Ms. Barrera 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.

As we wrap up another incredible week, we want to take a moment to wish a heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms, grandmothers, aunts, and caregivers in our community. Your love, strength, and dedication are truly the heart of our school family, and we’re so grateful for all that you do.

We also want to thank you for helping us celebrate our incredible staff during Staff Appreciation Week! Your kind messages, thoughtful gestures, and support helped make it a truly special week for our teachers and staff. We couldn’t have done it without you!

📅 Mark Your Calendars!

• Kindergarten Promotion – Tuesday, June 3rd

• 5th Grade Promotion – Friday, June 6th

These milestone events are just around the corner, and we can’t wait to celebrate all the growth, learning, and hard work of our students this year!

👉 A friendly reminder: Class placement forms are due, and registration for the 2025–2026 school year is open. Please make sure you’ve completed the process so we can prepare for another great year ahead.

Thank you, as always, for being such an important part of our Desert Heights community.

Thank you to all of the families who sent kind words, notes, and messages to our teachers and staff during Staff Appreciation Week. Your thoughtfulness truly made a difference. Our staff is deeply committed to supporting your children every day, and your messages reminded them just how appreciated they are.

I’d also like to extend a special thank you to Devin Sizemore, Honey Hosillos, Todd Pickett, and Ashlee Hachquet for their generous donations, which helped us celebrate our incredible team throughout the week.

It continues to be a pleasure and an honor to serve as the principal of your children. Thank you for being such a supportive part of the Desert Heights community.

Mark your calendars! Our Scholastic Book Fair will be open May 19–May 23. It’s a great opportunity for students to discover new books and build their home libraries.

To make shopping easier, families can set up a Scholastic eWallet—a safe, cash-free way for your child to shop at the fair.

Thank you for supporting our school and helping to grow a love of reading! 🐾

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.

Thank you to all the families who expressed interest in participating in our upcoming Multicultural Night! We’re so excited to celebrate the rich cultures and traditions that make our Desert Heights community so special.

If you signed up to participate, you may be sharing in one (or more!) of the following ways:

• Bringing and sharing food

• Creating and displaying a cultural poster

• Performing a traditional song or dance

Families sharing food or posters will be provided a table in the quad area. Performances will take place in the cafeteria.

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!

🔹 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