Welcome to 2023 Red-Tailed Hawk Families!

It has already been a busy year here at CDA. In January, Mr. Sharpe's environmental science classes got the garden up and running. We can't wait to try out the delicious fruit and vegetables that our students have grown! We held our second round of parent conferences and we had a great turn out. ASES students won the Volleyball tournament and we are so proud of them. CDA participated in the KidWind showcase held at Palm View Elementary where they were able to show off their wind turbine progress. We ended January with our district science fair where two of our students were recognized for hard work. We started the month of February off by taking 8th grade students that are high school ready with a C or better to the polo fields to watch the MLS soccer scrimmage. Students had a blast at the game and they were able to meet some of the soccer players in person. We held a testing kick off assembly for students that will be taking the English Language Proficiency Assessment of California (ELPAC) this week. Our drumline played while students entered the multipurpose room and staff members cheered students on with pom-poms and positive words of encouragement. February 8th our very own Valeria Garcia participated in the District Spelling Bee. It was a great experience for her and our runner up Valentina Garcia.

Now that we are in second semester, students know our school-wide expectations. We are seeing an increase in food being consumed outside of the cafeteria (especially Starbucks) and an increase in personal electronic devices (cell phones and airpods) use during school hours. Please help us keep our campus clean and safe by talking with your child about only consuming food in the cafeteria and not using personal electronic devices during the school day.

Look out for the Quarter 3 progress report. The window closes on February 21st and grades are available to view on February 22nd in AERIES. Thank you for your continued support and partnership with our staff.

CDA students are Respectful, Independent, Scholars that Excel (RISE)! Red-tailed hawks RISE!

Dr. Anna Santa Maria

Principal

Cahuilla Desert Academy

• 2/08/2023- District Spelling Bee
• 2/13/2023- NO SCHOOL- Closed to Observe Lincoln's Birthday
• 2/14/2023 - 2/17/2023- Spirit Week
• 2/15/2023- Progress Report for Quarter 3
• 2/17/2023- Career Day at CDA
• 2/20/2023- NO SCHOOL- Closed to Observe President's Day
• 2/22/2023- Progress Reports available in AERIES
• 2/23/2023- Coffee with the Principal @ 9:00 a.m. in Parent Center

As we enter this new month, it is with heavy hearts that we have to share the passing of our Instructional Media Aide, Tina Gatlin. Mrs. Gatlin was with CVUSD for 22 years.

Her most recent position was titled Instructional Media Aide, but many referred to her as the “librarian.” In this role, she was able to touch the lives of every person who walked into the library. Many children looked forward to joining her before school and during lunch. She created a safe space for all the children and staff at Cahuilla Desert Academy. She was a mentor, a friend, and loving face when needed. She was always willing to help out wherever she was needed.

She leaves an emptiness in many hearts. We will forever cherish our time with her.

Tina Gatlin, gone too soon, but never forgotten.

Everyday we look forward to seeing the students and staff at CDA. Please remember that the first bell rings at 8:55 a.m. each morning. To ensure your child has a well-balanced breakfast, we recommend students arriving by 8:45 a.m. so they can benefit from our school breakfast and be ready to learn by 9:00 a.m.. It is important for students to be in school daily so they do not fall behind on their studies and to socialize each day with their peers. If your child is ill, we recommend they stay home until they recover. You can email the absence information to wendy.rodriguez@cvusd.us.

ASES is currently accepting applications. We offer Dance, Cheer, Art, Gaming, Drumline, Sports, Leadership, DJ, and SPARKS every day after school. ASES also hosts field trips throughout the school year to sporting events such as hockey, baseball, and soccer games, etc. Join in the fun!

• 3/04/2023- Saturday School
• 3/17/2023- End of Quarter 3
• 3/20/2023- Non-Student Day (Teacher Inservice)
• 3/30/2023- Parent Conferences 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• 3/31/2023- Minimum Day Release @ 1:50 p.m.