AMS Desert Sky Newsletter

Newsletter | October 2020

Message from Principal Winters

Dear Dragon families~

We are so happy to have our scholars back at school. Thank you parents for your help in making this a smooth transition. Students have been doing an amazing job of adjusting to our "new ways" of doing things (wearing masks, eating in the classroom, sanitizing regularly, following enter/exit signs, etc.). We are grateful for the support you are providing in helping us ensure students are following these important procedures.

Arrival has been going really well. Please be sure your scholar has the mask on before leaving the car. It is important that the mask cover the entire mouth and nose area. When dropping off your scholar, it is important to remind you that we use a two lane system, and to please pull forward whenever possible to help keep the traffic flowing. We close the drop off area at 7:50 A.M., so if you arrive after that, you will need to go sign in as tardy in the front office.

Dismissal has been going great as well. Again, thank you families for helping us make the dismissal process go smoothly. Be sure your child(ren) know their dismissal number and name of their homeroom teachers. Just a friendly reminder that you MUST have the yellow dismissal card we handed out to pick up your child in driveline or by foot.

Please read below for additional important updates and reminders.

FOR MORE INFO

Important Updates

Symptoms Check-

Be sure to do the required symptoms check every morning BEFORE arriving on campus. Any student that has COVID-19 symptoms must stay home until symptoms subside for at least 24 hours.

Water Bottles-

It is very important that students bring a refillable water bottle to school.

Return of Chrome Books-

If you borrowed a Chrome Book, PLEASE return them to the front office as soon as possible. Be sure to bring the charger. We need to prepare them for student use in the classroom. Thank you for your assistance.

Breakfast-

We want to be able to feed all of our students in the morning. But please note, breakfast ends at 8:05 and instruction begins immediately following that, so please be on time.

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness

Take the opportunity to talk to your scholars about the importance of kindness and empathy during October's Bully Prevention month. We do not want students to feel alone or left out. We want to encourage students to be inclusive. It is important for students to know that each of us has felt stressed, sad, insecure, alone, etc. and that

Talk with your students about their school day. Students who have regular conversations with family members are more likely to share difficulties they are having enabling them to work things
Model behaviors we want to see. Set a positive example for your student and remember that our actions speak louder than words.
Make sure your student understands bullying and that it is not an isolated event. It is ongoing and perceived power imbalance in a relationship.

Desert Sky Monthly Parent Meeting

LOCATION
Zoom Link: https://amsschools.zoom.us/j/3297162060 Meeting ID: 329

DATE AND TIME
10/15/20 5:00pm - 10/15/20 6:00pm

Please join us for our monthly parent meeting. We will cover information about NWEA and how to best support your scholar(s)!

I'll be there!

Maybe

I can't make it

Meet the Staff and Specialist Updates

Lindsay Nass

Kindergarten Teacher

"Originally, I'm from a small town in Wisconsin. I moved to Arizona last year with my husband and two cats to live where the sun is always shining.

Teaching is my passion and it's been my dream since I was a child. I graduated from St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin in 2016 with my Bachelor of Arts in Early-Middle Childhood.

I love watching students grow as the year progresses. I am grateful to be a part of the Desert Sky family of Dragons!"

Rocio Barcena

Front Office

"This is my first experience working for a school, and I have to say, its amazing!

Love to meet each and every one of the students and the families.

I love working with and learning from our Dragon families.

I enjoy helping out and providing the best information that I can provide to assist students and families."

Stephanie Jenkins

Instructional Coach

"Greetings! My name is Ms. Jenkins and I am originally from Tucson, AZ. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish from the University of Arizona. I also have a Master’s degree with distinction honors in Educational Leadership with a Principal K-12 Emphasis at Northern Arizona University, and hold an Arizona Department of Education Principal Certificate.

I have 11 years of teaching experience and 3 years of administration experience. After teaching internationally in China for two years, I am looking forward to returning to administration as an instructional coach at Academy of Math and Science Desert Sky!"

School Year Calendar Updates

2020-21Calendar:

OCTOBER:

10/01/20: First Day of 2nd Quarter & "on campus" school

10/07/20: Grades K-2 are 12:00PM Dismissal AND Grades 3-8 are 1:00PM Dismissal

10/14/20: Grades K-2 are 12:00PM Dismissal AND Grades 3-8 are 1:00PM Dismissal

10/15/20: Parent Meeting via ZOOM

10/21/20: Grades K-2 are 12:00PM Dismissal AND Grades 3-8 are 1:00PM Dismissal

10/26/20: Red Ribbon Week, Grade Level Outdoor Dance Parties

10/28/20: Grades K-2 are 12:00PM Dismissal AND Grades 3-8 are 1:00PM Dismissal

Connect with the AMS Desert Sky Office Team

623-242-2597

Connect with Principal Winters