Welcome Message from DVUSD Superintendent, Dr. Curtis Finch

DVUSD Families,

It is hard to believe, but we are back and ready to begin another extraordinary school year in DVUSD! Whether students are engaged in academics, the arts, athletics, Career and Technical Education, or one of the many other opportunities available across DVUSD, there is something here for every student. DVUSD is award-winning in academies, athletics, and academics– the trifecta of a great school district!

The support and involvement of our families are essential to the success of our students and our schools. Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping make DVUSD the place to learn and work.

The 2025–26 school year is shaping up to be one of the highest-achieving years in DVUSD history. Our early, unofficial data indicates that every DVUSD school may earn an A or B for the first time! We still need to wait for the official results and make sure our math holds, but this is another exciting sign of the incredible work happening across our district.

And while there is no official announcement until August 13, I wanted to let you know that Forbes is once again recognizing DVUSD as one of the top 500 businesses in the nation. The District has now been recognized as a Forbes’ best midsize employer in Arizona or the nation for six years since 2019! We are waiting for the official publication on August 13th, but we wanted to let you know it’s coming. Great schools, outstanding employees, and extraordinary results—just more evidence that DVUSD is the best district in Arizona!

This year is also a special one for me; it marks a decade in DVUSD! And once again, I am setting a goal to visit 500 classrooms. Getting into our schools allows me to see firsthand the extraordinary teaching, learning, creativity, and growth happening across the district every day.

Follow me on X and Instagram at @DrFinchDVUSD as I share the people, programs, and moments that make up the DVUSD difference.

Welcome back, DVUSD! Let’s make the 2026–27 school year the best one yet!

Curtis Finch, PhD
Superintendent

Return To School Forms & Required Information

On Friday, July 31, you will receive an email to complete your student(s) Required Return to School Forms. The email contains a unique code to access your student(s) information. You will receive an individual email for each one of your students enrolled in the district. Please open and respond to this email within 24 hours, so that the district will have the most accurate emergency contact information for your student(s).

The email you receive will be from PowerSchool Registration Support.

New School Visitor Sign-In System

The safety of DVUSD's campuses is a top priority for all schools. As such the District is introducing a new visitor management system, Verkada Guest Management, on all school campuses in the 26-27 school year. Any guest to a DVUSD campus will be asked present a photo ID and to use this digital system prior to entering campus.

Transporation Phone Bank Open Through August 7

The Transportation Office has opened a phone bank for the start of the school year to help answer transportation-related questions. The phone bank is open Monday-Friday until August 7, from 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. and can be reached at 602-467-5090.

Find Your Student's Bus

The Deer Valley Unified School District Transportation Department offers transportation services for:

Kindergarten - students who live more than 1/2 mile from school.

Grades 1-6 - students who live more than 1 mile from school.

Grades 7-8 - students who live more than 1 1/2 miles from school.

Grades 9-12 - students who live more than 1 3/4 miles from school.

If your student is riding the bus, Download the Edulog parent portal for information on how to find your bus and bus stop, or scan the QR code below.

Parents and students will be able to see only the stop location, pick up, and drop off times for routes.

Catch the 12 Days of Back to School Countdown!

As the first day of school approaches follow DVUSD's social media @DVUSD on Instagram and Facebook for the "12 Days of Back to School" highlighting how our staff, campuses, and students are preparing for the new school year! Make sure to follow @DVUSD on Instagram, Facebook, X, and subscribe to the district's YouTube Channel (@deervalleyunified) to get the latest updates and check out what's going on around the district throughout the school year!

DVUSD on Instagram: "On the eleventh day before school starts…11 of our school secretaries opened their doors for the new school year! 🚪🎒📚DVUSD can’t wait to have everyone back on campus Aug. 3! All school offices are officially open for the new year! #welcomeback #school #nowopen #backtoschool #schoollife"

393 likes, 7 comments - dvusd on July 20, 2026: "On the eleventh day before school starts…11 of our school secretaries opened their doors for the new school year! 🚪🎒📚DVUSD can’t wait to have everyone back on campus Aug. 3! All school offices are officially open for the new year! #welcomeback #school #nowopen #backtoschool #schoollife".

instagram.com

Optional Student Device Protection

The Deer Valley Unified School District provides devices for students to access content resources and digital tools to demonstrate their learning. Starting in 4th grade, schools offer take-home devices for extending access to learning resources beyond the school day. Deer Valley offers an optional device protection plan for families of students using take-home devices. Enrollment is optional within 3-weeks of receiving the device. Please note that if you choose not to enroll, you may be responsible for the full cost of repairing or replacing damaged or lost take-home devices, similar to other school property like textbooks. Learn more about student devices in Deer Valley USD and enrolling in the optional device protection plan at the Instructional Technology section of the district website.

Free & Reduced Meal Applications are Open- Complete By Sept. 14

Deer Valley Unified School District will be participating in the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program. As part of this program, DVUSD will offer healthy meals every school day. K-8 Breakfast will cost $1.65, and K-8 Lunch will cost $3.10. High School Breakfast will cost $1.75 and Lunch $3.75. Your child(ren) may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. To determine whether your child/children are eligible for discounted meal pricing, you must complete a Free and Reduced Price School Meals Household Application. The reduced-price meals will also be free throughout this school year, as DVUSD has waived the reduced price meal co-pay for both breakfast and lunch.

Submitting an online application is quick, completely confidential, and helps ensure our students receive nutritious meals every day. Additionally, eligible students may qualify for discounts, including school programs, SUNBucks, and every submitted application helps secure important funding for our district.

To avoid any lapse in meal and other benefits, such as reduced academic, athletic and internet service fees as well as possible SUNBucks benefits, please submit a meal application online at EZMEALAPP.com by September 14th. Once school has started, the application is also available in the school cafeteria, your school's front office, or at the Food & Nutrition Department office (21421 N. 21st Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85027)

Complete The Application Here!

New Arizona Healthy School Act Regulations

🚀 Before & After School Care: Spots Filling Fast!

School bells are ringing on August 3! Are you signed up for before and after school? Give your student a space that’s reliable, fun, and enriching—but don't wait! Our programs are highly popular and fill up quickly. Secure your child’s spot today to guarantee their place.

👉 Register Now at dvusd.arux.app

Learn more at dvusd.org/beforeandaftercare

Give Your Little One the Best Start! 🌟

Excitement is in the air because school starts August 3! If you're looking for a reliable, fun, and enriching early learning experience for your preschooler, now is the time to act. Our programs offer a nurturing, play-based environment with a curriculum designed to spark curiosity and build a love for learning.

Don't miss out—Space is Limited! Our spots fill up incredibly fast, so early registration is your best bet to guarantee a place for your child.

Ready to join the fun? Head over to https://dvusd.arux.app and secure your spot today!

DVUSD Fall Gifted Testing

Deer Valley identifies students for placement into gifted programs based on identification from a state-approved gifted assessment, using Age-Level Norms. Students are identified in the areas of Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal reasoning. Deer Valley uses the following assessments to place students into one or more gifted programs: Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-II NU), Naglieri Noverbal Abilities Test (NNAT3), Naglieri General Abilities Test (NGAT), and Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).

Learn more about the DVUSD Gifted Testing on the Gifted Website.

Register for Fall Gifted Testing Here!

Everyday Counts

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DVUSD Budget for the 26–27 School Year, Thank You DVUSD Community!

While students, families, teachers, and some school staff enjoyed a well-deserved summer break, our finance team prepared for the upcoming school year. On June 23, 2026, the Governing Board officially approved the district budget for the 2026–2027 school year.

Here are the key highlights:

People First: Because our top priority is supporting students, 87% of our Maintenance and Operation (M&O) biudget goes directly toward teacher and staff salaries and benefits.
Daily Operations: The remaining 13% covers essential school and custodial supplies, classroom materials, and district services.
Stable Funding: We are pleased to report that there were no major cuts to our operational budget this year.

We want to send a heartfelt thank you to our community voters for reinstating the 15% M&O Override, which takes effect this school year. Your support directly powers our classrooms and helps our students thrive!

Congratulations DVUSD Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year!

Congratulations to the 25-26 DVUSD Principal of the Year, Theresa Milks from Norterra Canyon School, and 25-26 DVUSD Assistant Principal of the Year, Danielle Ware, from Highland Lakes School!

Theresa Milks has served Norterra Canyon School as principal for three years. In her time with the school thus far, Norterra Canyon has earned an A rating each year.

Her commitment to excellence runs deep as she has served in both Title I and non-title schools as an administrator. At Norterra Canyon she has created a culture where people understand the expectations, believe in the direction of the school and enjoy being part of the work. Nearly 100% of her staff reports they enjoying working at Norterra Canyon School! While 95% of parents report being satisfied with their student's experience at school! Most importantly this past school year, students surveyed in 3-5th and 6-8th grades reported the school's highest results to date in both school climate and sense of belonging.

Assistant Principal of the year, Highland Lakes School's Danielle Ware, has served DVUSD for many years supporting several schools throughout her career. At every stop she has been someone others could depend on, not only when things were going well, but especially during uncertain and challenging times. She helped two schools earn the coveted A+ School of Excellence distinction by the Arizona Education Foundation. Most recently she helped with the transition of a new principal at Highland Lakes School after the retirement of the principal who had served the community for 25 years. The school maintained it's history and traditions while supporting the incoming principal. For the 25-26 school year, Highland Lakes saw it's highest levels in four year of respondents reporting the school communicates effectively with staff, parents, and community (98%!) Students perceived the change positively this year as well, with the sense of belonging jumping three percentage points this past school year.

The DVUSD community is fortunate that these leaders have dedicated so much of their educational careers to the District and congratulate them both on this well-deserved recognition!

Heat Safety for Returning to School

Please be familiar with the guidelines regarding outdoor activity to keep our staff and students safe. www.dvusd.org/heat

Stay Cool

Limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours
Find your nearest cooling center for free access to air conditioning and water
Do not leave children or pets alone in a parked car. The temperature inside can rise quickly and become deadly

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day
Avoid alcohol and drinks with high caffeine or sugar
Check the guidelines for adequate hydration when doing moderate activities in the heat

Stay Informed

Look out for signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses
Check the weather forecast for temperature, humidity, and UV index
Learn more about NWS today's heat risk map
Check in regularly with friends, family, and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to heat exhaustion or heat stroke

Be SunWise

Limit sun exposure with sunglasses, hats, and lightweight clothing
Use SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays

AZDHS | Epidemiology & Disease Control - Heat Safety

Become a Substitute at DVUSD!

Volunteering at DVUSD in 2026-27

Community and parent involvement is a vital piece of student success on campus! DVUSD welcomes volunteers for the 26-27 school year to help support our students, staff and schools. Prior to volunteering all annual requirements must be completed. For more information on the necessary steps, visit: dvusd.org/volunteer or contact the school directly.

Welcome Message from DVUSD Superintendent, Dr. Curtis Finch Welcome Message from DVUSD Superintendent, Dr. Curtis Finch

Return To School Forms & Required Information Return To School Forms & Required Information

New School Visitor Sign-In System New School Visitor Sign-In System

Transporation Phone Bank Open Through August 7 Transporation Phone Bank Open Through August 7

Find Your Student's Bus Find Your Student's Bus

Catch the 12 Days of Back to School Countdown! Catch the 12 Days of Back to School Countdown!

Optional Student Device Protection Optional Student Device Protection

Free & Reduced Meal Applications are Open- Complete By Sept. 14 Free & Reduced Meal Applications are Open- Complete By Sept. 14

New Arizona Healthy School Act Regulations New Arizona Healthy School Act Regulations

🚀 Before & After School Care: Spots Filling Fast! 🚀 Before & After School Care: Spots Filling Fast!

Give Your Little One the Best Start! 🌟 Give Your Little One the Best Start! 🌟

DVUSD Fall Gifted Testing DVUSD Fall Gifted Testing

Everyday Counts Everyday Counts

DVUSD Budget for the 26–27 School Year, Thank You DVUSD Community! DVUSD Budget for the 26–27 School Year, Thank You DVUSD Community!

Congratulations DVUSD Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year! Congratulations DVUSD Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year!

Heat Safety for Returning to School Heat Safety for Returning to School

Become a Substitute at DVUSD! Become a Substitute at DVUSD!

Volunteering at DVUSD in 2026-27 Volunteering at DVUSD in 2026-27