Hello DHES families. My name is Krysten Hoffman and I teach 4th grade English Language Arts. I have been at Desert Heights for 6 school years. In that time, I have taught 2nd grade and 4th grade. My true educational passion is teaching literature. I have loved all my time at Desert Heights and I love getting to come to DHES every day. Getting students excited about Language Arts is the thing that makes my teacher heart happiest.

In my spare time I love to listen to audiobooks (my goal was 100 books in 2024 and I am at 98 for the year. So close!), garden, drink all the coffee, and do movie nights with my family. I am proud to continue my teaching journey here at DHES.

Our theme this year is inspired by the book *We're All Wonders* by R.J. Palacio, which focuses on acceptance, kindness, and celebrating differences. The story encourages readers to look beyond appearances and appreciate the unique beauty within everyone. It fosters empathy and teaches the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of physical differences.

To uplift our staff, we're inviting everyone to submit a message on our Kindness Wonder Wall. These messages, whether about specific individuals or the school as a whole, will be displayed for all to see.

Our 5th-grade students are excited to announce their holiday fundraiser to support their upcoming overnight field trip to the Great Basin Outdoor School this spring!

What’s Available for Purchase (December 9–19 during grade-level lunches):
🎄 Candy Cane Winter Grams: 2 for $1.00
(Includes 2 mini candy canes and a winter greeting card)

☕ Hot Cocoa Goodie Bags: $2.00 each
(A festive bag with a hot cocoa packet, 2 mini candy canes for stirring, and marshmallows)

Order Delivery:
All items will be delivered by the end of the school day on December 19.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Leilani Konyshev at Leilani.Konyshev@washoeschools.net or send a message through our school’s Class Dojo directory.

Thank you for supporting our 5th graders as they work toward this unforgettable outdoor learning experience!

We are excited to share the vibrant new murals and artwork being created for Desert Heights Elementary School! These colorful pieces are coming to life across our campus, adding creativity and inspiration to our school environment. Be sure to check out these stunning designs the next time you visit!

If you would like to contribute or learn more, please visit:
doomedmovement.com/mvmnt/revive2024

Our library is celebrating winter with a special treat! From December 13–19, students will enjoy hot chocolate during their library classes as part of our Annual Hot Chocolate in the Library event.

If your child has any dietary restrictions, please notify Mrs. Blumkin or your child’s teacher in advance via Class Dojo or email at nblumkin@washoeschools.net. (Ingredients are available upon request.)

We look forward to spreading some warm, winter cheer with our students! ☕❄️

As many of you know, Ms. Arevalo, our soccer coach, left at the end of last year. We are currently looking for a staff member to support the soccer team, but we are also open to having a parent or HS/College sibling volunteer as a coach. If you have a passion for soccer and would like to be involved, we’d love to hear from you!

The soccer season will run from March 7th through the first week of May, with games taking place on Fridays at 11:30 AM. Tryouts are typically held in January or February, with practices beginning shortly afterward. Last year, practices were held after school on Mondays and Wednesdays.

If you’re interested in coaching or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me at dfrydman@washoeschools.net or call the school at 775-677-5444.

Thank you for your continued support of Desert Heights and our amazing students. Together, we can make this soccer season a success!

A big shoutout to the following classes for earning PAWS by consistently following the HOWL expectations and demonstrating outstanding behavior in their classrooms! These students have worked hard and earned some exciting reinforcements:

• Erickson: 125 Paws, Class DJ
• Sachs: 130 Paws, Class DJ
• Sinocruz: 106 Paws, Student Choice
• Hoffman: 105 Paws, Student Choice
• Konyshev: 50 Paws, Stickers

Way to go, students! Keep up the amazing work and continue to show us how to HOWL! 🐾

The Dads of Great Students (D.O.G.S.) and Moms of Marvelous Students (M.O.M.S.) program is a volunteer initiative that encourages fathers and father figures and moms to spend time in their children's schools. The goal is to provide positive male/female role models, enhance school safety, and foster a supportive learning environment.

Key aspects of the program include:

• Volunteerism: Fathers and father figures volunteer their time to be present in their children's schools.
• Positive role models: They serve as positive examples for students, demonstrating the importance of education and community involvement.
• Enhanced safety: Their presence helps create a safer and more welcoming school environment.
• Community engagement: The program fosters stronger connections between families and schools.

By participating in the D.O.G.S. program, fathers can make a meaningful impact on their children's education and contribute to a positive school culture.

Join Desert Heights Coyotes as we explore one of our key PBIS expectations: "Learn by Leading" at school assemblies. Watch as students share how they demonstrate leadership by setting positive examples, such as waiting quietly, paying attention, and being respectful listeners. This engaging news-style segment encourages students to reflect on their own behavior and discuss ways they can "Learn by Leading" during future assemblies. Let's empower potential, embrace diversity, and inspire growth together! #PBIS #LearnByLeading #DesertHeightsCoyotes #HOWLExpectations

Communities in Schools (CIS) of Nevada is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students succeed by providing essential resources and support directly within schools. CIS site coordinators work closely with students, families, and school staff to address academic and personal challenges, ensuring students stay on track to graduate. They offer services such as tutoring, counseling, and access to basic needs like food and clothing. By connecting students with the right support, CIS helps create a positive learning environment where every child can thrive.

Helping Children Learn is a monthly, age-specific newsletter (September-May) designed for busy parents, offering practical, evidence-based tips to support student success. Each two-page issue provides ready-to-use advice on building academic skills, fostering good study habits, encouraging regular school attendance, setting goals, and promoting positive behavior. Personalized with your school’s name, it helps strengthen the school-home connection with strategies tailored to children’s developmental stages.

Autism Parenting Magazine is an award-winning digital publication dedicated to supporting families affected by autism spectrum disorders. Established in 2012, its mission is to enhance the quality of life for these families by providing up-to-date information on treatments, therapies, and real-life success stories.

Content and Features:

• Expert Contributions: The magazine features articles from professionals, autism experts, and parents, covering topics such as special education navigation, behavioral management, sensory issues, social skills development, and transitioning into adulthood.

• Parent Resources: It offers guidance on managing challenges like bullying, meltdowns, and planning for a child's financial future. Regular sections address health, safety, sleep, potty training, ABA therapy, and stress management.

• Interactive Access: Subscribers receive monthly issues in web-based interactive formats and downloadable PDFs, ensuring easy access across devices.

  
  

David Frydman, Principal

Chrystal Thayer, Assistant Principal

Juana Maya, Admin. Secretary

13948 Mount Bismark Street, Reno, NV, USA

Phone: (775) 677-5444