NORTERRA CANYON NEWS
Back to School '24-25 Edition

NORTERRA CANYON NEWS
NOVEMBER 2026
A MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL MILKS
November is a season of gratitude, and we are so thankful for the continued partnership and support of our school community. As we move into the second quarter, there are several important reminders and events we’d like to share with you!
Norterra Canyon Earns an “A” Rating!
We’re proud to share that Norterra Canyon has once again received an “A” rating from the Arizona Department of Education!
Schools across the state are graded each year based on how students perform and grow academically in areas such as English Language Arts, math, and science. The rating also considers how well students are prepared for future success in high school and beyond.
This achievement reflects the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers and staff, and the incredible support of our families. Thank you for being a vital part of our success!
Every Day Counts!
As we head into the holiday season, please remember that attendance matters every single day. Consistent attendance helps students build strong academic habits and maintain progress in all subject areas. Every day in class is valuable, and missing even a few days can make it difficult to catch up, especially before long breaks. Thank you for prioritizing school attendance and helping your child be present, on time, and ready to learn!
November Events
November 3 Kona Ice
November 5 Kinder Preview Night @ 3:30-4:30
November 6 90 Min Release @ 1:30
November 10 Veteran's Day Assembly @ 8:15
November 11 No School, Veteran's Day
November 12 Boosterthon Fun Run & Barro's Dine In Night
November 13 PTSA Movie Night
November 13 90 Min Release @ 1:30
November 19 Thanksgiving Day Feast
November 20th 90 Min Release @ 1:30
November 23-27 Thanksgiving Break, No School
THANKSGIVING FEAST: NOVEMBER 19
We are excited to continue our tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving Feast during student lunches on Thursday, November 19th. Families are welcome to join their students for this special meal. We encourage everyone to come, connect, and engage in the meaning of the Thanksgiving Feast. A time to share gratitude, community, and togetherness.
2027-28 KINDERGARTEN PREVIEW NOVEMBER 5
Do you have a future kindergartener, or know a family with a little one getting ready to start school next year? We are excited to invite our future Pirates and their families to Norterra Canyon for our Kindergarten Preview Night on Thursday, November 5th, from 3:30-4:30pm.
This is a wonderful opportunity for families with incoming kindergarten students for the 2027–2028 school year to get a sneak peek at what makes NC such a special place to learn and grow!
Families will have the opportunity to:
Meet our amazing kindergarten teachers and staff.
Explore our kindergarten classrooms.
Learn about our kindergarten curriculum, daily routines, and expectations.
Discover what it means to be a Pirate!
Ask questions and get ready for an exciting first year of school.
Even if you don't have an incoming kindergartener, we would love your help spreading the word! Share this invitation with friends, neighbors, preschool families, or anyone you know who has a child starting kindergarten next year.
Registration for Kindergarten for the 2027-2028 school year begins on November 2, 2026.
Register as soon as November 2, 2026 to start your child’s extraordinary educational journey at Norterra Canyon for next year. Students must be at least 5 years old by August 31, 2027.
Families that live outside the district boundaries can enroll their child in a DVUSD school by filling out an open enrollment application beginning November 2, 2026 here.
If your child will be 5 years old between September 1 to December 31, 2027, you can have your child tested for early entry. Early Entry Testing will take place during the summer of 2026. You can sign up for Early Entry Testing beginning in February.
VETERAN'S DAY ASSEMBLY TUESDAY NOVEMBER 10
WINTER SPORTS
All 6-8 grade-athletes must be registered through Register My Athlete.
Please make sure all required forms, documents, and paperwork are completed and submitted by Tuesday, November 10th. Athletes must have the required paperwork completed to participate in the season.
Tryout Schedule
Volleyball
- Tryout Dates: The week of November 16th.
Please encourage your athlete to arrive prepared, bring appropriate athletic attire and water, and demonstrate a positive attitude, effort, and sportsmanship throughout tryouts.
Season Fee
The season fee is $120 per athlete. Please plan accordingly and watch for any additional instructions regarding payment and team participation.
We are looking forward to seeing our athletes take the court and represent
NC PTSA Stay Up to Date:
Follow our socials and website for ALL the details and fun we have planned this year!
Website: www.ncptsa.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ncptsa
Instagram: instagram.com/ncptsa
2026-27 Instructional Calendar
Below, you'll find our DVUSD Instructional Calendar for the upcoming school year.
Mark your calendars now & plan ahead for our early release days, as well as observed holidays.
Professional Learning Communities & 1:30pm Release Days:
We continue to be grateful for the vision of DVUSD and the opportunity to be intentional about professional collaboration. During our scheduled 1:30pm early release days our NC teachers analyze student data & learning, collaborate on implementation of interventions, and work together to ensure we are providing a guaranteed & viable curriculum for ALL of our learners.
BIRTHDAY BUCKETS
Parents now have the option of ordering a Birthday Party Bucket from the cafeteria!
Make it fun and easy to celebrate your student's birthday! The Birthday Party Bucket provides healthier snacks compliant with Arizona's Healthy Schools Act & SMART Snacks for students and simplifies the process for classroom birthday celebrations. The bucket will be delivered to your student's class at a designated time and location, making it super convenient for teachers and parents.
All items are Smart Snack compliant. Please contact your kitchen manager with any questions or for availability.
View, download, and fill out the birthday party bucket form.
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STAY IN THE KNOW...
Text YES to 68453 to receive text updates and reminders from Norterra Canyon.