Wow. A huge blow to the theory that parents in the district want a charter style school. Of course the district doesn’t understand that it is not the uniforms and calling yourself an academy, but parents who go to outside the district want high expectations, challenging academics, and a culture of high achievement. We have not seen anything at Desert Sun Academy that sets it apart from other schools in the district, much less approaches the curriculum and programs offered by those schools attracting Cave Creek Unified students. Of course we called DSA “windows dressing” here and also pointed out that the DSA move to K-8 was back-doored with no notice to the parents and community. Again, the district is reaping what it sows.
So what are parents thinking by abandoning DSA? Is this indictment that parents are not satisfied with the school or that the extra-curriculars offered at Sonoran Trails Middle School more important?
Update: Bizarre. Just 14 days ago the Arizona Republic quoted the Principal of Desert Sun Academy stating the 7th grade was coming. For reference there are around 60 students in the current DSA 6th grade. If they cancelled 7th grade, we could likely assume they have less than 45 students committed. The district sure did hang the reporter, Mary Beth Faller, out to dry. Of course this article was not really news (the coming 7th grade was not new), but a disguised advertisement for new enrollment. Heck it even had Bert’s phone number at the bottom.
Bert Honigman, principal at Desert Sun, said he expects 45 to 60 students in the school's two seventh-grade classes next year, with more the following year, when eighth grade is added.
I think a lot of it is the principal leaving. We were at DSA for a year before relocating to another state but I would have stayed there for 7th grade too. He did a lot for that school and their curriculum was hands above the other elementary schools in CCUSD. I disagree with you that DSA did not stand apart from the other elementary schools. We moved from another school within the district because DSA taught Core Knowledge and taught it well.
ReplyDeleteThe kids going from DSA to Sonoran Trails are truly going to lose. ST is over crowded and their curriculum s--ks. DSA at least had a decent curriculum and staff who cared.
Sad news indeed but not for the reasons you state.
This district fails once again but continues to push forward with their own agenda. Wake up CCUSD93 we are not drinking your kool-aid. While the Ex DSA parent had pride and appreciation for the school he/she had no praise for the cluster at STMS. Let's not forget that a year ago Jana Miller and the district were gung-ho on another academy/prep school swearing up and down that this was what the community wanted. HA! CCUSD93 You are out of touch with your community!
ReplyDeleteYou're showing your age with the "kool-aid" reference (again). Hopefully (since CCUSD is so out of touch) you've moved your child onto greener pastures and they're happy (you, obviously, will never be).
ReplyDeleteSounds like a typical response from a CCUSD advocate...If you don't agree with us go away. This is my community these are my schools and last I heard you cannot send me into exile for not agreeing with the decisions the district is making on behalf of our children.
ReplyDeleteNow, if CCUSD could show any shred of evidence that these decisions are benefiting the children I would gladly repent for the errors of my thinking. Sadly, the facts back up my disgust for the CCUSD93.
When will CCUSD wake up from the failed overrides to realize the board is the problem? The community just doesn't trust them to be good stewards with our money! I would also be curious to see how many students have gone out of district. For our family it has been two kids to Pinnacle HS so far.
ReplyDelete