COLT CONNECTION
October 5th, 2026
Recent Highlights
Red Ribbon Week at Deer Valley Middle School
Last Friday, October 2, Deer Valley Middle School was proud to welcome members of the Arizona Air and Army National Guard to campus as part of our Red Ribbon Week activities. The service members are part of the Arizona Counterdrug Task Force, Drug Demand Reduction and Outreach Team, and they joined our students for an engaging assembly focused on making healthy, drug-free choices.
During the assembly, students learned about the dangers and risks associated with vaping and drug use and were encouraged to understand how the choices they make today can impact their health, goals, and future. Our guests also spent time with students during lunch, talking with them about the importance of staying drug free and encouraging them to make a personal commitment to that choice.
Red Ribbon Week is the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention awareness campaign. It serves as an opportunity for schools, families, and communities to come together to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and encourage young people to make healthy, positive choices.
As part of our celebration, students who chose to take the pledge to remain drug free signed a large red pledge sheet. That sheet is now proudly displayed in our cafeteria as a reminder of the commitment our students have made to themselves and their futures.
We are grateful to the Arizona National Guard and the Arizona Counterdrug Task Force for spending time with our students and helping us reinforce an important message: Our choices today help shape our futures tomorrow.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on October 8th and 9th. This is a great opportunity for parents and teachers to connect, discuss student progress, celebrate successes, and work together to support each student’s continued success. We encourage all families to participate!
To sign up for parent teacher conferences, click HERE.
October 8th and 9th are half days. School ends at 11:35 am.
PICTURE RETAKE DAY
School Picture Retake Day is scheduled for Friday, October 9th, 2026! If your student missed original picture day, needs a picture taken for the yearbook/student ID, or would like to have their picture retaken, this is their chance.
Important Upcoming Dates
Quarter 2
OCTOBER:
10/5: QUARTER 2 BEGINS
10/08: 11:35 AM HALF DAY
10/08: PARENT TEACHER CONFRENCES
10/09: 11:35 AM HALF DAY
10/12-10/16: FALL BREAK/NO SCHOOL
10/23: 1:30 PM Early Release Day
10/30: 1:30 PM Early Release Day
10/27: 5:00 PM-7:00 PM Trunk or Treat
You can always find our full calendar on the DVMS website.
Sports
Baseball:
10/6: @ Home (BGHS) v. Hillcrest
10/20: @ Desert Sky (DSMS)
10/22: @ Home (BGHS) v. Highland Lakes
10/27: @ Home v. Stetson Hills (Location TBD)
10/29: @ Highland Lakes
Softball:
10/6: @ Hillcrest (MRHS)
10/19: @ Home (MRHS) v. Desert Sky
10/22: @ Highland Lakes (DVHS)
10/27: @ Home v. Highland Lakes (Location TBD)
10/29: @ Stetson Hills (Location TBD)
All games begin at 4:30 pm unless otherwise noted.
Teacher Spotlight
Ms. Arianna Rodrigo
Role:
7th Grade Mathematics Teacher & Boys Volleyball Coach at Deer Valley Middle School
What I’m Proud Of:
I am proud of the relationships I have built with my students and the opportunity to help them grow both academically and personally. Seeing students gain confidence, overcome challenges, and recognize their own potential is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.
Fun Fact & Favorite Quote:
I am a U.S. Army veteran, a proud mother to my 5-year-old son, and enjoy being involved in athletics and coaching.
"Mistakes help us learn."
I believe growth comes from being willing to try, make mistakes, and keep pushing forward.
How I Support Students:
I strive to create a positive, structured, and supportive classroom where every student feels valued and capable of succeeding. Using small-group instruction, hands-on activities, visual models, and individualized support, I aim to meet students where they are. I encourage my students to ask questions, take risks, learn from mistakes, and develop confidence in their abilities—helping them grow in mathematics as well as in responsibility, perseverance, and leadership.
Nurse's Corner
Immunizations
Colt families,
This is a reminder that the followint immunizations that are REQUIRED for school in the State of Arizona by 12 years old:
- Tdap
- Meningococcal (MCV4)
If your student has not received these immunizations, please see your Healthcare Provider or come to our district's Vaccine Event!
If you are unsure if your student has received these, please feel free to reach out!
Thank you!
Nurse Emilie
Fry's Community Rewards
Did you know that Fry's Food stores offers a community rewards program designed to give back to locate organizations and educational establishments? It's easy to sign up, just visit Fry's website to enroll (be sure to choose Deer Valley Middle School), and every time you use your rewards phone number or card, we earn money. Last quarter we earned $94.67 for our school. We will be posting our quarterly earnings summary throughout the year. The more families who participate, the more money we can raise to support our students and school.
Please join today and help make every shopping trip count!
Ann E's Closet & Pantry
Ann E's Closet & Pantry is available for DVMS & DVUSD parents and families. We provide free gently used clothing for children and adults, food items, backpacks, toys, and games for children. If you would like to visit Ann E's Closet & Pantry, appointments can be arranged by calling the front office or email: annescloset@dvusd.org
DVMS Contact Information
Attendance: 623-445-3390
Front Office: 623-445-3300
Health Office: 623-445-3310
If you have any questions please email our front office.