-
From Curtis Finch Jr., PhD
Whenever I have the chance to answer educational questions from students, parents, legislators, and community members, some version of this question usually comes up: “What do you think are the keys to success in school?” These three are the first that come to mind: 1) early and sustained commitment to reading; 2) early learning opportunities; and 3) early interventions. All learning research points to the importance of the developmental years for future educational success. The younger the journey starts, the better.
Combining these three keys (reading, experiences, and interventions) into one educational statement interconnects learning as a journey, not a destination. Family members will increase the likelihood of academic success by reading early and often to their student/child/sibling. Enrolling in pre-school and all-day kindergarten benefits students tremendously. Other educational experiences such as concerts, museums, parks, historical places, camps, aquariums, zoos, or theme parks are also extremely beneficial. With the explosion of internet destinations, families may travel around the world from the comfort of their living rooms. If a student begins to show signs of falling behind in school, working with teachers and school staff benefits the child getting back on track – the earlier the intervention, the better.
Pre-school and Kindergarten in the Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) help lay the essential foundation for student learning. Parents understand the quality of education at DVUSD and look forward to sending their children. While many districts in the state are reporting student enrollment declines this year, DVUSD enrollment is up 2.5% - Kindergarten jumped 8.9% this year alone! Over 92% of the DVUSD 40 schools are A or B rated, reinforcing DVUSD’s rise to the top! Beginning November 1-4 and March 1-3, DVUSD will host Kindergarten Preview Nights at all K-6 and K-8 campuses. Parents may tour classrooms, visit staff, and ask questions. There are virtual and in-person options and the schedules for each school are detailed on our Kindergarten Events Page...
Read Dr. Finch's Full article on The Three Keys to Educational Success
Learn More About Dr. Finch
-
English Language Arts Grades 6-10 Gifted Curriculum Adoption Available for Public Review!
Scan the QR Codes below or stop by Barry Goldwater High School to view the vendors being considered for Renaissance, SAGE, SPARK, IB-MYP, Advance and Honors Courses. Public Review will be available from November 17, 2021- Feb. 28, 2022
-
DVUSD is seeking volunteers to serve on the Mandarin Immersion Pathway Committee
DVUSD is seeking volunteers to serve on the Mandarin Immersion Pathway Committee. The committee is charged with outlining the vertical curriculum for the Mandarin immersion program in Grades 7-12 in order to improve coherence and alignment. If you are interested, please fill out the Committee Volunteer Application or contact Dr. Ambre Martinez at ambre.martinez@dvusd.org.
-
Need to Help Your Student Navigate Online Learning Management Sytems? Learn more about Canvas & PowerSchools!
Click above for helpful tips to learn DVUSD's online Learning Management Systems -- Canvas & PowerSchool. Parents & Guardians can sign up to have an observer account in Canvas and have their very own app: Canvas Parent. Observers can link their Canvas account to their student's account so they can see assignment dues dates, announcements, and other course content. Observers can view the course content but cannot participate in the course.
-
SDOHS Holds Sandra Day O'Connor Civic's Day Celebration, Other DVUSD Schools Celebrate Civic's Month
Sandra Day O’Connor students, staff, DVUSD Board President Ann O’Brien and district administration gathered to celebrate the life and impact of the school’s namesake, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, during a Civic’s Day Celebration held on campus Sept. 24. Arizona’s Sandra Day O’Connor Civics Celebration Day is a day in which a majority of classroom instruction is devoted entirely to civics. This year was particularly special as it commemorates the fortieth anniversary of O’Connor being sworn in as the first female Supreme Court Justice. Many other schools celebrated Civics Month with a variety of events and activities! Read More about the various celebrations by clicking the link above.
-
Review High School Math Adoption Materials from Oct. 7- Dec. 6, 2021
Public Review for the High School Math Adoption starts Oct. 7 and runs until Dec. 6, 2021. Click the link above to find out more information!
-
See the #Extraordinary Accomplishments of DVUSD's Students and Staff in the Newly Published 2020-2021 #Extraordinary Achievement List!
Despite learning and working through a global pandemic, the Deer Valley students, teachers, and staff had one of our best school years for achievement in recent history! Visit www.dvusd.org/Extraordinary to view the 2020-2021 Extraordinary Achievements. This multi-page publication is packed with hundreds of local, state, and national honors celebrating academic, fine arts, and athletic achievements, as well as recognition for extraordinary teaching and community involvement.
-
Desert Mountain’s Dr. Schwarting named DVUSD’s 2021 Principal of the Year!
Join DVUSD in celebrating Desert Mountain’s Dr. Schwarting as DVUSD’s 2021 Principal of the Year! Learn more about her and the impact she has had on the district and her peers by clicking the link above.
-
Two #extraordinary DVUSD students recognized as Phoenix City Council District 1's Outstanding Young Man and Young Woman 2021
The City of Phoenix’s Outstanding Young Man and Young Woman (OYMYW) of the Year program recognizes and honors the achievements and positive contributions of youth in their communities. Learn more about our students, Bryce Bustamante and Eden Sapien
-
Congratulations to our #Extraordinary DVUSD Superintendent, Dr. Finch, for receiving the 2021 School Connect Changemaker Award
Congrats to our #Extraordinary Superintendent, Dr. Finch, for receiving the 2021AZ School Connect Changemaker Award honoring a supt. who brings innovative solutions, builds networks of support & positively impacts their district. Watch the short video inside the story!
-
DVUSD Pathways Program Offers Convenient Path to Success for Students-- Enroll Today!
DVUSD Pathways is an after school program for students who desire to accelerate their learning, require flexibility in their school schedule, or want to recover credit. Our program provides an additional path to academic success through the Deer Valley Unified School District.
-
COVID-19 Symptoms
If your child shows any signs of illness or symptoms of COVID-19, he/she should not go to school. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, COVID-19 symptoms include...
