Ms. Acosta is a paraeducator who works with students with disabilities.

Our theme this year is inspired by the book *We're All Wonders* by R.J. Palacio, which focuses on acceptance, kindness, and celebrating differences. The story encourages readers to look beyond appearances and appreciate the unique beauty within everyone. It fosters empathy and teaches the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of physical differences.

To uplift our staff, we're inviting everyone to submit a message on our Kindness Wonder Wall. These messages, whether about specific individuals or the school as a whole, will be displayed for all to see.

We’re in the home stretch of an incredible school year, and there’s still so much to celebrate!

🎉 Staff Appreciation Week is Here!
Join us in showing our amazing teachers and staff just how much we value their dedication, heart, and commitment to our students. A kind note, a drawing from your child, or even a simple “thank you” goes a long way in making someone’s day!

📅 Mark Your Calendars!

• Kindergarten Promotion: Tuesday, June 3rd

• 5th Grade Promotion: Friday, June 6th
  We’re so proud of our students and can’t wait to honor these milestone moments with you!

✅ 2025-2026 Registration
If you haven’t done so already, please make sure your child is registered for the upcoming school year. This helps us plan ahead and ensure we’re fully staffed and ready for another successful year of learning and growth. If you need assistance, call our front office—we’re happy to help!

📚 Last Day of School & Report Cards
The last day of school is Friday, June 6th. Report cards will be sent home that day, so keep an eye out in those backpacks!

Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week is coming up May 5–9, and we’re pulling out all the stops to make it unforgettable for our incredible staff!

We’re planning a fun-filled, top-secret themed week packed with surprises, contests, and treats for our teachers and staff. (Let’s just say… there may be costumes, games, and lots of laughter involved!) While the theme is still under wraps, we promise it will be just as fun for our students as it is for the staff.

To help make this week extra special, we’re reaching out for support in two ways:

🎁 Gift Cards for Prizes:
We’re collecting $10 gift cards to use as prizes for our staff contests. Think coffee shops, restaurants, Target, Amazon—anywhere a teacher might enjoy a treat! If you’d like to donate, please drop them off at the front office by May 2, or send e-gift cards to izaraco@washoeschools.net.

🍪 Snacks for the Staff Lounge:
We’re transforming our staff lounge into a VIP retreat for the week and would love to keep it stocked with goodies. If you’re able to contribute cookies, brownies or any special treats, please email FACE Liaison Irene Zaraco so we can schedule a day for your drop-off.

Thank you for helping us show our teachers and staff how much they’re appreciated. Your support means the world to us—and to them!

With gratitude,

As we approach the end of the school year, please take note of our adjusted release times for the final week:

🟠 Monday, June 2 – Thursday, June 5: Students will be released at 3:30 PM (standard time).
🟡 Friday, June 6 (Last Day of School): Students will be released early at 1:20 PM.

There will be no early release on Wednesday, June 4.

Please plan accordingly and help us end the year on a positive and smooth note!

As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, one important part of that work is placing students in classrooms where they will feel safe, supported, and set up for success. Our goal is to create well-balanced classrooms that support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.

How are placements decided?
Our team considers many factors when forming class lists, including teacher input, academic needs, social dynamics, learning styles, and class size. Families are welcome to share child-specific input using the optional placement form. This form is not for requesting specific teachers, and forms that include teacher requests will need to be resubmitted. Please submit by May 16, 2025.

Class lists will be finalized this spring, and families will be notified of their child’s teacher before school begins in August.

Staffing Updates
We’re excited to share a few staffing changes for next year:

• Ms. Sachs will be joining the kindergarten team

• Ms. Sinocruz will be moving to 3rd grade

• Ms. Zoe Lawrence will be teaching 1st grade

We will also be welcoming new teachers in 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades—more details to come soon!

We’re looking forward to another great year ahead and are grateful for your continued partnership. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Coyote Soccer Update
Friday’s game against Inskeep Elementary was an absolute nailbiter! While the final score didn’t go our way, our Coyote team played with incredible heart, grit, and determination. I want to extend a huge thank you to Coach Camacho for her dedication and leadership—your time and energy mean the world to our players. Deep appreciation also goes to Coach Todd and Coach Helen for their commitment to helping our students grow both on and off the field.

To our amazing parents—thank you for showing up, cheering loudly, and supporting our team every step of the way. Watching our students develop their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the season has been a true highlight. I’m so proud to be the principal of such a spirited and hardworking group of students. Go Coyotes!

At Desert Heights, we believe in the strength of community, the beauty of diversity, and the importance of coming together—especially during times when the world can feel divided. Our 2025 Multicultural Night is a chance to celebrate everyone's background, identity, and story, including American culture in all of its unique and regional traditions.

We’re tentatively planning the event for Tuesday, May 20th or Wednesday, May 21st, and we need your help to make it a true reflection of the people who make our school so special.

Whether your family roots trace back generations in the U.S., come from another part of the world, or are a blend of many cultures—you are an important part of our school story. We invite you to share what makes your culture meaningful to you.

Please take a moment to fill out our short survey and let us know how you'd like to participate:

• Sharing a dish, tradition, or artifact

• Performing a dance or song

• Creating a cultural poster display

• Collaborating with others to present together

• Or offering any suggestions that help us celebrate all voices and backgrounds

🔗 Click here to complete the Multicultural Night Survey

Let’s create a night that brings us all together in the spirit of respect, joy, and community pride. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🐾

🔹 Online Registration is Open!

All families must complete online registration for the 2025-26 school year through Infinite Campus. This ensures your child’s information is up to date and helps with school planning. Registration is required each year for all students, whether returning or new to WCSD.

💡 Key Steps:
✅ Log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to register returning students.
✅ New to WCSD? Register online and bring birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of address to the school.
✅ Update emergency contact information to ensure school records are accurate.

📌 School of Choice
Families can apply to attend a school outside their zoned area through School of Choice. If space and staffing allow, requests are generally approved. Online Registration must be completed first to apply for School of Choice.

🔗 Need More Info?

• Online Registration & School of Choice details: [WCSD Website]
• Questions? Contact 775-333-6099 or schoolofchoice@washoeschools.net

Register today to secure your child’s spot for next school year! 🎉🐺💙

A big shoutout to the following classes for earning PAWS by consistently following the HOWL expectations and demonstrating outstanding behavior in their classrooms! These students have worked hard and earned some exciting reinforcements:

• Neumann: 203 Paws, Escape Room
• Sandoval: 128 Paws, Class DJ Day
• Carter: 130 Paws, Class DJ Day

School Wide PBIS

19 out of 21 classrooms have reached 50 Paws! When we all reach 50, we will have Fun Hat Day!!

Way to go, students! Keep up the amazing work and continue to show us how to HOWL! 🐾

The Dads of Great Students (D.O.G.S.) and Moms of Marvelous Students (M.O.M.S.) program is a volunteer initiative that encourages fathers and father figures and moms to spend time in their children's schools. The goal is to provide positive male/female role models, enhance school safety, and foster a supportive learning environment.

Key aspects of the program include:

• Volunteerism: Fathers and father figures volunteer their time to be present in their children's schools.
• Positive role models: They serve as positive examples for students, demonstrating the importance of education and community involvement.
• Enhanced safety: Their presence helps create a safer and more welcoming school environment.
• Community engagement: The program fosters stronger connections between families and schools.

By participating in the D.O.G.S. program, fathers can make a meaningful impact on their children's education and contribute to a positive school culture.

😅Every Friday is Dad Joke Friday.. On the announcements, I share some of my favorite appropriate dad jokes.

Here are the ones from Mr. Frydman on Friday, 05/02/25:

• Did you hear about the circus fire? It was in tents!
• Did you hear about the guy who invented Lifesavers? They say he made a mint!

• May Highlights:

  • Attendance Matters: Even at the end of the year, daily attendance is crucial. Students continue learning and preparing for the next grade.

  • Encourage Print Reading: Paper books help kids build stronger comprehension skills than screens do—especially important over the summer.

  • Reflect & Celebrate: Families are encouraged to review the school year, celebrate growth, and set summer learning goals.

  • Study Buddies: Peer studying can boost learning—if planned with clear goals and focus.

  • Family Time Check-In: Simple routines like family meals, screen-free time, and bedtime talks make a big difference.

  • Build Character through Service: Volunteering over the summer builds leadership and confidence in kids.

  • Healthy Habits: Stay active, eat well, and drink water—especially during summer.

  • Middle School Transition: Tips for supporting students who may be anxious about moving to middle school.

  • Outdoor Science: Exploring nature boosts science interest, especially in girls.

  • Plan Ahead for Summer Fun: Educational trips to museums, gardens, fire stations, and parks keep kids engaged and learning.

  
  

The latest issue of Autism Parenting Magazine (Issue 178) centers on understanding and supporting individuals with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile on the autism spectrum characterized by extreme avoidance of everyday demands. Key features in this issue include:

• “Unlocking PDA”: In-depth articles explaining PDA, how it differs from other diagnoses like ODD, and strategies to support children with PDA through choice, flexibility, and indirect communication.

• Hydration and Behavior: Explores the surprising impact hydration has on mood, behavior, and cognitive functioning in individuals with autism.

• Parenting a Child with PDA: A heartfelt piece emphasizing relationships and the importance of adapting parenting styles to reduce stress and build trust.

• Dr. Temple Grandin Q&A: Insights on auditory processing, echolalia, and behavior management from one of the leading voices in autism advocacy.

• Grandparents and Autism: A guide for grandparents on building lasting, meaningful bonds with their autistic grandchildren.

• Conflict Resolution Strategies: Practical techniques to teach children with autism how to navigate social challenges and resolve conflicts.

• Early Diagnosis and Genetic Discoveries: Updates on new tools and findings that may impact early identification and intervention.

Overall, this issue is filled with practical advice, personal stories, expert interviews, and strategies aimed at helping families better understand and support their loved ones with autism—especially those with PDA traits.

David Frydman, Principal

Chrystal Thayer, Assistant Principal

Juana Maya, Admin. Secretary

13948 Mount Bismark Street, Reno, NV, USA

Phone: (775) 677-5444