Ms. Lady-Germain is a paraeducator who works with students with disabilities.

Our theme this year is inspired by the book *We're All Wonders* by R.J. Palacio, which focuses on acceptance, kindness, and celebrating differences. The story encourages readers to look beyond appearances and appreciate the unique beauty within everyone. It fosters empathy and teaches the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of physical differences.

To uplift our staff, we're inviting everyone to submit a message on our Kindness Wonder Wall. These messages, whether about specific individuals or the school as a whole, will be displayed for all to see.

As we approach the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support, involvement, and commitment to our amazing school community. It has been an incredible year, and I’m so proud of all that our students and staff have accomplished together.

🌟 Promotion Ceremonies
We’re excited to celebrate two important milestones coming up:

• Kindergarten Promotion: Tuesday, June 3 at 10:00 AM

• 5th Grade Promotion: Friday, June 6 at 10:30 AM
  We look forward to seeing you there as we honor our students' growth and success!

📊 i-Ready Data Access
Your child has completed their final i-Ready Diagnostic for the year. You can view their progress and growth in both reading and math through the i-Ready Family Center or by reaching out to your child’s teacher for a printed report. This data is a great way to see how far they’ve come and how to support them over the summer.

🌍 Multicultural Night
Multicultural night will be on Thursday at 5:00pm. We hope to see everyone celebrating on Thursday.

📅 Register for Next Year
If you haven’t already, please make sure to complete your child’s registration for the 2025–2026 school year. This helps us plan for staffing, classrooms, and materials. You can register through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or call the office for assistance.

💙 A Personal Note
As we close out the school year, I want to share how truly lucky I have been to serve as the principal of Desert Heights for the past five years. It has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life to work alongside such dedicated staff, amazing students, and supportive families. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this incredible journey.

Let’s finish the year strong, and as always—Go Coyotes!

Our students are finishing up their i-Ready Diagnostic Testing this week! This assessment helps us understand each child’s strengths and areas for growth in reading and math, so we can better support their learning.

You can view your child’s results together by logging into their i-Ready Dashboard through Clever, clicking the “For Families” section, and entering the district code: LTVNST.

For more info, visit the i-Ready Family Center.

Thank you for your continued support!

Thank you to all the families who expressed interest in participating in our upcoming Multicultural Night! We’re so excited to celebrate the rich cultures and traditions that make our Desert Heights community so special.

If you signed up to participate, you may be sharing in one (or more!) of the following ways:

• Bringing and sharing food

• Creating and displaying a cultural poster

• Performing a traditional song or dance

Families sharing food or posters will be provided a table in the quad area. Performances will take place in the cafeteria.

As we approach the end of the school year, please take note of our adjusted release times for the final week:

🟠 Monday, June 2 – Thursday, June 5: Students will be released at 3:30 PM (standard time).
🟡 Friday, June 6 (Last Day of School): Students will be released early at 1:20 PM.

There will be no early release on Wednesday, June 4.

Please plan accordingly and help us end the year on a positive and smooth note!

🔹 Online Registration is Open!

All families must complete online registration for the 2025-26 school year through Infinite Campus. This ensures your child’s information is up to date and helps with school planning. Registration is required each year for all students, whether returning or new to WCSD.

💡 Key Steps:
✅ Log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to register returning students.
✅ New to WCSD? Register online and bring birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of address to the school.
✅ Update emergency contact information to ensure school records are accurate.

📌 School of Choice
Families can apply to attend a school outside their zoned area through School of Choice. If space and staffing allow, requests are generally approved. Online Registration must be completed first to apply for School of Choice.

🔗 Need More Info?

• Online Registration & School of Choice details: [WCSD Website]
• Questions? Contact 775-333-6099 or schoolofchoice@washoeschools.net

Register today to secure your child’s spot for next school year! 🎉🐺💙

A big shoutout to the following classes for earning PAWS by consistently following the HOWL expectations and demonstrating outstanding behavior in their classrooms! These students have worked hard and earned some exciting reinforcements:

• Carter: 151 Paws, Cookie and Story with Admin
• Parrish: 76 Paws, Lunch with the teacher

School Wide PBIS

19 out of 21 classrooms have reached 50 Paws! When we all reach 50, we will have Fun Hat Day!!

Way to go, students! Keep up the amazing work and continue to show us how to HOWL! 🐾

The Dads of Great Students (D.O.G.S.) and Moms of Marvelous Students (M.O.M.S.) program is a volunteer initiative that encourages fathers and father figures and moms to spend time in their children's schools. The goal is to provide positive male/female role models, enhance school safety, and foster a supportive learning environment.

Key aspects of the program include:

• Volunteerism: Fathers and father figures volunteer their time to be present in their children's schools.
• Positive role models: They serve as positive examples for students, demonstrating the importance of education and community involvement.
• Enhanced safety: Their presence helps create a safer and more welcoming school environment.
• Community engagement: The program fosters stronger connections between families and schools.

By participating in the D.O.G.S. program, fathers can make a meaningful impact on their children's education and contribute to a positive school culture.

Looking to keep your child reading this summer? Check out these fun and free programs that reward reading with books, prizes, and even meals!

• Barnes & Noble – Read books and complete a journal to earn a free book.

• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Free monthly books for children ages 1–5.

• Panda Express – Read 5 books to earn a free kids meal coupon.

• Chuck E. Cheese – Earn 10 free play points by filling out a reading calendar.

• Washoe County Libraries – Join their summer reading challenge and earn free books (for all ages—even adults!).

• Book It! – Earn a free personal pizza by reading!

📖 Let’s make reading a fun adventure this summer!

😅Every Friday is Dad Joke Friday.. On the announcements, I share some of my favorite appropriate dad jokes.

Here are the ones from Mr. Frydman on Friday, 05/02/25:

• Did you hear about the circus fire? It was in tents!
• Did you hear about the guy who invented Lifesavers? They say he made a mint!

The latest issue of Autism Parenting Magazine (Issue 178) centers on understanding and supporting individuals with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile on the autism spectrum characterized by extreme avoidance of everyday demands. Key features in this issue include:

• “Unlocking PDA”: In-depth articles explaining PDA, how it differs from other diagnoses like ODD, and strategies to support children with PDA through choice, flexibility, and indirect communication.

• Hydration and Behavior: Explores the surprising impact hydration has on mood, behavior, and cognitive functioning in individuals with autism.

• Parenting a Child with PDA: A heartfelt piece emphasizing relationships and the importance of adapting parenting styles to reduce stress and build trust.

• Dr. Temple Grandin Q&A: Insights on auditory processing, echolalia, and behavior management from one of the leading voices in autism advocacy.

• Grandparents and Autism: A guide for grandparents on building lasting, meaningful bonds with their autistic grandchildren.

• Conflict Resolution Strategies: Practical techniques to teach children with autism how to navigate social challenges and resolve conflicts.

• Early Diagnosis and Genetic Discoveries: Updates on new tools and findings that may impact early identification and intervention.

Overall, this issue is filled with practical advice, personal stories, expert interviews, and strategies aimed at helping families better understand and support their loved ones with autism—especially those with PDA traits.

David Frydman, Principal

Chrystal Thayer, Assistant Principal

Juana Maya, Admin. Secretary

13948 Mount Bismark Street, Reno, NV, USA

Phone: (775) 677-5444