I can’t believe that we have already completed three quarters of the school year. Students, teachers, and parents have been working hard and I am impressed by the Desert Willow community every day. This time of year can bring additional stress as we enter our state testing season. Students in grades 3-6 will be taking the AZM2 this spring in reading, writing, and mathematics. I want to encourage every student to do his or her best, stretch themselves, and show off what they know.
Many students feel added stress during state testing. They want to do well. We want them to do well. But, please remember, amongst the students who will be sitting for the exams there is an artist, an entrepreneur, a musician, an athlete. Our standardized tests may not “measure” their talents. Continue to encourage your child(ren) to chase their dreams and work hard. When you encourage their dreams, we will watch them conquer the world.
~Staci Wiese, Principal
important announcements
Mileage Club Cancelled
There will be no mileage club this Friday, 3/15 or next Friday, 3/20. We will resume on Friday, April 3.
Volunteer of the Week
Our Volunteer of the Week is Capri Wilkins. Capri helps in Mrs. Kelly's kindergarten class each week in the afternoons during math. She is always willing to jump in with both feet and help with groups, correcting papers, helping students solve a problem or whatever is needed. We are so thankful to have her as a volunteer and for all she does each week.
CCUSD has been nominated for BEST OF THE NORTH VALLEY!
It's that time of year! The Best of the North Valley voting is underway and CCUSD is a nominee for Best School District! 2020 daily voting is live. Please click on the button below to vote.
Vote Daily - Vote Often - Tell Your Friends!
Cactus Shadows Drama Club Musical
Cactus Shadows Drama Club presents, Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA, The Timeless Love Story. Tickets are $10 for students (with student ID) and $15 for adults and are available online at www.seatyourself.biz/cactusshadows Shows are on 3/5, 3/6, 3/7, 3/12, 3/13 and 3/14 at 7:00 p.m. at The Fine Arts Center.
where is Ricky Roadrunner this Week?
This week Ricky is in Russia.
Russia shares borders with many countries, including China, Ukraine, North Korea and Norway. This country is the largest country in the world and is located across 9 time zones. The capital of Russia is Moscow. The world’s first satellite, named Sputnik, was launched by the Soviet Union (Russia) in 1957. Russia produces a large amount of renewable energy thanks to its well developed hydro-power stations. It has a wide range of natural resources and is one of the world’s largest producers of oil. They also have the world’s largest area of forests.
Friday: Be sure to check out the video of Ricky Roadrunner’s travels in Russia.
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student scratch winner
Click the button below for a creative scratch project!
6th grade SI cooking video
Our 6th grade Spanish Immersion students are back in the kitchen this week! Click on the button below to view the latest video.
DWES ARTOMÉ Art Show - Save the Date!
Join us in the PE room on March 19, 2020 between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for our Art Show. Come and see art from all of the student artists at DWES. About 650 original artworks will be on display! There will be ribbons and prizes awarded by PTO members for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place art in each grade level, as well as 6 honorable mentions! In addition, Mrs. Art will choose a surprise number of artworks for special "Art Teacher's Choice" awards (with ribbons and prizes)! Families will have the opportunity to purchase the frame in which their student's art is displayed for $25 (art left at the show will be returned to students after the show, without the frame). Proceeds will benefit the art program at DWES. See you there!!
We are in need of volunteers to help work the event and judge the artwork. If you are able to help, please click on the button below to sign up.
Click the button below for fun photos from the DWES Art Studio.
Field Days are next week!
Our annual Field Days will be next week. Students in grades 3-5 will participate on Thursday, 3/19 from 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Students in grades K-2 will participate on Friday, 3/20 from 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. As always volunteers and donations of otter pops, water balloons and water bottles are greatly needed. Please click on the button below to sign up!
Pto Website
Please check the PTO website regularly to stay informed! Click the button below to go to the site.
pto events
- 3/17/2020: General PTO Meeting - 2:30 p.m. in the PTO room
- 3/18/2020: Roadrunner raffle baskets from all classes due to PTO room
- 3/19/2020: Spirit Night at Barro's!
- 4/1/2020: Spirit Night at the new Chipotle!
- 4/3/2020: Roadrunner Round Up - 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- 4/14/20: General PTO Meeting at The Creek Patio Grill - 6:00 p.m.
It's time for the Roadrunner Round-Up Y'All!
April 3rd, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Desert Willow's largest family event with attractions for children of all ages!
- An entire field of bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses
- Dunk tank
- Rock wall
- Face painting
- Cake walk
- Food Trucks: Burgers Amore, Queso Good, Old Fashioned Ice Cream Bus
- Raffle Baskets: Disneyland tickets, Class baskets
- Silent Auctions: Diamondbacks tickets behind home plate, Mickelson Private Golf Course Foursome, Brunch for 6 at Postinos and SO MUCH MORE!!!!
Click on the button below to buy your tickets today!
Additional information and paper order forms for Roadrunner Round-Up will be coming home with your child on Friday. Volunteers and cake donations are needed to make this event a success. Please click on the button below to sign up.
Baskets for all the homerooms need to be brought to the PTO room by March 18th. Have fun and let's see your creative side!
New & Newsworthy
Thank you to all those that came out and participated in the Mom/Son Neon Night at Bowlero! It was a great night and we had an amazing turnout. Thank you for being so supportive of the change of venue and getting your bowl on!
"Progress is impossible without change" - George Bernard Shaw
Calling All Roadrunners! Help our resale shop get off the ground!
Do you have a DWES shirt in your closet that doesn't fit any longer? Desert Willow PTO is collecting any DWES Spirit wear (shirts, jackets, etc.) that have been gently used to open up a Spirit wear resale shop in the PTO office! The items that are donated will be washed and resold at a discounted price to help raise money for the school and keep the school spirit going! Items can be dropped off at the front office or in the PTO office.
Birthday Banners $10
Want to make your child feel extra special on their birthday this year? Celebrate by displaying their name in lights! Come visit the front office to find out how!
Everyday Ways to Support DWES!
Click on the link below to see how easy it is to support DWES!
desertwillowpto.org/fundraisers/
It's tax time and did you know you can really help Desert Willow Elementary at no cost to you?!? Arizona's tax law allows families a tax credit of up to $400 if they contribute to extracurricular activities in public schools. Individuals can give up to $200. Ask your accountant or advisor for more information and to make sure you qualify. You can also learn more by clicking the button below. To contribute to DWES and obtain a tax credit online, click the second button below.
Pre-order your yearbook today! Click the button below to pre-order your yearbook from Lifetouch. Enter the yearbook ID code when ordering. Yearbook ID: 13226520
Please share your photos with us at : dwesyearbook2@gmail.com
featured DWES supporting business
Phoenix Children's Sports Med: Young athlete's bodies are works in progress. Their care requires a different approach. Phoenix Children's Sports Medicine has nationally recognized sports medicine physicians and physical therapists who collaborate with athletic trainers, coaches and families to offer a full range of care that gets young athletes back to the sports they love, all while lowering the risk of re-injury.
Kristina Wilson, MD, MPH, CAQSM - kwilson@phoenixchildrens.com
Phoenix Children's Hospital - www.phoenixchildrens.org
p(602)933-3033 : f(602)933-4311
- Medical Director, Pediatric and Adolescent Sports Medicine and Sports
- Physical Therapy
- Center for Pediatric Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- 3/13/2020: Kindergarten and 2nd Grade Field Trips
- 3/16/2020: 6th Grade Celebration of Learning - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- 3/17/2020: PTO General Meeting - 2:30 p.m.
- 3/17/2020: 5th Grade Celebration of Learning - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- 3/17/2020: 3rd Grade SI Celebration of Learning - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- 3/19/2020: Field Day - Grades 3-5
- 3/19/2020: 1st & 2nd Grade Celebration of Learning - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- 3/19/2020: Arteme Art Show - 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- 3/19/2020 & 3/20/2020: Early Release for Conferences @ 11:50 a.m.
- 3/20/2020: Field Day - Grades K-2
- 3/23/2020 - 3/27/2020: Spring Break - No School
- 4/1/2020: Early Release at 11:50 a.m.
- 4/2/2020 - 4/16/2020: AZM2 Testing Grades 3-6
- 4/3/2020: Student Council Meeting - 8:00 a.m.
- 4/3/2020: 1st Grade Field Trip
- 4/3/2020: Roadrunner Roundup - 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
- 4/10/2020: Spring Recess - No School
- 4/14/2020: Kindergarten Field Trip
- 4/14/2020: PTO General Meeting - 6:00 p.m. The Creek Patio Grill
- 4/29/2020: Culture Fair - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- 4/30/2020 - 5/1/2020: 6th Grade Overnight Field Trip
- 5/5/2020: District Band Festival at CSHS Blue Gym - 6:00 p.m.
- 5/6/2020: Early Release at 11:50 a.m.
- 5/8/2020: 6th Grade Dance - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- 5/11/2020: DWES Excellence Awards at Governing Board Meeting - 6:00 p.m.
- 5/19/2020: PTO General Meeting - 2:00 p.m.
- 5/21/2020: Early Release at 11:50 a.m. - Last Day of School!
Roadrunners are Respectful, Responsible, & KinD
This month, our schoolwide theme is problem solving. In our morning announcements we’ll be reminding students to use the Second Step Problem-Solving Steps:
• S: Say the problem
• T: Think of solutions
• E: Explore consequences
• P: Pick the best solution
As you can see, the first letter of each step spells the word ”step.” Remembering “step” helps students solve problems with each other in safe and respectful ways.
Second Step lessons specifically teach students to use each step and reinforce the message that solutions need to be safe and respectful. Please tell your child’s teacher if you would like more suggestions about how to use the Problem-Solving Steps at home.
Credits:
Created with an image by Annie Spratt - "Spring time - yeah!"