AMS Desert Sky Newsletter

Newsletter | January 2021

Happy New Year

from your Desert Sky Principals

Dear Families~

Thank you for a successful start to our remote learning. We want to give a huge shout out to our paraprofessional team as they put ample effort in to the schoolwide Chromebook distribution. We appreciate your efforts as well in getting Chromebooks in a timely manner to students and helping to get your own scholars set up for remote learning success.

Teachers and students worked diligently before break to practice logging in and using the online learning tools for each grade level. They should know how to log in and zoom IDs were handed out.

All students are expected to attend live zoom teaching daily. The start of the day is particularly important as we are taking attendance at that time. Please be sure scholars are wearing school uniforms even during remote learning.

Thank you for being so flexible and adaptable as we work to provide quality learning in our ever changing times. We hope you had a wonderful break and wish you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ms. Winters, Ms. Marchisotto, & Ms. Thalacker

Principal & Assistant Principals

Chromebook Distribution

If your scholar has not picked up their Chromebooks, they are available daily in the front office from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Kindergarten Chromebook are also available now. Our Zoom attendance has been AMAZING and we are grateful to our parents for encouraging and supporting scholars at home. See below for some tips to help you during this remote learning time.

Tips and Tricks for Parents

Distance Learning

Let your child pick out their school space at home and help set it up. This should be a specific space for learning that is quiet, calm, and away from distractions. It is important to set the mindset that this is the space for school and learning.
Ensure there are no distractions during learning time. Make sure your child is dressed and ready for learning just as they would be on an in-person school day.
Post your child’s schedule and other materials in an easy-to-see place to help guide your child. If your child is learning to read, you can use pictures to show the schedule.
Some children may benefit from a reward system to help with behavior or as motivation to complete work. View instructions to create a new behavior chart.
Reward systems can be set up for your child to earn a reward daily or weekly.
Your child should be able to earn a reward based on behavior or amount of work completed.
Your child should have clear expectations on how to earn their reward.
Continue regular communication with your child's teachers or school administration for questions by an agreed upon method. Check Dojo messages regularly.
Make sure you are reading all your child's school communications to ensure you have access to and are using the right tools. Remember, even a high-achieving student may need some parental guidance while learning virtually.
Check daily assignments and homework for effort and completion to expected standards.
Talk to your child about their activities and learning for the day.
Try not to get frustrated with yourself if you don't understand what your child is learning. School curriculum has changed a lot over the years.
Your child's teacher is your best resource, but there are also other resources that are available to help you and your child. See the list below to name a few.
GoNoodle
Khan Academy
Khan Academy Kids
Cool Math Games
PBS Kids

Our Amazing Desert Sky Staff Spotlights

Marlene Carreno

Lead Paraprofessional

Hi my name is Marlene Carreno this my first year as the lead Para, I’ve been with AMS Desert Sky since the beginning. I have amazing support from my Para Team, I love working with students and watching them grow into amazing Dragons! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our Desert Sky Dragons! 🐉

Nina Muscatt

3rd Grade Teacher

Hello! My name is Nina Muscat and I am so excited to be teaching 3^rd grade this year! I am an Arizona native and hold a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Arizona State University. I have been a math tutor at Mathnasium for over 2 years and I worked as the Math Interventionist here at AMS for the first half of the 2020-21 school year. In my free time, you can find me at the gym, playing basketball, or running a Spartan Race. One of my favorite places to be is at the beach, in the water or soaking up the sun.

Reminders

2020-21Calendar:

January 1st: Happy New Year

January 4th: School Resumes with Remote Learning Chromebook Distribution

January 6th: Early Release K-2 at 12:00pm

3-8 at 1:00pm

January 10th: K-2 Packets out by 5:00pm

January 13th: Early Release at 12:00pm

for ALL Grades

January 18th No School, MLK, Jr. Day K-2 Packets out by 5:00pm

January 20th: Early Release at 12:00pm

for ALL Grades

January 24th: K-2 Packets out by 5:00pm

January 27th: Early Release at 12:00pm

for ALL Grades

January 31st: K-2 Packets out by 5:00pm

Connect with the AMS Desert Sky Office Team

623-242-2597