Hello Rattler Families,
Welcome to the final stretch for the 2024-2025 school year. We are deep into our AASA state assessments, and we thank you for your assistance in promoting that your child(ren) attend school, get plenty of rest, hydration, and food on testing days. We also need students to bring their chromebooks fully charged everyday - especially on assessment days. Hard-wire earbuds are used on assessment days, so please have your child bring them each day through next week.
As we continue to look at the data we get from your child(ren), please help your student by reminding them to complete at least 3 MyPath lessons for Math class each week. Some students do this during their math classes and Advisory periods, but the majority of the students are not completing three in a week. We are filling in gaps with these lessons. We are going to continue to set this expectation through the end of the year, because it is that important to them individually to make these gains before Algebra I in HS.
We know that with warmer weather the student behaviors will change. We will continue to have the expectations for students to wear their ID badges at all times. We also have every class set-up with a cell phone holder with an assigned number. No student should be using their phone in class. Harsh consequences will be issued if students are not following the cell phone policy.
Dress Code
It will be hot outdoors, but cold in the buildings. Set points of 72-76 degrees will be the norm in our buildings. Please have your child layer their clothing so they can be comfortable in both settings. Administration will continue to monitor the appropriateness of clothing. We ask that students cover their parts. It is not a consequence unless it is a second time offense. Defiance is where we issue a formal consequence.
Safety
Please remind your child to cross Madero Ave with the crosswalk attendant. Walking and bikes are most safe crossing immediately from the bike rack. From the North side of the street- students can travel down to the church, the Crismon crosswalk, or into the neighborhood East of our school. Families in cars, please slow down in the school zone and anytime students are present. Our wonderful students are unpredictable and together we can keep them all safe.
We also want your children to be careful when bringing anything to school. Toys, gadgets, and objects associated with weapons are not allowed. We encourage students to leave their toys at home. We do not want to see water guns on campus. It is against the district policy, and students will receive consequences. Our kids have grown up too fast, and the world around them has become mature and dangerous. We as school administrators have to be on the lookout for dangers, and we want to encourage all families to speak with their children about these dangers and rules.
8th grade Promotion Party
We have been working with our district and Amazing Jake’s to come up with a fun way to recognize our 8th grade students for their promotion to high school. On May 16th, we plan to take all eligible students for promotion to Amazing Jake’s. Details will be coming home very soon, but if a student has an F in a core class- Math ELA, Science or Social Studies, they will not be able to attend. They will stay on campus and work on the class(es) they are failing. We have negotiated with Amazing Jake’s and our school PTRO to get the cost per student down to just $15. That will be for transportation, unlimited food and drinks, bowling, rides, and games that do not earn tickets or prizes. It is an incredible deal.
We will send home information on this field trip through your child’s first period teacher next week. We will work with families if the cost is a concern. We will encourage families that are able to donate an extra $5 or more to help students who may be in need of assistance.
Teacher and Staff Appreciation
As we roll into May our PTRO will be reaching out for your assistance in recognizing our teachers and staff during appreciation weeks. Thank you in advance for any contributions and messages of thanks and support.
Calendar for April and May is full!
We are excited for this fourth quarter of athletics, performances, and student recognitions. We save money all year to be able to celebrate as many students as we can. We will request the AC be on, but know that with a gym full of people a hand fan of any sorts will always be a good idea. Parking will always be tough, so plan to arrive early.
Farewell
I will be the Principal of Islands Elementary next year. I enjoyed my years at Desert Ridge Junior, but my heart is pulling me back to elementary. I will be investing some time into the new school, but want you to know that I am 100% committed to our school, students, and this community for the rest of this year. I look forward to my interactions with our jr. high students and this great staff each day. The absolute best part of my job is working with your children and our staff!
It has been an honor to serve this Desert Ridge Community for the last six years. Together we have done great things for amazing students and families. I thank you for the support, the patience, and the forgiveness when things were not perfect. It is my intention to be amazing for you all at all times. Let’s have a great month and a half together and celebrate these incredible children of yours!
Mr. Mike Davis
