Have You Taken Advantage Of The Public School Tax Credit? It's Not Too Late To Donate!
The State of Arizona has extended the special provision for Public School Tax Credits that allows schools to use the donated funds for capital items, like playground equipment, computers, and shade structures. An individual may claim a nonrefundable tax credit for making contributions or paying fees directly to a public school in this state for support of eligible activities, programs or purposes as defined by statute. The public school tax credit is claimed by the individual taxpayer on Form 322. The maximum credit allowed is $400 for married filing joint filers and $200 for single, heads of household and married filing separate filers. This is an amazing opportunity to donate. Taxpayers can still claim the credit on the 2022 income tax return if you file after April 18, but the donation must be made on or before April 18, 2023.
April is Arizona State Testing Time!
Parents often ask, "How can I help my student better prepare for the AASA tests?" Here are some simple strategies to ensure that your students feel supported and ready to do their best!
- Write an encouraging letter to your child: nothing is as powerful in preparing your child for their day than your support and love. Write a quick note telling them how hard they've worked and how proud you are of their achievements!
- Make sure your child gets a good nights rest the night before the test: turn off all electronic devices an hour before bedtime and make sure to set their alarm for the morning.
- Prepare a healthy breakfast: make sure that you include protein, dairy and other "brain foods" in your child's morning meal.
- Arrive at school on time: give yourself plenty of time in the morning and avoid situations that can cause stress for your child.
- Finally, schedule all doctors, dentists and other important provider appointments after the school day. Once a student starts their test, they need to finish the assessment in one sitting. All interrupted tests will be left incomplete.
With your support, we know our students will do their very best!
*Make sure to mark your calendars! No early release days during testing.
District Art Showcase Participants
DVUSD is having a K-8 district art showcase April 15th and 16th from 10-3pm at the Innovation Center.
Each school gets to have six students be a part of the showcase. The following six were selected to represent Desert Mountain.
From left to right, Kiley Smith (7th grade), Naomi Simonson and Kasen Roden (5th grade), Sawyer Roden (2nd grade), Juliette Deras (4th grade), and Olivia Zuccone (8th grade).
Lunch Time Is The Best Time!
Meet Your Newly Elected PTO Board Members
Co-President: Amy Moore
Co-President: Patti Atchley
Co-Vice President: Elizabeth Linka
Co-Vice President: Brittany Waxman
Secretary: Ellen Northrop
Treasurer: Samantha Holder
Member at Large: Amber Romo
Member at Large: Kaitlyn Hook
Member at Large: Kim Hancock
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Girls BasketballGirls Play Second Apr 4 AN @ DM Girls Play First Apr 6 BYE Apr 11 DM @ PH Apr 13 NC @ DM Apr 18 DM @ AN Apr 20 BYE | Boys BasketballBoys Play First Apr 4 AN @ DM Boys Play Second Apr 6 BYE Apr 11 DM @ PH Apr 13 NC @ DM Apr 18 DM @ AN Apr 20 BYE | Spirit LineApr 4 AN @ DM Apr 6 BYE Apr 11 DM @ PH Apr 13 NC @ DM Apr 18 DM @ AN Apr 20 BYE |
Girls Basketball
Girls Play Second
Apr 4 AN @ DM
Girls Play First
Apr 6 BYE
Apr 11 DM @ PH
Apr 13 NC @ DM
Apr 18 DM @ AN
Apr 20 BYE
Boys Basketball
Boys Play First
Apr 4 AN @ DM
Boys Play Second
Apr 6 BYE
Apr 11 DM @ PH
Apr 13 NC @ DM
Apr 18 DM @ AN
Apr 20 BYE
Spirit Line
Apr 4 AN @ DM
Apr 6 BYE
Apr 11 DM @ PH
Apr 13 NC @ DM
Apr 18 DM @ AN
Apr 20 BYE
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March Pizza with the Principal
Our next Pizza with the Principal will be held on April 28th.
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Dr. Curtis Finch, Superintendent | Dr. Gayle Galligan, Assistant Superintendent | Dr. Melissa McCusker, Director of Student Support Services |
Dr. Curtis Finch, Superintendent
Dr. Gayle Galligan, Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Melissa McCusker, Director of Student Support Services
Students Raise over $5,000 for The American Heart Association
Our students exceeded the original goal of $3,500, and will be able to "pie" our PE teachers in the face. Additionally, because our students raised more than $5,000, Principal Gillett will join the pie crew and let a lucky student "pie" her as well! Thank you for helping our students give back to their community.
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PTO's Read-A-Thon Winners!
Thank you everyone for helping our students raise over $2600. These funds were raised to replace aging benches and tables on our campus. We're so excited to provide more outdoor seating options for our students!
K-2 Top Classes
1st place - Johnson (2nd Grade)
2nd place - Puckett (1st Grade)
3-5 Top Classes
1st place - Morgan (3rd Grade)
2nd place - Nelson (5th Grade)
6-8 Top Classes
1st place - Dyresen (7th Grade)
Students with most minutes read per grade
Kinder - Tori Galindo (Mckee's Class)
1st Grade - Hannah Johnson (Puckett's Class)
2nd Grade - Jonathon Know (Johnson's Class)
3rd Grade - Elijah Henry (Morgan's Class)
4th Grade - Steven Hook (Potts Class)
5th Grade - Katrina Long (Gary's Class)
6th Grade - Alyse Hook (Whitmore's Class)
7th Grade - Hayden Leivas (Dyresen's Class)
The first class to read 200 minutes by March 10th - Johnson's 2nd Grade Class
Thinking of Joining PTO?
Next PTO Meeting:
April 26th @ 5:00pm in the Media Center
Upcoming Events:
Teacher Appreciation Week-May 1st-5th
BINGO-May 5th @ 5:30pm
Volunteers Needed
Desert Mountain School
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Principal Mrs. Molly Gillett | Administrative Secretary Mrs. Patti Atchley |