Desert Shadows Middle School

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

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated to honor the life, legacy, and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a pivotal leader in the American civil rights movement. The day is observed on the third Monday of January each year, around King's birthday on January 15. We honor for the following:

1. Honoring Dr. King's Legacy

• Dr. King worked tirelessly to advance civil rights and racial equality through nonviolent protest and advocacy. His leadership in movements like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington brought national attention to the struggle for justice and equality.

2. Promoting Equality and Justice

• The holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting against racial discrimination, inequality, and injustice. It encourages individuals and communities to reflect on the progress made and the work that remains to achieve a truly just society.

3. Encouraging Service and Community

• MLK Day is recognized as a "Day of Service," where people are encouraged to volunteer and give back to their communities. This reflects Dr. King's commitment to building stronger, more compassionate communities through collective action.

4. Inspiring Future Generations

• By celebrating MLK Day, schools, families, and organizations educate younger generations about Dr. King's vision, teachings, and the importance of standing up for human rights.

5. Celebrating Nonviolence and Peace

• Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance emphasized peaceful solutions to social and political conflicts, inspiring movements for justice worldwide.

Overall, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to remember the past, take action in the present, and inspire hope for a more equitable future.

Desert Shadows Middle School is being considered for the prestigious A+ School of Excellence from the Arizona Education Foundation, a recognition that highlights our commitment to excellence in education, innovative teaching practices, and community engagement. This honor is a testament to the hard work and collective effort of our entire school family. We will be having our school visitation in January 23 and 24 of 2025. With your dedication and continued support to our school this can become a possibility.

• UPDATE on traffic. Due to traffic concerns in the afternoon, additional cones have been placed in order to prevent any left hand turn to the front drive entrance to Desert Shadows at Camino Diez Mandamientos. The cones have been added to block traffic from turning left into the front drive. All vehicles must stay right, passed Bracker Elementary and the loop get in line to turn right and enter the drive. Please do not turn left into the school. Traffic enforcement will be on duty. Additionally, do not park on the road or in the neighborhood across from school to wait for your children. Only students living in the area are allowed to walk outside the school premises.
• Before school and after school, the student drop-off and pick-up area is the front of the school. The back entrance is reserved for busses only. Thank you for doing your part in maintaining school safety.
• Parents are reminded to drop off their children on time for school. Additionally, picking up students on time afterschool, tutoring and afterschool activities is important for the student’s safety and their academic achievement. Thank you.
• Please discourage your children from carrying cell phones, tablets, speakers, and other electronic devices to school. Often they are misused, lost, or stolen. Students have access to the office phone during the day and evenings. Additionally, there is a phone in each classroom for emergency use. Please refer to the page 17 of the planner regarding the policy on cell phones / electronic devices. Thank you for doing your part in supporting an orderly school environment.
• Riding the bus is a privilege rather than a requirement for the school or district. Students who misbehave on the bus will lose riding privileges. By law students must remain in seats, buckle up, keep the noise level low, and keep hands and feet inside at all times. Objects thrown out the window or damage to the seats will result in immediate suspension from riding the bus. These are safety issues that cannot be compromised much like the rules established in your own vehicle and home.

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 Parents and Guardians,

Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you and your family refreshed and recharged after a joyful winter break. As we step into the second half of the school year, I am excited about the opportunities ahead to continue supporting our students’ growth and success.

This semester brings new challenges, achievements, and experiences for our school community. We will maintain our focus on providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Here are a few updates and reminders as we return:

1. Attendance and Punctuality – Regular attendance is essential for student success. Please ensure your child arrives on time, ready to learn each day.
2. Communication – Stay informed through our Thrillshare Rooms, website updates, and social media channels. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.
3. New Initiatives – We are excited to launch our third quarter sports, clubs and most importantly our after school tutoring programs offering more opportunities for students to explore and grow.

As always, your partnership is invaluable in creating a positive and enriching experience for our students. Let’s work together to make this semester one of growth, discovery, and achievement for all.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our school community. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events and around campus.

Sincerely,

Christopher Miranda. Principal