Home - Desert Canyon Elementary School Announcements Social Media Principal's Newsletter Aug 2025 Stay informed and connected with our school community by reading the Principal’s Newsletter. Each edition highlights important updates, upcoming events, and celebrations of student success. We encourage all families to take a moment to stay up-to-date and engaged! about Principal's Newsletter Read the SUSD Source - April 2026 Apr 2026 Have you checked out the new April edition of The Source? Read it Now! about Read the SUSD Source - April 2026 March Library Newsletter Mar 2026 about March Library Newsletter Scottsdale Arts Fest! Feb 24 2026 Friday, March 6, 5–9 pm Saturday, March 7, 9 am–2 pm Scottsdale Family ArtsFest is a free, two-day festival of creativity that includes performances, interactive demonstrations, creative interventions, and culinary delights from local food trucks throughout the Scottsdale Civic Center about Scottsdale Arts Fest! Join the SUSD Math Strategic Action Team! Dec 15 2025 Calling All People Who Believe Math Powers Possibility! SUSD is launching a dynamic, cross-district Math Strategic Action Team—and we want your voice at the table! about Join the SUSD Math Strategic Action Team! Join the SUSD SPARK Team! Dec 15 2025 SUSD is launching the SPARK Team , a districtwide strategic action team focused on strengthening and sustaining our signature programs, including STEAM/MSA, IB, Dual Language Immersion, Traditional, AVID, and CGP. We are inviting parents and community members to apply to participate in this collaborative work. The SPARK Team will help guide continuous improvement, explore future program opportunities, and ensure our signature programs remain strong, sustainable, and aligned with student and community needs. about Join the SUSD SPARK Team! Notice of Special Session Oct 23 2025 Notice is hereby given pursuant to A.R.S. § 15-341(32) that a public meeting will be held on November 13, 2025 at 6:00p.m. in the Governing Board Room located at Coronado High School located at 7501 E. Virginia Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ 85257. about Notice of Special Session September Source is Live! Sep 2025 Have you checked out the new September edition of The Source? Read it Now! about September Source is Live! 2025-26 Classroom Supply Lists Jul 16 2025 Supply Lists by Grade about 2025-26 Classroom Supply Lists Calendar RSS Feeds Apr 28 2026 Governing Board Study Session / Special Meeting 12 06 AM 06 AM Scottsdale Unified School District Mohave District Annex Apr 29 2026 Early Release (PreK-12) all day Scottsdale Unified School District May 2026 Early Release (PreK-12) all day Scottsdale Unified School District May 12 2026 Governing Board Regular Meeting 00 PM 10 00 PM Coronado High School - Governing Board Room May 20 2026 May 22 2026 Early Release & HS Final Exams: All Grades, Including Pre-K all day May 21 2026 May 22 2026 Early Release & HS Final Exams: All Grades, Including Pre-K all day May 22 2026 Early Release & HS Final Exams: All Grades, Including Pre-K all day May 22 2026 Last Day of School – Early Release (PreK-12) all day Jun 2026 Governing Board Regular Meeting 00 PM 10 00 PM Coronado High School - Governing Board Room Jun 23 2026 Governing Board Study Session / Special Meeting 00 PM 00 PM Scottsdale Unified School District Mohave District Annex Mandarin DLI Offerings and A+ Excellence w/DCES Principal and Parent May 10 2024 This episode delves into Desert Canyon's thriving and unique educational environment, where students benefit from an immersive bilingual education, spending half their day learning in English and the other half in Mandarin. We sit down with Kim Mills, the Principal of Desert Canyon Elementary School, and Amie Hegeman, a dedicated PTO member and parent, to discuss the remarkable achievements and innovative educational models that have set Desert Canyon apart. With its recent A+ School of Excellence honor and the unique 50/50 dual language model, Desert Canyon Elementary is a beacon of academic success and community engagement within the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that encourages excellence for all students. about Mandarin DLI Offerings and A+ Excellence w/DCES Principal and Parent SUSD Education Expo 2025 Oct 24 2025 In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Lea Mitchell to talk about the second annual SUSD Education Expo, taking place on Wednesday, November 5 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Saguaro High School! Learn how the Expo offers families from across the district and the Valley a one-stop opportunity to explore all SUSD schools and their specialized programs in a single location! about SUSD Education Expo 2025 Kindergarten Round Up Fall 2025 Oct 20 2025 In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Christine Bonow, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary and K–8 schools, to talk about Kindergarten Round Up! Find out what families can expect at these welcoming events and how it helps parents and children feel prepared for that big first day. This episode is packed with helpful insights on making the transition to kindergarten smooth and memorable! Find the Kindergarten Round Up event closest to you at SUSD.org/Kinder. about Kindergarten Round Up Fall 2025 Building Schools, Building Trust | 2016 Bond Update Mar 21 2025 In this episode of SUSD Spotlight , we’re joined by Dennis Roehler, SUSD’s Director of Facilities Management, and Wally Graham, Organization Development Consultant and former member of the SUSD Bond Oversight Committee. We reflect on the 2016 Bond—how the $229 million was allocated to rebuild and renovate schools, enhance safety, and improve transportation. We dive into the challenges faced, including community concerns, leadership transitions, and the impact of COVID-19, and explore how transparency and oversight helped rebuild trust. Finally, we discuss the long-term needs of the district and the importance of continued community engagement in shaping the future of SUSD’s facilities. about Building Schools, Building Trust | 2016 Bond Update Empowering Student Voices | SAB 24-25 Update Feb 14 2025 How are students shaping the future of Scottsdale Unified School District? In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we sit down with Fiona Riley and Leon Ray from our Student Advisory Board (SAB) to explore their experiences, leadership growth, and the real impact they’re making in the district. From influencing policies to elevating student voices through Teen Town Halls, hear how these student leaders are driving change. Plus, get a sneak peek at an exciting new opportunity for student-hosted episodes! about Empowering Student Voices | SAB 24-25 Update How SUSD Drives Economic Growth: Insights with Jim Rounds Jan 24 2025 In this episode of SUSD Spotlight , Jim Rounds, President of Rounds Consulting Group, dives into the SUSD Economic Impact Report, revealing how public education fuels economic growth and workforce development. Discover why investing in districts like SUSD delivers a remarkable return on investment, and hear Jim’s expert perspective on balancing education funding with long-term economic benefits. Plus, learn about the teachers who shaped Jim’s career and how their impact continues to inspire his work today. about How SUSD Drives Economic Growth: Insights with Jim Rounds Increasing Attendance: SUSD's Strategies & Why It Matters Dec 2024 In this episode of SUSD Spotlight , we dive into the critical issue of student attendance with Margaret Serna, Executive Director of Elementary Education, and Kelley Perry, Principal of Yavapai Elementary. Discover how Scottsdale Unified School District is tackling chronic absenteeism post-COVID with innovative strategies, celebrations, and community collaboration. From redefining attendance goals to fostering a sense of belonging in classrooms, this conversation sheds light on the powerful impact of showing up. Tune in to hear success stories, practical tips, and inspiring reflections on the importance of education and relationships in shaping young minds. about Increasing Attendance: SUSD's Strategies & Why It Matters SUSD Education Expo Recap Dec 2024 Couldn't make it to the SUSD Education Expo? No problem! Check out our recap video to see the highlights and discover why Scottsdale Unified School District is the perfect choice for your family. With 30 incredible schools, unique programs, and endless opportunities, there's something for every learner. Enrollment is always open, and we’d love to welcome you to tour a school and learn more. Ready to get started? about SUSD Education Expo Recap Power of Inclusion: Mohave Middle School's New Student President Nov 22 2024 In this episode of "SUSD Spotlight," we are joined by Lucas Taylor, a newly elected Class President at Mohave Middle School, and his teacher, Stephanie Murphy. Lucas’s journey is an inspiring story of perseverance, personal growth, and the power of inclusion. As the first autistic student at Mohave to be elected by his peers, Lucas’s election marks a significant milestone for the Mohave community - a testament to SUSD's value of inclusion. Stephanie Murphy, who has supported Lucas’s journey, shares insights into his development and how Mohave has created an environment that fosters belonging and growth for all students. about Power of Inclusion: Mohave Middle School's New Student President Desert Canyon Elementary School (DCES) is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, within the Scottsdale Unified School District. It sits nestled in the McDowell Mountains and was established in 1998. OUR ACCOLADES OUR ACCOLADES AEF® A+ School of Excellence® Cognia – NCA CASI, NWAC, & SACS CASI about OUR ACCOLADES OUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY Desert Canyon Elementary School fosters a strong sense of community by offering a Mandarin language program alongside English instruction, promoting inclusivity among students from diverse backgrounds about OUR COMMUNITY Our Learning Community Our Learning Community The Desert Mountain Learning Community in the Scottsdale Unified School District is celebrated for its dedication to academic excellence and fostering a well-rounded educational experience. about Our Learning Community OUR POINTS OF PRIDE OUR POINTS OF PRIDE A+ School of Excellence Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program (K-5) Pathway to Biliteracy Award Highly Qualified Teachers & Nationally Board Certified and more about OUR POINTS OF PRIDE OUR PRINCIPAL OUR PRINCIPAL Mrs. Kimberly Mills, the esteemed principal of Desert Canyon Elementary School, has dedicated 23 years to the field of education, with 7 of those years serving as the guiding force behind Desert Canyon Elementary, an esteemed A+ School of Excellence. about OUR PRINCIPAL ACADEMICS Years of Academic Excellence School Of Excellence Vision Mission Values Goals Engaging all students in world-class, future-focused learning. We inspire, motivate, and empower all to think critically, act collaboratively, and embrace diversity for a life of intellectual exploration, community engagement, and personal growth. Excellence Integrity Empathy Trust Inclusion Unity Academic Excellence Culture and Climate Talented and Qualified Professionals Community Engagement and Partnership Optimized Resources