Coyote Pride - Week of 09/29/25

This year, we’re inspired by Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg, which teaches that mistakes and surprises can spark creativity, learning, and connection. To celebrate, we’ve created a Beautiful Oops Kindness Wall where students, staff, and families can share notes about moments when someone turned a challenge into something positive or showed kindness and creativity. These uplifting messages will be proudly displayed for all to enjoy.

Dear Coyote Families,

It is with bittersweet feelings that I share some personal news. After much reflection, I have decided to retire early from my role as principal of Desert Heights Elementary. My original hope was to finish the school year and retire in June, but an opportunity to pursue a new career in educational curriculum presented itself — one that will not be available later — and I have chosen to take this next step. My last day at Desert Heights will be Friday, October 17th.

This decision was not made lightly. I feel so deeply connected to our students, our families, and the Desert Heights community. Serving as your principal has been one of the greatest honors of my career, and I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together — from strengthening partnerships with families, to empowering students through our H.O.W.L. expectations, to creating a school culture that truly lives our motto: We empower potential, we embrace diversity, we inspire growth.

I know this transition may bring mixed emotions. Please know the district is already working on a plan to identify someone who will serve as the interim school leader. I also want to reassure you that Ms. Thayer will remain here at Desert Heights, providing consistency and strong support for our staff, students, and families.

Thank you for trusting me with your children, for your partnership, and for being part of such a remarkable community. While I am excited for this next chapter, it is hard to step away from a place and people I love so deeply. Desert Heights will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to cheer for our Coyotes from the sidelines.

With deep gratitude,
Mr. David Frydman

Join us for a night of fun at our annual Fall Festival on Wednesday, October 22, from 5:30–7:00 PM at Desert Heights Elementary!

✨ Enjoy games, candy, costumes, raffles, and snacks!
🍕 Pre-sale tickets are available from October 14–17 for $5 per person, which includes a pizza dinner and all activities.
🎟️ Tickets will also be sold at the door for $3 per person, which include all activities (food available for purchase separately).
💙 All proceeds will directly support grade-level needs

🧃 Donations Needed: The Fall Festival Committee is asking for bottled water, nut-free bags of candy, and individual chip bags. Donations can be dropped off at the school office—thank you for helping make this event a success!

We can’t wait to see our Coyote families there! 🐾

This year, we are excited to offer Parent Teacher Home Visits (PTHV) as part of our commitment to strengthening family–school partnerships. These 30-minute visits give our staff and families the chance to connect in a relaxed setting—at your home or a local park or library.

Rooted in the Dual Capacity Framework, these visits are designed to build trust, honor families’ strengths, and create meaningful two-way communication. When families and educators understand each other, students thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

If you are interested in participating, please return the PTHV form sent home or contact Ms. Neumann at nicole.neumann@washoeschools.net. We look forward to partnering with you!

Here is the updated the School/Family Handbook that contains important information about our school. Please take some time to read it over. We will update it throughout the year but this should give you some basic information about our school.

Right at School’s Early Adventures™ program is now available at our school! 🏫

🕖 Time: 7:00 AM – Start of school
💲 Cost: $186/month for 5 days/week (see attachment for discount)
(Flexible pricing for fewer days available!)

✨ What’s Included?
✅ Fun fitness games & team projects
✅ Crafts, reading, and more
✅ Homework help from RAS staff
✅ Flexible drop-off times
✅ Financial assistance available!

📲 Register now: RAS.fun/register

Let’s learn, play, and grow—together! 🌟

The Dads of Great Students (D.O.G.S.) and Moms of Marvelous Students (M.O.M.S.) program is a school-based volunteer initiative that invites fathers, father figures, and mothers to spend meaningful time on campus. This program:

• Provides students with positive male and female role models

• Enhances school safety through increased adult presence

• Builds a stronger, more connected school community

🌟 A heartfelt thank you to Sustion and Raquel, Maria, Bob, and Cathy for serving as WatchDOGS and WatchMOMS this week! Your presence truly makes a difference—your time, energy, and commitment help create a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for our Desert Heights Coyotes.

In this Desert Heights PBIS video, Miss Wade and Mrs. Hendricks deliver a fun and engaging news-style segment highlighting the "H" in H.O.W.L., which stands for "Have Respect" in the classroom. Students from around the school share practical ways they show respect, including:

• Speaking at a respectful volume
• Keeping eyes on the speaker
• Keeping hands and feet to themselves

The video encourages students to reflect on what they've learned and discuss with classmates how they can demonstrate respect throughout the week. It ends with a positive message from the DHESTV news team: "Make it a great week, Coyotes!"

This month’s newsletter encourages families to:

• Explore everyday science and nurture curiosity.

• Build online research and reading comprehension skills.

• Support independence, responsibility, and respect at home.

• Stay positive about math and connect it to real life.

• Prepare for parent-teacher conferences with questions and goals.

Simple steps at home can make a big difference in your child’s learning

The October issue focuses on addressing bullying in autism. Articles cover:

• Spotting the signs of bullying and why children with autism may be more vulnerable.

• Helping kids ask for help and building self-advocacy skills.

• School policies and parent rights in addressing bullying.

• Practical supports like buddy systems, social-emotional learning, and IEP goals to reduce bullying.

• Caregiver well-being, including understanding PTSD in caregivers.

• Other features include managing biting behaviors, supporting pragmatic language, teaching manners through a neurodivergent lens, and planning sensory-friendly field trips

The central message: early recognition, open communication, and proactive supports at home and school are key to keeping children safe and building resilience.

David Frydman, Principal

Chrystal Thayer, Assistant Principal

Juana Maya, Admin. Secretary

13948 Mount Bismark Street, Reno, NV, USA

Phone: (775) 677-5444