PDCMS Panther Tales
Good afternoon, Great people,
As we approach November 11th, our campus naturally pauses to reflect on the meaning of this upcoming day of commemoration. Amidst the busy middle school routine of class projects, athletics, and tests, it can be tempting to view a holiday simply as a day off. But Veterans Day asks something deeper of us.
To truly understand the day, we have to start with the people behind it. You cannot define Veterans Day without first defining a veteran. To me, a veteran is someone who saw an opportunity. For some, it was a profound call to serve their country. For others, it was an opportunity to step out of their hometown, learn a trade, explore the world, or build a better future for their families. Above all, veterans are go-getters. They are individuals who looked at daunting challenges and, instead of turning away, actively pursued them. Through that lens, Veterans Day isn’t an abstract celebration on a calendar, it is a celebration of people who took genuine risks, stepped outside their comfort zones, and committed themselves to something they deemed worthy of their lives.
For our middle schoolers at PDCMS, that lesson could not be more relevant. Right now, our students are beginning to discover who they are and who they want to become. They are learning what it means to set ambitious goals, to face obstacles with grit, and to look beyond themselves. Veterans provide our young people with a living blueprint of ambition, resilience, and purpose.
Taking that path, however, involves real sacrifice. It means time away from family, missed personal milestones, rigorous environments, and carrying physical and emotional burdens long after taking off the uniform. That is why our gratitude cannot just be kind words once a year; it requires an ongoing commitment to support, listen to, and honor those who answered the challenge. As John F. Kennedy profoundly stated, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
To the parents, grandparents, guardians, alumni, and staff members across our PDCMS community who have worn the uniform of The United States: we recognize your drive, your courage, and the path you chose. We thank you for your service and for the example you set for our kids, and myself, every day.
As we head into the week, I encourage our families to talk at home about the veterans you know and to share what it looks like to pursue challenges with courage. Thank you for your partnership, and to all who served, Happy Veterans Day.
Be Present, Be Purposeful, Be a Panther. Today is a great day to be a Panther. Don’t forget to be awesome! Have a great week.
Principal Austad
PDCMS Do the Right Thing Honorees
We are proud to recognize our outstanding PDCMS Panthers: Sophia Grandmain, Amna Mobin, Trent Lawrence, Victor Penuelas, Israel Salas, and Elizabeth Wilkinson, who were nominated for the Do the Right Thing Award, a program that celebrates young people who demonstrate exceptional character, kindness, leadership, responsibility, and integrity. Each of these Panthers reminds us that doing the right thing...whether through a courageous act, a helping hand, or a commitment to personal growth, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Also pictured is Truman Bohn, who was awarded the Do the Right Thing Award. We featured his achievement in an earlier edition of Panther Tales. We invited him to join his fellow nominees for this special photo.
Congratulations to our honorees! Your actions, determination, and compassion demonstrate the very best of PDCMS. Thank you for making our school and community a better place, one positive choice at a time. We are Panther Proud of each of you!
Sophia Grandmain Nominated by Mr. Quevedo
Amna Mobin Nominated by Ms. Vasquez
Amna Mobin is being recognized for her remarkable perseverance, determination, and commitment to personal growth. After navigating significant challenges during the previous school year, Amna set an important goal for herself: improving her school attendance. Through dedication and consistency, she has made tremendous strides toward achieving that goal. Each morning, she arrives at school with a smile and a renewed commitment to making the most of her day. Her journey is a powerful reminder that success isn't always measured by grades or awards, but also by the courage to overcome obstacles and follow through on personal goals. Amna's resilience and determination are truly inspiring, and we couldn't be prouder of her progress!
Trent Lawrence Nominated by Donna McGee (Grandma)
Trent Lawrence demonstrated extraordinary courage, compassion, and quick thinking when his grandmother experienced a medical emergency at home. Recognizing that she was having difficulty breathing, Trent immediately took action, contacting his father and calling 911 for help. But his kindness didn't stop there. He remained by his grandmother's side, holding her hand and reassuring her that he would not leave until paramedics arrived. His calm response and loving support during a frightening situation helped ensure his grandmother received the emergency care she needed. Trent's actions are a remarkable example of courage, responsibility, and love for family. We are incredibly proud of this young Panther for stepping up when it mattered most!
Victor Penuelas Nominated by Mr. Lethlean
Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness make the biggest difference. Victor Penuelas demonstrated the true spirit of being a Panther when he noticed a classmate who was using crutches and a scooter could use some extra assistance. Without being asked, Victor took the initiative to help, making his classmate's day a little easier. His thoughtfulness, compassion, and willingness to lend a helping hand reflect the importance of looking out for one another. Victor reminds us that doing the right thing doesn't always require a grand gesture—sometimes, it simply means noticing someone in need and choosing to help. Way to lead with kindness, Victor!
Israel Salas Nominated by Ms. Vasquez
Israel Salas is being celebrated for his remarkable personal growth, maturity, and commitment to making positive choices. Through determination and self-reflection, Israel has made significant strides in his behavior, attitude, and focus, demonstrating increased responsibility and respect for his peers, teachers, and school community. Motivated by his dream of pursuing a career in law enforcement and eventually becoming a sheriff, Israel has embraced the importance of discipline, integrity, and perseverance. He is particularly excited about the possibility of joining the Explorers program as a step toward achieving his future goals. Israel's transformation is a wonderful reminder that every day offers an opportunity to grow, improve, and make choices that shape our future. We are proud of the young man he is becoming!
Elizabeth Wilkinson Nominated by Mr. Quevedo
Elizabeth Wilkinson embodies the qualities of an exceptional Panther through her leadership, kindness, and dedication to helping others succeed. As President of the PDCMS Drama Club, Elizabeth leads with enthusiasm, organization, and a genuine desire to make everyone feel welcomed and included. She consistently goes above and beyond in both her academics and extracurricular activities, encouraging her peers and inspiring those around her to do their best. Whether taking on new challenges, supporting fellow students, or helping organize Drama Club activities, Elizabeth approaches every responsibility with positivity and determination. Her commitment to lifting others up while striving for excellence makes her an outstanding example of what it means to Do the Right Thing!
Honoring our Staff Veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to five members of our PDCMS staff who served in the military: Mrs. Burden, Mr. Hackett, Mr. Bautista, Mr. Walton, and Mr. Rivera. We are grateful for your service, your sacrifices, and the commitment you have shown to our country. Today, you continue to make a difference through your work with our students and school community. Please join us in thanking these Panther veterans for their service and dedication!
Mr. Bautista
Mrs. Burden
Mr. Hackett
Mr. Rivera
Mr. Walton
👏 Aubreigh Blount: "Congratulations on your Q1 Honor Roll achievement. Keep up the great work! You're amazing. —Ta-Tanisha Blount (Mom)
Mark you calendars!
- November 11th ***Veteran's Day *** NO SCHOOL
- November 13th - World Kindness Day
- November 18th - Ruta Sepetys, Author Visit
- November 18th - PDCMS Lottery Information Night
Celebrating our School Psychologist
During National School Psychology Week, November 9–13, please join us in thanking Mr. Ruben Arredondo, our PDCMS school psychologist! His care and dedication help our Panthers navigate challenges, build confidence, and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Working closely with our teachers and counselors, Mr. Arredondo is a vital member of the team that supports our students and helps them succeed. We are grateful for the support he provides to our students, families, and staff. Thank you, Mr. Arredondo, for making a difference in our Panther community!
PDCMS Community Ofrenda
Our Union for Students of Color club members spent a busy lunch meeting creating a school ofrenda in the counselors’ hallway for Día de los Muertos. They invite our Panther community to help make it even more meaningful by adding photos or items honoring loved ones and beloved pets who have passed away. The ofrenda will remain on display through Wednesday. We look forward to sharing how it comes together. Thank you to our students for creating this special space for remembrance, connection, and cultural appreciation.
💙💛 Please consider donating or sharing to help our future engineers and computer scientists soar!
Our middle schoolers are ready to move from block coding to Python—and see their code come to life! Mr. Munksgard is seeking support for a classroom set of 12 CoDrone EDU programmable drones. Students will write Python scripts to navigate obstacle courses, explore flight physics, and work in teams to choreograph music-synced LED light shows. Your support will help hundreds of students build confidence as they bridge the gap between basic coding and advanced, real-world programming.
DSUSD is offering upcoming parenting workshops designed to support and empower parents and caregivers with practical tools they can use at home. These programs focus on strengthening family connections, improving communication and healthy conflict resolution, building parenting confidence, and developing effective strategies for navigating the challenges of raising children and teens. The Parent Project also emphasizes practical parenting strategies and building confidence. We encourage our Panther families to take advantage of these valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and grow together! 💙🐾
Shout Outs
The Desert Sands Educational Foundation proudly sponsors the DSUSD Shout-Out employee recognition program (formerly Recognize IT), honoring the extraordinary efforts of our team members who make a difference every day for students, their colleagues, and the community!