Coyote Pride - Week of 08/25/25

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.

Hello Desert Heights Families,

It has been a busy and exciting week as we welcomed our new kindergarten students! We’re so proud of how well most of them have transitioned into school life, and we continue to partner with families to support a few who are still finding their rhythm. Our staff is committed to helping every child feel successful and confident.

This week I had the chance to visit several classrooms:

• Ms. Jones’ 1st graders were practicing phonological segmentation skills—a big phrase that simply means breaking spoken words into their individual sounds. For example, in the word cat, students learn to hear and separate /c/ – /a/ – /t/. This builds a strong foundation for reading and spelling.

• Ms. Hoffman’s 4th graders were working through the writing process—from brainstorming ideas, to drafting, revising, and editing—helping them grow as thoughtful, clear writers.

• Ms. Parrish’s 5th graders were diving into our brand-new Reveal Math Curriculum, which emphasizes problem-solving, reasoning, and collaboration.

• And in our special education classrooms, students were receiving specially designed instruction tailored to their needs so they can be successful in their general education classes alongside their peers.

I’d also like to invite all of our families to join us for our Back to School Experience on Tuesday. This evening is designed to help you connect with your child’s teachers, see what they’ll be learning this year, and better understand how you can support them at home. It’s also a wonderful chance to strengthen our school-home partnership, which is at the heart of your child’s success.

We are so grateful for your continued support and partnership. Together, we’re building a strong, caring school community where every student can thrive.

We loved meeting you and welcoming your child to the Desert Heights family. Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:

• Who’s who: We introduced our admin team, office staff, support staff, and kindergarten teachers.

• Arrival & dismissal: Kinder meets and is picked up in the fenced area at Echo Ave. & Mt. Bismark.

• A day in kindergarten: Breakfast/SEL, math, recess, lunch, reading intervention, science/social studies, recess—plus specials like Music, Library, and Computers.

• What students learn: Early literacy (letters/sounds, high-frequency words, decoding) and foundational math (counting, addition/subtraction, shapes, patterns).

• How families can help at home: Read daily, practice numbers, build independence and fine-motor skills, encourage positive social skills, and keep solid routines.

• School culture & supports: PBIS/H.O.W.L. expectations with recognitions, the role of our counselor, EL services, and Communities In Schools resources.

• Uniform reminders: Approved tops/bottoms and keeping a change of clothes in backpacks.

• Stay informed: Watch our Coyote Pride newsletter for updates and upcoming events (e.g., Back to School Experience on Aug 26).

We’re excited to partner with you for a great year!

This year’s event is designed using Karen Mapp’s Dual Capacity Framework, which means it’s interactive, two-way, and focused on real learning for families. Each grade level will host hands-on learning experiences so you can see how skills are taught, try a mini-activity, and take home simple strategies to support your child.

What to expect:

• Meet teachers and explore short, do-and-learn stations

• See how H.O.W.L. expectations and routines look in action

• Get clear take-home tools for reading, math, and communication

• Share feedback and questions—we’re listening

Please arrive a few minutes early; we’ll start right at 5:00 PM. Students are welcome!

• Grades 1–5: We’ll conduct friendly uniform checks this week. Families were given a two-week grace period to get uniforms in place.

• Kindergarten: Uniforms are required starting Monday, September 02.

• Need an accommodation? If your child has sensory or other special needs, please contact me or your child’s teacher—we’re happy to work with you.

Where to get uniforms

• School T-shirts (with logo): Available in the main office for $6 (sold at cost).

• Back to School Experience (Tue, Aug 26, 5:00 PM): Kate’s Logos will be on site with sweatshirts, collared shirts, and more.

Outerwear reminder

• Jackets, sweatshirts, and hoodies don’t need to meet dress code outside or in transit, but should be taken off inside.

• If outerwear is kept on in class, it must comply with the dress code.

We’re launching our family engagement team for the year: WATCH D.O.G.S.® (Dads of Great Students) and M.O.M.S. (Moms of Marvelous Students). This nationally recognized program brings caring adults onto campus as positive role models and extra eyes and ears—helping reduce bullying, enhance safety, and keep the focus on learning.

What volunteers do:

• Greet students, visit classrooms, read with kids, and support recess/lunch

• Show that school matters by being present and helpful

🍕 Pizza Kickoff: Wednesday, September 3rd, 5:30–6:30 PM.

Please RSVP below to learn more and sign up for a volunteer day. All guardians and caregivers are welcome!

We’re excited to let families know that Dippin’ Dots will be on sale every Wednesday and Thursday at Desert Heights!

Flavors: Cookies & Cream, Banana Split, Cotton Candy, and Cookie Dough – all delicious and sure to be a treat!
Price: $3.00 each
Punch Card: Buy a 10-punch card for $30.00 and enjoy the convenience all year.

Shhh… they’re actually yogurt dots — but the students just know them as a tasty, fun snack!

There are 3 areas to drop-off/pickup your child at Desert Heights Elementary School.

1. Mt. Bismark Street (Front of the school)

2. Echo Avenue (North side of the building)

3. Mt. Babcock Street (Back of the school)

• Mt. Bismark Street (Parking Lot)- Parents can either choose to park their car and walk their child around the building or drop-off their child on the side of the building. We only ask that if parents are dropping off, that they should remain in their cars. Do not park your car in the bus lane in front of the school.

• Echo Avenue (Kiss & Drop)- Parents can drop of their child on Echo Avenue. We ask that parents drive forward as much as they can so they do not hold up traffic. *Parents need to stay in their cars or by their cars and may not leave their car unattended.

• Mt. Babcock Street (Back of the school)- Parents can drop off their child in the back of the school. Please be cautious of students in all of the crosswalks and please do not park in non-parking areas. These areas are enforced by school police.

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! 🌟

Join DHESTV News as we spotlight how students at Desert Heights Elementary demonstrate “Learn by Leading” in the cafeteria. From using time wisely to showing respect to others, watch our Coyotes share examples and inspire positive behavior in our school community. 🐾🍽️

💡 Building Skills for Independence

This month’s focus is on helping children develop the skills they need for self-sufficiency—both now and in the future. Articles cover practical strategies for building communication, managing big emotions, fostering friendships, developing daily living skills, exploring housing and work options, and using special interests as learning tools.

The message is clear: start early, encourage independence, and provide opportunities for your child to build confidence in their abilities. Every step toward self-reliance is a step toward a brighter, more empowered future.

David Frydman, Principal

Chrystal Thayer, Assistant Principal

Juana Maya, Admin. Secretary

13948 Mount Bismark Street, Reno, NV, USA

Phone: (775) 677-5444