SUBJECT: DCMS PTO eNews 9.5.2024 ( Q&A with Mr. A, Math Tutoring is Back, DMHS Wrestling Camp + More Inside!)
Q&A With Mr. A (aka Principal, Mr. Akhbari!)
This week we’d like to highlight our amazing principal, Mr. Akhbari. The PTO is lucky to partner with him as a leader of the school and his unwavering support of our kids and their education.
PTO: Tell us a little bit of your background in education and your trajectory to principal of DCMS. Mr. A: I helped run the family floor covering business in New York City before moving to Arizona to open my own business. I never enjoyed sales and my wife convinced me to use my history minor and get my teaching certification. I taught world history, American history, economics, business, and government at Pinnacle High School. I also coached swimming, lacrosse, and wrestling. My first administration job was at Saguaro High School as the assistant principal for student service. After four years, I moved to Kiva Elementary to try something new. During the budget crunch of 2010, I was moved to Cheyenne Traditional school where I stayed for 7 years. This is my 6th year as principal at DCMS. The best move I ever made.
PTO: What do you love about DCMS? Mr. A: It’s all about the students. These are the most formative years in a child’s life. They are fun and genuine while full of anxiety of how their friends perceive them. This makes middle school tricky, but rewarding at the same time.
PTO: We’ve heard you have a music studio at your house- what kind of music do you play and record? Mr. A: I play a fusion of jazz and funk. My wife calls it junk. Seriously, I don’t know what you would call what I do but I am heavily influenced by the Beatles, Tom Petty, and Duran Duran.
PTO: What are your hobbies when not at school? Mr. A: Music, family, light reading, hiking, and wasting time on Tik Tok.
PTO: Campus improvements have been a priority for the PTO to make DCMS more welcoming for students and staff. What successful projects have we partnered on recently, and how can we support future enhancements? Mr. A: One of the first things I did when becoming principal was to find a dedicated area for teacher meeting and professional development. The PTO helped make that space a welcoming and warm environment by decorating, providing snacks, and drinks. This room is the envy of the district. The artificial grass in our recess area was a giant improvement from the rocks and sand. Now our students are playing safely each day. The next big change will come when we finish the privacy screens for the recess area. I hope to add some more foliage around the campus to not only make the campus look nice but to reduce the heat factor.
Thank you Mr. Akhbari, for taking the time to share your thoughts and give us a little glimpse into you and your life both in and out of school! ~ DCMS PTO
Campus Improvements
Did you know the DCMS PTO spends nearly 10% of its annual budget on making our campus better and safer for everyone? We're all about creating a beautiful, welcoming environment while boosting safety and privacy!
2023-2024 Campus Improvements: * Teachers' Lounge Updates * Backlot renovation project * Blackout shades installed in 1/2 of building
2024-2025 Campus Improvement GOALS:
* Privacy fence covering at West lot (Commons area) * Blackout shades for remaining out-facing windows on campus
If you haven’t already, please consider making a DONATION TODAY to help us fund these exciting upgrades that will benefit our school and students for years to come!
DCMS Spiritwear Store Closes Sept 13
DCMS Online Spiritwear Store Online NOW for limited time! Spiritwear sale ends Friday, September 13 Get those cozy pajama pants in time for cooler Fall temps. Items will be delivered to students during school hours late September/early October.
ISI Elite Training
ISI Elite Training is a 50 minute high intensity, low impact strength based workout for all fitness levels. When you "MEET US ON THE TURF" you'll be led by a certified personal trainer which allows a one-on-one experience within a small group setting. We value accountability, energy, results, and fun!
Thank you, ISI Elite Training, for your generous support of our Desert Canyon Middle School community and for investing in the future of our students!
Guess what? Our awesome teachers offer FREE Math tutoring every Wednesday at 6:45AM in room 613! Enter through the west gate by the basketball courts at 6:42AM (Gates close at 6:5AM sharp, so don't be late!). Bus riders can join in at 7:20AM.
This is all about math support so come ready to dive in—no other homework or hanging out until the morning bell!
An Easy Way to Support DCMS PTO!
It's easy to earn money for DCMS while shopping for your favorite things! Just follow a few simple steps to set up your account and start buying gift cards. A percentage of every purchase goes straight back to DCMS! With hundreds of brands like AirBnB, REI, Old Navy, Southwest Airlines, and Bath & Body Works, there’s something for everyone!
If your student is going to be tardy or absent, you must call and leave a message on the attendance line 480-484-4600, option 1.
DCMS PTO Financial Transparency Statement
Desert Canyon Middle School (DCMS) PTO upholds strict financial integrity, ensuring every transaction is transparent and well-documented. We are fully committed to ensuring accountability to our families and the community, with every dollar raised through DCMS PTO events directly benefiting the students, teachers, and staff of DCMS. Our dedication is reflected in the transparent use of 100% of revenue to support our school community. View our 2023-2024 Impact Report.
