Volume 21, Issue 5

From Principal Mrs. Christine Barela... Hello Thunder Family, Thank you for another amazing year at Desert Vista High School! It has been such an honor, privilege and blessing to serve as your principal this school year, and I can’t thank all of you enough for the support and respect you’ve given me during my first year as principal. My heart, like yours, is for our students to reach their highest levels of learning and for our staff

to provide the tools our young people need to prepare them for their future. This task is tak-en very seriously by all staff members at Desert Vista and we work tirelessly to plan, pre-pare, deliver, reflect and collaborate in order to do all that we can to serve our students. Our teaching staff continues to work on our goals of Professional Learning Communities, Learning Targets and implementing College and Career Ready Standards. Next year, we will maintain our focus on analyzing daily learning, self reflection and continuous improve-ment in teaching and learning. We will intentionally give our attention to educating students on how to implement the productive and meaningful feedback that our teachers provide them to enhance and improve their knowledge. We will work with students to assist them in setting goals to make learning more significant and personal for each individual student. In future letters, I will share more information on how you can partner with us to support your child at home in order to make learning more meaningful and purposeful for your child. Many schol-arships are based upon student grades, but if our students do not learn, we have missed the mark. I would like to extend a warm welcome to the families of the Class of 2019 and to those who are transferring to Desert Vista. We are committed to providing a successful transition to our school and look forward to seeing our freshman and new families on Friday, July 31st, for ‘Thunder Day’. More details are within the pages of this newsletter. The Desert Vista Campus will be busy with a variety of terrific activities from academics, to extra-curricular, to preparing for high school for elementary up to high school level students beginning Wednesday, May 27th, through Thursday, July 2nd. We believe in fostering the love for learning in all of our students and look forward to such an experience this summer. In continuing with ‘Excellence Through Performance’, I ask that you encourage your child to participate in activities that keep both the brain and body active and involved over the sum-mer. Physical health, including good diet and exercise, plays an important role in our ability to learn and manage the stress that comes along with being a teenager, and in our overall mental well being. It can be as simple as a daily walk, hike, swimming, tennis or golf lessons.

I also ask that you take some time to have thought provoking and stimulating discussions with your child about the world around them while on vacation or in a more formal setting of learning, such as academic camps or schools. Wherever the summer finds you, keeping the brain and body engaged and involved will enhance learning when school begins in August. I look forward to continuing to serve the Desert Vista community with passion and commit-ment. Have a wonderful and safe summer! Go Thunder! Christine Barela, Principal

Desert Vista Storm Report

Summer 2015

Tempe Union High School Dis t r ic t

ACT/SAT/PSAT

Testing

2-3

Summer Office

Hours

4

Registrar’s Office 6

Bell Schedule 6

Schedule Changes 7

Parent Info.

Session

8

First Day for Fresh-

men

9

Book Distribution 10

Bookstore Pay Slip 11

Course Fee

Schedule

12

Activity Fees 13

Rio/Dual

Enrollment

14

Attendance 16

Open House 17

Activities Office 18

Athletic Office 22

Counseling Office 26

English and Math

Summer Work

28

Inside this issue:

16440 S. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85048 Phone 480-706-7900

Page 2 Desert Vista Storm Report

In-State College Applications Seniors planning to apply to ASU, NAU or U of A should submit their applications by the beginning of October. The universities will review applications for admittance and forward scholarship offers starting in October. The application process requires the following documentation: 1. On-line application available at: • www.asu.edu • www.arizona.edu • www.nau.edu 2. High school transcript, sent electronically through Parchment.com. Students are to register through Parchment.com. 3. SAT/ACT scores sent directly from the testing source. Students choose which schools to send the scores to at the time of registration for the test, otherwise they will need to contact College Board or ACT to request that the scores be sent. Desert Vista’s school code is: 030328 4. Rio transcript: sent directly from www.maricopa.edu

College Application and SAT/ACT Information

Redesigned SAT …… Class of 2017 and Beyond

Students taking the SAT in the spring of 2016 will experience a new test. The updated SAT will also be reflected in the National Merit Qualifying PSAT starting the fall of 2015. We recommend that take the PSAT in October of their sophomore year, to best prepare for the junior year PSAT and SAT exams. For more information and test practice for the redesigned SAT please visit the website: www.deliveringopportunity.com SAT is committed to providing up-to-date test prep opportunities for free through a partnership with Khan Academy.

Canvas - Summer Enrichment The DV counselors have uploaded College and Career Readiness summer activities for students in the graduating classes of 2016, 2017 & 2018 to access through their Canvas Guidance class. The summer activities module in Canvas has been designed to give each grade level a jump start on the fall in the are-as of:

1. Career Planning

2. College Exploration

3. Test Prep

4. Resume Building

**Remember the Canvas Guidance classes are ONLY accessible through the student Canvas login, not parent login.

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 3

Anticipated SAT and SAT Subject Test Dates 2015—2016

SAT and SAT Subject test dates for the 2015-16 school year have not yet been finalized and published. Please check the CollegeBoard web site periodically if you need this information. The link to the web site is: http://sat.collegeboard.com/home

ACT Test Dates 2015—2016 Please refer to www.ACT.org for more information.

Test Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required)

September 12, 2015 August 7, 2015 August 8–21, 2015

October 24, 2015 September 18, 2015 September 19–October 2, 2015

December 12, 2015 November 6, 2015 November 7–20, 2015

February 6, 2016* January 8, 2016 January 9–15, 2016

April 9, 2016 March 4, 2016 March 5–18, 2016

June 11, 2016** May 6, 2016 May 7–20, 2016

SAT Test Date Regular Registration Deadline SAT Tests Given

October 3, 2015 September 4, 2015 SAT Reasoning Test and Subject

November 7, 2015 October 8, 2015 SAT Reasoning Test and Subject

December 5, 2015 November 6, 2015 SAT Reasoning Test and Subject

January 23, 2016 December 28, 2015 SAT Reasoning Test and Subject

March 5, 2016 February 4, 2016 SAT Test Only

May 7, 2016 April 8, 2016 SAT Reasoning Test and Subject

June 4, 2016 May 6, 2016 SAT Reasoning Test and Subject

Page 4 Desert Vista Storm Report

2015 Summer Office Hours at Desert Vista

Summer office hours at DV are the same as during the school year, as listed below:

Monday …………………………. 7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday …………………………. 7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday ……………………….7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday ………………………… 7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday .. ………………………….. 7:30 am-4:00 pm

The office will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2015 in observance of Memorial Day and on Friday, July

3rd, 2015 in observance of 4th of July.

The entire campus, including the Office, will be closed from Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 17,

2015-16 School Calendar (Semester One)

July 31 Friday First day of school for freshmen

August 3 Monday First day of school for all other students

September 7 Monday Labor Day Holiday

October 2 Friday End of first quarter

October 5-9 Monday-Friday Fall Break

October 12 Monday Start of second quarter

November 11 Wednesday Veterans’ Day Holiday

November 26-27 Thursday-Friday Thanksgiving Holiday

December 16-17 Wednesday-Thursday First Semester Exams

December 18 Friday No School -Teachers Only

December 21 Monday Beginning of Winter Holiday

Newsletter On Line Our Desert Vista newsletter is issued five times a year. To conserve on printing and mailing costs all issues are available on line at the school’s home page, and each time a new issue is completed, a link is mailed to all of the families on our email distribution list. We encourage you to keep up-to-date with all the im-portant school news and announcements by ensuring that the office has your current email address, and by checking the school’s home page on a regular basis.

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 5

Early Out Schedule and Professional Development Days

Regular school hours are from 8:20 am to 3:14 pm. There are 34 early out days for staff development activities; those dates are listed below. School hours on early out days will be from 8:20-2:12, and lunch will be served on those dates.

The early out days are:

There will also be two half days for Professional Development. Students are released at 12:15 pm on those dates, and lunch WILL NOT be served.

The 2015-16 half days are: September 23, 2015 February 10, 2016

Pest Control Schedule

Desert Vista has regularly scheduled PEST CONTROL services on the fourth Monday of each month at 6 a.m. Please note this date on your calendar if your student(s) have sensitivity to the chemicals.

Procedures for Student Identification Cards

Recognizing the importance of providing a safe and secure environment, Desert Vista staff and students will be required to wear their IDs on a lanyard during the school day starting on the first day of the 2015-2016 school year. Returning students will be provided their first lanyard and plastic ID protector free of charge at book distribution, and freshmen and all students new to DV will receive them when their IDs are made. Returning students who need replacement IDs will be able to purchase them for $5.00 through the Bookstore at any time. We thank you in ad-vance for assisting us in keeping our school safe.

August 5 August 12 August 19 August 26

September 2 September 9 September 16 September 30

October 14 October 21 October 28

November 4 November 18 November 25

December 2 December 9

January 6 January 13 January 20 January 27

February 3 February 10 February 17 February 24

March 2 May 4 March 16 May 11 March 23 March 30

April 6 April 13 April 20 April 27

Page 6

From the Registrar’s Office...Ms. Stacey Nielsen-White

Desert Vista Storm Report

Schedule Distribution

All students will receive a hard copy of their schedule during book distribution. This will be the only hard copy that your student will receive. Please have your student look up his or her schedule online Sunday, August 2nd to check for any changes on their schedule. If there have been any changes, the stu-dent should print the updated schedule and follow that schedule on Monday, August 3, 2015.

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 7

Schedule Changes At the time of registration last spring, courses were made and teachers were hired based on student course re- quests. Students and parents were informed that course changes would not be permitted. Therefore, the only schedule change requests that will be granted before school starts are: 1. If a course change is required to meet graduation/university entrance requirements in the senior year. 2. The course has already been completed (i.e. summer school or online courses). 3. The schedule does not reflect the course request, including the alternate selections. Please be aware that

some students were placed in their alternate selections either due to space available or schedule conflicts. If alternate were not provided by the student, alternates were chose for them.

Please be advised: We cannot change teachers or lunch periods. Seniors with both 6th and 7th period early release may, because of their selected classes, be required to stay

through 5th period. Students do not get to select the order of their classes—even if they have after school clubs or sports. All classes have seat maximums and minimums. Students cannot ask a teacher to “squeeze in just one

more” student. Courses taken in TUHSD Summer Academy will have already been removed from the students’ schedule

and replaced. First Day Procedures: Sunday evening print most updated schedule from StudentVue Follow the schedule as posted in StudentVue on Monday August 3rd. Go to counseling ONLY for the following priorities:

Missing class periods—holes in the schedules No lunch periods provided (4th and 5th hour) Add TA to schedule—get blue card for teacher and parent approval Classes have already been completed in summer school Seniors— schedule does not meet graduation requirements

All other schedule change requests: • Email schedule change requests to the student’s counselor no earlier than Monday, August 3rd at 4:00 pm • Counselors will work on schedule requests in order of request, submitted after 4:00 pm • Schedules will be changed based upon seat availability in all classes. All seat maximums and minimums will be honored. We are not able to honor the following requests: • Teacher changes • Lunch changes • Movement of classes to other class periods to accommodate work schedules, activities or sports. Please be advised that DV has experienced record enrollment numbers for the 2015-2016 school year. Class sizes have been maintained at levels consistent with previous years. However, most classes are currently at ca-pacity, not allowing for much class movement. We strive to serve our students providing a comprehensive and individualized educational experience. Many months of planning and preparation have allowed us to give your students the best schedule possible.

Page 8 Desert Vista Storm Report

Preparing for Success:

Thunder Parent Information Session

Join us on

Wednesday, June 10, 2015 6:30—7:30 pm

in the Dr. Joe McDonald

Auditorium

Deser t Vis ta Adminis t ra t ion wants to meet you and d iscuss. . .

Your role as a parent of DVHS student

Tools that will prepare you and your student for success at DVHS

Academic support programs for you and your students

Arizona College & Career Readiness Standards

PARCC Assessments

Dual credit opportunities

Students are welcome to attend also!

Come out and meet: Principal: Mrs. Christine Barela Assistant Principals: Ms. Stacey Nielsen-White– Academics Mr. TJ Snyder— Athletic Director Ms. Tomika Bethea– Activities

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 9

Friday, July 31 , 2015

8:20 am --12:20 pm

We’ve created a day especially for you based on the

five pillars of Rachel’s Challenge:

Club and Activities Fair 7:45—8:20 a.m.

1. Look for the best in others.

2. Dream big.

3. Choose positive influences.

4. Speak with kindness.

5. Start your own chain reaction.

Follow your schedule.

Meet your teachers.

Attend your first high school pep assembly.

Phone: 480-706-7900

Website: http://desertvista.schoolfusion.us/

T-Shirts to wear on Thunder Day

Class schedules to bring on

Thunder Day

Special bus schedule for Thunder

Day

PARENT

INFORMATION

SESSION

8:20 am

Navigating High School With

Your Student!

If your schedule does not per-

mit your attendance, a Power-

Point presentation will be post-

ed on http://desertvista.schoolfusion.us/

CLASS OF 2019

Welcome to Thunder Day!

Summer Book

Distribution will

provide:

Page 10 Desert Vista Storm Report

1. Put it on your calendar so when you are planning your summer vacation we are included!

Pick up order is by last name. Please come on your designated day.

July 21 A-C 7:30am-2:00pm

July 22 D-G 7:30am-2:00pm

July 23 H-L 7:30am-2:00pm

July 24 M-P 7:30am-2:00pm

July 27 Q-S 7:30am-2:00pm

July 28 T-Z 7:30am-2:00pm

July 29 OPEN 3:00pm-7:00pm (if you are unable to come on your designated day)

July 30 OPEN 3:00pm-7:00pm (if you are unable to come on your designated day)

July 31 Freshman Orientation – This is NOT a book distribution day

2. Please be sure your student’s fees from the previous school year are PAID IN FULL. This will save time at the register. If you are unsure, send your student by, or call the Bookstore 480-706-7935. Seniors MUST be clear in order to receive their diploma.

3. Seniors ONLY will turn their books into the Bookstore prior to graduation.

4. Under classmen will turn their books into their classroom teachers as they take finals. We will NOT be taking them in the Bookstore unless you are clearing for withdrawal.

5. PLEASE BE PATIENT, we will be working as fast as we can. Do not come if you are pressed for time. Plan on waiting one to two hours.

6. PROCESS

a. Start in cafeteria (where it is cool) to pick up your student’s UN-Official schedule

b. You will be released over to the Bookstore based on the number of families we have at our windows.

c. You will come to the Bookstore counter, where we will take any fees that may be due. Get your PE/Dance/Yoga uniform, pay any Sports activity fees, buy class shirts, etc..

d. We will be pulling your student’s text books while you are at the register, so you have a short, or no wait, when you get outside to the book pick up table.

e. Always check your book receipt against the book codes that you receive, to be sure all is correct before you leave.

f. If there are any issues (change in schedules, wrong books, etc.) we are happy to deal with those at your conven-ience.

g. EVERYONE NEEDS TO print their OFFICIAL schedule Sunday before the first day of school. EVERY Stu-dent MUST have it with them when they arrive Monday morning. Freshman should bring their Un-Official schedule to Freshman Orientation so they can walk their class route.

h. ALL students need to bring their OFFICIAL schedule with them on Monday morning, prior to going to their first class. Every class will be assigned a specific location to check in at before they go to their first class. Be sure you student is at school early.

i. If you have any questions, please give us a call prior!

The Bookstore now accepts Master Card, Visa, Discover

as well as cash, checks and debit cards.

Book Distribution

Avoid long lines. Pick up

your books before the first

day of class!

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 11

BOOK STORE PAY SLIP

Make checks payable to DVHS. Please include Student ID# and home phone number on the

check for identification.

Student ID#__________________

Extracurricular Fee: $ 1.00 (required) ____________

Course Fees: See current fees list (required) ____________

Activity Fee: ($50.00) See activity list for participation ____________

Debts: See debt list ____________

PE Uniform (top and bottom): $ 15.00 ____________

Advanced Weight Training Uniform (top and bottom):

$ 15.00 ____________

Dance Uniform: $ 15.00 ____________

Dance Capri: $ 15.00 ____________

Yearbook: $ 65.00 ____________

Web Assign On-line Access (Calculus students only):

$ 22.00 ____________

Athletic Passes - Good for all NON-AIA, Home athletic events

Athletic Passes: Student $ 40.00 ____________

Adult $ 75.00 ____________

Family $140.00 ____________

TOTAL: ____________

Please fill out pay slip ahead of time,

but do not total until fees are confirmed.

Thank you.

Book Store Pay Slip

Page 12

Course Fee Schedule

Desert Vista Storm Report

The fee program was implemented to cover the additional supply cost of particular curriculum areas. The following is a list of course fees to be paid when books are picked up. Refunds for course fees are only given during the first ten days of school if a student’s schedule has been changed.

Business

English

Family/Consumer Science

Fine Arts

BU12—Accounting 1-2 $ 15 BU13— Accounting 3-4 15 BU16—Business Law 10 BU19—Sports & Entertainment Marketing 15 BU22—Financial Planning 10 BU24—Honors Advanced Accounting 15 BU25—Marketing 1-2 25 BU26—Advanced Marketing 25 BU28—Business Internship 25 BU41—Desktop Publishing 10 BU42—Multimedia Technology 10 BU43—Advanced Multimedia Technology 15

EN87—Beginning TV Production $ 25 EN88—Advanced TV Production 25

H101—Culinary Arts 1 $ 20 H102—Culinary Arts 2 20 H103—Culinary Arts 3 25 H104—Culinary Arts 4 25 H117—Child Development I 15 H118—Child Development II 15 H121—Advanced Child Development 35

Art FA02—Art & Design $ 30 FA05—Ceramics 1-2 35 FA06—Ceramics 3-4 35 FA07—Ceramics 5-6 35 FA34—Ceramics 7-8 35 FA13—Drawing & Painting 5-6 35 FA23—Photography 1-2 40 FA24—Photography 3-4 50 FA25—Photography 5-6 50 FA33—Art History 15

Physical Education

Technical Education

H130—Intro to Technology $ 20 H151—Automotive Technology 1-2 30 H152—Automotive Technology 3-4 30 H154—Auto Mechanics 1-2 30 H155—Auto Mechanics 3-4 30 H165—ICE 30 H145—CISCO 20 H160—Computer Manufacturing 20 H164—Mechancial Engineering 30

PE13—Intermediate Dance $ 10 PE14 or FA90—Advanced Dance 10 PE19 or FA91—Dance Performance 10

Art, continued FA20—Intro to Computer Graphics $ 25 FA08—2-Dimensional Graphic Art 1-2 25

Drama FA40—Basic Drama $ 15 FA41—Production & Performance 15 FA38—Film Study 1 10 FA39—Film Study 2 10

Music FA86—Music Theory $ 15 FA75—Intermediate Band 30 FA76—Junior Varsity Band 30 FA77—Varsity Band 30 FA80—Percussion Class 30 FA61—Choir 1-2 30 FA62—Choir 3-4 30 FA63—Choir 5-6 30 FA64—Choir 7-8 30 FA68—Beginning Guitar 30 FA69—Intermediate Guitar 30 FA70—Advanced Guitar 30 FA78—Concert String Orchestra 30 FA79—Symphony Orchestra 30

Students who cannot afford these fees will be provided financial assistance. No student will be denied access to a course due to a lack of ability to pay. These course fees are subject to change in future years.

Volume 21, Issue 5

Activity Fees

Page 13

The activity fee is designed to cover the stipend for coaches and activity sponsors. Keep in mind that the fee is eligible for tax credit. A fee of $50.00 is charged for participation in the following activities:

BADMINTON DANCE NEWSPAPER TENNIS

BASEBALL DRAMA SOFTBALL TRACK

BAND/COLOR GUARD FOOTBALL SOCCER VOLLEYBALL

BASKETBALL STUDENT COUNCIL SPIRIT LINE/CHEER WRESTLING

CHESS TEAM GOLF SPECIAL OLYMPICS YEARBOOK

CHORAL GUITAR ENSEMBLE SPEECH & DEBATE ORCHESTRA

CROSS COUNTRY LITERARY MAGAZINE SWIMMING/DIVING PERCUSSION

Yearbooks

The 2015-2016 Storm Yearbooks are on sale for $65 through December 31, 2015, $75 through May 1, 2016, and $85 through the end of school at the bookstore. Purchases can also be made online at jostens.com Be certain to keep your receipt as proof of your purchase. Help create the story of our year by getting YOUR photos in the yearbook? Go to ReplayIt.com and log in to Desert Vista's site. ReplayIt takes the yearbook to a new level allowing our school community to share in the moments of the year. Need advertising information, questions about senior public displays of affection "Baby ads" or want to contribute photographs, stories and ideas to our Thunder Media Newsroom? Visit the Desert Vista homepage, click on the left-side drop-down menu for Thunder Media Information.

Desert Vista Childcare Now Enrolling for 2015-16

Desert Vista Early Learning Center is currently enrolling for 2015-2016 school year. Our program is available to children of teachers, staff, and com-munity members. Our goal at DV Early Learning Center is to create a positive and nurturing environment conducive to early learning for children ages 2.5-5 years old. Our staff assists every child in reaching his or her optimal development through hands-on experiences in every early-childhood domain. Our center offers Kindergarten prep to children ages 4-5. We're closed during the summer, but if you’re interested in registering for our dynamic program, please contact Jody Cadwell at jcadwell@tempeunion.org. Tours are available by appointment. You may also find more information and registration packets on DV’s website under the information tab.

Page 14 Desert Vista Storm Report

Desert Vista—Rio Salado Dual Enrollment 2015--2016

Dual enrollment courses allow high school students the ability to earn college credit and high school credit simultaneously. For more information about dual enrollment, eligibility, residency, prerequisites, and a list of courses offered at Desert Vista in 2015-2016, click on www.riosalado.edu/dual. List of participating schools link on the right for information regarding Desert Vista.

Dual enrollment teachers will provide registration information to their students when school resumes in August. Students will register for both fall and spring courses in September.

For tuition assistance please visit www.riosalado.edu/dual or call 480-517-8080.

Placement Testing:

Some courses require placement testing prior to registration. The Accuplacer test was provided at DV in April for students who will need it for fall enrollment in a Rio Salado class. Students who did not take the Accuplacer or did not have a high enough test score, please read below:

Students who did not take the Accuplacer tests at DV this spring will need to go to a Rio Testing Center over the summer. Go to: www.riosalado.edu/locations/Pages/testing.aspx for testing locations and hours. Students will need a picture ID to test.

First time dual enrollment math students take: College Math Accuplacer All students taking Advanced Composition take: Sentence Skills Accuplacer Incoming Sophomores (Class of 2016) take: Reading Accuplacer

Please ask for a print out of the student’s score. (Students will need to attach a copy of the score report to their registration in the fall.)

If you have any questions, please contact the Desert Vista Counseling Department and ask to speak with a Rio Counselor.

Apply now for Tuition Assistance for next year (2015-16). Start your college education by enrolling in dual enrollment classes that will grant you high school and college credit simultaneously.

Tuition Assistance is available for those that meet the eligibility requirements. Interested students need to complete the pre-approval process for the school year by submitting application paperwork now. Tuition Assistance is open starting March 23rd, 2015 through May 30th, 2015. Registration for actual classes will begin Fall 2015. For more details, visit our dual enrollment website at www.riosalado.edu/dual or visit the Counseling Office.

Volume 21, Issue 5

On Thursday, August 6, 2015, District Student Handbooks will be distributed to all students. This handbook must be taken home and shared with parents or guardians. Parents/guardians will need to sign where indicated and return the signature page with the student to the school. Please note that this page is where you will need to notate if you choose the military opt-out option for your student/s. We ask that you keep this book available as it contains many district-related policies and procedures that you may find informative throughout the year.

District Handbook

Page 15

JROTC Information

JROTC classes are held at Marcos de Niza High School. JROTC students should report to Desert Vista High School on Monday, August 3rd at 6:25 am to take the bus behind the school on Liberty Lane to Marcos de Niza for your JROTC class. Upper class cadets in uniform will assist you. JROTC class at Marcos de Niza is from 7:10 am to 7:45 am. You will be dismissed from JROTC at 7:45 am to take the bus back to the Desert Vista. Parents may drive their cadet to/from Marcos de Niza. All Cadets should report to the MdN Gym Annex. For questions CLICK HERE to visit our website or contact LTC

Patrick Stolze at 480-730-7685; or email pstolze@tuhsd.k12.az.us.

Cafeteria Information

For information on Cafeteria services for the 2015-16 school year please see the web site at https://www.tuhsd.k12.az.us/index.php. You will be able to create an account for your student(s) during book distribution and additional information will be available at that time.

Tax Credit Donation

A donation of $400 per couple or $200 per single parent may be made to the school. When utilizing a tax credit donation, please indicate the areas to re-ceive your funds (i.e. student, club, or activity). Individuals can use the tax credit program; businesses and corporations are not eligible. Please note that social security numbers are not required on the tax credit forms. CLICK HERE for the a link to the tax credit donation form.

VOICEMAIL MESSAGE SYSTEM

AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY

480-706-7906

Page 16 Desert Vista Storm Report

Only parents or legal guardians may call the attendance line.

Please call the Attendance Line and choose one of three options:

Option 1 If the student needs to leave campus early and receive an off campus pass, please leave the following information: the student’s name and student ID number, spelling the last name clearly; your name and relationship to the student; and the time and reason the student will be leaving campus. It is imperative you state that the student is allowed to drive or walk off campus, or who will be picking them up. Students are to sign out through the front office before leaving campus.

Option 2 To report an absence or late arrival for a freshman or sophomore student please leave the following information: the student’s name and ID number, spelling the last name clearly; the date(s) and reason for the absence; your name and relationship to the student; and a daytime phone number.

Option 3 To report an absence or late arrival for a junior or senior student please leave the following information: the student’s name and ID number, spelling the last name clearly; the date(s) and reason for the absence; your name and relationship to the student; and a daytime phone num-ber.

If you have questions regarding an attendance matter press 0.

*Excessive absences, (11 or more) excused or unexcused, may result in a loss of credit

per class, per semester. Eleven absences in four or more classes may result in the

student being withdrawn from school.

Desert Vista has implemented an automated calling system. If your child is marked absent in one or more classes, you will receive an automated phone call. If your child was absent, please call the appropriate attend-ance line option. If you think your child was marked absent in error, please have the student check with his/her teacher the following day.

Desert Vista is a closed campus. Do not call to request off campus passes for your children to leave for lunch. Students will not be released during their lunch hour unless picked up by parents or legal guardians. Please come in and sign the student out. Students are not to be picked up curbside.

Parents going out-of-town and leaving students in the care of a designated adult must provide the attend-ance office with a notarized statement with the caretaker’s name and telephone numbers.

Attendance Line

The administration and staff welcome you to Desert Vista High School. We feel that it is very important to get acquainted and work together for the benefit of the students.

The Open House will be held on Monday, August 17, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. Following a brief program, you will follow your son/daughter’s class schedule. During the 10-minute class period, each teacher will give you information regarding the goals and objectives of their course. Please call/email the teacher if you would like to discuss your child’s progress, as there is not enough time dur-ing the evening to do so. You will need a copy of your child’s schedule. Please, ask your child for a copy of one. The Administration Office will be open at 6:30 p.m. for those of you who may need help with class locations, maps, or schedules. Below is the format for the evening.

7:00 p.m. Gymnasium

7:20 p.m. Zero Hour

7:35 p.m. First Hour

7:50 p.m. Second Hour

8:05 p.m. Third Hour

8:20 p.m. Fourth/Fifth Hour

8:35 p.m. Sixth Hour

8:50 p.m. Seventh Hour

Open House

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 17

In our attempt to keep classroom interruptions to a minimum and student learning to

maximum, instruction time will not be interrupted except in emergency situations.

The front office staff will not be able to hold, take or deliver student items. However,

we do understand that a student may forget some items, therefore a parent/guardian

may wait in the front office until passing period whereby the front office staff will page

the student. The parent will then be able to hand the items to his or her child.

The Post Office will not forward school or district mail, so if you move, you need to provide the Attendance Department with your current SRP statement reflecting your new address. Thank you!

Change of Address 2015-16

Classroom Interruptions and Delivery of Student Items

Page 18 Desert Vista Storm Report

Always drop off and pick up students in the north parking lot off of Frye Road. Visitors, special needs students, and staff use the front parking lot off of 32nd Street.

All parents are encouraged to join one of the many booster clubs at Desert Vista. Booster Club infor-mation is available in the school newsletter or through the teacher sponsoring the club. Any questions concerning Booster Clubs can be answered by calling the Activities or Athletic Office. Check out http://dvhsthunderboard.org/ for information about Booster Club activities at DV. Parents are also encouraged to participate in the Site-Based Council. Meetings are advertised in our newsletter. The Site–Based Council meets the second Monday of each month.

Booster Clubs/Parent Involvement

Student Drop Off/Pick Up

Technology Use Agreement Every student must have a signed technology use agreement completed and on file. This form allows your son/daughter to use computers on our campus.

From the Activities Office...Ms. Tomika Bethea

Parent Hospitality Dessert Days

Each staff development day, many of our parents have donated snacks, fruit, desserts and such to be given to the teachers as they participate in professional development activities or work within their professional learning communities. We sincerely thank you! We are looking for parent(s) to volunteer to organize this experience for the coming school year. If you have any interest in serving in this capacity, please contact Tomika Bethea at tbethea@tempeunion.org. She will be able to explain exactly what is involved in this volunteer activity. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Freshmen Elections

All freshmen who wish to campaign for a class office must pick up a petition. Please listen for school announcements regarding the date, time, and location. Once petitions have been returned, there will be a meeting to explain campaign criteria. Campaign speeches will be video-taped and shown during student announcements.

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 19

A dress code at Desert Vista has been established to promote a positive school environment. We want to provide the freedom for students to express them-selves within the set of parameters listed below.

Attire or accessories which advertise, display and/or promote any drug, alcohol or tobacco, sexual activity, violence, disrespect and/or bigot-ry towards any group or person are not allowed.

Dress, jewelry and other accessories that present risk to the health, safety, and general welfare of the students, or which express obscenities, im-modestly expose the chest, abdomen, legs or buttocks are prohibited. (No BBBB—breasts, bellies, backs or butts). Tube tops, halter tops or dresses without over-the-shoulder straps are not acceptable forms of attire.

Low cut or see-through shirts, underwear worn as outerwear, tube tops, halter tops, tops that are low-cut are not permitted to be worn at school.

Pants must pulled to hip level and secured tight-ly to ensure that undergarments are not exposed and that pants are not dragging on the ground.

Cut-offs, muscle tee’s, spiked jewelry and/or

wallet chains are exam-ples of clothing, attire or accessories which are not permitted to be worn at school.

Shoes must be worn. House slippers or shoes with soles similar are deemed unsafe and not school appropriate.

Sunglasses and hats may not be worn in the classroom.

Pajamas are prohibited.

No bandanas or doo rags are allowed at school or school ac-tivities.

On campus, the faculty, staff and administration have the responsibil-ity to interpret and enforce this pol-icy. The administration retains the final discretion to determine that the garment or accessory meets the dress code. Dress code policies will be displayed on and around campus.

Dress Code

Applicants need to have a Driver's License or Graduated Instructional Permit prior to apply for a parking permit. Applicants are issued a parking permit at the time of purchase. The student church lot parking fee for the 2015-16 school year is $100. Please note that replacement permits are $40 and are issued per the approval of the Assistant Principal of Activities. Have a good summer and drive safely!

Student Parking Lot

School lot parking passes are SOLD OUT, we are still offering passes in the church lot. Applications are available by clicking HERE.

Dress Code

policies are

displayed around

our campus.

Church parking lot passes go on sale Tuesday, May 26, 2015 in the school bookstore.

Page 20 Desert Vista Storm Report

Phones will be available for par-ent pickup afterschool. If stu-dents do not follow school poli-cies, they will be considered to be insubordinate and appropriate discipline will result. Students are encouraged not to bring iPods, mp3 players, laser point-ers, headsets, cameras or video recorders, any game playing de-vice, or any personal electronic or digital music devices on campus. Lost or stolen cell phones or de-vices are the responsibility of the student. Bringing the item to school is at the students’ own risk for loss/theft.

In order to meet our goals, we have modified our school cell phone usage policy. We must minimize distractions if we are to maintain academic excellence. Cell phones will be prohibited during instruction time (unless directed by instructor) and “No Tech Zones”. No Tech Zones in-clude all restrooms, PE locker rooms, front office, and library (during instruction time). Phones may be used before school, passing periods, during lunch, and after school only. Stu-dents caught using their phones during those unauthorized peri-ods and zones will result in the phone being confiscated by staff or security personnel.

Desert Vista is not responsible for stolen or missing equipment and it is strongly encouraged that they not be brought to cam-pus.

Cell Phone Policy

Library/Media Center Hours

The Library will be open at 7:15 AM each day and close on regular school days at 4 pm. The facility will close shortly after the final bell on early release days. Usage during school hours will require a teacher-signed pass. No food or drink (with the exception of water) is allowed in the Library or the com-puter labs. The Library will be open during lunch time for students who need to work on school-related projects and assignments. Any other activi-ties such as playing games or socializing must take place in other designat-ed areas on campus that remain open during lunch time. We will continue to adhere to the fire code capacity, and as such, students will be advised that if they are not doing school-related work and/or we are at or nearly over capacity, they will be asked to leave the Library to make room for students who are waiting to enter to do school work. We thank everyone for their continued support and understanding.

Please contact Ms. Tomika Bethea if there are any questions about these policies.

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 21

Underclass Pictures August 26 & 27, 2015 Tukee Bowl October 2, 2015 Homecoming Assembly October 30th, 2015 Homecoming Football Game October 30th, 2015 Homecoming Dance October 31st, 2015 Prom April 16, 2016

Calendar of Events

The administration staff would like to share with parents and students some guidelines for dances at the school. Students must show a current Desert Vista identification card to be permitted into a dance. Stu-dents are not allowed to leave and re-enter a dance under any circumstances. Guests are permitted with proper paperwork and prior approval from the Activities Office. Guests must have a guest pass and pic-ture identification card to enter the dance. Guests cannot be in Middle School/Junior High School and must be under the age of 21. Students are limited to one guest. No suggestive or lewd dancing will be allowed. We will not allow behavior at dances that should be em-barrassing to students and their families. No lap dancing will be tolerated. Any students dancing inappro-priately will be asked to leave and will be banned from future dances. Purses, bags, clothing and vehicles can be searched for items you may not bring into a dance. Items such as drink containers, water bottles, or any item that may contain an illegal substance will not be allowed inside the gate. Students who arrive under the influence will be referred to the on-duty officer, parents will be notified, and they will be subject to a minimum ten-day off-campus suspension. They also may lose their privileges to attend future school dances. We want school dances to be fun and memorable; a positive experience for all students. Dances start at 8:00 pm and end promptly at 11:00 pm. If you are picking up your son or daughter, please pick them up at 11:00 pm.

School Dances

Bus schedules will be available at the time of book distribution and on the school’s web page.

Bus Schedules

Volume 21, Issue 5

Fall Sports

In order for a student to participate in a fall sport, the following essential paperwork must be completed and submitted to the Athletics Department. Forms are available by clicking on Athletics Department web site. 1) Two copies of the A.I.A .Pre-Physical/Physical forms, completed after March 1 of the prior school year. 2) A.I.A. Annual Participation Acknowledgment. 3) Two copies of the Emergency Consent/Acknowledgment Sheet- available on the Desert Vista Athletics

Webpage. This needs to be signed in front of school staff by parent/guardian, or notarized prior to sub-mitting to the Athletics Department.

4) BrainBook Course as required by the A.I.A. must be completed with a score of 80% or better in order to print the required certificate.

5) Complete Online Desert Vista Athletic Application, which is also available on the Desert Vista Athletics Webpage. 1) Original Birth Certificate or valid passport (will be copied) for incoming freshmen/new athletes. (No

copies will be accepted.) 2) Sports Risk Video Acknowledgement (acknowledge consent in the form required at item three.) 3) DVHS Athletics Handbook Acknowledgement (acknowledge viewing this on the consent form in item

three.) 4) Receipt for participation in each sport. $50.00 paid at the DV Bookstore, checks made payable to

DVHS. Participation fee is required prior to clearance.

At freshmen orientation, additional information will be given regarding participation in our athletic program. Football begins August 5th; Boys and girls Swim/Dive, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Girls Volleyball and Badminton, and Boys and Girls Golf start August 12th.

P.E. lockers are required for all P.E. students. Lockers are provided free of charge. Locks are also provided but must be returned at the end of the year or the student will be charged $8.00.

P.E. Lockers

P.E. Uniforms Students must dress out for physical education classes in order to participate. P.E. department personnel will establish a minimum standard of clothing to be worn for class which students may bring from home or purchase from the Bookstore. Uniforms are available for P.E. and Advanced Weight Training for $15.00 (or $8.00 for shorts or t-shirt individually) and include a set of Desert Vista shirt/shorts.

From the Athletics Office...Mr. T.J. Snyder

Page 22

Arizona Interscholastic Association Rules of Eligibility

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 23

Parent/Guardian Permission: Any Desert Vista student who wishes to compete in athletic contests with other schools must first comply with the stipulations listed above for Athletic Clearance. All information must be filled out, and signed by guardian/parents prior to clearance. Physical Examination: No student shall be eligible to represent his/her high school in any athletic contest if a physical examination form is not on file with the Athletic Director. The physical examination form must be signed by an M.D., D.O., N.P. or R.N. and include verification that, in the opinion of the examin-ing physician, the athlete is fully able to compete in athletic contests. The physical exam for 2015-16 school year must have taken place AFTER March 1st, 2015. Age Limit: If the athlete becomes 19 years of age after September 1 of the current school year, he/she is eligible to compete for the remainder of that school year. If the athlete becomes 19 years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year, he/she is not eligible for any part of that school year. A certified copy of the birth certificate shall be required of all contestants. Transfer Students: Contact Mr. Snyder regarding any questions at tsnyder@tempeunion.org. Scholarship (Student status on given campus): A student must have received a passing grade in the preced-ing nine-weeks of school in each of five or more subjects. Thereafter, the athlete must be enrolled in and passing a minimum of five (5) classes (not including study hall; only credit-earning classes can be counted as one of the five (5) classes for eligibility) throughout the time of eligibility. Exceptions: Students in their seventh or eighth semester of enrollment, meeting all graduation requirements must

be enrolled in a minimum of four (4) credit bearing classes. Students who have release for seminary will be able to participate as long as the student has the neces-

sary credit-bearing classes on campus. Absences: In cases where a student is out of school for a period of more than ten (10) consecutive days for reasons other than the disabling illness of the athlete or a member of his/her immediate family, the athlete shall be ineligible for the remainder of the semester. A student must attend 50% of school on game days or better in order to complete in that day’s activities. All absences must be excused. Competition: Students who participate on a team outside of their high school in the same sport/same season shall be barred from further interscholastic participation on the high school team. Eight Semester Rule: No student who has been enrolled in grades 9-12 inclusive for more than eight semes-ters will compete in any interscholastic contest. Participation Fee: Students are required to pay a $50.00 activity fee per sport at the Bookstore during book distribution. Failure to pay will prevent students from competitive participation, as this is a district-wide policy. (continued on next page)

***Varsity Football*** You will need to have all of your information/forms turned into the Athletic Of-fice by August 1. Permissive football starts on August 4, and all of these athletes must be cleared PRIOR to August 1. Please ensure all documents are properly prepared for presentation to Athletics, this is the on-ly time available. Please contact Ms. Slavin at 480-4-709-7913 or sslavin@tempeunion.org for more infor-mation. All athletes MUST be cleared in order to participate in an A.I.A. (Arizona Interscholastic Association) sport. Students who will be participating in a Fall Sport can be cleared in the Athletics’ Office starting on Wednesday, July 24 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Please bring all of the required forms with you.

Page 24 Desert Vista Storm Report

AIA Rules of Eligibility

NCAA Eligibility Requirements

Want to play college sports? You can track your Core Course GPA. Use the NCAA Academic Eligibility Tool for high school student-athletes. It’s easy: Activate Your FREE Membership Now! 1. Go to www.CoreCourseGPA.com 2. In the “New Member Account Creation” box enter: School ID: 030328 School Code: 722692278 Sophomores and Juniors should pre-register on the NCAA Eligibility Center website PLEASE NOTE there have been changes for freshmen: be sure to check the NCAA Eligibility Center Quick Reference Guide by CLICKING HERE. Please contact John Matthews with any questions at jomatthews@tuhsd.k12.az.us or call 706-7900 ext: 2146.

(continued from previous page)

Insurance must be provided for athlete by parent/legal guardian, or through purchase of an accidental insurance policy. The insurance purchased via the forms available at the school is secondary to that of the parent/legal guardian. Should you wish to purchase coverage, the forms may be picked up in the Athletics Office.

Note: If equipment was checked out the preceding school year and athlete did not return it or did not pay for the replacement of any lost or damaged equipment, additional equipment will not be loaned to athlete. If you go out for additional sports during the year, all previous sport equipment must be turned in to the equipment manager before going to the Athletic Office to get clearance for new sport. Remember that athletes are borrowing the equipment from the school, and necessary care must be taken with all said equipment. Athletes are responsible for washing uniforms during the season and keeping them in good condition. Any equipment not returned must be paid for in the Bookstore.

Athletic Passes

Student and family athletic passes will be available in the Bookstore. An athletic pass will allow the holder onto campus sporting events at a reduced cost. These passes may be purchased at the Bookstore and are good for regular season home athletic events only. Athletic passes cannot be used for admittance to tour-naments or AIA events.

Student Season Pass $40 Family Activity Pass $140

Two Adults Season Pass $75

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 25

NCAA Eligibility and Checklist

As part of the NCAA Initial Eligibility qualifying process, student-athletes must achieve a minimum core GPA and SAT or ACT score. Division I uses a sliding scale based on core course GPA to determine the minimum qualifying test scores.

NCAA Checklist Use the Eligibility Worksheet in order to calculate your Core GPA for the NCAA Requirements. Make

sure you take (or retake) your 10 core courses before the start of your senior year.

Before your senior year, register with the NCAA.

Go to www.EligibilityCenter.org and create an account.

There will be a fee in order to register for the NCAA.

Send your transcript after your 6th semester (end of your 11th grade year) and after your 8th semester (after you graduate).

Seniors: Go to www.Parchment.com and create an account to send your transcript to the NCAA.

Juniors: See the assistant registrar, Mrs. Thomas, in the front office to have your transcript sent to the NCAA.

Send your official SAT or ACT test scores to the NCAA.

NCAA super scores, and so it is to your advantage to send all of your test scores to the NCAA. They will use your best combined scores from your Reading + Math (SAT) or English + Math + Science + Reading (ACT).

Enter code 9999 to send your scores from the following websites:

SAT: www.collegeboard.org

ACT: www.ACTstudent.org

Additional NCAA Information

Desert Vista High School Code is 030328

The Clearinghouse is only for Division I and Division II universities and colleges.

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 26

Scholarships, college entrance requirements, SAT and ACT tests—what parents should know. There will be an informative session for parents of seniors for the 2015-2016 school year brought to you by the Desert Vista Counseling Department. Please plan to attend before the Open House on Monday, August 17 from 6:00—6:50 p.m. in the Desert Vista Joe McDonald Auditorium. In addition, there will be an informational meeting held in the Cafeteria that same evening for fresh-men, sophomores and juniors who are potential college athletes. This presentation will cover NCAA eligibility requirements, so be sure to attend if you have a high school athlete.

Senior Parent and NCAA Information Night

Counseling Website & facebook Page For information about the following topics and more, visit the Counseling Department website and/or the Department’s facebook page. DV Counselors Graduation and college entrance School profile Scholarship and financial Aid Advanced Placement College visits Career and group counseling College entrance exams Dual enrollment Classroom Presentations

Tempe Union High School District will ensure that all children with disabilities within our boundaries, including children with disabilities who are homeless or wards of the State, and children with disabilities attending private schools or who are home schooled, and who are in need of special education and relat-ed services are identified, located and evaluated (Sec. 300.111). Please contact Educational Services at the Tempe Union High School District at 480.345.3705 or the Desert Vista Campus at 480.706.7900 exten-sion 2166.

Child Find

Section 504 If you need information, assistance, or have questions regarding eligibility for Section 504 please contact your student’s grade level counselor in the Counseling Department at Desert Vista at 480.706.7900 ex-tension 7944.

If you need information or assistance regarding your student’s Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.) please contact the Educational Services Department at Desert Vista at 480.706.7900 extension 2166.

Educational Services

Page 27 Desert Vista Storm Report

Desert Vista Counseling Office Duties 2015/16 In an effort to improve your ability to get in touch with your child’s counselor, we have implemented a

“telephone tree” system. Call the general Desert Vista number (480-706-7900) and press the number five (5). The greeting will then prompt you to chose an option for the counselor. The option numbers immedi-

ately follow the names as listed below.

Amie Hickel 1 Classes of 2017 Gifted Counselor Grades 10-12 U-Z Mark Kulik 2 Classes of 2019, 2018 & 2016 Gifted Counselor Kate Dowd 3 Grades 10-12 A-De Karen Hinds 7 Grades 10-12 Di-J Mickey Krebs 6 Grades 10-12 K-O

Kari Fischer 5 Grades 10-12 P-T John Matthews __ 8 Freshman/Transition Counselor Beth Lyon _ 0 Counseling Department Assistant Diana Brown _ 4 Career Technician Helen Hale 9 Tempe Social Services Counselor Tuesday & Thursday only

Sophomore and Junior College Prep Parent Night

Worried about the College and Scholarship Search Process?

Parents should plan to attend the Sophomore and Junior Parent Night on Tuesday, September 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Dr. Joe McDonald Auditorium for information on college selection, , test preparation, scholarship searches etc.

Page 28 Desert Vista Storm Report

Summer Reading from the English Department

Summer Reading from the English Department 2015-2016 The required summer reading list and any supplemental handouts are located on the English Depart-ment homepage of the school website. http://english.desertvista.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/integrated_home.phtml?gid=1911449&sessionid=d2753ca7f607f43032caaf69f3aca288

Honors Freshman: Till We Have Faces and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Honors Sophomore: Les Miserables Honors Junior: Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass: An American Slave AP Language and Composition: Walden and Other Writings Advanced Composition: A nonfiction selection from the Writing Mentor list on the English

Department homepage AP Literature and Composition: The Iliad (Lombardo Translation)

HOSA

The DV-HOSA team recently returned from the Arizona HO-SA State Leadership Conference in Tucson, where 60 DV stu-dents competed in 15 different events against students from high school and CTE programs across the state. We are proud to announce another outstanding year of accomplishments for our students, who all study independently for their events. We captured gold in five events, and had multiple students place in the Top 5 for eight events! All students who placed in the top three for their events have qualified to represent Arizona at the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim this June 2015. Thank you to all, as they could not have achieved these results without your support and assistance this year! DV stu-dents Gen Fitzgerald ('15) and Simon Shen ('16) competed in the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair and both of them will be receiving awards for their work. Great job, everyone!!

Gen Fitzgerald

Simon Shen

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 29

Summer Homework from the Math Department

Dear incoming Honors Algebra 3-4 and Pre-calculus students (and parents/guardians),

Welcome to Honors Algebra 3-4/Pre-calculus! Here are a few things you need to know about your next year math course:

Summer Review Homework

Success in Honors Algebra 3-4 and Pre-calculus depends strongly upon math skills learned in previous math classes. In order to set the stage for success next year in math, we require that students review these previous class math skills over the summer.

To help students review, we’ve developed an online library of short video lessons and practice work-sheets. Students can access this material online throughout the summer to review important math ideas needed for next year.

Over the summer, students taking honors algebra 3-4 or pre-calculus next year need to:

Browse to the online library at www.mrfelling.com/library

1. Take the ‘pre-quiz’ for your subject to identify which topics you need to review (the answer key tells you which topics to review for each pre-quiz problem you missed).

2. Use the videos and practice sheets to review the topics you need to review.

Come to school next year prepared to take a test over these topics during the first week of class.

If you have any questions about the review material, please email sfelling@tempeunion.org.

Calculators

A graphing calculator is required for this course. We strongly recommend that you purchase a Ti-83 or Ti-84 before the start of year rush. These are user-friendly calculators made by Texas Instruments. They are often advertised with back-to-school sales. It is essential to have your calculator and become familiar with it before the start of the school year.

Working diligently on the summer review homework and obtaining

a graphing calculator will set the stage for success in your math course!

Have a great summer break!

Page 30 Desert Vista Storm Report

Keeping up with the Business Department…...

Desert Vista Business Prep students had a tremendous 2014/2015. More than 125 business students

competed in several venues and exceeded in all. Here are the highlights of the year.

Students who competed in the two Junior Achievement competitions were nothing less than out-

standing. In the fall our Stock Market Challenge Team was #1 again for the 6th time in the last seven

years.

Jr. Achievement Stock Market Challenge Competition 2014

First Place Team: Aiden Marian Connor Hogan Rohit Rungta

Desert Vista Business has Banner Year 2015

Winning Team is pictured with Jr. Achievement Officers. From left to right are: Daniel Chimal, Connor Watson, Nick Maxwell, Rohit Rungta, and Aiden Marian

At the You’re Hired competition students showed off their professional business skills.

Jr. Achievement You’re Hired Completion 2015

Networking Challenge:

1st –KJ Crouch, Desert Vista High School (KJ is a

3 time winner in this event)

3rd – Aaron Beauchamp, Desert Vista High School

Dress for Success – School

2nd – Desert Vista High School

Dress for Success – Male

1st – Zak Koudasi, Desert Vista High School

Other Finalists - Josh Palmer Myles Wilson, Matt

Kellogg, Philip Brandis

Female Finalists – Cait Cambell, Allison Beau-

champ, Madeline Jacobs

Thinking On Your Feet

1st – Aidan Marin, Desert Vista High School

Interviewing Challenge

1st – Aidan Marin, Desert Vista High School

Great Leadership Experiment Challenge

1st – Desert Vista High School – Team Captain

Dalton Davis

Spirit of Excellence Awards

3rd – Desert Vista High School – Dina Elsharkawy

Social Media Photography Winner

Ryan Cuenca

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 31

Wharton's School of Business (Penn University) 2014/2015

This year three students took on the finance competition sponsored by the Wharton School of Busi-

ness. They competed against almost 300 teams from all over the world. They had a great first competi-

tion and intend to win it all next year. Ishan Pannala Edward Lon Connor Hogan These Students had to complete an actual financial portfolio in the 12 week international competi-tion.

This year’s team did extremely well in the Xavier Invitational and the Re-gional tournament. They won many individual awards (selected by their competitive teams) for their roles as an attorney and in their witness roles. This group put in about 190 of training with practicing attorneys on Saturdays and Tuesday evenings. Captain Dina Elsharkawy (our Sandra Day O’Connor Award Winner) Kyler Chaddock Zak Koudssi Jeb Tompkins Sean Longley Madeline Jacobs Rick Newport Ben Kunze

Varsity Mock Trial Team Competition.

DECA is the largest student organization dedicated to advancing business principles. 26 competitors represented Desert Vista at the State competition. We competed against 2,300 students from across the state of Arizona. The following were recognized for their hard work and success:

Test medal awards based on Academic written test - Peter Cornacchio, Tommy Floegel, Connor Gill, Aidan Marin, Madi Ryan and Tanner Targowski. Role play awards and finalists based on simulated business scenario/students act as business consult-ants Jeff Herman, Colin Smith and Tanner Targowski.

DECA

Page 32 Desert Vista Storm Report

Business Department (continued……)

The following individuals qualified for National competition at Disneyworld- Tommy Floegel (4th place), Aidan Marin (State champion), Hannah Law and Madi Ryan partnered for State champions.

Pictured left to right Hannah Law, Tanner Targowski, Tommy Flogle, Colin Smith, Peter Cornac-chio, Adin Marian, and Madi Ryan.

Business Prep Students – Best in District and State Excel in Career and Technical Education (CTE) Certifications

Desert Vista business students who complete two years of busi-ness curriculum are tested by the state under the CTE guide-lines. Business Management and Administrative Services (BMAS) are the specific state standards tested. They include a wide range of business topics from marketing, finance, ac-counting, entrepreneurship, use of technology, communica-tions, problem solving, and business management.

162 business students from Desert Vista tested. This is the largest group from any Arizona school. Their overall average score was 14% higher than the state average and 6% higher than the district average. These students will be recognized for their achievements along with other CTE programs in a district ceremony on May 12th. The certificates students re-ceive will outline their achievements as compared to state busi-ness standards.

Junior Nathan Cederdahl had the highest Desert Vista score and the highest score for the district.

Desert Vista offers tremendous opportunities for business clas-ses. The core classes are Computer Applications, Entrepre-neurship, Sports and Marketing, Business Law, Financial Plan-ning and Investing, Advanced Business Marketing, Advanced Business Management, Multi Media and Web Design.

Entrepreneur student Sabrineh Safai shows off her invitation to CTE Awards Ceremony.

Finance students Matthew Wauson, Jared Ostendorp, Myles Wilson, Cameron Rayfordm and Nate Devore also have their invitations.

Nathan Cederdahl

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 33

Market Day

Market Day is an exercise in the free enterprise system. Students taking entrepreneurship work the entire semester in their prep-aration for market day. Early in the semester the basic of market-ing is covered in class and stu-dents begin working in their business groups. They conduct market research and decide on a product they want to sell. The first quarter ends with their busi-ness proposal and hopefully ap-proval of their business name and product. The second quar-ter the business team will write their business plan with a focus on target markets, business goals/objectives, their strengths/weaknesses/opportunities/threats (SWOT), organization and finally their finance sheet. On the 2nd of May Market Day was held. There was almost $3000 in gross sales from the 31 student business and the average Return on Investment (ROI) was 50%. This is a real business venture so there were student business that also had losses ra-

ther than ending with a profit. Below are comments from stu-dent entrepreneurs:

Market day is a unique oppor-tunity and I'm glad that Desert Vista is able to provide the mate-rials for me and my market day group to sell our products. I think it's really great for kids my age to get involved in Entrepre-neurship because it opens so many career paths. My group sold LED phone chargers that light up in the dark. Our start-ing investment to collect all of the materials was $120 and our total sale was $220, we split it with 4 of our group members including myself. We each end-ed up with $55 in our pockets and if that doesn't convince you to think about a career in Entre-preneurship, I don't know what will. -Christopher Rawlins

Market day was honestly the best day of the semester. I enjoyed being able to pick our own group and go with our own ide-as. I liked that we had a lot of

freedom to do what we wanted. I made a small profit from mar-ket day which made me feel like we were very successful. The on-ly negative to market day was the temperature outside. I'm a baby when it comes to heat so that was a little rough for me. From this class I learned that even I can be an entrepreneur, you can really do anything you set your mind to. Also, side note I thoroughly enjoyed learning about stocks and I plan on in-vesting soon! Samantha Leweter

Market day was the highlight of my year! My business partners and I made quite an investment on these beautiful Peruvian handmade bracelets. It was a great experience because I learned that anyone can become an entrepreneur if they really wanted too! I also learned that you have to have an open mind about people’s opinions on your product. I definitely learned a lot on market day and I would do it again in a heartbeat! Julian Mendoza

Shailin Vojtek, Vanyssa Haug, and JC Paz busy selling their product!

Page 34 Desert Vista Storm Report

Business Department (continued……)

What I Learned From Market Day By Abraham Bejerano

Like DECA and Junior Achievement FBLA is a national organization dedicated to teaching students about busi-ness skill and providing practical application of their new-ly learned skills. In November of 2014 10 FBLA mem-bers attended the Fall Leadership Conference in Tucson. They spent the day interacting with students across Arizo-na and local business leaders. In February in FBLA’s regional Competition and wining two awards.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

Prior to the beginning of the school year, I opted for the course “Entrepreneurship.” This was not only because business ownership runs in my family (my grandpa, my dad, perhaps myself) but because I wanted to learn how businesses worked. In short, I got what I came for. The en-tire semester, I took notes and studied hard unaware that this was all in preparation of not only finals, but an event at school known as market day. When the class was told to partner up, we all did. We then spent a significant portion of the semester (I’d say around 75%-80%) preparing to re-sell cheap goods for huge mark-ups. Surprisingly enough, it worked like a charm. During this time period of preparing and then selling, I learned a few valuable lessons. 1: People will buy anything if it’s advertised cor-rectly, no matter how useless or cheap the product is. Convince them they need it and they will buy it. 2: It’s a lot of hard work. It takes time and devotion to run a small business. Having to deal with all kinds of cus-tomers, rude or not, really gives you a sense of the magnitude of how much businesses have to appeal to their markets. 3: It can also be a lot of fun. Talking to customers, building the booth, and devising your plan to sell allegedly genuine products for ridiculous prices can be a lot of work, but it’s all worth it in the end when you can find the humor in the whole thing. In the end, I think the experience was worth the countless hours of stressing out over papers that you didn’t do until the night before they were due. It gave me incredible insight on how small businesses operate and all of the work that gets put into making money for only a couple of hours.

Shion Ienaga, Abraham Bejerano, Ashley Ronquillo, and Riley Lastovica begin the setup for Market Day

Pictured from left to right:

Grant Harrison, Dante Romano, Brian Kim, Jymil Toney

Page 35 Desert Vista Storm Report

The Site Base Council is an elected council that meets at 7:00 pm on the second Monday of each month in the Administrative Conference Room. The Council works closely with the school adminis-trators providing guidance and input on issues vital to the success of the school. We asses the needs of the school and community, determine the most pressing needs, and set priorities for action. While voting membership is by appointment only, attend-ance is open to all.

Site Base Council

I have been a student at Desert Vista for the last 4 consecutive years of my life. Some information has gone through one ear, and out the other. In that duration I have taken three business classes. Sophomore year I took business law with Mr.O’Keefe. As a senior, I am currently taking Advanced Business Marketing and Financial Planning. These classes have proven to be of extreme value to me in the real world. As a legal adult, there are many businesses that have taken more of a recent interest in me and taking me in as a potential customer, especially credit card companies. Business clas-ses really have taught me just how insidious certain companies and contracts can be. The importance of payments, business partner-ships, and maintaining control over level of debt is absolutely im-perative. Regardless of the career pathway an individual follows you, businesses and their tactics will follow. It is important to know how to remain financially stable and secure. The lessons I have learned in my business classes have enabled me with transfer-rable skills and knowledge that is applicable to the real world. For

that, I will always be grateful.

Why Business Classes are Important By Laina Goldwin

Laina Goldwin

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 36

Lou Coopey Photography is the official yearbook photographer for the 2015-2016 school year. The studio location is 202 North Lindsay Road in Mesa (one block north of Main Street). Information is sent directly to Senior students/families. You will receive an appointment time and details to confirm your appointment. If you do not receive mailings from company, be sure to call and set up an ap-pointment. The hours for this studio will be Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 to 7:00 p.m., or by appointment. Hours are subject to change. Please call the studio at 480-830-5667 to make a new appointment or if you have any questions. There is no charge for the yearbook portrait. Photographs for the yearbook will not be accepted from other photographers.

Senior Photos

Grad Night 2016

Planning will be getting under quickly for Grad Night 2016.

The purpose of Grad Night is to have a well-planned event for the graduating seniors to attend after commencement.

To provide this safe and enjoyable experience we need help from interested parents. If you are interested in getting involved with this committee please email Thunder Board at dvhsthunderboard@gmail.com

Please watch for information regarding volunteer opportunities in the Septem-ber/October 2015 issue of the Storm Report.

Thunder Speech, Theatre and Debate Company

If you are interested in joining the Desert Vista Speech and Debate Team you need to stop by Desert Vista to pick up registration to be cleared for practice. All returning members and incoming students must be cleared by our activities office. See Ms. Bethea for any questions.

Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 37

Desert Vista is

Turning 20!

Save the Date

Friday, October 30, 2015.

More information to follow in the

August/September 2015

Newsletter