Gecko Gazette

Desert Sage Newsletter - September 2022

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Congratulations DVUSD Honor Choir nominees!

After some outstanding auditions, the following students have been nominated to participate in the DVUSD Honor Choir this school year.

  • 5th grade: Alexa R., Annabella T., Emily R., Julia M., Luci L.
  • 6th grade: Ava S., Eden F., Mia W.

Fall In-Person Parent Teacher Conferences

It is time to schedule your child’s fall parent/teacher conference. Below is a link to our scheduling program you will use to make your conference appointment. Conferences are being held the week of October 3 through October 7. Evening conference appointments are being provided on Wednesday, October 5. All fall conferences will be held in-person at Desert Sage in the classrooms. Once you have scheduled your conference appointment you will receive confirmation that includes the meeting room number for your specific conference date and time. Your child's report card will be given out during your scheduled parent teacher conference.


Conference appointment scheduling link: CLICK HERE


Tips for a successful parent/teacher conference:

  • It is important to be timely to your child’s conference as teachers will have conferences scheduled back-to-back.

  • Prior to the conference, write down any questions you may have about your child’s academics, behavior, classroom routines, expectations, etc.

  • If more time is needed at the end of the conference, ask the teacher to schedule an additional conference time.

12:05 PM Early Release Days

Thursday, October 6 and Friday, October 7 will be 12:05 p.m. dismissal for all students. The early release is to allow additional time for parent/teacher conferences.


Please be sure to make appropriate arrangements for your child's early pickup on these days.

Desert Sage Calendar

Have you ever wondered if it's a 2:00 p.m. release day or when we have a school event like picture day happening? If your response is yes, then make sure to bookmark our Desert Sage School Calendar on your devices. It is the "go-to" location for all things happening at Desert Sage.


Desert Sage School Calendar


Click on the item listed for the day for more information about the event.

Picture Day October 5th!

Fall pictures are happening on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. All students will have their photo taken, even if pictures are not ordered by the family.


Picture day information and online ordering all available at www.mydorian.com. Search for Desert Sage and click on the green "Order" button associated with your picture day.


Order picture online here: http://www.mydorian.com/


You can order online now and for up to four days after our picture day.

I Spy PLC

Teachers this month have been working diligently at adjusting and planning their intervention groups for reading and math. Did you know students in need of intervention for reading and/or math are provided the additional instructional support at least once a day Monday through Friday? The additional instructional support times are called Response to Intervention Time or RTI Time. Additionally, teachers have been participating in professional development regarding grading practices and the most effective strategies we use to instill best work ethic and effort in students.

Mark Your Calendar - Important Dates

  • Monday, 9/26: No School, Fall Break Day
  • Wednesday, 9/28: Last day to turn in 1st quarter work
  • Wednesday, 9/28 Sonic Family Dinner Fundraiser
  • Thursday, 9/29: Confucius Day
  • Friday, 9/30: Regular 3:30 p.m. Dismissal
  • 10/3: School Custodian Appreciation Day
  • 10/3-10/4: Gecko Gold Store for Students
  • 10/3-10/7: Parent Teacher Conference Week
  • Wednesday, 10/5: Fall Picture Day
  • Thursday, 10/6 & Friday, 10/7: Half-day 12:05 p.m. Dismissal

Sonic Family Dinner Fundraiser

Wednesday, Sep. 28th, 5-8pm

1919 West Deer Valley Road

Phoenix, AZ

40% of Sonic sales will be donated to Desert Sage Elementary!

Must show a copy of the Sonic School Flyer to be eligible for the fundraiser. Flyer copy link

AZ School Tax Credit for Desert Sage

Your school tax credit donations can provide Desert Sage students with opportunities to after school and summer programs, field trips, music and athletic programs or any other extracurricular activity.


  • The Arizona tax credit program (A.R.S. 43-1089.01) allows a tax credit of up to $200 for individuals and up to $400 for married couples, filing jointly, in support of extracurricular activities.
  • The tax credit reduces your tax burden to the state of Arizona, dollar for dollar.

Desert Sage Elementary

We are an A school in the Deer Valley Unified District. We educate children pre-k through grade 6 & offer Mandarin Language Immersion. We are the home of the geckos. Kristy M. Gill is the proud principal and Mrs. Race is the proud assistant principal.