Desert Shadows Middle School

✨ October is National Principals Month! ✨
This month, we celebrate our dedicated principals who lead with vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Their leadership creates schools where learning thrives, teachers feel supported, and students are encouraged to reach their fullest potential. 💙

More than leaders, our principals are mentors and champions for every student. They inspire futures, open doors to opportunity, and go above and beyond to help each learner succeed. 🚀

#ThankAPrincipal #NUSD1 #LeadershipInAction #ExcellenceKnowsNoBorders

Absenteeism is a lost opportunity to learn. We can’t afford to think of absenteeism as merely a lack of compliance with school rules. http://bit.ly/1oqfID7
#HereTodayReadyforTomorrow #NUSD1 #ExcellenceKnowsNoBorders

When a student misses so many days, they are chronically absent (10% or more days), which means the lack of engagement in learning is an ongoing problem that needs to be addressed http://bit.ly/1oqfID7 #HereTodayReadyforTomorrow #NUSD1 #ExcellenceKnowsNoBorders

A student who is chronically absent in high school is 7.4X more likely to drop out: http://bit.ly/1oqfID7 #HereTodayReadyforTomorrow #NUSD1 #ExcellenceKnowsNoBorders

Building strong, trusting relationships that promote a feeling of belonging is fundamental to improving student attendance & engagement. http://bit.ly/1oqfID7 #HereTodayReadyforTomorrow #NUSD1 #ExcellenceKnowsNoBorders

Let’s help students build a habit of good attendance early & often: http://bit.ly/1oqfID7 #HereTodayReadyforTomorrow #NUSD1 #excellenceknowsnoborders

Fall sports are underway at Desert Shadows Middle School!
Our Diamondbacks are ready to strike this season with hard work, teamwork, and pride. This is just the beginning—watch them shine all fall long! 🐍

#DSMS #Diamondbacks #NUSD1 #FallSports #DBacksPride

📢 Reminder: All NUSD schools and district offices will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.
Classes and regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, September 2.

Enjoy the long weekend and stay safe!

Dear DSMS Parents and Guardians,

This is a friendly reminder that Benchmark Testing will take place from Aug 18-21 . We encourage all students to get a good night’s sleep and arrive on time each day ready to do their best.

Additionally, Picture Day is scheduled for Friday, August 22nd. Please note that all students must wear their school uniform for their picture day.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us make both events a success.

Sincerely,

Mr. Christopher Miranda
Principal

📢 New features are here in Rooms—our communication tool within the NUSD #1 app!

Now it’s even easier for parents and teachers to stay connected with updates, messages, and classroom info—all in one secure place.

📲 Watch the video to learn how these new features make communication faster, clearer, and more convenient for families and staff:
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5qhzRUj438

Welcome Back to School!

Dear DSMS Students and Families,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! We are thrilled to welcome our students back to campus and excited to see so many new and familiar faces. Whether you're just beginning your middle school journey or returning for another exciting year, we are committed to making this a year of growth, achievement, and meaningful connections.

Our team has been working hard to prepare engaging lessons, fun events, and a safe, supportive environment where every student can thrive. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure a successful school year filled with learning, discovery, and opportunity.

Let’s make this our best year yet together!

With gratitude and respect,

Mr. Christopher Miranda
Principal, Desert Shadows Middle School

We’re excited to remind you that the NUSD #1 mobile app is available for download! It's
Everything NUSD #1, in your pocket.

Download for Android https://aptg.co/vMN1SK
Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/8ym_Qp

Good evening DSMS families, This is a reminder that tomorrow Wednesday, May 21, 2025 all 8th graders are to take hats, sunblock, and water for the morning transition practice at NHS stadium. All 8th graders will be transported in bus from DSMS to NHS and back at the conclusion of the practice. Only 8th graders will be released at 11:30 a.m. and buses will be available for the 8th graders at their dismissal and buses will be back at 1:20 p.m. for the 6th and 7th graders. The DSMS transition at NHS stadium will be at 6:00 p.m. so we ask all transitioning student to be at the field no later than 5:30 p.m. Thank you

Join the 2025 DSMS Color Run!

Community Health Survey Your voice is crucial in prioritizing health initiatives in our community. Take part in the residential Survey as part of the Community Health Needs Assessment. This process empowers residents like you to have a say in shaping the future of healthcare in our community.

Santa Cruz County Health Services is hosting a Public Health Resource Fair on Friday, April 11th from 2-5 pm at the County Complex Courtyard (2150 N Congress Dr. #HealthForAll #CommunityWellness #CountyHealthFair #MindBodyWellness

Your Bond Dollars at Work: https://www.nusd.k12.az.us/o/nusd1/page/bond-dollars-at-work #YourBondDollarsAtWork #BuildingTheFuture #NUSD1 #InvestingInEducation

Good afternoon DSMS Parents and Guardians. Please find the April Newsletter by accessing the following link: https://secure.smore.com/n/8cx4t Thank you,