Sonoran Heights News

Have a great day!

We're seeking your input on our annual Parent Survey, which should take about 5 minutes to complete. We want to know what our district and schools are doing well and how we can improve in the future. The survey will be open through May 15. Find it in English at www.dysart.org/survey and in Spanish at www.dysart.org/encuesta.

Thank you for all that you do! We appreciate our staff!!!

School Resource Officer (SRO), Wendy Klarkowski, was named SRO of the year for the City of Surprise at a ceremony on April 17 at city hall.  Klarkowski has been an SRO in the Dysart Unified School District for the past 13 years.  She started at Shadow Ridge High School in 2012 serving on their campus for 10 years before transferring to her current assignment at Sonoran Heights Middle School, where she has been for the last three years.    

“When I was younger I worked with kids in Sunday school,” she said.  “I love kids, and so I thought it was a chance to be an officer, which I also love, and help kids at the same time.”  

In addition to her daily duties, Officer Klarkowski is credited with going above and beyond to implement such programs as the Kindness Club, Heart of the Heart, SRO Coin Challenge, and she even finds time to volunteer as an assistant flag football coach for the school.

“Officer K is the heart behind the badge,” said Amber Luna, Principal at Sonoran Heights Middle School.  “Her dedication goes far beyond duty—she builds trust, fosters connection, and shows up for our students in ways that truly change lives. Winning the City of Surprise SRO of the Year Award is not just a recognition of her incredible work, it’s a celebration of the impact she makes every single day at our school. For our students and staff, she’s more than a presence—she’s safety, protection, compassion, and unwavering support.”

In addition to the ceremony at city hall, Klarkowski was also recognized during an assembly at the school, where students spoke about her impact and she was presented with gifts and cards that the students had created for her.  

“It means a lot that I got all these cards from the kids,” Klarkowski said with a smile.  “Reading the things that they wrote, it helps you know that what you are doing makes a difference.”  

The Dysart District continually focuses on school safety efforts, and is committed to working with partner cities and law enforcement agencies to further increase the safety of students and staff.  The district currently has 13 SRO’s on school campuses and participates in the School Safety Officer (SSO) program where off-duty law enforcement officers provide visibility at pick-up, release, lunches, recess, and anywhere where support may be needed.

“Safety is the main reason for having SRO’s in the schools,” said Klarkowski.  “But it also gives us a chance to build those relationships with the kids.  They get to see police officers in a different light.”  

Don't forget - Friday, April 18th there is no school for our spring holiday!

Our Hawk Fest is going to be AMAZING! We are building it bigger & better than ever!  

Presale ends March 31st! Get your wristbands today!  

Get your PRESALE Hawk Fest(ival) tickets by clicking here: TICKETS 

Members click here: TICKETS

We are excited for you to join us for an incredible morning getting our Hawks pumped up for AASA! 

• Bagels included
• Bark & Brew Coffee Truck on site for purchase
• Photo booth
• Poster making
• Write good luck letters

SHMS wishes you a happy and safe spring break! There is no school the week of March 17th. School resumes, as normal, on March 24th.

Order on March 13th and Papa John's will donate 20% of your order to your school! 

Get 20% off your entire order! Code: SONORANHEIGHTS

Order online at: PAPAJOHNS.COM

Join us in thanking our amazing plant manager, Mr. Bobby! Mr. Bobby works diligently every day to keep our campus clean and functioning appropriately, both inside and out! We appreciate him!

Our DUSD bus drivers are the best! Join us in celebrating them on Thursday, February 20th!

Just a reminder to our SHMS families that there is no school on Monday, February 17th. School resumes on Tuesday, the 18th.

Be sure to schedule a conference by emailing your student(s) teacher, if you have not already. Email addresses are on our school website HERE.

Appointments will be:

Monday 2/3 1:30pm-4:00pm

Thursday 2/6 1:30pm-7:00pm

We invite you to witness the incredible talent we have at Sonoran Heights Middle School! 

It is January 29th at 5:00PM in the cafeteria!

$3.00 to enter!

Just a reminder, there is no school on Monday, January 20th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day.

Do you know a 5th grader who is coming to Sonoran Heights next year? We are excited to host our Future 5th Grader Night Tuesday, 1/14 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm! See you there!

We, at SHMS, wish you a very happy new year! Just a reminder, school resumes on Tuesday, January 7th. We look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Our winter break is quickly approaching! There is no school from Monday, December 23rd - Monday, January 6th. School resumes on Tuesday, January 7th. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

Congratulations to our SHMS Cross Country team! Cross Country runners competed in the Dysart Championship this past Saturday! Your hard work and determination paid off, as every runner qualified for the Northwest Valley Athletic Conference—either as an individual or as part of a team. Way to go, Hawks!!!

Join us at 4:30 pm this Thursday the 5th for our PTA meeting in the library! We would love to hear from our community and share upcoming events and activities. See you there!

There is no school the week of Monday, November 25th. School will resume on Monday, December 2nd! Have a happy and safe break! Happy Thanksgiving!

Don't forget, student picture day is Wednesday, November 20th! We look forward to seeing your beautiful faces!

We at Sonoran Heights would like to cordially invite any Sonoran Heights parent, guardian or family member,  active duty or retired military personnel to our assembly on Friday, November 8th, 2024! 

Assembly will be at 8:30am followed by breakfast at 9:00am.

The Dysart Governing Board called for the November 5, 2024 bond election at the March 14 board meeting after a unanimous community committee recommendation. The bond program would be $127 million to fund safety and security improvements, school bus replacements, facility renovations at each site, construction of a new elementary school and land for a new high school in the Northwest Asante area. 

Based on the estimated average assessed home value within our district of $197,830, the average homeowner would pay $5.94 per month, for a total of $71.22 estimated per year.

The Dysart community is scheduled to pay off the voter-approved 2006 bond in fiscal year 2028. If approved, the proposed 2024 bond would phase in over three years, so there is no expected tax rate increase associated with the proposed bond. The bond tax rate would actually drop to approximately half of the current rate beginning in 2029 due to the 2006 bond phasing out.

The community is invited to learn more about the 2024 Dysart bond at Dysart.org/Bond2024, as well as detailed information on Dysart’s budgets and annual financial reports at Dysart.org/Budget.

Note: Tax rates are an estimate and are influenced by a variety of factors including Maricopa County assessed valuation fluctuations. The tax rates listed here are based on a revised estimate in July 2024.

Join us on Wednesday, October 30th from 5:30pm - 7:00pm for our family bingo night! Tickets are $10, and that includes 3 bingo cards and popcorn! There will be raffles, music, a costume contest, prizes and fun! Pizza, soda, and water will be available for cash purchase. Limited tickets available!

The Dysart community is scheduled to pay off the voter-approved 2006 bond in fiscal year 2028. If approved, the proposed 2024 bond would phase in over three years, so there is no expected tax rate increase associated with the proposed bond. The bond tax rate would actually drop to approximately half of the current rate beginning in 2029 due to the 2006 bond phasing out. 

The community is invited to learn more about the 2024 Dysart bond at Dysart.org/Bond2024, as well as detailed information on Dysart’s budgets and annual financial reports at Dysart.org/Budget.

Note: Tax rates are an estimate and are influenced by a variety of factors including Maricopa County assessed valuation fluctuations. The tax rates listed here are based on a revised estimate in July 2024.

The Dysart Governing Board called for the November 5, 2024 bond election at the March 14 board meeting after a unanimous community committee recommendation. The bond program would be $127 million to fund safety and security improvements, school bus replacements, facility renovations at each site, construction of a new elementary school and land for a new high school in the Northwest Asante area. 

Based on the estimated average assessed home value within our district of $197,830, the average homeowner would pay $5.94 per month, for a total of $71.22 estimated per year.

The Dysart community is scheduled to pay off the voter-approved 2006 bond in fiscal year 2028. If approved, the proposed 2024 bond would phase in over three years, so there is no expected tax rate increase associated with the proposed bond. The bond tax rate would actually drop to approximately half of the current rate beginning in 2029 due to the 2006 bond phasing out.

The community is invited to learn more about the 2024 Dysart bond at Dysart.org/Bond2024, as well as detailed information on Dysart’s budgets and annual financial reports at Dysart.org/Budget.

Note: Tax rates are an estimate and are influenced by a variety of factors including Maricopa County assessed valuation fluctuations. The tax rates listed here are based on a revised estimate in July 2024.

Based on the estimated average assessed home value within our district of $197,830, the average homeowner would pay $5.94 per month, for a total of $71.22 estimated per year.

The Dysart community is scheduled to pay off the voter-approved 2006 bond in fiscal year 2028. If approved, the proposed 2024 bond would phase in over three years, so there is no expected tax rate increase associated with the proposed bond. The bond tax rate would actually drop to approximately half of the current rate beginning in 2029 due to the 2006 bond phasing out. Learn more at Dysart.org/Bond2024

Note: Tax rates are an estimate and are influenced by a variety of factors including Maricopa County assessed valuation fluctuations. The tax rates listed here are based on a revised estimate in July 2024.

• October 7 - Last day to register to vote 
• October 9 - Early voting begins 
• October 25 - Deadline to request vote by mail 
• November 5 - Election Day

About the Bond

Dysart Schools has a $127 million bond initiative on the ballot to fund safety and security improvements, school bus replacements, facility renovations at each site, construction of a new elementary school and land for a new high school in the Northwest Asante area. 

Based on the estimated average assessed home value within our district of $197,830, the average homeowner would pay $5.94 per month, for a total of $71.22 estimated per year. 

The Dysart community is scheduled to pay off the voter-approved 2006 bond in fiscal year 2028. If approved, the proposed 2024 bond would phase in over three years, so there is no expected tax rate increase associated with the proposed bond. The bond tax rate would actually drop to approximately half of the current rate beginning in 2029 due to the 2006 bond phasing out. Learn more at Dysart.org/Bond2024 

Note: Tax rates are an estimate and are influenced by a variety of factors including Maricopa County assessed valuation fluctuations. The tax rates listed here are based on a revised estimate in July 2024.

• Parent/Teacher conferences are October 10th and 11th. Please be advised, both days are early release at 1:00 pm. Please make arrangements to have your student picked up on time. 
• Fall Break is the week of October 14th. School will resume on Monday, October 21st.

• School safety improvements 
• Replace Aging AC units 
• Roof Sealing and Repairs 
• Replace school buses over 15 years old 
• Construction of a new elementary school and land for a new high school in the Northwest Asante area 
• Facility renovations at each site 

If approved, the bond tax rate would drop to approximately half of the current rate beginning in 2029 due to the 2006 bond phasing out. Based on the estimated average assessed home value within our district of $197,830, the average homeowner would pay $5.94 per month, for a total of $71.22 estimated per year.  

Learn more at Dysart.org/Bond2024

Our PTA at Sonoran Heights is launching our First Annual 2024 cash drive fundraiser, guaranteeing that ALL the donations received will be directed entirely to the school eliminating any third-party fees!

While other fundraiser companies are flashy and exciting they take up to 60% of the donations made. This means your entire tax-deductible contribution directly benefits our school by supporting school-wide events, classroom materials and equipment, digital marquee, media center upgrades, custom stage backdrop, sound system and much more! 

Our school goal is to collect $30,000 in donations. There is NO volunteering or selling of items required! We appreciate everyone's participation in helping build a better school for a better tomorrow!

To register: Go to our Givebacks Student Center Link below to get started! 

Register Here!

Share & Donate: Copy the Campaign Link and send to all your family, friends, employers, neighbors, and more!

Mandatory parent meeting at 9/12 at 4:00 pm. Practices will take place before school at 6:30 am. Don't forget to go to Aktivate to register your athlete.

Baseball and softball tryouts are this week! 

• Tuesday 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
• Wednesday 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
• Thursday 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm

Tuesday, August 13th, 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

16525 W Waddell RD

10% of proceeds go right back to our school!

Hello, Hawks! We hope you had a great summer! We welcome you to our open house on Tuesday, July 30th, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm.The first day of school is Thursday, August 1st. Just a reminder, school starts promptly at 8:15 AM - 3:00 PM. 

• July 22nd from 7:00 am - 11:00 am
• July 23rd from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
• July 24th from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

• 5th-8th Supply Lists for the 24/25 school year!
  

SHMS wishes you and yours a very happy and safe 4th of July!

Import Dates

• May 28th - 30th the office is open 7:15AM - 3:45PM.
• June 3rd - July 9th the office is CLOSED
• July 10th the office reopens 7:15AM - 3:45PM.
• The office is closed every Friday through July 19th
•  You can view the Dysart school district calendars HERE

Early release at 11:15 AM on May 22nd and 23rd. Our last day of school is also on the 23rd! Don't forget to make arrangements to have your student picked up on time. It's been a wonderful school year!

SHMS is so incredibly thankful for all of our hard working and dedicated teachers and staff! Thank you for the difference you make!

Shrek Jr will be performing May 1st through the 3rd at 7pm at Sonoran Heights Middle School in the cafe. We look forward to seeing you there! Our students have been working incredibly hard and are so excited to share this play with you!

Just a friendly reminder there is no school on Friday, April 26th in observance of a spring holiday. We will see you all back on Monday, April 29th. Enjoy your long weekend!

Sponsored by SHMS PTA!

Friday, April 19th from 5-8PM

• Gaming Truck
• DJ
• Dunk Tank
• Food Trucks
• Vendors

Admission is free, wristband required for all activities

$25/non member and $20/PTA member

Please contact [email protected] with any questions regarding this event or if you'd like to volunteer

• AASA Writing April 2nd
• AZ Sci Testing April 9th & 10th
• AASA ELA & Math April 16th and 18th

Hawks! There is no school the week of March 18th for spring break. We hope you have a safe and relaxing break! We will see you back on Monday, March 25th at normal school time.

• Monday - Anything but a pack pack day!
• Tuesday - Pajama day!
• Wednesday - Pink & white/twin day!
• Thursday - Western day!
• Friday - Favorite band/artist t-shirt day!

The Dysart Unified School District, in partnership with Germain Honda of Surprise, will host the Dysart Festival of the Arts on Saturday, March 9, 2024.  The festival will take place from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Valley Vista High School, 15550 N Parkview Place, Surprise. The festival is free to attend and is open to the public.    

The festival will showcase the visual and performing arts programs from sixteen elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools in the Dysart Unified School District.  The day will be packed with back-to-back performances on multiple stages including various dance performances, theatre troops, choirs, and bands. The elementary, middle school, and high school visual arts programs will host two art showcases including 2D and 3D pieces, as well as a chalk art exhibition along the path of the festival.    

Some of the event highlights include the Arts Experience area that offers multiple hands-on opportunities for attendees to participate in the arts including dance workshops, bucket drumming, keyboard labs, virtual reality arts field trips and hands-on art projects. New this year is the addition of Adaptive Art Experiences, a hands-on immersive arts experience for individuals and families that may need accommodations or a sensory friendly experience.   

This year's festival is proud to host over 60 arts vendors, food trucks and community partners.   These artisans will have their products on display for purchase. Visit www.Dysart.org/ArtsFest for more details or a list of performances, vendors and food trucks.

Individual spring pictures will take place on the 28th. All ordering will be done online at www.unitedportraits.com.

Question? Comment? Concern? We are here to help at unitedportraits.com/support.

Flyers will be going home with your student!

Girls Basketball Tryouts

Feb 20th & 22nd

7:00 am - 8:00 am

Boys Basketball Tryouts

Feb 20th, 21st, 23rd

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Girls Soccer Tryouts

Feb 20th & 21st

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm

Boys Soccer Tryouts

Feb 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd

3:15 pm - 5:00 pm

Just a friendly reminder, there is no school on Monday Feb 19th. School will resume at regular time on Tuesday, Feb 20th.

Please join us on Friday, 2/16 at Cactus High School at 6:00 pm to cheer on our boys! Bring home that trophy, Hawks!

• Monday - hat & headbands
• Tuesday - 5th & 6th grades wear red, 7th & 8th grades wear pink
• Wednesday - "How many hearts can you wear?"
• Thursday - Twinning Day
• Friday - Pajamas (red, pink, hearts)

Please check your email for more parent/teacher conference information from your teacher. We have early release, as usual, on Monday at 1:00 pm. Be advised, we also have early release on Thursday (2/8) and Friday (2/9) at 1:00 pm.

• Benchmark 2 begins on January 30th. Math is on the 30th and ELA is on the 31st. Please ensure your student gets a good nights rest and a healthy breakfast.
• Parent/Teacher conferences are approaching as well! Conferences will be held the first week in February. More information will be sent home very soon.
• Early release Thursday and Friday, February 8th and 9th at 1:00 pm - for conferences.

Our boys volleyball team played extremely well and pulled out a win over the undefeated Marley Park Mavericks! Great job gentlemen and Coach Hinchcliff!

Awards Ceremonies

• 6th Grade @ 1:10PM, Wed Jan 10th
• 5th Grade @ 2:10PM, Wed Jan 10th
• 7th Grade @ 1:10PM, Thurs Jan 11th
• 8th Grade @ 2:10PM, Thurs Jan 11th

PTA Meeting

• Thursday, Jan 11th @ 4:30PM

School Newsletter

• January News!
  

SHMS hopes you had a wonderful winter break! We are looking forward to a brand new year! 

• We have early release on Thursday, December 21st and Friday the 22nd at 11:15 am. Please make arrangements to have your student picked up on time. 
• Winter break is also coming up and starts on Monday, December 25th through Monday the 8th. 
• School will resume on Tuesday, January 9th.
  

In observance of Veterans Day, there will be no school on Friday, November 10th. School will resume at normal time on Monday the 13th. We hope you have a wonderful three day weekend. Thank you Veterans!

We are so proud to announce that Sonoran Heights Middle School earned an “A” rating from the school accountability labels for the 2022-2023 school year! Sonoran Heights  is one of 18 schools in the district to receive the “A” rating.  

The school accountability labels measure year to year student academic growth, proficiency on English language arts, math and science, the proficiency and academic growth of English language learners, indicators that an elementary student is ready for success in high school and that high school students are ready to succeed in a career or higher education and high school graduation rates.

Vets, please join us for breakfast on Thursday, November 9th at 7:30AM! A traditional breakfast will be served of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, country potatoes, coffee & water. After breakfast please join us in our Parade of Vets through the hallways with our students paying tribute!

• Monday 10/23 - Crazy hair day!
• Tuesday 10/24 - Favorite team jersey or t-shirt!
• Wednesday 10/25 - Wear camouflage clothes and/or hats!
• Thursday 10/26 - Wear your favorite superhero gear!
• Friday 10/27 - Show your pride and wear your SHMS gear!

Principals are among the hardest working, yet often least recognized individuals in education. Principals set the academic tone for their schools, and it is their vision, dedication, and determination that provide the mobilizing force for achieving student success. 

Thank you, Mr. Hamman, for all you do for SHMS!!!

Socktober is a wonderful annual event that was founded by Kid President in 2013. The event runs throughout the month of October and aims to encourage people to donate socks to those in need. The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is one of the organizations that sponsor this event. NJHS is a group that recognizes outstanding middle school students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. 

Members of NJHS are required to participate in community service projects, and Socktober is one of the events that they organize. Many people take socks for granted and don't realize how important they are for those who are homeless or living in poverty. Socks can provide warmth, comfort, and protection for people who spend most of their time on their feet. By donating socks to those in need, we can make a huge difference in their lives. 

So, if you want to make a positive impact in your community, consider donating socks to Socktober. You can reach out to your local NJHS chapter here at SHMS (room 136). Remember, even a small donation can go a long way in making someone's day a little bit brighter.

SHMS is selling yearbooks for the 23/24 school year! Yearbooks can be ordered ONLINE ONLY. You may order them HERE!

Monday, May 22nd at 1:00 PM

Tuesday, May 23rd at 11:15 AM

Wednesday, May 24th at 11:15 AM

Have a great summer!

It’s Festival Month!!!!!  Dysart Festival of Arts is March 25th, 2023 from 10am-3pm!

Click HERE to recognize someone! We believe it is important to celebrate the amazing work our staff does and want to invite students, parents and community members to have an opportunity to celebrate with us! 

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.