Desert Shadows Middle School

We strive to empower students to become critical thinkers that are lifelong learners, preparing them for a future where that are contributing members of society.

Desert Shadows Middle School provides a quality, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where students can excel through our diverse educational programs.

All schools in Nogales Unified School District #1 are Title One schools, which mean they receive additional funding from the federal government to improve reading and math skills, provide extended learning opportunities (e.g., tutoring, summer school), and engage parents/community in working with the schools. To this end, parents are encouraged to be involved at DSMS by: (a) assisting in the classroom; (b) developing the school improvement plan; (c) helping on field trips; (d) being involved in clubs and activities; and (e) applying parenting skills that help your child with homework and time management skills. Strategies and programs DSMS adopts to meet its Title One goals are outlined at all parent meetings. They are also highlighted in letters to parents.

The Schedule will be as follows:

February 18, 2025 – March 7, 2025 A-Z

Registration will take place at the NUSD #1 Registration Department, 351 W. Plum St. Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Your child does not need to be present to register unless he/she is missing immunizations. The district nurse will be available to administer immunizations to incoming Kindergarten students if needed. The kindergarten registration process takes approximately 20 minutes per child. We are unable to provide or accommodate for childcare during the process.

The Nogales Unified School District No. 1 2025-2026 Open Enrollment is scheduled from January 13 to February 14, 2025. All current returning open enrollment students do not need to reapply for Open Enrolment next year unless a new school is requested. Registration can be submitted online at www.nusd.k12.az.us. For more information, please visit the NUSD #1 webpage.

• Thank you for planning your holiday travel around the district calendar / DSMS final exam schedule. Please continue prioritizing attendance throughout the second semester. Research shows a direct link between school attendance and academic achievement.
• However, if your son/daughter is absent, please be sure to contact the attendance clerk at 377-2646 (ext. 7250). Special thanks to those parents who rarely allow their child to miss school and who call to verify an absence.
• If your child has a fever over 100 degrees or is vomiting, keep him/her home to avoid the spreading of illness. For mild illnesses such as colds and coughs, please medicate your child at home before sending him/her off to school. Contact the nurse directly at 377-2646 (ext. 1218) if you have any questions about your child’s health.
• Please be sure to get your child to school on time. Morning tardies are disruptive to the learning environment. Additionally, arriving late makes your child feel rushed and unfocused during his/her 1st hour class. The busses always arrive on time, so consider sending your child on the bus (if you live within the DSMS school zone) if you find it difficult to get him / her here on time.

Here are steps we take at DSMS to keep our students safe: monthly emergency drills (fire, lockdown, and shelter); semester emergency drills (off-campus, bus); locked back gate / classroom doors during the instructional day; intercom system training for office personnel; security cameras inside the school and outside school; main door ring bell, daily student bathroom checks by adults; full-time security guard; full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) and quarterly class meetings on behavioral goals (e.g., empathy, anti-bullying, cyber safety, next steps, respect, responsibility, being a role model).

Retention

Students who fail a full year of any two core-area classes (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies) may be retained in their current grade level. Additionally, students who fail three core area classes at the end of the second semester may be retained. Every quarter, teachers provide our counselors with information to contact parents of identified students regarding academic deficiencies and intervention strategies. Mailings provide information to parents on ways to help their child with homework and time management. Meetings will be scheduled with parents and students after each quarter for students receiving two or more F’s in core classes.

Transition from 8th Grade

Students will transition to ninth grade upon the satisfactory completion of required core subjects

• Language Arts (Reading/Writing), Math, Science, and Social Studies, as determined by grades and district assessments. (ARS §15-701).

Students that are referred to administration for any violation of school policy will be dealt with according to NUSD Behavior Management Guidelines. Consequences may result in retention and/or loss of privileges to attend end of year activities including but not limited to the DSMS transition ceremony and dance. Any 8th grade student suspended during the 2024-2025 school year and students in general who exceed absences more than 10% (18 days) of the school year can be retained and may not be eligible to participate in the transition ceremony, regardless of their academic performance.

Dear Desert Shadows Middle School Families,

As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued partnership and support. December is a time of reflection, celebration, and community, and I am reminded of how fortunate we are to have such a caring and dedicated school family.

This month, our students have been working hard on their academics while also participating in activities that celebrate the joy and diversity of this season. From the Holiday parade, celebrations, concerts, sport activities, we are proud to see our school come together to embrace the values of kindness, generosity, and learning.

As we prepare for winter break, I encourage you to take time to celebrate your own family traditions and enjoy the simple pleasures of being together. The connections we foster at home and in our community have lasting impact on our children's growth and well-being.

A few reminders for the month:

• Monday, December 16th - Regular schedule - Tutoring
• Tuesday, December 17th - Regular schedule - Tutoring
• Wednesday, December 18th - Early release at 1:20 p.m.
• Thursday, December 19th - Early release at 1:20 p.m. - No tutoring
• Friday, December 20th - Early release at 11:30 a.m.

On behalf of our faculty and staff I wish you a joyous holiday season and wonderful New Year. May this time be filled with peace, love, and cherished memories. Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating and nurturing your children.

Warm regards,

Christopher Miranda

DSMS Principal