Valley Vista News

ACT & ASPIRE TESTING APRIL 9TH - APRIL 10TH

On these two days, freshman and junior students will report to the school campus and participate in mandatory tests, while sophomores and seniors will have e-Learning Days with assignments that they can complete remotely throughout the day. Students in specialized ESS programs will attend classes on their regular schedule.

• 9th Grade: ASPRIRE Testing on campus 
• 10th Grade: e Learning Day from home
• 11th Grade: ACT Testing on campus
• 12th Grade: e Learning Day from home

Valley Vista Students & Families

Spring Break is March 18th - March 22nd, have a safe and relaxing break! We will see you back at school Monday, March 25!

VVHS Team!

Be sure to come out and join us March 13th from 5pm-7pm in the Student Commons for FAFSA night here at Valley Vista High School!

• Get assistance signing up for the FAFSA
• Learn about types of aide available
• Have your questions answered
• Have a slice of pizza!

This year's festival will be held March 9, 2024

This year’s festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of the arts. This event will showcase the visual and performing arts programs from 16 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 4 high schools, and the Growing Minds Preschool in the Dysart Unified School District. 

 We expect at least 9,000+ attendees. The Dysart Arts Festival will be a full day featuring performances on multiple stages including various dance troops, 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. 

 In addition to the wonderful performances, we will host an Arts Vendor Fair for people to peruse and shop from local artists. Last year was the first year of our “Arts Experience” area, offering multiple hands-on opportunities for attendees to participate in the arts including dance workshops, bucket drumming, keyboard labs, 3D arts field trips and art projects. NEW this year will be the addition of Adaptive Art Experiences for our community and students with disabilities. Lastly, as you work up an appetite, food trucks will be onsite to satisfy your taste buds. This event is open to the public and is free to attend. We look forward to celebrating a day of Arts with our community, families, and students. 

 For information or questions on the Festival of the Arts, please contact Danae Marinelli, Director of Arts, at [email protected]

Valley Vista Students & Families

February is CTE Month. Across all our campuses we all do something special to show off and promote CTE classes. This Friday at both lunches all CTE programs will be out by the ramada promoting and doing fun activities from all of our classes. We have Bosu Ball plank challenges, anatomy Trivia,  food challenges with live-stream broadcasting, fire safety equipment demonstrations, digital photography just to name a few! 

Come out and support all our CTE programs at either lunch and see all the great things our students are doing...and grab some CTE swag!

Mrs. Schneider

Teacher CTE Sports Medicine

Modified Testing Schedule For Wednesday, 2/21

• 9th, 10th & 11th Grades - Please be sure to follow the modified testing schedule for Horizon Testing.
• Senior Lessons - Lecture Hall (7:15AM-10:45AM)

Due to Presidents Day we will not have classes on February 19th. Classes will resume Tuesday, 2/20.

"Believe you can and you're halfway there"

- Theodore Roosevelt

Come out and join in for Valley Vista Spring Sports season!

• Baseball
• Softball
• Boys & Girls Tennis
• Track
• Boys Volleyball
• Girls Beach Volleyball

Be sure to stop by the front office and pick up a Physical Packet before tryouts!

Spring Spirit Week

Its Spring Spirit Week here at Valley Vista. Be sure to join in and participate in the fun every day this week!

Monday: Tourist Day

Tuesday: Celebrity Day ( Dress up as your favorite famous person)

Wednesday: Mean Girls (Pink out day) Assembly Day

Thursday: College Day (Wear your college shirts)

Friday: Spirit Day (School colors)

Saturday: Hoopcoming Dance - A Night In New York 7pm-10pm

E-Learning Day - Friday January 26th

 Valley Vista Families, 

Next Friday, January 26th, Valley Vista High School will be hosting the State Student Council Convention and will have an E-Learning Day instead of in-person classes for all students. Here are some details about the E-Learning Day: 

• No students on campus. 
• Assignments for each course will be posted in Schoology. 
• Teachers will be available via email for support. 
• Attendance will be recorded based on assignments turned in. 
• Students are not required to attend virtual or live stream classes. 

 We appreciate your flexibility and support on this day. 

 Thank you, Mr. Andrew Frazier Principal

Happy New Year and welcome back Valley Vista!

We are very excited for second semester! Winter sports are in full swing here at Valley and we would love to see everyone come out to support our VVHS teams! 

Click here for the VVHS Athletic Calendar

Winter Break: December 25th - January 8th, classes resume January 9th.

Have a safe and relaxing break, we'll see you in the new year!

From: The VVHS Team!

Finals - Half Day

Please remember finals will be held Thursday, Dec.21st and Friday Dec. 22nd, both days will be half days. Sack lunches will be available at 10:30am to pick and take off campus. Please see schedule below.

Please join us for coffee and doughnuts with Principal Andrew Frazier. This is your chance to get an update on school news, share your thoughts and have your questions answered. 

WHEN: Dec. 13th 8:00am - 9:00am 

WHERE: Valley Vista Cafeteria - 15550 N Parkview Place, Surprise AZ 85374 

WHO: Parents & families of Valley Vista and the surrounding community

We are so proud to announce that Valley Vista High School earned an “A” rating from the school accountability labels for the 2022-2023 school year! Valley Vista 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.

The Valley Vista Link Crew lead by Mrs. Christoffel got to meet with other leaders from across the state, exchange ideas and learn how to become better leaders, and are ready to bring those ideas and learnings back to Valley!

Thanksgiving Break 11/20 - 11/25

From the team here at Valley Vista High School we wish everyone a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving break. We will see you back on campus Monday, November 27th at 7:15am!

 Come Out And Support VVHS Choir

This week, VVHS Choir is presenting thier fall concert "Louder Than Words". The concert takes place on Thursday and Friday at 7:00pm at The Vista. Doors open at 6:30pm. The students have worked super hard and are so excited to put on a phenomenal concert for you all! 

Here is the link in case you need more tickets: Louder Than Words

“For the veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do so we can safely do what we’re free to do.”

-Unknown

Join Us For Valley Vista Future Freshman Night!

Come out and join us for Future Freshman Night! 

• When: Tuesday, November 14th 
• Time: 5:30pm -7:00pm
• Where: VVHS - The event will begin in the gym!
• Why: Meet coach's, Club Advisors, Counselors and more. Come out and see your future campus!

We can't wait to see you there!

We are so proud to announce that Valley Vista High School earned an “A” rating from the school accountability labels for the 2022-2023 school year! Valley Vista 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.

Valley Vista Canned Food Drive!

Attention all Valley Vista students and families - We want your canned food!! The food drive will run from October 30th - Nov 9th. Please bring all cans to your 2nd hour class. The 2nd hour class with the most cans wins a donut party! 

All cans will be donated to Valley View Community Food Bank.

Join Us For A Scary Night At Valley Vista High High School!

This haunted house is being sponsored by the Valley Vista Drama Club! Come out and show your support!

• Where: Outside 8000 building
• When: Friday, October 27th
• Time: 7pm - 10pm
• Price: $5 for all students ($3 for band, spiritline, and football players)

Only Cash Will Be Accepted!!

Be sure to join us tonight, Oct 20 for our Stormcoming game here at Valley Vista High School as we take on Boulder Creek. Kick off is at 7pm!

LETS GO MONSOON!!

The Career Expo is the annual, premiere event for students and their families to explore different career pathways. Attendees have the opportunity to learn more about all the Career and Technical Education programs offered at Dysart Schools, along with West-MEC Programs offered in the West Valley. Colleges and universities along with military representatives are also present for families to meet with and get information. The event is recommended for all 5-11th grade students and their parents!

Please join me in giving a VVHS SHOUT OUT to our amazing band who grabbed first place at the Marching Band competition that took place at Shadow Ridge over the weekend! Great job!

Valley Vista StuCo Presents: Stormcoming Week

Monday: Who are you? Dress as a character form Alice in Wonderland.

Tuesday: The best way to explain it. Is to do it. Just do it! Wear your best sports attire.

Wednesday: Actually, I am right on time. Decade day! Dress like you're from a different decade.

Thursday: We are all mad here! Dress up like your favorite holiday. 

Friday: I've had enough nonsense, I am going home.  Seniors: Black, Juniors: Purple, Sophomores: Grey, Freshman: White

A Very Merry Un-Stormcoming Flyer

Just a friendly reminder, quarter 1 is done.

There is no school from October 9th-October 13th for Fall Break. 

Our Unified Sports Boys Badminton team took home the 2023 State Title! 

• At the Ridge tournament, Nikki won the Longest Drive Challenge Competition in her 1st attempt out of 3 shots!  She won this award her Freshman year as well. As a Sophomore and Junior, she won the Chipping Competition. 

WHITE OUT!!!

Wear all white to support the football team for their rivalry game against Willow Canyon. 

Can't wait to see our Monsoon flood show up! 

Friday, September 29th @ 7:00 @ Willow Canyon High School

WHITE OUT Flyer

Friday Night Lights - Valley vs Willow October 29th @ 7 PM

Kick off is at 7pm at Willow Canyon High School! Be sure to wear all white as we are having a WHITE OUT! This game has been selected as the Fiesta Bowl Friday Night Showdown. The first 500 fans/students will receive a FREE car wash at Super Star Car Wash! Both student sections will be competing for the Student Section of The Game " Spirit Cup". 

Be sure to come out and support Valley in full force!

Be sure to join us Friday nights for Monsoon football! CLICK HERE for the 2023 -2024 Football Schedule

Please remember the deadline to complete the Annual Student Update is September 1st. Go to your Parent Portal to complete the update. This update is important to ensure that we have up-to-date medical and contact information for your student in the event of an emergency. You are also able to adjust your communication preferences (phone, text, and/or email) to ensure you are getting the various message types in the way that you would like.  

Parents, please take a moment to complete the Annual Update. You can access it by logging into your Parent Portal and then clicking the menu and selecting "More" and then "Annual Update." If the Annual Update is not complete, your child will not be able to log into their chromebooks and access important materials.

August 3rd, 2023

First day of school!

We can't wait to welcome all our Monsoon students back to campus. 

School hours:

7:15am - 2:15pm

See you soon!

Calling All Storm Chasers!!!

Freshman Orientation Day 

August 2nd, 2023

7:15 am- 12:15 pm

This day is for Freshman only. 

You will become acquainted with Valley's campus, your classes, and the opportunities we offer! 

Busses will run their normal routes. 

Alone a drop, together a MONSOON!

Get a jump start on the year! 

Log in now to the Parent Portal and complete your Annual Student Update acknowledging our policies and ensure your student has access to their technology on the first day! 

This is a great place to view attendance, grades, health office information, and graduation progress. 

Click the button below to be directed to the Parent Portal

23-24 Parking Passes Available Soon

The following are the dates for all parking-related items for the school year 2023-2024. All applications will require a Valid Arizona Driver’s License (no permits), current insurance for vehicle, and registration. Parking will be established by a first-come, first-serve basis on dates listed below. Parking spaces will be available for eligible seniors, juniors, or sophomores. All applicants must be on track with credits to meet their 2023-2024 cohort requirements prior to applying for a permit. Students will be assigned specific parking spots for the 2023-2024 school year.

• 7am-10am @ The Bookstore
• July 17-18th: Seniors Priority
• July 19-20th: Juniors Priority
• July 24th: Sophomores

Bring your completed application with license, registration, insurance and $60 to reserve your spot!

Click the button below to print the application, we will also have some on hand.

Andrea Cosio, a Valley Vista High School student, has been accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and received a $30,000 grant.

Andrea learned she was accepted to the prestigious school back in March.  Her extensive list of  academic and extracurricular achievements include a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.733 weighted GPA, Class of 2023 valedictorian, president of the National Honor Society, and is a member of the Key Club, Science Club and Varsity Show Choir.  Additionally, she is an avid writer devoting several hours each week to writing poems and short stories.

Andrea considers Math as her strongest subject as she spent her summers taking advanced classes, participated in math competitions, and tutored high school students in the subject.

Andrea was also named a commended student in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program for her PSAT score.

At MIT, she plans to major in Chemical Engineering and minor in Material Science in order to pursue her passion for research.  

“I hope to invest myself into research and field project opportunities to produce materials that are biobased, sustainable, and ultimately, more efficient.”

Andrea’s family has been a strong influence on her academic interests.  Her mother and father are in the mathematical and science fields, and her siblings are in the medical and engineering fields.

“It's where my people are. Ultimately, being accepted here attests to the hard work of my own and of my nurturing parents and siblings. Acceptance here was a process of preparation and opportunity-meeting. Now, MIT here I come!”

The mission of MIT is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century.  The Institute is committed to generating, disseminating, and preserving knowledge, and to working with others to bring this knowledge to bear on the world's great challenges. 

Congratulations to the Valley Vista High School Class of 2023!  We couldn't be more proud of all your accomplishments, and can't wait to see what you achieve in the future!  Check out the photo gallery and rewatch the ceremony below.

New Student Enrollment Available for 23-24 School Year

Dysart Unified School District is accepting new student enrollment applications for the 2023-2024 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.

For in-person K-8 enrollment assistance between June 5 and June 29, families may visit the District Office, located at 15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise, Arizona. District high schools will be open for enrollment assistance in their front offices between June 5 and June 22.

All K-12 school offices will reopen for in person enrollment on Monday, July 10. 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 available as early as 24 hours after registration is finalized.

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 10.

Office re-opens Tuesday, July 10, 2023 @ 7:00am.

Monday - 24
Early Release @ 12:15p

JV/F Baseball vs. Cesar Chavez @ 6:30p

V Baseball @ Cesar Chavez @ 6:30p

JV Softball @ Cesar Chavez @ 3:45p

V Softball vs. Cesar Chavez @ 6p

Tuesday - 25
Ottawa University Rep On Campus
U of A rep on Campus
V Boys Volleyball vs. Cesar Chavez @ 5:30p

Wednesday - 26
GCU Junior Visit on Campus
SunHealth Job Fair @ both lunches

Track & Field @ Desert Vista
Baseball Playoffs (Tentative)

Thursday - 27
NLI Signing in the Lecture Hall

Rio Salado Dual Enrollment Triage
UTI Field Trip
Choir Concert @ 7p -- BUY TICKETS
Boys Volleyball @ Maricopa @ 3:30/4:30/5:30p

Friday - 28
Choir Concert @ 7p -- BUY TICKETS
Boys & Girls Tennis Playoffs

Saturday - 29
Saturday School 

Spin Clinic for Color Guard

Upcoming Events
5/1 - 5/12 - AP Exams
5/4 & 5/5 Dance Concert
5/9 - Senior Convocation
5/22 - Graduation Day @ 10:00a @ State Farm Stadium
5/22 - 5/24 - Half Day Release @ 10:30a
5/24 - Last Day of School 

Students from the Valley Vista High School Culinary Arts program competed at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Competition at the Westin La Paloma in Tucson March 27-29.  

Abigail Perez won first place in Chicken Fabrication two years in a row. Bronze awards were given to Skye Painter and Iris Rechlin in the Culinary Arts Event and Matthew McCarthy won Bronze in the Culinary Mathematics event. 

FCCLA is one of the many Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) offered through our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.  FCCLA helps young people become leaders with student-directed learning in Family And Consumer Sciences (FACS) education in the areas of Early Childhood Education, Culinary Arts, Fashion & Interior Design, Hospitality Management.

Culinary Arts is a CTE program designed to prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills required for food production and service occupations in commercial food service establishments. Students completing the Culinary Arts program will possess the technical knowledge and skills required for planning, selecting, storing, purchasing, preparing, and serving quality food products. Nutritive values, safety and sanitation procedures, use of commercial equipment, serving techniques, and management of food establishments will also be studied. In addition to technical skills, students completing the Culinary Arts program will develop advanced critical thinking, applied academic, career development, life and employability skills, business, economic, and leadership skills required for culinary arts occupations.

Monday - 27

Early Release @ 12:15p
Beach Volleyball @ Buckeye @ 4p

Girls Tennis @ District Tennis @ 7:30am
Boys Tennis @ District Tennis @ 7:30am
Track & Field vs. Dysart @ 3:45p

Tuesday - 28
U of A rep on campus during SW
Girls Tennis @ West Point @ 3:30p
Boys Tennis vs. West Point @ 3:30p
JV/F Baseball @ Tolleson @ 3:45/6:30p
V Baseball vs. Tolleson @ 6:00p
Boys Volleyball vs. Sunnyside @ 4/5:30pm
JV Softball vs. Tolleson @ 3:45p

V Softball @ Tolleson @ 6:00p

Wednesday - 29
ASVAB Testing for Juniors ( A - L)

Unified Track Meet
Beach Volleyball vs. Youngker @ 4pm
Track & Field @ Sandra Day O'Connor
Boys Volleyball vs. Maryvale @ 3:30/4:30/5:30p

Thursday - 30
ASVAB Testing for Juniors (M-Z)
ASVAB Testing for Select Seniors
City of Surprise Visit During Lunches
Girls Tennis vs. Millennium @ 3:30pm
Boys Tennis @ Millennium @ 3:30p

Friday - 31
College 101 Night @ 5:30p
JV/F Baseball vs. Tolleson @ 3:45p
V Baseball @ Tolleson @ 6p
Boys Volleyball @ Boulder Creek @ 4/5:30p
JV Softball @ Tolleson @ 6:30p
V Softball vs. Tolleson @ 3:45p

Saturday - April 1

Saturday School in The Commons 
NHS - Senior Citizen Prom 

Monday - 20

Early Release @ 12:15p

Beach Volleyball vs. Verrado @ 4p

JV/F Baseball @ Highland @ 3:45p

Varsity Baseball vs. Highland @ 6p

JV Softball vs. Highland @ 3:45p

V Softball @ Highland @ 4:30p

Tuesday - 21

EMCC on Campus - Workshop Day

JV Girls Tennis @ Liberty @ 3:30p

Boys Volleyball vs. Alhambra @ 4:30/5:30p

Wednesday - 22
Beach Volleyball vs. Willow Canyon @ 4p
V Baseball @ Maryvale @ 3:45p

JV Softball @ Maryvale @ 3:45p

Varsity Softball vs. Maryvale @ 6p

Thursday - 23
GCC Presentation during SW

Beach Volleyball vs. Mohave @ 4p

Girls Tennis @ Copper Canyon @ 3:30p

Boys Tennis vs. Copper Canyon @ 3:30p

JV/F Baseball @ San Luis @ 3:45p
V Baseball vs. San Luis @ 3:45p

Boys Volleyball @ Skyline @ 4:30/5:30p

JV Softball vs. San Luis @ 3:45p

V Softball @ San Luis @ 3:45p

Dysart Career Expo 4-7p

Friday - 24
Track & Field Nike Chandler Rotary

Saturday - 25
Festival of the Arts

Prom @ The Phoenix Science Center
     *Tickets are available at the bookstore until 3-24-2023, for $80. 
Track & Field Nike Chandler Rotary

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In partnership with the City of Surprise and the City of El Mirage, students across the Dysart Unified School District were invited to participate in the My El Mirage and My Surprise Essay Contests in November of 2022.  Prompts were developed in partnership with each city to elicit responses that spoke about each city’s mission or vision.  

More than 200 students in grades 3-12 submitted their essays with schools choosing the top 128 district-wide.  The writings were evaluated based on understanding of city services/amenities, creativity, clarity, sincerity of thought, and proper grammar.

Winners from Surprise were selected in specific grade bands and were honored March 7 at the Surprise City Council meeting including: Cadence Fumia and Rose Vasquez from Countryside Elementary in the grade 3-4 division, Tatianna Pellegrino from Freedom Traditional School for 5-8th grade and Kaleb Delgado from Shadow Ridge High School who won for the high school division.  

Excerpts included below.

Cadence Fumia encourages people to live in Surprise: “My name is Cadence and I live in Surprise, Arizona. If you don’t, what the heck are you waiting for?”

Rose Vasquez expresses how she feels living in Surprise: “I am really happy I moved here because I have my family, a great school that I really like. I have some new friends, and it’s really clean, safe, and friendly.”

Tatianna Pellegrino shares this insight about Surprise: “Danish architect and urban design consultant, Jan Gehl once said, ‘A good city is like a good party–you stay for longer than you plan.’ Surprise isn’t just a good party; it's a great party.”  

Kaleb Delgado says: “[Surprise] carries nothing by surprises, and as a resident here, I am proud to be in such a beautiful community.” 

The City of El Mirage structured their essay winners a bit differently and awarded the top three students in grade 3-8: Esmeralda Olvera Martinez; 1st place, Lejla Tvrtkovic; 2nd place, and Kaleb Rodriquez; third place all from El Mirage Elementary School. High school recognitions include Nathaniel Cosio, and Andre Mena, both 11th grade students at Valley Vista High School.

The five students and their families were invited to attend the City of El Mirage Council meeting on March 7.  The students were recognized and received ribbons and certificates.

Esmeralda Olvera Martinez shares her reasons for loving her city: “So, do you want to know why El Mirage is special? Well, I’ll tell you. You’re going to love it.” She goes on to describe the schools, library, and festivals in El Mirage. 

Nathaniel Cosio shares the value of community: “In the El Mirage community, I feel like everyone knows each other and have fun just getting to live in the city.”

Student winners from both categories were recognized at the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board meeting on March 9th, 2023.

Danielle Edgerton coordinated the dual city essay contest with support from teachers, administrators, and city leaders.

“It has been such a rewarding experience to partner with both the City of Surprise and the City of El Mirage to honor our scholars and writers,” shared Edgerton. “The essays submitted by all of the students were sincere celebrations of their schools and communities.”

Spring Spirit Week:  Valley Goes On A Road Trip

Monday - Statue of Liberty - Wear Red, White & Blue
Tuesday - Catch a Game at Wrigley - Wear Baseball Attire/Jersey

Wednesday - Next Stop: The Carolina's - Twin Day/Squad Day

Thursday - Take a College Tour - Frat Clothes or College Gear
Friday - Let's Go Home-- Seniors wear Pink, Juniors wear Green, Sophomores wear Blue and Freshmen wear Orange.

Monday - 6

Early Release @ 12:15p

Tuesday - 7

Western New Mexico University on Campus
Mr. Monsoon Rehearsal
Girls Tennis vs. Centennial @ 3:30p
Boys Tennis @ Centennial @ 3:30p
JV/F Baseball vs. Skyline @ 3:45p
Varsity Baseball @ Skyline @ 3:45p
Boys Volleyball @ Willow Canyon @ 4:30/5:30p

JV Softball @ Skyline @ 3:45p
Varsity Softball vs. Skyline @ 6:00p

Wednesday - 8

EMCC Workshop Day on Campus

Plate Tectonics Presentation in Lecture Hall

Mr. Monsoon Rehearsal

Beach Volleyball @ Millennium @ 4p

Girls Tennis @ Sunrise @ 3:30p

Boys Tennis vs. Sunrise Mountain @ 3:30p
JV/F Baseball @ Boulder Creek @ 3:45p

Varsity Baseball vs. Boulder Creek @ 3:45p

JV Softball vs. Boulder Creek @ 3:45p

Varsity Softball @ Boulder Creek @ 3:45p

Thursday - 9

Senior JOSTENS Meeting during Storm Watch
Mr. Monsoon Pie in the Face @ both lunches

UTI Car Show @ both lunches

FAFSA 101 Night @ 5:30-7p

Girls Tennis vs Cesar Chavez @ 3:30p

Boys Tennis @ Cesar Chavez @ 3:30p

Boys Volleyball vs. Trevor Browne @ 4:30/5:30p
Varsity Softball @ I Love this Day Tourney @ 8a

Friday - 10

AP Testing Fees Due

Spring Assembly - We will be following the 2nd Hour Assembly Schedule
Plate Tectonics Presentation in Lecture Hall
Mr. Monsoon in The Vista @ 6p
Track & Field @ Mountain Ridge Invite
Boys Volleyball @ Carl Hayden @ 4:30/5:30p

Saturday - 11
Choir Competition 

Monday - 27

Early Release - 12:15pm

Beach Volleyball @ Boulder Creek @ 4p
JV Baseball vs. Dobson @ 3:45p

Varsity Baseball @ Dobson @ 3:45p

JV Softball @ Dobson @ 3:45p

Varsity Softball vs. Dobson @ 6p

Tuesday - 28

U of A visit during Storm Watch

Beach Volleyball vs. Shadow Ridge @ 4p

Girls Tennis vs. Alhambra @ 3:30p

Boys Tennis @ Alhambra @ 3:30p

Boys Volleyball @ Camelback @ 4:30/5:30p

Girls Basketball Semi-Finals @ Hamilton @ 7p

Wednesday - March 1

AZELLA Testing

Beach Volleyball @ Sunnyslope @ 4p

Track & Field @ Home @ 3:45p

Thursday - March 2

AZELLA Testing

Girls Tennis @ Apollo @ 3:30p

Boys Tennis vs. Apollo @ 3:30p

Boys Volleyball vs. Red Mountain @ 3:30/4:30/5:30p

Minute That Matters during SW - Goal $3000 

AZELLA Testing

Girls Tennis @ West Valley Invite
Varsity Baseball @ Mesa @ 3:45p

Boys Volleyball @ Coyote Invitational 

JV Softball @ Mesa @ 3:45p

Varsity Softball vs. Mesa @ 6:00p

Saturday - March 4

Saturday School

Boys Tennis @ West Valley Invite

Track & Field @ 66th Annual Buckeye Invite

Upcoming Events

3/9 - FAFSA Night from 5:30p - 7p in the student commons, pizza will be provided.   

3/13 - 3/17 - Spring Break 

3/25 - PROM  from 7-11p @ The Arizona Science Center

Ticket Prices:  

2-13 to 2-17 -- $50

2-21 to 2-24 -- $60

2-27 to 3-3 --   $70

3-6 to 3-24 --   $80

The Winter Arts competition season was a banner year for Dysart Schools and our talented students.  Students competed in several events throughout the last few months in a variety of arts disciplines.

NAU Jazz Madrigal Festival

All four high school choirs competed at NAU Jazz Madrigal Festival.  The annual festival is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, featuring special guest clinicians and over 140 high school ensembles from Arizona and nearby states. The two-day festival includes a host concert in which choirs from NAU and professional groups of national and international stature appear.  

• The Valley Vista High School (VVHS) Concert Choir received a Superior
  
• Shadow Ridge High School (SRHS) Stellar FX Choir received an Excellent
  
• Shadow Ridge High School (SRHS) Constellation Choir received a Superior with a score of 34 out of 35 one point away from a perfect score
  
• Willow Canyon High School (WCHS)l Concert Choir received an Excellent.
  

Arizona Music Educators Association Awards (AMEA)

Dysart Schools had 29 students in grades 6-8 selected for AMEA All-State Band.  Students in 7-8th grade have to audition to be selected.  Dysart had eight students earn this honor.   

The following high school students were selected for AMEA Regional Ensembles:

• Choir (all VVHS students) -   Alayna Alger, Samira Doxie, Desirae Jones, Susanna Alger, Luke Lundberg, Stephen Neal, Josiah Chang
• Orchestra - Avery Slade (VVHS) 
• Band- Esteban Mejia (VVHS), Jonathan Chang (VVHS),  Esteban Mejia (VVHS) , Eli Hernandez (WCHS), Erin Chon (WCHS), Mallory McNeece (WCHS), Mosiah Johnson (SRHS), Ajaya Miles (SRHS), Carter Horrocks (SRHS), Savannah Larsen (WCHS), Rebecca Geiger (DHS), Ryan Cervantes (DHS)
  

In addition to Regionals and All State, 59 choral and piano students competed in the AMEA Solo and Ensemble competition.  They came away with ten Superior Ratings and 26 Excellent Ratings.   The two Shadow Ridge High School show choirs, Stellar FX and Constellation, came away with Superior ratings.   

Arizona Regional Acting Festival

Shadow Ridge High School and Willow Canyon High School Theatre competed at the Arizona Regional Acting Festival.   The following students qualified to compete at the National Thespian Conference this summer in Indiana.   

• Liam Carmichael; Monologue - SRHS
• Alexandra Richardson; Solo - SRHS
• Leilani Miranda; Solo - SRHS
  
• Alexandra Richardson; Leilani Miranda Duet - SRHS
  
• Leilani Miranda; Monologue - SRHS
  
• Giovanni Manganiello; Solo- WCHS
  
• Karlynn Edwards; Solo- WCHS
  
• Millie Hodges, Taryn Fay, Lily Perrigo; Musical Theatre - Group Musical- WCHS
  
• Matthew Cabello, Mia Hiniker; Musical Theatre - Duet- WCHS
  
• Matthew Cabello; Falsettos Musical Theatre - Solo- WCHS
  
• Mia Hiniker; Musical Theatre - Solo- WCHS
  
• Karlynn Edwards, Jillian Gleason; Musical Theatre - Duet-WCHS
  
• Giovanni Manganiello, Psymon Kelly; Acting - Duet Scenes- WCHS
  
• Lily Sekosky; Tech - Scenic Design- WCHS
  
• Jordan Davis; Tech - Costume Design-WCHS
  

Visual Arts Awards

Valley Vista High School student Jada Diaz won the Sue Hunter Scholarship at the 2023 New Horizons Art Show.  New Horizons is an annual, valley-wide high school student art exhibition that showcases local talent at the Shemer Art Center.

In partnership with the City of Surprise and the The Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission,  Dysart Schools student artwork is displayed at the Surprise City Art Gallery now through March 9, 2023.  

The Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission recognized the following students for artistic excellence within the show.  

• Kaci Ponte; K-2nd Grade - Riverview School
  
• Tessa Cibils; 3-5th Grade - Sunset Hills Elementary School
• Kaden Summers; 6-8th Grade - West Point Elementary School
  
• Maleeyah Denham; 9-12th Grade - Willow Canyon High School
  

The public is invited to view the artwork Monday - Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm at 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise AZ 85374 through March 9, 2023.

Dysart Schools is proud to celebrate the achievements of our students within our arts programs.  These students along with many more will be featured at the Dysart Festival of Arts on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 10am-3pm at Valley Vista High School.  This event showcases the visual and performing arts programs from 16 elementary schools, four middle schools, four high schools, and preschool students.  We hope you can join us.  Learn more about the event at www.dysart.org/artsfest.

February Newsletter from Mr. Frazier 

Monday - 13

Early Release @ 12:15p

OAB Meeting @ 6p in The Student Commons

Tuesday - 14

Valentines Day

(No glass vases, balloons or extra large stuffed animals permitted on campus)

Wednesday - 15

University of Advancing Tech  Rep visit during SW

District Office CTE Tours

STC Prom @ DHS
Girls Basketball State Playoff in Mesa @ 7p

Thursday - 16

Blood Drive in The Vista Lobby

Beach Volleyball vs. Sandra Day O'Connor @ 3p

State Wrestling @ Veteran Memorial Coliseum - All Day

Softball Scrimmage @ Copper Canyon @ 3:45p

Friday - 17

National Random Acts of Kindness Day

State Wrestling @ Veteran Memorial Coliseum - All Day

Saturday - 18

Saturday School

State Wrestling @ Veteran Memorial Coliseum - All Day

Monday - 20

President's Day - No School 

We are so proud of our athletes and coaches for being recognized as a National Unified Champion School.  Thank you ESPN, Special Olympics & The NFL for putting on such a wonderful event for our students.

Photo Gallery   

On Tuesday, February 7th students in 9th, 10th & 11th grade will be taking the Horizon Benchmark Test.   Seniors will be meeting with their counselors.  

Please see the modified bell schedule that ALL students will be following on Feb 7th.

Monday - 30

AZELLA Testing

Early Release @ 12:15p

Girls Soccer vs. Maricopa @ 4/6p

Tuesday - 31

AZELLA Testing

Girls Basketball @ Tolleson @ 4/5:30/7p

Boys Basketball vs. Tolleson @ 4/5:30/7p

Boys Soccer @ Maricopa @ 6p

Wednesday - Feb 1

AZELLA Testing

NLI Singing

Unified Basketball Qualifier in the Gym

Wrestling vs. Shadow Ridge @ 4p

Thursday - 2
AZELLA Testing

Special Olympics Basketball Tournament 

Girls Basketball @ Shadow Ridge @ 4/5:30/7p

Boys Basketball vs. Shadow Ridge @ 4/5:30/7p

Boys Soccer vs. West Point @ 6p

Girls Soccer @ West Point @ 4/6p

Friday - 3

STUCO First Friday

Special Olympics Basketball Tournament

Girls Basketball vs. Maricopa @ 5:30/7p

Boys Soccer vs. Sunnyslope @ 4p

Girls Soccer @ Sunnyslope @ 4p

Track & Field Panda Express Fundraiser - Prasada

Saturday - 4
Band Booster Fundraiser @ Chipotle - Bell/Litchfield 

Monday - 16
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day -- No School

Tuesday - 17
Girls Basketball vs. Shadow Ridge 4/5:30/7

Wednesday - 18
Girls Basketball @ Cesar Chavez 4/5:30/7
Wrestling @ Maryvale 4p
Boys Soccer @ Cesar Chavez 6p

Girls Soccer vs. Cesar Chavez 4/6p

Thursday - 19
Nursing Program Presentation - Lecture Hall @ 2:30p

Boys Basketball @ Shadow Ridge 4/5:30/7

Pom and Cheer State Qualifier - Veterans Memorial Coliseum 

Friday - 20
Honors by Contract due to teachers
Girls Basketball @ Nike Hoopfest (CA)

Pom and Cheer State Qualifier - Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Saturday - 21
Pom and Cheer State Championship- Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Hoopcoming Dance - 7-10p

Marching Band Banquet in Cafe 

Girls Basketball @ Nike Hoopfest (CA)

Fatem Kadhem from Valley Vista High School was named a Flinn Scholar Semifinalist.  The Flinn Scholarship is a prestigious program that awards applicants based on academic achievement, leadership and involvement, service to the community, ability to communicate, and personal qualities. 

Fatem is one of more than 80 high-achieving Arizona high-school seniors named as a semifinalist out of 1,045 applicants seeking the Flinn Scholarship.  

By being named Flinn Scholarship Semifinalist, Fatem will qualify for a specially designated scholarship from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or the University of Arizona.

Fatem is quite accomplished and involved at Valley Vista.  She is in the top 1% of her class and has a 4.650 GPA.  She serves in many leadership roles including Key Club President, Book Club Co-founder and Treasurer, Science Olympiad Mentor and Member, Environmental Club President and Co-founder, and she is a member of the National Honor Society.  Fatem also was named a Commended student in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program for her PSAT score.

“To come this far in our very competitive process is an honor earned by just 8% of applicants from around the state. These students impressed reviewers with their academic achievement, service, and leadership,” said Anne Lassen, Flinn Foundation vice president, scholarship and education initiatives. 

Fatem will advance to the interview portion later this month with an opportunity to be named one of 40 Flinn Scholarship Finalists. Finalists will be interviewed again with a five-person selection committee at the Flinn Foundation. The Flinn Scholars Class of 2023 will be announced in April.

After graduation, Fatem plans to attend Arizona State University to major in Mechanical Engineering.

“Fatem Kadhem is an outstanding individual! She is kind, charismatic, has a wonderful sense of humor, and has the drive to succeed in anything she sets out to accomplish,” shared Valley Vista High School counselor, Larissa Scott. “If anyone deserves this opportunity, she is by far the best semifinalist out there.”

Now in its 38th year, the Flinn Scholarship is valued at more than $130,000 and includes funding for tuition, housing, meals, and study abroad. About 20 Arizona high-school seniors are selected each year and attend the honors colleges of the state’s three public universities.

The Flinn Foundation is a privately endowed, philanthropic grantmaking organization established in 1965 by Dr. Robert S. and Irene P. Flinn. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations.

Update January 13, 2023

Fatem was named one of 39 Flinn Scholarship Finalists and will move on to the last stage of the competition with a chance to be named a Class of 2023 Flinn Scholar.  Interviews will take place in March with recipients announce in April.

Monday - 9
Spirit Day - Spy or Undercover Agent
Clubs/Coaches/Sponsors Meeting @ 2:15p
Freedom Traditional on Campus Visit
Boys Basketball @ Tolleson @ 4/5:30/7p

Boys Soccer vs. Alhambra @ 4p

Tuesday - 10

Spirit Day - Rhyme Day 

Freshman Course Selection in English Classes
Girls Basketball vs. Desert Vista 4/5:30/7p

Boys Basketball @ Desert Vista @ 4/5:30/7p

Wednesday -11

Spirit Day - Space Day

Sophomore Course Selection in English
FAC Meeting @ 2:15p
Cheer Spirit Night @ Chipotle
Wrestling vs. Copper Canyon @ 4p
Boys Soccer vs. Dysart @ 6p
Girls Soccer vs. Dysart @ 4p

Thursday- 12
Spirit Day - Country vs. Country Club
GCU Application Workshop in 2201 @ 9:15a
US Air Force ROTC in 2201 @ 8:15a
Governing Board Meeting
Girls Basketball @ St. Mary MLK Classic
Course Selection for 11th Grade
Band Performance at Governing Board

Friday - 13
Spirit Day - School Colors
Hoopcoming Assembly @ 8:15a
Hoopcoming Movie Night in Lecture Hall @ 9:30p
Girls Basketball @ St Mary MLK Classic
Boys Basketball vs Cesar Chavez @ 4/5:30/7p
Wrestling @ Flowing Wells Invite
Boys Soccer vs. Mountain Ridge

Girls Soccer @ Mountain Ridge

Weekend - 14 & 15
Girls Basketball @ St Mary's Tourney in CA
Wrestling @ Flowing Wells Invite

Upcoming Events
Mon, Jan 16 - No School - MLK Day
Saturday, Jan 21st - Hoopcoming Dance @ 7-10p

Monday -19
Finals Day #1

GCU Coffee @ 7a

Tuesday - 20
Finals Day #2

Wednesday - 21
Winter Break - No School

Thursday - 22
Winter Break - No School

Friday - 23
Winter Break - No School

Saturday - 24

Winter Break

Sunday - 25
Winter Break
_____________________________________
Monday Jan -  2
Winter Break - No School

Tuesday - Jan 3
Winter Break - No School

Wednesday - Jan 4
Winter Break - No School for Students

All Staff Report Back to Work
Football Banquet (fr/so) in Cafe @ 6p
Wrestling @ 4p

Thursday - Jan 5
Students Return to School

College Jean Day
Football Banquet (V/JV) in Cafe @ 6p

Friday - Jan 6

STUCO First Friday
Presidents & Captains Meeting @ SW
Girls Basketball @ 5p
Boys Basketball @ 6:30p
Wrestling at Peoria Tournament of Champions

Saturday - Jan 7
Wrestling at Peoria Tournament of Champions 

Monday - 12

Early Release @ 12:15p

Shark Tank Begins

OAB Meeting @ 6:30p

Tuesday - 13

Wednesday - 14

Estrella Mountain Community College 

Link Crew Study cram Session in LH from 2:30 - 4:30p

Boys Basketball (V Only) vs. Arapahoe
Boys Soccer vs North @ 6p
Girls Soccer @ North at 4/6p

Thursday - 15

Honors by Contract Due
Link Crew Study Cram Session in the Lecture Hall from 2:30 - 4:30p

Girls Basketball vs. Millennium @ 4, 5:30 & 7p

Girls Soccer @ Alhambra @ 4/6p

Friday - 16

Wrestling @ Moon Valley at 9a

National Letter of Intent Signing Ceremony @ 9:15a

Saturday - 17
Boys Basketball vs. Fossil Ridge @ 1p
Wrestling @ Moon Valley Invite

Upcoming Events
12/19 & 12/20 - Finals - early release @ 10:30am

Winter Break 
12/21 - 1/4

Monday -- 5

Ugly Sweater Day

Staff Photo @ 12:20 in LH/District PD
Future Freshman Night
Dysart Career Fair
Boys Basketball @ Millennium

Tuesday --6
Winter Wonderland
Girls Soccer vs. Gila Ridge
Boys Soccer @ Gila Ridge

Wednesday -- 7

Visions of Sugar Plums
WestMec App Workshop in room 2101

Site Council Meeting @ 7am
FAC Meeting @ 2:15p
Wrestling @ North High

Thursday -- 8

Seasons of Love
Dance Concert @ 7p
Girls Basketball @ Seton Catholic Prep
Boys Basketball vs. Seton Catholic Prep
Boys Soccer vs. Sunnyslope
Girls Soccer @ Sunnyslope

Friday -- 9

I Believe Ornament Exchange
Dance Concert @ 7p

Girls Basketball @ Cactus Shadows
Boys Basketball vs. Cactus Shadows

Saturday --10
Cheer National Qualifier

Students entering high school in the 2023-2024 academic year, and their parents, are invited to attend an incoming freshman meeting on Monday, December 5 to learn about high school expectations, unique programs, and the process for registration and class selection. These meetings are designed to provide incoming freshmen with an overview of the academic programs available at Dysart Unified School District’s four high schools and explain the process of registering for ninth-grade classes.   

Future Freshman Nights are scheduled as follows on Monday, December 5:   

Dysart High School - 5:30 PM at 11425 N. Dysart Road, El Mirage  

Shadow Ridge High School - 6:00 PM at 10909 N. Perryville Road, Surprise 

Valley Vista High School - 5:30 PM at 15550 N. Parkview Place, Surprise  

Willow Canyon High School - 5:00 PM at 17901 W. Lundberg Street, Surprise  

Students and parents will learn about high school classes, course selection, unique and career-related programs, core curriculum, and graduation requirements. Attending Future Freshman Night motivates eighth graders to remain focused on their true academic goal – completing high school and beyond.     

Dysart offers four top-rated high schools to the community and is home to two top 50 high schools in Arizona. Three of our four high schools are “A” rated, and two out-rank all local counterparts. Visit Dysart.org to learn more about our high schools academics, arts and athletics. To view school locations and residential attendance boundaries, visit Dysart.org/Boundaries. 

Congratulations to the talented students who were selected for the All State Show Choir by the Arizona Choral Educators. More than 400 students from high schools around Arizona auditioned on November 5 to be a part of the All State Show Choir at Horizon High School. A total of ten Valley Vista High School students will represent the Monsoon including:

Laney Alger (4th Chair Soprano) 

Desi Jones (Second Chair Alto)

Zoie Foster (4th Chair Alto)

Samira Doxie (8th Chair Alto)

Celisa Scarbrough (12th Chair Alto)

Tristen Moran-Mills (2nd Chair Tenor)

Luke Lundberg (9th Chair Bass)

Andrew Estrella (11th Chair Bass)

And alternates:   

Levi Lundberg (1st Alternate Tenor) 

Josiah Chang (3rd Alternate Bass)

“We are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication these students have put into their craft to continue to excel at the state level,” shared Danae Marinelli, Dysart Schools Director of Arts.

The All-State Show Choir is part of the Arizona All-State Jazz/Show Choir Festival. It is a choir of approximately 60 high school students selected from the state. Selection is made through an audition process which requires a live singing and dancing audition. Selected students learn and memorize the performance songs before attending the three-day long festival where they learn the choreography and refine the music. This festival performance will be held on February 2nd at Mesa Community College Performing Arts Center with the All State Jazz Choir beginning at 6:30 pm followed by the All State Show Choir at 8:00 pm. 

The Arizona Choral Educators (ACE) is a constituent group of the Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA) which serves the needs of elementary, junior high, high school, and collegiate directors throughout Arizona. AMEA was established in 1939 as a cooperative effort of music educators. Since that time, the association has become affiliated with The National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

VVHS Choir Presents : New York, New York

November 17 & 18  @ 7pm in The Vista

BUY TICKETS

Monday - 14 

WestMec Application Workshop in room 2102 @ 11:45a
Early Release @ 12:15p
OAB Meeting in The Student Commons @ 6p
OUAZ Dysart Parent Night @ Ottawa 6p

Tuesday - 15
Horizon Testing - 9th - 11th Grades
New Mexico State in Person Visit in 2201 @ 9:15a

Wednesday - 16
EMCC on campus in room 2101 all day
ASU in person visit in 2201 @ 8:15a
Cross Country Banquet

Thursday - 17
Governing Board Meeting @ 6p

Choir Concert @ 7p

Friday - 18
Choir Concert @ 7p

Saturday- 19

Pom Team National Qualifiers

Thanksgiving Break 11/21 - 11/25

Monday - 7
Early Release @ 12:15p
Convergence Winterguard Auditions

Tuesday - 8
NAU in Person Visit in 2201 @ 8:15a
ASU in Person in 2201 @ 9:15a
FR/SO Football @ Shadow Ridge @ 6p

Wednesday - 9
National Letter of Intent Signing @ 8a
JV Football vs. Shadow Ridge @ 6p

Thursday - 10
Veterans Breakfast in Cafeteria @ 8:15a
Huntington College in 2201 @ 9:15a
Varsity Football @ Shadow Ridge @ 7p

Friday --11

Veterans Day - No School

Saturday --12
State Cross Country Meet

Monday -- 31

Early Release @ 12:15p
Winter Athletic Tryouts Begin
Halloween -- No Costumes

Tuesday -- 1
JV Football @ Thunderbird @ 6p

State Volleyball Game @ 6p

Wednesday -- 2
NAU in 2201 @ 9:15a

EMCC on Campus in WR 2101

FR/SO Football vs Tolleson @ 6p

Thursday -- 3

Cross Country D1

Theatre --Peter Pan and Wendy @ 7p

Friday -- 4

U of A in WR 2201 during SW

Theatre -- Peter Pan and Wendy @7p

Varsity Football vs Tolleson @ 7p -- Senior Night

State Swim Meet

Saturday -- 5

Saturday School in the Student Commons from 8-10a

Valley Vista High School is excited to announce that we have received an A-rating from the newly-released 2022 State of Arizona accountability labels. This letter grade provides us a glimpse into many areas of proficiency and growth for our school, including information about student achievement, college and career readiness, student growth, and other key areas of interest. We appreciate our hardworking students, staff and parents for their contributions in making our school an A-rated school! 

This is the first time the state has issued new labels since 2018-2019, due to House Bill’s 2910 and 2402, which temporarily paused the issuing of A-F letter grades.

About School Letter Grades: Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-241 requires the Arizona Department of Education, subject to final adoption by the State Board of Education, to develop an annual achievement profile for every public school in the state based on an A through F scale. The system measures 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. 

 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. 

Monday - 24

Early Release @ 12:15p

HOOP Presentation in LH @ 8a

ACE Presentation in LH @ 8:45a
Girls Golf - State Championship
Volleyball @ Maricopa @ 4/5/6p

Cross Country - District Meet @ Asante Park @ 4p

Tuesday - 25

PSAT Testing (pre-registration required)

Senior Meeting in The Vista during SW
Girls Golf - State Championship
Swim & Dive - DUSD Championships @ Surprise Aquatics @ 5p

Wednesday - 26

Wheaton College in 2201 @ 8:15a
High Point in LH @ 9:15a

Biola College in 2201 @ 10:45a
Volleyball vs. Westpoint @ 4/5/6p

Thursday - 27 
U of A in 2101 @ 9:15a
Bentley University in LH during SW

University of Toledo in 2201 @ 9:50a

Friday - 28

Varsity Football @ Cibola @ 7p

Saturday - 29
Saturday School in The Student Commons from 8-10am

Swim & Dive @ Husky Invite
Band Performance @ Barry Goldwater HS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/5/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS - Four outstanding Dysart students have been named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Students receiving the Letter of Commendation include Marissa Le’Levier from Shadow Ridge High School, and Andrea Cosio, Fatem Kadhem and Aiden Pinuelas, from Valley Vista High School.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise this year through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Commended students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“We are so proud of these students for their outstanding work. They have demonstrated their exceptional academic abilities and success, and we are honored that we have had the opportunity to help them hone their skills and advance their education,” said Dr. Jim Dean, Interim Superintendent. “We look forward to seeing what the future brings for these bright young minds.”

Andrea Cosio hopes to attend Harvard or ASU and major in chemical engineering with a goal to pursue the study of alternative fuels. She enjoys using her imagination and likes to paint, write, read and has an interest in avant garde music/musicians and art museums.

Fatem Kadhem plans to make the most of senior year by establishing a garden on campus. After graduation, the hope is to attend Arizona State University, major in mechanical engineering and minor in French. Fatem enjoys reading and crocheting.

Marissa Le’Levier plans to go to a university and pursue becoming a neonatologist. In her free time she enjoys playing softball and golf, drawing and hanging out with friends.

Aiden Pinuelas has a goal of majoring in history and becoming a professor. He loves playing board games, and has collected over 150 of them. His hobbies include reading, playing the piano and violin and drawing.

Monday - 3

Dress Like Adam Sandler Day
Senior Sunrise
Early Release @ 12:15p

Volleyball @ Westpoint @ 4/5/6p

Tuesday - 4
Dress Like an Old Person or Baby Day 
University of Advancing Technology in 2201 during SW

Powder Puff & Car Bash @ 6p

Wednesday - 5
Dress as your type, significant other or who you love

Post Secondary Campaign in Lecture Hall 
Boys & Girls Golf - District Cup
Volleyball @ Cesar Chavez @ 4/5/6p

Cross Country @ Paradise Honors @ 2p
FR/SO Football vs. Pinnacle @ 6pm

Thursday -- 6

Dress as a Jock or Nerd Day 
GCU Field Trip
Cottey College in 2201 during SW

Badminton @ Maryvale @ 4p
JV Football @ Pinnacle @ 6p

Friday - 7
Wear Your Class Colors   Freshmen: White, Sophomores: Grey, Juniors: Purple, Seniors: Black

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 09/28/2022

DYSART SCHOOLS – Valley Vista High School student, Sabrina Lara, has earned the National Hispanic Recognition Award from the College Board National Recognition Programs for excelling in College Board assessments and school work. Sabrina, who is a senior this year, received the academic award, which honors Hispanic American students who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more Advanced Placement Exams. 

Sabrina Lara is a senior in the top one percent of her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), and is the president of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) campus club. After graduation, she aspires to attend a university in California and major in business management, attend culinary school and become a pastry chef. Sabrina enjoys giving back to the community through volunteering when she has time. Her love for baking has even inspired her to create a social media account to share her creations. 

The College Board National Recognition Program grants underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process.    

“We want to honor the hard work of these students through the College Board National Recognition Programs. This program creates a way for colleges and scholarship programs to connect directly with underrepresented students who they are hoping to reach,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of BigFuture. “We hope the award winners and their families celebrate this prestigious honor and it helps them plan for their big future.”

Reserve your spot at Saturday School HERE.

Monday - 26

Early Release @ 12:15

Stormcoming Ticket Sales Begin

Girls Golf @ Sun City South GC

Powder Puff Practice @ 6:30p

Tuesday - 27

Badminton @ Alhambra @ 3:30p

Boys Golf @ Peoria Pines @ 3p

Volleyball vs. Shadow Ridge @ 4/5/6p

Cross Country @ VVHS @ 4pm

Wednesday - 28

JOSTENS Senior Presentation in The Vista during SW

Site Council Meeting @ 7a

Badminton vs. Cesar Chavez @ 4p

Girls Golf @ Pebblebrook GC @ 3p

FR/SO Football vs. Willow Canton @ 6p

Thursday - 29

NAU Field Trip

Unified Badminton Tournament @ VVHS

Powder Puff Practice @ 6:30p

Boys Golf @ Aguila GC @ 3p

Girls Golf @ Ridge Open

Swim & Dive @ Cactus High School @ 5:30p

Volleyball vs. Maricopa @ 4/5/6p

JV Football @ Willow Canyon @ 6p

Friday - 30

Storming the Halls during SW

End of Quarter 1

Cross Country @ Desert Twilight

Girls Golf @ Ridge Open

Varsity Football vs. Willow Canyon @ 7pm

Saturday - October 1

Saturday School in The Commons from 8-10am

Stormcoming Decorating School Wide

Swim & Dive @ West Valley Invite

To order you students School Portraits and have FREE shipping to home, click the link below
VALLEY VISTA SCHOOL PORTRAITS
(Retake Day is September 12th)

Monday -- 12

Picture Retake - 9:30a - 11:30a LH Lobby 

StuCo Stormcoming Royalty Nominations

Fine Arts Classroom Walk 

Early Release @ 12:15p

Badminton vs. O'Connor @ 4p

Volleyball at Boulder Creek 4, 5, 6p

Girls Golf @ Pebble Creek 3p

Tuesday -- 13

Dysart Student Leadership Mtg @ 10:30a

StuCo Stormcoming Royalty Nominations

Boys Golf @ Pebble Brook 3p

Wednesday --14

Parent Breakfast w/ the Counselors -- 7:30a

Powder Puff Tryouts

StuCo Stormcoming Royalty Nominations

Girls Golf @ Peoria Pines 3p

F Football @ North 6p

Cross Country @ Alhambra 4p

Thursday -- 15

Rio Salado Dual Enrollment Workshop Room 2101
Badminton vs. Shadow Ridge -- 4p

Swim @ Boulder Creek -- 4p

IC Meeting 2:30p

Friday -- 15

Constitution Day
University of Arizona Rep Visit during SW

V Football @ North 7p

District Badminton Tourney 11a

Saturday -- 16

Color Guard Spin Clinic 9a- 5p

Saturday School 8- 10a

Monday - 5th 

Labor Day - No School 

Tuesday - 6th

Boys Golf @ Sundance Golf Club @ 3pm
Girls Volleyball vs. Sunnyslope @ 4pm
FR/SO Football vs. Westview @ 6pm

Wednesday - 7th
Badminton @ Dobson @ 4pm
Cross Country @ Asante Park @ 4pm
Girls Golf @ Pebblebrook Golf Course @ 3pm
JV Football vs. Willow Canyon @ 6pm

Thursday - 8th 
Rio Salado & Huntington Univ on Campus
Badminton vs. Boulder Creek (V Only) @ 4pm

Boys Golf @ Willow Creek Golf Course
Girls Volleyball vs. Mountain Ridge @ 4pm

Varsity Football vs. Westview @ 7pm

Friday - 9th
Boys Golf @ Willowcreek Golf Course
Girls Volleyball @ VVHS - White Tank Invitational 

Saturday - 10th 
Saturday School from 8-10am in the Student Commons
Girls Volleyball @ VVHS - White Tank Invitational 

Swim & Dive @ Chandler HS @ 7am

Cross Country @ Fountain Hills HS

Monday - 29
Early Release @ 12:15p
Girls Golf @ Arizona Traditions @ 3p

Tuesday - 30

Badminton @ Westwood @ 4p
Boys Golf @ Blackstone CC @ 3p
Volleyball vs Perry @ 4p

Wednesday - 31
Girls Golf @ Coldwater Creek GC @ 3p
Volleyball vs. Corona del Sol @ 4p
FR/SO Football vs. Mountain Pointe @ 6p

Thursday - Sept 1
Badminton @ Mountain Ridge @ 3:30p
Volleyball @ Liberty @ 4p
JV Football @ Mountain Pointe @ 6p

Instructional Cabinet @ 2:30p
Swim Meet @ Surprise Pool

Friday - 2

StuCo First Friday
University of Oregon in 2101 during SW

Varsity Football vs. Mountain Pointe @ 7p

Saturday - 3

Order your school portraits

Valley Vista Fall Portraits

Early Release @ 12:15p
District PD 1-3pm
Art Show in The Vista Lobby

Tuesday - 23
Seniors in The Vista 7:15-10:45am
Senior Panoramic Picture in the Gym @ 9am
Horizon Testing for grades 9-11
Badminton @ Liberty @ 4pm
Boys Golf @ Coldwater Golf Club @ 3pm

Wednesday - 24
Girls Golf @ Pebblebrook Golf Club @ 3pm
Varsity Football Scrimmage @ Liberty @ 6pm

Thursday - 25
Grand Canyon University in the Lecture Hall during SW
Dysart Board Meeting @ 6pm

Friday - 26

Saturday - 27

Badminton @ Greenway Invitational @ 8am
Surprise PD Training 

Erika Adelman, Valley Vista High School Arts Teacher, was named one of three finalists for the 2022 Tancer Arts in Education Award.  The Tancer award recognizes Arizona teachers dedicated to sharing a love of the arts with their students.

Adelman has been an arts teacher in Arizona for more than 25 years, including 16 at Dysart Schools teaching at Canyon Ridge School and in her current role at Valley Vista High School.  She serves as a mentor to new art teachers, team lead, writes arts curriculum, and is serving as the district art lead at the high school level for this school year.

Adelman builds strong bonds with her students and encourages many to participate in art mentorships, community programs, and local competitions to feature their art outside of the classroom.  She collaborates with Advanced Placement teachers from around the state and recently became an Advanced Placement (AP) Reader for the National College Board AP Studio Art program in order to better prepare and score her students for the rigorous AP exam.

The award received its name in memory of Robert "Bob" Tancer, local art advocate extraordinaire, who passed away in March 2020. Bob was an active member of the Act One Board, believing in the organization's mission and working on the committee to expand the educational depth of the field trip experience.  Bob saw the tremendous role the teacher played in making the experience rich and educationally rewarding.

Act One is a nonprofit founded in 2011 to provide children in Title 1 schools in Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties with the opportunity to experience arts performances and exhibitions through field trips to professional theaters and museums. Act One provides meaningful arts experiences that enhance the academic and creative potential of children and families in Arizona. For more information on Act One, visit www.act1az.org.

Monday - 15

Early Release @ 12:15p
11th Grade - Chalk Talk Training/PLC

Cheer Tryouts Begin 

Tuesday - 16

Senior Presentation: Last Names A - GOO during SW in The Vista
Boys Golf vs Shadow Ridge @ Pebblebrook GC @ 3p

Wednesday - 17

Senior Presentation: Last Names GOP - PEF during SW in The Vista

Dual Enrollment Assistance w/ Rio Salado in 1101 all day

Thursday - 18

Senior Presentation:  Last Names PEG - Z during SW in The Vista 

Volleyball Scrimmage @ Perry HS @ 4p
Instructional Cabinet @ 2:30p

Parent Support Organization Workshop @ 5:30p

Friday - 19

Junior Presentation during SW in The Vista

Football Parent Meeting and Scrimmage @ 5p

Sat - 20 & Sun 21

Color Guard Clinic @ 9:30a

Valley Vista is excited to welcome you to the 2022 - 2023 school year.  Please join us Tuesday, August 2 from 5:30pm - 7:OOpm, for our Open House.  Students, families and stakeholders will have the opportunity to meet teachers, tour the campus and check out student clubs and activities.  Valley has something for everyone!

22 23 Welcome Back Letter 

22 23 Parking Pass Information 

22 23 Bell Schedule 

Ashlynn Luzier, a recent graduate from Valley Vista High School won first place in the state InvestWrite competition. InvestWrite is an extension of the Stock Market Game that students participated in during Economics class over the course of twelve weeks each semester.     

Students invested a hypothetical $100,000 into the stock market to try and make the most money possible. After competing in the game, students had a chance to reflect on what they learned from the game and apply it to an essay prompt: taking what you learned from the stock market game, how would you invest 100,000 dollars to cause the most growth over the next 30 years?    

Ashlynn invested in Blue Chip stocks such as Amazon, Apple and Microsoft and then put money into a US Treasury Bond and then a mutual fund.     

“I would like to apply what I have learned by doing my own personal investing,” shared Ashlynn in her essay submission. “Investing this money would help me pay for things such as my books and on-campus living expenses at college next year. It will also help me to build healthy financial habits and prepare for my future.”   

Ashlynn will go on to represent Arizona in the national competition.   

InvestWrite is a program of the SIFMA Foundation offered exclusively to teachers and students participating in The Stock Market Game and builds a bridge between classroom learning and the real world.    

The SIFMA Foundation is dedicated to fostering knowledge and understanding of the financial markets for individuals of all backgrounds. Drawing on the support and expertise of the financial industry, the SIFMA Foundation provides financial education programs and tools that strengthen economic opportunity across communities and increase individuals’ awareness of and access to the benefits of the global marketplace.

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 Open House will be on August 2 from 5:30-7:00pm. Freshman Orientation will be August 2 beginning at 7:15am. 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. 

Valley Vista High School alumna Mikela Cooper has been invited to attend tryouts for the Greek U18 National Basketball Team, beginning on July 4. Cooper graduated from Valley Vista High School last month, and played varsity for the school’s five-time state championship girls basketball team for the last four years. 

“Playing for the Greek National Team has been a childhood dream,” said Cooper. “I always wanted to represent Greece on a national level… I’m extremely honored and grateful to be considered and given an opportunity to try out for the U18 National Team.” 

 ooper has strong roots in Greece, and her family actually lived in Chalkida, Greece for a brief time to assist her grandfather who was experiencing health issues. While there, she played club basketball and met some coaches from the Greek Basketball Federation. Since returning to the U.S. in 2018, Mikela has kept in touch with them and they have provided her continued feedback and guidance on her development as a basketball player.   

Cooper played power forward and shooting guard for Valley Vista High School, which was recently named the 2022 Arizona Republic Girls Team of the Year. In 21-22 she was selected for the 6A All Conference 1st Team. In her senior year, she averaged 13.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. In December 2021 Cooper committed to play women’s basketball at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts.

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.

It was a busy season for Career and Technical Education (CTE)  students throughout the district who competed at state and international level in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and SkillsUSA state conferences, and the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) International Career Development Conference.

The FCCLA State Leadership Conference was held on March 28-30, 2022 in Tucson, Arizona.  The competition allows students to compete in over 30 different events, meet the current State Executive Council and State Officer Candidates, qualify for the National Leadership Conference in San Diego, and network with members across Arizona.  

Valley Vista High School students received the following recognitions: Olivia Black earned a gold medal and a perfect score in Chicken Fabrication, Megan Gatz and Sierra Painter both won silver in Culinary Arts, and Joselyn Villegas won bronze in Food Innovations.

FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life - planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision making, and interpersonal communication - all necessary within the home and workplace. FCCLA is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members.

The FBLA State Leadership conference was held on April 4-6 in Tucson, Arizona. The event gives students the opportunity to advance to the national conference, compete in a variety of competitions, participate in workshops, and run for state office for FBLA. 

Dysart High School students Jared Wilson, Ryan Maisano, Bryan Naiuli, Damien Cordero, and Devonte Reed placed in the top five for Parliamentary Procedures. Valley High School students Lilly Smith and Raven Cardosi placed second in 3D Animation.

FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.

Students from all four district high schools competed in the SkillsUSA State Competition hosted April 19-20, 2022 in Phoenix.  This event is the premier showcase for Arizona’s trade, technology and service high school and college students. This annual championship features over 75 skills and leadership competitions that determine who will represent Arizona at the national SkillsUSA Championships.  

Gage Fuentes from Dysart High School earned the Silver medal in Auto Tech Basic.  Several students from Shadow Ridge High School earned medals including Jordyn Jones who earned a gold medal in T-Shirt Design and a Silver medal in Advertising Design.  Alysa Horton received a gold medal for Stage Coach Interview Skills.  Zachary Hampton and  Joseph Holm earned second Place Web Development & Design.  Jacob Bacome and Brian Bucsi won gold in 3D Visualization, and Tyler Winter and Tyler Cain won a bronze medal in Additive Manufacturing.  Willow Canyon High School students Allison Kotzbauer, Eli Hernandez, and Morgan West won gold in Career Pathways Showcase: Arts and Communication and the club was named a gold Chapter of Excellence.

SkillsUSA is a Career and Technical Education partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development by building and reinforcing self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. A nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle-school, high-school and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service (including health) occupations.

Students from Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, and Willow Canyon High School competed in the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) on April 23-26 in Atlanta, Georgia.  The event allows students to compete with more than 10,000 DECA students from across the country.  Students participated in the Emerging Leaders Series in order to attain 21st Century Skills in the areas of collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity.  Students also network with hundreds of representatives in the college and career exhibits as they plan for their future.

Shadow Ridge High School student Jamie Springer was a top ten finalist in Project Management Community Awareness event, and Noah Axelson, Lily McDaniel, Kloey Garcia earned 6th place in the Virtual Business Restaurant. 

Irene Silva, Bethanie Lopez-Draeger and Servando Lopez from Dysart High School won a gold medal in the Small Business Enterprise Food Operations Competition.  Dysart High students Lorenzo Roman and Dawn Jones took fourth place in the Business Law and Ethics Competition. 

DECA is a premier student organization that supports the development of marketing and management skills in career areas such as hospitality, finance, sales and service, business administration, and entrepreneurship.  DECA is one of the many Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities offered to prepare students for the academic and vocational skills necessary to successfully enter the workforce. Learn more at dysart.org/cte.

Christie Zhang and Eliseo Miguel from Valley Vista High School were selected for their original works of art featured in the Shemer Arts Center New Horizons High School Student Art Exhibition. Students from 28 schools across the state were chosen to have their work on display and several received scholarships for their exceptional artistic work. 

Christie Zhang received the Linton-Barnhill Award and the Shemer Art Center and Museum Association Award for her piece titled, “Eyes of a Cat”. Christie was inspired by a variety of different animal’s eyes and she utilized colored pencils to capture the vibrancy of the cat.  Christie has been drawing and painting since she was little and is currently enrolled in Advanced Placement Art and Design class at Valley Vista High School.

Eliseo Miguel was honored with the Phoenix Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America Award and the Ted Decker Award for his emotive piece titled, “Claustrophobia!”.  Eliseo created the piece as part of a recent project in his Drawing 3-4 art class at Valley Vista High School where they were given the task to create an expressive or phobia-themed composition. He combined the two options and wanted to demonstrate the difficult times we are currently living in.

The students were selected for their excellent skills and artistic styles.  The virtual art show can be viewed via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gnXmq0K4mU. Additionally, the exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. through February 18, 2021 located at the Shemer Art Center, 5005 East Camelback Road in Phoenix, Arizona 85018.

The Valley Vista High School Pom Line recently attended the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Home Pom Camp on July 24-26. The UDA Home Camp provides teams with a one-on-one opportunity for developing new skills, working on techniques, and team building, all at their home campuses. Home Camp also offers a competitive aspect where individuals have the opportunity to be named All-American and qualify for nationals. 

The team has been working hard, despite the current circumstances, to overcome challenges and rise to the occasion in an effort to make this camp a possibility. As a result, the team received 45 Superior Ribbons for routine evaluations, and a Superior Trophy for their performance routine, which earned them a bid to UDA Nationals taking place in Florida next year. Additionally, several students received individual recognition including Brooke Coykendall being named a Drill Down Queen, and seniors Ashtyn Frye, Amanda Goroail, Gabriella Lugo, Madelyn Pritchard, Katelynn Novak, and Karen Lelo de Larrea Gonzalez being named UDA All-American. As an All-American, the athletes are invited to perform at special events across the country, and world. 

The Valley Vista Pom Line’s final performance at the camp was also the first Dysart live streamed performance as part of the new Dysart Student Broadcasting Live program. Dysart Student Broadcasting Live is a student run and produced broadcasting program where students work to livestream various events comprising Dysart’s “3 A’s” ...Academics, Arts, and Athletics. The program is open to 9-12 grade students at each of Dysart’s four high schools.

It was a warm, late August evening in Surprise and the first game of the season for the Valley Vista Monsoon.  They were battling the Warriors from Westwood in the first game of the 2019 season. The Monsoon started out fast with a 24-6 lead at halftime.  They didn’t let up in the 3rd quarter, adding two touchdowns and safety to stretch their lead to 40-12. With under a minute left in the 3rd quarter, the Monsoon tacked on another rushing touchdown.  With a commanding 46-12 lead, the second string kicker was put into the game to attempt the extra point. That might not seem like much of an occasion on any other night, but for this game it was groundbreaking.  The kicker’s name was Sara Lowry. She jogged onto the field sporting the number 99 jersey her older brother wore when he was on the team.  

“When Coach Sekoch put me in, I was really excited,” Sara said.  “I didn’t feel like I was going to miss. It was nice and high, a little to the right.  Everyone went crazy.”

With that extra point kick, soccer star Sara Lowry became the first girl in Valley Vista Monsoon history to score a point on the varsity football team. 

“It’s pretty cool,” she said with a slight grin on her face.  “I feel accomplished doing it, but I didn’t do anything impossible.  It’s cool to be the first though.”

The story of how Sara made the varsity football team is one that is all too common in high school.  Head Varsity Coach Joshua Sekoch went to the soccer coach looking for a kicker. That position is hard to fill at the high school level.  The Monsoon’s previous kicker graduated, and they needed someone with a good leg.  

“Like two weeks later the soccer coach sent me a video of Sara kicking,” said Sekoch.  “She was kicking 30 yard field goals. He asked if that was ok, and I said absolutely, the best kicker will make the team.”

“I never thought I would play football,” Sara exclaimed.  “Like if you asked me, even a few months before it all happened, I would have said no way!"

After settling in and realizing that she could kick a football, Sara tried out and made the team.  That isn’t uncommon anymore though. She might be the first to score a point for the Monsoon, but she isn’t the first girl to score a point in the district.  As far as an analysis of records can show, that honor goes to Desiree Justus, another soccer player who participated as a kicker from 2011-2013 at Willow Canyon High School.  Desiree once kicked seven extra points in one game, and has 37 points through extra points throughout her career. 

Sara isn’t even the only girl on the Monsoon team this year.  In fact there are three girls. Vanezza Valdez is a kickoff specialist and Mackenzie Goodrich isa wide receiver.  All three girls also play soccer.

“A lot of people say I have a good foot because of soccer,” said Valdez.  “They said I should be a football kicker. And I was like, sure!”  

“We always dress multi-sport athletes,” said Head Coach Joshua Sekoch.  “We just never thought we’d have girls from the soccer team on the football team.”

All three girls are seniors, but it’s Mackenzie who has been playing since she was a freshman.  

“I started playing my 7th and 8th grade year in flag football,” she said.  “And when it came to high school my dad told me, no. So I kind of took it on as a challenge, like, yes I can.”    

Mackenzie came into the high school spring weightlifting session as an 8th grader.  The coaches knew immediately that she was serious about it. She showed up all summer and went through everything in preseason just like all the other freshman did.  

“I remember the freshman coach telling me, she’s going to make it,” said Sekoch.  “She’s going to be out there and doesn’t want to be treated any different. Mackenzie didn’t back down, she’s never quit.  She doesn’t hesitate at all. She’s earned her spot on the team.”

Mackenzie began by playing defensive line.  During a big game against Willow Canyon High School that year, she started the game and forced two back-to-back fumble recoveries.  She converted to a wide receiver this year and caught a first down pass. While each of the girls are second or third string players, Sekoch takes offense with anyone who says they didn’t earn their spots on the team.

“They are three really good athletes,” said Sekoch.  “They’re not just here to be on the team. They are some of the top soccer girls in our school.  It’s different than someone just wanting to be part of it. They can do everything. They aren’t out of place.  The coaches say it all the time, those girls are athletic.” 

That mentality has permeated down to the male players, who all three girls say don’t treat them any different because of their gender.

“It’s not weird,” said Sara.  “It’s not like the boys treat us any different.  We’re the dudes now.”  

“When the guys see them come out and work and grind every day just like they do and commit to being here, then you’re accepted,” said Sekoch.

Despite wanting to be treated and looked at the same as the boys, all three girls realize that they’re a role model to younger girls, who even come up asking to take pictures with them.

“I’ve been told no for the last 6 years, and here I am,” said Mackenzie.

Lowry agrees.  

“I don’t think anyone should let their gender hold them back from doing what they want to do,” said Sara.  “It doesn’t really matter what other people are going to tell you, you know what you can do, so just do it.”  

Valley Vista High School dance teacher, Amy Crow has recently been selected by the Arizona Department of Education to participate in the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards Model Cornerstone Assessment. The state of Arizona is one of only three states selected to participate in this program. 

The National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS) is a national coalition seeking to develop new model cornerstone assessments in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. Ms. Crow will have the opportunity to work on and cultivate new arts standards for high school dance education, and contribute to the growth of arts education in the United States. In addition to developing a new model cornerstone assessment, Ms. Crow will be required to meet regularly with a cohort specific to dance education, and will be responsible for leading students in the assessment, as well as reflecting and reporting on the outcomes and student progress. 

The National Coalition for Core Arts Standards is a partnership of organizations and states leading the development of new core arts standards in the United States. The standards developed demonstrate what students should know and be able to do as a result of a quality curricular arts education program. 

Ashtyn Frye, Valley Vista High School Pom Line and Dance Company member was selected to participate in the guiDANCE mentorship program. The guiDANCE opportunity is an inspiring mentorship program created and directed by Mary Anne Fernandez Herding, which connects young artists with working dance professionals.

The guiDANCE mentorship program offers a unique opportunity for dance students in their junior or senior year, that are considering a career in dance to connect with a dance mentor. Ashtyn will be able to ask questions one-on-one with a professional dancer, experience a master class, attend a performance, and build a relationship with the dance community. “We are excited to propel her love of dance into the future where she can begin to think about a career or college experience in dance,” said Amy Crow, Valley Vista Dance Teacher.

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For the 2019-2020 season, Ashtyn’s mentor will be Jessica Starr, creative director of MusEFFECT, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising social awareness through performance art.  Valley Vista High School participates in the National Dance Education Organization and the state affiliate, Arizona Dance Education Organization(AzDEO). AzDEO partners with Movement Source Dance Company to bring the mentorship program to high school students.

Photo: Ashtyn Frye, Top Left.