Desert Shadows Middle School

We strive to empower students to become critical thinkers that are lifelong learners, preparing them for a future where that are contributing members of society.

Desert Shadows Middle School provides a quality, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where students can excel through our diverse educational programs.

We are incredibly proud of each of our student who earned Honor Roll for Quarter 1. Your commitment to learning, perseverance, and determination have led you to this achievement. Your success is a reflection of your dedication, and we are excited to see the positive impact you’ll continue to make.

Thank you to our families, teachers, and the entire school community for supporting our students on their educational journey. Let’s celebrate each step forward and continue working together to inspire a love for learning!

Keep up the great work—your future is bright! 🌟

Special thanks to all the parents who took the time to participate in the in person parent-teacher conferences on October 24th. It is always a pleasure to have you involved in our school / your school!

It is not too late to submit your $400.00 (joint) / $250.00 (individual) tax contribution to DSMS or any school/program of your choice (or any amount you’d like to contribute). Please contribute whatever amount you can; it’s a win-win situation! School funding is limited this year, so these donations are fully applied to the students and programs in the greatest need.

This year more students than ever are participating in music, sports, and clubs (i.e., MESA, Student Council, Technolochicas, and Chess). Additionally, our after-school tutoring program is well attended. This is great to see because students do better academically and socially when participating in these extension activities. However, some students stay late after school, waiting for parents to pick them up rather than participate in one of these programs. To maintain our high standards of supervision, office personnel will contact parents and expect them to promptly pick up their children. This is for everyone’s safety. Your attention to this matter is appreciated.

The Internet can be a useful, fun, and entertaining tool. But remember, we live in a world where people sometimes take advantage of others, especially teens. It’s smart to be prepared. Here are some suggestions for your teen to decrease the chance of cyber-predation, sexting, cyberbullying, and substance abuse. You may want to discuss with them the following:

• Never give out personal information about yourself. Your true friends and family already know your name, address, phone number, school, and family members. There is no reason for total strangers to know this information. So don’t post this information on profiles, blogs, or networking sites.
• Do not invite “friends” to your online space or chat rooms. If they are not people you can call and talk to personally, they are not your friends.
• Never send or forward sexual pictures. Do not open unknown attachments; instead, delete immediately.
• Never agree to accept gifts or meet a stranger that you chatted with online. Remember that cyber-predators hide their true identities to seek youths vulnerable to seduction.
• Don’t harass or threaten online. If you are the recipient of harassment and threats, tell a trusted adult immediately.

Students are required to attend school on daily basis and be punctual as well. According to A.R.S. § 15-803(A) It is unlawful for any child who is between six and sixteen years of age to fail to attend school during the school hours and when school is in session. (B) Absences may be considered excessive when the number of absent days exceeds ten per cent of the number of required attendance days prescribed in section 15-802. Students with excessive tardies and absences can be reported for truancy, retention, disciplinary action, and loss of transition (ceremony and dance)

All schools in Nogales Unified School District #1 are Title 1 schools which means they receive additional funding from the federal government to improve reading and math skills, provide extended learning opportunities, and engage parents/community in working with the schools (e.g., parent meetings, conferences, volunteer opportunities). Specifically, Title 1 funding at DSMS for this school year is allocated to:

• Personnel (i.e., trainings, extra duties addenda’s, tutoring stipends)
• Reading and math curricula that are tailored to the accelerated student, the struggling student, and everyone in between. Enrichment classes are offered and materials (e.g., workbooks, and teacher resources) for these classes are funded by Title 1.
• Technology Equipment (Chromebooks, Interactive Boards, Etc.)
• Formative assessments aligned to the State standards, such as Galileo, quarterly writing, Achieve 3000, Imagine Math, and teacher-created exams.

Funding the aforementioned personnel, curriculum, technology, and assessments is intended to assist in reaching our academic goals.

We will be having a Title I and Title III meeting on Thursday, November 14, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the school library for any parent and DSMS Community member that would like to join us in this meeting.

Retention

Students who fail a full year of any two core-area classes (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies) may be retained in their current grade level. Additionally, students who fail three core area classes at the end of the second semester may be retained. Every quarter, teachers provide our counselors with information to contact parents of identified students regarding academic deficiencies and intervention strategies. Mailings provide information to parents on ways to help their child with homework and time management. Meetings will be scheduled with parents and students after each quarter for students receiving two or more F’s in core classes.

Transition from 8th Grade

Students will transition to ninth grade upon the satisfactory completion of required core subjects

• Language Arts (Reading/Writing), Math, Science, and Social Studies, as determined by grades and district assessments. (ARS §15-701).

Students that are referred to administration for any violation of school policy will be dealt with according to NUSD Behavior Management Guidelines. Consequences may result in retention and/or loss of privileges to attend end of year activities including but not limited to the DSMS transition ceremony and dance. Any 8th grade student suspended during the 2024-2025 school year and students in general who exceed absences more than 10% (18 days) of the school year can be retained and may not be eligible to participate in the transition ceremony, regardless of their academic performance.

Dear Desert Shadows Middle School Families,

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for each and every one of you. This season is a wonderful time to reflect on the support, warmth, and strength that make our school community so special. I am grateful for the dedication of our teachers and staff, the curiosity and resilience of our students, and the unwavering support of our families.

Together, we create a nurturing environment where our children can learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you for being such an essential part of the Desert Shadows Middle School community. May your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, laughter, and joy, surrounded by those you love.

Wishing you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Warm regards,

Christopher Miranda

DSMS Principal