Hello Dragons~
We miss YOU DRAGON family!
The admin team is busy planning out the 2023-2024 school year. We are currently training our new teachers and prepping the campus to welcome back our scholars.
To gear up for the school year, each week, we will feature a Desert Sky Assistant Principal, reading to our scholars.
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Assistant Principal Jaime with Summer Reading episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTMFwAu54DQ
- Assistant Principal Etchebarren Reading episode 2... https://youtu.be/hyDPGhpGSXw
Here is the link to our YouTube channel: MeLisa Thalacker - YouTube (we will be posting a Reading episode each week until the start of school)!
Please REMEMBER, meet the teacher night is July 26th and the first day of school is August 3rd. We are so excited for the 2023-2024 school year.
Be sure to follow us on FaceBook so you are in the KNOW! https://www.facebook.com/amsdesertsky
#DragonPRIDE #AMSpride #BREATHEFIRE #DRAGONfamiliesAREtheBEST
Thank you for choosing Desert Sky,
Principal (Do Whatever it Takes ~ Act with Honor ~ Be Vulnerable, Candid, and Kind)
Academy of Math & Science | Desert Sky
5701 W. McDowell Rd., AZ 85035
O: (623) 242-2597 ext. 11504
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Meet your Assistant Principals |
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I’ve been a member of the AMS family for three years: first as a Science teacher at AMS Glendale and later as a Dean at Desert Sky.
I came to AMS from San Diego, California, where I earned a Juris Doctorate Degree in Law from the University of San Diego with concentrations in Children’s Rights and Labor Law.
Prior to attending Law school, I worked in Title I schools throughout the Valley of the Sun as a middle school and high school Science teacher, beginning with my time as a Teach for America Phoenix Corps Member.
I originally arrived in Arizona from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to pursue degrees in Secondary Education and Political Science from Arizona State University, where I worked for the ASU football team.
I love all sports and movies, but I am especially a nerd for fantasy baseball because I truly love the data. I could not be more excited to be an Assistant Principal at Desert Sky!
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Greetings everyone!
It is my pleasure to continue to serve the Academy of Math & Science Desert Sky community! I joined the Dragon family in July 2021 as an Instructional Coach, and it’s been a true honor to breathe F.I.R.E. in the Maryvale community.
My educational background includes a Bachelor of Elementary Education Degree from Arizona State University and a Master of Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. GO SUN DEVILS! This is my tenth year in education and second year in leadership.
I will always be a teacher at heart. I have spent the majority of my teaching experiences in first grade however, I have also taught kindergarten, fifth grade, and served as our campus reading interventionist.
I am blessed to be the mother of a beautiful little girl Sophia. She is the love of my life. My love is shared with our scholars just as they were mine. I want to see all my scholars succeed and become productive human beings, who have ample opportunity to become whatever they want to be when they grow up.
My core values are family (work and personal setting), integrity, and determination. These are the values that have shaped who I am and the work that I provide. Overall, these have contributed to my educational philosophy; that is being true to the work that I do, believing that I can get it done along with the love and support of my family, and having confidence that I can accomplish anything!
It is my privilege to lead at our Desert Sky campus and the many talented teachers and scholars here! My goal is to continue to provide a supportive climate and culture that is conducive to teaching and learning. By doing so, each individual scholar and teacher can experience growth to their highest potential. I look forward to interacting with all stakeholders in our school community this year as an Assistant Principal.
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Greetings Dragons!!
I am so thrilled to be a part of this wonderful learning community! AMS Desert Sky is my home and has been since 2019. The 2023-2024 school year will be my 15th year in education where I spent 6 years as a special education paraprofessional and then 6 more years as The Special Education Teacher. This is now my second year in Leadership. 😊
I received my Educational Degrees from Grand Canyon University with my Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education, and my Highly Credentialed Teacher Status from UCLA/LACOE. It has been my greatest honor to teach! I have actually taught every grade level from K-12 before stepping into my Leadership role as Assistant Principal. I am beyond humbled with the huge responsibility of leading our Maryvale scholars to their greatest potential! I truly believe that all our scholars are amazing individuals who are ready to become tomorrow’s leaders!
My Teaching philosophy is centered on the idea that every child can learn and that we as educators have been entrusted to guide our scholars to success, every day. I hope that this message shines through my actions on campus every day. And remember to……. Breathe that F.I.R.E!!
Christopher Jaime - AP of MS Math and ESS
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Hello, Dragon Community,
My name is Maria Etchebarren, and I am very excited to be part of the AMS Desert Sky community. I have over 12 years of educational experience as a teacher in the private and charter schools as well as an administrator for three years in the charter system.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Adolescence with a minor in Natural Science. I am currently working on my masters in Curriculum Design with an emphasis in Educational Leadership with Southern New Hampshire University. My goal is to pursue my principalship and teach at the college level.
I look forward to building relationships with the dragon community!
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Keristian Dugar is a native of Eunice Louisiana. She has been in education for over 9 years and has worn many hats while in this profession. As an educator, Keristian strongly has a passion for all children from all walks of life. Keristian is a proud member of McNeese State University from which is received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree. Keristian has a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities with a concentration in History and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology with a concentration in education. Keristian will continue her studies in the upcoming year pursing her Doctorate in African Studies. In the field of education, Keristian has taught various subject content areas such as: 5th grade English, Kindergarten, 8th grade Science, 7th and 8th grade Social Studies, 9th-12th grade Social Studies, 9th-12th grade Humanities, K-8TH grade Computer Science, and she has served as Student Success Coordinator (AP role) for grades 9th – 12th. Overall, Keristian is determined to make a change in encouraging future generations to be the best that they can be and to let their light shine no matter what cards they are dealt with in life. |
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Hello!
I have always had a passion for education and working with children. I began my career in education in 2006, working as a middle school math teacher. I spent 15 years in the classroom in various schools around the west valley.
I am thrilled to be serving the Desert sky community-the same community I grew up in!
As the Head of Operations, I look forward to working with our community, staff and scholars to make our campus an exceptional place for all!
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Class Rosters
will be
available to view during MTTN!!!
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Just a reminder that uniforms are REQUIRED! During the school year, we do have dress down Fridays, scholars are welcome to dress down for a $1.00 donation. All dress down funds are used to support school events. field trips. |
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June 29 - Movie Day 12:00pm- 2:00pm
July 20- Peter Piper Pizza Night 12:00 to 4:00pm
July 26- Meet the Teacher Night 4:00 to 7:00pm
August 3- First Day of School Starts at 7:55am
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Connect with the AMS Desert Sky Office Team
623-242-2597
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