Desert Shadows Middle School

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,

🧦🎉 Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day! 🎉🧦 We celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by rocking our brightest, boldest, and most mismatched socks to show our love, support, and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome! 💙💛 Why socks? 🧦 Because chromosomes are shaped like socks, and people with Down syndrome have an extra 21st chromosome—making them truly extraordinary! Join us in spreading awareness, acceptance, and love by sharing your crazy socks and tagging us! Let's stand together to celebrate diversity, abilities, and the power of inclusion! 🌍✨ 📸 Drop a sock selfie in the comments! 👇 #RockYourSocks #WorldDownSyndromeDay #InclusionMatters #NUSD1

Desert Shadows Middle School has been honored with the prestigious A+ School Recognition! This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our students, teachers, staff, and community. Your presence at this special occasion would mean a great deal to us as we commemorate this milestone together. March 21, 2025 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Desert Shadows Middle School Gym Livestream on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1GwaJmXxHi/ We would be honored to have you join us in celebrating this achievement and expressing our gratitude to all who have contributed to our success. Stay tuned!

Desert Shadows Middle School Parent Orientation Meeting. This is a meeting for incoming 6th graders and their parents on March 20th at 5:30 p.m. in the school gym.

Dear DSMS Parents and Guardians, This is a friendly reminder that our Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday March 5, 2025 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the school cafeteria and gym. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, discuss progress, and collaborate on ways to support their academic and personal growth. Also a reminder that from 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. is our Title I and Title III in the school's cafeteria. We highly encourage our parents to attend this meeting as well. If you need assistance, feel free to contact our front office at 520-377-2646. We look forward to seeing you here at Desert Shadows Middle School and working together to ensure a successful school year for your child! Sincerely, Christopher Miranda, Principal

Good afternoon DSMS Parents and Guardians. Please find the March Newsletter by accessing the following link: https://secure.smore.com/n/njgh7

Congratulations to DSMS for becoming an A+ School of Excellence! https://www.azedfoundation.org/post/53-arizona-public-schools-earn-the-a-school-of-excellence-award

Check out new updates to the Nogales Unified School District App! Head over to the app store and update yours now, to ensure that you don't miss any important updates.

Dear DSMS Families, A few reminders for Valentine’s Day. Students will be allowed to show their Valentine spirit by wearing any of the following colors; pink, white, and/or red tops only, Bottoms remain as khaki. Please avoid bringing balloons, stuffed animals, flowers, candy and other gifts to school. Additionally, all glass, including flower vases, are not allowed on campus. If they are brought to school, they will be stored in the office until the end of the day. Any deliveries after 10:30 a.m. will not be accepted (No exceptions). Anything arriving after the indicated time will be returned with carrier. Thank you for your understanding and support on this matter.

Good afternoon DSMS Parents and Guardians. Please find the February Newsletter by accessing the following link: https://secure.smore.com/n/wyt5m

Dr. Martin Luther King Day No School