Safe & Healthy Schools Communications - 22-23 School Year

February 6, 2023

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Dear DVUSD Families, 

Thank you for continuing to take the time to read these important monthly updates with the latest information and important dates from DVUSD. 

Standards Based Grading & Mindset Study Session
Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 7, the DVUSD Governing Board is hosting a Study Session on Standards Based Mindset & Grading from 6-8 p.m. The session is open to the public and will take place at the DVUSD District Office (20402 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027). All DVUSD Governing Board Meetings and Study Sessions are live streamed and available for viewing during or after the meeting at: https://livestream.com/dvusd or at: http://www.boarddocs.com/az/dvusd/Board.nsf/public. Persons with a disability or persons requiring language translation may request reasonable accommodations by contacting (623)-445-5003. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodations.

Parent and Community Satisfaction Survey
As we strive to continuously improve our schools and the district, we value community and parent feedback. Provide your input by completing this brief survey here. We will take the feedback given on this survey, review the results and take action on what our parents and community members have to say.

Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences will take place across the District for all K-8 students February 16-17. K-8 Students will have half-day early release days Thursday and Friday,  February 16 and 17 to accommodate for conferences. DVUSD high schools are not holding conferences. The high school schedule will remain a full day schedule all week. 

Webinar for Parents of Students on IEPs, 504s or in the Process of Evaluations
Join DVUSD’s Students Support Services Department February 17 for the first webinar in a 3-part series titled, “What Supports Are Provided By Student Support Services?” The pre-recorded webinar can be viewed beginning February 17, at www.dvusd.org/ParentWebinar. If you have any questions that you would like this webinar to address, please add them here prior to February 13.

Kindergarten Preview Night March 1 & 2
Future Kindergarten parents and students can experience our #extraordinary Kindergarten program at DVUSD’s Spring Kindergarten Preview March 1-2! Events will be held in the evening at all DVUSD K-6 and K-8 schools including Aspire-Deer Valley’s Online Academy. School staff will be available at all campuses to answer questions, including help with registration. Check out the events at www.dvusd.org/KinderEvents. 

If you have a student ready to start Kindergarten next fall, remember you do not have to wait for the March 1-2 Preview to register - you can do it now by clicking here! You can find additional information about DVUSD’s #Extraordinary Kindergarten program and details at www.dvusd.org/Kindergarten.

Future Bond/Override Election Committee

Our district is soliciting participation in a committee to help develop a recommendation for a potential bond/override election in November of 2023. The committee will review capital needs for a possible bond election as well as the continuation of the existing operational funding (known as a M&O Override). Information regarding the committee is available here and the application to volunteer for this committee is available here. 

Safe & Healthy Schools - Drug Detecting Dogs on High School Campuses 

Drug detecting dogs have now visited all five high school campuses. These visits occur on each high school campus multiple times throughout the school year. We do not share the results, but we are looking forward to the return visits as part of our efforts to maintain safe and drug free campuses.  

Congratulations Winter Athletes
Congratulations to all the DVUSD athletes (middle and high school) who competed in sports this winter! We are sending positive vibes to our high school athletes who are beginning the winter season playoffs this week! DVUSD is hosting various playoff competitions so come and check one out! Finally, good luck to our spring athletes who are beginning their seasons as well! 

Have a great week!

Deer Valley Unified School District

January 3, 2023
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Dear DVUSD Families, 

Happy 2023! We hope everyone had a wonderful Winter Break and is looking forward to an #extraordinary second half of the school year. 

Professional Development Day - Jan. 2!
All DVUSD certified staff kicked off the new year with a Professional Development Day on Monday, January 2. The day was full of learning in a variety of areas including sessions on engaging students, innovative teaching strategies, technology training, data analysis, AASA state test preparation, standards aligned grading, providing wrap around services for students, and many other informative sessions!

Kindergarten Registration
If you did not get a chance over Winter Break to register your child for Kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year there is still time! Register today to ensure your child has a seat in an #extraordinary DVUSD Kindergarten classroom. Students need to be 5 years old by August 31, 2023 to enter Kindergarten.To register your student, please visit: dvusd.org/enroll

Student Open Enrollment Applications for 2023-2024
DVUSD is continuing to accept and review student open enrollment applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Parents are also welcome to submit applications for the current school year. Applications may be submitted by visiting openenrollment.dvusd.org. 

DVUSD Pathways
Open enrollment for DVUSD’s January 17 session of the Pathways Program is underway! This program offers currently enrolled DVUSD high school students a variety of courses to assist them in pursuit of early graduation or credit recovery. Visit dvusd.org/pathways to review the program and secure enrollment.  

Parent Webinar for Students with IEP & 504 Plans 

Based on prior responses from DVUSD parents of students on IEPs and 504s, the District’s Student Support Services Department will host a series of three webinars on topics identified as most important to families of students with special needs. Details including a date, time, and links to the webinars will be shared at a later date. The first webinar will be at the end of January and/or the beginning of February.  Student Support Services looks forward to this webinar series. 

Business Partners are Back at DVUSD

The District is welcoming back our Business Partner Program in the new year! Are you part of a business or organization or have a connection to a business that is looking to give back and get involved with the DVUSD community? Complete this brief form to be added to the DVUSD Business Partner Interest list. The first event for business partners is scheduled for February 2. More information will be sent to the list of interested partners closer to the event date. 

Welcome New DVUSD Board Members
DVUSD’s newly elected board members, Paul Carver, Jr. and Stephanie Simacek will join current DVUSD Board members Kimberly K. Fisher, Ann Elizabeth Ordway, and Jennie Paperman at their first Governing Board Meeting of their four-year term on Jan. 10, 2023. Prior to the meeting, a Welcome Reception for the newly elected members will be held in the Governing Board Room from 6-6:30 p.m. The reception and the meeting are open to the public.

Have a great week!

Deer Valley Unified School District

December 5, 2022

Dear DVUSD Families, 

We are quickly approaching the end of the semester and Winter Break! Thank you for continuing to stay informed all semester long by reading these important updates. 

School Schedule for December 12-16
Next week is the final week of school for the semester for all K-12 students before heading off to Winter Break. There is a half day for high school students only on Thursday, December 15 (full day for K-8 students), and ALL K-12 students will have a half day on Friday, December 16. For a list of half-day dismissal times by school click here. To view the 2022-23 school year calendar click here.  

Kindergarten Registration is NOW OPEN!
The Deer Valley Unified School District Kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school is NOW OPEN! Register today to ensure your child has a seat in an #extraordinary DVUSD Kindergarten classroom. Students need to be 5 years old by August 31, 2023 to enter Kindergarten.To register your student, please visit: dvusd.org/enroll

Student Open Enrollment Applications for 2023-2024
DVUSD is continuing to accept student open enrollment applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Priority status is given to applications submitted this week; however, we will continue to review all applications submitted before and after this week. Parents are also welcome to submit applications for the current school year. Applications may be submitted by visiting openenrollment.dvusd.org. 

Computer Science Education Week
This week DVUSD schools are celebrating Computer Science Education Week with students participating in Hour of Code. Through Hour of Code, students get a peek into the exciting world of Computer Science by exploring, playing, and creating with coding - which can empower students to develop as learners, users, and creators of computing knowledge and artifacts. Families can explore Hour of Code activities to continue the celebration of Computer Science Education.

Social Studies & Music K-12 Adoption Materials Now Available for Public Review
There is less than one month left to review the proposed materials for the DVUSD Social Studies and Music Curriculum Materials Adoption for grades K-12 and provide your input. Materials are now available for public review and will remain available until January 2, 2023. Please visit the K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Materials Adoption page (https://www.dvusd.org/ssadoption22) and the K-12 Music Curriculum Materials Adoption page (https://www.dvusd.org/musicadoption22) for additional information and to provide feedback on the Music and Social Studies Adoption Materials.

Final Chance to Submit Budget Priority Survey
There is only one week left to complete the narrative budget input survey that will help guide DVUSD’s Budget Committee in developing the 2023-24 budget priorities. Please take a couple minutes to provide the committee with the one budget priority most important to you by this Friday, December 9. The committee will review the results to develop a forced-ranking survey that will be sent to you in January, and those results are used to develop budget priorities for next school year.

DVUSD Board Member Changes in January
Thank you to all of those who voted in the recent November election. Voters in DVUSD elected two new Governing Board members, Paul Carver, Jr. and Stephanie Simacek who will begin their four-year terms in January 2023. They will be joined on the Governing Board by current members Kimberly K. Fisher, Ann Elizabeth Ordway, and Jennie Paperman. Thank you to the outgoing board members, current DVUSD Governing Board President, Ann O’Brien, and board member, Julie Read, for their years of service to the DVUSD community.

Ask Benji- FAFSA Assistance For High School Families
The Ask Benji chatbot returns this year to assist  senior students, parents, and educators by getting quick answers to a wide variety of questions about the FAFSA. The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for post-secondary funding opportunities at universities, colleges, and trade schools. Benji is free and easy to use responding to your confidential questions 24/7 in a matter of 60 seconds. Visit www.askbenji.org for more information about Benji, FAFSA, and other resources. Text “Help” to Benji anytime at 602-786-8171 to get started. Opt out at any time by texting "Stop." If you have further questions, contact your school counselor or view the English Flyer and Spanish Flyer. In the coming weeks, families with senior students will be receiving a text message from Ask Benji to support you in the completion of the financial aid process.

Congratulations to our Fall Sports Teams
Congratulations to all of our Fall Sports athletes and teams on a successful season! DVUSD’s student athletes continued to perform at #extraordinary levels! We look forward to seeing our Winter athletes compete as their seasons have just kicked off.

Holiday Celebrations Around DVUSD
Many of our schools are putting together #extraordinary holiday programs from winter concerts, to dance shows and even hitting the stage for special performances as a way for our school communities to celebrate the season together. We encourage you to attend these events and experience the talent of our DVUSD students!

January 2, 2023 Staff Professional Development Day
On January 2, 2023, our certified staff will be returning for a day of professional learning to prepare for the second half of the school year. During this time, staff will participate in learning opportunities focused on effective instructional practices, responding to learning gaps, best practices in technology, and specific content area realms. We are looking forward to our day of learning and hope that each of our families enjoys a restful and joyous holiday break. 

We look forward to seeing our students when school resumes on Tuesday, January 3, 2023!

Deer Valley Unified School District

November 7, 2022

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Dear DVUSD Families, 

Thank you for continuing to stay informed about all that is happening at DVUSD by reading these important monthly updates.

Calling the Class of 2027!
All six DVUSD high schools, including Aspire, Deer Valley’s Online Academy are hosting Future Freshman Nights for our current 8th grade students throughout the month of November. See a schedule of these events by visiting dvusd.org/futurefreshman.

Student Survey
Over the next several weeks we will be administering a survey to your students. This survey gathers student perceptions of items such as school safety, the support they receive, and their sense of well-being. The survey is broken into two parts and has separate versions for grades 3-5 and grades 6-12 (very similar, but slightly different wording for some questions). Copies of the surveys can be reviewed here. This survey complies with the requirements as outlined in A.R.S. 15-117.

Input Needed for Student Support Services
Are you a family member of a student on an IEP, 504, and/or in the evaluation process? The Student Support Services Department wants to hear your input on ways to better serve DVUSD students, as well as learn topics for future parent webinars. Complete the brief survey here.

K-12 Music & Social Studies Supplemental Material Public Review
DVUSD is in the process of reviewing materials for both Music and Social Studies Curriculum Materials Adoption for grades K-12. The curriculum adoption team has selected a number of potential resources for our K-12 Social Studies and Music students and teachers. Materials are now available for public review and will remain available until January 2, 2023. Review the materials and provide feedback at the K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Materials Adoption page (dvusd.org/ssadoption22) and K-12 Music Curriculum Materials Adoption page (dvusd.org/musicadoption22).  

Make an Impact at DVUSD - Join a DVUSD Teacher Prep Program Cohort Today
DVUSD has started its own teacher intern program for #extraordinary teacher certification! This DVUSD Teacher Prep Program (TPP) is an alternative pathway to teacher certification available to qualified candidates at no cost. The program will begin its second cohort for potential special education teachers and first cohort for potential general education teachers in January 2023. If you have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in a career in DVUSD as a teacher, please view this Teacher Prep Video and the DVUSD TPP informational flyer. 

Inspiration Mountain School to Offer Middle School
DVUSD’s newest school, Inspiration Mountain, will begin offering seventh grade next school year (23-24) and eighth grade the following year (24-25) Learn more about Inspiration Mountain School here.

Vaccination Event at Constitution Elementary on Friday, November 18

In partnership with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, DVUSD is hosting a Free Back to School Vaccination event on Friday, November 18. Read more on the event flyer. 

Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency 

DVUSD’s Finance Department worked diligently to complete year-end financial reports for the 2021-2022 school year (FY22). Finance presented the FY22 Annual Financial Report (AFR) at the October 11, 2022, Governing Board meeting. The financial report has been uploaded to the Arizona Department of Education and the DVUSD website, Budget 411 page under the heading 2021-22 (Fiscal Year 2022). In conjunction with year-end reporting activities, DVUSD recently hosted auditors onsite to test business office transactions for compliance. The audit will be finalized by the end of December and includes the Annual Comprehensive Finance Report (ACFR) that will be posted on Budget 411 upon completion.

DVUSD finance is currently looking for parent representatives from all regions and all school configurations (elementary, middle school, K-8, high school) to serve on the 2023-2024 Budget Committee. Please check the Committees page of the website for information on how to submit an application to serve on this important committee, which reviews stakeholder input to develop and recommend budget priorities to the Governing Board. All parents should complete the narrative budget input survey. The survey is open November 7 through Friday, December 9, 2022.

Finally, two reminders: make sure you get out and vote. Election day is tomorrow, and there is no school this Friday, November 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day honoring all of those who have served our country. 

Have a great week!
Deer Valley Unified School District

October 3, 2022 

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Dear DVUSD Families, 

We hope Fall is off to a great start for everyone! Below you will find important upcoming events and the latest updates from DVUSD.

Meet the Candidates for DVUSD’s Governing Board
Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 4, is your chance to hear from the candidates running for the DVUSD School Board. The four candidates will take part in a Governing Board Candidate Forum at 6 p.m. in the DVUSD Governing Board Room (20402 N. 15th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85027). A candidate “meet and greet” will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the same location. During the forum, candidates will individually answer questions that were previously submitted by the DVUSD community and selected by the sponsoring PTA/PTO groups throughout the district. This is not a debate, and the forum does not include public comment. The public can view the forum in-person or online live or at a later time at: livestream.com/dvusd.

As a reminder, the last day to register to vote for the November 2022 election is October 11, 2022. Voter registration information can be found at the Maricopa County Elections Department website.

Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences will take place across the District this week. These conferences will return to an in-person format at all DVUSD schools. Students will have half-day early release days this Thursday and Friday, October 6 and 7 to accommodate for conferences. Your school will provide additional information.

Conversations with Curt
DVUSD’s Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch is bringing back Conversations with Curt this Fall! Meet the DVUSD Superintendent at Elevate Coffee next Wednesday, October 12 from 9-10 a.m. at Elevate Coffee (2530 W Happy Valley Rd Suite 1273, Phoenix, AZ 85085). This is your chance to interact with Dr. Finch and hear the latest #extraordinary district updates from the Superintendent himself. A future Conversations with Curt event will be held in the evening in early 2023.

CTE High School to Career Expo
DVUSD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department is hosting the annual High School to Career Expo Thursday, October 13, from 5 - 6:30 p.m. in the DVUSD Governing Board Room (20402 N. 15th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85027). Teachers and student ambassadors representing all 21 DVUSD CTE programs will be on hand to answer questions and help you learn more about each program. Now is the chance for your high school or incoming high school student (grades 7-11) to make their time extraordinary with career preparation and exploration experiences, excitement, and real skills for real life!

Gifted Parent Seminar
Join DVUSD’s Manager of Gifted & Advanced Academics, Dr. Aimee Sulit, Tuesday, November 15 from 6-7 p.m. at Las Brisas Elementary for the second Gifted Parent Seminar of the school year. Dr. Sulit will discuss key factors impacting learning related to the brain, stress, and mindfulness. Parents will walk away with key strategies to support their child at home. Use this link to register for the seminar online!

Deer Valley Gifted Services offers its signature Bright Beginnings program at three schools -- Canyon Springs, Highland Lakes, and Las Brisas. Deer Valley’s Bright Beginnings program provides hands-on learning opportunities for early childhood learners demonstrating giftedness and high potential. Qualifying students in Pre-K through grade 2 may be placed in a classroom with other children of similar abilities, taught by a gifted endorsed teacher. During their time in Bright Beginnings, students are immersed in a personalized classroom environment where inquiry-based learning is the norm - not the exception. In order to determine if Bright Beginnings Kindergarten is a good fit for your child, call Deer Valley Gifted Services at 623-445-5588 or visit our Bright Beginnings informational website.

Vaccination Event at Constitution Elementary School on Friday, October 21, 2:30 - 5:30 pm.

In partnership with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, DVUSD is hosting a Free Back to School Vaccination event at Constitution Elementary School (18440 N 15th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85023) Friday, October 21, from 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. All the necessary back to school vaccines will be available at this event including the opportunity for the Flu and COVID-19 vaccine. More information about the event is on the event flyer.

HR Job Fair @ Elevate Coffee
Discover new opportunities and growth with one of the leading school districts in Arizona and a Fobes 2022 Best Midsize Employer - DVUSD! There are more than 100 positions - teaching and non-teaching are available at the District. Stop by the second Open Career Fair on Saturday, October 22, from 11:45 AM to 1:45 PM at Elevate Coffee at the Shops at Norterra, 2530 W. Happy Valley Road.

Kindergarten Preview Night
Calling the class of 2036! Future Kindergarten parents and students, join all DVUSD K-6 and K-8 schools including Aspire- Deer Valley Online Academy Nov. 1-3 at our Fall Kindergarten Preview Events! School staff will be available on all campuses to answer questions and help you register your student for this next exciting chapter in their educational journey! If you have a student ready to start Kindergarten next fall, check out the events at www.dvusd.org/KinderEvents. You can find additional information about DVUSD’s #Extraordinary Kindergarten program and details about how to register a student at www.dvusd.org/Kindergarten.

Enjoy your long weekend. All DVUSD schools and the district office will be closed Monday, October 10 for a Fall Break Day. We will see everyone back at school Tuesday, October 11! 

Deer Valley Unified School District

September 6, 2022

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Dear DVUSD Families,

Thank you for reading these regular parent updates that provide the latest information and important updates happening in DVUSD.

• Many improvements were made across DVUSD this summer!
  • Your bond dollars and DVUSD’s Facilities Department have been hard at work over the summer. Some of these projects are: the addition of the newly constructed Inspiration Mountain School; additional classrooms added to Terramar Academy of the Arts, Sierra Verde STEAM Academy and Sonoran Foothills School; updates to the high school weight rooms for our student-athletes; improvements to our high school media centers;  and new energy saving LED lights shining on the high school sports fields. Check out some of the progress on these projects in the photos throughout this section and below!

• Strategic Plan Focus Groups
• Deer Valley Unified School District is in the process of developing our Strategic Plan for 2023 through 2028. A Strategic Plan helps an organization define its vision for the future and identify the organization's goals and objectives.  We’d love to hear from you. Feel free to join one of our focus groups to inform the development of the Strategic Plan. See dates and times by visiting www.dvusd.org/FocusGroups. 
  
  
  
• Parent Teacher conferences
• Parent Teacher Conferences will be held in-person at all DVUSD schools this year. Conferences are scheduled to take place the week of October 3, 2022. Students will have half-day early release days on October 6 and 7. Your school will provide additional information.
  
  
• HR Job Fair @ Elevate Coffee
• Find your future career at DVUSD! More than 100 positions - teaching and non-teaching are available! Stop in on Saturday, September 10, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Elevate Coffee at the Shops at Norterra, 2530 W. Happy Valley Road.
  
  
• Private University Tour on Thursday, September 8 for Seniors and their parents
• Join us for the Private University Tour this Thursday from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the DVUSD Innovation Center at 20402 N. 15th Avenue, Phoenix 85027 (next to DVUSD District Office). The private schools in attendance will include Grand Canyon University, Ottawa University, Arizona Christian University, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Huntington University, Park University, and CRAS - Conservatory for Recording Arts and Sciences.
  
  
• Governing Board Candidate Forum Oct 4                           
• DVUSD’s PTA/PTO groups are sponsoring a Governing Board Candidate Forum on Tuesday, October 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the Governing Board room. There will be a candidate meet and greet from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. prior to the forum. During the event, questions will be asked of the candidates running for two open seats on the DVUSD Governing Board. You can attend the forum in-person or via livestream at https://livestream.com/dvusd. Watch for an email with more information, including how to submit a suggested question for the Governing Board Candidates.

Have a great week! The next scheduled district parent update will be October 3, 2022.

Deer Valley Unified School District

August 1, 2022 

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Dear DVUSD Families, 

Welcome back for the 2022-23 school year! We look forward to seeing our students on the first day -- this Wednesday, August 3, 2022.

Our teachers, administrators, and support staff have been working hard all summer preparing for another extraordinary year together. For all you need to know about returning to school, visit www.dvusd.org/firstday22 and your child’s school website. 

Meet the Teacher Events
We encourage all of you to attend the various Meet the Teacher/Open House events that are taking place before school starts and those that occur early in the school year for our upper grade students. Thank you to those parents and guardians who have already attended an event for this upcoming school year. Remember, it is never too early nor too late to get involved with your child’s education!

School Communication & Forms
The PowerSchool registration support system sent an email to all parents with the required return to school and emergency forms. Please follow the instructions in that email to complete the forms electronically for each student in the District. (Each student has an individualized code to identify the child and complete the corresponding forms.) These forms may have been sent to a junk or spam folder, if you do not see it in your email inbox. During this process, please ensure all contact information is updated and correct, including your phone numbers and email address. The contact information provided is used by your child’s school and DVUSD’s communication system for email, text, and phone calls.  

If you have not been receiving communication from the district or your child’s school, it may be the case that you have opted out or blocked your contact information in the system. To opt a phone number back into the system, call the Blackboard Phone Hotline at "855-502-STOP (855-502-7867)" from the phone line that has been opted out. To opt back in to receiving text messages from the system, text START to "60680" from the phone line that has been opted out for messages. If you have not received emails from your child’s school check your junk or spam messages and follow these instructions. 

School Meals
Deer Valley Unified School District offers healthy meals every school day. For the 2022-23 school year, Breakfast costs are $1.50, Lunch costs are $2.95 for elementary/middle school students, and $3.50 for high school student’s Lunch. If you have applied and qualified for free or reduced-price meals, those meals will be free throughout this school year, as DVUSD has waived the reduced price meal co-pay for both breakfast and lunch. For more information and to see if you qualify, complete the application here.

Join the DVUSD Team 
As we kick off this new school year, there are still a variety of positions available throughout the district. If you are looking for a rewarding career at one of the Forbes Best Midsize Employers for 2022, look no further than DVUSD! The District offers extensive benefits, paid holidays, and the opportunity to more closely align your work schedule to your student’s schedule. Explore current openings today at careers.dvusd.org.  

Early Release Friday
This Friday, August 5, is the first Professional Learning Community Friday for our DVUSD staff. These 90-minute early release days offer teachers and staff the time for collaboration and planning throughout the district in order to enhance the education offered district-wide and offer the best learning experience for our students. These early release Fridays will occur most Fridays, with some exceptions. View the instructional calendar for more information. Visit the start and dismiss page to find out when your child’s school releases during those dates.

Have a great first week of school! 

Deer Valley Unified School District

Safe & Healthy Schools Communications - 2021-22 School Year

May 2, 2022 

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Dear DVUSD Families, 

We are officially in the final month of the school year! May is a month full of special celebrations both for our students and many of the #extraordinary DVUSD staff members who support their success. Find out about these upcoming days below as we wrap up the school year. 

#ThankaDVTeacher for Teacher Appreciation Week
Across the nation teachers are being celebrated this week for the impact they have on students' lives. DVUSD teachers continue to rise to the occasion and offer your students the very best education possible. Show your support and thanks to your child’s teacher this week, and let them know how much they mean to you and your student.  

School Lunch Hero & National Nurses Day 
Many of our staff who support your students are unsung heroes, including those who keep our students nourished during their time at school. May 6 is School Lunch Hero Day. Show your support for our school nutrition staff by offering them an extra expression of gratitude May 6. 

Our DVUSD nurses continue to care for our students, so they can reach their full learning potential. Please thank a DVUSD nurse with a word of encouragement and celebration on National Nurses Day on May 11.   

COVID-19 Testing Update
Due to the recent decline in COVID-19 cases in our community, the MCDPH has decided to pull COVID testing from our district office location. If you are looking for a testing location you can click here for up to date availability.  

Celebrating the Class of 2022!
Congratulations to the DVUSD graduating class of 2022! These graduates will be celebrated on May 16 & 17 at graduation ceremonies held again this year at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. We know these life-long learners are graduating with the knowledge and skills to compete, lead, and positively impact the world and we are so proud of each and every one of them! If you need further information about any of the five DVUSD graduations visit dvusd.org/graduation or call the high school directly.  Also, special shout out to DVUSD’s eighth grade students, the Class of 2026, who will be promoting eighth grade and moving on to high school!

Last Day of School 
The 2022-23 school year wraps up for students on Thursday, May 19 for DVUSD. Check the school calendar and your child's school for further details.

Thank you for your continued support throughout this school year. Have a great week! 

Deer Valley Unified School District

April 4, 2022 

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Dear DVUSD Families, 

The final quarter of the school year is flying by. We thank you for taking time to read the latest district updates. 

State Testing in April 
April is state testing month across DVUSD for our students in grades 3-9 and 11. These tests assess the growth of our students and what they have learned throughout the school year.  On testing days, ensure your child gets plenty of rest, eats a healthy breakfast, and comes to school prepared to do his/her best! Our teachers and students have been working very hard this year to increase knowledge, skills and understanding. If you have specific questions about the state assessments, please be sure to contact your school or visit the DVUSD State Testing web page. 

COVID-19 Testing
DVUSD will continue to partner with the county to offer COVID-19 drive-thru testing at the district office. This will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Special Education Survey
The Arizona Department of Education sends out an annual survey to families with special needs students. This a brief survey where your answers remain entirely confidential and should take about 3-5 minutes to complete. It is a chance for parents and/or guardians to provide input about how school districts are performing in regards to special education. Thank you to those of you who have taken the time to complete this survey.

If you have not yet completed the survey, Student Support Services would love to hear your thoughts concerning your child's education and special education services. Your login code was previously sent home via US mall. If you did not receive this information or have misplaced it, please contact gina.meyer@dvusd.org or jennifer.confer@dvusd.org to obtain your login code information. Your opinions are important and valued, and we greatly appreciate our families with special needs students who have completed the survey.

Have a great week!

Deer Valley Unified School District

March 7, 2022

DVUSD Families,

We are one week away from Spring Break! Before heading off for a week of recharging, we want to provide you with some important District updates.

One Week Left to Complete the Accelerated Calendar Survey
This is the last week to complete the Accelerated Learning Calendar Parent Survey. Submit your survey by this Friday, March 11. To learn more about the proposed accelerated learning calendar, visit www.dvusd.org/acceleratedcalendar. 

Science Curriculum Adoption Materials Now Available for Public Review
Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) is currently in the process of reviewing materials for a Science Curriculum Materials Adoption for grades 7-12. The curriculum adoption team has selected a number of potential resources for our 7-12 Science students and teachers. Materials are now available for public review and will remain available until May 1, 2022. Please visit the 7-12 Science Curriculum Materials Adoption page (www.dvusd.org/scienceadoption) for additional information and to provide feedback. 

Join the DVUSD Team! DVUSD Job Fair March 26
Come explore all the opportunities DVUSD has available on Saturday, March 26 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the DVUSD District Office (20402 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix, 85027). The district is hiring certified teachers and classified employees to make a difference in the lives of DVUSD students. Across our schools, there is a perfect position for almost everyone. To reserve your spot or answer any questions you have, email judi.williams@dvusd.org or call 623-445-4063. If you are ready to apply, view a current list of job opportunities at careers.dvusd.org. 

Ask Benji- FAFSA Assistance For High School Families
Benji is a first-of-its kind chatbot, specifically designed to help senior students, parents, and educators get quick answers to a wide variety of questions about the FAFSA. The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for post-secondary funding opportunities at universities, colleges, and trade schools. Benji is free and easy to use. Questions are confidential. Benji responds 24/7 within 60 seconds. Visit www.askbenji.org for more information about Benji, FAFSA, and other resources. Text “Help” to Benji anytime at 602-786-8171 to get started. Opt out at any time by texting "Stop." If you have further questions, contact your school counselor or view the English Flyer and Spanish Flyer. In the coming weeks, families with senior students will be receiving a text message from Ask Benji to support you in the completion of the financial aid process.

COVID-19 Testing Opportunities
There will not be COVID-19 testing the week of Spring Break at the DVUSD District Office. Testing opportunities for March will resume at the DVUSD District Office on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. after Spring Break. 

Safe & Healthy Schools Quarter 4

As communicated in last Monday’s parent update, two major changes to the COVID-19 Safety Plan will go into effect beginning in Quarter 4 (on March 21). The changes are below: 

• Volunteers and visitors will be allowed before, during and after the school day with the exception of visitors during lunch. (Allowing visitors at lunch will be reevaluated at the end of the school year.) Visitors and volunteers will be subject to regular District and campus requirements.
• Schools will no longer contact trace for COVID-19 at all grade levels. The only exception to this is if a severe and uncontrollable outbreak were to occur. Campus administration will, however, continue to communicate to the school community when an outbreak is declared by Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH).

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Spring Break! School resumes on Monday, March 21. 

Deer Valley Unified School District

February 28, 2022

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Dear DVUSD Families, 

Can you believe that we are fast approaching the start of the fourth and final quarter of the school year? Thank you for continuing to stay informed on the latest updates relating to DVUSD by reading these District communications.

Safe & Healthy Schools Quarter 4
District leadership has met with various stakeholder groups (parents and staff) to collect input regarding the current COVID-19 Safety Plan. Based upon their input, changes to the COVID-19 Safety Plan will go into effect at the start of Quarter 4 (March 21, 2022). The following two points below highlight the major changes: 

• Volunteers and visitors will be allowed before, during and after the school day with the exception of visitors during lunch. (Visitors at lunch will be reevaluated at the end of the school year.) Visitors and volunteers will be subject to regular District and campus requirements.
• Schools will no longer contact trace for COVID-19 at all grade levels. The only exception to this is if a severe and uncontrollable outbreak were to occur. Campus administration will, however, continue to communicate to the school community when an outbreak is declared by Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH).

These changes will be reflected in the Safety Plan before the start of Quarter 4 (March 21). In addition, beginning today, February 28, 2022, and based upon guidance from the CDC, there is no longer a mask mandate for students who ride District provided transportation. This means that face masks are now optional for students who utilize District provided transportation.

Vaccination Event at Constitution on Friday, March 4, 2:30 - 5:30 pm.
In partnership with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, DVUSD is hosting a Free Childhood Immunization Clinic at Constitution Elementary School (18440 N 15th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85023) this Friday, March 4, from 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. There will be no out-of-pocket costs for these immunizations. This clinic will have the COVID-19 vaccine available for anyone 5 years and older. More information about the event is on the event flyer. Public health has updated vaccination schedules for COVID-19. Visit this link to see the most recent information from the CDC regarding what it means to be “up to date” with the COVID-19 vaccine.

AZ Department of Education IEP Survey
If you are a parent of a student on an individualized education program (IEP), there is a survey from the AZ Department of Education that has been mailed to you via hard copy. This survey is about your perspectives on the IEP process and if you feel communication is open and supportive from DVUSD. DVUSD and Student Support Services welcomes your participation in this important survey process.   

Take The DVUSD Accelerated Calendar Webinar Survey
Thank you to those who attended last week’s Accelerated Learning Calendar Webinar. During the webinar, DVUSD leaders discussed how adjustments to the school year calendar in future years can provide accelerated learning opportunities for student success. If you were unable to attend, you can  watch a recording of the webinar here. We encourage your feedback on this proposed calendar change for future years. Please take the parent survey at www.dvusd.org/calendarsurvey. 

The survey will be open until March 11. To learn more about this proposed accelerated learning calendar, visit www.dvusd.org/acceleratedcalendar. 

DVUSD Kindergarten Preview Nights are March 1-3!
Join us at DVUSD’s Kindergarten Preview Nights this week, March 1-3!  All K-6 and K-8 schools will host a series of events for you, your family and your child to learn more about beginning Kindergarten. There are a series of in-person, virtual and drive through sessions where you will have the chance to meet the Kindergarten teachers, school staff, learn about the Kindergarten registration process and get your questions answered.

To find out what your school of interest is hosting, visit: www.dvusd.org/kinderevents.
Ready to Register your student for 2022-2023? Visit www.dvusd.org/enroll 

Have a great week! 

Deer Valley Unified School District

February 7, 2022

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Dear DVUSD Families, 

Thank you for reading these regular parent updates that provide the latest information and important updates surrounding DVUSD. Our staff worked extremely hard throughout January to keep schools open - send a note of thanks if you can to your child’s teacher or other staff member that you know is making a difference!

Parent and Community Satisfaction Survey
Deer Valley Unified School District is launching our annual parent and community member satisfactionsurvey to gather feedback and satisfaction about our schools and DVUSD leadership. The results of this survey will be used to help make future improvements within the district. The survey will remain open to collect responses until 11:59 pm, Friday, February 25.

Please click or ctrl-click on the link (url.dvusd.org/be764e19`a) to begin the survey (or copy into your browser). Or, you can scan the QR code to the right with your cellphone or other electronic device.   

K-8 Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences February 17 & 18
DVUSD schools will host virtual parent-conferences on February 17-18.  Please be sure you have scheduled a conference time with your child’s teacher— you should have received communication from DVUSD teachers recently on how to schedule a virtual conference time. All K-8 students will attend half-days on February 17 & 18, high school students will have full school days.

COVID-19 Reminders
We are doing our best to maintain safe and healthy environments throughout the district, but our staff needs your help. Please continue following theDVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures. Additionally, please keep your child at home if he/she is sick, following all quarantine and isolation protocol requirements. 

COVID-19 testing will continue through February with testing opportunities available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Friday from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the District Office (20402 N. 15th Ave. Phoenix, 85027). Visit www.dvusd.org/covidtesting for further details.      

Grades 6-10 Gifted ELA Curriculum Adoption Open for Public Review
The Deer Valley Unified School District will be adopting new curriculum materials for English Language Arts Grades 6-10, English Language Arts Gifted pull-out classes, Highly Gifted Grades 6-8 self contained classes, Advanced Grade 7-8 classes, Honors coursework grades 9 &10 for implementation in the 2022-2023 school year. Physical copies of the materials are currently on display in the Barry Goldwater High School lobby (2820 W. Rose Garden Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85027) and can be accessed Digitally using the Digital Access Login information. More information about the resources, including vendor presentations,can be found by visiting www.dvusd.org/elagifted. A flyer with information about this adoption can be reviewed by visiting: www.dvusd.org/ELAgiftedflyer. Submit public feedback using the ELA 6-10 Gifted Adoption Public Review Formuntil February 28, 2022. 

Join the DVUSD Team! DVUSD Job Fair March 26
Have you always dreamt of being an impactful member of the community? Now is your chance! DVUSD is excited to announce the 2022-2023 Job Fair. DVUSDis hosting a job fair on Saturday, March 26 from 9 am. - 12 p.m. at the DVUSD District Office (20402 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix, 85027. The district is hiring certified teachers and classified employees to make a difference in the lives of DVUSD students. Across our schools, there is a perfect position for almost everyone. Plan today to join the DVUSD team. To reserve your spot or answer any questions you have, email judi.williams@dvusd.org or call 623-445-4063. If you are ready to apply, view a current list of job opportunities at careers.dvusd.org. 

Have a great week!

Deer Valley Unified School District

January 14, 2022
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Dear DVUSD Families,

We are sending a brief update to communicate a few items:

• As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, Jan 17, 2022 due to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Also, next Friday, January 21, is a 90 minute early release day. 
• For those who are looking for COVID-19 testing, remember to view our website at www.dvusd.org/covidtesting. We are working to expand the number of opportunities. Information will be added in the near future so we encourage you to check it out periodically.
• The DVUSD Safety Plan (www.dvusd.org/safetyplan) has been updated. Please review the plan for updates, most notably in the areas of contact tracing and requirements for students when they are in isolation or quarantine protocols.
• In partnership with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, DVUSD will host a Free Childhood Immunization Clinic at Constitution Elementary School (18440 N 15th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85023) today Friday, January 14, from 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. This clinic will have the COVID-19 vaccine available for anyone 5 years and older. A parent must be present for a child to receive a vaccine. More information about the event is on the event flyer.

Have a safe three day weekend.

Deer Valley Unified School District

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January 10, 2022

Dear DVUSD Families,

Happy New Year! We hope that you and your family were able to enjoy the holiday season. This is our first parent update in 2022, and we ask that you take time to review the information below.

Important Upcoming Dates
There are a few dates this upcoming calendar year that are scheduled differently than in years past. Previously, during weeks when we had a holiday or day when school was closed, we would not have a 90-minute early release on Friday. However, in an effort to maximize professional development for our teachers and staff, we WILL have 90-minute early release days on January 21 and February 25. In addition, April 29 is a 90-minute early release day, which follows state testing. These early release days allow our teachers and staff to collaborate and plan for ways to ensure success for all students. All early release days are marked on the District calendar at www.dvusd.org/Calendar. 

Safe & Healthy Schools Updates
Free Childhood Immunization Clinic
In partnership with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, DVUSD will host a Free Childhood Immunization Clinic at Constitution Elementary School (18440 N 15th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85023) this Friday, January 14, from 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. There will be no out-of-pocket costs for these immunizations. This clinic will have the COVID-19 vaccine available for anyone 5 years and older. More information about the event is on the event flyer. Public health has updated vaccination schedules for COVID-19. Visit this link to see the most recent information from the CDC regarding what it means to be “up to date” with the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Reminders
While mask wearing is not required on DVUSD property, it is strongly encouraged to help maintain a safe and healthy environment throughout the district. To that end, if a student tests positive for COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19, or if a student has been in close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more during a 24-hour period) with a household member who tests positive for COVID-19, please continue following the DVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures. Additionally, please keep your child at home if he/she is sick, following all required protocols. For the most recent updates on isolation and quarantine requirements visit, www.dvusd.org/safetyplan and refer to the Protocols section. As always, if you have questions about COVID-19 procedures, send an email to remaininschool@dvusd.org. Finally, throughout January, DVUSD is providing convenient COVID-19 testing opportunities on Tuesdays and Fridays between 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. in the parking lot at the District Office. Visit www.dvusd.org/covidtesting for more information.

Free & Reduced Lunch Applications 
Please take the time to complete the free and reduced meal application for the current school year. Not only does this program allow DVUSD to offer both breakfast and lunch meals at discounted prices for those students who qualify under the program's income guidelines, but the Title I funding also supports the needs of our schools beyond the cafeteria, such as additional staffing like reading specialists and intervention teachers and before and after school tutoring. It also allows Title I schools to provide additional support materials for students including headphones and technology. Title I schools are identified to receive funding based on free and reduced lunch percentages. So, if you haven’t filled one out already, please complete the application as soon as possible. You can use this Electronic Application or for a paper copy of the application, visit this webpage. Additionally, you can download the Spanish Paper Copy.

2022-23 DVUSD Budget Committee Update
The 2022-2023 Budget Committee met for a second time on January 6, 2022. The committee is charged with reviewing stakeholder feedback to develop the district budget priorities for the next school year. At this second meeting, the committee reviewed results of the December budget priority input survey to find common themes amongst the responses and develop a forced-ranking survey. The forced-ranking survey goes live today and is open from January 10 through January 28 and is accessible at www.dvusd.org/BudgetSurvey. It is important for us to receive your response to this survey in order to ensure the budget meets the needs of our stakeholders. You can review presentations and information from the 2022-2023 Budget Committee on the DVUSD website as well. The committee will meet for a third and final time in February to review the results of the forced-ranking survey and develop the District’s budget priorities for the next school year. 

The DVUSD updates will be sent monthly moving forward. Look for the next update in February. Finally, remember that there is no school next Monday, January 17 due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Have a great week!

Deer Valley Unified School District

December 30, 2021

Dear DVUSD Families,

We hope everyone is enjoying a safe and fun Winter Break.

Return to School for 2022
This is a reminder that school resumes this coming TUESDAY, January 4, 2022. There will be no school on Monday, January 3, 2022, as this will be a professional development day for staff.

COVID-19 Update & Reminders
Changes to the DVUSD Safe & Healthy Schools plan will go into effect on Tuesday, January 4. These updates are posted on our Safe & Healthy Schools website and were explained in detail during the Safe & Healthy Schools Board Report at our most recent Governing Board Meeting. The most significant change to the plan relates to student quarantine. You can view a recording of the Safe & Healthy School’s Board Report by clicking here. If you have questions, please feel free to email us at remaininschool@dvusd.org. 

Safe & Healthy Schools
As our students and staff return to school following break, please continue following the DVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures. Additionally, please keep your child at home if he/she is sick, following all required protocols. As always, if you have questions about COVID-19 procedures, send an email to remaininschool@dvusd.org. Remember as well that throughout January, DVUSD will provide convenient COVID-19 testing opportunities on Tuesdays and Fridays between 11am-2pm in the parking lot at the District Office. Visit www.dvusd.org/covidtesting for more information.

Happy New Year and Looking Forward To 2022!

Deer Valley Unified School District

December 16, 2021

Dear DVUSD Families,

As we approach Winter Break, we want to provide you with some updates before students go on vacation.

First, there are changes to the DVUSD Safe & Healthy Schools plan that will go into effect  on Tuesday, January 4. These updates are captured on our Safe & Healthy Schools website as were articulated in detail during the Safe & Healthy Schools Board Report at our most recent Governing Board Meeting. The most significant change to the plan relates to student quarantine. You can also view a recording of the Safe & Healthy School’s Board Report by clicking here. If you have questions, please feel free to email us at remaininschool@dvusd.org. 

Next, DVUSD will offer COVID-19 testing on December 28, 2021 at the District Office. Visit www.dvusd.org/covidtesting for more information. Also, please be sure to continue to report positive cases of COVID-19 by following the procedures which are outlined at www.dvusd.org/covidreporting.

Third, DVUSD is aware of a troubling post that has been shared widely this week on the social media platform TikTok. The post refers to a threat to school safety “for every school in the USA, even elementary,” on Friday, December 17. The post appears to be part of a national TikTok trend and did not originate in our school district. We have heard reports from other districts that the same post is circulating in their schools. Nothing in the post indicates that any DVUSD schools are targeted. We have spoken with local law enforcement, who feel the information is unsubstantiated.

This situation serves as a good example of why it is important to avoid sharing posts online that refer to school safety threats. Even if they are not credible threats, they can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety for our students, families, and staff. We ask our families to monitor their children’s social media activity and speak with them about proper behavior online. If you or your child become aware of any potential threat posted to social media or anywhere else, please notify a school staff member or trusted adult right away.

And finally, please remember that school resumes Tuesday, January 4, 2022 due to staff professional development on Monday.

Have a safe Winter Break and Happy New Year!

Deer Valley Unified School District

December 6, 2021

Dear DVUSD Families,

Winter Break starts in less than two weeks! As we wrap up 2021 together, we want to remind you of some important dates and information. 

Important December Dates 

• Friday, December 10 is a 90-minute early release day for all K-12 students. 
• Thursday, December 16 is a half day for high school students. 
• Friday,  December 17 is a half day for ALL students K-12. View the release schedule at www.dvusd.org/times 
• Winter Break for all students is December 20 - January 3. School resumes Tuesday, January 4.

Please note, there will be no school on Monday, January 3, 2022, as this will be a professional development day for staff.

Narrative Budget Input Survey
As we near the end of the first semester, our Fiscal and Business Services Department is gearing up for the next school year. The 2022-2023 Budget Committee meets for the first time later this week to begin the process of developing budget priorities for Fiscal Year (FY) 23. As parents of students in Deer Valley, we value your input as an important part of this process. 

Please take a moment to complete our narrative budget input survey telling us the budget priority that matters most to you and your student(s). The survey is open from today, Monday, December 6, 2021, through Friday, December 17, 2021. This will be followed by a ranking survey in January of the top themes that surfaced from the narrative survey. The Budget Committee will review the survey results and recommend the stakeholder budget priorities to use when we develop the budget for next year. 

COVID-19 Reminders
We want to ensure all our students and staff remain safe and healthy through this holiday season. Please continue following the DVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures. Additionally, please keep your child at home if he/she is sick, following all quarantine and isolation protocol requirements. As always, if you have questions about COVID-19 procedures, send an email to remaininschool@dvusd.org.

Finally, we hope you and your family enjoy Winter Break! We look forward to an #Extraordinary 2022!

Deer Valley Unified School District

November 15, 2021

Dear DVUSD Families,

As we are quickly approaching the Thanksgiving holiday, we wanted all of you to know that we are thankful for your continued support and the trust you place in the District to provide the most #extraordinary education to all of your students.   

Thanksgiving Recess
All DVUSD schools will be closed from November 22-26 to allow all of our students and staff to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. School resumes Monday, November 29.

COVID-19 Reminders
We want to ensure all our students and staff remain safe and healthy through this holiday season. Please ensure you and your student(s) continue following the DVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures. Additionally, please keep your child at home if he/she is sick, following all quarantine and isolation protocol requirements. As always, if you have questions about COVID-19 procedures, send an email to remaininschool@dvusd.org.

DVUSD does not require the COVID-19 vaccine for our students. This is a choice for parents to make in our District. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have recently approved the COVID-19 vaccine for students aged 5-11. For those who want more information on the vaccine, visit the CDC’s website. CLICK HERE to find vaccination opportunities in our community. The vaccination mini-clinics that occurred last week at three of our schools will have second dose shots on December 3, 2021. Specific hours for these mini-clinics will be announced in the near future.

Math Curriculum Adoption
Public Review for the DVUSD High School Math Adoption continues through November and runs until December 6, 2021. Primary and Supplemental resources are available for review. To View Details Click this Link.

We hope you and your student(s) enjoy your Thanksgiving break!

Deer Valley Unified School District

Nov. 1, 2021  

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Dear DVUSD Families,

Happy Fall!  As we enter November, we wanted to provide you with the latest important information and updates. 

DVUSD Fall Kindergarten Preview Nights
Join DVUSD for in-person and virtual Kindergarten Preview Nights this week at all of our K-6 & K-8 schools! These events offer a chance to receive registration packets, meet our #Extraordinary DVUSD staff and get your Kindergarten questions answered! View a complete list of events and details about DVUSD Kindergarten.

Calendar Reminders
Please be aware there is no school Thursday, November 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day. In addition, all schools will be closed from November 22-26 for Thanksgiving Recess.

Join a Parent Committee 
DVUSD develops committees throughout the year that help make a variety of important decisions in partnership with DVUSD parents, staff, and community members. We have committees that are currently looking for DVUSD parents' input. If you are interested in joining a committee, visit https://www.dvusd.org/committees  

Parent Teacher Conferences
Thank you parents and guardians for attending the recent parent teacher conferences. Being an active participant in your student’s education is vital for their success! 

Math Curriculum Adoption
Public Review for the DVUSD High School Math Adoption is underway and runs until December 6, 2021. Primary and Supplemental resources are available for review. To View Details Click this Link.

COVID-19 Reminders
To maintain a safe environment in our classrooms and throughout our campuses, please ensure you and your student(s) continue following the DVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures. Additionally, please keep your child at home if he/she is sick, following all quarantine and isolation protocol requirements. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use for students aged 5-11. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization practices is scheduled to meet Tuesday, November 2, to discuss recommendations for this age group. It is expected that the CDC will approve the vaccine and that it will be available for families in the near future. If approved, community pharmaceutical partners will provide mini-clinics at multiple DVUSD campus locations afterschool on November 10. A parent will need to be present in order for a student to receive the vaccine. More details will be shared on these vaccination opportunities later in the week.

COVID-19 testing continues on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the District Office. Visit https://www.dvusd.org/covidtesting for further details. 

Fall Sports, Winter Sports & Fine Arts
As the DVUSD Fall Sports season wraps up, we want to wish good luck to our athletes heading into the playoffs and cheer on our marching band students, who continue to compete and place highly in competitions throughout the state. We also send good wishes to our Winter student athletes who begin their seasons today! We have #extraordinary students at DVUSD!

Thank you for reading these twice-monthly updates. The next update is planned for Monday, November 15.

Have a great week!

Deer Valley Unified School District

October 18, 2021 

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Dear DVUSD Families,  

Thank you for continuing to read these important twice-monthly updates. There are many important dates coming up, so mark your calendars now!

Parent Teacher Conferences Held Virtually This Week
DVUSD schools will host virtual parent-conferences on October 21-22. Please be sure you have scheduled a conference time with your child’s teacher— you should have received communication from DVUSD teachers recently on how to schedule a virtual conference time. All K-12 students will attend half-days on October 21-22.

Immunization Opportunities
In partnership with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, DVUSD will host another Free Childhood Immunization Clinic at Constitution Elementary School (18440 N 15th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85023) this Thursday October 21, 2021 from 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. There will be no out of pocket costs for these immunizations, which include the COVID-19 vaccination for children 12 years old and older. Those 12 years old and above will receive the Pfizer vaccine. Those 18 and above will receive the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. More information about the event is on this event flyer.

Explore CTE Opportunities at DVUSD High School to Career Expo
Join Deer Valley Unified School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) event: High School to Career Expo on Thursday, October 28 from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Governing Board Room located at 20402 N. 15th Avenue, Phoenix 85027. This expo allows 7th - 11th grade students to explore DVUSD’s Career and Technical Education programs offered throughout all five of DVUSD’s high school campuses. You can learn more about the CTE program at www.dvusd.org/CTE and view the event flyer here. We look forward to seeing you there! 

2022-2023 Instructional Calendar
A revised 2022-2023 DVUSD instructional calendar is now available online. This calendar displays the first and last day of school, school breaks, half and early release dates, and more! You can digitally review or print this calendar for your convenience. Please note that school begins next year on Wednesday, August 3.

#ThankAPrincipal for National Principal Month 
October is National Principal Month—and at DVUSD we have an #extraordinary group of leaders guiding our 39 campuses (and online academy!). Our DVUSD principals will be recognized throughout this month for their efforts in making our schools the best learning environments for our 32,000+ students to learn, grow, and thrive! Please be sure to show your student(s) principal extra appreciation this month!  

COVID-19 Reminders
To maintain a safe environment in our classrooms and throughout our campuses please ensure you and your student(s) continue following the DVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures. Additionally, please keep your child at home if he/she is sick, following all quarantine and isolation protocol requirements. 

COVID-19 testing will continue through October with testing opportunities available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Friday from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the District Office. Visit https://www.dvusd.org/covidtesting for further details.

The next parent update is planned for Monday, November 1. Have a great week!

Deer Valley Unified School District 

Oct. 4, 2021

Dear DVUSD Families,

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Fall break is just around the corner and we are coming to the end of the first quarter of the school year! All DVUSD schools will be closed for Fall Break Oct. 11-12. We will return for quarter two of #extraordinary learning on Wednesday, Oct. 13. 

First Quarter Grades will be Available in the Coming Weeks
The grading period for quarter one ends this Friday, Oct. 8. Your student’s grades and academic growth will be reviewed at virtual Parent Teacher Conferences that are scheduled for Thursday Oct. 21 and Friday, Oct. 22. You will receive more information about this from your child’s school.

COVID-19 Reminders
As we look forward to quarter two, we want to ensure all DVUSD students are able to remain in a safe, healthy in-person learning environment. To maintain a safe environment in our classrooms and throughout our campuses please continue following the DVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures. Additionally, please keep your child at home if he/she is sick, following all quarantine and isolation protocol requirements.

COVID-19 testing will continue in October with testing opportunities available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Friday from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the District Office. (Please note however that no testing will take place on Monday, Oct. 11.) Visit https://www.dvusd.org/covidtesting for further details. 

Join The DVUSD Team – Be on the Same Schedule as Your Student
Are you looking for a rewarding career with a schedule that aligns with your student’s school schedule? Apply for a DVUSD position today! In fact, full-time DVUSD staff have 24 paid holidays, which align with the holidays of the school calendar. For a complete list of job openings district-wide, visit: https://careers.dvusd.org/.

Enjoy Fall Break and stay safe and healthy. DVUSD will see everyone back to school on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Our next scheduled parent update will be Monday, Oct. 18.

Deer Valley Unified School District

September 27, 2021

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Dear DVUSD Families,

Thank you for reading these regular parent updates that provide the latest information and important updates relating to your student, your student’s school and the district. 

Important Fall Dates
The upcoming months are packed with important dates. DVUSD will observe Fall Break from Oct. 11-12. Parent Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Oct. 21-22. Conference days will be scheduled to take place half days of school for all K-12 students. See additional details about Parent Teacher Conferences below.   

The Deer Valley Family is Growing
DVUSD recently broke ground on Elementary School #32 in the Stetson Valley development. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the school site near 57th Avenue and Happy Valley Road. The new school opens August 2022 and will initially serve K-6 students, with the infrastructure in place for future expansion to a K-8 campus. For the latest updates and more information on Elementary #32, visit the school website.

Suicide Prevention Webinar for Parents
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. To provide resources to families, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office is hosting a Suicide Prevention Webinar this Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. This presentation addresses the teen suicide epidemic at both statewide and national levels and provide helpful resources. Discussion will include what to do when someone talks about ending their life, tools that help alert us to the warning signs, and risk and protective factors for youth suicidality. Participants must register for the webinar - click here to register.

Parent Teacher Conferences Held Virtually - Oct. 21-22
In order to support the continuity of in person operations, Parent-Teacher conferences in October will be virtual rather than in-person. Your teacher and school will communicate with you about scheduling a conference.

COVID-19 Reminders
We still need your support to keep our students safely learning in-person! It is imperative that if your child has tested positive for COVID-19, has COVID-19 symptoms, or had close contact with someone who has tested positive with COVID-19, that our DVUSD community continues to follow the DVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures. These procedures include submitting a report as soon as possible and continuing to keep your child at home if he/she is sick, following all quarantine and isolation protocol requirements. (Visit www.dvusd.org/safetyplan to view the District’s existing layered mitigation plan). COVID-19 testing will be available Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m.- 2p.m. at the District Office (schedule may change on Oct. 11 & 12 due to Fall Break Days), visit https://www.dvusd.org/covidtesting for further details.  Additionally, DVUSD has developed a series of FAQs related to COVID that can be reviewed on dvusd.org/FAQ. The district will continue posting the number of active, positive COVID-19 cases at each campus location weekly on the dvusd.org/dashboard. This dashboard reflects student and staff cases. As always, if you have questions about COVID-19 at DVUSD, send an email to remaininschool@dvusd.org.

Healthcare Professionals Needed to Support DVUSD!
Are you a healthcare worker or first responder with healthcare credentials who is looking to make an impact at your neighborhood school? DVUSD is looking for health office substitutes at many of our campuses. This would be a great opportunity for those community members who may have flexible work schedules and are looking for a rewarding way to make some extra money! For a complete list of job openings district-wide, visit: https://careers.dvusd.org/.

Look for the first of our two October updates next Monday, Oct. 4.

Deer Valley Unified School District

Sept. 13, 2021 

Dear DVUSD Families,

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Thank you for reading these regular parent updates about the work DVUSD is doing to keep your student(s) safe and healthy. We are transitioning these weekly updates to twice monthly through the first semester of this school year. You can expect to receive our next update Monday, September 27. If important information comes to light between scheduled updates, we will notify parents by email and/or text message as soon as possible.   

Increased COVID-19 Testing Opportunities
Beginning today, Monday Sept. 13, Drive-Thru COVID-19 testing will be available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays through the month of September in the DVUSD District Office Parking Lot (20402 N. 15^th Ave, Phoenix, 85027). Visit www.dvusd.org/covidtesting to pre-register, for additional testing locations, and more information. 

COVID-19 Dashboard Updates
The number of COVID-19 cases district-wide are decreasing. The latest COVID-19 dashboard has been posted at dvusd.org/dashboard. This dashboard includes the number of active, positive COVID-19 cases at each campus location. The numbers displayed reflect student and staff cases. The district will continue releasing these dashboards on a weekly basis until further notice.   

COVID-19 Reminders
While the district is seeing a decline in cases throughout our schools, we still need your support to keep our students safely learning in-person! It is imperative that if your child has tested positive for COVID-19, has COVID-19 symptoms, or had close contact with someone who has tested positive with COVID-19, that our DVUSD community continues to follow the DVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures. These procedures include submitting a report as soon as possible and continuing to keep your child at home if he/she is sick, following all quarantine and isolation protocol requirements. (Visit www.dvusd.org/safetyplan to view the District’s existing layered mitigation plan). Additionally, DVUSD has developed a series of FAQs related to COVID that can be reviewed on dvusd.org/FAQ. As always, if you have questions about COVID-19 at DVUSD, send an email to remaininschool@dvusd.org.

Mask Wearing
Outlined in DVUSD’s Safety Plan since the start of this pandemic, masks are required while riding on DVUSD busses per the federal mandate. This includes when student athletes are being transported for athletic competitions. Currently, masks are recommended, but not required on DVUSD grounds. We want our parents to clearly understand these options so that we can increase the amount of time kids are in school. 

Accessing Student Learning Online
Students do not need to fall behind when they are absent due to illness, quarantine, or for any other reason. Through Canvas, DVUSD’s digital learning management system, he or she will be able to learn through their account. Canvas provides a central place for teachers to collect and deliver content including digital resources, lessons, and materials and allows students the opportunity to continue learning with daily lessons. An Introduction to Canvas video for parents and students and information about creating a Canvas Parent observer account is available at: https://www.dvusd.org/Canvas. 

You can find a printable document to navigate Canvas when your child will be absent for an extended period of time here. This document includes how to log into the Canvas account, find your child’s Canvas login, check out a device for Kindergarten-3rd grade students, and where to go for support.

Looking to make a Career Change? DVUSD May Be the Place for You!
Working at DVUSD affords many benefits—one of those includes being on your student’s schedule! The district offers a variety of paid holidays throughout the calendar year that align with the district schedule. There are a variety of positions open district-wide, for a complete list of job openings visit: https://careers.dvusd.org/.

DVUSD Menu Changes & Challenges
Recently, you may have noticed discrepancies between menu items listed for your student’s school meals and what is being served in the cafeteria. School districts across the country have been struggling with COVID-related supply chain issues for the past year and a half, and it has become even more challenging lately. Some of our regularly ordered products are unavailable. We are doing all we can to ensure backup plans are in place, and we will continue to provide meals that are compliant with the USDA guidelines. Fortunately, we have extraordinary cafeteria managers and staff who are doing their absolute best to feed every child that comes through their kitchen, despite supply and staffing issues. 

Have a great week!

Deer Valley Unified School District

August 30, 2021 

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Dear DVUSD Families,  

As we approach a holiday weekend, we wanted to provide you with the latest updates and reminders. 

#Extraordinary Achievements by DVUSD Students and Staff
Despite learning and working through a global pandemic during the past school year, Deer Valley students, teachers, and staff had one of our best school years for achievement in recent history! Scroll through the 2020-2021 Extraordinary Achievements publication to view the full list of accomplishments. 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, staff accomplishments and community involvement. 

COVID Reminders
To help ensure that our campuses remain a safe and healthy environment for all of our students and staff, if your child has tested positive for COVID-19, has COVID-19 symptoms, or had close contact with someone who has tested positive with COVID-19, please follow the DVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures. Make a report as soon as possible. Please continue to keep your child at home if he/she is sick, and follow all quarantine requirements if your child is identified as a close contact. (Visit www.dvusd.org/safetyplan to view the District’s existing layered mitigation plan). When students are sent to school sick, not only are they potentially exposing their classmates and school staff members to their illness, but that action may also cause our classrooms to transition to a virtual setting for a temporary period of time.

We encourage our students and staff to continue mitigation strategies including wearing masks. When a student who tests positive for COVID-19 is wearing a mask during the infectious period, other students who were exposed and also wearing a mask consistently and correctly are not subject to quarantine. This means that the student who tested positive and the identified close contact would both need to have been wearing a mask. We want our parents to clearly understand these options so that we can increase the amount of time kids are in school. This provision and others are allowed by CDC and MCDPH. As always, if you have questions about COVID-19 at DVUSD, send an email to remaininschool@dvusd.org. Additionally, DVUSD has developed a series of FAQs related to COVID that can be reviewed on dvusd.org/FAQ.

COVID-19 Dashboard Updates
An updated COVID-19 dashboard has been posted to dvusd.org/dashboard. This dashboard includes the number of active positive COVID-19 cases at each campus location. The numbers displayed reflect student and staff cases. The district will continue releasing these dashboards on a weekly basis until further notice.   

In closing, we hope you and your student(s) have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend! There is no school Monday or Tuesday. We will see everyone back at school on Wednesday, September 8.

Deer Valley Unified School District

August 23, 2021 

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Dear DVUSD Families,

We thank you in advance for taking time to read this week’s update.  

Submit Back to School Forms Through PowerSchool This Week

If you have not already submitted your back to school forms for your students please do so now! It is crucial that we receive the updated emergency medical/contact form and other forms for your students this week. It is quick and convenient to access and submit these forms online. If you do not already have a parent account set up, please contact your school to get the required information to set up your PowerSchool Parent account. Steps to completing the forms are below.

Log in to https://ps.dvusd.org/public/home.html

• Select your student in the top left side
• Scroll all the way down to the bottom left side and click on "student registration"
• Enter the date of birth for your student
• Review, edit, and submit the forms
• Repeat the process for additional students 

COVID Reminders

Maintaining our COVID-19 mitigation strategies, such as students and staff wearing masks at our schools, and other procedures will not only help our students remain in an in-person learning setting, but will also keep our students and staff safe. Remember if your child has tested positive for COVID-19, has COVID-19 symptoms, or had close contact with someone who has tested positive with COVID-19, please follow DVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures.  Additionally, Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) now mandates that all student quarantines will be required. If your child is identified as a close contact and you receive the MCDPH quarantine letter, DVUSD is required by law to not permit the student on campus during the duration of the quarantine period. Students will be able to continue learning from home by accessing their work in Canvas.

MCDPH does allow for exceptions for students who are identified as a close contact to return to school without being quarantined. We want our parents to clearly understand these options so that we can increase the amount of time kids are in school. These provisions allowed by CDC and MCDPH are the following:

• Fully vaccinated students are not subject to quarantine.
• When a student who tests positive for COVID-19 is wearing a mask during the infectious period, other students who were exposed and also wearing a mask consistently and correctly are not subject to quarantine. This means that the student who tested positive and the identified close contact would both need to have been wearing a mask.
• Students who have already tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days of being identified as a close contact are not subject to quarantine. 

As always, if you have questions about COVID-19 at DVUSD, send an email to remaininschool@dvusd.org.

Immunization Opportunities

In partnership with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, DVUSD will host another Free Immunization Clinic at Constitution Elementary School (18440 N 15th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85023) this Friday August 27, 2021 from 2 p.m. –5:30 p.m. There will be no out of pocket costs for these immunizations, which include the COVID-19 vaccination for children 12 years old and older. Those 12 years old and above will receive the Pfizer vaccine. Those 18 and above will receive the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. More information about the event including the event flyer is detailed on this webpage: www.dvusd.org/RemainInSchool.  For those looking to get their student the COVID-19 vaccination, locations throughout the county can be found here: https://www.maricopa.gov/5659/COVID-19-Vaccine-Locations. A variety of locations throughout the Valley, including at our DVUSD District Office, are also offering COVID-19 testing. Find a location near you by visiting the COVID-19 Testing sites webpage.

COVID-19 Dashboard Updates

The most recent COVID-19 dashboard is live on dvusd.org/dashboard. This dashboard includes the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases by each week in August at each campus location. The numbers displayed could reflect either a student or a staff case. The district will continue releasing these dashboards on a weekly basis until further notice.   

Help Support our #Extraordinary School District

Please encourage your friends and family members looking to work for a rewarding organization to apply for the variety of opportunities available at our many schools and offices within DVUSD, including support staff for our health offices districtwide. Those with Registered Nursing, CNA, paramedic, or other medical qualifications or licensure are encouraged to apply! Working at DVUSD not only provides you with a rewarding career, but employees may also have a flexible schedule, opportunity to enroll in the Arizona State Retirement System, and have a variety of paid holidays throughout the calendar year. For the list of current job openings, visit: https://careers.dvusd.org/. DVUSD is a great place to work so please spread the word!

We appreciate your continued support as we navigate another unconventional year together. We know how much you want your child to safely attend in-person school while maintaining as much normalcy as possible during their school day. This sentiment is shared by our administrators, teachers and staff. To achieve this, we all must work together!

Deer Valley Unified School District

August 16, 2021

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Dear DVUSD Families,

You should have received communication from DVUSD on Sunday regarding the importance of keeping your student(s) home while sick and information on the new quarantine measures released by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH). DVUSD began implementing the new measures today, Monday, August 16. You can view the letter here which outlines that student quarantines are now mandatory.

In light of these new changes, we would like to provide you with the latest updates.

New Communication System
DVUSD, our schools, and teachers have been communicating through a new communication tool this school year. We understand that there have been some parents who, for a variety of reasons, have been missing emails. As we continue to work with this new system and our technology department to resolve these issues, please check your junk or spam folders for any messages that were sent from DVUSD email addresses as this is where many of these emails are being found. For more tips on how to ensure you are receiving emails from your student(s) school, visit our parent notification system page.

Canvas Support for Parents
DVUSD has developed a helpful webpage of Canvas resources for parents who are assisting their students with online learning and need to familiarize themselves with the learning management system. These video tutorials, FAQs and helpful guides can be found on this webpage.

COVID-19 Dashboard Update
Beginning next week, DVUSD will update the COVID-19 dashboard on a more frequent basis. Additionally, be on the lookout for a FAQ page to be posted on the Remain in School page in the coming weeks. This FAQ site will address the most pressing COVID-19 related questions relating to DVUSD.

Help Support our #Extraordinary Campus Health Offices
In an effort to keep our students safely on campus and in the healthiest, most supported environments, DVUSD is looking for support staff in our health offices. If you, a friend, or family member have medical credentials including but not limited to registered nursing, CNA, paramedic or other medical qualifications or licensure, DVUSD is in need of staff to support our health offices district-wide. Please check out https://careers.dvusd.org/ for the list of job openings.

Have a great week and stay safe!

Deer Valley Unified School District

August 15, 2021 

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Dear DVUSD Families,

The first two weeks of school have come and gone.  These two weeks have been full of much excitement and positive energy as well as numerous challenges. We can see how excited the students in our community are to be in school. They enjoy socializing with their friends and they love their teachers! This is the reason we are communicating this important information related to the continuity of our in-person operations one day earlier than our usual parent update on Mondays. 

Our reality is the level of COVID-19 spread within our community continues to increase. While just over a month ago, virtually none of our zip codes were in high transmission, we now find ourselves in a position where all of our zip codes have had substantial increases in their case counts and fall into high transmission.

While we had hoped for a relatively normal school year in 2021-22, we are seeing that our operations are being greatly impacted by this level of community spread. In our first two weeks back on campus, we have had more than 150 student and staff positive cases of COVID-19. This has resulted in over 2,000 DVUSD students already being identified as a close contact. We have also had parents knowingly send their children to school when sick. This has caused us to transition several classrooms to a temporary virtual learning format due to numerous students and staff becoming ill. This puts an enormous strain on our campus leaders, nurses, front office staff, teachers and support staff. This level of strain is also being felt by all of our neighboring school districts. The end result is less in-person school time for our students. We also recognize this strain is felt within our student and parent communities as they must adjust to shifting learning environments with minimal notice.

Last week, Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) revised their quarantine measures in order to respond to this increase. Effective Monday, August 16, all student quarantines will be required per this recent MCDPH mandate. If your child is identified as a close contact and you receive the MCDPH quarantine letter, DVUSD is required by law to not permit the student on campus during the duration of the quarantine period. MCDPH requires public schools to deliver this letter to parents, and DVUSD will utilize the Blackboard communication tool to deliver it.

Families will need to check their email daily (including spam and junk mail folders). Please note that this change of quarantine requirements will be applied to new positive cases and close contacts on and after August 16. Students will be able to continue learning from home by accessing their work in Canvas.

MCDPH does allow for exceptions for students who are identified as a close contact to return to school without being quarantined. We want our parents to clearly understand these options so that we can increase the amount of time kids are in school. These provisions allowed by CDC and MCDPH are the following:

• Fully vaccinated students are not subject to quarantine.
• When a student who tests positive for COVID-19 is wearing a mask during the infectious period, other students who were exposed and also wearing a mask consistently and correctly are not subject to quarantine. This means that the student who tested positive and the identified close contact would both need to have been wearing a mask.
• Students who have already tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days of being identified as a close contact are not subject to quarantine.

As we have communicated in previous parent updates, public health agencies such as the CDC and MCDPH strongly recommend that eligible individuals get vaccinated and that all individuals wear a mask when indoors. Visit https://www.maricopa.gov/5641/COVID-19-Vaccine for more information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

In closing, we know how much you want your child to attend in-person school. This sentiment is shared by our administrators, teachers and staff. But, in order to do this we need your support. We do not want to risk cancelling in person events such as athletics and fine arts competitions, or having to continuously transition in-person classrooms to virtual learning. Please keep your child at home if he/she is sick and follow all quarantine requirements if your child is identified as a close contact. (See www.dvusd.org/covidreporting for District procedures on reporting. Visit www.dvusd.org/safetyplan to view the District’s existing layered mitigation plan.) In short, DVUSD respectfully requests that the community support our students by working to decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Questions can be sent to remaininschool@dvusd.org. 

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. 
Deer Valley Unified School District

____________________

¹ Close contact is defined as someone who was within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more within 2 days prior to illness onset, regardless of whether the contact was wearing a mask.

August 9, 2021 

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Dear DVUSD Families,

We hope your student(s) enjoyed their first week back to school and are excited for another #extraordinary year of learning!

Back to School forms are available online this year

You will need a PowerSchool Parent account to access these important forms. You want to sign up for this account as it makes the beginning of the year paperwork process much easier for you! If you have not already set up your account, please contact your school’s registrar for the access information specific to your student. You will need this information to set up your PowerSchool Parent account. These forms will be due soon, so please set up your account.

Public Hearings on Instructional Time Model (ITM)

DVUSD will hold public hearings for the consideration of adopting an Instruction Time Model (ITM) district-wide. District personnel will review House Bill 2862 (H.B. 2862)   Tuesday, August 17 at 4 p.m. and on Tuesday, August 24 at 6:45 p.m. before the Board Meeting. These hearings are needed due to recent changes in state statute regarding what may count as instructional minutes. 

COVID-19 Reporting Reminders

Remember if your child has tested positive for COVID-19, has COVID-19 symptoms, or had close contact with someone who has tested positive with COVID-19, please follow DVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures.

DVUSD is Looking for #Extraordinary Staff

DVUSD is a great place to work! There are currently teaching, non-teaching and substitute positions available district-wide. If you, a friend, or family member are looking to work for a wonderful school district that provides great benefits, please check out https://careers.dvusd.org/ for the list of job openings. Forbes magazine has recognized DVUSD for two consecutive years as one of Arizona’s best employers!

Have a great week!

Deer Valley Unified School District

August 2, 2021

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Dear DVUSD Families,

We hope your child(ren) had a wonderful first day of school whether attending in-person or online. We want to provide you with the latest school information in this Monday Parent update. DVUSD plans to send updates for parents every Monday through August.

• We begin with an important reminder for parents who pick up their student(s) after school. Please make sure you stay clear of the bus lanes. Today, cars arriving to pick up students blocked bus lanes at several schools. This delayed students from loading the buses and leaving school. Some students were delayed in getting home on the bus by 30 or more minutes due to this issue. Thank you for your attention to this during student pick-up.
  
  
• If you haven’t had a chance to review the DVUSD Safety Plan that you received in an email last Friday, please take a few minutes to read the updates about quarantines and some COVID-19 prevention measures. You can always find this plan at www.dvusd.org/safetyplan.
  
  
• Remember, that while face masks are optional this year while on campus, the CDC recently updated their recommendations for face mask usage when students are indoors. In addition, there is an exception to this face mask optional rule when students utilize District transportation. Due to the Centers for Disease Control mass transit federal order, all bus riders must wear a face mask. This federal order supersedes any state law pertaining to face masks.
  
  
• As was the case last year, school meals will continue to be free throughout the 2021-22 school year. When students choose individual portions such as a beverage (including milk) or a snack item, charges will apply. 
  
  
• Back to School forms are available online this year! You will need a PowerSchool Parent account to access these important forms. You want to sign up for this account as it makes the beginning of the year paperwork process much easier for you!  If you have not already set up your account, please contact your school’s registrar for the access information specific to your student. You will need this information to set up your PowerSchool Parent account. These forms will be due in the coming weeks, so please set up your account soon!
  
  
• DVUSD has a strong partnership with Southwest Behavioral Health and Services (SBHS) and has campus clinicians at our elementary and middle school campuses. There are wellness counselors at each of our high school locations as well. This is a great resource for our DVUSD families and social/emotional health.
  
  
• As the first week of school continues for your student, we ask that you continue practicing good routines at home, such as having an easy morning routine, sticking to early bedtimes, and establishing a quiet area to complete homework. Remember if your child has tested positive for COVID-19, has COVID-19 symptoms, or had close contact with someone who has tested positive with COVID-19, please follow DVUSD COVID-19 reporting procedures.

Have a great first week of school!
Deer Valley Unified School District

July 30, 2021

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Dear DVUSD Families,

Happy Friday to you! We know that students and families are eagerly awaiting the first day of school! We want to communicate some important information to you before the first day:

• The DVUSD Safety Plan has been revised to reflect updates with quarantines and certain COVID-19 prevention measures. Please take time to review these updates. For your convenience, the Safety Plan has a friendly url - dvusd.org/safetyplan.
• DVUSD is utilizing Blackboard, a new communication system, to send emails and text messages to our parent population. We have heard that emails coming from this system may be going to your SPAM account. Therefore, please check your SPAM/Junk folder to see if you need to add the new Blackboard email addresses to your contacts so that they go to your regular inbox. 

We are looking forward to greeting all students for the first day of school, Monday, August 2, 2021.  We ask that families support their child in getting a good night’s sleep in preparation for an exciting first day. Our staff is eager to meet your child and have been busy preparing a week filled with fun learning and opportunities to connect with new classmates. Let’s team together for an outstanding week ahead. Remember that you can always send a question to RemaininSchool@dvusd.org.

Have a great week!

Deer Valley Unified School District

Dear DVUSD Families,

We are eager to welcome your students back for the 2021-2022 school year next Monday, August 2!

Back to School Optional Events

DVUSD Schools will be hosting a variety of optional back to school nights, including meet the teacher nights, in the coming days. Keep a look out for communication from your school and information posted on your student’s school website for details about those events. 

2021-22 Return to School Parent Webinar Recording & DVUSD Safety Plan

DVUSD held a parent webinar last week that reviewed what to expect during the 2021-22 school year. This webinar included an overview of our DVUSD Safety Plan and teaching and learning procedures for the coming year. Thank you to those that joined us. If you missed it, you can watch it at www.dvusd.org/LiveStream. Questions related to the DVUSD Safety Plan can be sent to remaininschool@dvusd.org. 

Face Masks & Transportation

Remember that face masks are optional this year. (See the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC)  guidance regarding face masks recommendations.)  The exception to this optional rule is when students utilize District transportation. Due to the Centers for Disease Control mass transit federal order, all bus riders must wear a face mask. This federal order supersedes any state law dealing with face masks. For more information on face masks, see the CDC’s recommendations for who should wear face masks.

Back to School Forms

Back to School forms are available online this year!  You will need a PowerSchool Parent account to access these important forms.  If you have not already set up your account, please contact your school for the access information specific to your student that you will need to set up your PowerSchool Parent account.  

Panorama SEL Student Survey

DVUSD values the importance of supporting students’ social-emotional well being. A common tool that has been used by schools across the country for decades is the use of student surveys that gauge their perceptions of themselves and their schools. Last year, the Arizona legislature passed legislation which requires public schools to obtain parent permission when keeping this data for more than one year. Therefore, going forward, DVUSD has a parent permission form which all parents complete when they register their child(ren) which allows DVUSD to administer this survey to our students. This survey is important as it helps schools meet the social-emotional and safety needs of its students! 

Vaccination Opportunity

In partnership with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), DVUSD will host another Free Immunization Clinic at Constitution Elementary School (18440 N 15th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85023) Thursday, July 29, 2021 from 12 p.m. (noon) – 6 p.m. There will be no out of pocket costs for these immunizations, which include the COVID-19 vaccination for children 12 years old and older. For more information about the event, see the event flyer. Additional COVID-19 Vaccine locations can be found on the Maricopa County Department of Public Health website.

Free Meals for All Students 2021-2022 

As was the case last year, meals will  continue to be free throughout the 2021-22 school year. When students choose individual portions such as beverages (including milk), and snack items, charges will apply.

See you soon!

Deer Valley Unified School District

Dear DVUSD Families,

We hope you are having a safe and relaxing summer break. Our first day of school - Monday, August 2 - is approaching quickly. 

To get ready for the school year, DVUSD will host a Back-To-School Parent Webinar this Wednesday, July 21 at 4 p.m. You can watch the webinar live and/or at a later date at www.dvusd.org/LiveStream 

During this webinar, parents will hear about the DVUSD Safety Plan and learn more about how teaching and learning will take place during the 2021-2022 school year. Please plan to join us for the webinar or watch it later this week.

We also want to remind you that in partnership with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, DVUSD will host another Free Immunization Clinic at Constitution Elementary School (18440 N 15th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85023) Thursday, July 29, 2021 from 12 p.m. (noon) – 6 p.m. There will be no out of pocket costs for these immunizations, which include the COVID-19 vaccination for children 12 years old and older. Those 12 years old and above will receive the Pfizer vaccine. Those 18 and above will receive the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. More information about the event including the event flyer is detailed on this webpage:www.dvusd.org/RemainInSchool. 

Have a great week!

Deer Valley Unified School District