, cheer, track, wrestling, and Unified sports (badminton, soccer, basketball, track). Last year individual honors also abounded with 21 students named region players of the year; two conference players of the year; 11 region coaches of the year; and one conference coach of the year. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 02/20/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Schools will host Kindergarten Showcase events on Tuesday, March 12 beginning at 5:30 p.m. so that families can learn more about the free, full-day program. The Showcase is a great opportunity for parents of future Kindergartners to tour the school, meet the teachers, and register their child.  Information on before and after school programs available through Dysart's Community Education Department will be available as well.  

Dysart schools are among the top-rated in the state of Arizona and provide a FREE, FULL-DAY Kindergarten program in a safe, caring environment. The Dysart kindergarten program follows Arizona state standards, and offers hands-on, real-life activities in the areas of Cognitive, Social, and Physical development. Parents can learn more about Dysart School’s Kindergarten program at Dysart.org/Kindergarten. 

Dysart schools offering full-day kindergarten include Asante Preparatory Academy, Canyon Ridge, Countryside, El Mirage, Freedom Traditional Academy, Kingswood, Luke, Marley Park, Mountain View, Rancho Gabriela, Riverview, Sunset Hills, Surprise Elementary, Thompson Ranch, West Point, and Western Peaks. 

Registration for the 2024-2025 school year is now open for Dysart Schools. Parents may register their child online at Dysart.org/Registration or by visiting their local school.  In order to register for school, parents must provide a birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency.  To determine the school boundary for your residence, please visit www.dysart.org/boundaries. Open enrollment is available for parents who would like their child to attend a school other than their home school. Information on Open Enrollment is available at Dysart.org/OpenEnrollment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 02/14/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District, in partnership with Germain Honda of Surprise, will host the Dysart Festival of the Arts on Saturday, March 9, 2024.  The festival will take place from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Valley Vista High School, 15550 N Parkview Place, Surprise. The festival is free to attend and is open to the public.   

The festival will showcase the visual and performing arts programs from sixteen elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools in the Dysart Unified School District.  The day will be packed with back-to-back performances on multiple stages including various dance performances, theatre troops, choirs, and bands. The elementary, middle school, and high school visual arts programs will host two art showcases including 2D and 3D pieces, as well as a chalk art exhibition along the path of the festival.   

Some of the event highlights include the Arts Experience area, sponsored by Ottawa University Arizona.  The Arts Experience offers multiple hands-on opportunities for attendees to participate in the arts including dance workshops, bucket drumming, keyboard labs, virtual reality arts field trips and hands-on art projects. New this year is the addition of Adaptive Art Experiences, a hands-on immersive arts experience for individuals and families that may need accommodations or a sensory friendly experience. This adaptive experience is sponsored by Dysart Special Education PTSA.

This year's festival is proud to host over 60 arts vendors, food trucks and community partners.   These artisans will have their products on display for purchase. Visit www.Dysart.org/ArtsFest for more details or a list of performances, vendors and food trucks.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 02/07/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District invites the community to a Career Fair on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 from 3-6:30pm at the district office located at 15802 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374. Walk-ins are welcome, but interested candidates can also register in advance to schedule an onsite interview at Dysart.org/Careers. 

The Career Fair will feature nearly 150 employment options, either for immediate openings or for positions for the 2024-2025 school year. Positions range from teachers in all subjects, to support staff and administrators. High need areas include Special Education teachers, paraprofessionals, often referred to as classroom assistants, child care and preschool aide positions, bus drivers and bus aides.   

Interested applicants can also apply online for any open positions at Dysart.org/Careers prior to or at the Career Fair.  Qualified candidates will be able to interview on March 6. Attendees will also be able to meet with multiple schools and departments to learn more about job opportunities and visit with the Human Relations staff.  Prospective applicants should bring their current resume and be ready for an interview. 

“Having highly qualified and dedicated staff members is critically important for student success,” said Dr. Stephen Poling, Assistant Superintendent for Human Relations. “Our team of employees is truly amazing, and we are always seeking the very best candidates to join our team!” 

Dysart Schools is an “A” rated district that employs over 2,700 staff members at 26 schools and two support sites.  Dysart’s starting salary for a new teacher is one of the highest in the Valley, at over $55,000 when Proposition 301 base and performance funds are included. Based on the Auditor General  Report, Dysart’s average teacher salary ($65,326) is well above the state average ($58,366) and that of peer districts ($54,405). Additionally, hard-to-fill stipends are available for SPED, math and science teachers, and employees have additional earning power through employee referrals and other opportunities. Along with competitive salaries, Dysart offers a comprehensive benefit package to staff, has won many awards for its wellness program, and was named a Top 10 Healthiest Employer by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2023.  It is the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, and has been recognized as one of the Best Companies to work for by both Zippia and TalentDesk. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 02/06/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Two of the five Arizona Semifinalist Nominees for the 2023-2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education (CTE) are Dysart Schools students.  The nominees are Trystan Wright from Dysart High School and Haley Helman from Shadow Ridge High School.  

Wright is a senior who has focused on the Marketing strand of CTE throughout his high school career. He hopes to pursue a degree in hospitality and tourism management at Ohio State University and work in the tourism industry. He has a 4.07 GPA and has been an officer of DECA the past two years. He is CEO of the Hotspot SBE school store, was a DECA International qualifier for the past two years, and has completed the WBLA Internship program.  

Wright says, “To me, CTE has quickly become my life. It has shaped the person I am today and allowed me to discover a passion I never imagined I would enjoy. DECA has provided me with the necessary skills to interact with the world around me in a professional and personal capacity as well as providing me opportunities to succeed. I have been able to travel the U.S. through DECA and network with students and business leaders from across the country.”   

Helman has taken all of the Engineering courses offered at Shadow Ridge, and is now studying Biomedical Science through a West-MEC partnership. After graduation, she plans to attend Valparaiso University and become a biomedical engineer with a focus on building medical equipment like prosthetics. She has a 3.99 GPA and is involved in the National Society of High School Scholars and the Girl Scouts. Haley is also a member of HOSA and is the chair of communications for her Biomedical program. 

"Haley is a student that reliably takes care of her own work and is willing to help others," said West-MEC Biomedical Science instructor Lynsy Butler. “She has always followed through with anything that she is committed to and is someone that her classmates know they can rely on. Haley is one of my top students, both in and out of the classroom.” 

The office of the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction submitted five nominees from across the state of Arizona to the Commission on Presidential Scholars at the U.S. Department of Education. Each nominee is invited to apply for the National Review by the Commission, and of those, only twenty will be selected as winners. Students were selected by a review team of CTE stakeholders based on academic rigor, technical competence, professional employability skills, ingenuity and creativity. 

Dysart Schools currently offers 19 Career and Technical Education programs across four high school campuses, and partners with West-MEC to provide additional opportunities to students. Learn more at Dysart.org/CTE.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 01/26/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - Over the past year, 10 Dysart Schools staff members earned their National Board Certification, and 15 have renewed their certification, bringing the total number of National Board Certified staff members to 66. National certifications are the highest and most rigorous credentials that can be earned for various professions across the U.S. for teachers, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists and behavior analysts, and are overseen by their respective organizations.  

Dysart staff that received National Board certification for the first time include: 

• Sherri Deissler, 2nd Grade Teacher at Kingswood Elementary School 
• Heather Fogelson, School Psychologist at Canyon Ridge School 
• Megan Harshman, 2nd Grade Teacher at Luke Elementary School 
• Jacqueline Hoeffler, Lead Nurse for Dysart Schools 
• Kristin Jackson, School Psychologist at Surprise Elementary School  
• Jesica Inscoe, Math Teacher at Valley Vista High School 
• Cheryl Schubmehl, 5th Grade Teacher at Sonoran Heights Middle School 
• Kristin Smith, Nurse at Shadow Ridge High School 
• Cynthia Williams, Regional Nurse for Dysart Schools 
• Lisa Young, Nurse at Valley Vista High School 

• Deborah Benton, Nurse for Dysart High School  
• Taylor Duzy, School Psychologist at Dysart Middle School 
• Jessica Gilligan, School Psychologist at Rancho Gabriela/West Point elementary schools 
• Helen Green, 3rd Grade Teacher at Riverview School 
• Cheryl Hall, 6th Grade Teacher at Sonoran Heights Middle School 
• Jessica Haug, Reading Interventionist at Luke Elementary School 
• Kristine Kath, Occupational Therapist 
• Erin Keller, School Psychologist at Surprise Elementary School 
• Jeffrey Marquis, School Psychologist at Valley Vista/Willow Canyon high school
• Brittney Moore, Behavior Analyst 
• Catherine Mundstock, Reading Interventionist at Surprise Elementary School 
• Jacque Nelson, Occupational Therapist for the ESS Assistive Technology Team 
• Donna Slaybaugh, Occupational Therapist 
• Matthew Wickstrom, School Psychologist at Dysart High School 
• Brittany Zavala, Special Education Resource Teacher at Luke Elementary School 

“Dysart has exceptional and highly qualified staff members that serve our students every day,” said Superintendent Dr. John Croteau. “It is no surprise that we have so many that choose to go above and beyond in their education and professional development in order to seek continual growth through National Board Certification. This is just one example of how our “A” rated district offers the very best to our community.” 

On Wednesday, January 24, teachers that earned or renewed their certification were recognized by the Arizona K12 Center with a special felt pennant delivery in celebration of their achievement through the National Board Certified Teacher program. Dysart awards all staff members who have earned National Board Certification a stipend equal to 5% of their base salary to honor the hard work and dedication it took to reach this achievement. Additionally, Dysart supports staff members interested in earning the certification by arranging cohort meetings and substitute coverage for two professional days for preparation. 

National Board programs are managed by various industry-specific organizations, including the following: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; National Board of Certification of School Nurses; National School Psychology Certification Board; Behavior Analyst Certification Board; and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 01/18/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District will host a College 101 Night for parents interested in learning about the college acceptance and financial aid process. The event will take place on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Valley Vista High School, located at 15550 N. Parkview Place in Surprise, Arizona. 

“College 101 Night is a great way for families to learn about and prepare for college,” said Superintendent Dr. John Croteau.  “This event is just one of many things we do in Dysart in order to prepare our students for college and career success.” 

College 101 Night will begin at 5:00pm with college booths available to browse. Two informational sessions will be held at 6:00pm and again at 6:30pm where parents can choose to hear about a variety of topics. Participating parents will have the opportunity to learn about FAFSA, athletics in college, honors colleges, military academies, saving for college, financial planning, and much more. Over twenty-five colleges will be in attendance along with military representatives to meet with parents and answer questions. Food trucks will also be on site during the event.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 1/10/2024

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Education Foundation (DEF) is pleased to announce that college scholarship applications are now being accepted through April 1, 2024. Graduating seniors from Dysart, Shadow Ridge, Valley Vista, and Willow Canyon High Schools, are invited to apply. DEF supports learning beyond a student’s K-12 experience. Each graduating senior may submit one application to be eligible for multiple scholarships from DEF administered by the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF).

***UPDATE 2/13/24: The deadline for scholarships has been extended to April 1, 2024.***

***UPDATE 3/25/24: The FASFA requirement is no longer needed in order to apply for the scholarships.***

DEF, along with local donors, will be awarding 23 students with a total of $92,000 in scholarship funds. Students graduating from the four high schools in the Dysart Unified School District are encouraged to apply.

DEF offers one and two year scholarships.  Students attending a trade school, community college, or university may apply to receive any one of the DEF scholarships.  To apply visit: www.dysarteducationfoundation.org/scholarships and click on the direct link to apply on the ACF General Application. 

The recipients will be notified by ACF via email in April.  The student recipients and their parents/guardians will be invited to attend the Dysart Education Foundation Awards Dinner on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 to accept their scholarships.

Student scholarship recipients are responsible for keeping ACF/DEF informed of all current information concerning home address, emails, class schedules, GPA, and transcripts. A separate link will be provided via email from DEF to scholarship recipients in December 2024, May 2025, and December 2025 to update the organization and its scholarship donors each semester. Failure to provide required documents may result in the loss of the scholarship.

2024 Sponsors Include:

DEF/Subaru Share the Love

Southwest Foodservice Excellence (SFE)

The Randy Sterna Grand Opportunity

Dysart High School Alumni:  Eddie Rios Memorial Scholarship

Shadow Ridge High School Alumni Scholarship

Valley Vista High School Alumni Scholarship

Willow Canyon High School Alumni Scholarship

Tyrus Timbrooks Memorial Scholarship (Dysart High School Students Only, must be a participant in Varsity Sports)

Surprise Public Safety Scholarship: Supports students pursuing education and careers in areas such as emergency response, fire science, law enforcement, or public safety management.

The Dysart Education Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting students and teachers in the Dysart Unified School District. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 12/15/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Governing Board approved a change to the boundaries and grade levels of Asante Preparatory Academy, Cimarron Springs Middle School, and Western Peaks Elementary School at the December 14, 2023 board meeting. The change goes into effect for the 2024-2025 school year, and was made in order to accommodate the rapid growth in the northern part of the district around Asante. 

Beginning in 2024-2025, Asante will shift from a K-8 to a K-5 school, and 6th through 8th graders within Asante boundaries will attend Cimarron Springs Middle School. Additionally, Western Peaks Elementary School will shift from a K-4 to a K-5, and Cimarron Springs will shift from a 5-8 to a 6-8 middle school. No physical changes to the boundaries of the schools themselves is taking place - only a shift in grade level school assignments. Details and a map of the impacted area may be found at Dysart.org/BoundaryUpdates.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/16/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Freedom Traditional Academy is now accepting enrollment applications for the 2024-2025 school year at Dysart.org/Enroll. Freedom ranks 6th among 1,369 traditional K-8 schools in Arizona according to the recently released state accountability labels, and earned an “A” rating. The school also touts the highest test scores among any other schools in Surprise and El Mirage for the second year in a row.  

Parents interested in enrolling their K-8 student for the 2024-2025 school year can complete an enrollment application online at Dysart.org/Enroll. In order to finalize enrollment the following documents will be required: a government issued photo identification; birth certificate; proof of residency; and immunization records. Enrollment assistance is also available at the school office during regular business hours at 16066 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374, or by calling 623-523-8650.  

About Freedom Traditional Academy 

Freedom Traditional Academy is a tuition free school that serves kindergarten through eighth grade students, and also has a preschool program on site.  It offers a highly-performing academic program that features accelerated options, Saxon-like math, Spalding reading, and Spanish at all grade levels. Freedom focuses on civic values and patriotism in a traditional, structured atmosphere. Arts, athletics and extracurricular activities are also offered. Learn more at Dysart.org/Freedom.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/01/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District will hold a public hearing on November 16, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding potential boundary and grade configuration changes to accommodate growth impacting Asante Preparatory Academy. Other schools that may also be impacted in order to offset and adjust for growth include Cimarron Springs Middle School, and Western Peaks Elementary School. If approved, the changes would be in effect starting with the 2024-2025 school year.  

Information on the initial options, current recommendation, and maps are available at Dysart.org/BoundaryUpdates. The proposed changes are being considered for the following reasons: 

• To effectively position the northern part of our district for the incoming and projected growth; 
• To maximize the use of all available facilities; 
• To use resources efficiently; and  
• To provide the shortest bus routes possible while balancing academic and program options. 

The current recommendation is that Asante Preparatory Academy shifts to a K-5 school, and 6th through 8th graders within Asante boundaries would attend Cimarron Springs Middle School. Additionally, Western Peaks Elementary School would shift from a K-4 to a K-5, and Cimarron Springs would shift from a 5-8 to a 6-8 middle school. No physical change to the Asante boundary is being recommended - only a shift in grade level school assignments until a new school can be built.   

There is a public hearing planned where you can learn more and provide public comments regarding the potential boundary and grade configuration changes on Thursday, November 16, at 5:00 p.m. in the Dysart Governing Board room, 15802 N Parkview Pl., Surprise, AZ 85374.  The agenda for the meeting (when available) can be accessed online at www.boarddocs.com/az/dysart/Board.nsf/vpublic?open by selecting the meeting date and clicking on the icon, “View the Agenda.” 

At this public hearing, attending members of the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board will hear reasons for or against the proposed boundary changes.  The public hearing shall not exceed sixty (60) minutes.  During the public hearing, proposed attendance boundary changes including maps will be visually presented. Time shall be granted for public comments regarding the proposed attendance boundary changes. Speakers will be limited to three (3) minutes.   

Individuals wishing to address the Governing Board must fill out a request form available in the lobby and turn it in to the board clerk, superintendent, or board secretary prior to the start of the meeting. Those who ask to speak will be called upon to address the board at the appropriate time. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, by contacting Jenna Bowen at 623-876-7002. Requests should be made 48 hours in advance to arrange the accommodation. 

If the Governing Board approves the boundary change, the new boundaries would be in effect starting with the 2024-2025 school year. The Governing Board intends to vote on the proposed boundary change on Thursday, December 14, at 6:00 p.m., in the Dysart Governing Board room, 15802 N Parkview Pl., Surprise, AZ 85374. 

This notice is provided pursuant to A.R.S. 38-431.02, and 15-341.37.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/31/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - With the top-rated schools in the area, the "A" rated Dysart Unified School District is proud to offer our community a choice in school enrollment. Dysart will begin accepting open enrollment applications for the 2024-2025 school year on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.  Parents or guardians who would like their child to attend a school outside of their residential attendance boundary for the 2024-2025 school year, must apply for open enrollment online at Dysart.org/OE. 

Dysart schools are among the top-rated in the state of Arizona, and the district is home to the #6 K-8 school in Arizona (Freedom Traditional Academy), and a top 25 Arizona high school (Shadow Ridge High School). Overall, the district has 18 “A” rated and 4 “B” rated schools based on state accountability labels, many of which out-rank our local counterparts. Additionally, Freedom Traditional Academy has the highest test scores of any school in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage. Dysart Schools have been recognized both nationally and internationally with AdvancED Accreditation, and are dedicated to serving the needs of all children with high quality academic coursework, before-and after-school programs, and services for the entire community.   

Open enrollment allows parents the opportunity to request that their children attend a Dysart school outside of their residential boundary area. This includes all Dysart elementary schools, middle schools, Freedom Traditional Academy, and high schools. Information about Dysart Schools academics, arts and athletic programs can be found at Dysart.org. Open enrollment applications can be submitted online at Dysart.org/OE beginning Wednesday, November 15.  

Parents whose students are currently open enrolled at the school of their choice will not need to reapply. The priority open enrollment period ends December 18, 2023. After this priority period, submitted applications will continue to be accepted and will be reviewed on a monthly basis as capacity becomes available. 

Parents needing access to a computer to complete the open enrollment application may visit any district school or the front lobby of the Dysart District Office, located at 15802 N Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374, during regular business hours.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/30/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District was named an “A” rated district in the 2023 state accountability labels. Within the district, 18 schools achieved an “A” rating, and another four were “B”rated. The number of Dysart schools with an “A” rating has tripled since 2019, and boasts a fifty percent increase over last year.  

“An “A” rating for Dysart is reflective of our diligent focus on academics and student achievement,” said Superintendent Dr. John Croteau. “Our staff have been working hard to ensure student growth and proficiency in core subject areas, and with 18 schools receiving an “A” rating, it is clear that our efforts are working.”  

Dysart schools that received an A-rating include Asante Preparatory Academy; Canyon Ridge School; Cimarron Spring Middle School; Dysart High School; Freedom Traditional Academy; Kingswood Elementary School; Luke Elementary School; Marley Park Elementary School; Mountain View School; Rancho Gabriela Elementary School; Shadow Ridge High School; Sonoran Heights Middle School; Sunset Hills Elementary School; Surprise Elementary School; Valley Vista High School; Western Peaks Elementary School; West Point Elementary School; and Willow Canyon High School. B-rated schools include Ashton Ranch Middle School; Countryside Elementary School; El Mirage School; and Riverview School. Dysart had zero “D” or “F” schools, and only two schools with a “C”.  

Highlights of this year’s Dysart Schools scores include: 

• Dysart Schools increased number of “A” rated schools from 12 (in 2022) to 18 
• 92% of Dysart schools are “A” or “B” rated 
• 100% of district high schools have an A-rating
• Freedom Traditional Academy scored 6th highest in the state among all K-8 schools, moving up from 8th last year
• Five Dysart schools scored in the top 10% of the state, including Canyon Ridge, Freedom Traditional, Kingswood, Marley Park, and Shadow Ridge High School, and another five are in the top 20% (Asante, Mountain View, Rancho Gabriela, Sunset Hills, and Surprise) 
• Zero “D” or “F” schools in Dysart 
  

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/25/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS – Dysart Unified School District’s Growing Minds Preschool has attained a Quality Plus rating from Quality First.  The Quality Plus, or 4-Star Rating, indicates that Growing Minds Preschool exceeds quality standards as an early childhood learning program.  

Growing Minds Preschool serves 280 students between the ages of two and five years old across four locations, and is dedicated to providing quality care and education in a safe, nurturing, and loving environment. Staff are focused on fostering positive interactions and hands-on learning opportunities for students at all levels. As a Quality First early care and education provider, Growing Minds Preschool offers Quality First Scholarships for eligible low-income families with children from birth to age 5.  

Quality First, a signature program of First Things First, partners with regulated child care and preschool providers to improve the quality of early learning across Arizona. Participating providers work with a coach to assess their programs and implement quality improvement plans in areas that research shows help young kids thrive. The Quality First Assessment is broken up into two assessment cycles. The first cycle focuses on the classroom environment and the second cycle of assessment focuses on emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional support. Scores from both cycles are used to determine a program's overall rating.  

The areas assessed include: 

• Health and safety practices that promote children’s basic well-being; 
• Staff qualifications, including experience working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers as well as training or college coursework in early childhood development and education; 
• Teacher-child interactions that are positive, consistent and nurture healthy development and learning; 
• Learning environments, including age-appropriate books, toys and learning materials that promote emotional, social, language and cognitive development; 
• Lessons that follow state requirements or recommendations for infants, toddlers and preschoolers; 
• Group sizes that give young children the individual attention they need; and, 
• Child assessment and parent communication that keeps families regularly informed of their child’s development. 

“Preschool is an important stepping stone for children as they prepare for their educational journey in Kindergarten and beyond,” said Dr. John Croteau, Dysart Schools Superintendent. “Our 4-star rating reflects the hard work of our staff, and is an important indicator to the families of children in our care that they are getting a high quality early education.” 

About Growing Minds Preschool 

Growing Minds Preschool serves children ages 2-5 with the core value of cultivating learning by supporting the “Learn through Play” mantra. Through the application of Creative Curriculum, all children are provided with developmentally appropriate academics in reading, writing, academic vocabulary, oral language development, math, science and social studies. All Growing Minds Preschool skills are aligned with the Arizona Early Childhood Education standards. The Growing Minds Preschool main campus is located at 17999 W. Surprise Farms Loop S., Surprise, AZ 85388. Satellite locations are available at Freedom Traditional Academy (16066 N. Parkview Pl., Surprise 85374), Marley Park Elementary School (15042 W. Sweetwater Ave., Surprise, AZ 85379), and Mountain View School (18302 W. Burton Ave., Waddell, AZ 85355). To learn more, visit GrowingMindsPreschool.org. 

About Quality First 

Quality First – a signature program of First Things First – partners with regulated early childhood providers to make quality improvements that research proves help children birth to 5 thrive, such as education for teachers to expand their expertise in working with young children. It also supports parents with information about what to look for in quality early childhood programs that goes beyond health and safety to include a nurturing environment that supports their child’s learning.   

About First Things First

First Things First is a voter-created, statewide organization that funds early education and health programs to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten. Decisions about how those funds are spent are made by local councils staffed by community volunteers. To learn more, visit azftf.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/23/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Students entering high school in the 2024-2025 academic year, and their parents, are invited to attend an incoming freshman meeting on Tuesday, November 14 at 5:30 PM to learn about high school expectations, unique programs, and the process for registration and class selection. These meetings are designed to provide incoming freshmen with an overview of the academic programs available at Dysart Unified School District’s four high schools and explain the process of registering for ninth-grade classes.  

Future Freshman Night will take place at the following schools at 5:30pm on Tuesday, November 14:

• Dysart High School - 11425 N. Dysart Road, El Mirage 
• Shadow Ridge High School - 10909 N. Perryville Road, Surprise 
• Valley Vista High School - 15550 N. Parkview Place, Surprise 
• Willow Canyon High School - 17901 W. Lundberg Street, Surprise 

Students and parents will learn about high school classes, course selection, unique and career-related programs, core curriculum, and graduation requirements. Attending Future Freshman Night motivates eighth graders to remain focused on their true academic goal – completing high school and beyond.  

Dysart offers four top-rated high schools to the community, all of which were named 2023 Best High Schools by U.S. News and World Report. Two of the top 50 high schools in Arizona are among Dysart schools. Visit Dysart.org to learn more about our high schools academics, arts and athletics. To view school locations and residential attendance boundaries, visit Dysart.org/Boundaries. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/06/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Luke Elementary School was named the first Purple Star School Candidate in the state of Arizona for their strong support of military families. 

A Purple Star School Candidate designation indicates that a school is committed to supporting the unique needs for military-connected children by providing staff and programs to support students during their school transitions or deployment. Criteria to meet this designation include: 

• Designated staff point of contact for military students and families 
• A student transition program 
• Dedicated web page with resources for military families
• Professional development for staff (70%) that helps familiarize and equip them to support the needs of military students 

Luke Elementary School hosted a Celebration Assembly, Ribbon Cutting and Breakfast on October 6 to announce the news to the students, parents and staff in conjunction with Luke Air Force Base. The school and district have had numerous partnerships in place with Luke Air Force Base for many years due to the close proximity to the base and high number of military families served. 

Currently, Luke Elementary School has a Student2Student Ambassador program, where students in 5th-8th Grade are enrolled in a leadership elective class designed to support any student transitioning into Luke Elementary.  Ambassadors connect with new students throughout their first few days of enrollment to help answer questions, connect students and families to resources and ensure the transition is smooth.  

Monthly Military-Connected Luncheons will take place throughout the year, and in April, the Month of the Military Child will be recognized and celebrated throughout the school. While there has been strong staff support at the school previously, school staff received specific Purple Star School support training in September. Additionally, Luke Elementary had a soft launch of a special Deployment Room on campus last spring. The new Deployment Room will be fully launched in November, and will provide a physical place at the school for students to go to when they need support before, during, or after a military deployment. 

Luke Elementary is one of four schools that are part of a Purple Star School pilot program in partnership with Luke Air Force Base. Other districts that will also be designating a candidate school on or before Veterans Day include Agua Fria High School District, Litchfield Elementary District, and Great Hearts Arizona.  

About Luke Elementary School

Luke Elementary School is an “A” rated school of over 500 preschool through eighth-grade students. Providing close access from the communities surrounding Luke Air Force Base, the school is located on Dysart Road, just North of Glendale Avenue with close access to the 101, 303 and Northern Parkway. 

Photos and Videos for Media Use: 

• Photos of the Ribbon Cutting Event and school deployment room
• Video of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/06/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Schools has partnered with the City of Surprise to offer a high school level Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program beginning in August, 2024. The program will launch at Valley Vista High School, and will give high school seniors the chance to earn an Emergency Medical Certified Technician (EMCT) certification upon graduation. The program will be open to all seniors attending any Dysart school. 

The course will be a senior-level course offered through the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program, with possible college credit through Maricopa Community Colleges. Certified graduates would have the opportunity for immediate employment as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) through a public or private ambulance service.  

The program was developed in partnership with the City of Surprise in order to help address the future need for EMS staff in the rapidly growing city. It will be taught by a City of Surprise Fire-Medical staff member that will be CTE certified through the Arizona Department of Education.  The City of Surprise is working to develop an expansion of the program that would provide pathways for local students to continue their education through collegiate programs for fire-medical, nursing or other medical professions.  

Interested students can learn more about the new program at the upcoming Dysart Career and College Expo on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Dysart District Office, located at 15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise.  

About Dysart CTE 

Currently, Dysart Unified Schools District offers 18 CTE programs across its four high schools (Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School) campuses, and has nearly 5,000 students participating in CTE courses each year. Programs currently offered include Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Digital Animation, Digital Photography, Education Professions, Engineering, Film and TV Production, Fire Science, Graphic Design, JROTC Army, Lab Assisting, Law Enforcement, Marketing, Nursing Services, Software and App Design, Sports Medicine, StageCraft Design and Production, Technology Device Maintenance. To learn more, visit Dysart.org/CTE. 

About Surprise Fire-Medical

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department is "Always There, Always Ready" to serve the needs of our growing community with response to Fire, Rescue, Emergency Medical, Hazardous Materials, and other emergency calls for service. Drawing from a rich history dating back to the 1960’s the department has grown to house more than 200 employees and serves the community through multiple fire stations located throughout our growing city. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 09/28/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District invites parents and students to a Career and College Expo on Thursday, October 19 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. 

Businesses and organizations interested in hosting a booth at the event to highlight a college or career pathway can call 623-876-7991, email james.grieshaber@dysart.org. 

About Dysart CTE Programs

Dysart Schools currently offer 18 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, JROTC Army, Lab Assisting, Law Enforcement, Marketing, Nursing Services, Software and App Design, Sports Medicine, StageCraft Design and Production, Technology Device Maintenance. A new Emergency Medical Services (EMS/EMT) program will be launching in 2024/2025. Learn more at www.dysart.org/CTE. 

Dysart Schools CTE is currently working with Sun Health, Banner Health, and the City of Surprise through partnerships and to provide students with extended learning opportunities and internships.  Businesses and organizations interested in partnering with the district should call 623-876-7991 or email james.grieshaber@dysart.org. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 09/22/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District is seeking parents/guardians, community members and staff who are interested in serving on a boundary change committee. The purpose is to evaluate possible boundary changes to accommodate the growth in the northern part of our district to Asante Preparatory Academy boundaries, and to provide a recommendation to the Governing Board.  Potential recommendations may also impact other schools in the northern part of the Dysart district in order to offset and adjust for growth, and could involve changes in grade configurations as a consideration. 

Interested individuals should complete the interest form at www.dysart.org/boundarycommittee by October 4 to apply. Those selected will be notified on or before October 6. Applicants should be prepared to attend meetings from 5:00 to 6:30pm on Tuesday, October 17 and Monday, October 23, and any subsequent meetings to be determined by the committee. Committee meetings will be open to the public to observe, but only committee members will be permitted to participate. Additionally, a Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, November 16 prior to the Governing Board Meeting where the public can provide comments on the proposed changes.  

Dysart is committed to ensuring that there is representation from all impacted areas of the district on the committee. The committee’s final recommendations are expected to be presented to the Governing Board at a public meeting on Thursday, December 14.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 09/20/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Four high achieving Shadow Ridge High School students have been named Semifinalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. Semifinalists include Luke Esh, Donovan Lerma, Troi Orton and Wyatt Wilson, all of whom are interested in pursuing something within the field of engineering after high school. 

Only the highest scoring students in the state are named Semifinalists out of over 1.3 million high school juniors that take the PSAT/NMSQT test each year. Only 16,000 students, or less than one percent of all high school seniors in the U.S., advance to be Semifinalists, and these students can submit an application to be considered for Finalist and compete for one of 2,500 National Merit Scholarships that will be awarded in the spring. 

“These students are among the top in the nation, and we are excited to see what their future holds,” said Dr. John Croteau, Dysart Schools Superintendent. “This accomplishment is a great testament to their hard work, and they are a great example of the high academic achievement that we strive for in Dysart.”  

About National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC)

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 320 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 09/18/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District is seeking parents, community members and staff who are interested in serving on a bond and override committee for the purpose of evaluating the district’s potential needs and making recommendations to the Governing Board.  

Interested individuals should complete the interest form at www.dysart.org/electioncommittee by October 5 to apply. Those selected will be notified by October 16. Applicants should be prepared to attend meetings on the following Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00pm: October 24, November 28, December 12, January 16, February 6, and March 5, as well as one meeting on a Saturday at a date to be determined by the committee. Committee meetings will be open to the public to observe, but only committee members will be permitted to participate. 

Dysart is committed to ensuring that there is representation from all areas of the district on the committee, including individuals with an affiliation to each school, as well as community members without a school or district connection. The committee’s final recommendations are expected to be presented to the Governing Board at a public meeting on March 14.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 09/12/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - All four of Dysart Unified School District’s high schools have been named 2023-2024 Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report based on earning high national and local rankings. This includes Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School. 

“We are honored to have our high schools recognized for the great work they are doing to prepare students for college and career success,” said Dr. John Croteau, Dysart Schools Superintendent. “Our students have so many opportunities to explore, learn and excel in our schools, and this recognition shows that Dysart is truly giving students a top notch education.”  

Selected schools surpass anticipated benchmarks, have high graduation rates, and have students who achieve high scores on state assessments for math, reading and science. College readiness through performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams is also taken into account as well as how underserved students perform. Only schools that earn a national ranking in the top 40% qualify for this honor among the nearly 18,000 public high schools that were evaluated.  

The Best High Schools accolade complements the other achievements of these high schools, including being named A+ Schools of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation. Dysart serves over 8,000 students across its four high school campuses.  

About 2023-2024 Best High Schools

The 2023-2024 edition of Best High Schools includes a numerical ranking of nearly all public high schools nationwide – almost 18,000 of them – based on multiple sources of objective data. The Best High Schools rankings are available exclusively on USNews.com and include data on a variety of factors, such as enrollment, student diversity, participation in free and reduced-price lunch programs, in addition to graduation rates and the results of state assessments. U.S. News worked with RTI International, a global research firm, to implement the comprehensive ranking methodology. U.S. News doesn’t collect data directly from high schools; all data comes directly from official third-party sources. AP and IB data come directly from the College Board and International Baccalaureate, respectively, for use in the rankings. The state assessment data and graduation rates are from each state, and other data comes from the U.S. Department of Education.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 09/05/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District Exceptional Student Services Department will be hosting a meeting for private school administrators, private childcare providers, and any families of students in private and homeschool settings within Dysart district boundaries to discuss Child Find procedures and the types of services the district is able to provide through Proportionate Share. Proportionate Share is a set of funds set aside specifically to offer private and homeschool students some special education support through the public school district. 

The informational meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, September 28th from 5:00-6:00pm in Training Room 3 of the Dysart Unified School District Support Services Facility, located at 13825 N.Desert Cove Road Surprise, Arizona. Parents and guardians that are concerned about their child's development should attend to learn about how the Child Find process may benefit their family. 

About Child Find Services in Dysart Schools 

The Dysart Unified School District abides by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), which requires that public school agencies ensure all children (from birth through age 21) with delays or developmental disabilities are identified, located, and evaluated to receive the supports and services they need. This includes all children living within the geographic boundaries of the school district – those who are homeless or wards of the state, are attending private schools, or are home schooled.  

Dysart Unified School District offers Child Find screenings for students aged 2 years 9 months through 5 years old who may have developmental delays. Suspected delays may be evidenced in the areas of communication, cognition, behavior, as well as in physical, auditory, visual and sensory development. Parents of a preschool child (aged 2 years 9 months through 5 years old) with suspected developmental delays that resides within the boundaries of the Dysart Unified School District, should call (623) 876-7022 (Select option #2) to schedule a free Child Find screening.  For additional information about Child Find for children younger than 2 years 9 months, please contact the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) at 602-532-9960, 888-352-4558, allazeip2@azdes.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 08/28/2023 

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District has once again received awards for meeting high standards on the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). This is the 28th consecutive year Dysart has received the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) award, and 19th consecutive year that Dysart has achieved the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) award.  

“Receiving these honors shows our community that we are responsible, accountable and fully transparent with our funds,” said Marydel Speidell, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services. “We are so proud to have a strong history of financial transparency for our local community.” 

ASBO awarded Dysart Schools with the Certificate of Excellence (COE) in Financial Reporting, for meeting high standards for financial reporting and transparency. By participating in the ASBO COE program, school districts demonstrate their commitment to financial transparency and excellence in financial reporting. The ACFR must inform stakeholders about the financial and economic state of the district, and be a communications tool to engage with the community. 

Additionally, Dysart received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the GFOA. The GFOA Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by an organization and its management. In order to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, an organization must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. This report must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements.  

The awards were presented to the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board at the August 24 board meeting. Dysart budget and financial reports are always available for viewing at Dysart.org/Budget. 

About ASBO International

Founded in 1910, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is a nonprofit organization that, through its members and affiliates, represents approximately 30,000 school business professionals worldwide. ASBO International is committed to providing programs, services, and a global network that promote the highest standards in school business. Its members support student achievement through effective resource management in various areas ranging from finance and operations to food services and transportation. Learn more at asbointl.org. 

About GFOA 

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 08/01/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS — Dysart Unified School District will be participating in the National School Lunch Program. As part of this program, Dysart Schools will offer healthy meals every school day. Breakfast will cost $1.25; Elementary/Middle lunch will cost $2.60 and High School lunch $2.85. Your child(ren) may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Reduced-price meals for breakfast and lunch cost is $0.00 for the 2023-2024 school year. 

As part of this program, breakfast in the classroom is provided at no cost to students at Thompson Ranch Elementary, Riverview School, Surprise Elementary, Dysart Middle School and El Mirage Elementary. Additionally, lunch meals served at El Mirage School are provided at no cost to all students. El Mirage Elementary is approved to operate the Provision 2 Program.

Qualifications for children to receive free or reduced-price meals include: belonging to a household whose income is at or below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines, belonging to a household that receives public assistance, or if the child is homeless, migrant, runaway, foster, or participates in a Head Start or Even Start pre-Kindergarten program. 

Household size and income criteria are used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits if the household does not receive assistance or the children are not in the other categories mentioned above. Children can get free or reduced-price meals if the household’s gross income falls at or below the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guideline chart.

PDF File of Federal Eligibility Income Chart

To apply for free or reduced-price meals we highly recommend using SchoolCafe at www.schoolcafe.com. Paper applications are available in each school office and can be returned to the school once completed unless the household has already received notification that their children are approved for free meals this year. Applications include a letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for their children and what is required to complete on the application. 

Only one application is required for all children in the household and the information provided on the appli­ca­tion will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data.  Applications may be verified at any time during the school year by the school or other program officials. An application for free or reduced-price benefits cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions. In the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability. 

Families can apply for benefits at any time. If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household's income falls at or below the Federal Guidelines. Contact Claudia Zamora at any time to request an application. 

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price policy, Nutrition Liaison will review applications and determine eligibility.  Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to: Dr. Stephen Poling, 13825 W Desert Cove Rd., Surprise, AZ 85379. 

When known to Dysart District households will be notified of their children’s eligibility for free meals if they are members of households receiving assistance from the: 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR); or 
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), if the State program meets Federal standards. 

An application is not required for free meal benefits for Assistance Program participants and all of the children in the household are eligible for free meal benefits. If any children were not listed on the notice of eligibility, or if a household does not receive a notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school to have free meal benefits extended to them. Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals, but they will need to turn in an application including household size and total income. 

When known to Dysart Unified households will also be notified of any child’s eligibility for free meals if the individual child is considered “Other Source Categorically Eligible”, because the child is categorized, as defined by law as: 

• Foster
• Homeless
• Migrant
• Runaway
• Enrolled in an eligible Head Start, or
• Enrolled an eligible pre-kindergarten class. 

If any children were not listed on the notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school about their eligibility through the list above, or should submit an income application. 

Households notified of their children’s eligibility must contact the school if the household chooses to decline the free meal benefits. 

For more information, you may call the Nutrition Department at 623-876-7075 or e-mail at nutrition@dysart.org. 

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. 

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:  

1. mail: 

    U.S. Department of Agriculture 

    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 

    1400 Independence Avenue, SW 

    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or 
2. fax: 

    (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or 
3. email: 
    program.intake@usda.gov 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 07/13/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - In an effort to always seek to improve, the Dysart Unified School District is gathering information and data about how families choose a school for their child(ren), what characteristics are valued, and what views they have about the Dysart district. The district seeks input from community members and parents who live in the district but do not currently have children in a Dysart school. Current Dysart parents were already provided with a survey specific to them. 

The survey is open through August 6, 2023 and can be accessed at Dysart.org/Survey. All responses are anonymous unless individuals choose to provide their contact information to possibly participate in a future survey or focus group. 

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District is proud to partner with the Arizona Department of Education and law enforcement officials to host a Simunitions Training for active shooter and school-based threat responses. The community should be aware that on Wednesday, June 21 between 8:00am and 4:00pm people may hear what sounds like actual gunfire in the vicinity of West Point Elementary School (13700 W Greenway Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374) as part of the training.  

Simunitions Training is a live training for law enforcement that is designed to duplicate real world conditions and scenarios as closely as possible. During the training, very specific and redundant safety protocols are followed to ensure that no injuries or serious damage occurs. While only specific training ammunition is used, it may sound like actual gun fire depending on an individual's proximity to the location.

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart saw great success in academics, arts and athletics in the 2022-2023 school year, including top-ratings in state rankings, as well as an increase in state championships and arts seals earned.  

Dysart more than doubled the number of “A” schools in the district this year, with a total of 22 schools now boasting an “A” or “B” rating. When compared to local charter schools, 11 Dysart schools outranked them all. Freedom Traditional Academy was ranked #8 among K-8s in the entire state, three K-8s in the top 100 and two high schools in the top 50 across the state. 

This year Dysart also added to its’ A+ School of Excellence list, with a total of 11 schools now with this designation over the last 13 years. El Mirage Elementary School was named a Model School by the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Additionally, El Mirage, along with Western Peaks Elementary School were in the top ten for academic growth in the state of Arizona. 

Academically, Dysart students are excelling. This year brought a Flinn Scholar, four National Merit Commended students, two Dorrance Scholars and a Phoenix Suns/Helios scholar, among many other student accolades, including over $33 million in college scholarships. Dysart High School came in second place in the state for the AZ Council of Economic Education’s (ACEE) Stock Market Game, and two students, one each from Valley Vista High School and Dysart High School, were InvestWrite state winners for their essays. Shadow Ridge students were Overall Grand Champions in the Racing the Sun solar-powered go-kart competition, and several Willow Canyon High School students won Cambridge Scholar Awards of Merit or Distinction, in addition to one Top in Country Award for History.  

In the arts, for the second year in a row Dysart students earned the second most Arts Seals of Proficiency in the state. 139 seals were earned this year, up from 107 last year. Dysart schools earned numerous “superior” ratings for their bands and choirs at regional and state festivals, solo and ensemble festivals, marching and choral competitions.   Additionally, our schools earned multiple superior ratings in theatre at their State IA and One Act competitions.  This year Willow Canyon theater was even named a Gold Honor Troupe, the district Winterguard was named champions, and a Valley Vista student won the Congressional Art Competition. 

Dysart Schools won 14 state championships in high school athletics this year, up from nine last year. The girls basketball title was our fourth in a row, and the sixth time in the last seven years. 21 students were named region players of the year, with two conference players of the year. 11 coaches were region coaches of the year, and one was conference coach of the year, and 87 students signed letters of intent to play college sports. A Willow Canyon softball player was named to the USA Today watch list for HSAA Softball Player of the Year. 

Student safety has been a top priority in the district, and this year safety glass was installed in all front offices, safety drill and risk management audits took place at all campuses, and over 120 campus safety checks took place throughout the year. This year Dysart added School Resource Officers at middle schools, and plans to add more through Safety Grant funds next year. The focus will continue through strong partnerships with law enforcement, specific safety protocols, planned drills and training, and coordinated Threat Assessment Teams and School Safety Committees. 

As the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, Dysart employs over 3,000 teachers and support staff. Accolades abound with 57 National Board Certified staff members, a 94.5 Kool FM Outstanding Music Educator, Tancer Award Finalist, and a staff Leadership Award recipient for Early Childhood. Dysart was even named a Top 10 Healthiest Employer by the Phoenix Business Journal. Dysart Schools are always hiring, and openings are posted at Dysart.org/Careers. 

Dysart takes fiscal responsibility seriously, having earned the Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for 27 years in a row. Administrative costs (8.5%) are lower than the state average (10.2%), and those of peer districts. Dysart has been diligent in submitting much needed repair projects to the Arizona School Facilities Board, and were able to get approval and funding for over $14 million for building repairs such as roofing, flooring, weatherization and painting, cooling tower and heat pump repair and replacement, and walk-in cooler/freezer construction. Budget details are always available at Dysart.org/Budget. 

The 2023-2024 school year begins on Thursday, August 3. Enrollment can be completed online at Dysart.org/Enroll.

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District is accepting new student enrollment applications for the 2023-2024 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.  

For in-person K-8 enrollment assistance between June 5 and June 29, families may visit the District Office, located at 15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise, Arizona.  District high schools will be open for enrollment assistance in their front offices between June 5 and June 29. All K-12 school offices will reopen for in person enrollment on Monday, July 10.    

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. 

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 10, call 623-876-7151, or email SISTeam@dysart.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/19/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District ends the 2022-2023 school year with 14 state championships in high school athletics, including: 

• 6A Girls Basketball - Valley Vista High School (VVHS) 
• Division I-II Cheer, Coed Stunt - Willow Canyon High School (WCHS) 
• Division I-II Cheer, Coed Show Cheer - WCHS 
• Division I Track, 100 meter - Blaise Nelson, VVHS 
• Division I Track, 200 meter - Blaise Nelson, VVHS 
• 126 lb Wrestler, Girls Division - Brianna Reyes, VVHS 
• 150 lb Wrestler, Division I - Ammon Passey, SRHS 
• 215 lb Wrestler, Division I - Abel Garza, SRHS  
• Heavyweight Wrestler, Division III - Julian Laborin, Dysart High School (DHS) 
• Unified Badminton, Gold Division - WCHS 
• Unified Soccer, Gold Division - VVHS 
• Unified Basketball, Gold Division - WCHS 
• Unified Basketball, CoEd Silver Division - Shadow Ridge High School (SRHS) 
• Unified Track and Field - WCHS 

Nationally, Shadow Ridge High School won the USA Spirit Nationals for Large Intermediate Song/Pom.  

This year’s wins are repeats for three of the titles - girls basketball, and 100 and 200 meter track. It is the fourth year in a row that Valley Vista High School girls basketball has won the state championship, and the sixth time in seven years.  

Dysart has seen athletic success growing rapidly since it launched competitive athletics classes in the 2019-2020 school year to help students hone their athletic skills and abilities during the school day.  In the 2019-2020 school year Dysart had one state championship, which grew to six in 2020-2021 and nine in 2021-2022 to 14 this year. 

With individual players, Dysart saw two conference players of the year and 21 region players of the year in various sports. Willow Canyon High School softball player Marissa McCann was named to the USA Today watch list for HSSA Softball Player of the Year, and Valley Vista High School’s Olivia Arvallo became the first 6A Division player in Arizona history to win four state championships in any sport - her’s were on the six time state championship girls basketball team. More than 80 Dysart seniors signed letters of intent to play college sports. 

Dysart teams are led by the best, with 11 region coaches of the year, and a conference coach of the year. Additionally, Willow Canyon High School’s Clay Bewley was a nominee for the 2023 National NSCA High school Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year. 

Aside from high school athletics, Dysart’s middle schools competed in the Valley Junior High Athletics Conference and won seven championships in the league, up from three last year: 

• Baseball, Sunset Hills 
• Flag Football, Ashton Ranch 
• Girls Volleyball, Marley Park 
• Boys Volleyball, Canyon Ridge 
• Boys Soccer, Marley Park 
• Girls Soccer, Canyon Ridge 
• Boys Basketball, Cimarron Springs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/17/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District will host the annual Summer Feeding Program with free breakfast and lunch for children ages 18 and under from June 5 through June 29.   

Breakfast and lunch will be served Monday through Thursday, at El Mirage Elementary School, which is located at 13500 North El Mirage, AZ 85335 and Surprise Elementary School, which is located at 12907 W Greenway Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374. 

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.  

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/08/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District students earned the second most Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency for the second year in a row. 129 Dysart students earned arts seals this year, up from 100 last year. The arts seal is awarded to high school students who meet rigorous standards, and have demonstrated artistic literacy and high levels of competency in media arts, visual arts, dance, theatre, or music.     

Students must meet certain requirements to qualify, which include achieving a minimum “B” average on all approved arts courses, completing a minimum of 4 credit hours of approved arts courses, completing 80 hours of arts-related extracurricular activities, and a senior capstone project.  Each of Dysart’s high schools, including Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School had students earn the seal.  

Dysart Unified School District was one of 44 school districts across Arizona that participated this year.  A total of 153 Arizona schools participated, and 1,276 students earned the Arts Seal, 129 of those were from Dysart for a total of 139 seals earned. Six Dysart students earned double-seals for completing the requirements in two different disciplines, and two students earned triple-seals. Only 23 students statewide earned multiple seals. 

“It is with great pride that we are able to share the hard work and many hours our students have spent dedicated to their discipline,” said Danae Marinelli, Director of Arts. “The Seal of Arts Proficiency requires motivated students to go above and beyond what they do in the classroom daily.  Each of these students have created a portfolio highlighting and reflecting upon their growth as artists through their high school arts career, including their plans post high school.  Our goal as arts educators is to create lifelong artists/performers who continue to experience and appreciate the arts beyond high school. I believe this Seal is helping create that impact.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/27/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Schools and Valley Vista High School senior, Fatem Kadhem, was named a Flinn Scholar and will receive the prestigious Flinn Scholarship valued at more than $130,000.  

Fatem is one of only 20 recipients across the state of Arizona, selected out of 1,045 applicants for her academic achievement, leadership and involvement, service to the community, ability to communicate, and personal qualities. She is a first-generation college student and plans to attend Arizona State University after graduation, and major in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in French.  

"This scholarship has opened up so many doors for me,” said Fatem Kadhem. “I'm eternally grateful to have been selected as a Flinn Scholar alongside the rest of the incredible Flinn Class of 2023. I can't wait to continue taking charge of my academia and in my community as I transition into college."  

Fatem is in the top 1% of her class and has a 4.674 GPA.  She serves in many leadership roles at Valley Vista High School, including Key Club President, Book Club Co-founder and Treasurer, Science Olympiad Mentor and Member, Environmental Club President and Co-founder, and she is a member of the National Honor Society.  Fatem also was named a Commended student in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program for her PSAT score. 

“Fatem is an exemplary student,” said Andrew Frazier, Valley Vista High School Principal. “She is mature, well-rounded, involved around campus, and an advocate for others. She is a model student that stands out in everything she does! We are so proud to have Fatem represent our school and to celebrate the outstanding work she has done.” 

About the Flinn Scholarship 

The Flinn Scholarship, awarded annually to approximately 20 Arizona high-school seniors, is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships in the United States. It supports four years of study at an Arizona public university, study abroad, personal mentorship by faculty and alumni Scholars, and many other benefits. The first Flinn Scholarships were awarded in 1986. The total award, provided via a partnership with Arizona’s public universities, is valued at more than $130,000. 

The Flinn Foundation is a Phoenix-based, private, nonprofit philanthropic endowment established in 1965 to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations. In addition to the Flinn Scholars, the Foundation supports the advancement of the biosciences in Arizona, arts and culture, and the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/24/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District annually names staff members as Heroes to recognize outstanding service to the district and the community. This year, 56 staff members received the honor of being named a Dysart Hero, after being selected through a peer nomination process.  There were hundreds of nomination letters this year, truly demonstrating the hard work and dedication of Dysart’s staff. Heroes were surprised with the awards by the Dysart Hero Squad, made up of district administrators and Governing Board members, over the course of several days in March.  

The Dysart Heroes were honored during a ceremony and silent auction on April 20, 2023 at The Vista Center for the Arts. Dr. Jim Dean, Superintendent of Dysart Schools, was the Master of Ceremonies and read excerpts from the nomination letters. A commemorative Hero plaque, sponsored by the Dysart Education Foundation, was presented by Assistant Superintendent of Support Services, Dr. John Croteau and members of the Dysart Governing Board. The Shadow Ridge High School choir provided a brief performance onstage. A take home meal was provided for each Hero from Sharkos Catering, so they could enjoy it with their families.   

2023 Dysart Heroes: 

Certified / Classified

Asante Preparatory Academy- Jennifer Maddox, Lindsay Smith 

Ashton Ranch Middle School - Jennifer Dawn, Kayla Trojanek 

Canyon Ridge School - Amanda Mutai, Ryan Robichaud 

Cimarron Springs Middle School - Brian Kirchner, Holly Berger 

Countryside Elementary School - Melissa Judd, Colene Hayden 

Dysart High School - Bailee Talbot, Renata Daniel 

Dysart Middle School - Taylor Whittaker, Estella Soto 

El Mirage Elementary School - Marissa Barber, Benjamin Bojorquez 

Freedom Traditional Academy - Kimberly Chavez, Amber Henley 

Kingswood Elementary School - Krista Rust, Shelley Franklin 

Luke Elementary School - Susan Goetz, Aurora Welsher 

Marley Park Elementary School - Christina Williams, Tiffany Valenzuela 

Mountain View School - Rachel Frazer, David Miller 

Rancho Gabriela Elementary School - Ashley Meyer, Deborah Holland 

Riverview School - Jacqueline James-, Amanda Erickson 

Shadow Ridge High School - Rodney Moore, Beth Van Doren 

Sonoran Heights Middle School- Valerie Standlee, Robert Franco 

Sundown Mountain Alternative Education Program - Tamika Jones, Tom Pozniak 

Sunset Hills Elementary School - Dana Thomas, Julie Boisvert 

Surprise Elementary School - Erin Keller, Maria Gomez 

Thompson Ranch Elementary School - Crystal Fajardo, Betty Wilkie 

Valley Vista High School - Susan Lawler, Shi Abke 

West Point Elementary School - Nicole Truitt, Sherry Goodwin 

Western Peaks Elementary School - Jamie Bruner, Ana Diaz 

Willow Canyon High School - Jason Ward, Jessica Schreifels 

District Departments- Christie Martinez, Community Education & Holli Tuttle, Finance/Career and Technical Education 

Volunteer

Bianca Reynolds, Western Peaks Elementary School 

Administrators

Stephanie Davis, El Mirage Elementary School

Jessica Felix, Marley Park Elementary School

Suzanne Smith, Student Information Systems 

The Dysart Hero Awards were sponsored this year by generous community partners including:

Diamond Sponsors: Dysart Education Foundation, Valley Schools 

Platinum Sponsors: 1GPA, CHASSE Building Team, Blumm & Viewsonic, Turboscape 

Gold Sponsors: AG Parts WorldWide, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona, Wholesale Floors 

Silver Sponsors: CHWP Expos, Dave Bang, Norcon Industries 

Bronze Sponsors: EMI Health, Logicalis, Sun Life and Teledoc, Water and Energy Systems Technology 

A special thanks to our schools and Parent Support organizations for providing silent auction items and to the Dysart Education Foundation for sponsoring our Dysart Hero plaques and tote bags. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/14/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board voted unanimously on April 13, 2023 to hire Dr. John Croteau to serve as the Dysart Schools Superintendent, beginning on July 1, 2023.  

Dr. Croteau has been with Dysart since 2019, currently serving the district as Assistant Superintendent for Support Services and previously as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Acacia University, a Masters in Administration from University of Phoenix, and a Bachelors in Mathematics from Colorado State University. 

“Dysart is a strong district, and I am honored to continue the important work being done here,” said Dr. Croteau. “Our focus will continue to be on providing the highest quality academics, arts and athletic opportunities to our deserving community.” 

The Board voted to enter into contract negotiations with Dr. John Croteau at the March 30, 2023 Governing Board meeting, after they approved the resignation of Dr. Jim Dean, effective June 30, 2023.  

“The Board is looking forward to Dr. Croteau’s continued leadership in his new role as Superintendent,” said Governing Board President, Chrystal Chaffin. “I am confident that he will keep Dysart moving in a positive direction as we focus on student learning. I believe under his leadership, Dysart will continue a commitment to excel in academics, arts, and athletics.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/11/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District is seeking individuals that live within the Dysart Unified School District boundaries who are interested in becoming a Trustee for the Employee Benefits Trust.  Three positions are available for a three-year term. The deadline to apply is April 28, 2023. 

The purpose of the district’s Trust is to provide guidance and support on the district's benefits that are provided to employees. The Employee Benefits Trust has the following powers and duties: Receiving Contributions Paid to the Trust; Providing Benefits and Determining Coverage; Responsible for the Administration of All; and Employee Benefits. 

The Board consists of five member Trustees and meets four times a year. All Trustees are appointed by the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board. Interested individuals should review the Trustee Position Summary and submit an Employee Benefits Trust Trustee Application.

For more information, please contact the Dysart Business Services office at 623-876-7018.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/10/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District follows the records retention schedule of the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Division (ASLAPR). Periodically, records are destroyed, per the schedule, after the required retention period. Student Records and Public Records may be requested through our Records Department, per the process noted at Dysart.org/Records. Questions regarding this process can be directed to 623-876-7006 or records@dysart.org. 

The Dysart Unified School District is preparing to destroy archived student records from 2018-2019 and anything prior to that year, and will begin this process in October, 2023. This includes all student records. Parents, guardians, or eligible students have the right to review and/or receive a copy of these records before September, 2023. Individuals that would like to review records of attendance from the last four years should contact their school of attendance prior to September, 2023. If they attended more than four years ago, contact records@dysart.org or 623-876-7006 prior to September, 2023.  

Special Education records include placements, referrals, evaluations, testing data, etc., which are maintained for four fiscal years after a student’s final enrollment in a special education program.  Final enrollment in a special education program is defined as the last day a student is enrolled in a special education program and is no longer receiving services. Parents, guardians, or eligible students have the right to review and/or receive a copy of these records before September, 2023. Individuals that would like to review records should contact ess.records@dysart.org or 623-876-7198 prior to September, 2023.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 03/27/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) named El Mirage Elementary School a 2023 Model School for its focus on relationships and rigorous and relevant academics to impact students.  El Mirage’s Principal, Stephanie Davis, and a team of the school’s teacher leaders will be sharing key strategies from their inspiring journey at the 31st Annual Model Schools Conference, June 25-28 in Orlando, Florida. 

The International Center for Leadership in Education’s mission is to celebrate, inspire, and support today’s K-12 educators, and the award demonstrates that the team at El Mirage Elementary School recognizes opportunities for growth, fosters a strong culture, and holds high expectations for all students. El Mirage Elementary School is one of 30 Model Schools from across the United States that will share best practices at ICLE’s conference. The event provides the inspiration thousands of passionate teachers and leaders need to validate and affirm the great work they do, and to challenge them to share replicable and creative strategies that can produce results in any school. 

Located in the city of El Mirage, Arizona, El Mirage Elementary School is a Title I school that serves nearly eight hundred Preschool through 4th grade students, of which nearly 80% qualify for free and reduced lunch.  Previously, the school was not achieving at a high level, but this school year they were named an A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation, and an A-rated school according to Arizona state rankings.  

Principal Stephanie Davis attributes the school’s improved academic performance to three strategies - changing school culture with a system of schoolwide expectations; using a research-based curriculum with fidelity; and using data effectively to focus on growth.  

“The staff, students, and community worked diligently to support the growth of our school,” said Davis. “We all focused on our common goal of increasing student achievement. I am proud of what they accomplished to ensure our vision was achieved. El Mirage Elementary strives for excellence every day.”  

“Model Schools are passionate about kids—and their educators are persistent about creating effective learning environments to benefit the students and communities they serve,” says Dr. Linda Lucey, Program Chair and ICLE Associate Partner. “Each of the 2023 Model Schools is proud to share its story of perseverance and strategies others can take away and make their own.” 

About the International Center for Leadership in Education 

The International Center for Leadership in Education, established in 1991, is one of the most influential education consulting companies in America. It is best known for identifying and disseminating successful practices to assist all students in achieving higher standards. The leadership team and consultants at ICLE have assisted numerous state education agencies and hundreds of schools and districts in their improvement initiatives. For more information, visit www.hmhco.com/ICLE. The International Center for Leadership in Education is a division of the learning company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. To learn more about the 31st Annual Model Schools Conference, visit ModelSchoolsConference.com. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 03/09/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District will host a College 101 Parent Night for parents interested in learning about the college acceptance and financial aid process on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Valley Vista High School, located at 15550 N. Parkview Place in Surprise, Arizona.  

"Dysart has a strong focus on preparing our students for college and career success,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Dean.  “We’re excited to offer College 101 Night as a way for our families to learn more about how to prepare for college.” 

The event will begin at 5:30pm with college booths available to browse. Two informational sessions will be held at 6:30pm and again at 7:00pm where parents can choose to hear about a variety of topics. Participating parents will have the opportunity to learn about FAFSA, dual enrollment, athletics in college, honors colleges, military academies, saving for college, financial planning, and much more. Over thirty-five colleges will be in attendance along with military representatives to meet with parents and answer questions. Food trucks will also be on site during the event.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 03/03/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District invites the community to a Career Fair on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 4-7pm at the district office located at 15802 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374. Walk-ins are welcome, but interested candidates can also register in advance to schedule an onsite interview at Dysart.org/Careers. 

The Career Fair will feature nearly 150 employment options for immediate openings, as well as positions for the 2023-2024 school year. Positions range from teachers in all subjects, to support staff and administrators. High need areas include Special Education teachers, paraprofessionals, often referred to as classroom assistants, child care and preschool aide positions, bus drivers and bus aides.   

Interested applicants can also apply online for any open positions at Dysart.org/Careers prior to or at the Career Fair.  Qualified candidates will be able to interview on March 23. Attendees will also be able to meet with multiple schools and departments to learn more about job opportunities and visit with the Human Relations staff.  Prospective applicants should bring their current resume and be ready for an interview. 

“We seek dedicated staff to join the Dysart family, and to be a part of the great things happening on our campuses every day,” said Dr. Stephen Poling, Assistant Superintendent for Human Relations.  “Each of our employees is critical in ensuring that our students are provided with a high quality education.” 

Dysart’s starting salary for a new teacher is one of the highest in the Valley, at nearly $50,000, and has an average teacher salary ($61,445) well above the state average ($56,349) and that of peer districts ($54,158) based on the Auditor General Report. Along with competitive salaries, Dysart offers a comprehensive benefit package to staff, has won many awards for its wellness program, and was named a Top 20 Healthiest Employer (#10) by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2022. 

The Dysart Unified School District employs over 2,700 staff members at 26 schools and two support sites.  It is the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, and has been recognized as one of the Best Companies to work for by both Zippia and TalentDesk.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 03/01/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District provides Summer School options to help students stay on track, and to provide opportunities for them to remediate their grades or advance the accumulation of high school credits.  Courses are available for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and will be offered two ways, including online through Dysart’s iSchool program, or in person on various campuses.  

Online iSchool Summer School (Grades: Current 9-12 students):

iSchool Summer School registration will begin Wednesday, March 1, 2023 for high school students.  Courses are online and students may choose to take up to two classes, depending on when they begin their coursework. Dysart iSchool Summer School will run April 17 through June 22, 2023. Students who choose to begin on April 17 could possibly complete 1.0 credit during Summer School if they sign up for two courses. Students who begin courses on the second start date of May 30, 2023 will only be able to complete one course for .5 credit. 

The deadline to register is April 13, 2023 for those wanting to start classes on April 17, and Thursday, May 25, 2023 for those that want to start on May 30, 2023.  The cost is $100 per 0.5 credit, or $50 for those on free and reduced lunch or Dysart employees. All offered courses meet graduation requirements and are taught by certified teachers. While coursework is online, students will have access to in-person instructors for additional support, if needed. Students are required to take an in person final exam before noon on June 22 to complete the course.  In order to receive iSchool credit, students must pass the final exam with a 60% or better, regardless of their grade going into the final. 

Dysart iSchool Summer School is open to students from the four Dysart high schools. Current Dysart students who are interested can register with their school counselors, or may contact the iSchool office.  For additional information, visit Dysart.org/summerschool or call 623-876-7295. 

Summer Learning (Grades: Current K-8 Students):

Summer learning will be available for all K-8 students. Summer learning will be held Monday through Thursday from June 5th through June 22nd from 8:00 - 11:00 am. Specific details and Summer Learning K-8 offerings will be shared by each school to currently enrolled families.  

In Person Summer School (Grades: Current 9-12 Students):

Current high school students will have limited in-person Summer School opportunities for those students who need to retake core area courses. Programs offered vary by site and grade level and will run June 5 - 22, Monday through Thursday. Two sessions are offered, one from 8-11am and another from 12-3pm, so students can take up to two classes if they attend both sessions. Specific details and offerings will be shared by each school for current families. For additional information, contact your high school counselor.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 02/22/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Canyon Ridge School, El Mirage Elementary School, and Willow Canyon High School have been named A+ Schools of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF).  The A+ School of Excellence is a comprehensive school assessment program that celebrates outstanding schools and helps to identify, celebrate, and recognize educational excellence in PreK-12th grade schools throughout Arizona. AEF named thirty-six Arizona schools as 2022-2023 A+ Schools of Excellence. 

Dysart has had eleven schools named A+ Schools of Excellence over the last thirteen years.  Canyon Ridge previously received the A+ award, which is valid for four years, in 2014. Willow Canyon High School’s receipt of this honor means that all four of Dysart’s high schools are A+ Schools of Excellence. In addition to the A+ accolades, 92% of Dysart Schools have “A” or “B” ratings in the 2022 Arizona state accountability labels. 

“In Dysart we strive to compete at the highest level, and I could not be more proud of these schools for this outstanding accomplishment,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Dean.  “Canyon Ridge, El Mirage Elementary, and Willow Canyon are clearly doing great things, which is reflective of the hard work that our staff does each and every day.”  

“The A+ School of Excellence Award is significant as it sends a message throughout communities that the local neighborhood public school down the street is an exceptional choice, brimming with opportunities for students to learn and grow, and for faculty and staff to thrive,” stated Kim Graham, AEF® Executive Director. “AEF was established to shine a spotlight on the great work of public schools and the hardworking educators and employees who devote themselves to serving students and families. The A+ School of Excellence Award is our way of honoring that incredible dedication.” 

A+ School of Excellence recipients are evaluated on many areas, including student focus and support, school culture, active teaching and learning, curriculum, leadership, community and parent involvement and assessment data. Selected schools must demonstrate high student academic achievement or growth over time, participate in site visits by state education leaders, and document in detail the school’s leadership and commitment to excellence, equity, and service. The application process is collaborative, and involves all stakeholders - students, staff, and the community. Winning schools receive $500 and a banner designating them as an A+ School of Excellence winner.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 2/21/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Schools will host Kindergarten Showcase events on Tuesday, March 21 beginning at 5:30 p.m. so that families can learn more about the free, full-day program. The Showcase is a great opportunity for parents of future Kindergartners to tour the school, meet the teachers, and register your child.  Information on before and after school programs available through Dysart's Community Education Department will be available as well.  

Dysart schools are among the top-rated in the state of Arizona and provide a FREE, FULL-DAY Kindergarten program in a safe, caring environment. The Dysart kindergarten program follows Arizona state standards, and offers hands-on, real-life activities in the areas of Cognitive, Social, and Physical development. Parents can learn more about Dysart School’s Kindergarten program at Dysart.org/Kindergarten. 

Dysart schools offering full-day kindergarten include Asante Preparatory Academy, Canyon Ridge, Countryside, El Mirage, Freedom Traditional Academy, Kingswood, Luke, Marley Park, Mountain View, Rancho Gabriela, Riverview, Sunset Hills, Surprise Elementary, Thompson Ranch, West Point, and Western Peaks. 

Registration for the 2023-2024 school year is now open for Dysart Schools. Parents may register their child online at Dysart.org/Registration or visit their local school.  In order to register for school, parents must provide a birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency.   To determine the school boundary for your residence, please visit www.dysart.org/boundaries. Open enrollment is available for parents who would like their child to attend a school other than their home school. Information on Open Enrollment is available at Dysart.org/OpenEnrollment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 02/16/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District will host the Dysart Festival of the Arts on Saturday, March 25, 2023.  The festival will take place from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Valley Vista High School, 15550 N Parkview Place, Surprise. The festival is free to attend and is open to the public.   

The festival will showcase the visual and performing arts programs from sixteen elementary schools, four middle schools, four high schools, and the Growing Minds Preschool in the Dysart Unified School District.  The day will be packed with back-to-back performances on eight stages, to include various band, choir, dance and theatre troops.   The K-12 schools and Growing Minds Preschool visual arts programs will be hosting two showcases to include both 2D and 3D pieces.  In addition to all the wonderful performances, arts vendors, local artists and food trucks will be on site.  

New this year, will be an “Arts Experience” area, sponsored by IRIS USA, offering multiple hand-on opportunities for attendees to participate in the arts. Examples include 30-minute workshops on dance, bucket drumming, piano, ukulele, and art projects.   

This year’s presenting sponsor is Germain Honda of Surprise. Some of the event highlights include Act One's Virtual Reality Arts Immersion Field Trips, WHAM Recycled Arts Make and Take Art Project, a Community Mural in which everyone can paint a part of the mural, as well as a Chalk Exhibition on the sidewalk.  This year's festival is proud to host over 60 arts vendors, food trucks and community partners.   These artisans will have their products on display for purchase. Visit www.Dysart.org/ArtsFest for more details or a list of performances, vendors and food trucks.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 02/01/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Boasting a total of 57 National Board Certified employees in the district, Dysart Schools had seven teachers renew their National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) certifications this year. The staff members were recognized on Thursday, January 26 with a special balloon delivery in celebration of their achievement.  

Dysart staff that received a renewal include: 

• Kara Ashford, K-3 Reading Interventionist at Mountain View School 
• Kami Bernard, District Curriculum Specialist 
• Cara Cosentino, Special Education Resource Teacher at Western Peaks Elementary School
• Melissa Daub, Science Teacher at Willow Canyon High School 
• Sheri Loyd, School Data Improvement Specialist at West Point Elementary School 
• Lisa Moberg, iExplore Lab Teacher at Sunset Hills Elementary School 
• Jackie Older, Teaching and Learning Specialist at Sunset Hills Elementary School 

National Board Certification is the highest certificate an educator can achieve in the United  States. Administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Board certification is a rigorous and reflective process that requires teachers to showcase the National  Board Standards in their practice. Teachers often take up to three years of continual work to achieve certification. Research shows that students of NBCTs have improved learning outcomes, and only 3% of teachers nationwide achieve this certification.  

Since 1996, teachers throughout Arizona have been seeking and achieving National Board  Certification. The Arizona K12 Center provides support and resources for teachers to pursue  National Board Certification. Dysart supports staff members interested in the certification through cohort meetings and substitute coverage for two professional days for preparation, and offers a stipend equal to 5% of the base salary to teachers who are National Board Certified. According to the National Board, there are more than 128,000 NBCTs across the U.S. Learn more about National Board Certification at nbpts.org or azk12.org.

For Immediate Release 1/31/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Education Foundation (DEF) is pleased to announce that college scholarship applications are now being accepted through March 15, 2023. Graduating seniors from Dysart, Shadow Ridge, Valley Vista and Willow Canyon High Schools are invited to apply. DEF supports learning beyond a student’s K-12 experience. Each graduating senior may submit one application to be eligible for multiple scholarships from DEF administered by the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF).

DEF, along with local donors, will be awarding 19 students with a total of $90,500 in scholarship funds. Students graduating from the four high schools in the Dysart Unified School District are encouraged to apply.

DEF offers one and two year scholarships.  Students attending a trade school, community college, or university may apply to receive any one of the DEF scholarships.  To apply visit www.defweb.org.

The recipients will be notified via email by March 31, 2023.  The student recipients and their parents/guardians will be invited to attend the Fifth Annual Dysart Education Foundation Awards Dinner on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 to accept their scholarships.

Student scholarship recipients are responsible for keeping ACF informed of all current information concerning home address, emails, class schedules, GPA, and transcripts. A separate link will be provided via email from DEF to students in December 2023, May 2024, and December 2024 to update the organization and its scholarship donors each semester. Failure to provide required documents may result in the loss of the scholarship.

2023 Sponsors Include:

DEF/Subaru Share the Love

Southwest Foodservice Excellence 

Dysart High School Alumni 

The Grand Opportunity

Dr. Gail Pletnick Education Award 

Tyrus Timbrooks Memorial Scholarship (Dysart High School Students Only)

The Dysart Education Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting students and teachers in the Dysart Unified School District. For more information about, please visit www.defweb.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/28/22

DYSART SCHOOLS - Students entering high school in the 2023-2024 academic year, and their parents, are invited to attend an incoming freshman meeting on Monday, December 5 to learn about high school expectations, unique programs, and the process for registration and class selection. These meetings are designed to provide incoming freshmen with an overview of the academic programs available at Dysart Unified School District’s four high schools and explain the process of registering for ninth-grade classes.  

Future Freshman Nights are scheduled as follows on Monday, December 5:  

• Dysart High School - 5:30 PM at 11425 N. Dysart Road, El Mirage 
• Shadow Ridge High School - 6:00 PM at 10909 N. Perryville Road, Surprise 
• Valley Vista High School - 5:30 PM at 15550 N. Parkview Place, Surprise 
• Willow Canyon High School - 5:00 PM at 17901 W. Lundberg Street, Surprise 

Students and parents will learn about high school classes, course selection, unique and career-related programs, core curriculum, and graduation requirements. Attending Future Freshman Night motivates eighth graders to remain focused on their true academic goal – completing high school and beyond.    

Dysart offers four top-rated high schools to the community and is home to two top 50 high schools in Arizona. Three of our four high schools are “A” rated, and two out-rank all local counterparts. Visit Dysart.org to learn more about our high schools academics, arts and athletics. To view school locations and residential attendance boundaries, visit Dysart.org/Boundaries. 

For Immediate Release 11/16/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS - With the top-rated schools in the area, the Dysart Unified School District is proud to offer our community a choice in school enrollment. Dysart will begin accepting open enrollment applications for the 2023-2024 school year on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.  Parents or guardians who would like their child to attend a school outside of their residential attendance boundary for the 2023-2024 school year, must apply for open enrollment online at Dysart.org/OE.   

Dysart schools are among the top-rated in the state of Arizona in the most recent accountability labels issued, and is home to the #8 K-8 school in Arizona (Freedom Traditional Academy), three top 100 K-8 schools and two top 50 high schools in Arizona. Overall, the district has 12 “A” rated and 10 “B” rated schools based on state accountability labels, 11 of which out-rank our local counterparts. Additionally, Freedom Traditional Academy has the highest test scores of any school in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage. Dysart Schools have been recognized both nationally and internationally with AdvancED Accreditation, and are dedicated to serving the needs of all children with high quality academic coursework, before-and after-school programs, and services for the entire community.   

Open enrollment allows parents the opportunity to request that their children attend a Dysart school outside of their residential boundary area. This includes all Dysart K-8 and K-4 elementary schools, 5-8th grade middle schools, Freedom Traditional Academy, and high schools. Information about Dysart Schools academics, arts and athletic programs can be found at Dysart.org. Open enrollment applications can be submitted online at Dysart.org/OE beginning Tuesday, December 6.     

Parents whose students are currently open enrolled at the school of their choice will not need to reapply. The priority open enrollment period ends January 8, 2023. After this priority period, submitted applications will continue to be accepted and will be reviewed on a monthly basis as capacity becomes available.  Parents needing access to a computer to complete the open enrollment application may visit any district school or the front lobby of the Dysart District Office, located at 15802 N Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374, during regular business hours.

For Immediate Release - 11/14/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS - 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. Two evening dates will also be available on December 7, 2022 and 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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/01/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District has received 12 A-rated and 10 B-rated schools in the 2022 state accountability labels. This more than doubles the number of “A” schools in the district from 2019, the last year the state issued labels.  

“What an outstanding showing for Dysart Schools! We are so proud of the hard work that our schools have been doing to improve and excel in academics and achievement. These labels help provide a glimpse into many areas of proficiency and growth for a school, and can help us see what’s working well, and where further improvement is needed to do even better,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Dean. 

Dysart schools that received an A-rating include Canyon Ridge School; El Mirage School; Freedom Traditional Academy; Luke Elementary School; Marley Park Elementary School; Rancho Gabriela Elementary School; Shadow Ridge High School; Sonoran Heights Middle School; Sunset Hills Elementary School; Valley Vista High School; Western Peaks Elementary School; and Willow Canyon High School. B-rated schools include Asante Preparatory Academy; Ashton Ranch Middle School; Cimarron Spring Middle School; Countryside Elementary School; Dysart High School; Kingswood Elementary Schools; Mountain View School; Riverview School; Surprise Elementary School; and West Point Elementary School.  

Dysart had zero “D” or “F” schools, and only two schools with a “C”. 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. 

Highlights of this year’s Dysart Schools scores include: 

• Dysart Schools more than doubled the number of “A” schools from 5 (in 2018-19) to 12
• Dysart Schools increased number of “A” or “B” rated schools from 17 (in 2018-19) to 22 
• 3 of 4 district high schools have an A-rating 
• Willow Canyon scored in the top 25 of all large, comprehensive high schools across the state
• In its first year of receiving a letter grade, Freedom Traditional Academy easily earned an “A” with over 100 points
• Freedom Traditional Academy scored 5th highest in the state among district K-8 schools and 8th among overall K-8 schools
• Asante received a “B” in its first year of receiving a letter grade 
• Zero “D” or “F” schools in Dysart 
• Luke Elementary jumped two grades from a “C” to an “A” 
• Kingswood, Riverview, and West Point improved from a “C” to a “B” 

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/28/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board voted unanimously on October 27, 2022 to hire Dr. Jim Dean to serve as the next Dysart Schools Superintendent.

Dean has been with Dysart since 2005, previously serving as Acting Superintendent, Principal, Director of Public Relations, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Assistant Superintendent for Support Services. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Acacia University, Masters in Educational Leadership from University of Phoenix and a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University.  

"Dr. Dean is a proven leader with a wealth of excellent leadership experience which he has demonstrated throughout his seventeen years of employment with Dysart,” said Governing Board President, Christine A.K. Pritchard. “In the six months that he has served in his interim role, Dr. Dean has revitalized the district's commitment to academic accountability and school safety, while building an atmosphere of trust and collaboration with the Board, staff, and community. His expertise and professionalism during the recent transition in leadership helped to instill a sense of hope and confidence within the district and community, which was critical for Dysart's continued success and stability. Dr. Dean is an asset to our district, and I look forward to the multitude of accomplishments that Dysart will experience under his leadership."

The Board entered into contract negotiations with Dr. Jim Dean after the October 6, 2022 Governing Board meeting. At the October 27, 2022 meeting, the Board met privately in Executive Session to discuss the contract of employment, and voted 4-0, with one member absent, when the regular meeting resumed to approve the contract. 

Dr. Dean, who has been in the Acting Superintendent role for the district said, “It has been my greatest honor to serve this district for over seventeen years now, and I appreciate the opportunity to continue to lead and work with our outstanding students, staff and community. I look forward to carrying on the amazing work being done in our district.” 

The Governing Board began a national search for a new Superintendent in July, 2022. A timeline and details about the full superintendent search process can be viewed on the district website at Dysart.org/SuperSearch.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  - 10/7/22

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board voted 5-0 on October 6, 2022 to enter into contract negotiations with Dr. Jim Dean to serve as the next Dysart Schools superintendent.  

Dr. Jim Dean has been serving in the Acting Superintendent role for Dysart Schools since May, 2022. Dean holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Acacia University, Masters in Educational Leadership from University of Phoenix and a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. He has been with Dysart since 2005, previously serving as a Principal, Director of Public Relations, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Assistant Superintendent for Support Services. 

The Governing Board began the national search in July, 2022, which produced seven applicants. In August, the Board requested feedback from the community, parents, students, and staff regarding characteristics they desire in a new superintendent, for use in the selection process. Three finalists were invited to participate in interviews with the Governing Board and a panel of constituents on September 22, 2022. The Board met privately in Executive Session during the October 6, 2022 board meeting to discuss the finalists, and announced their decision when the regular meeting resumed. Pending upcoming contract negotiations, the Governing Board is expected to officially approve Dr. Jim Dean as the next superintendent. A search timeline and details can be viewed on the district website at Dysart.org/SuperSearch.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/5/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS - Four outstanding Dysart students have been named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Students receiving the Letter of Commendation include Marissa Le’Levier from Shadow Ridge High School, and Andrea Cosio, Fatem Kadhem and Aiden Pinuelas, from Valley Vista High School.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise this year through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Commended students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“We are so proud of these students for their outstanding work. They have demonstrated their exceptional academic abilities and success, and we are honored that we have had the opportunity to help them hone their skills and advance their education,” said Dr. Jim Dean, Interim Superintendent. “We look forward to seeing what the future brings for these bright young minds.”

Andrea Cosio hopes to attend Harvard or ASU and major in chemical engineering with a goal to pursue the study of alternative fuels. She enjoys using her imagination and likes to paint, write, read and has an interest in avant garde music/musicians and art museums.

Fatem Kadhem plans to make the most of senior year by establishing a garden on campus. After graduation, the hope is to attend Arizona State University, major in mechanical engineering and minor in French. Fatem enjoys reading and crocheting.

Marissa Le’Levier plans to go to a university and pursue becoming a neonatologist. In her free time she enjoys playing softball and golf, drawing and hanging out with friends.

Aiden Pinuelas has a goal of majoring in history and becoming a professor. He loves playing board games, and has collected over 150 of them. His hobbies include reading, playing the piano and violin and drawing.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/04/22

DYSART SCHOOLS - 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. 

Businesses and organizations interested in hosting a booth at the event to highlight a college or career pathway can call 623-876-7987, email tracey.ongjacobsen@dysart.org or register online. 

About Dysart CTE Programs

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. 

Dysart Schools CTE is currently working with Sun Health, Banner Health, Subaru Superstore of Surprise, Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of Surprise through partnerships and to provide students with extended learning opportunities and internships.  Businesses and organizations interested in partnering with the district should call 623-876-7991 or email james.grieshaber@dysart.org. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 09/28/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS – Valley Vista High School student, Sabrina Lara, has earned the National Hispanic Recognition Award from the College Board National Recognition Programs for excelling in College Board assessments and school work. Sabrina, who is a senior this year, received the academic award, which honors Hispanic American students who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more Advanced Placement Exams. 

Sabrina Lara is a senior in the top one percent of her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), and is the president of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) campus club. After graduation, she aspires to attend a university in California and major in business management, attend culinary school and become a pastry chef. Sabrina enjoys giving back to the community through volunteering when she has time. Her love for baking has even inspired her to create a social media account to share her creations. 

The College Board National Recognition Program grants underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process.    

“We want to honor the hard work of these students through the College Board National Recognition Programs. This program creates a way for colleges and scholarship programs to connect directly with underrepresented students who they are hoping to reach,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of BigFuture. “We hope the award winners and their families celebrate this prestigious honor and it helps them plan for their big future.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/7/22

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District has once again received awards for meeting high standards on the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This is the 27th consecutive year Dysart has received the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) award, and 18th consecutive year that Dysart has achieved the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) award.  

“We take great care to ensure the fidelity of our financial reports,” said Ken Hicks, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations. “It is an honor to receive these awards that reflect Dysart’s dedication to transparency and accountability to our local taxpayers.” 

ASBO awarded Dysart Schools with the Certificate of Excellence (COE) in Financial Reporting, for meeting high standards for financial reporting and transparency. By participating in the ASBO COE program, school districts demonstrate their commitment to financial transparency and excellence in financial reporting. The CAFR must inform stakeholders about the financial and economic state of the district, and be a communications tool to engage with the community. 

Additionally, Dysart received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the GFOA. The GFOA Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by an organization and its management. In order to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, an organization must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. This report must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements.  

The awards were presented to the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board at the August 25 board meeting. Dysart budget and financial reports are always available for viewing at Dysart.org/Budget.   

About ASBO International 

Founded in 1910, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is a nonprofit organization that, through its members and affiliates, represents approximately 30,000 school business professionals worldwide. ASBO International is committed to providing programs, services, and a global network that promote the highest standards in school business. Its members support student achievement through effective resource management in various areas ranging from finance and operations to food services and transportation. Learn more at asbointl.org. 

About GFOA

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/6/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District is hosting a meeting on Wednesday, September 21 to discuss Child Find procedures and the types of services the district is able to provide through Proportionate Share to families who have chosen to attend a private school within our district boundaries whose students have been determined eligible for and are in need of services. Proportionate Share is a set of funds set aside specifically to offer private and homeschool students some special education supports through the public school district.  

Families of students in private and homeschool settings, private school administrators, and private childcare providers within our district boundaries are invited to the meeting hosted by the Dysart Exceptional Student Services Department. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21, from 5-6pm in training room three of the Dysart Unified School District Support Services Facility located at 13825 North Desert Cove Road, Surprise. 

About Child Find Services in Dysart Schools 

The Dysart Unified School District abides by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), which requires that public school agencies ensure all children (from birth through age 21) with delays or developmental disabilities are identified, located, and evaluated to receive the supports and services they need. This includes all children living within the geographic boundaries of the school district – those who are homeless or wards of the state, are attending private schools, or are home schooled.  

Dysart Unified School District offers Child Find screenings for students aged 2 years 9 months through 5 years old who may have developmental delays. Suspected delays may be evidenced in the areas of communication, cognition, behavior, as well as in physical, auditory, visual and sensory development. Parents of a preschool child (aged 2 years 9 months through 5 years old) with suspected developmental delays that resides within the boundaries of the Dysart Unified School District, should call (623) 876-7022 (Select option #2) to schedule a free Child Find screening.  For additional information about Child Find for children younger than 2 years 9 months, please contact the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) at 602-532-9960, 888-352-4558, allazeip2@azdes.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/26/22

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board named three finalists in the superintendent search at the August 25, 2022 Governing Board meeting. The finalists were selected from a pool of seven applicants, and were invited to participate in in-person interviews for the position on September 22, 2022 with the Governing Board as well as a panel of constituents representing the district. 

The three selected finalists include: 

• Jim Dean - Dean holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Acacia University, Masters in Educational Leadership from University of Phoenix and a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. He has served as Acting Superintendent as well as Assistant Superintendent for Support Services and Human Resources in the Dysart Unified School District. 
• Kelvin Stroy - Stroy holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington, Masters in Education, and Bachelors in Sociology from Louisiana Tech University. He has served as Chief Student Services Officer at Rockwall Independent School District as well as Director of Student Services at Mansfield Independent School District, and Director of Academic Programs and Schools at Cedar Hill Independent School District, all in Texas. 
• Nicolas Wade - Wade holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University - Schaumburg, Masters in Leadership and Administration from Benedictine University and a Bachelors in Secondary Education from Bradley University. He has served as Superintendent of Lexington County School District Two in South Carolina and Elmwood Park CUSD #401 in Illinois.  

Earlier this month the Governing Board sought feedback from the community, parents, students, and staff regarding characteristics they desire in a new superintendent, which is being used in the selection process. It is anticipated that the Governing Board will complete the selection process in October, 2022, with a July 1, 2023 start date. A search timeline and details can be viewed on the district website at Dysart.org/SuperSearch.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 08/11/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District invites parents, grandparents, and community members 18 years of age or older to volunteer their time in one of 26 local schools.  

Volunteers play a critical role in schools by assisting the campus in enriching student learning opportunities to ensure they are providing a high-quality education to each and every student. Help is needed in a variety of areas, including classroom and teacher support, one-on-one student assistance, tutoring, front office and event help, assisting staff with non-instructional tasks, and guest speakers.  

Interested individuals should visit Dysart.org/Volunteer to learn more or to submit an application. Anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of children and support educators is encouraged to apply.  

No previous experience is required. Any person who volunteers more than five hours must be an approved district volunteer and be fingerprinted, or present a current Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card. Dysart Schools will cover the fingerprinting fee for volunteer applicants. Fingerprint clearance and background checks are valid for five years. Volunteer athletic coaches have a separate hiring process that must be completed. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 8/8/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board is seeking feedback from parents, students, staff and the community to aid in the selection of a new district superintendent. The deadline to submit feedback is August 22, 2022. 

A brief, three-question survey is available at Dysart.org/SuperFeedback where the community can share their input on the characteristics they desire in a new superintendent. There is also an opportunity for submissions to note anything the new superintendent should be aware of for a successful start.  The district is sharing similar surveys directly with students, staff and parents via email to ensure everyone has an opportunity to provide input that will be used in the selection process. 

Interviews for Superintendent finalists with the Governing Board as well as a panel of constituents representing the district are scheduled to take place in September. It is anticipated that the process will be completed in October, 2022 with a July 1, 2023 start date.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 07/27/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS — Dysart Unified School District will be participating in the National School Lunch Program. As part of this program, Dysart Schools will offer healthy meals every school day. Breakfast will cost $1.25; Elementary/Middle lunch will cost $2.60 and High School lunch $2.85. Your child(ren) may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Reduced-price meals cost $.30 for breakfast and $.40 for lunch. 

Qualifications for children to receive free or reduced-price meals include: belonging to a household whose income is at or below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines, belonging to a household that receives public assistance, or if the child is homeless, migrant, runaway, foster, or participates in a Head Start or Even Start pre-Kindergarten program. 

Household size and income criteria are used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits if the household does not receive assistance or the children are not in the other categories mentioned above. Children can get free or reduced-price meals if the household’s gross income falls at or below the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guideline chart. 

To apply for free or reduced-price meals we highly recommend using SchoolCafe at www.schoolcafe.com. Paper applications are available in each school office and can be returned to the school once completed unless the household has already received notification that their children are approved for free meals this year. Applications include a letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for their children and what is required to complete on the application. 

Only one application is required for all children in the household and the information provided on the appli­ca­tion will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data.  Applications may be verified at any time during the school year by the school or other program officials. An application for free or reduced-price benefits cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions. In the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability. 

Families can apply for benefits at any time. If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household's income falls at or below the Federal Guidelines. Contact Claudia Zamora at any time to request an application. 

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price policy, Nutrition Liaison will review applications and determine eligibility.  Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to: Kenneth Hicks, 13825 W Desert Cove Rd., Surprise, AZ 85379. 

When known to Dysart District households will be notified of their children’s eligibility for free meals if they are members of households receiving assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR); or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), if the State program meets Federal standards. 

An application is not required for free meal benefits for Assistance Program participants and all of the children in the household are eligible for free meal benefits. If any children were not listed on the notice of eligibility, or if a household does not receive a notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school to have free meal benefits extended to them. Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals, but they will need to turn in an application including household size and total income. 

When known to Dysart Unified households will also be notified of any child’s eligibility for free meals if the individual child is considered “Other Source Categorically Eligible”, because the child is categorized, as defined by law as: Foster, Homeless, Migrant, Runaway, Enrolled in an eligible Head Start, or  an eligible pre-kindergarten class. 

If any children were not listed on the notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school about their eligibility through the list above, or should submit an income application. Households notified of their children’s eligibility must contact the school if the household chooses to decline the free meal benefits. For more information, you may call Claudia Zamora at 623-876-7989 or e-mail at claudia.zamora@dysart.org. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 7/7/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District has launched a new website (Dysart.org) and refreshed its logo just in time for the 2022-2023 school year. The goal with the projects was to better serve the community through updated and improved resources, and refresh the logo to reflect the community focus. 

The new website increases functionality and accessibility for users, and improves mobile navigation through responsive design. It features easy to use pages for parents, students, and the community, designed specifically for quick access to frequently-used links. The new School Finder (Dysart.org/SchoolFinder) makes it easy for the community to search for schools based on interests, programs or offerings to find the best match for their child, and the general search feature was improved to get users where they need to be faster. 

The new district logo holds on to some familiar elements, but better reflects a community focus, increases usability, and includes a more modern design. It incorporates softer colors and more rounded shapes for a more modern,  welcoming and friendly design. The size and shape of the figures are varied to reflect the range of ages and uniqueness of the community that Dysart serves. A graduation cap was maintained in the layout to represent the end goal of graduating students, and an additional educational element was included in the form of a book to further visualize Dysart’s purpose.

The new district logo holds on to some familiar elements, but better reflects a community focus, increases usability, and includes a more modern design. It incorporates softer colors and more rounded shapes for a more modern,  welcoming and friendly design. The size and shape of the figures are varied to reflect the range of ages and uniqueness of the community that Dysart serves. A graduation cap was maintained in the layout to represent the end goal of graduating students, and an additional educational element was included in the form of a book to further visualize Dysart’s purpose.

About Dysart Schools:  Dysart has been serving the Northwest Phoenix Metropolitan community since 1920, and now serves nearly 24,000 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students.  The district encompasses 140 square miles, serving parts of El Mirage, Glendale, Surprise, Youngtown, and Maricopa County.  The district is home to four K-4 elementary schools, four middle schools serving grades 5-8, 12 K-8 elementary schools, four comprehensive high schools, a preschool, and one alternative program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 7/5/2022

The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board is seeking applicants for Superintendent. Applications will be accepted through August 8, 2022 at Dysart.org/Careers. 

Candidates must have the background, skills and abilities essential for excellence in educational leadership. Requirements include three (3) years of experience as a District Superintendent, and/or Assistant or Associate Superintendent of a rapidly growing urban or suburban unified school district; a doctorate from an accredited institution; possession of or ability to obtain Arizona Superintendent certification; and ability to obtain or maintain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC). 

The Governing Board will be seeking input from parents, staff and the community on desired characteristics in early August, and plans to select finalists in late August. Finalist interviews with the Board as well as a panel of constituents representing the district are scheduled to take place in September. It is anticipated that the process will be completed in October, 2022 with a July 1, 2023 start date. Applicants may view a district profile for more information about the district, timeline and desired attributes. 

About Dysart Schools: 

Dysart has been serving the Northwest Phoenix Metropolitan community since 1920, and now serves nearly 24,000 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students.  The district encompasses 140 square miles, serving parts of El Mirage, Glendale, Surprise, Youngtown, and Maricopa County.  The district is home to four K-4 elementary schools, four middle schools serving grades 5-8, 12 K-8 elementary schools, four comprehensive high schools, a preschool, and one alternative program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 06/15/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District is accepting new student enrollment applications for the 2022-2023 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. Additionally, 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. 

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 may contact their local school beginning July 6.

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District ended the 2021-2022 school year with nine state championships in high school athletics, up from six the previous year. The year’s State Championships for Dysart Schools include: 

•  6A Girls Basketball - Valley Vista High School (VVHS) 
•  5A Softball - Willow Canyon High School (WCHS) 
•  Division I-II Coed Cheer - Shadow Ridge High School (SRHS) 
•  Unified Athlete Track and Field - VVHS 
•  Division I Decathlon - Kaden Passey, SRHS 
•  Division I Track, 100 meter - Blaise Nelson, VVHS 
•  Division I Track, 200 meter - Blaise Nelson, VVHS 
•  Division I Boys Tennis - Kai (Cassius) Mills, SRHS 
•  Unified Badminton - VVHS 

 “Athletics are absolutely on the rise in Dysart Schools,” said Dr. Jim Dean, Acting Superintendent. “While academics is always our primary focus as a school district, we know that extracurricular opportunities, like athletics, are often a driving force in keeping students fully engaged in school. We have made a focused effort to prioritize our athletic opportunities for our students, and it’s outstanding to see the progress we’ve made in just a few short years.”  

Dysart launched competitive athletics classes in the 2019-2020 school year, for high school students participating in after-school sports (baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, spiritline, volleyball) to help students hone their athletic skills and abilities during the school day. This year’s wins are repeats for three of the titles - girls basketball, softball and decathlon. It is the third year in a row that Valley Vista High School girls basketball has won the state championship, and the fifth time in six years. In the 2019-2020 school year Dysart had one state championship, which grew to six last year and nine this year. 

Nationally, Willow Canyon High School won the USA Spirit Nationals for CoEd Small Varsity Show Cheer Advanced, and came in second for the Small Intermediate Song Pom Division. The school’s girls soccer team was honored with an AIA Sportsmanship Award, along with the Dysart High School boys volleyball team. 

Individual player accolades also abound, with multiple conference and region players of the years in various sports, a unified athlete of the year, along with the highly coveted Gatorade Player of the Year for Valley Vista High School Girls Basketball’s Jennah Isai. This is the second year in a row that Dysart has boasted this honor. Coaches were also highly recognized this year, with several region and section Coaches of the Year, as well as a rare High School Coach Hall of Fame Inductee for Valley Vista High School’s Girls basketball coach Rachel Matakas. 

Aside from high school athletics, Dysart’s middle schools competed in the Valley Junior High Athletics Conference and won three championships in the league, all with undefeated seasons. Dysart Middle School won the Boys Soccer Championship, and Sonoran Heights Middle School took the Boys Basketball and Baseball Championships.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/31/2022

The Dysart Unified School District is seeking individuals that live within the Dysart Unified School District boundaries who are interested in becoming a Trustee for the Employee Benefits Trust.  One position is available for a three-year term. The deadline to apply is June 23, 2022. 

The purpose of the district’s Trust is to provide guidance and support on the district's benefits that are provided to employees. The Employee Benefits Trust has the following powers and duties: Receiving Contributions Paid to the Trust; Providing Benefits and Determining Coverage; Responsible for the Administration of All; and Employee Benefits. 

The Board consists of five member Trustees and meets four times a year. All Trustees are appointed by the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board. Interested individuals should review the Trustee Position Summary and submit a completed application at https://forms.gle/guy8goNuvJ1Rc5aH9.  

For more information, please contact the Dysart Business Services office at 623-876-7018.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/23/2022

Dysart Unified School District will host the annual Summer Feeding Program with free breakfast and lunch for children ages 18 and under from May 23 through June 16. 

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 10:30am through 11:30am. All meals must be picked up in the cafeteria, but do not have to be consumed on site.

Meals for adults over the age of 18 are $1.75 for breakfast and $3.50 for lunch. 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 5/16/2022

The Dysart Unified School District had 100 students earn the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency this year, up from 51 last year, and earning the second most seals in the state of Arizona. The arts seal is awarded to high school students who meet rigorous standards, and have demonstrated artistic literacy and high levels of competency in media arts, visual arts, dance, theatre, or music.    

Students must meet certain requirements to qualify, which include achieving a minimum “B” average on all approved arts courses, completing a minimum of 4 credit hours of approved arts courses, completing 80 hours of arts-related extracurricular activities, and a senior capstone project.  Each of Dysart’s high schools, including Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School had students earn the seal. 

Dysart Unified School District was one of 41 school districts across Arizona that participated this year.  A total of 146 Arizona schools participated, and 1,001 students earned the Arts Seal, 100 of those were from Dysart for a total of 107 seals earned. Seven Dysart students earned double-seals for completing the requirements in two different disciplines, a feat accomplished by only 27 students across the state.

“We are tremendously proud of the hard work, dedication, and extraordinary amount of hours our students and teachers have dedicated to their discipline.  Earning this seal requires students to develop an end-goal, determine the plan to attain their goal, create a timeline with check points, deliver a presentation/performance and then write a reflection.  The art seal process alone is providing our students the soft skills that will lead into whatever path they take beyond high school. These students are fine examples of how the arts enriches our lives,” said Danae Marinelli, Director of Arts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 5/12/2022

Each Governing Board member has taken an oath of office that specifically requires the Board member to support and uphold the laws of the State of Arizona in the execution of their roles. This includes compliance with all aspects of the Arizona Open Meeting Law.

During this past spring, the Board has met in a closed, executive session regarding contract negotiations with the District’s chief executive officer, Dr. Quinn Kellis, as is permitted by the Open Meeting Law. The Open Meeting Law expressly forbids parties who attend the executive session or who receive confidential information as part of their duties from disseminating the confidential information discussed in executive session. The Arizona Attorney General’s office has the ability to seek penalties for violation of this confidentiality provision.

The news of the agenda item that the Board considered on May 11, 2022 appears to have been leaked to the general public from the Board’s discussions in executive sessions prior to the publication of the agenda on May 10, 2022. This violated the Board’s trust and was not authorized. Further, it generated reckless speculation as to what the Board might or might not do. This breach is a potential violation of the Open Meeting law and has been extremely detrimental to the Board’s ability to conduct its business.

Governing Board members are limited by law in their ability to comment regarding executive session discussions and are limited in their ability to respond on social media or to requests by the media for information. The breach that occurred hampered the Board’s ability to reach a fair and reasonable resolution with its superintendent. The Board respectfully requests all those interested in the potential resolution between the Board and Dr. Kellis maintain all professional courtesies due to all of the parties involved and understand the constraints imposed by the law.

The Board has requested that the Board as a whole consider the commissioning an investigation into the breach that occurred.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 5/12/2022

On May 11, 2022, the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board voted to accept the voluntary resignation of Superintendent Quinn Kellis, which will become effective June 30, 2022. The Board and Dr. Kellis also entered into a Resignation Agreement and Release, whereby Dr. Kellis will receive a lump sum severance payment for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

Dr. Kellis has served as Superintendent of the District since July 1, 2018, and had one year left on his current contract of employment. Effective immediately, Dr. Kellis will work remotely on assigned special projects until the effective date of his resignation.

The Board has appointed Dr. Jim Dean to serve as Acting Superintendent. Dr. Dean is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services of the District and has worked in various leadership roles in the District since 2005. The Board will meet in the near future to determine its next steps to permanently fill the superintendent position.

About Dysart Schools:

The Dysart Unified School District serves nearly 24,000 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students in the Northwest Phoenix Metropolitan area. As the ninth largest district in Arizona, Dysart is home to nine A+ Schools of Excellence, numerous state and national academic, arts and athletics honors, and boasts a 92% graduation rate. The district encompasses 140 square miles, serving parts of El Mirage, Glendale, Surprise, Youngtown, and Maricopa County, and is home to four K-4 elementary schools, four middle schools serving grades 5-8, twelve K-8 elementary schools, four comprehensive high schools, a preschool, and one alternative program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 5/3/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District will host high school graduation ceremonies for the 2022 senior class on Wednesday, May 18.  The four graduation ceremonies will take place at the State Farm Stadium located at 1 Cardinals Drive in Glendale, Arizona.  Ceremonies will begin at the following times:

10:00 a.m. – Dysart High School

12:30 p.m. – Shadow Ridge High School

3:00 p.m. – Willow Canyon High School

5:30 p.m. – Valley Vista High School

All graduation ceremonies will be live-streamed by Dysart Student Broadcasting Live (DSB Live) students at Vimeo.com/DSBlive. DSB Live is a program to provide high school students with the opportunity for hands-on, real-world experience in broadcasting.  The live stream is free of charge, and will allow anyone to watch the ceremony live. The video recording will also be available to view or download after the event.

Graduation ceremonies are open to the public. There is no charge for admission or parking and tickets are not required.

Media inquiries should be directed to the Communications and Public Relations Office at renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 05/02/22

Members of Dysart Unified School District’s curriculum team will evaluate 5th Grade Social Studies textbooks and online materials. The curriculum has been updated to align with the current Arizona History and Social Science Standards. The materials will be made available for review and will be on display May 9th, 2022 through July 7th, 2022 at the Dysart Schools district office located at the Nathaniel Dysart Education Center, 15802 N Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374. Parents and community members are invited to view the materials during working hours, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Please note that the district office will be closed on Fridays, starting May 27 and during the months of June and July. For more information, please contact Dysart Schools Educational Services Department at 623-876-7173.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 4/22/2022

Dysart Unified School District annually names staff members as Heroes to recognize outstanding service to the district and the community. This year, 55 extraordinary staff members received the honor of being named a Dysart Hero, after being selected through a peer nomination process.  The number of nominations received doubled this year, truly demonstrating the hard work and dedication of Dysart’s staff. Heroes were surprised with the awards by the Dysart Hero Prize Patrol, made up of district administrators and Governing Board members, over the course of several days in March.

In lieu of the usual ceremony and dinner this year, Dysart Heroes were honored during a ceremony on April 20, 2022 at The Vista Center for the Arts. Dr. Jim Dean, Assistant Superintendent of Support Services, was the Master of Ceremonies and read excerpts from the nomination letters. A commemorative Hero plaque, sponsored by the Dysart Education Foundation, was presented by Superintendent Dr. Quinn Kellis and members of the Dysart Governing Board. The Shadow Ridge High School choir provided a brief performance onstage. A take home meal was provided for each Hero from Sharkos Catering, so they could enjoy it with their families.

2022 Dysart Heroes:

Certified / Classified: 

Asante Preparatory Academy : Marissa Grahlman, Debra Jones 

Ashton Ranch Middle School : Allison Mooney, Michael King 

Canyon Ridge School : Jennifer Klein, Kristin Binazeski 

Cimarron Springs Middle School : Virginia Trujillo, Coleen Welborn 

Countryside Elementary School :Natasha Fallon, Natalie Cole 

Dysart Middle School : Hillary Bond, Holly Morris 

Dysart High School : Ashley Mette, Robert Romero 

El Mirage Elementary School : Allison Carnes, Guillermina Munoz  

Freedom Traditional Academy : Katrina McCloud, Traci Henderson 

Kingswood Elementary School : Jaime Payne, Britny Kraft 

Luke Elementary School : Megan Harshman, Amber McKendrick 

Marley Park Elementary School : Renee Best, Nichole Courcey 

Mountain View School : Laurie Swanson Puddicombe, Tricia Schooler 

Rancho Gabriela Elementary School : Carrie Jasinski, Carina Gonzalez Bravo 

Riverview School : Kacee Bock, Sarah Hernandez 

Shadow Ridge High School : Amanda Norton, Linda Martinez 

Sonoran Heights Elementary School : Laura Lundy, Kelly Davidson 

Sundown Mountain Alternative Education Program: Cathi Miller, Heidi Lindemann 

Sunset Hills Elementary School : Jackie Older, Kimberly Baker 

Surprise Elementary School: Monica Puentes, Lisa Sikorski 

Thompson Ranch Elementary School: Aida Chacon, Leticia Vigilant 

Valley Vista High School:  Holly Bejarano, Tracy Sargent 

West Point Elementary School : Keri Crowther, Bryce Flink 

Western Peaks Elementary School : Erin Ireland, Kaitlyn Knize 

Willow Canyon High School : Al Titkemeyer Lisa Hounsell 

District Departments: Christina Bergeron, iSchool & Rogelio Hipolito, Maintenance

Volunteer: Annette Ahlemeyer, Luke Elementary School 

Administrators: Kathy Hill, Director of Federal Projects Hannah Pacheco, Dysart High School 

The Dysart Hero Awards were sponsored this year by generous community partners including: 

 Diamond Sponsors: MP BAS, Valley Schools 

 Platinum Sponsors: 1GPA, CHASSE Building Team 

 Gold Sponsors: AG Parts World Wide, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona, Cox Communications and Wholesale Floors   Silver Sponsors: Bel-Aire Mechanical, Biddle and Brown Fence Co., Blumm 

 Bronze Sponsors: Delta Dental, Sun Life and Teledoc 

 A special thanks to the Dysart Education Foundation for sponsoring our Dysart Hero plaques.

To view photos of the event please visit: https://www.dysart.org/PhotoGallery/Galleries/1966

 Media inquiries or future sponsorship questions should be directed to the Communications and Public Relations Office at publicrelations@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 3/24/2022

The Dysart Unified School District will host a College 101 Night for parents of 5th through 11th grade students interested in learning about the college acceptance and financial aid process for their children on Thursday, April 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Valley Vista High School, located at 15550 N. Parkview Place in Surprise, Arizona. 

“In Dysart Schools, we are focused on preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed for college and career success,” said Superintendent Dr. Quinn R. Kellis.  “College 101 Night is a great opportunity for parents and students to understand how to prepare for college.”

The event will begin at 5:30pm with a welcome from Dysart Schools Superintendent Dr. Quinn Kellis, followed by time to browse the college booths. Two informational sessions will be held at 6:25pm and again at 7:00pm where parents can choose to hear about a variety of topics. Participating parents will have the opportunity to learn about FAFSA, dual enrollment, athletics in college, studying abroad, honors colleges, military academies, saving for college, financial planning, and much more. Over thirty-five colleges will be in attendance along with military representatives to meet with parents and answer questions. Food trucks will also be on site during the event.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 3/9/2022

Four students from the Dysart School’s Willow Canyon High School have received prestigious awards from Cambridge Assessment International Education, part of the University of Cambridge, to acknowledge their outstanding performance on Cambridge coursework and examinations

Johanna Delgado received the Top in Country (USA) award for having the highest score in the United States of America for English. Jacob Treat, Kennedy Ochs, and Paul Petersen earned a Scholar Award of Merit, which honors those who have passed at least three exams with a score of B or higher on the Cambridge IGCSE exams. The Cambridge Awards celebrate the success of students taking Cambridge examinations around the world.  More than a million students study Cambridge International programs in over 160 countries. This year, Willow Canyon had 45 sophomores take 69 Cambridge exams, and current juniors have passed 313 tests over the course of two school years. Of the current juniors, 23 qualify for the Grand Canyon Diploma, 22 have earned Scholar awards and 11 have earned Merit awards.

“At Willow Canyon, we are focused on having a ‘Winning Culture’ each and every day. These awards recognize the amazing talent, dedication and commitment of our students and staff towards this goal,” said Principal Dr. Adam Schwartz. “What an honor to have students excelling at such a high level both nationally and internationally!”

Willow Canyon has seen great success in student passing rates, with the majority of Cambridge students going on to take International Baccalaureate (IB) and/or Advanced Placement (AP) courses and graduating in the top ranks of their class.

“Our Cambridge program is a perfect foundation for our IB and AP students, whether they are working towards a full IB Diploma or just taking certain IB classes,” said Wendy Goetchius, Willow Canyon’s Cambridge Coordinator.

Mark Cavone, Cambridge International Regional Director, North America said: “It is extremely rewarding to congratulate Cambridge students and teachers at Willow Canyon High School who have worked so hard to achieve tremendous success in Cambridge courses and examinations. The results reflect the enormous talent in Dysart Schools, not only amongst students, but also within the teaching profession. Students from Dysart Schools have a bright future ahead of them, and I wish them every success in the future”

About Willow Canyon High School’s Cambridge Program

The Willow Canyon High School Cambridge Program began in 2012, and is the only high school in the district offering Cambridge courses. Each year over 200 students at the school are enrolled in Cambridge classes.  Many Willow Canyon Cambridge students qualify for the Grand Canyon Diploma. While many of these qualifiers choose to stay in high school and work on their academic goals before moving on to college, since 2012 four students have chosen to graduate early with the Grand Canyon Diploma.  In 2021, 12 students earned the full IB Diploma.

About Cambridge Assessment International Education

As a global organization with a 160-year history and part of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Assessment International Education partners with schools and districts around the world with a shared goal of making education transformation a reality. High schools across the U.S. now utilize the Cambridge Advanced program. This program is part of an internationally benchmarked program that allows students to earn college-level credit in high school. Cambridge International uniquely provides an instructional system across four stages (Primary through Advanced) aligning rigorous curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment for all students in grades K-12.  

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 3/4/2022

The Dysart Unified School District will host the Dysart Festival of the Arts on Saturday, March 26, 2022.  The festival will take place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Valley Vista High School, 15550 N Parkview Place, Surprise. The festival is free to attend and is open to the public.  

The festival will showcase the visual and performing arts programs from sixteen elementary schools, four middle schools, four high schools, in the Dysart Unified School District.  The day will be packed with performances on eight stages, to include various band, choir, dance and theatre troops.   The elementary, middle school, and high school visual arts programs will be hosting two showcases to include both 2D and 3D pieces.  In addition to all the wonderful performances, arts vendors, local artists and food trucks will be on site.  

This year’s presenting sponsor is McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Some of the event highlights include an instrument petting zoo, WHAM Recycled Arts Make and Take Art Project, a Community Mural in which everyone can paint a part of the mural, as well as a Chalk Exhibition on the sidewalk.  There will be a table for an Instrument Drive for new or used instrument donations for Dysart Schools. There will also be an Arts and Crafts Vendor Fair, where local artisans will have their products on display for purchase.  Visit www.Dysart.org/ArtsFest for more details or a list of performances, vendors and food trucks.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 3/1/2022

Dysart Unified School District has completed an extensive review process and earned system accreditation by Cognia, a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, districts and education service providers.

Cognia, formerly AdvancED, recognizes districts and schools, nationally and internationally, that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation that meets the needs of learners, and effective leadership. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the district and all of its schools are accredited, and that Dysart Unified School District is recognized across the nation and the world as a school district that meets Cognia Standards of Quality and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement. 

“Dysart is proud to receive Cognia Accreditation. The rigorous process thoroughly evaluates the entire district and reflects Dysart’s commitment to provide an extraordinary learning experience to students,” said Superintendent Dr. Quinn R. Kellis. “The results and feedback speak to the hard work that our staff does, and gives us valuable insight as we seek continuous improvement.”  

To earn accreditation from Cognia, a school district also must implement a continuous process of improvement, and submit to internal and external review. Schools in good standing maintain their accreditation for five years.

Of note from the review team in the final report were five themes: 

- The district has created and nurtured a collaborative, welcoming, supportive, cohesive culture and community. 

- The district acts together as a focused system to provide pathways and support for students’ success. 

- Dysart Unified School District has made exceptional progress and is on-track to continue to utilize assessment and evaluation to ensure efficacy. 

- The district has created, and both systemically and systematically aligned all actions with its stated goals, mission, and purpose, which are updated as indicated. 

- The relationships and respect established between the Dysart Unified School Board, the superintendent and cabinet, the schools, and the community have established trust and maintained efficacy through changes and challenges.

About Cognia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 2/14/2022

Dysart Unified School District offers Summer School options to keep students on track, and to provide opportunities for them to remediate their grades or advance the accumulation of high school credits.  Courses are available for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and will be offered two ways, including online through Dysart’s iSchool program, or in person on various campuses. 

Online iSchool Summer School (Grades: Current 8-12 students):  

iSchool Summer School registration will begin Monday, February 14, 2022 for current and incoming high school students.  Courses are online and students may choose to take up to two classes, depending on when they begin their coursework. The deadline to register is Thursday, May 26, 2022.  The cost will be $100 per 0.5 credit, or $50 for those on free and reduced lunch or Dysart employees.

Dysart iSchool Summer School will run April 11 through June 23, 2022. Students who choose to begin on April 11 could possibly complete 1.0 credit during Summer School if they sign up for two courses. Students who begin courses at the end of the 2021-22 school year will only be able to complete one course for .5 credit.

All offered courses meet graduation requirements and are taught by certified teachers. While coursework is online, students will have access to in-person instructors for additional support, if needed. Students are required to take an in person final exam before noon on June 23 to complete the course.  For the sake of academic integrity, students must pass the final exam with a 60% to earn the credit, regardless of their grade going into the final.

Dysart iSchool Summer School is open to students from the four Dysart high schools, as well as students from other districts and charter schools. Current Dysart students that are interested can register with their school counselors, and current eighth graders may contact the iSchool office.  For additional information, visit Dysart.org/summerschool or call 623-876-7872.

In Person Summer Learning (Grades: Current K-8 Students):

Limited in-person summer learning opportunities are available for K-8 students. Programs offered vary by site and grade level and will run May 23 - June 16. Classes will take place Monday through Thursday, with the exception of May 31-June 3, where classes will be Tuesday through Friday.  Specific details and offerings will be shared by each school for current families. For additional information, contact your school front office. 

In Person Summer School (Grades: Current 9-12 Students):   Current high school students will have limited in-person Summer School opportunities as well. Programs offered vary by site and grade level and will run May 23 - June 9. Classes will take place Monday through Thursday, with the exception of May 31-June 3, where classes will be Tuesday through Friday.  Specific details and offerings will be shared by each school for current families. For additional information, contact your high school counselor.   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 2/9/2022

Dysart Schools will host Kindergarten Showcase events on Tuesday, March 8 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. so that families can learn more about the free, full-day program. The Showcase is a great opportunity for parents of future Kindergartners to tour the school, meet the teachers, and register your child.  Information on before and after school programs available through Dysart's Community Education Department will be available as well. 

Dysart Schools provide a FREE, FULL-DAY Kindergarten program in a safe, caring environment. The Dysart Kindergarten program follows Arizona state standards, and offers hands-on, real-life activities in the areas of cognitive, social, and physical development. Parents can learn more about Dysart School’s Kindergarten program at Dysart.org/Kindergarten.

Dysart schools offering full-day kindergarten include Asante Preparatory Academy, Canyon Ridge, Countryside, El Mirage, Freedom Traditional Academy, Kingswood, Luke, Marley Park, Mountain View, Rancho Gabriela, Riverview, Sunset Hills, Surprise Elementary, Thompson Ranch, West Point, and Western Peaks.

Registration for the 2022-2023 school year is now open for Dysart Schools. Parents may register their child online at Dysart.org/Registration or visit their local school.  In order to register for school, parents must provide a birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency.  To determine the school boundary for your residence, please visit Dysart.org/Boundaries. Open enrollment is available for parents who would like their child to attend a school other than their home school. Information on Open Enrollment is available at Dysart.org/OpenEnrollment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 2/7/2022

The Dysart Unified School District was recently recognized by the American Heart Association and the Wellness Council of Arizona for efforts in workplace and employee health and wellness. Dysart received the Gold Level Workplace Health Achievement Index Recognition on December 2, 2021 from the American Heart Association and the Official Gold Seal of Good Health Keeping Renewal Award from the Wellness Council of Arizona on December 16, 2021.

The American Heart Association has defined best practices for employers to use to build a culture of health for their employees in the workplace. The American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index measures the extent to which the company has implemented those workplace health best practices. Companies recognized at the Gold level have achieved an Index score of 175 - 217 out of a maximum 217 points. 

Dysart was presented with the Wellness Council of Arizona’s Official Gold Seal of Good Health Keeping Renewal Award at the 35th annual meeting on December 16, 2021. The renewal shows Dysart School’s continued focus on employee health through an established relationship between the wellness program and health plan engagement with built-in components such as incentives for annual exams, blood work, and screenings among other things. 

Dysart’s Benefits and Wellness Manager, Janis Peel, received the awards on behalf of the district and the Governing Board recognized the district for these achievements at their January 26 meeting. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 2/3/2022

Three Dysart Unified School District schools swept the top three spots to qualify for the state championships in the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) Spirit Line State Qualifier on Saturday, January 29, 2022. In the Coed Cheer Division 1/2, Willow Canyon High School placed first, Shadow Ridge High School second, and Valley Vista High School third. Additionally, Shadow Ridge placed first in Partner Stunt.

Specialty awards were also given to Willow Canyon for Synchronized Tumbling, Dynamic Dance, Solid Stunt Sequence, and Creative Pyramid Transitions. All three schools will compete in the state finals on March 12, 2022.

Specialty awards were also given to Willow Canyon for Synchronized Tumbling, Dynamic Dance, Solid Stunt Sequence, and Creative Pyramid Transitions. All three schools will compete in the state finals on March 12, 2022.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 1/13/2022

Dysart Schools is proud to announce that Kim Piranio from Luke Elementary School is among the newest National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) in Arizona.  She earned the certification in December, bringing the total count of National Board Certified  employees in Dysart to 57.

Additionally, four Dysart teachers attained renewal of their certificate.  Those include: Kristin Barnett, a special education teacher at Kingswood Elementary School, Kallie Cashatt from Marley Park Elementary School, Molly Davis from El Mirage Elementary School, and Danielle Edgerton, an English Language Arts Curriculum Specialist.

National Board Certification is the highest certificate an educator can achieve in the United  States. Administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Board certification is a rigorous and reflective process that requires teachers to showcase the National  Board Standards in their practice. Teachers often take up to three years of continual work to achieve certification. Research shows that students of NBCTs have improved learning outcomes, and only 3% of teachers nationwide achieve this certification. 

Since 1996, teachers throughout Arizona have been seeking and achieving National Board  Certification. The Arizona K12 Center provides support and resources for teachers to pursue  National Board Certification. Dysart supports staff members interested in the certification through cohort meetings and substitute coverage for two professional days for preparation, and offers a stipend equal to 5% of the base salary to teachers who are National Board Certified. According to the  National Board, there are more than 128,000 NBCTs across the U.S. Learn more about National Board Certification at nbpts.org or azk12.org.

Photo Gallery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 1/5/2022

- Roxanne Lopez, an iExplore teacher from Mountain View School, will purchase tablets to allow students to solve real world problems using robotics in upcoming competitions.   

- Michele Gillespie, and Nicole Shelley, both Special Education Teachers from Dysart Middle School, will utilize the grant to provide a variety of sensory tools in order to assist special needs students with hands-on experiences to improve focus and learning. 

- Tracy Smith, a Social Worker from Luke Elementary School received funds for a reset room to support students and their emotional needs.     

- Ashley Meyer, a Special Education Teacher at Rancho Gabriela Elementary School received a mini-grant to provide materials and equipment for the resource and general education classrooms to help support students in all environments.   

- Heather Maddox, a 7th Grade Math Teacher at West Point Elementary School, will provide her students math comprehension supports including the website IXL to help fill the gaps for math standards.   

- Theresa Malone, a Third Grade Teacher at West Point Elementary School, will purchase flexible seating including wobble stools that allow for increased focus.    

- Sunny Watson, a Special Education Teacher from Sonoran Heights Middle School, will purchase sensory items to assist with calming strategies.  

 - Niki Trezzo, a Kindergarten Teacher from El Mirage Elementary School, will utilize the grant to purchase additional curriculum sets of Kindermusik materials in order to integrate Kindermusik songs and activities in the students’ daily routines maximizing language skills and social development. 

 - Kurwin Forest, a Band Teacher from Shadow Ridge High School, will purchase upgraded mouthpieces for student instruments which will allow for greater flexibility in sound production. 

 - Nicole Truitt, a Music Teacher from West Point Elementary School, received the grant to replace keyboards and headphones for students to utilize in music class. 

 -Heather Featherstone, a Music Teacher from Mountain View School, will purchase specialty microphones and a Soundtrap website license to allow students to create, record and edit their podcasts. 

 -Taylor Ingro, a Music Teacher from El Mirage Elementary School, will utilize grant funds for FlipFORMS furniture for seating, risers, and room dividers, for class and stage performances. 

 - Sara Mendoza, an Art Teacher from Rancho Gabriela Elementary School, received funds for art paper supplies and a paper cutter to be utilized to prepare art projects. -Reagan Hofeling, a Band Teacher at Mountain View School, will use the grant for Pneumo Pro, a visual aid for flute students to utilize in order to improve overall tone for our student musicians. 

 - Diana Richardson, a Music Teacher at Surprise Elementary School, will purchase additional guitars so students can take Guitar as an elective and learn the fundamentals of the instrument.   

 - Freddy Bedolla, a Music Teacher at Riverview School, will use grant funds for musical instruments including ukuleles, silver bells, and pan flutes to be utilized during class, for school and district programs, and during community events.

The Dysart Education Foundation (DEF) is a non-profit organization supporting students and teachers in the Dysart Unified School District. For more information about DEF or to make a donation, please visit www.defweb.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/23/2021

The Dysart Unified School District is proud to offer our community a choice in school enrollment. Dysart will begin accepting open enrollment applications for the 2022-2023 school year on Friday, December 10, 2021.  Parents or guardians who would like their child to attend a school outside of their residential attendance boundary for the 2022-2023 school year, must apply for open enrollment online at www.dysart.org/oe.

Parents whose students are currently open enrolled at the school of their choice will not need to reapply. However, open enrollment status is evaluated annually based on capacity, student’s grades, discipline, and attendance.

Open enrollment allows parents the opportunity to request that their children attend a Dysart school outside of their residential boundary area. This includes all Dysart Schools, including 12 K-8 elementary schools, 4 K-4 schools, 4 middle schools, Freedom Traditional Academy, and four high schools. Information on K-8 signature programs and academies may be found by visiting www.dysart.org/signature. Details about high school focuses and Career and Technical Education programs offered are available at www.Dysart.org/highschool. 

The priority open enrollment period ends January 14, 2022. After this priority period, submitted applications will continue to be accepted and will be reviewed on a monthly basis as capacity becomes available.

Parents needing access to a computer to complete the open enrollment application may visit any district school or the front lobby of the Dysart District Office, located at 15802 N Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374, during regular business hours.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/22/2021

Members of Dysart Unified School District’s Textbook Adoption Committee will evaluate K-12 Mathematics textbooks and online materials. The materials will be made available for review and will be on display November 29, 2021 through February 10, 2022 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. Two evening dates will also be available on January 6, 2022 and January 25th, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  For more information, please contact Dysart Schools Educational Services Department at 623-876-7173.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/8/2021

Students entering high school in the 2022-23 academic year, and their parents, are invited to attend an incoming freshman meeting to learn about high school expectations, unique programs, and the process for registration and class selection. These meetings are designed to provide incoming freshmen with an overview of the academic programs available at Dysart Unified School District’s four high schools and explain the process of registering for ninth-grade classes. 

Future Freshman Nights are scheduled as follows:  

• Valley Vista High School - Monday, November 15 from 6:00-7:30 PM at 15550 N. Parkview  Place, Surprise 
• Shadow Ridge High School - Tuesday, November 16 from 6:00-7:30 PM at 10909 N. Perryville Road, Surprise 
• Dysart High School - Thursday, November 18 from 5:30-7:00 PM at 11425 N. Dysart Road, El Mirage 
• Willow Canyon High School - Thursday, December 2 from 6:00-7:30 PM at 17901 W. Lundberg Street, Surprise

Students and parents will learn about high school classes, course selection, unique and career-related programs, core curriculum, and graduation requirements. Attending Future Freshman Night motivates eighth graders to remain focused on their true academic goal – completing high school and beyond. 

A school boundary map is available at Dysart.org/Boundaries.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/18/2021

The Dysart Unified School District is seeking community input to address the capital needs of the district. The input will be used to help determine how the district will address capital challenges that it will be facing in the near future. Individuals may provide their feedback through an online survey available at www.dysart.org/survey or in Spanish at www.dysart.org/encuesta through December 5, 2021.

The survey lists potential bond projects with their expected costs and a brief description that could go to voters for their consideration, if the Governing Board were to approve a bond election. Items range from school design and construction, to a land purchase for a future high school, safety and security and transportation.

Dysart Schools serves nearly 24,000 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students in the Northwest Phoenix Metropolitan area.  The district encompasses 140 square miles, serving parts of El Mirage, Glendale, Surprise, Youngtown, and Maricopa County.  The district is home to four K-4 elementary schools, four middle schools serving grades 5-8, 12 K-8 elementary schools, four comprehensive high schools, a preschool, and one alternative program. The last voter-approved bond for Dysart was in 2006. District budget details, including the most recent override and bond information is always available at Dysart.org/Budget.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/16/2021

The Dysart Unified School District was awarded a $450,000 grant from A for Arizona through the Arizona Transportation Modernization Grant Program. The funding will allow Dysart Schools to create a shuttle system, through the purchase of busses, for district Career and Technical Education (CTE) students that attend the Northwest Campus of West-MEC. 

Dysart Unified School District covers 140 square miles and serves over 8,000 high school students at its four high schools - Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School. Dysart offers 19 CTE programs on its campuses,  and partners with West-MEC to provide additional opportunities to students. Currently, over 5,000 Dysart students take CTE classes, and over 250 students attend West-MEC. Career and Technical Education programs have been proven to keep students engaged in school, and promote focus, higher levels of achievement, and high school completion. Dysart CTE students have a 96% graduation rate and have earned over 600 industry certifications.

“Dysart Schools is pleased to be able to support students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes at West-MEC with bus transportation through this grant,” said Dysart Schools Superintendent Dr. Quinn Kellis. “This grant will allow us to expand the accessibility of extraordinary CTE classes for Dysart students, provide a safe commute between the high school and West-MEC, and leverage funds from outside the Dysart district.”

Dysart applied for the grant to address the transportation challenges that create a barrier to access for students who desire to enroll in CTE programs, but lack the transportation to participate. The grant-funded pilot program will serve as a model for other schools to use in enhancing access for students who choose CTE programs. The plan is to have a soft start in the second half of the 21-22 school year, as soon as the new busses are available, with full implementation in the 22-23 school year.

Grant applications were reviewed by a committee of local and national industry, philanthropic and community leaders. In the first cycle, more than $18 million was awarded to support 24 proposals across Arizona. The Arizona Transportation Modernization Grants Program was established by the Arizona State Legislature to provide resources to incubate and advance ideas to improve access to reliable and safe transportation for students, and to accelerate innovation and efficiency solutions in all systems. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/1/2021

Dysart Unified School District is excited to open school fields in the City of Surprise to the community after school and on weekends. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 29 to officially open the fields. 

Participating Dysart schools located within the City of Surprise include Asante Preparatory, Ashton Ranch, Canyon Ridge, Cimarron Springs, Countryside, Freedom Traditional, Kingswood, Marley Park, Rancho Gabriela, Sonoran Heights, Sunset Hills, Western Peaks, and West Point. Hours of availability are after school until dusk on weekdays, and 6:00 a.m. to dusk on holidays and weekends, and on non-school days during the summer. Hours may vary based on school activities and schedules. 

“We appreciate how supportive Surprise residents are of education and Dysart Schools,” said Dysart Superintendent Dr. Quinn Kellis. “Dysart is excited to open up our school fields to the community to increase the recreational spaces that are available to our families.”

The Surprise school field opening expands on the field openings Dysart did last school year at its’ El Mirage schools. The latest opening brings the total number of Dysart school fields open to the community to 18 out of the 20 elementary schools in the district.

Rules and regulations regarding the use of the Dysart school sites include: 

- Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and vaping products are prohibited on school     grounds/buildings and parking lots. 

- No firearms allowed within 1,000 feet from the grounds of a public school 

- No pets allowed, exception for service animals only (Please clean up after service animals) - Golfing, Archery and Remote Control Aircraft prohibited 

- Glass containers are prohibited - Defacing, vandalizing or removal of school equipment is   prohibited - No overnight parking or camping allowed 

- Motorized vehicles in designated parking areas only, exception for motorized wheelchairs

- Individuals or organizations with a reservation get the first right of the use of the fields. To   reserve this facility, please call 623-876-7056 

- Vandalism, broken equipment, water leaks, damaged surfaces, unsafe conditions or   maintenance concerns should be reported to 866-463-8738.

Photos of the ribbon cutting ceremony. 

Video of the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/19/2021

Dysart Unified School District invites parents and students to a Career and College Expo on Thursday, October 28 from 5:30 - 7:30pm at the Dysart District Office, located at 15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise. 

The expo will showcase Dysart's Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, local colleges, military, and West-MEC. This is a great opportunity for 6th through 11th grade students and their parents to get hands-on with all of the career pathway classes and programs offered at Dysart Schools. This is a free event and all are invited to attend. Details can be found at www.dysart.org/cte.

Dysart Schools offer nineteen CTE programs at four high schools (Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School.) Programs include Graphic Design, Digital Communications, Digital Photography, Computer Animation, Film and TV Production, Engineering, Software and Coding, Computer Maintenance, Network Security, Law Enforcement, Fire Science, Education Professions, Sports Medicine, Lab Assisting, Nursing Professions, Stagecraft Design and Production, Business and Marketing, Automotive Technology, and Culinary Arts.

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/14/2021

The Dysart Unified School District recently completed a remodel of the Dysart High School Auto Shop building. The facility provides classroom and shop space for over 125 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students in the Automotive Technology program. The school hosted a re-opening ceremony to celebrate the facelift on Thursday, October 14.

The Dysart Auto Shop building was first built in 1970, and while equipment in the shop has been updated over the years, the infrastructure needed improvements in order to ensure students are prepared to enter the workforce. The building was expanded by 1,200 square feet by adding storage space. A new simulation lab and entrance were added along with bathrooms, a new eye and hand-washing station, and classroom updates to include windows into the shop area. New systems such as evaporative coolers, a heat pump, Car-Mon exhaust fans, fire alarm and IT were installed. Additionally, the building received new roofing, insulation, wiring, interior and exterior paint, doors, hardware and garage door openers and the concrete floors were ground and polished.

“This facility is a valuable, hands-on learning lab for students in the community,” said Jim Grieshaber, Career and Technical Education Director. “This newly remodeled building will provide critical industry training that will prepare students to be valuable assets in the automotive technology industry.”

The complete project cost $893,173, and was funded through a West-MEC grant as well as district CTE funds. McCarthy Building Companies managed the construction project and One! Architecture designed the remodel/expansion. 

“Being part of this team, collaborating with the District, West-MEC, One! Architecture, consultants and our trade partners to deliver this important and valuable project to serve the students of DUSD in a new way has been incredibly rewarding,” said Jared Storms, Project Director at McCarthy.  “I know I speak for everyone at McCarthy and each person who was fortunate to be part of making this project a reality. Thank you and congratulations!”

Photos of Re-Opening Ceremony

Photos of Project Construction

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 9/23/2021

The Dysart Unified School District made a significant increase in bus driver pay, and added an employee referral bonus in an effort to hire and retain hard-to-fill positions. 

The starting pay for a Dysart bus driver increased from $16.81 an hour to a tiered pay scale that starts at $20.00 an hour for those with zero to three years of experience. The rate increases to $21.00 for four to six years of experience, $22.00 for seven to ten years of experience and $23.00 for ten or more years of experience. These rates are one of the highest in the Valley.

Additionally, an Employee Referral Program was approved that incentivizes current employees to recruit new staff members to any position in Dysart. The program pays current employees $500 for recommending new employees that are hired and maintain their employment.

“Staffing is a critical component in operating our schools efficiently and providing our families with an extraordinary experience,” said Dr. John Croteau, Assistant Superintendent for Human Relations. “The impact of a bus driver on the school experience should not go unnoticed, as they are often the first and last person a student sees each day. Their interactions and friendly faces can make such a difference.”

Currently, Dysart has 106 bus driver positions, with 18 of them currently unfilled. The driver shortage is a nationwide problem that has been further magnified since the COVID pandemic began. When there aren’t enough drivers to cover all routes, buses must do turnaround runs, which can impact a students’ ability to get to school on time. Shortages also impact the availability of transportation for field trips and off campus athletic competitions. 

The Dysart Governing Board approved the new bus driver compensation package and employee referral program at the September 22 board meeting, and they will go into effect on October 4, 2021.  All current employees in the roles will receive pay that is commensurate with their years of service in the district, and new employees will be placed at the hourly rate of the tier corresponding to their years of experience in a similar position. Positions impacted include bus drivers, dispatchers, routers, trainers, safety training specialists and transportation technicians.

Benefits of being a Dysart Schools bus driver include full medical benefits, state retirement, holidays, weekends and summers off, and the ability to select additional shifts, when available. Drivers receive paid CDL training at their full hourly rate. The Dysart Unified School District employs nearly 3,000 staff members at 26 schools and two support facilities. Positions range from teachers, to office workers, bus drivers and maintenance staff. High need areas in addition to bus drivers include bus, preschool and classroom aides (paraprofessionals), crossing guards, instructional assistants, and substitute teachers. All current Dysart job openings may be viewed at Dysart.org/Careers.

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.

VIDEO FOOTAGE: 

“Why I Drive”

Super in 60 bus driver promotion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 9/13/2021

Dysart Unified School District employees are now eligible for a scholarship in partnership with Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ).  The Dysart Employee Scholarship will reduce tuition to $250 per credit hour for any undergraduate courses offered in person at the Surprise location or online. 

To be eligible, individuals must maintain their employment with Dysart Unified School District throughout their enrollment at OUAZ and for one year post graduation. Additional benefits to the scholarship recipients include the opportunity to earn stipends based on the employee’s work attendance, which range from $500 for employees with six or less absences, to $1,500 for perfect attendance. After graduation, scholarship recipients that maintain employment with Dysart over a three-year period will receive a $3,000 stipend. These stipends will be available and provided by Dysart Unified School District based on funding availability.

“Dysart and Ottawa’s primary purpose is educating our community. It is perfectly appropriate to cooperatively offer scholarships to advance employees' education. This is an exciting and valuable partnership, and it is an honor to work with Ottawa University Arizona,” said Dr. Quinn Kellis, Dysart Schools Superintendent.  

As neighbors in the Surprise community, Dysart and Ottawa partnered previously, with Dysart providing access to athletic fields and classroom laboratory space while Ottawa facilities were still being constructed. The Dysart Employee Scholarship program supports a long term and impactful partnership.

“We value education, and believe this is a great opportunity to provide education to those people who, for whatever reason in their lifetime, didn’t have the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree. We’re delighted to provide this opportunity,” said Dr. Dennis Tyner, Ottawa University Arizona President.

The Dysart Unified School District employs nearly 3,000 staff members at 26 schools and two support facilities. Positions range from teachers, to office workers, bus drivers and maintenance staff. All current Dysart job openings may be viewed at Dysart.org/Careers.

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 9/8/2021

The Vista Center for the Arts, 15660 N Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374, is set to launch its 21/22 season with an impressive lineup of shows for the community. Tickets are on sale now at TheVistaAZ.com or by phone at (623) 523-8888.

The season kicks off on September 10 and 11 with a two-day Country Music Festival paying tribute to our heroes for the 20th anniversary of 9/11. With a stellar lineup including Shooter Jennings, Chase Bryant, Lee Rocker, Austin Burke, and Jerrod Niemann, the festival has something for everyone. The rest of the season touts a wide variety of acts ranging from comedians, magicians, plays, orchestras and other musical acts, and the holiday season offers a Christmas concert with country superstar Sara Evans.

Built in 2008, The Vista is a state-of-the-art performing arts center operated by Dysart Unified School District. This venue offers a spacious lobby with 1,300 plush seats in the house, and theatrical sound/lighting. In 2020, Dysart Unified School District opened The Vista Center for the Arts, 15660 N Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374 as a regional entertainment venue serving the entire West Valley. Annual memberships and business/corporate sponsorship packages are available. Shows, showtimes and artists are subject to change. For more information on shows, to purchase tickets or become a member, visit TheVistaAZ.com, email info@thevistaaz.com or call (623) 523-8888.

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org, 623-876 7196, john.williams@dysart.org, or 623-300-8315.

The Vista 21/22 Schedule:

• September 10-11, 2021 - Country Music Festival: Remembering our heroes on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with Shooter Jennings, Lee Rocker, Kendell Marvel, Buddy Jewell, Chase Bryant, Jerod Niemann, Austin Burke, and Gabe Lee. 
• September 24, 2021 - Generation Radio (Formerly The Rise Above): Made up of musical legends - two-time Grammy Award winning Jay Demarcus of Rascal Flatts, former lead singer and drummer of Journey, Deen Castronovo, and former lead vocalist and bass player of the multi-platinum band Chicago for over 30 years, the band brings 80’s rock and classic music back to life. 
• October 1, 2021 - Lorrie Morgan: Lorrie Morgan has sold over 8 million records, including 14 top ten hits, and has received multiple CMA awards. She was one of the youngest performers to be named a member of the Grand Ole Opry! 
• October 16, 2021 - Wicked Divas: A concert of Diva showstoppers starring Glinda and Elphaba from the Broadway production of Wicked and featuring selections from Wicked, Gypsy, Ragtime, Titanic, Phantom of the Opera and many others!  
• October 24, 2021 - Doo Wop Project: Featuring stars of Broadway’s smash hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical, the Doo Wop Project brings unparalleled authenticity of sound and vocal excellence to recreate—and in some cases entirely reimagine—some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history! 
• Oct. 30, Dec. 18, 2021, Jan. 8, Jan. 30, Apr. 1, 2022 - AZ Philharmonic: Arizona Philharmonic is a professional orchestra from Prescott, AZ with leading musicians from across the state, representing Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson, and Arizona Opera orchestras. Select from five varied and compelling performances coming to The Vista.
• November 13-14, 2021 - Count Basie Orchestra: The Count Basie Orchestra, today directed by Scotty Barnhart, has won every respected jazz poll in the world at least once, won 18 Grammy Awards, performed for kings, queens, and other world royalty, appeared in several movies, television shows, at every major jazz festival and major concert hall in the world. 
• Nov. 21, Dec. 19, 2021, Jan. 16, Feb. 13, Mar. 6, Apr. 3, 2022 - West Valley Symphony: Now in its 53rd season, the West Valley Symphony’s 70-plus professional musicians perform 6 concerts each season at The Vista under the baton of Maestro Cal Stewart Kellogg for patrons from throughout the valley.  
• November 27, 2021 - Sara Evans, At Christmas: Over the last two decades, Evans has carved a successful career anchored by her insightful songwriting and warm, evocative voice. As the fifth most played female artist at country radio, Evans continues to be a force on the road with tour dates criss-crossing the country. Ring in the holidays with songs such as “Silent Night,” “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.” 
• December 3, 2021 - Nochebuena: A Christmas Eve in Mexico: Celebrate the holidays at home with this vibrant evening of music and dance featuring two of L.A.’s most acclaimed performance ensembles: Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar. Christmas in Mexico isn’t just a single day; it's a whole season of Christmas-related celebrations enriched by indigenous culture, Spanish heritage, and other influences.  
• December 22-23, 2021 - A Christmas Carol: Celebrate the true Spirit of Christmas with this brand new, original production. A Christmas Carol is delightful and thoroughly entertaining, it is the perfect family holiday event. 
• January 15, 2022 - LaKisha Jones: Join American Idol Finalist LaKisha Jones in a celebration of the great ladies of soul from Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Tina Turner, the legendary Aretha Franklin and the one and only Whitney Houston. “...from sound stages and concert halls across the country and around the world, she’s got them standing in the aisles!" 
• January 22, 2022 - Ambrosia: In 1970, four young musicians from the South Bay of Los Angeles, came together to create a new invigorating style of music. With three of the original members intact plus the addition of guitar ace Doug Jackson on electric guitar and backing vocals, Mary Harris contributing amazing keyboards and vocals, and the powerful and contemporary lead vocals and acoustic guitar of Ken Stacey. 
• January 29, 2022 - Louie Anderson: Iconic comedian Louie Anderson, the three-time Emmy Award® winner, is one of the country’s most recognized and adored comics; named by Comedy Central as “One of 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time.” 
• February 19, 2022 - Xavier Mortimer - The Dream Maker: The most-followed magician on the Las Vegas Strip, with numerous appearances on TV shows such as America's Got Talent, Masters of Illusion and Penn and Teller Fool Us, Xavier will be incorporating many of his viral online videos in the new show so people can see them live, up close and personal. Xavier’s “The Dream Maker,” delivers a dynamic and visual, family-friendly production. 
• February 27, 2022 - Dinosaur World Live: Using stunning puppetry to bring remarkably life-like dinosaurs to the stage, dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for the whole family! • March 5, 2022 - BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble: Combining ethnic traditions with exquisite costuming, Brigham Young University’s International Folk Dance Ensemble showcases the dance styles of the world. 
• March 9, 2022 - The Hot Sardines: Fueled by the belief that classic jazz feeds the heart and soul, The Hot Sardines are on a mission to make old sounds new again and prove that joyful music can bring people together in a disconnected world. The eight-piece ensemble has toured more than 250 cities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. 
• March 12, 2022 - Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass: The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is America’s premier large brass ensemble. A group that always reflects the diverse makeup of men and women in the American culture, RMPBB is dedicated to the notion that music is a gift to be enjoyed by everyone. Performances range from solo trumpet, to brass quintet, to the full eleven-piece ensemble with percussion. 
• June 26, 2022 - Madagascar The Musical: Join Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live musical spectacular. This smash hit musical features all of your favorite crack-a-lackin' friends as they escape from their home in New York's Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien's Madagascar.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 8/31/2021

“The Many Faces of George Washington,” a national traveling exhibition that examines the multi-dimensional, real-life man behind the myth, opens at Canyon Ridge School on Friday, September 17, 2021.

Free exhibit tours are open to the public from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. Canyon Ridge School is located at 17359 W. Surprise Farms Loop N., Surprise AZ 85388, and will have costumed student performers, representing an array of multicultural colonial figures, and Arizona Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution patriots, will serve as guides and presenters. 

Produced by curators and researchers at George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, in conjunction with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, this exhibition presents the many different facets of Washington’s leadership through dazzling color graphics of paintings, photographs, and iconic objects. “The Many Faces of George Washington” looks at Washington’s leadership in the exhibition’s seven sections: Virginia Childhood, Risk Taker, Realistic Visionary, Wise Decision Maker, Impassioned Learner, Visionary Entrepreneur, and At Home at Mount Vernon. The exhibition has been made possible by a generous grant from the F.M. Kirby Foundation. The financial support of our local patriotic partners in the Arizona Sons of the American Revolution, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Arizona Daughters of the American Revolution, have made this single Arizona appearance of the exhibit a reality. For more details, project coordinator Mr. Christopher J. Raso can be reached at christopher.raso@dysart.org.

About Canyon Ridge School in Surprise, Arizona

 Established in 2007, Canyon Ridge School is a kindergarten through eighth grade campus, in the Dysart Unified School District, and serves the needs of nearly one thousand students. This concept school offers a 21st century education based on scientific inquiry, collaborative activities and cross curricular STEM learning opportunities. In 2017, Canyon Ridge became the first Arizona school to earn AdvancED STEM certification. This site also earned an “A” label from the Arizona Department of Education for six consecutive years and is proud to have a number of national and state award winning teachers, as members of the staff. Canyon Ridge School also fosters balanced historical awareness, positive citizenship, and presents a number of annual Social Studies events: 9-11 Remembrance, U.S. Constitution Day program, and Veterans Day Commemoration. The school participates in a variety of local civic projects and has long standing partnerships with seventeen patriotic organizations including: National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Arizona Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Veterans Heritage Project.

About George Washington’s Mount Vernon

 Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America. Through historic tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate, and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.” Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853. A picturesque drive along the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located 16 miles from the nation’s capital.

About the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History 

Founded in 1994, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History promotes the study and love of American history. The Institute serves teachers, students, scholars, and the general public. It helps create history-centered schools, organizes seminars and programs for educators, produces print and electronic publications and traveling exhibitions, sponsors lectures by eminent historians, and administers a History Teacher of the Year Award in every state through its partnership with Preserve America. The Institute also conducts the Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and George Washington Book Prizes, and offers fellowships for scholars to work in the Gilder Lehrman Collection. The Institute maintains two websites, http://www.gilderlehrman.org and the journal http://www.historynow.com

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 8/27/2021

Dysart Unified School District’s Governing Board approved a Guest Teacher Incentive Program to begin September 1 and run through December 3, 2021. Guest teachers can earn up to $3,100, in addition to their daily rate of pay, if they work 44-55 days within the designated time period and $2,050 if they work 29-43 days. 

Guest teachers, also referred to as “substitutes”, have always been needed, but the COVID pandemic has further magnified that need.  The goal with the incentive is to increase the amount of substitute teachers working in the district. Currently only about 65% of openings in Dysart are being filled on a daily basis, so schools must find alternative ways to provide coverage for classes - often needing to call on office staff to assist, have teachers work during their prep periods, or combine classes.

“Guest teachers play a critical role in education,” said Dr. John Croteau, Assistant Superintendent for Human Relations. “Schools can’t operate efficiently without the continuity they bring to the learning process when there are staff absences.”

Last school year, the district ran a similar incentive program, and found it to be highly successful in increasing the number of guest teachers working in the district, as well as the number of days those guest teachers worked. Additionally, Dysart added permanent guest teacher positions last year to help combat the challenge, with one assigned to each elementary school and two assigned to each high school.

Last school year, the district ran a similar incentive program, and found it to be highly successful in increasing the number of guest teachers working in the district, as well as the number of days those guest teachers worked. Additionally, Dysart added permanent guest teacher positions last year to help combat the challenge, with one assigned to each elementary school and two assigned to each high school.

Last school year, the district ran a similar incentive program, and found it to be highly successful in increasing the number of guest teachers working in the district, as well as the number of days those guest teachers worked. Additionally, Dysart added permanent guest teacher positions last year to help combat the challenge, with one assigned to each elementary school and two assigned to each high school.

About Dysart Schools 

Dysart Unified School District serves nearly 24,000 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students in the Northwest Phoenix Metropolitan area, encompassing 140 square miles, and serving parts of El Mirage, Glendale, Surprise, Youngtown, and Maricopa County.  The district is home to four K-4 elementary schools, four middle schools serving grades 5-8, 12 K-8 elementary schools, four comprehensive high schools, a preschool, and one alternative program.   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 8/24/2021

With health and safety as a priority, Dysart Unified School District installed 2,700 air scrubbers to improve air quality for the nearly 24,000 students and 3,000 staff that returned to Dysart’s 26 schools this month. 

With health and safety as a priority, Dysart Unified School District installed 2,700 air scrubbers to improve air quality for the nearly 24,000 students and 3,000 staff that returned to Dysart’s 26 schools this month. 

With health and safety as a priority, Dysart Unified School District installed 2,700 air scrubbers to improve air quality for the nearly 24,000 students and 3,000 staff that returned to Dysart’s 26 schools this month. 

The air scrubbers were installed over the summer at all Dysart Schools facilities, including 26 school sites as well as the district support services and district office buildings by Midstate Energy. The 2,700 devices cost a total of $2.875 million to buy and install, and were purchased through Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief (ESSER) COVID funds that Dysart Schools received.  In addition to the air scrubber installations, Dysart has taken additional steps to further improve indoor air quality. This includes purging the air each morning, bringing in fresh outside air throughout the day, and monitoring the air intake through automated systems. Dysart is ensuring air filters are changed at regular intervals, and each campus has a sanitizing wand to spray surfaces with. Personal Protective Equipment such as face coverings and cleaning supplies continue to be readily available at all sites, and handwashing and good hygiene are always encouraged.

Photos of the devices and installation can be found here.

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.

About Dysart Schools Dysart Unified School District serves nearly 24,000 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students in the Northwest Phoenix Metropolitan area, encompassing 140 square miles, and serving parts of El Mirage, Glendale, Surprise, Youngtown, and Maricopa County.  The district is home to four K-4 elementary schools, four middle schools serving grades 5-8, 12 K-8 elementary schools, four comprehensive high schools, a preschool, and one alternative program.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 8/16/2021

Dysart Unified School District has received two awards for meeting high standards on the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. 

The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) awarded Dysart Schools with the Certificate of Excellence (COE) in Financial Reporting, indicating that Dysart meets high standards for financial reporting and transparency. Additionally, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded Dysart with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This is the 26th consecutive year Dysart has received the ASBO award, and 17th consecutive year that Dysart has achieved the GFOA awards. 

“This award reflects the Dysart Unified School District’s commitment to financial transparency,” said Superintendent Dr. Quinn Kellis. “We are honored to serve our community, and dedicated to being good stewards of taxpayer funds.” 

The GFOA Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by an organization and its management. In order to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, an organization must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. This report must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements.  By participating in the ASBO COE program, school districts demonstrate their commitment to financial transparency and excellence in financial reporting. The CAFR must inform stakeholders about the financial and economic state of the district, and be a communications tool to engage with the community.

The awards were presented to the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board at the August 11 board meeting. Dysart budget and financial reports may be viewed at Dysart.org/Budget.

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.

# # #

About ASBO International 

Founded in 1910, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is a nonprofit organization that, through its members and affiliates, represents approximately 30,000 school business professionals worldwide. ASBO International is committed to providing programs, services, and a global network that promote the highest standards in school business. Its members support student achievement through effective resource management in various areas ranging from finance and operations to food services and transportation. Learn more at asbointl.org.

About GFOA 

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 7/29/2021

Dysart Unified School District will be offering healthy meals to all students at no cost every school day in the 2021-2022 school year as part of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program. All child(ren) will receive free breakfast and lunch meals every school day regardless of household’s income. Curbside service is also available for community members 18 and under, Monday - Friday between 11 - 11:30am at the following sites: Dysart High School, 11425 N. Dysart Rd., El Mirage, AZ 85335; Valley Vista High School (Served in The Vista Center for the Arts parking lot), 15550 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374; and Willow Canyon High School, 17901 W. Lundberg St., Surprise, AZ 85388.

We encourage all families to apply for free or reduced meals even though all students receive free meals this school year. Qualifications for children to receive free or reduced price meal eligibility include: belonging to a household whose income is at or below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines, belonging to a household that receives public assistance, or if the child is homeless, migrant, runaway, foster, or participates in a Head Start or Even Start pre-Kindergarten program.

Household size and income criteria are used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits if the household does not receive assistance or the children are not in the other categories mentioned above. Children can get free or reduced-price meals if the household’s gross income falls at or below the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guideline chart: www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/income-eligibility-guidelines 

To apply for free or reduced-price meals we highly recommend using SchoolCafe at www.schoolcafe.com. Paper applications are available in each school office and can be returned to the school once completed unless the household has already received notification that their children are approved for free meals this year. Applications include a letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for their children and what is required to complete on the application.

Only one application is required for all children in the household and the information provided on the appli­ca­tion will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data.  Applications may be verified at any time during the school year by the school or other program officials. An application for free or reduced-price benefits cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions. In the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability.

Families can apply for benefits at any time. If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household's income falls at or below the Federal Guidelines. Contact Claudia Zamora at any time to request an application.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price policy, Nutrition Liaison will review applications and determine eligibility.  Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to: Kenneth Hicks, 13825 W Desert Cove Rd., Surprise, AZ 85379.

When known to Dysart District households will be notified of their children’s eligibility for free meals if they are members of households receiving assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR); or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), if the State program meets Federal standards.

An application is not required for free meal benefits for Assistance Program participants and all of the children in the household are eligible for free meal benefits. If any children were not listed on the notice of eligibility, or if a household does not receive a notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school to have free meal benefits extended to them. Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals, but they will need to turn in an application including household size and total income.

When known to Dysart Unified households will also be notified of any child’s eligibility for free meals if the individual child is considered “Other Source Categorically Eligible”, because the child is categorized, as defined by law as: Foster, Homeless, Migrant, Runaway, Enrolled in an eligible Head Start, or  an eligible pre-kindergarten class.

If any children were not listed on the notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school about their eligibility through the list above, or should submit an income application.

Households notified of their children’s eligibility must contact the school if the household chooses to decline the free meal benefits. For more information, you may call Claudia Zamora at 623-876-7989 or e-mail at claudia.zamora@dysart.org. 

The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act requires the information requested in order to verify your children’s eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. If you do not provide the information or provide incomplete information, your children may no longer receive free or reduced-price meals. 

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. 

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. 

 This institution is an equal opportunity provider.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 7/21/2021

The Dysart Unified School District and The Vista Center for the Arts are seeking artists in partnership with the City of Surprise, the West Valley Arts Council and Ground Floor Artists for a 9/11 tribute art exhibit. 

The inaugural Surprise Mayor’s Exhibit: A Tribute To Our Heroes, marks the 20th anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11 and aims to reflect on how the heroes of this day have shaped, and continue to shape, our nation into one of support, togetherness, and collective endurance. Individual artists are invited to submit works thematically tied to the events of September 11, 2001 and/or works remembering and celebrating those who gave their lives through heroic acts.

The Mayor’s Exhibit will be juried by a panel of partners and community members, along with City of Surprise Mayor Skip Hall. Student submissions (ages 13-17) are free, and adult artist (18+) fees are $20-25.  The deadline to apply is 11:59pm on July 30, 2021 and artists can submit up to three individual pieces for consideration. Entry details and requirements can be found on the West Valley Arts website. Questions regarding entries can be directed to gallery@westvalleyarts.org.

Mayor’s Exhibit: A Tribute To Our Heroes opens September 3, 2021 at The Vista Center for the Arts, 15660 N. Parkview Place in Surprise, and will coincide with performances to be held at this location through November 11, 2021. Artists will be notified by August 9.

Entry Details and Requirements

About The Vista Center for the Arts Built in 2008, The Vista is a state-of-the-art performing arts center operated by the Dysart Unified School District. This venue brings a variety of events and shows to the community, and offers a spacious lobby, 1,300 seats, and theatrical sound/lighting. The Vista Center for the Arts is located at 15660 N. Parkview Place in Surprise. The Vista operates through the Community Education department, which offers a variety of services to the community, including Growing Minds Preschool, sports and enrichment programs, driver's education courses, facility rentals, The Vista Center for the Arts and more! All programs within Community Education, including The Vista, are self-funded and proceeds support and help to keep all programs affordable. For more information or to purchase tickets to an upcoming event, visit TheVistaAZ.com or call (623) 523-8888.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 7/15/2021

Dysart Unified School District invites prospective kindergarten families to a Kindergarten Experience on July 26 from 3 to 5pm to take a tour of their neighborhood school and meet the teachers.

Dysart’s kindergarten program is one of the few full-day programs in the area that is offered at no cost to the community thanks to approved override funding. Curriculum follows Arizona state standards, and offers hands-on, real-life activities in the areas of cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. Before and after school program opportunities are available as well.

Dysart schools offering kindergarten include Asante Preparatory Academy, Canyon Ridge, Countryside, El Mirage, Freedom Traditional Academy, Kingswood, Luke, Marley Park, Mountain View, Rancho Gabriela, Riverview, Sunset Hills, Surprise Elementary, Thompson Ranch, West Point, and Western Peaks.

Families that cannot attend the Kindergarten Experience can watch online videos to learn more about each school’s kindergarten program at Dysart.org/KinderShowcase, and parents may contact the campus(es) of interest to learn more. 

Parents ready to enroll their child may do so online anytime at Dysart.org/Enroll. To finalize enrollment, parents will need to provide a birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 6/30/2021

Dysart Unified School District’s 100th school year has been completed. The district of 26 schools and nearly 24,000 pre-k through high school students had a highly successful year, despite the challenges of operating during a pandemic. 

The 2020-2021 school year was Dysart’s first ever remote start for classes, but Dysart was committed to opening schools for in-person learning as soon as it was safe, and was one of the first districts to return to in-person instruction in mid-September. While 80% of families chose to send their children for in-person instruction, full-time online classes remained an option for those who preferred a remote experience. 

Dysart Schools saw great success this year. Dysart High School and Sonoran Heights Elementary Schools were named A+ Schools of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation, making nine schools over the past ten years with that designation.  With a nationally competitive graduation rate of 93%, Dysart graduates have a great start after high school. This year Dysart saw increases in the passing rate for Advanced Placement and Cambridge Exams, and over 1,600 high school students received college credits. Additionally, Dysart saw a boost in scholarships earned by nearly 1,800 graduates to $53 million. A significant jump from the $30 million received in 2019.  

Dysart athletics are excelling, with state championships in girls basketball, softball, cheer partner stunt, javelin, decathlon, and hurdles, as well as a national championships for Show Cheer. Numerous others qualified for and placed well in state competitions. Many Dysart athletes were named to all-american teams and top player lists, or received scholar athlete awards. Seven coaches were named Coach of the Year for their region or conference. 

Arts continue to be a focus, and this year Dysart held the first combined district theatre show, with the advanced student production of Guys and Dolls. In its second year, 54 students earned the Arizona Seal of Arts Proficiency, with three students earning double-seals. Additionally, the district Winterguard colorguard and indoor drumline were named state champions. 

As the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, Dysart employs over 3,000 teachers and support staff. This year Dysart had an impressive 95% retention rate for teachers, and 54 National Board Certified staff members. Accolades abound with five nominees for the Governor’s Art in Education Award, a Lifetime Achievement in School Social Work award winner, Distinguished Administrators from the ASA, a Career Guidance Award, and last but not least, Exemplary Principal and Superintendent of the Year honors. Dysart Schools are always hiring, and openings are posted at Dysart.org/Careers.

Dysart takes fiscal responsibility seriously, having earned the Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for 25 years in a row. Administrative costs (8.7%) are lower than the state average (10.1%), and those of peer districts. Dysart has been diligent in submitting much needed repair projects to the Arizona School Facilities Board, and were able to get approval and funding for over $2.3 million for building repairs such as roofs, air handling equipment and fire alarm panels. By installing LED light bulbs and a utility management program, Dysart has reduced electric costs, even though electric rates continue to increase. Budget details are always available at Dysart.org/Budget.

This Centennial year brought some new and exciting programs to the community, including the launch of DSB Live, which provided livestream coverage for 215 athletic contests and other school events throughout the year. Although already in the works prior to the pandemic, it was a timely launch as the community had limited opportunities to attend in person events for much of the year.  Additionally, Dysart partnered with the City of El Mirage to open up the playgrounds of K-8 schools in El Mirage for community use after school and on weekends. In response to the COVID pandemic, and to ensure a healthier indoor environment, Dysart installed air scrubbers at every facility to reduce the amount of particulates in the air and improve air quality.

Looking forward to the 2021-2022 school year, and in response to community requests, Dysart will be offering four middle school options in August (Ashton Ranch Middle School, Cimarron Springs Middle School, Dysart Middle School, and Sonoran Heights Middle School). The 2021-2022 school year begins on Tuesday, August 3. Enrollment can be completed online at Dysart.org/Enroll, and Open Enrollment is available for those that want to attend a school outside of their boundaries at Dysart.org/OE.

In honor of the Centennial anniversary, Dysart Schools created a video and time capsule to commemorate and preserve the past and present: 

• VIDEO: Dysart Schools Centennial State of the District 

• PHOTOS: Centennial Time Capsule Closing Ceremony

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/26/2021

Dysart Unified School District is accepting new student enrollment applications for the 2021-2022 school year. Parents and guardians can complete necessary registration information at Dysart.org/registration. 

From June 2 - July 1, registration support is available at the District Office. The District Office is located at 15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise, Arizona. Parents may call (623) 876-7151 for assistance Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  School campuses will reopen on July 6.

Parents interested in enrolling children in Freedom Traditional Academy or a school outside of their boundary school, are invited to complete an open enrollment application at Dysart.org/oe. 

New for the 21-22 school year, Dysart will have middle school options for 5-8 grade students that will allow them to participate in unique academic, elective and extracurricular opportunities that will help prepare them for high school. Learn more at Dysart.org/MiddleSchool.

Dysart also offers full-time online classes for students.  The Dysart K-8 Online program allows students to learn from anywhere. Students are required to attend a morning huddle, a live lesson and a check in after lunch, and small groups support individual needs. To learn more about the K-8 Online program and enrollment criteria, or to complete a Request for Enrollment, please visit Dysart.org/K8online. Enrollment requests must be received by July 12th to be considered for K-8 Online enrollment for the first semester of the 21-22 school year.

Dysart iSchool is a full-time tuition-free online school option for high school students where they can advance at their own pace. iSchool provides online lessons, independent activities, and virtual interaction with teachers and classmates. Courses offered include Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment and Honors options, in addition to mandatory graduation requirements for English, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, Fine Arts and electives options.  Parents can indicate their interest in iSchool during the online registration process and will be contacted for further details.

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.

Dysart looks forward to providing all students with an extraordinary school experience in the 2021-2022 school year. For assistance with student registration, please call (623) 876-7151 or email SISTeam@dysart.org.

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 IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/24/2021

Dysart Unified School District is providing grab-and-go breakfast and lunch meal service for the summer from June 7 through June 24 and again from July 6 through July 22. Breakfast and lunch are provided for community members 18 and under at no cost, and are served Monday - Thursday between 11:30am and 12:30pm. 

Sites for community grab-and-go meal distribution include: 

- Dysart High School - 11425 N. Dysart Rd., El Mirage, AZ 85335 

- Valley Vista High School - 15550 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374 

- Willow Canyon High School - 17901 W. Lundberg St., Surprise, AZ 85388

Meal service will also be provided to all students attending summer school sessions at any Dysart school. Menus and nutritional information can be found at Dysart.Nutrislice.com. Please note menus are subject to change based on demand and availability.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.    

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/17/2021

Valley Vista High School Counselor Heather Webb received the Region V Arizona Career and Technical Education (ACTEAZ) Career Guidance Award at the organization’s annual conference.  The award recognizes school counselors who make significant contributions to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in his/her communities and/or state. Webb is now eligible for the National ACTE Awards which will be announced at the National ACTE Vision Conference in December.

“Heather is an extraordinary counselor who puts kids first. Her work with CTE, ACTE and ACTEAZ shows that she is willing to extend herself outside the school and grow personally and professionally,” said Jim Grieshaber, Career and Technical Education Director.

Webb was honored for being a true advocate for CTE and for her efforts to provide opportunities for students. Heather coordinates eighth grade CTE program tours, freshman transition visits, and Camp Monsoon, an event where freshman students can experience CTE Programs first hand.  Webb is a mentor to CTE colleagues and shares her expertise at region and state CTE conferences on best practices, works as a co-coordinator with ACTEAZ Leadership Fellows, and met with U.S. Congress Representatives in Washington DC regarding CTE. 

ACTE is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance, and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/14/2021

The Dysart Education Foundation (DEF) recently announced seven recipients for the 2021 Spring mini-grants.  This opportunity was made possible by sponsorships from Cox Charities and Southwest Foodservice Excellence.  Submissions were awarded based on projects that incorporate arts, STEM education, student need, and creativity in student learning, and winners include:

- Molly Davis, a Reading Interventionist from El Mirage Elementary School, will purchase Kindermusik® research-based curriculum for kindergarten and first grade students who are learning to read. The curriculum is built around music and focuses on language, literacy, and social skills. In addition to classroom activities, students and their families will receive online access to download songs and a storybook each month and will be able to sing and read with their children at home.

- Andrea Zunigha, a Social Worker at Kingswood Elementary School, will move forward with her "Souper Swag Sacks" project, which will provide meals for families over the weekend who are in need. Students can privately check out a backpack with food on Friday and return the backpack during the school week.

- Kristie Crane, an Art Teacher from Canyon Ridge School, received a mini-grant that will allow 350 students the opportunity to experience virtual tours of the Phoenix Art Museum with docents leading the virtual tours, and hands-on activities to reinforce learning.

- Jean Vogel, a Kindergarten Teacher at Asante Elementary School, will provide her students with the ability to explore, build, create, and imagine in a safe and encouraging environment with building materials such as blocks, interlocking plastic disks, magnets, straw connectors, puzzle pieces, pattern blocks, wheels, geoboards, 3D shapes, suction cups, and mini Legos.

- Christina Tormollan, a K-8 iExplore Teacher at Luke Elementary School, will purchase materials for her "Engineers in the Making" project. In a Makerspace environment, students will collaborate with others as they focus on an idea and use materials such as beams, brackets, nuts and bolts to design and solve problems.

- Elizabeth Maki and Haley Ruebsamen, both Science Teachers at Shadow Ridge High School, will purchase science probeware for their science labs. The probeware will assist with the changes in science standards and ensure that students are ready for post secondary science fieldwork as probeware is a staple of college and research labs.

The Dysart Education Foundation (DEF) is a non-profit organization supporting students and teachers in the Dysart Unified School District. For more information about DEF or to make a donation, please visit www.defweb.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/13/2021

Dysart Unified School District is excited to partner with the City of El Mirage to open El Mirage school fields to the community after school and on weekends. A ceremony was held on May 13 to launch the partnership and officially open the fields. 

Participating Dysart schools located within the City of El Mirage include Dysart Elementary School, El Mirage Elementary School, Riverview School, Surprise Elementary School, and Thompson Ranch Elementary School. Hours of availability are after school until dusk on weekdays, and 6:00 a.m. to dusk on holidays and weekends, and on non-school days during the summer. Hours may vary based on school activities and schedules.

“I appreciate the strong support residents of El Mirage give to the children in Dysart schools. Dysart is pleased to share our fields with our neighbors and provide additional recreational space for the City of El Mirage,” said Dysart Superintendent Dr. Quinn Kellis.

“The City of El Mirage is thrilled to offer expanded services to our residents through this important partnership with the Dysart School District,” said El Mirage Mayor Alexis Hermosillo. “Open space, recreational opportunities and neighborhood play areas are so important to the quality of life for our children and families.”

Rules and regulations regarding the use of the Dysart school sites include: 

- Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and vaping products are prohibited on school grounds/buildings and         parking lots 

- No firearms allowed within 1,000 feet from the grounds of a public school 

- No pets allowed, exception for service animals only (Please clean up after service animals) 

- Golfing, Archery and Remote Control Aircraft prohibited 

- Glass containers are prohibited - Defacing, vandalizing or removal of school equipment is prohibited - ---- No overnight parking or camping allowed 

- Motorized vehicles in designated parking areas only, exception for motorized wheelchairs 

- Individuals or organizations with a reservation get the first right of the use of the fields. To reserve this      facility, please call 623-876-7056. 

- Vandalism, broken equipment, water leaks, damaged surfaces, unsafe conditions or maintenance     concerns should be reported to 866-463-8738.

Photos of the event can be found here.

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/12/2021

Dysart High School Principal, Amy Hartjen, received the prestigious Exemplary Principal Award from Steve Watson, Maricopa County School Superintendent.  Hartjen was surprised with the award during the school’s senior awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

“Amy Hartjen has done an extraordinary job in Dysart! Under her leadership, Dysart High School became an A+ School of Excellence, and the campus has truly thrived. We’re so proud of Amy’s accomplishments, and we’re honored to have her serving Dysart students each day,” shared Dr. Quinn Kellis, Superintendent of the Dysart Unified School District. 

The Exemplary Principal Award recognizes leaders who understand the connection between a thriving school culture and high levels of student achievement and teacher retention. These leaders intentionally and strategically nurture school environments where teacher and student voices set and realize the school's vision. They lead schools where students achieve academically and emotionally, and teachers are inspired to remain at the school and in the profession. 

"It is an honor to recognize Amy Hartjen as an Exemplary Principal,” said Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson. “She has a strong vision for student academic and social success and has created a culture reflective of both high expectations and unwavering support. Amy has students at the center of all decision-making and her leadership, compassion and commitment inspire everyone around her to be the best they can be."

Award recipients undergo a rigorous evaluation that involves a superintendent nomination, application, teacher survey, video interview, site visit and extensive data review.  Criteria for selection includes the ability to: actively engage staff, parents and community members in developing an effective school culture; utilize data to guide instruction and decisions regarding staff development; consistently demonstrate high teacher retention; and successfully develop and inspire others.

“It has been an honor to serve the students, staff and community of Dysart High School for the past ten years. I am so proud of the progress we have made as a campus. It is a testament to what can be accomplished with a dedicated staff and amazing students,” said Amy Hartjen.

Hartjen has served in the Dysart Unified School District for 21 years. She has been at Dysart High School for the last 10 years, eight as principal and two years as assistant principal. Other schools in the district that Hartjen has served at include Willow Canyon High School and Dysart Elementary School, where she was a social studies teacher.

Media inquiries should be directed to renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.  Photos of the awards presentation may be viewed here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/5/2021

Dysart Unified School District will host high school graduation ceremonies for the 2021 senior class on Wednesday, May 19.  The four graduation ceremonies will take place at the State Farm Stadium located at 1 Cardinals Drive in Glendale, Arizona.  Ceremonies will begin at the following times:

10:00 a.m. – Shadow Ridge High School 

1:00 p.m. – Willow Canyon High School 

4:00 p.m. – Valley Vista High School 

7:00 p.m. – Dysart High School

All graduation ceremonies will be live-streamed by Dysart Student Broadcasting Live (DSB Live) students at Vimeo.com/DSBlive. DSB Live is a program to provide high school students with the opportunity for hands-on, real-world experience in broadcasting.  The live stream is free of charge, and will allow anyone to watch the ceremony live or the recorded video later at their convenience.

Per State Farm Stadium’s event restrictions, this year attendees must present a ticket for entrance. A limited number of tickets have been distributed through the schools and there is no charge for admission or parking. Attendees must follow State Farm Stadium policies and procedures, including wearing a face covering. Seating is limited to facilitate physical distancing.

Media inquiries should be directed to the Communications and Public Relations Office at renee.ryon@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/3/2021

The Dysart Unified School District had 54 students earn the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency this year.  The arts seal is awarded to high school students who meet rigorous standards, and have demonstrated artistic literacy and high levels of competency in media arts, visual arts, dance, theatre, or music.    

Students must meet certain requirements to qualify, which include achieving a minimum “B” average on all approved arts courses, completing a minimum of 4 credit hours of approved arts courses, completing 80 hours of arts-related extracurricular activities, and a senior capstone project.  Each of Dysart’s high schools, including Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School had students earn the seal. 

Dysart Unified School District was one of 31 school districts across Arizona that participated this year.  A total of 81 Arizona schools participated, and 665 students earned the Arts Seal, 54 of those were from Dysart for a total of 57 seals earned. Three of only 13 students across the state that earned double-seals for completing the requirements in two different disciplines were in Dysart.

“We are extremely proud of the hard work, dedication, and extraordinary amount of hours our students and teachers have dedicated to their craft. These 54 students persevered through the tremendous challenges we have faced in the past year, and amid the pandemic. The arts teach self-expression, empathy and creativity, as well as problem solving, all which lead to a more well rounded citizen.  These students are fine examples of how the arts enriches our lives,” said Danae Marinelli, Director of Arts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 4/30/2021

The Dysart Unified School District is seeking individuals that live within the Dysart Unified School District boundaries who are interested in becoming a Trustee for the Employee Benefits Trust. Two positions are available, with a three-year term. The deadline to apply is May 14, 2021.

The purpose of the district’s Trust is to provide guidance and support on the district's benefits that are provided to employees. The Trust has the following powers and duties: Receiving Contributions Paid to the Trust; Providing Benefits and Determining Coverage; Responsible for the Administration of All; and Employee Benefits.

The Board consists of five member Trustees and meets four times a year. All Trustees are appointed by the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board. Interested individuals should review the Trustee Position Summary and submit a completed application at https://forms.gle/P3rFNQwqd5YqVecf6. 

For more information, please contact the Dysart Business Services office at 623-876-7018.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 4/30/2021

Dysart Unified School District annually names staff members as Heroes to recognize outstanding service to the district and the community. This year, 55 extraordinary staff members received the honor of being named a Dysart Hero, after being selected through a peer nomination process.  The number of nominations received doubled this year, truly demonstrating the hard work and dedication of Dysart’s staff. Heroes were surprised with the awards by the Dysart Hero Prize Patrol, made up of district administrators and Governing Board members, over the course of several days in March and April. 

In lieu of the usual ceremony and dinner this year, Dysart Heroes were honored during a private ceremony on April 21, 2021 at The Vista Center for the Arts. Dr. Jim Dean, Assistant Superintendent of Support Services, was the Master of Ceremonies and read excerpts from the nomination letters. A commemorative Hero plaque, sponsored by the Dysart Education Foundation, was presented by Superintendent Dr. Quinn Kellis and members of the Dysart Governing Board. The Shadow Ridge High School drumline provided a brief performance onstage and led the Hero procession to a line of district leadership and administrators cheering their recipients on as they exited the ceremony. A take home meal was provided for each Hero from Sharkos Catering, so they could enjoy it with their family while they watched the recorded ceremony later that evening. 

2021 Dysart Heroes:

Certified/Classified

Asante Preparatory Academy - Tracy Anderson, Ruby Sotelo 

Ashton Ranch Elementary School - Carla Gutierrez, Arthur Frazier 

Canyon Ridge School - Lacey Merritt, Matthew Davis 

Cimarron Springs Elementary School - Heide Cline, David Montano 

Countryside Elementary School - Jacqueline Banks, Diane Varming

Dysart Elementary School - Michele Gillespie, Angela Schreifels 

Dysart High School - Samantha Jones, Michelle Dabney 

El Mirage Elementary School - Brandi Tshivhase, Mayra Garcia 

Freedom Traditional Academy - Yesenia Fierro, Jaime Stanley 

Kingswood Elementary School - Jessica Novalesi, Barbara Louis Nieto 

Luke Elementary School - Marissa Mulvey, Tom Piniewski 

Marley Park Elementary School - Kathryn Voss, Jeri Metcalf 

Mountain View School - Christina Brown, Chawna Anderson 

Rancho Gabriela Elementary School - Sheri Morey, Marteen Maffai 

Riverview School - Delbertta Smolinski, Randolph Pinner 

Shadow Ridge High School - Michelle Bohon, Michele Falandys 

Sonoran Heights Elementary School - Brian Koch, Jeffrey Salamone 

Sundown Mountain Alternative Education Program - Dawn Gorosics, Joshua Reish 

Sunset Hills Elementary School - Lisa Moberg, Michelle Paxman 

Surprise Elementary School - Christine Kenneme, Antonieta Trevino 

Thompson Ranch Elementary School - Ramona Arizmendez, Chris Johansen 

Valley Vista High School - Nicole Bauer, Mary Gonzales 

West Point Elementary School - Sarah Sartor, Jane Smith 

Western Peaks Elementary School - Kristen Roemer, Melissa Tanquary 

Willow Canyon High School - Alicia Vitacco, Frederick Parra 

District Department- Michelle Castro, Human Relations

Volunteer

James Gillespie, Dysart Elementary School

Administrators

Stacie Brown, Western Peaks Elementary School 

Brad Larremore, Valley Vista High School 

Marydel Speidell, Finance Director 

The Dysart Hero Awards were sponsored this year by the Dysart Education Foundation, as well as generous community partners including: 

Centennial Diamond Sponsor: Valley Schools

Platinum Sponsors: 1GPA, CHASSE Building Team, and CORE Construction 

Gold Sponsors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona, and Wholesale Floors 

Silver Sponsors: Bel-Aire Mechanical, Magellan, Roadrunner Paving, and Trox & ViewSonic 

Bronze Sponsors: Biddle and Brown Fence Co., Sun Life and Symetra Life 

General Sponsors: Turboscape 

To view the recorded ceremony visit: https://vimeo.com/536470158.

To view a video of the Hero Squad surprises, please visit: https://youtu.be/-M7LAzXw9Qk 

Media inquiries or future sponsorship questions should be directed to the Communications and Public Relations Office at publicrelations@dysart.org or 623-876-7196.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 4/13/2021

Dysart Unified School District Governing Board Member Traci Sawyer-Sinkbeil has been appointed to the Professional Practices Advisory Committee (PPAC) by the Arizona State Board of Education. Her term will expire July 31, 2023.

The PPAC serves as the advisory committee in regards to educator certification or recertification matters related to immoral conduct and/or unprofessional conduct. Sawyer-Sinkbeil will complete the remaining term for a departing member, at which time she may be reappointed for a full four-year term.

"I am honored to have been appointed to this position on the Professional Practices Advisory Committee. I strongly believe in the importance of public education and the certificated teachers and administrators that lead the charge,” said Traci Sawyer-Sinkbeil. “It is important that we have the right educators in place, teaching our children on all levels. While serving on this committee, I welcome the opportunity to ensure its compliance in disciplinary matters of certificated individuals and applicants of certification and to protect all of Arizona’s students from incidents of professional misconduct. We all share a passion for great education and I welcome the opportunity to serve in this capacity."

Sawyer-Sinkbeil has been a Dysart board member for 11 years and previously served on the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners Social Work Committee. She holds a Masters of Business Administration and Bachelors in Business and Public Administration, both from Ottawa University, and has many years of human resource experience in education.

About the Professional Practices Advisory Committee: The Professional Practices Advisory Committee (PPAC), a Committee of the Arizona State Board of Education, is responsible for conducting hearings on certificated individuals to which allegations of immoral and/or unprofessional conduct have been made. The PPAC is comprised of two alternating groups of seven members: one elementary classroom teacher, one secondary classroom teacher, one principal, one superintendent or assistant/associate superintendent, two lay members (one of which is a parent of a student in an Arizona public school) and one district board member.  At each PPAC meeting, the Committee may review applications for initial certification, renewals of certification, and conduct hearings on complaints filed against existing certified individuals. After each case is heard, members make findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a recommendation to the Board to approve or deny an application for certification; or in the case of a complaint hearing, make a recommendation regarding whether the Board should impose discipline on a certificate.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 3/30/2021

Members of Dysart Unified School District’s Textbook Adoption Committee are currently evaluating preschool curriculum. Parents and community members are invited to view the textbooks and online materials and provide feedback by appointment from March 31 through May 31, 2021 at the Dysart Support Services Building, 13825 N Desert Cove Road, Surprise, AZ 85379.  For more information, or to request an appointment please email or call Shara Rose at 623-876-7352 or shara.rose@dysart.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 2/19/2021

Dysart Unified School District invites prospective kindergarten families to schedule campus tours beginning February 22, 2021. Families are invited to watch videos to learn more about each school’s kindergarten program at Dysart.org/KinderShowcase, and parents may contact the campus(es) of interest to schedule a tour to see the campus and learn more. 

Dysart’s kindergarten program is one of the few full-day programs in the area that is offered at no cost to the community. Curriculum follows Arizona state standards, and offers hands-on, real-life activities in the areas of cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. Before and after school program opportunities are available as well. Extensive protocols are in place to keep our campuses clean, safe and healthy. 

Dysart schools offering full-day kindergarten include Asante Preparatory Academy, Canyon Ridge, Countryside, El Mirage, Freedom Traditional Academy, Kingswood, Luke, Marley Park, Mountain View, Rancho Gabriela, Riverview, Sunset Hills, Surprise Elementary, Thompson Ranch, West Point, and Western Peaks.

Parents may register their child online at Dysart.org/Registration. To finalize enrollment, parents will need to provide a birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency.  To determine the school boundary for your residence, please visit www.dysart.org/boundaries. Open enrollment is also available for those that want their child to attend a school outside of their boundaries.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 2/22/2021

Dysart Unified School District is expanding Summer School options this year to keep students on track, and to provide opportunities for them to remediate their grades or advance the accumulation of their high school credits.  Courses are available for K-12th graders, and will be offered in a variety of ways, including online through Dysart’s iSchool program, or in person on various campuses. All Dysart Summer School options are being offered at no cost.

Online iSchool Summer School (Grades: Current 8-12):  iSchool Summer School registration will begin Tuesday, February 16, 2021 for current and incoming high school students.  Courses are online and students may choose to take up to two classes, depending on when they begin their coursework. The deadline to register is Thursday, May 27, 2021.

Dysart iSchool Summer School will run April 12 through June 24 at no cost. Current high school students who choose to begin on April 12 could possibly complete 1.0 credit during Summer School if they sign up for two courses. Students who begin courses at the end of the 2020-2021 school year will only be able to complete one course for .5 credit.

Dysart iSchool Summer School is open to students from the four Dysart high schools, as well as students from other districts and charter schools. Current Dysart students that are interested can register with their school counselors, and current eighth graders may contact the iSchool office.  For additional information, visit Dysart.org/summerschool or call 623-876-7872.

In Person Summer School (Grades: Current K-12):  Limited in-person Summer School opportunities are available for K-12th grade students during two sessions. The first session will run June 7-24, 2021 and the second session is July 5-22. Programs offered vary by site and grade level. Specific details will be shared by schools for students that qualify. For additional information, contact your school front office or high school counselor.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 2/5/2021

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District is preparing to destroy archived special education records from the 2016-2017 school year and will begin this process in July 2021. Special Education records, including placement records, referrals, evaluations, testing data, etc. are maintained for four fiscal years after a student’s final enrollment in a special education program.  Final enrollment in a special education program is defined as the last day a student is enrolled in a special education program and is no longer receiving services. Parents, guardians, or eligible students have the right to review and/or receive a copy of these records before July 2021. Please contact ess.records@dysart.org or 623-876-7198 prior to July 2021 to review records. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 1/26/2021

The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board has approved the offering of middle school options for the 2021-2022 school year. Middle schools will allow 5-8 grade students to participate in unique academic, elective and extracurricular opportunities that will help prepare them for high school.

Ashton Ranch, Cimarron Springs, Dysart Elementary, and Sonoran Heights will transition to grade 5-8 middle schools for the upcoming school year, and will be paired with K-4 elementary schools at Countryside, Western Peaks, El Mirage Elementary and Rancho Gabriela. Middle school students will study a foreign language, take introductory Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, and have the opportunity to choose electives and earn high school credit. Details about middle schools may be found at dysart.org/middleschool.

Students living within an area impacted by a middle school boundary change that affects their home school will automatically be enrolled in the correct home school for the 2021-2022 school year. For students that do not live within a middle school attendance boundary, Open Enrollment is always an option as long as space is available. 

As a result of this change for the 2021-2022 school year, Dysart will have a wider variety of grade configurations for parents to choose from, including Preschool, K-4, K-8, 5-8, and 9-12. Additionally, parents may choose a school that best meets their child’s needs based on specific programs or focus.  Parents may apply for Open Enrollment for any Dysart school that is outside of their regular attendance zone at dysart.org/oe.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 1/20/2021

Dysart Unified School District is proud to announce that three Dysart teachers are among the newest National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) in Arizona.  Kelly Gragg (Surprise Elementary School), Jesica Roehm (Surprise Elementary School), and Jean Vogel (Asante Preparatory Academy) all earned the certification in December, bringing the total count of NBCTs in Dysart to 54.  

National Board Certification is the highest certificate an educator can achieve in the United  States. Administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Board certification is a rigorous and reflective process that requires teachers to showcase the National  Board Standards in their practice. Teachers often take up to three years of continual work to achieve certification. Research shows that students of NBCTs have improved learning outcomes, and only 3% of teachers nationwide achieve this certification. 

Since 1996, teachers throughout Arizona have been seeking and achieving National Board  Certification. The Arizona K12 Center provides support and resources for teachers to pursue  National Board Certification. Dysart supports staff members interested in the certification through cohort meetings and substitute coverage for two professional days for preparation, and offers a stipend equal to 5% of the base salary to teachers who are National Board Certified. 

This year, 48 Arizona teachers achieved certification. Altogether, Arizona is home to 1,576 NBCTs with 660 teachers currently pursuing National Board Certification. According to the  National Board, there are 127,781 NBCTs across the U.S. Learn more about National Board Certification at nbpts.org or azk12.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 1/14/2021

The Dysart Unified School District was recently recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal and the American Heart Association for efforts in workplace and employee health and wellness. 

Dysart was named a top 20 Healthiest Employer by the Phoenix Business Journal, placing #6 in the Largest category for businesses with over 1,500 employees in the Phoenix area. The award takes into account all of the healthy options that the district currently offers employees, including flu shot clinics, monthly wellness webinars, fitness challenges and more to enhance individual wellness, productivity, and well-being. In 2019, Dysart ranked #17 on the list. 

Additionally, the American Heart Association awarded the Dysart Unified School District for achieving the Gold Level on the 2020 Workplace Health Achievement Index. Placement on the index indicates the extent to which a company has implemented best practices for employers to use to build a culture of health for their employees, as defined by the American Heart Association. There are 55 individual best practices, organized into seven categories of organizational best practices (leadership, engagement, programs, policies and environment, partnerships, communications, and reporting outcomes). To achieve a Gold Level, Dysart scored between 175-217 out of a maximum of 217 on the index.

The Governing Board recognized the district for these achievements at meetings in October and November of 2020.