Ashton Ranch News
Weekly Principal Update 4/19/24
Dear Mustang Families!
Here are some of the great things happening at The Ranch.
Last night we celebrated our Dysart Heroes for Ashton Ranch Mallorie Yeakel and Adelina Calvo. Thank you ladies for all you do to make The Ranch a great place to be!
Today we finished up our AASA testing. Thank you to our students who tested Mustang PROUD.
Mark your calendars now for the following events:
- April 26 we will be closed for a spring holiday. Enjoy the day off!
- May 3 is our 3rd annual Color Wars event. Come out to get information on support resources that Ashton Ranch and the community have for you, and have some fun while doing it. The event is free for all Mustang families. We do ask that parents/guardians accompany any siblings who do not attend Ashton Ranch.
We are kicking off our 8th grade events next week. As a reminder, all 8th grade students must be in good standing in accordance with our 8th grade contract to participate in these events and the promotion ceremony.
I hope you have a restful and relaxing weekend. Take time to be kind and as always P.R.O.U.D. to be a Mustang!
Lisa Parachini
Principal
Spring Holiday - No School
There will be no school on Friday, April 26th. The office will be closed and reopen on Monday, April 29th.
Enjoy your three day weekend Mustangs!
Weekly Principal Update 4/12/24
Dear Mustang Families!
Here are some of the great things happening at The Ranch.
Next week is our final round of AASA testing for all students. Please ensure students are getting a good night’s rest the night before testing, eating a good breakfast the day of testing and bringing a fully charged chromebook. At The Ranch we test Mustang PROUD.
Mark your calendars now for the following events: April 26 we will be closed for a spring holiday. Enjoy the day off! May 3 is our 3rd annual Color Wars event. Come out to get information on supports that Ashton Ranch and the community have for you and have some fun while doing it. The event is free for all Mustang families. We do ask that parents/guardians accompany any siblings who do not attend Ashton Ranch.
I hope you have a restful and relaxing weekend. Take time to be kind and as always P.R.O.U.D. to be a Mustang!
Lisa Parachini
Principal
Weekly Principal Update 4/5/24
Dear Mustang Families !
Here are some of the great things happening at The Ranch.
Monday we will be moving all classes and lunches indoors due to the eclipse. Please talk to your students regarding safety precautions during this time as the eclipse will be ending at dismissal time. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure student safety.
Next week is AzSci testing for 5th and 8th grade students. Please ensure students are getting a good night’s rest the night before testing, eating a good breakfast the day of testing and bringing a fully charged chromebook.
This week was Assistant Principal’s week and we had a wonderful time celebrating all that Mrs. Linker does for Ashton Ranch. Thank you Mrs. Linker!
As a heads up there will not be school on April 26 for a spring holiday. Enjoy the day off!
I hope you have a restful and relaxing weekend. Take time to be kind and as always P.R.O.U.D. to be a Mustang!
Lisa Parachini
Principal
Weekly Principal Update 3/29/24
Dear Mustang Families ~
Here are some of the great things happening at The Ranch.
We have now entered testing season. April 2 will begin AASA testing. Please be sure that students get a good night’s rest the night before testing, eat a good breakfast the day of testing and bring a fully charged chromebook. Do your best Mustangs and make us PROUD.
I hope you have a restful and relaxing weekend. Take time to be kind and as always P.R.O.U.D. to be a Mustang!
Lisa Parachini
Principal
Time's Running Out to Purchase a Yearbook!
Time's running out to get your Ashton Ranch memories. Purchase a 2023-2024 ARMS Yearbook online now!
You should buy a yearbook because it's a great way to cherish the memories you've made this year. We have a new yearbook style and new ideas!
Weekly Principal Update 3/8/24
Dear Mustang Families ~
Here are some of the great things happening at The Ranch.
We would like to welcome Ms. Jessica Brunk to Ashton Ranch as our assistant principal for next year. Ms. Brunk is coming to us from Deer Valley and was previously with Dysart schools for many years. Welcome to The Ranch Ms. Brunk!
Today Valley Vista’s TV Media students came over to give our TV Media Broadcasting students a glimpse into producing school announcements. We are so fortunate to be able to partner with them so our students can have this advantage.
We would like to invite you to our Raising Cane’s fundraiser night on Wednesday, March 27. Proceeds will go to our Student Council.
Next week is spring break. When students return on March 25 we will begin our race to AASA.
I hope you have a restful and relaxing break. Take time to be kind and as always P.R.O.U.D. to be a Mustang!
Lisa Parachini
Principal
Meet Our Assistant Principal for SY 24-25
Welcome to Ms Jessica Brunk, who will be joining us as the Assistant Principal for SY 24-25.
Ms Brunk comes to us from Deer Valley and was previously with Dysart Schools for many years as a teacher, math interventionist and data specialist.
Spring Break 3/18 ~ 3/22
School will be closed from March 18th - 22nd for Spring Break. School will resume on Monday, March 25th.
We hope that our Mustang Families have a fun and safe break.
Season 3 Athletics Schedule
Season 3 Athletics has begun. Please see the schedule below for game dates/times or visit the Athletics page for an online NWVAC schedule.
Festival of the Arts
This year's Festival of the Art will be held this Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 10am to 3pm at Valley Vista High School. It promises to be a spectacular celebration of the arts featuring dance, theatre, choir, band, and more! We hope to see you there!
Make sure to come and see our Mustang Choir, Band & Orchestra perform.
- Band: 12:00pm ~ 12:10pm; Stage E
- Choir: 10:30am ~ 11:00am; Stage D
- Orchestra: 1:20pm ~ 1:30pm; Stage G
Click 'Learn More' below for details and a full schedule of events.
Weekly Principal Update 3/8/24
Dear Mustang Families ~
Here are some of the great things happening at The Ranch.
The district is seeking input about the start date and fall semester breaks for the 2025-2026 school year. Please take a minute to give us your input about your preferred calendar for that school year. Please click on the survey link and take a moment to give us your feedback.
Please join us at the Festival of the Arts on Saturday at Valley Vista High School to see performances by our band and choir as well as art produced by our art students. Hope to see you there.
Spring break will be the week of March 18-22. Students return on March 25 and we will begin our race to AASA.
I hope you have the most amazing weekend. Take time to be kind and as always P.R.O.U.D. to be a Mustang!
Lisa Parachini
Principal
Weekly Principal Update 3/1/24
Dear Mustang Families ~
Here are some of the great things happening at The Ranch.
Next week is both National Breakfast Week and Read Across America Week which is the kick off to National Reading Month. We will be hosting a spirit week and Literacy Night on Tuesday beginning at 5pm. Come out for some great fun all surrounding literacy awareness.
There is a mandatory spring athlete parent meeting at 4:45 pm on Tuesday in the media center right before Literacy Night.
There are only 17 school days left before our State testing begins. Please talk to your students about the importance of doing well on these tests.
I hope you have the most amazing weekend. Take time to be kind and as always P.R.O.U.D. to be a Mustang!
Lisa Parachini
Principal
Spirit Week - Read Across America Week at The Ranch
Spirit Week ~ March 4th - 8th
Read Across America Week At The Ranch
Monday ~ Green Eggs & Ham: Dress in green from head to toe!
Tuesday ~ Oh, the Places You'll Go!: Wear something that shows places where you have been or will go - high school or college gear.
Wednesday ~ If I Ran The Zoo: Wear animal print!
Thursday ~ Fox In Socks: Wear colorful/crazy/mismatched socks!
Friday ~ The Sleep Book: Dress in school-appropriate pajamas.
Weekly Principal Update 2/23/24
Dear Mustang Families ~
Here are some of the great things happening at The Ranch.
Congratulations to all of our athletes who made the basketball, soccer and cheer teams. We look forward to your season! There will be a mandatory athlete parent meeting on March 5.
We have wrapped up benchmark testing and students should be aware of their performance results. These tests are indicators of student mastery and growth of the standards for their grade level and predict their performance on AASA. Please ask your students about their performance, goals and how they are working toward them.
Literacy week is coming up and we would like to invite you to our Literacy Night on March 5. More details coming soon. Please check our social media for events and times.
I hope you have the most amazing weekend. Take time to be kind and as always P.R.O.U.D. to be a Mustang!
Lisa Parachini
Principal
No School - Presidents Day
Just a reminder that there is no school on Monday, February 19th, in observance of Presidents Day.
Have a nice long weekend!
Weekly Principal Update 2/16/24
Dear Mustang Families ~
Here are some of the great things happening at The Ranch.
This week we celebrated SweetHEART week with an emphasis on being nice. We ended the week with an assembly to recognize our winter sports and athletes, our students of the month and Mustang PROUD winners. We will be hosting the SweetHEART dance tonight.
Next Tuesday, February 20, there is an 8th grade parent meeting at 5:30 in the media center.
We want your feedback. Please take our survey to help us grow. It can be found at www.dysart.org/survey. The survey link closes on Sunday, February 18.
We will be closed on Monday in observance of Presidents Day.
Make sure to check our social media for all things Ashton Ranch.
I hope you have the most amazing weekend. Take time to be kind and as always P.R.O.U.D. to be a Mustang!
Lisa Parachini
Principal
Mustangs Win Round 1 Playoffs
Mustang Win!
Our ARMS Football Team won the first round playoffs on Tuesday night.
We will play round 2 playoffs tonight (Wednesday, 2/14) @ 6:30pm at Cactus High School in Peoria.
Good Luck Mustangs!
Weekly Principal Update 2/9/24
Dear Mustang Families ~
Here are some of the great things happening at The Ranch.
Thank you to all who came out to our conferences this past week. We appreciate your support.
Next week is Sweetheart week. We will celebrate being sweethearts to each other with lessons on being nice. There will be an assembly and dance to culminate our week on Friday. Students must be in good standing for behavior and grades to attend the assembly and dance. Check our social media for dress up days.
Wish our football team good luck as they enter the Northwest Valley Athletic Conference playoffs next week for the second year in a row.
We want your feedback. Please take our survey to help us grow. It can be found at www.dysart.org/survey.
Make sure to check our social media for all things Ashton Ranch.
I hope you have the most amazing weekend. Take time to be kind and as always P.R.O.U.D. to be a Mustang!
Lisa Parachini
Principal
SweetHEART Spirit Week at the Ranch
SweetHEART Spirit Week at the Ranch
February 12 - February 16
Monday - H - Hearts! Wear red or pink hearts
Tuesday - E - Everyone in Pairs - Dress like a famous pair (ex: Mario & Luigi)
Wednesday - A - Anything But A Backpack Day - bring your things in a different container than a backpack
Thursday - R - Rockin' Ranch - Rock n' Roll VS Rodeo Cowboy
Friday - T - True to Your Heart - Wear SweetHEART Candy pastel colors
- 5th Grade - Yellow
- 6th Grade - Blue
- 7th Grade - Purple
- 8th Grade - Green
Early Release 2/8 & 2/9
Students will be released at 1:00pm on Thursday, 2/8 & Friday, 2/9, for Parent/Teacher Conferences.
Benchmark Testing
All ARMS students will be taking Benchmark Tests on January 30th and 31st. You can help your student(s) be successful by making sure that they:
- Get a good night's sleep
- Eat a nutritious breakfast
- Arrive to school on time
- Are not signed out early from school
- Bring their FULLY CHARGED computer
Take your time and do your best Mustangs!
Weekly Principal Update 1/26/24
Dear Mustang Families ~
Here are some of the great things happening at The Ranch.
We will be benchmark testing next week on Tuesday and Wednesday. These benchmarks are an indicator of what standards students have mastered so far as well as an indicator of how students should perform on the AASA test in April. Please encourage your students to do their best as we do use these scores to guide schedule placement. We also ask that your students are well rested, have a nutritious breakfast, and bring their fully charged chrome books.
Parent/Teacher conferences are the week of Feb 5. Student led open house will be Thursday Feb 8. Be on the lookout for invitations of dates and times from your child’s teacher. If you would like to schedule an individual conference, please contact your student’s teacher.
Make sure to check our social media for all things Ashton Ranch.
I hope you have the most amazing weekend. Take time to be kind and as always P.R.O.U.D. to be a Mustang!
Lisa Parachini
Principal
ARMS Honors & Awads Assembly
Ashton Ranch Middle School - Honors & Awards Assembly, Monday, January 22 @ 8:45am
Notification letters will be going out this week, if your student is receiving an award.
Join Us at our FatCats Fundraiser on January 18th
Come out to FatCats and support Ashton Ranch Middle School.
Thursday, January 18, 2024 5pm - 8pm
When you come during this time and show your flyer, you help raise money for Ashton Ranch Middle School.
20% of your total receipt is donated back to ARMS
With the purchase of one of the following packages:
- Package #1 - ($11) One round of Glow Golf and a $5 Arcade game card.
- Package #2 - ($15) $5 Arcade game card, unlimited soft drinks, and one game of bowling including shoes.
- Package #3 - ($20) $20 Arcade card.
- Package #4 - ($75) 90 minutes of bowling including shoe rental, unlimited soft drinks, and one pizza for up to six guests.
(Additional purchases excluding alcohol and movie tickets are also eligible for donation percentage.)
**The attached flyer is required at the time of purchase to count towards the fundraiser.
No School Monday, 1/15 - MLK Day
Just a reminder that there is no school on Monday, January 15th, in observance of MLK Day.
Winter Wonderland Spirit Week
ARMS Winter Wonderland Spirit Week - December 18 ~ December 22
- Monday: Flurries & Snowflakes - Wear all white
- Tuesday: Rudolph & Friends - Twin Day
- Wednesday: Ornaments, Jingle Bells & Lights - Dress in your best holiday bling
- Thursday: Sweater Weather - Wear an ugly Christmas Sweater
- Friday: Toasty Traditions - Wear Christmas Socks & Pajamas
Half Days & Winter Break
Half Days ~
Thursday, 12/21 & Friday, 12/22 are half days - students are released at 11:15am
Winter Break ~
No School from December 25 through January 8 - Students return on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Happy Holidays!!!
Winter Art Show
Calling all art lovers! ARMS is holding our Winter Art Show in the Media Center tonight from 6pm - 7pm! Please join us!
Veterans Day - No School - Nov 10th
Veterans Day will be observed on Friday, November 10th. There will be no school. Be sure to thank a veteran!
ARMS Season 2 Athletics - Try-Out Information
Boys' Volleyball ~
- Try-Outs: Tuesday, 11/14 (3:15pm-4:30pm)
Girls' Volleyball ~
- Information Meeting: Tuesday, 11/7 (3:10pm-3:30pm)
- Try-Outs: Wednesday, 11/8 & Thursday, 11/9 (3:15pm-4:45pm)
Flag Football ~
- Try-Outs: Wednesday, 11/8 & Thursday, 11/9 (3:15pm-4:30pm)
Cheer I ~
- Clinics: Friday, 11/3 & Monday, 11/6 (6:30am-8:00am)
- Try-Outs: Tuesday, 11/7 (3:00pm-5:00pm)
Handel's Ice Cream Fundraiser
I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream!
Please join us at Handel's Homemade Ice Cream (15240 N Cotton Ln) on Tuesday, October 24th, for a school fundraiser from 3:00pm - 9:00pm. Flyers are required (printed or digital).
Picture Re-Takes
Picture Re-Take Day is Friday, October 27th. Bring your best Mustang smile!
Fall Break
ARMS will be closed October 9 - 13 for Fall Break. We'll see our Mustangs back on Monday, October 16th.
Parent-Teacher Conferences and Early Release 10/5 & 10/6
Please mark your calendars! Parent-teacher conferences will take place the week of October 2nd - 6th. Teachers will be sending information with specific dates and times of availability. We encourage you to set up a time to meet with your child's teacher. This is a great opportunity to hear about your child's first quarter successes and areas that they will continue to work on over the next quarter.
Please note: Students release @ 1:00pm on Thursday, 10/5 & Friday, 10/6.
Fall Picture Day - Friday, September 22
Grads Photography will be here at Ashton Ranch Middle School on Friday, September 22, 2023 for Fall Pictures.
To pre-order your pictures, please click here. You will also be able to use this link to order after picture day.
8th Grade Parent Meeting & Athletic Parent Meeting
8th Grade Parent Meeting
Monday, September 18 @ 5:00pm
ARMS Media Center
Athletic Parent Meeting
Monday, September 18 @ 5:30pm
ARMS Media Center
9/11 Remembrance
In respect and remembrance of September 11, 2001, please wear Red, White & Blue on Monday, 9/11.
"ARMS" Spirit Week
"ARMS" Spirit Week ~ September 5 - September 8
- Tuesday, 9/5 - "A" - Animals (dress like or have on animals on your clothes)
- Wednesday, 9/6 - "R" - Ranch (dress like a cowboy or cowgirl)
- Thursday, 9/7 - "M" - Match (match with your bestie)
- Friday, 9/8 - "S" - School Spirit (wear your grade's spirit colors: 5th-White; 6th-Blue; 7th-Red; 8th-Black)
Back To School Dance
Back To School Dance ~ Friday, September 8 ~ Black Out: Wear Neon
- 5th & 6th Grade ~ 4:30-5:30pm ~ $3.00 entry fee at the door
- 7th & 8th Grade ~ 6:00-7:00pm ~ $5.00 entry fee at the door
Back To School Night
Ashton Ranch's Back to School Night is August 1st from 5:00pm - 6:30pm! This is a great opportunity to meet your teachers, tour the campus and receive a lot of great information. We hope to see everyone there!
School Supply Lists
Ashton Ranch Middle School Optional Supply Lists
If you don't see a supply list for a certain teacher, they might not have submitted a list for us to post. Below is the generic supply list for each grade level. Please note that each teacher might not require all the supplies on the list, and we don't want parents to waste money on supplies that won't be used. We strongly suggest that you wait until Meet The Teacher Night to verify with each teacher what supplies will be required in their class.
We will update weekly in July, as teachers start submitting their supply lists.
For More Information
Ashton Ranch Middle School Summer Office Hours & Enrollment Information
ARMS Summer Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
7:15am - 3:45pm
The school will be closed June 2nd - July 9th.
We will be back in the office on July 10th.
Summer enrollment information:
For enrollment assistance, parents may visit the district office, located at 15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise, or call (623) 876-7151 Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. School offices will reopen on Monday, July 10. Thank you and have a great day. We look forward to a wonderful 23-24 school year!
Summer Break
We hope that all our Mustang families have a great summer! Stay safe and have fun!
The 2023/2024 school year will start on August 3rd. See you then!
Early Dismissal Schedule for Last Week of School
Monday, May 22 ~ Early Release @ 1:00 (**Last day for 8th Grade Students)
Tuesday, May 23 ~ Half Day Release @ 11:15
Wednesday, May 24 ~ Half Day Release @ 11:15 (**Last day for 5th - 7th Grade Students)
Have a great summer!
Congratulations to the 2023-2024 STUCO Winners!
Congratulations to the 2023-2024 STUCO Winners!
- Student Body President: Jesse Ramirez
- Student Body Vice-President: Zoie Janis
- Student Body Secretary: Adara Routt
- Student Body Treasurer: Randi Mueller
- Student Body Historian: Aubriana Rovner
- Student Body Public Relations: McKennan Yazzie
- 8th Grade President: Mackenzie Hansen
- 8th Grade Secretary: Jayden Holmes
- 8th Grade Treasurer: Maciah Jamison
- 7th Grade President: Chance Ratliff
We're so Mustang PROUD!
ARMS Color Wars Family Night
Hello Ashton Ranch Families,
We would like to invite you to our second annual Color Wars Family Night on Friday, April 28th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free and we will have a DJ, food truck, arts and crafts, a gifted showcase, and information for parents on school and community involvement opportunities.
Also be sure to visit our PTSA where you can purchase spirit gear and learn more about upcoming PTSA elections and how you can get involved with supporting academics, athletics, and the arts at Ashton Ranch.
We can't wait to see you on Friday!
No School - Spring Holiday - April 7
Ashton Ranch Middle School will be closed on Friday, April 7th for Spring Holiday. School resumes on Monday, April 10th.
AASA State Testing Tips & Schedule
State Testing Tips & Reminders:
- Students are required to bring their fully charged Chromebooks along with their charger cords.
- Students must be on time! Students who are tardy will not be allowed to enter their class, as classrooms cannot be interrupted once testing begins.
- Checking students out early is STRONGLY discouraged. Once a student begins their test, they MUST finish for the test to be valid.
- Students are permitted to bring their own headphones or earbuds on testing days. If they do not have headphones/earbuds that plug into a computer, a pair will be provided. Bluetooth headphones are not permitted.
- Please be sure students get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast!
- Happy Testing to all of our Mustangs!
Dysart Heroes at Ashton Ranch
Congratulations to Ashton Ranch's 2022-2023 Dysart Hero Award recipients, Jennifer Dawn & Kayla Trojanek. We are so proud to call you Mustangs! Thank you for always going above and beyond for ARMS!
Athletic Season 3 Try-Out Information
Season 3 Sports: Boys' Basketball, Girls' Basketball, Boys' Soccer, Girls' Soccer, Cheer
- Boys' Basketball Try-Outs: Wednesday, Feb 22 & Thursday, Feb 23 3:15pm - 5:00pm
- Girls' Basketball Try-Outs: Wednesday, Feb 22, Thursday, Feb 23 & Friday, Feb 24 3:00pm - 4:30pm
- Boys' Soccer Try-Outs: Tuesday, February 28 & Wednesday, March 1 3:15pm - 4:15pm
- Girls' Soccer Try-Outs: Tuesday, Feb 21, Wednesday, Feb 22, Thursday, Feb 23 & Friday, Feb 24 3:15pm - 4:30pm
- Cheer Clinics: Tuesday, Feb 21 3:00pm - 5:30pm
- Cheer Try-Outs: Friday, Feb 24 3:00pm - TBD
ARMS 22-23 Yearbooks On Sale Now
The 22-23 Ashton Ranch Middle School Yearbook is now available for pre-order for the low price of $35 until February 10th. The price will increase to $40 on February 11th.
Step 1: Visit gradsyearbook.com
Step 2: Select shop online. Select your location (Surprise) and school (AshtonRanch)
Step 3: Follow the online instructions
Annual Student Update
Have you done your Annual Student Update in the Parent Portal?
If you do not complete the update by January 27, your student will no longer be able to log into their school computer, email, Schoology or other school systems beginning February 1, until the Annual Student Update is submitted.
Perform your Annual Student Update in 4 easy steps:
- Log into Campus Parent App or your online Parent Portal Account at dysart.org/parentportal
- Click on "Annual Student Update"
- Click on "Start" for School Year 2022-2023 Annual Student Update (2nd option)
- Click on "Register New/Update Existing Information" button to begin
AZ Tax Credit Contributions
It is not too late to support Ashton Ranch Middle School with a dollar for dollar state tax credit for 2022!
Ashton Ranch is raising money for new shade structures for our courtyard. Please consider supporting our efforts and donate to Ashton Ranch's undesignated tax credit fund.
What is a tax credit?
Arizona Law (ARS 43-1089.01) allows married couples filing jointly a tax credit of up to $400 and individual taxpayers a tax credit of up to $200 when they contribute to extra-curricular activities in public schools. This tax credit is available to all who reside in Arizona and have a tax liability at least equal to that of their donation. You do not have to be a parent of a child in a Dysart school to benefit from this law. Corporations are not eligible. Contributions are donated directly to the schools. This means your donations are used directly to support student activities of the Dysart school of your choice. Donations may be submitted through April 17, 2023.
How do I receive my tax credit? PAY ONLINE NOW
You may choose from the following four categories - School May Designate, Athletics, Fine Arts, or Enrichment Programs. If you have no preference or would like to specifically support our efforts in purchasing shade structures, please choose the category School May Designate.
The students and staff of Ashton Ranch Middle School thank you for your support!
ARMS Future Fifth Grader Night
Do you have a student that will be starting 5th grade at Ashton Ranch Middle School for the 2023-2024 school year?
Come and join us for Future Fifth Grader Night at ARMS on Wednesday, January 18th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.
Learn about:
- Our Electives and Athletics
- Take a tour of our campus
- Hear from student speakers
- Meet our amazing Faculty & Staff
- And much more!
Early Dismissal at 11:15am on 12/19 & 12/20
School will be releasing students at 11:15am on Monday, 12/19 & Tuesday, 12/20 for Finals.
Winter Break
There will be no school from December 21st through January 4th for Winter Break. Students return on Thursday, January 5, 2023. We hope that everyone has a joy-filled holiday season!
Thanksgiving Break - November 21 - 25
There will be no school November 21 - 25 for Thanksgiving Break. We hope that everyone enjoys their week off. Have a great Thanksgiving, filled with family, friends, food and football!
Athletic Season 2 Try-Out Information
Season 2 Sports: Flag Football, Boys' Volleyball, Girls' Football, Cheer
- Flag Football Try-Outs: November 10 3:15pm - 4:15pm & November 15 (if needed) 3:15pm - 4:15pm
- Cheer Try-Outs: November 15 3:15pm - TBD
- Girls' Volleyball Try-Outs: November 15 & 16 3:15pm - 4:15pm
- Boys' Volleyball Try-Outs: November 17 & 18 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Good Luck Everyone!
No School - Veterans Day - November 11
There will be no school on Friday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
Picture Re-Takes
Picture Re-Take Day is Friday, October 28, 2022.
To order your student's school portraits and have FREE shipping to your home, click the link below:
Career and College Expo
Dysart Unified School District invites parents and students to a Career and College Expo on Wednesday, October 26 from 5:30 - 7:30pm at the Dysart District Office, located at 15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise.
The expo showcases Dysart's Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, West-MEC, colleges and universities, and military representatives so families can explore opportunities to pursue in and after high school. This is a great way for 5th through 11th grade students and their parents to get hands-on with all of the career pathway classes and programs offered at Dysart Schools. The event is free and open to the public. Details can be found at www.dysart.org/CTEexpo.
Dysart Schools currently offer 17 CTE programs at four high schools (Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School.) Program options include Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Digital Animation, Digital Photography, Education Professions, Engineering, Film and TV Production, Fire Science, Graphic Design, Laboratory Assisting, Law and Public Safety, Marketing, Nursing Services, Software and App Design, Sports Medicine, Stagecraft Design and Production and Technology Device Maintenance. Learn more at www.dysart.org/CTE.
Early Dismissal on 10/6 & 10/7
Ashton Ranch will have Early Release on Thursday, 10/6, & Friday, 10/7 due to Parent/Teacher Conferences.
Fall Break
No School the week of October 10 - October 14 for Fall Break. School resumes on Monday, October 17. Have a great time off!
Picture Day is Friday, September 23
Grads Photography will be at
Ashton Ranch Middle School
on Friday, 9/23/22
for Fall Pictures.
You may PRE-ORDER your pictures by clicking on the button below.
Online ordering is the preferred method of ordering. It is easy, secure and safe. Your student will receive a specific QR code on picture day to order their Fall pictures.
Please note that school dress code will be in effect.
If you have any questions, please call Grads Photography at 623.580.4723 or Ashton Ranch Office at 623.523.8300.
Meet Our SRO!
My name is Ryan Moore and I will serve as the SRO at Ashton Ranch Middle School. I have been with the Surprise Police Department for 6 years as a Patrol Officer. I serve on our (CISM) Crisis Intervention Stress Management team and recently obtained my SRO certification through (NASRO) National Association for School Resource Officers.
I'm humbled by the opportunity to serve the Ashton Ranch Middle School family. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. I look forward to a safe and successful school year.
Welcome Back!
Ashton Ranch had a successful first day of school! We were so excited to welcome back our students and families for another great year. Please continue to check our website and social media to learn more about all the great activities and events planned, as well as updates on our academic progress! We hope you have a great year, and please reach out if you need anything to help make your student successful!
Check out the photo gallery from the first day below!
Spirit Week - Aug 8~12
ARMS Spirit Week
"Life At The Ranch"
August 8 - 12
R ~ Monday 8/8: Red Day
A ~ Tuesday, 8/9: Avenger Day (Super Hero Day)
N ~ Wednesday, 8/10: Neon Day
C ~ Thursday, 8/11: Country Western Day
H ~ Friday, 8/12: Home at The Ranch Day (Spirit Colors)
Back To School Message from Ms Parachini
Welcome back Mustangs! Please see the Back to School Message from our Principal, Ms Parachini.
School Supply Lists
If you don't see a supply list for a certain teacher, they might not have submitted a list for us to post. Below is the generic supply list for each grade level. Please note that each teacher might not require all the supplies on the list, and we don't want parents to waste money on supplies that won't be used. We strongly suggest that you wait until Meet The Teacher Night to verify with each teacher what supplies will be required in their class.
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Meet The Teacher Night
Meet the Teacher Night will be Monday, August 1, 2022 from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. Class schedules will be available during this event. Come and meet your teachers and see what Ashton Ranch Middle School has to offer!
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Welcome Back!
We can't wait to see everyone back for the first day of school on August 3! Make sure you mark your calendars for event and activity dates and keep an eye on our new website for important information as the start of school approaches.
Our Meet the Teacher night will be on August 1 from 4:30-6:00pm. Please join us to see the campus, meet your child's teachers, and get information on what to expect this year.
Still need to enroll? There's still time to get your children enrolled for the 2022-2023 school year! Parents and guardians can complete the necessary registration information online at Dysart.org/enroll at any time. 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. For additional assistance with student registration, families are welcome to contact our front office.
Don't forget to make sure you have access to the Parent Portal to keep up with your child’s academic progress throughout the year! Sign up or access the site online at Dysart.org/parentportal or via the Campus Parent app.
Volunteer Opportunities
Dysart Schools have many opportunities for the community to assist schools in providing an amazing educational experience to each and every student. Volunteers help to enrich children’s learning opportunities, provide individual attention to children who need one-on-one assistance, promote a school-home-community partnership for quality education, provide staff members with more time to work with students, and assist staff members and support personnel with non-instructional tasks.
Where is Help Needed?
- Classroom and teacher support
- One-on-one student assistance
- Event help (preparations, setup, operations, tear-down)
- Guest speakers (experts or retirees in various fields)
- Front office assistance
How to Become a Volunteer:
- Review the volunteer handbook and complete the volunteer application at Dysart.org/Volunteer
- Make an appointment for your volunteer orientation
- Coordinate your schedule through the school office
- Put on your volunteer badge and have fun!
Who Should Apply to Volunteer?
Anyone who cares about children and education is a potential volunteer. Parents, grandparents and community members 18 years of age or older who want to make a difference in the lives of children and support educators are encouraged to apply to become a volunteer with Dysart Unified School District. Volunteers are welcome in all of our schools and prior teaching experience is not necessary.
Learn more or apply here.
School Breakfast and Lunch
Dysart Nutrition Services ensures that students at all schools have fresh, wholesome and nutritious breakfast and lunch options to support their education and focus in class. Learn more about Nutrition Services at Dysart.org/Nutrition. Menus and nutritional information may be viewed at Dysart.Nutrislice.com.
Apply for Free and Reduced Meals
Beginning July 1, 2022 the USDA is returning to income eligibility guidelines for free or reduced meals. All families should complete a Free and Reduced Lunch Application at SchoolCafe.com to help maintain school funding and make sure that qualified families receive this and other benefits. Only one application is required per family, and may be completed at SchoolCafe.com.
How to Add Meal Funds to an Account
Cash and checks are accepted for meal purchases, or families may utilize SchoolCafe.com to prepay for meals online, view their balances, or place restrictions on purchases. Online payments take 24 hours to post to student accounts.
Meal Prices
- Elementary Lunch $2.60, Reduced $.40, Adult $3.50
- Elementary Breakfast $1.25, Reduced $.30, Adult $1.75 High School Lunch $2.85, Reduced $.40, Adult $3.50
- High School Breakfast $1.25, Reduced $.30, Adult $1.75
A la carte and snack items are available for purchase on each campus, and additional meals are available for an added charge. Parents are always welcome to dine with their child, but please be sure to call in advance and check-in at the school office. Adult meals may be purchased for $1.75 for breakfast or $3.50 for lunch.
Employment Opportunities in Dysart
Dysart is the largest employer in both the cities of Surprise and El Mirage with over 2,700 employees. Dysart Schools offer highly competitive salaries, full benefits and an inviting school-year calendar with holidays and weekends off for most positions.
With a wide-variety of positions ranging from groundskeeper, to mechanic, to office staff, and teachers, we’re always looking for great people to join our Dysart team!
Current High Need Areas:
- Bus Drivers and Aides
- Childcare and Preschool Aides
- Paraprofessionals
- Behavioral Technicians
- Speech and Language Pathologists
- Special Education Teachers
- Math Teachers
- Science Teachers
- ASL Teachers
- Health Services Assistants
- Crossing Guards
- Maintenance Workers and Plant Managers
- Social Workers
Check out our current openings at Dysart.org/Careers and apply today!
Stay Informed on the Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is a great tool to stay informed 24/7 about your child’s academic progress. Grades, attendance, assignments and more are viewable in real time online or via the app, Campus Parent. A single login allows parents with multiple students to access information for all of their children in one place. Learn more at Dysart.org/ParentPortal.
Update Your Communication Preferences and Contact Info
To make sure that we can keep you informed in emergency situations, please ensure that your contact information is current in the Parent Portal. You are also able to adjust your communication preferences (phone, text, and/or email) at Dysart.org/ParentPortal or on the Campus Parent app to ensure you are getting the various message types in the way that you would like. Remember that if you select more than one type of communication per category, you will receive the message multiple times via each of those avenues.