June 19, 2025
Dear Desert Sky Families,
The start of a new school year is almost here! I would like to share some important information to help you prepare for the 2025-2026 school year.
Meet the Teacher Open House
We are excited to welcome parents and students to our Meet the Teacher Open House on Thursday, July 10th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to explore the campus, locate classrooms, and meet the teachers. These brief introductions help build the essential home-school partnership that supports student success.
Due to confidentiality and time, please keep conversations with staff brief. If a longer discussion is needed, you are welcome to schedule a meeting before Parent-Teacher Conferences in September. Please understand that teachers will be preparing for the first day of school, so classrooms may not be fully set up.
Several local food trucks will be parked in front of the school offering dinner and desserts. Tables will be available for volunteer sign-ups, PTO memberships, and PowerSchool support. Come hungry and enjoy a relaxed evening with your family. We look forward to connecting with you!
You are also invited to attend “Handing Over the Wheel: How to Help Your Child Thrive in Middle School,” presented by our Student Services Coordinator and School Counselor. Learn the middle school ins and outs to help your child grow into a more successful, independent learner. Sessions will be held in the MPR at 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
Site Council nominations will occur at 5:30 p.m. in the Library. Voting will be online through a Google Form sent to all Desert Sky families on Friday, July 11th, and will remain open through Monday, July 14th.
Teacher/Team Assignments and Daily Schedules
Student schedules for new and returning students will be available on PowerSchool starting July 5th. Student names, listed with their advisory teacher, will also be posted in front of the school on July 10th by 4:30 p.m., July 11th, and July 14th until 8:30 a.m. The advisory teacher is the staff member your child will report to first on the first day of school.
A general school supply list is available on our website, and team specific supply lists will be posted on July 5th. Advisory teachers will have a copy of your child’s schedule available during the Meet the Teacher Open House and on the first day of school.
Chromebook Checkout for All Students
Desert Sky is a 1-to-1 Chromebook school. Students will be issued a device for completing assignments, checking grades, staff communication, testing, and more. Families can pick up Chromebooks beginning the week of July 7th.
Chromebook Pick-Up Dates in the Desert Sky Gym Lobby
Monday, July 7th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, July 8th-9th from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; CLOSED Thursday, July 10th for staff trainings; and Friday, July 11th from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Please review the Responsible Use Policy and the Insurance Agreement attached and available at dsms.vailschooldistrict.org. The Insurance Agreement must be signed and returned to receive a device, even if you decline coverage. If accepting insurance, cash or check is preferred. Returning Student Registration must also be completed to receive a device. A registration email will be sent in early July.
If you have questions or need to make other arrangements, please contact our Site Technology Coordinator, Daniel Hughes, at hughesd@vailschooldistrict.org .
School Hours, Campus Hours, and Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up
School begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Students should not be on campus before 7:45 a.m. or after 3:10 p.m. (unless participating in a school-related function), as no adult supervision is available.
If you will be dropping off or picking up your child, please do so in front of the gymnasium and continuing east along the sidewalk. Look for Student Pick-Up and Drop-Off signs and the yellow-painted curb to help guide you.
For safety reasons, students are not allowed to cross the parking lot without a parent or guardian. If you choose to park in the lot, please walk to the curb to escort your child safely across.
Breakfast and Lunch Information
Middle school breakfast costs $1.35, and lunch costs $3.30. Many students bring packed lunches. Please avoid foods that need reheating to reduce microwave wait times, especially early in the year. To apply for free or reduced meals, visit mymealtime.com. A new application is required each year, as income guidelines change. For questions, contact Vail Food Services at 520-879-3913 or 520-879-2015.
In closing, I want you all to know how excited and honored I am to work with you and your child. Getting to know Cougar families is one of the many highlights of serving our school and community. Thank you in advance for supporting Desert Sky Middle School, we look forward to an exceptional year!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Marsh
Principal
