Hawk Happenings
July 27, 2020
Paradise Valley Unified School District Reopening Plan
Desert Trails Elementary School's 2020-2021 school year will begin in an all-virtual learning environment on Wednesday, August 5th.
Click here to learn more about Paradise Valley's School Re-Opening Plan
PVConnect at Desert Trails Elementary School
PV Connect is a virtual classroom where students will participate in full, online learning with scheduled, real-time virtual instruction from a Desert Trails Elementary School teacher and interact with their DTES peers. All students will be expected to attend each day and submit assignments and participate as they would if they were attending in-person. Students will be expected to attend their classes, participate, ask questions, and try their best.
A student's daily schedule will mimic a day similar to a traditional in-person classroom learning experience. Students will have a daily schedule with set math, reading, writing, social studies or science, social emotional learning (SEl/Harmony), and special areas times. Much like in a traditional in-person classroom, the learning activities will be different from day-to-day. Students will participate in whole group, small group, and individual learning activities. At Desert Trails, all students and grade levels will have Lunch from 12:20 - 12:50 pm. Other break times vary depending upon the grade level and will be communicated by the classroom teachers.
A student that receives Special Education, Gifted, and other provided services will have these services built into their daily schedule. For example, if they receive special education reading services, their reading will be taught by a Desert Trails Special Education teacher. Speech and other services will be scheduled for specific times in the day by the service provider.
Desert Trails PVConnect Sample Schedules
*Teachers will be communicating specific grade level schedules*
3rd-6th Example
8:45 - 9:00: SEL/Morning Meeting
9:00 - 9:30: Special Area (Rotation Schedule to include Art, Music, PE, STEM)
9:30 - 9:40: Break
9:40 - 10:20: Math
10:20 - 10:40: Impact
10:40 - 11:00: Flex
11:00 - 11:20: SEL/Harmony
11:20 - 11:40: Writing
11:40 - 12:20: Reading
12:20 - 12:50: Lunch
12:50 - 1:30: Social Studies/Science
1:30 - 3:15 Small group / Independent Work / Intervention / Teacher Office Hours
K-2nd Example
8:45 - 9:10: SEL/Harmony
9:10 - 9:50: ELA
9:50 - 10:30: Math
10:30 - 11:00: Science/Social Studies
11:00 - 11:20: Writing
11:20 - 11:30: Break
11:30 - 12:00: Special Areas (Rotation Schedule to include Art, Music, PE, STEM)
12:00 - 12:20: Flex
12:20 - 12:50: Lunch
12:50 - 3:15: Small group / Independent Work / Intervention / Teacher Office Hours
The time after the student's last scheduled period will be used by teachers in all grade levels to facilitate learning in small groups, and allow for independent learning time away from the computer screen. Teachers will communicate with parents about if/when they would like to have students participate in a small group or individualized learning session. All teachers will be available for questions and help until the end of the school day at 3:15 pm.
Each grade level in K-6 will have a similar schedule as outlined above. The day will start at 8:45 AM and all direct, whole group instruction will be completed by 1:30 PM (3rd-6th) and 12:20 (K-2nd). While the day-to-day lesson in each subject area will determine how long students will need to be online for each subject, students will not be expected to be online in front of the screen for the entire period. For example, on Monday the reading lesson may require 20 minutes of teacher-led direct instruction, and then on Tuesday, it may only require 10 minutes of teacher-led direct instruction.
Grade level teachers will provide a class schedule to families in their communications prior to the start of the first day of school.
All students will be enrolled in PVConnect unless families elected to enroll their child in PVOnline.
Withdraw Intent for PVOnline: If for any reason you already submitted an intent form for PVOnline and you would prefer to participate in PVConnect instead, please email andmaestas@pvschools.net to have your child removed from the initial enrollment process.
Picking up Chromebooks and EduKits
Desert Trails Elementary School is committed to supplying a Chromebook to each student who does not have access to a device at home so they can participate in the PVConnect or PVOnline learning models.
Chromebooks and Edukits will be available for pick in the DTES Front Office between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM on:
Wednesday, July 29th
Thursday, July 30th
Friday, July 31st
2020-2021 Annual Update (Emergency Card) Now Available:
The online version of PVSchools Annual Update process is now available for the 2020-21 school year. The Annual Update allows you to make any updates to your contact information such as address changes, phone number changes, changes to a child's health history, as well as update emergency contact information. This will replace the printed Emergency Card.
Please go to Portal.pvschools.net.
Select More and then Annual Update.
You may also click the Annual Update link on the Announcement Page.
Need help? View our Annual Update Smart Card.
Tech Support For PV Connect & PV Online
All 2020 - 2021 enrolled students, including new kinder students and new to PV students, will have access to their pvlearners accounts and all things PV on Monday, July 27. You will not have to wait until the start date of August 5th. Keep in mind, you will not be able to see teachers/schedules within Infinite Campus or access Google Classrooms until July 31st.
Also, the Paradise Valley IT Department is planning to roll out a support site and resources for families that will include how-tos for passwords, devices, and MUCH MUCH more. Further information about the support site will be communicated via the district's family communication on Wednesday, July 29th, 2020. The links to the support site and other information will also be found on the DTES Website.
Class Rosters Will Be Released On July 30th!
On July 30th, Parents/students will receive a welcome email and other information from their new classroom teacher. Teachers will communicate with parents and students their daily class schedule as well as any supplies or materials the will need for online learning and if there are supplies or resources that need to be picked up from the school.
Parents will be able to access their student's 2020-2021 Infinite Campus Account on July 31st, 2020. We know that parents are working at creating learning and support groups for students, however we do ask to continue our policy that parents not request a change in class placement.
Meet the Teacher Back to School Event!
On August 4th, 2020 from 3:00 - 4:00 PM , Desert Trails Elementary School will be hosting a virtual Back to School Meet the Teacher event. We would love for you to take a moment or two and pop in to say hello to your new teacher and classmates!
Links to the virtual classrooms will be sent in the welcome communication from your teacher.
Supply Lists for the 2020 - 2021 School Year
School Supply Lists for the 2020-2021 school year can be found and printed from our school Webpage.
Here are updated grade level supply lists with essentials for our virtual start:
Textbooks and Other Materials
Some grade level teachers may require or encourage certain textbooks, workbooks, novels, and other materials that are normally provided to students at school to help with online learning. Your student's teacher will notify you of any materials or resources that will be needed and how/when to get them from the school.
Student Personal Items from 2019-2020
If you were unable to collect your students' personal belongings during our scheduled pick-up times at the end of last year, please do not worry. We have the items secured in the building and they can be picked up during our Chromebook pick-up dates.
Virtual Forum and Presentation
Frequently Asked Questions
If we already have a Chromebook checked out from the school but need a replacement, how do we get a new Chromebook?
You are welcome to exchange your previously checked out Chromebook to the school for a replacement. You may return it and pick up a new one during our July 28th through July 31st pick-up dates. If you have further questions or needs, please contact our media specialist, Zita Benjamin at zbenjamin@pvschools.net
What school supplies are needed for PV Connect?
Our teachers recognize that not all students may have the supplies at home they normally would have during an in-person school setting and will plan lessons taking this into account. Students will need basic supplies such as paper, pencils, crayons, rulers, etc. Any supplies that are outlined in the school supply lists would be preferred and can be brought to school when in-person classes resume. Teachers will notify parents and students if they will be needing to pick up textbooks, novels, or other resources from the school.
What is "Flex" and "Harmony/SEL" time?
"Flex" time blocks are a set time where the teacher decides the subject and focus of the lesson and it will generally vary from day-to-day. For example, If the teacher feels students need more time to review and learn a concept they have been working on in math class, that will be their focus for the class period.
The "Harmony/SEL" or Social-Emotional Learning" block encompasses community and relationship building, as well as supporting our students' emotional connections and well being, both online during this period as well as in the classroom, always. Our school has used the Sanford Harmony Program for years. The program includes lessons on Diversity & Inclusion, Empathy & Critical Thinking, Communication, Problem Solving, and Peer Relationships. In addition to Desert Trail's established program, the district has a Social and Emotional Wellness committee that is developing plans for regular check-ins with students, establishing positive online communities with our class, SEL lessons, and procedures to identify and support students in distress. They are providing us with training and materials through Everybody Matters, an SEL program designed to help students through difficult timesThis is facilitated by our classroom teachers in conjunction with our new school counselor and district-provided resources.
Will the classes in each grade follow the same classwork/schedule?
Yes, each grade level will have a specific schedule where they will have their math, reading, writing, etc. blocks each day. All students at DTES will have lunch from 12:20 - 12:50 each day. The afternoon time block will be dedicated to small group and individualized learning opportunities that will be scheduled by your student's teacher or specialist.
Will there be substitute teachers available for teachers during online learning?
Yes, in the event that a teacher is unable to be present during their online classes, Desert Trails Elementary School (and all PV schools) have plans in place to allow students to continue their online learning.
Will printables and other work be available online or prior to the week of work?
Yes. Some grade levels will be sending homework and will have it available to print online. We are also working to develop a system for families to pick up printed materials, if needed. Your student's teacher will communicate information about any packets or print materials needed.
How will disruptive behavior be handled?
Just as an in-person school setting, we have the expectation that all students will S.O.A.R (be Safe, Open-Minded, Always Kind, and Responsible). Teachers do have the ability to mute students and participants. If a student is continuously disruptive teachers will communicate those concerns and work with parents to end the disruption.
How will attendance be taken?
The finalized details of how attendance will be taken is still being developed but the expectation is that students attend their classes as they would in an in-person school setting. The school knows that internet problems, appointments, illnesses, etc. happen and will be flexible. If you know your student will be unable to attend all or some of the school day, we ask that you please notify your teacher and/or call the school attendance line at 602-449-4301.
Will breakfast or lunches be available for students?
Beginning August 5, our meal distribution sites during distance learning will resume at 20 school sites. Details, site locations, dates, and times can be found on the district’s website, www.pvschools.net/reopening as well as the flyer attached below.
When will we get our yearbooks from last year?
LIfetouch production of yearbooks was interrupted due to COVID-19 and production plant closures. As soon as they arrive, we will set up a time to get them distributed.
For other frequently asked questions regarding health, safety, and other logistical concerns, please visit the PV District FAQ website at: https://www.pvschools.net/reopening/reopening-faq
Important Upcoming Dates:
- Jully 27th, 2020: Infinite Campus open to families
- July 29th, 2020: Chromebook Check-out/EduKit from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- July 30th, 2020: Chromebook Check-out/EduKit from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- July 31st, 2020: Chromebook Check-out/EduKit from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- July 31st, 2020: Google classrooms visible to families
- August 4th: Greet Your Teacher Virtually from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- August 5th, 2020: First Day of School!
- August 10th, 2020: Virtual Curriculum Night
PVUSD School Re-Opening Plan
Google Classroom
About Desert Trails
Location: 4315 East Cashman Drive, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Phone: 602-449-4100