Surprise News

March 25, 2023 - Festival of Arts event at Valley Vista High School from 10 am - 3 pm

March 29, 2023 - 21st CCLC Family Event - AZ Science Center Astronomy Night in the school cafeteria from 5:15 pm - 7 pm

April 2023 - AASA testing takes place throughout the entire month of April.  Look for communication from your students teacher for testing dates.

April 4, 2023 - 8th grade promotion parent meeting

April 7, 2023 - Spring Holiday - No School

April 21, 2023 - Celebrate our Military Families and wear purple today

Surprise Elementary School will be closed on Friday, April 7th for Spring Holiday.  School resumes on Monday, April 10th at regular times.

Update to Thursday's Spirit Day - Due to Spring Picture Day our Spirit Day for Thursday will be Dress Up Day - Dress to Impress!  Wear your best outfits and smile for your Spring Picture!

Surprise Elementary families are invited to Reading Night on Thursday, March 2nd from 5-6:30 PM.  There will be guest readers, games, and loads of fun.  Student Council will selling limited supply of Surprise Elementary Spirit T-Shirts for only $10.  Cash and exact change only. We hope to see you there!

Surprise Elementary School will be closed for Spring Break March 13-17.  School resumes on March 20 at regular times.

Wishing you a happy and safe Spring Break.

Surprise Elementary School students will have Spring Picture Day on Thursday, March 9th.  Students can pay for their photos online only.  Link to order pictures will be shared with families soon.

• Thursday, March 2 - Dress like your favorite Character during the day and join us for Reading Night from 5-6:30 PM that evening.
• Friday, March 3 - Superhero Day - Dress like your favorite Superhero
• Monday, March 6 - Spring Training Day - Dress like your favorite Baseball Player or Team
• Tuesday, March 7 - Twin Day
• Wednesday, March 8 - Wacky Hair Day
• Thursday, March 9 - Throwback Day to the 2000's - From NSYNC to Brittney Spears, wear your best turn of the century outfits
• Friday, March 10 - fryYAY! Spring Break is here!  Wear your best vacation outfit, dress like a tourist

The 22-23 Surprise Elementary School Yearbook is on sale now for only $25.  Online sales only.  Limited quantities, be sure to order yours today! Sales end April 28th, 2023!

Step 1: Visit gradsyearbook.com

Step 2: Select shop online. Select your location (El Mirage) and school (Surprise)

Step 3: Follow the online instructions!

Bring your family and friends to the McDonald's on Litchfield and Waddell between 5:00-7:00 PM.  Order on the app, drive-thru or order inside and a portion of sales from McTeacher Night will be donated to Surprise Elementary.

Surprise Elementary School students will be dismissed at 1:45 PM on Thursday, February 9 and Friday, February 10 due to Parent Teacher Conference Week.

Reminders:

There are no preschool classes on February 9 and 10.

There will be no Tutoring classes this week.

Surprise Elementary School will be closed on February 20th in observance of Presidents Day.  School resumes on February 21 at regular times.

Parent Teacher Conferences will be scheduled the week of February 6-10, 2023.  This is a great opportunity to meet with your student's teacher and discuss grades, how they are doing in school, ask questions and learn about the classroom.  We look forward to seeing you then.

Reminders:

Early Release Days Thursday, February 9 and Friday February 10 at 1:45 PM

No Preschool Classes on Thursday, February 9 and Friday, February 10

No Tutoring Classes Monday February 6 through Friday, February 10

Scholastic Book Fair will be open after school Monday February 6 through February 10

Happy New Year from Surprise Elementary School.  

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season.  We are looking forward to getting back to school on January 5, 2023.  There are many fun events scheduled in the upcoming months including a Scholastic Book Fair, Reading Nights, Peter Piper Pizza Fundraiser night and much more. Here is our January 2023 Newsletter so you can see what is happening when we return from Winter Break.

Surprise Elementary will be closed for Winter Break, December 21, 2022 through January 4, 2023.  School resumes on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at regular times.

Contact information during Winter Break -

Attendance line - 623-876-7403, you can leave a message 24 hours a day/7 days a week

Enrollments information - please refer to the Dysart.org website and click on the Enroll tab.  If you have questions on enrollment, you can email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you when we return in January.

Surprise Elementary School Reading Night, December 8, 2022 from 5-6:30 PM

The theme is Candyland, families will follow the "board" around the campus to enjoy activity stations and guest readers.  Students will have make and take crafts. We will even have a visit from Santa, parents be sure to bring your cameras.

We look forward to having you there!

There will be no preschool classes on December 19th and 20th for Surprise Elementary School Students.

Preschool classes resume on January 5, 2023.

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season.

Surprise Elementary School Students will be dismissed at 1:45 PM pm on Monday, December 19th and Tuesday, December 20th.  There are no preschool classes on these days.

School will be closed from December 21, 2022 through January 4, 2023.  School resumes on Thursday, December 5, 2023 at regular times.

Payments for any outstanding fees and fines are due to be paid by January 15, 2023.  Students who do not pay outstanding fees and/or fines may not be permitted to play in future sports teams, clubs, 8th grade celebrations, etc.  Fees and fines are not waived and will follow the student throughout their high school days.

Payments can be paid through the online payment portal, by logging into your parent portal, or paying in person in the school office.

Online payments can be paid with a credit or debit card on the online payment portal, this is the preferred way. 

If you have questions regarding any outstanding fines or fees, please contact the school office at 623-876-7400 or by email to [email protected]

Is your student missing their jacket, lunchbox, etc?  Please check the lost and found soon.  We will have a rack of lost and found items in front of the school at arrival and dismissal beginning December 12, 2022.  Please stop by and check if anything belongs to your student.

Items remaining when we return from Winter Break in January 2023 will be donated.

Surprise Elementary School will be closed Nov 21-25 for Thanksgiving Break.  School resumes on Monday, Nov 28 at regular times.

We wish you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving.

The Surprise Elementary DCC is sponsoring a night at Desert Farm Lights  located at 14629 W Peoria Ave, Waddell, AZ 85355.   Surprise Elementary will receive 15% of net sales from that evening.  We hope to see you there.

Click here to see the flyer

Surprise Elementary School will be closed on Friday, November 11th in observance of Veteran's Day.  

We would like to say thank you to all of the Veterans' for their sacrifice.

School resumes on Monday, November 14th at regular times.

Butterbraids orders are due on Monday, October 31st.  Deliver date is scheduled for November 15th after school.

Thank you for your support!

P.S. the next DCC meeting is on November 9th at 4 PM at the El Mirage Elementary School library.

Spirit Week is October 31st through November 4th

Monday - dress like your favorite book character (no masks or Halloween costumes permitted)

Tuesday - twin day, Keep calm and dress like your friend today

Wednesday - Crazy sock day

Thursday - Sports day, wear your favorite sports team jerseys, colors and show your spirit

Friday - Surprise Spirit Day, wear your favorite schools spirit wear or colors

We are so excited to invite Surprise Elementary School's students and their families to our next 21st CCLC "Up and Beyond Academy" Parent Engagement Night. This will take place on Wednesday, November 2nd from 5:15 to 6:15pm. Please come and join us in learning how to spread kindness at school, including a fun activity. It will be a great time! We look forward to seeing you all on November 2nd! 

Thank you, Shannon Garner 21st CCLC Coordinator 

Estamos muy contentos de poder invitar a los estudiantes y familias de Primaria Surprise a nuestra próxima reunión de Enlace Familiar de nuestra academia Up and Beyond del Programa de 21st Century. La reunión es el Miércoles 2 de Noviembre de 5:15-6:15pm.  Acompáñenos a desparramar actos de bondad en nuestra escuela y hacer una actividad divertida.   ¡Esperamos verlos el 2 de Noviembre! Gracias, Shannon Garner Coordinadora de 21st CCLC

Bring the attached flyer to Peter Piper and the school receives 15% of the sale.  Enjoy and thank you for your support!

Peter Piper Flyer

 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. 

Surprise Elementary on 10/20/2022 for Fall Pictures.  

 You may PRE-ORDER your pictures. The school will not be collecting any payments.

Under the current limited contact conditions, online 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. Social distancing and other precautions will be taken during the event for everyone's safety.

The Site Council Meeting that was to held on September 29th was cancelled due to not having enough people to attend.  This meeting has been rescheduled to October 27 at 4:15 PM.  The agenda will remain the same. 

We are looking for some interested family and community members to serve as an advisory committee that will meet the needs of our  students.  Site Council consists of parents, teachers, classified staff member and the site principal.   During this time, meetings will be through in person or Google Meets formats with an electronic vote for any agenda items. 

If you are interested in joining, please complete the form sent home with your student or email [email protected]  today.  Applications are in the front office.   

The first Site Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 29, 2022 (date change) in the Surprise Elementary School library at 4:15 pm.  

Site Council Agenda October 27, 2022 

Site Council Agenda September 29, 2022 - meeting cancelled

The Surprise Elementary September_October 2022 Newsletter is here.  Please read today for important school information.

Boletín sorpresa primaria septiembre_octubre 2022

Due to Parent Teacher Conferences, students will be dismissed on Thursday, October 6 and Friday, October 7 at 1:45 PM.  There are no preschool classes on October 6 and 7, 2022.

Surprise Elementary School will be closed for Fall Break October 10-14, 2022.  School resumes on Monday, October 17, 2022 at regular times.

Parent Teacher Conferences will be scheduled the week of October 3-7, 2022.  This is a great opportunity to meet with your student's teacher and discuss grades, how they are doing in school, ask questions and learn about the classroom.  We look forward to seeing you then.

Are you looking to get involved?  Consider joining the Dysart Community Coalition (DCC) Parent Organization.  The DCC supports Surprise Elementary School, El Mirage Elementary School, Riverview Elementary School and Thompson Ranch Elementary School.   

The first meeting the school year is on August 31st at 4:15 PM at El Mirage Elementary School.  This meeting will determine future meetings and discussions about upcoming fundraisers such as butterbraids.  The more members there, the more successful this organization will be.  Members and volunteers would be able to support in various ways such as counting or copying flyers, collecting orders and distributing them.  The more members we have will allow us to do fun family events such as Trunk or Treat.   

The parent interest forms are in the office, please stop by to pick up one today.  Please complete and either bring to the meeting or drop it off at the front office. We hope to see you there.  

The Dysart Community Coalition supports Surprise Elementary School, Riverview Elementary School, El Mirage Elementary School and Thompson Ranch Elementary School.  

The DCC, as it is known, is instrumental in arranging fundraisers supporting each individual school, family events such as Trunk or Treat and Scholastic Book Fairs to name a few.  

The DCC can only be successful with your help.  Get involved Team Surprise!  An interest form is being sent home with your student next week.  Please complete and turn into the front office or bring to the upcoming DCC meeting.

The DCC is in need of members and is having their first meeting the school year on August 31st at El Mirage Elementary School at 4:15 PM.  The agenda for that meeting will be to discuss upcoming fundraisers and ideas for family events, such as Trunk or Treat, for the school year.

We hope to see you there.

Surprise Elementary School will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2022 in observance of Labor Day.  

The Dysart Community Coalition is looking for members.  A parent interest form will be sent home with students for you to complete and return to the office or bring to the upcoming meeting on August 31st at El Mirage Elementary School at 4:15 PM.

Would you be available for any of the following events:

• Attend DCC Organization meetings, at least one
• Create and maintain a DCC Bulletin Board
• Create/design and/or sort flyers
• Work during the book fair, either before school, after school, during school
• Butterbraids fundraiser, hand out flyers, hand out orders on delivery day
• Participate in Trunk or Treat
• Teacher Appreciation

The more members we have the more successful we become.  Get Involved Team Surprise!  

Contact the office at 623-876-7400 or the DCC today to join.

Surprise Elementary School is committed to encouraging family and community involvement.  One way to become involved is to join the Surprise Elementary School Site Council.  We are looking for some interested family and community members to serve as an advisory committee that will meet the needs of our  students.  Site Council consists of parents, teachers, classified staff member and the site principal. 

 During this time, meetings will be through in person or Google Meets formats with an electronic vote for any agenda items.  

 If you are interested in joining, please complete the form sent home with your student or email [email protected]  by Friday, September 2, 2022.  Additional forms are in the front office.  

The first Site Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 22, 2022 in the Surprise Elementary School library at 4:15 pm.  

We hope you will join us to lean about the curriculum your students are studying in their classrooms.  

Beginning at 5:00 PM, Teachers will be presenting grade level curriculum and standards with a new session beginning every 15-20 minutes.  

At 5:45 PM, join Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Haser in the library for our annual Title I presentation. 

We look forward to seeing you there.

Optional Elementary Student Supply List 

 Arizona law requires that public schools provide the supplies required for academic success. All materials required for a student’s education will be provided by the Dysart Unified School District. This supply list represents general, optional items which you may supply at your discretion.  Please check with your K-8 school and child’s teacher for an optional supply list before purchasing any supplies. If you have questions regarding the optional supply list, please contact your K-8 school.

Kindergarten

1 – box 24 crayons 

 3 – pocket folders (solid color) 

 6 – glue sticks

 1 – large box of facial tissues

 12 – pencils (No. 2) 

 1 – box 8 color washable markers 

 2 – handheld erasers 

 2 - composition books 

 1 – pencil box

1st Grade 

 1 – box 24 crayons 

 1 – spiral notebook 

 1 – box 8 color washable markers 

 1 – pencil box 

12 – pencils (No. 2) 

 5 – pocket folders (solid color) 

 2 – handheld erasers

 6 – glue sticks 

 1 – large box of facial tissue

 2 – composition books

2nd Grade 

 1 – box 24 crayons 

 5 – pocket folders (solid color) 

 1 – pencil box  

 6 – glue sticks

 2 – composition books 

 2 – handheld erasers 

 1 – spiral notebook

 1 – large box of facial tissues

12 – pencils (No. 2) 

 1 - box 8 color washable markers

3rd Grade 

 1 – pkg 3x5 index cards

 2 – composition books 

 1 – box 24 crayons 

 1 – box 8 color washable markers 

 4 – glue sticks 

 1 – highlighter 

 1 – ruler (inches/centimeters) 

 1 – pencil box 

 1 – large box of facial tissues

 2 – handheld erasers 

12 – pencils (No. 2) 

 1 – spiral notebook

4th Grade 

 1 - pkg 3x5 index cards 

 2 - composition books 

 2 – highlighters (different colors)

 4 – glue sticks 

 2 – handheld erasers 

 1 – box 24 crayons 

 1 – pencil box 

 1 – large box facial tissues 

 1 – 3 subject spiral notebook

 1 – ruler (inches/centimeters)  

 12 – pencils (No. 2)

5th – 8th Grade 

12 – pencils (No. 2, non mechanical) 

 4 – highlighters (4 colors) 

1 – ruler (inches/centimeters) 

 1 – large box of facial tissues 

2 – pkgs 3x5 index cards

 2 – spiral notebooks 

1 - pkg blue/black/green/red pens 

2 – glue sticks 

Surprise Elementary School Meet The Teacher Night event is scheduled for August 1, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM.  You are invited to visit the classrooms and meet the teachers.  We will have staff on hand to help with enrollment questions. We look forward to seeing you there.  First day of school is August 3, 2022.

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 5:00-6:30pm. 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. 

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:

1. Review the volunteer handbook and complete the volunteer application at Dysart.org/Volunteer 
2. Make an appointment for your volunteer orientation 
3. Coordinate your schedule through the school office 
4. 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.

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. 

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!

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.

Surprise Elementary School recently partnered with the Surprise Youth Foundation for a school supply drive ahead of the new school year. Surprise Elementary staff and students, along with Dysart superintendent Dr. Quinn Kellis, City of Surprise Mayor Skip Hall, City Council member Patrick Duffy, and volunteers from the Surprise Youth Foundation, worked together to fill 20 shopping carts with school supplies at the Walmart Supercenter on Bell Road. 

This was the fourth year the district has partnered with the Surprise Youth Foundation for a supply drive benefiting our schools.

The Surprise Youth Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth assistance through partnerships with nonprofits, public, and private entities.