Asante News

Dysart Unified School District is accepting new PreK-12 student enrollment applications for the 2026-2027 school year. Parents and guardians can complete the necessary registration information online at Dysart.org/enroll at any time. Within the enrollment application, parents are able to select their home school, or request their child attend another school outside of their boundary school, including Freedom Traditional Academy, through Open Enrollment. Preschool enrollment options are also available on the main enrollment link above, as well as at GrowingMindsPreschool.org. Learn more at Dysart.org/Preschool.

For in-person enrollment assistance between June 8th and July 1st, families may visit the District Office Monday through Thursday at 15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise, Arizona from 8am-4:30pm.  All K-12 school offices will reopen for in person enrollment on Wednesday, July 8.

Please note that in order to finalize registration the following documents will be required: government issued photo identification; birth certificate; proof of residency; and immunization records. To keep up with their child’s academic progress, parents are encouraged to sign up for the Parent Portal at Dysart.org/parentportal or via the Campus Parent app, available as early as 24 hours after registration is finalized. To find out if your child is eligible for transportation, visit Dysart.org/Transportation.

Dysart Schools looks forward to serving the community by providing an outstanding preschool through high school experience for students. For additional assistance with student registration, families may contact their local school beginning July 8, call 623-876-7151, or email [email protected].

We hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer!  Here is some important information to help you get ready for the upcoming school year: 

Important Dates

• Meet the Teacher, August 4th from 5:00-6:30 PM
• First Day of School, August 6th

Office Information

The front office will reopen starting July 8th and will be open from 8:00-4:30 on Monday-Thursday. 

Supplies and Other Information 

If you are looking for supply list information, you can find them linked here. 

Our opening school letter with all the information is linked here. 

We look forward to an amazing year!

We hope you have a wonderful summer break!  We look forward to seeing you when school starts on August 6th. 

As we come to the close of another wonderful school year, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership. 

Your involvement has made a meaningful difference in the success of our students and school community. We are incredibly proud of all our students for their hard work and growth this year. A very special congratulations goes out to our fifth graders, we are so proud of everything you have accomplished. We wish you all the best as you take this exciting next step into middle school. You will be missed! 

As you begin preparing for next year, please remember that school supply lists for returning students will be available on our school website. Please note that both Wednesday, May 20th and Thursday, May 21st will be early release days. Students will be dismissed at 12:00 PM on both days. 

Save the Dates for Next School Year 

Meet the Teacher: August 4th, 5:00–6:30 PM 

First Day of School: August 6th We hope you and your family have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer. 

Thank you again for being such an important part of our school community, we look forward to welcoming many of you back in the fall!

We’re excited to share some fun and important updates for the upcoming weeks! 

Student Council has planned a full week of themed dress-up days. We encourage all students to participate: 

Monday: House Colors 

Tuesday: Twin Day 

Wednesday: Student/Teacher Swap 

Thursday: Pajama Day 

Friday: Asante Day (Hats and Shades) 

A limited number of yearbooks will be available for purchase next week. 

When: Tuesday through Thursday, 8:40–9:00 AM (before school only) 

Where: Courtyard Cost: $40 (cash only) 

Yearbooks are first come, first served while supplies last. 

Please note that both Wednesday, May 20th and Thursday, May 21st will be early release days. Students will be dismissed at 12:00 PM on both days. 

 Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a fun and spirited week!

With the end of the school year just around the corner, we are pausing to celebrate the teamwork and community spirit that have made this year so special. We are nearing the finish line, and we couldn’t have reached it without you. Whether you spent your hours volunteering at school events, tackling tricky homework assignments at the kitchen table, or dedicated time to reading at home with your child, your support has been the backbone of our success. To the parents, guardians, and mentors: thank you for everything you do, from the big milestones to the small "everything in between" moments. 

It is officially Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! We want to send a massive shout-out to our amazing team. Their passion, patience, and dedication to our students’ growth are truly inspiring. If you see a teacher or staff member, please join us in giving them a well-deserved "thank you" for their hard work all year long! 

 The memories are officially in print! Please take note of the updated dates for yearbook distribution and last-chance sales: Pre-Ordered Yearbooks: If you ordered your yearbook online, they will be distributed in class this Friday, May 8th. Last-Chance Sales: Missed the online window? We have a limited number of extra yearbooks available for purchase. 

When: Starting May 12th, during "Soft Start" (8:40 AM – 9:00 AM)

Cost: $40 (Cash only, please)

Availability: Sales will continue each morning at the same time until we are officially sold out. 

Thank you for making this year one to remember!

What an incredible week! We are still buzzing from the energy at our Imagine, Design, and Create event. Seeing our K-5 students dive into their projects with such curiosity and talent was a highlight of the season. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our young innovators, your presence makes our school community feel like a family.

We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to our PTO. This year, they have been the engine behind so many of our favorite memories. From the spooky fun of Trunk or Treat to our lively Bingo and Restaurant Nights, their dedication has been unmatched. Beyond the fun, their hard work at our Book Fairs and other fundraisers has directly impacted our classrooms by funding: The Golden Ranger Program: Recognizing our students' character and leadership. 

Ranger Readers: Putting books in hands and fostering a love for literacy. 

Field Trip Transportation: Ensuring our students can explore the world beyond our school walls. 

We need you! If you have enjoyed these events, we would love to have your voice and participation for the next school year. Whether you have an hour a month or an hour a year, there is a place for you here. 

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Our educators work tirelessly to inspire and support your children every day. If you’d like to send in a note of thanks, a small treat, or a handmade drawing, next week is the perfect time to show our staff just how much they are valued. 

 As we head into the final stretch of the school year, thank you for your continued partnership. Let’s finish this year Ranger Strong!

Our hallways are absolutely buzzing with excitement as we prepare for a week filled with joy, creativity, and some very well-deserved celebrations! We have so much to be proud of, and we can’t wait to share these special moments with our amazing students and their families. 

 Please join us on April 23rd from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM for our STEM and Arts night, Imagine, Design, Create. This evening is a true celebration of our young inventors and their incredible learning journeys. It’s going to be a full house with grade-level showcases, hands-on experiment rooms that will spark curiosity, and a visit from the Surprise Library. Plus, we’ll have food trucks on-site, making it the perfect night to grab  a snack and explore the wonders of science and art together. 

We are thrilled to announce that our school won the district attendance competition! To celebrate our students’ commitment to showing up and shining every day, we are hosting a special party on April 24th. Sweet Treats: Every student will enjoy a frozen delight thanks to the generosity of Surprise Toyota. Tasty Rewards: Our K-2 students will receive free pizza coupons from Peter Piper, while our 3-5 students will get coupons from Elevate. The Grand Prize: We will also be announcing the overall winning class, who will walk away with coupons for delicious treats from Nothing Bundt Cake!

 Finally, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our two Dysart Heroes for this year: Abbiegail Schallmo and Alexis Anderson! These two incredible individuals embody the spirit of our school community, and they will be officially honored at a special ceremony this Wednesday evening. We are so proud to have them representing us. 

Thank you for your constant support in making our school such a vibrant place to learn and grow. We look forward to seeing you all there!

As we move further into April, we have a lot of exciting events and important milestones approaching. Please take a moment to review the following updates regarding state testing and our upcoming school events. 

 State testing continues this week for our 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students. These assessments are a chance for our students to show off all the hard work they’ve put in this year! Upcoming Test: Math Part 2 Date: Tuesday, April 14th 

How you can help:  

To ensure every student has the best environment for success, please make every effort to avoid scheduling appointments or early sign-outs on testing days. Uninterrupted testing time is vital for helping students stay focused and confident. 

Important Dates & Reminders 

Friday, April 17th: No School (Spring Holiday). Enjoy the long weekend with your families! 

Thursday, April 23rd: Imagine, Design, Create Night. 

 Save the Date: Imagine, Design, Create! 

Join us on April 23rd from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM for an evening of innovation! This year, our focus is on Inventors and Inventions. It will be a fun-filled night highlighting incredible student projects and the creative process. We can’t wait to see the brilliant ideas our young inventors have come up with!

As we move through our state testing season, we want to take a moment to share a huge thank you to our 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade families! Your support has been incredible. Because of your efforts, we have seen amazing attendance with virtually no early sign-outs or late arrivals. This consistency allows our students to perform their best in a calm, focused environment. We have a few more important dates ahead, so please keep that momentum going! 

Upcoming State Testing Schedule 

Please ensure your students are well-rested, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time for the following sessions: 

Tuesday, April 7th: Reading (Part 1) 

Wednesday, April 8th: Math (Part 1) 

Thursday, April 9thReading (Part 2) 

Tuesday, April 14th: Math (Part 2) — Final Test! 

Spring Holiday Reminder 

There will be no school on Friday, April 17th in observance of our Spring Holiday. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend and gets a chance to recharge! 

Save the Date: 

Imagine, Design, Create! Mark your calendars for one of our favorite events of the year! Our annual Imagine, Design, Create evening is just around the corner. 

When: Thursday, April 23rd Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 

What: A night focused on celebrating learning through the Arts and STEM. 

Join us for: 

Interactive Hands-on Activities 

Student Learning Celebrations 

A special performance from our Choir 

A visit from the Surprise Library Local Food Trucks to enjoy with your family! 

Thank you for being such an active and supportive part of our school community. We couldn't do this without you!

As we head into the spring season, our students in Grades 3–5 are preparing to showcase their hard work and academic growth during our upcoming state testing window. These assessments are an important way for us to celebrate the progress your child has made this year. To help our students feel their absolute best, we ask for your partnership in ensuring they get a full night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast on testing mornings. A well-rested mind and a healthy start to the day provide the fuel they need to stay focused and confident. Please remind your child that they have worked hard all year and are well-prepared to succeed! Please mark your calendars for the following testing dates: 

Grades 3–5: State Testing Schedule 

Writing: Wednesday, April 1st 

Reading: Tuesday, April 7th & Thursday, April 9th 

Math: Wednesday, April 8th & Tuesday, April 14th 

Grade 3 Only: Oral Reading Fluency Assessment 

Tuesday, March 31st 

Thursday, April 2nd 

Friday, April 3rd 

 Last Call for Yearbooks! 

Don’t forget to capture the memories of this school year! This is the final opportunity to order yearbooks online. We strongly encourage you to purchase yours now to guarantee a copy. Please note that in-person yearbook sales will be extremely limited once they arrive, and the cost will be higher than the current online price. 

Thank you for your continued support and for helping our students approach these upcoming weeks with confidence and a positive spirit! 

Welcome back! We hope you and your students had a wonderful, relaxing Spring Break last week. It is hard to believe we are already entering the 4th quarter of the school year. As we head into the final stretch, we have several important updates regarding state testing and upcoming community events. 

State Testing Schedule 

State testing will soon begin for students in grades 3–5. To ensure our students can perform their best, please make every effort to avoid scheduling appointments or early sign-outs on these days. Uninterrupted testing time is vital for student concentration and success. 

Grade 5 Only: AzSCIENCE Test 

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 

Thursday, March 26, 2026 

Grades 3–5: State Testing 

Writing: Wednesday, April 1st 

Reading: Tuesday, April 7th & Thursday, April 9th 

Math: Wednesday, April 8th & Tuesday, April 14th 

Grade 3 Only: Oral Reading Fluency Assessment 

Tuesday, March 31st 

Thursday, April 2nd 

Friday, April 3rd PTO FUNdraiser 

Looking for an easy dinner option? Our PTO is hosting a FUNdraiser at Sonic! Come out to support our school and enjoy a treat with the Asante community. Location: 15471 W. Bell Road Date: Tuesday, March 17 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM We look forward to seeing you there and finishing this school year strong!

We hope our families enjoy Spring Break.  Spring Break will be from March 16-20.   The office will be closed at this time, but we look forward to seeing everyone on March 23rd to start 4th quarter!

We have a massive week ahead of us! It’s the final push before Spring Break, and we are going out with a bang. Between showing off our school pride and burning off some energy at Field Day, your kiddos are going to have a blast. Here is everything you need to know to stay in the loop: 

Hop Into Spring with a Splash of Friendship! 

Spread some springtime cheer! Our Student Council will be selling Spring Friendship Bracelets to help students celebrate their buddies. Cost: $1.00 each When: Tuesday, March 10th – Thursday, March 12th Time: During "Soft Start" in the morning 

Spirit Week: Show Your Style!

Our Student Council is also hosting a week of fun to celebrate our school community. Help your student pick out their best outfits for each day: 

Monday: House Colors – Represent your house with pride!

Tuesday: Crazy Hair Day – The wilder, the better. 

Wednesday: Pajama Day – Keep it cozy for mid-week. 

Thursday: Favorite Character Day – Dress up as a hero from a book, movie, or game. 

Friday: School Spirit + Hats & Shades – Wear your Asante gear along with your coolest hat and sunglasses! 

Asante Field Day: Friday, March 13th 

Get ready for a day of teamwork and relay races! Field Day is happening this Friday, and we want everyone to be prepared for some outdoor fun. 

2nd & 3rd Grade 9:15 AM – 11:45 AM 

Kinder & 1st Grade 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM 

What to Wear & Bring: 

Comfortable Clothing: Athletic gear is best. 

Closed-Toe Shoes: Essential for running and relay races. 

Protection: Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended. 

Hydration: Please send your student with a labeled water bottle. 

 Just a friendly reminder that school will be closed for Spring Break from Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 20th. We hope you enjoy the time off with your families and come back refreshed for the rest of the semester!

Can you believe we are already heading into March? The school year is flying by, and we have so many exciting things planned to make these final months memorable for our students. Here are a few important updates for the coming weeks: 

PTO Meeting: Let’s Plan the Fun! 

We would love to see you at our next PTO meeting on Tuesday, March 3rd at 4:15 PM in the Media Center. We’ll be focusing on planning our end-of-year activities—it’s a great chance to share your ideas and help us make the finish line extra special for the kids! 

Get Ready for Field Day! 

It’s time to lace up those sneakers! Our Field Days are just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see our students show off their team spirit and energy. Please note the schedule below: 

• This Friday, March 6th (Morning): Grades 4–5 
• Next Friday, March 13th (Morning): Grades 2–3 
• Next Friday, March 13th (Afternoon): Kindergarten & Grade 1 

Support Our Students: Arizona Tax Credit 

Did you know you can support our school’s clubs and activities without it costing you a dime? It’s not too late to make your Arizona Public School Tax Credit donation! The Arizona Tax Credit is a wonderful "dollar-for-dollar" credit. This means that when you contribute to our school, the state reduces your tax bill by that exact amount. For example, if you owe $400 in state taxes and donate $400 to the school, you now owe $0! 

How your donation helps:  These funds are specifically used to keep our after-school clubs, sports, tutoring, and enrichment activities running. For the 2025-2026 tax year, you can contribute up to $200 (filing single) or $400 (married filing jointly). You have until April 15th to make a donation that counts toward your 2025 taxes! 

Festival of the Arts 

This Saturday, March 7, 2026, we invite you to attend the Dysart Festival of the Arts presented by Germain Honda of Surprise  held at Valley Vista High School from 10am-2pm.   This festival will consist of over 100 performances from all elementary and high school band, choir, theater, and dance programs along with a beautiful Art Showcase.   In addition to all the performances and shows, there will be an Arts and Crafts fair with over 50 vendors from throughout the community and another 10 food trucks.  Lastly, we hope you will visit the gym for our Arts Experience.  The Arts Experience includes a multitude of hands-on experiences in all arts disciplines for any one of any age to try.   This is a free family-friendly event that is open to the public.   For more information or a detailed schedule of performances, please go to dysart.org/artsfest.    

Please come spend your day celebrating and experiencing the arts with us. Thank you for being such an incredible part of our school community. Your support truly makes our school a better place for every student.

We have some exciting updates to share as we move through the second half of our school year. From capturing memories to welcoming our future students, there is a lot happening on campus! 

Preserve the Memories: Yearbooks On Sale! 

It’s time to capture this year's smiles, friendships, and milestones. Yearbooks for the current school year are officially available for purchase online. Don't miss out on owning a keepsake of your student’s elementary journey. You can place your order directly through the website. 

Link Welcome, Class of 2039! Kinder Showcase 

Do you have a little one ready to start school, or know a neighbor who does? We are thrilled to host our Kinder Showcase for incoming kindergartners for the 2026-2027 school year! 

When: Tuesday, February 24th 

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 

What to Expect:

 * Tour the Kindergarten classrooms. 

Meet our Specials teachers 

Learn about our Cafe and nutrition services. 

See first-hand what makes our school a great place to grow! 

The Magic of 20 Minutes: Reading at Home 

As we support our students' growth, we want to highlight one of the most impactful things you can do at home: reading together. The "20-minute rule" isn't just a suggestion; it is backed by powerful data. When a student reads for 20 minutes every day, they are exposed to roughly 1.8 million words over the course of a school year. This vast "word wealth" typically places them in the 90th percentile on standardized tests. In contrast, students who read for just 5 minutes a day hear significantly fewer words—about 282,000—and often score in the 50th percentile. Even just 15 minutes of reading is considered the "magic number" where students begin to see accelerated gains in their vocabulary and comprehension. 

• Quick Tips for Reading at Home: 

Make it a Conversation: Don't just read the words; ask "What do you think happens next?" or "Why did the character do that?" 

Follow Their Interests: Whether it’s graphic novels, space, or dinosaurs, let them choose! Interest drives engagement. 

Model the Habit: Let your children see you reading for pleasure. They love to mimic what the adults in their lives do. 

Create a Routine: Whether it’s right before bed or right after dinner, a consistent "reading nook" time makes it a treat, not a chore.

We have a few important updates and reminders to share with you. 

No School, Presidents Day 

Please remember that there will be no school on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents’ Day. 

 Kids Heart Challenge 

Thank You! Thank you to everyone who participated in the Kids Heart Challenge at Asante. Through your generosity and support, our students raised over $7,500 for the American Heart Association! Students also learned valuable lessons about keeping their hearts healthy, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts. 

Upcoming State Testing Dates 

State testing will be taking place at Asante for students in grades 3–5. Please make every effort to avoid scheduling appointments or early sign-outs on these days, as uninterrupted testing time is very important. 

Fifth Grade Only 

AzSCIENCE Test: 

March 24, 2026 

March 25, 2026 

March 26, 2026 

Grades 3–5 State Testing: 

Writing: March 31, 2026 

Reading: April 7, 2026 and April 9, 2026 

Math: April 8, 2026 and April 14, 2026 

Third Grade Only 

Oral Reading Fluency Assessment: March 31, 2026 April 2, 2026 April 3, 2026 (

Testing date will depend on your child’s homeroom teacher.) 

Yearbooks 

Yearbooks are on sale now and can be ordered online! Please use the page on our website to order from the picture page. 

Thank you as always for your support!

Thank you for everyone who came out for Parent Conferences last week and also those who volunteered at the book fair! 

Yearbooks 

Yearbooks are on sale now and can be ordered online! Please use the link below to place your order: Link 

Spring Pictures 

Spring Picture Day is Tuesday of this week. There is no preorder for pictures. Proofs will be sent home approximately two weeks after picture day, and an email with an ordering link will be sent by Grads Photography the day after pictures are taken. 

Kids Heart Challenge Has Kicked Off! 

We are excited to launch our Kids Heart Challenge and encourage all families to participate. Please sign up TODAY at: http://www2.heart.org/goto/asanteprep This program helps promote healthy and happy hearts while raising donations for the American Heart Association to fight heart disease and stroke, America’s #1 and #4 causes of death. Our school can also earn funding and PE equipment along the way! 

Goals & Celebrations 

When we raise $10,000, our principal will get pied in the face! The top 5 student fundraisers will earn the chance to pie the principal. The top fundraising class will receive a bonus PE day. 3 Things to Do TODAY Download the AHA Schools App Give or get a donation – send 5 texts or emails to friends and family asking for support Start Finn’s Mission, where students become lifesavers by learning Hands-Only CPR and the warning signs of a stroke Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. 

We appreciate your partnership in helping our students learn, grow, and stay healthy! 

Warm regards,

Emily Dean

It’s Time to Complete the Annual Parent Survey!

Please remember to complete our annual Parent Survey if you haven’t already done so. We want to know what our district and school are doing well and how we can improve in the future. It should take about 5 minutes to complete and will be open through Sunday, February 15. Find it in English at www.dysart.org/survey and in Spanish at www.dysart.org/encuesta 

We are excited to see you this week for parent conferences! One of our core goals is to support student autonomy in learning, and these conferences are student-led, giving your child the opportunity to share their growth, celebrate successes, and reflect on next steps. We hope you enjoy this special time celebrating their learning together. 

Early Dismissal Reminder 

Please remember that we will have early dismissal at 1:45 PM on Monday, Thursday, and Friday this week to accommodate conference schedules. A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered to help with the Book Fair—we truly appreciate your time and support! Your involvement makes events like this possible for our students. 

Book Fair Information 

The Book Fair will be open February 2nd–6th with the following schedule: Before school each day After school (Monday–Thursday) for one hour Thursday evening open until 6:30 PM Classes will have a scheduled time to visit the Book Fair, so please keep an eye out for a message from your child’s teacher with specific details. Important Reminder: The Book Fair is cashless, so please be sure to load money onto your child’s eWallet in advance. 

 Thank you for your continued involvement and support. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!