MEET THE SUPERINTENDENT

Dear parents, students and community members,

The start of the school year is an exciting time for all members of a school community. Students and parents are excited as they prepare for a new year filled with learning and opportunities for growth. Teachers and support staff are anxious to start working with the children whose educational success is entrusted to them. Excitement and anticipation, however, are not enough to ensure the positive outcomes we expect in the Dysart Unified School District. Setting goals, careful preparations and the implementation of a clear plan for success is critical. The Dysart District team has been hard at work in preparing for the new school year.

For 2008-2009 Dysart will celebrate two new communities of learners as we add two K-8 school buildings. Final touches are being made to Desert Moon School located in the northern portion of the district located at 163rd Avenue and Grand Avenue, and to Riverview School located in El Mirage near Cactus and El Mirage Roads. Luke School has been rebuilt at the same location as the original campus. These new schools will provide an outstanding learning environment for students. The same standard of excellence all Dysart Schools have embraced will be in place from the moment these new schools open their doors. High academic achievement, expanded learning opportunities, strong community connections and an increased capacity for students to prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century are the expectations. There is no doubt that once again for the 2008-2009 school year, the Dysart Unified School District community will prove that by working together and staying focused on what is best for children, we can provide excellence in education across this district.

Dysart recruits the most highly qualified teachers and support staff who will offer students the very best learning opportunities and services possible. In addition, we continue to reach out to our parents and community to tap the abundance of expertise and talents available. For example, parents, students, community members and staff members formed Partners in Planning (PIP) teams. These groups are examining data that will establish critical focus areas for our strategic plan. During the summer, Dysart recruited additional volunteers and formed new partnerships that will result in expanded learning opportunities for students. A partnership with Rio Salado and Estrella Mountain Community Colleges will allow an increase in the number of dual enrollment courses available to high school students for 2008-2009. This summer Dysart was awarded a six million dollar Safe Schools and Healthy Students grant. This grant will add prevention and support programs for students and families. Dysart continues to build strong relationships that in turn support rigor in learning and assure that students have relevant experiences that will prepare them for the 21st Century.

We are Dysart! That includes staff, administrators, parents, community members, and students. Together, our task is to build a future, where students reach new heights and are empowered to reach their dreams. We must partner together to provide rigor and relevance in learning while embracing positive relationships that support those goals. We must work collaboratively to build a culture of trust and effective communication to accomplish our work with and for students. Together, we will enhance environments where students are prepared for success both during their school years and in all future endeavors. Together, we will meet the challenge. Together, we are Dysart, a district of excellence.

Let us be the first to welcome you to the 2008-2009 school year! Have a great school year!

Sincerely,

Gail Pletnick, Ed.D.
Superintendent