Phoenix Facts

The 2025–2026 school year, kicks off this coming Monday, August 11th!

Inside this edition, you’ll find important information to help this school year start of with a win!

Please note: The most important information to know is that ALL students will need to have a signed AUA for Chromebook use. This must be completed before a Chromebook can be issued to your student.

Key reminders:

• Complete the AUA for Chromebook use.

• Complete the Free & Reduce Lunch meal service form.

• Purchase Chromebook insurance — all students will receive new devices this year.

• Purchase a parking pass — required for ALL student drivers. (Pick up in the EAST office, first day of school).

We can't wait to see you this school year!

Not in the fam?

If you are receiving this newsletter and have decided your student will not be attending Don Tyson School of Innovation for the 2025-2026 upcoming school year, please notify us by emailing innovation@sdale.org as soon as possible as we have an extensive waiting list.

The first few weeks are always a little hectic as we all learn the process for drop off and pick up. It will move faster quickly! Please be patient with our staff and each other.

Below you will find video links for:

• 6th & 7th Grades
• 8th - 12th Grades

Pro tips:

*If you have multiple students in both grade bands, the older student needs to go to the younger student's drop off/pick up area. You do not have to stop at both spots.

*The ways of the elementary world do not necessarily help with a faster afternoon line. Classes end at 3:50pm, and then students take a few moments to get the assigned pick up areas. If you plan on arriving at 4:00pm or shortly after, the line should be moving instead of at a standstill.

New This Year
All 6th and 7th grade students will remain in the West Cafeteria until their ride arrives. Car tags will be issued with numbers assigned to each student. Students do not need to remember their number—our staff will handle that part.

To help this process run smoothly, please hang your car tag so the number is clearly visible to the person entering it. This will help us get students to you quickly and safely.

In Spring 2025, Governor Sanders signed the "No Cell, Bell to Bell" legislation. Beginning this fall, students will not be allowed to have access to or use electronic devices during the school day. If a parent needs to contact his/her student, then parents may call the office at 750-8780. We will relay the message to the student or have the individual come to the office to use the phone.

If a student is found using an electronic device during the school day, then the following discipline actions will occur:

• 1st Offense - The device will be kept in the office until the end of the school day. A parent will be notified. Two days of lunch detention or a Wednesday night school.

• 2nd Offense - The device will be kept in the office until a parent can pick up the device. Saturday School or two Wednesday night schools.

• 3rd Offense - The device will be kept in the office until a parent can pick up the device. ISS issued. No device on campus for the remainder of the year

If your student is a driver, they will need a permit to park on campus. There are two steps to complete to obtain the permit:

1. Pay the $20 fee - Cash/Check payments can be made in the East Office. Online payments can be made at Parking Permit Payment Link.
2. Complete the Parking Permit Request Form

(Please do not forget to come back to the google form once making the payment online)

Please consider the value consistent attendance has in a student's learning when scheduling appointments. Checking in late or out early contributes to total absences and may cause a student to complete required seat time during Saturday school or to make up credits toward graduation during summer school.

The following early checkout times are encouraged:

• Please do not check out after 3:20PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
• Please do not check out after 2:00PM on Wednesdays.

The PSAT will be administered to all DTSOI 10th graders the morning of Oct. 14th (as well as some 8th, 9th & 11th graders), on campus at DTSOI. Students and families will receive more information about this event through email and in newsletters in September, including, who, what when and where.

Testing fees for 10th grade students are covered by the state of Arkansas.

Families of 8th, 9th and 11th graders: if you are interested in your student taking the exam, please email Dr. Hopper (shopper@sdale.org) no later than September 15th. For those choosing to take the exam, the fee is $20 and must be paid in full no later than, EOD, Sept. 15th. You can pay online on the DTSOI website under the "Parents and Students tab.”

If your student has an existing Individualized Education Plan (IEP) through Special Education or has a 504 Plan and you would like to request accommodations through AP College Board for the PSAT, please complete the form below. By completing this form, you are giving the school permission to submit your child's accommodation request. AP College Board will make the decision to accept or deny the accommodation request.

The deadline to make the request to the school will be EOD, August 15th.

From top, to right, moving down: Amanda Qualls, Stephany Robles, Maria Romero, Monica Wiederkehr, Anayeli Herrera, Dina Manues, Kristin Taylor, Blanca Castillo, Erica Whorton, Martha Martinez, Zayda Reyes, Erica Butler.

VIA students and families will receive emails with information regarding sign up dates and times for required virtual student and Learning Coach orientation sessions.

Please email viadtsoi@sdale.org if you have questions.

DTSOI works to ensure every student graduates with a diploma plus through personalized and accelerated learning connected to the arts, college, business or industry.

Email: innovation@sdale.org
Website: soi.sdale.org
Location: 2667 Hylton Road, Springdale, AR, USA
Phone: 479-750-8780
Facebook: facebook.com/SpringdaleSOI

Instagram: @dtsoi_phoenix
X: @dtsoi_phoenix