Desert Sands's The Beacon Lite

The Beacon Lite

Let them shine with The Beacon Lite!

Celebrating great news related to the students, parents, teachers, staff, and the community of Desert Sands Unified School District. Stories are welcome and encouraged!

Submit your story to be featured in The Beacon Lite! (approved weekly)

 

 

DSUSD Logo
New/Recently Promoted Employees - 06/21
06/22/2022
DSUSD is pleased to introduce four new/recently promoted employees.
Read More About New/Recently Promoted Employees - 06/21
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LBJ and Sandy Hook Promise
LBJ - Sandy Hook Promise
06/09/2022
Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School uses Sandy Hook Promise programs to keep students safe.
Read More About LBJ - Sandy Hook Promise
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Botball Team
PDCMS Botball Team Win BIG
05/26/2022
Congratulations to PDCMS for brining home the big win at their Botball Tournament!
Read More About PDCMS Botball Team Win BIG
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Monroe Students
Solving Rubik's Cubes at Monroe
05/24/2022
Thank you to these talented students at James Monroe!
Read More About Solving Rubik's Cubes at Monroe
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Be the Change logo
SHHS Be the Change
05/19/2022
Be the Change is a great project that freshman honors students have completed for the past 6 years, and this year was one of the best.
Read More About SHHS Be the Change
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Sands of Time - May 18, 2022
Sands of Time 2022
05/18/2022
2021-2022 Employee Recognition Program
Read More About Sands of Time 2022
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Craig Christensen
Recently Promoted Employee - 05/17
05/18/2022
Desert Sands is pleased to introduce Mr. C, Principal, Lincoln Elementary School.
Read More About Recently Promoted Employee - 05/17
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Toni and Jason
Two Recently Promoted Employees - 05/03
05/04/2022
Introducing Jason Fosselman and Toni Frazer!
Read More About Two Recently Promoted Employees - 05/03
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PDHS World Quest
Big Win for PDHS World Quest
05/03/2022
PDHS World Quest brings home a 2nd place In the National World Quest Championships!
Read More About Big Win for PDHS World Quest
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One Future CV Logo
2022 Battle of the High Schools Winners
05/03/2022
Congratulations 2022 Battle of the High Schools Winners!
Read More About 2022 Battle of the High Schools Winners
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RCOE Logo
Student Academic Awards
04/29/2022
Four DSUSD students received an award by the RCOE for student academic success!
Read More About Student Academic Awards
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CalRTA Logo
CalRTA Division 43's Scholarship Awardees
04/29/2022
Congratulations to five DSUSD scholarship awardees!
Read More About CalRTA Division 43's Scholarship Awardees
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BOB
Battle of the Books
04/28/2022
Battle of the Books competition and winners!
Read More About Battle of the Books
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LQHS Principal and AP
Congratulations, Dr. Oron J. Jackson!
04/28/2022
Congratulations, Dr. Oron J. Jackson on earning his Doctorate degree!
Read More About Congratulations, Dr. Oron J. Jackson!
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DSUSD Logo
Shifting Perspectives
04/28/2022
Desert Sands Unified School District partners with the Agua Caliente Tribe to implement ethnic studies.
Read More About Shifting Perspectives
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Humans of LQHS
Humans of LQHS
04/27/2022
Humans of LQHS aims to cultivate empathy and an understanding of the Blackhawk community.
Read More About Humans of LQHS
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Reagan Students
Ronald Reagan Penny Drive
04/26/2022
Ronald Reagan Elementary is a school that not only cares about their community, but the world as a whole!
Read More About Ronald Reagan Penny Drive
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Math Field Day
2022 Elementary Math Field Day
04/19/2022
DSUSD Math Field Day 2022
Read More About 2022 Elementary Math Field Day
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DSUSD Employees
Three New/Recently Promoted Employees
04/13/2022
New and recently promoted employees!
Read More About Three New/Recently Promoted Employees
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2022 County Science Fair
2022 RCSEF County Science Fair Awards
03/15/2022
DSUSD Awardees From 2022 RCSEF
Read More About 2022 RCSEF County Science Fair Awards
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Johnny and Leslie
Two New/Recently Promoted Employees
03/02/2022
Two new recently promoted DSUSD employees!
Read More About Two New/Recently Promoted Employees
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DAR Logo
Cali Gartland, DAR Essay Contest Winner
02/03/2022
Congratulations to Cali Gartland, 8th grader at Palm Desert Charter Middle School, winner of the DAR, Cahuilla Chapter, annual essay contest.
Read More About Cali Gartland, DAR Essay Contest Winner
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Michael Nguyen
New DSUSD Employee
02/02/2022
We are pleased to introduce Michael Nguyen, Safety and Industrial Hygienist Manager.
Read More About New DSUSD Employee
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HHF Logo
Hispanic Heritage Public Policy Youth Award
02/01/2022
Senior Bella Mazet is the first place recipient of the Hispanic Heritage Public Policy Youth Award for our region.
Read More About Hispanic Heritage Public Policy Youth Award
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Jocelyn and Coaches
Jocelyn Camarillo, USA Boxing National Champion
02/01/2022
Shadow Hills High School senior Jocelyn Camarillo recently won the USA Boxing National Championship.
Read More About Jocelyn Camarillo, USA Boxing National Champion
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Gerald Ford Donations
1000th Day of School at Ford!
02/01/2022
#FalconsGivingBack
Read More About 1000th Day of School at Ford!
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Aubrey NFL Super Kid
NFL Play 60 Super Kid
01/27/2022
The NFL announced 11 year-old Aubrey Anaya from Indio, CA as this year's NFL Play 60 Super Kid.
Read More About NFL Play 60 Super Kid
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Seandee Jackson
New/Promoted Employees
01/27/2022
We are pleased to introduce Seandee Jackson, Director of Purchasing!
Read More About New/Promoted Employees
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DAR Logo
LQHS Student Shares Good Citizenship Thoughts
01/14/2022
500 word essay On Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It
Read More About LQHS Student Shares Good Citizenship Thoughts
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Katie Xin
First Teen Poet Laureate
01/14/2022
Congratulations to Palm Desert High School’s Katie Xin for being named the Riverside County Office of Education’s Teen Poet Laureate.
Read More About First Teen Poet Laureate
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KidsHeartChallenge
Lyndon B. Johnson Has Heart!
01/10/2022
Lyndon B. Johnson raised over $3000 for the Kids Heart Challenge!
Read More About Lyndon B. Johnson Has Heart!
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Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Calendar
01/10/2022
This year, the 37th Annual Carol Addis Student Drug Prevention Poster Contest finds three Desert Sands students with winning posters.
Read More About Red Ribbon Calendar
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James Monroe Students
Entrepreneurship at James Monroe Elementary
01/07/2022
Students at James Monroe are taught skills and lessons on how to be a mini entrepreneur.
Read More About Entrepreneurship at James Monroe Elementary
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Lynn and Patricia
New DSUSD Employees
10/20/2021
Patricia Leon and Lynn Purper are new employees to Desert Sands, we are pleased to introduce them!
Read More About New DSUSD Employees
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PDHS Film Program
PDHS Film/Broadcasting Accomplishment
10/20/2021
The PDHS film/broadcasting program traveled to NYC and were finalists for the All American HS Film Festival.
Read More About PDHS Film/Broadcasting Accomplishment
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Safety Award Team
SEWUP Safety Award Recognition
10/20/2021
Congratulations to Director of Facilities Services Patrick Cisneros and his team for receiving the SEWUP Safety Award.
Read More About SEWUP Safety Award Recognition
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BNP Paribas Logo
DSUSD at BNP Paribas Open
10/12/2021
DSUSD staff recognized at BNP Paribas Open Tennis Tournament
Read More About DSUSD at BNP Paribas Open
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Megan Peterson
New or Recently Promoted Employees
09/22/2021
Megan Peterson is now a program specialist, student support services.
Read More About New or Recently Promoted Employees
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Start With Hello Week
09/20/2021
Each year in September, thousands of schools and youth organizations nationwide participate in Start With Hello Week to celebrate the amazing work of educators, students, and community members in building socially inclusive learning environments for all students.
Read More About Start With Hello Week
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Bianca Rae Foundation Logo
7th Annual Rae of Hope Retreat
09/16/2021
The 7th Annual Rae of Hope Retreat will be held on October 2nd, 2021 at the Hyatt in Indian Wells.
Read More About 7th Annual Rae of Hope Retreat
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CASCD Logo
IHS Principal as New CASCD Member
09/03/2021
New member of the CASCD board is IHS principal Derrick Lawson!
Read More About IHS Principal as New CASCD Member
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Siblings Jackson and Alexandra Kulevich
Disney's Magic Bake-Off
09/02/2021
Siblings Jackson and Alexandra Kulevich, from La Quinta compete at Disney
Read More About Disney's Magic Bake-Off
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John Glenn Logo
The John Glenn Art Collection
09/02/2021
John Glenn art students create beautiful art to showcase
Read More About The John Glenn Art Collection
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DSUSD Logo
New/Recently Promoted Employees
08/31/2021
New/recently promoted employee were recognized at the August 31 board meeting.
Read More About New/Recently Promoted Employees
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SHHS and IHS Principles with Mayor
SHHS vs IHS Rivalry Week
08/22/2021
Three sporting events, one eventful rivalry week!
Read More About SHHS vs IHS Rivalry Week
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DSUSD Logo
New and Recently Promoted Employees
08/18/2021
New and recently promoted employees were recognized at the August 17 board meeting.
Read More About New and Recently Promoted Employees
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PBIS Logo
PBIS School Recognitions
08/12/2021
DSUSD schools recognized by PBIS
Read More About PBIS School Recognitions
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Rajah Cadets
158th Battalion “Rajah Cadet”
08/04/2021
IHS Rajah cadets were recognized at the 158th Battalion
Read More About 158th Battalion “Rajah Cadet”
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DSUSD Communication Camp Logo
DSUSD Speech Camp
07/21/2021
Speech camp benefits students in many ways, but the main result is the overall level of engagement.
Read More About DSUSD Speech Camp
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Riverside Art Spectacular
DRA Art Finalists
07/20/2021
Three DRA students were chosen as art finalists
Read More About DRA Art Finalists
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DRA Logo
DRA Cadet Recognition
07/20/2021
DRA Cadets are recognized as they move on to HS/are promoted
Read More About DRA Cadet Recognition
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Mental Health Matters Logo
Mental Health Matters Spirit Week
06/14/2021
DSUSD Students Recognized for Creativity in the Mental Health Matters Spirit Week
Read More About Mental Health Matters Spirit Week
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Laura Bush Foundation Logo
Library Grant for LQMS
05/18/2021
LQMS earned a $5,000 library grant from the Laura Bush Foundation
Read More About Library Grant for LQMS
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CalRTA Logo
CalRTA Honoring Teachers
05/07/2021
CalRTA honors teachers for teacher appreciation week
Read More About CalRTA Honoring Teachers
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Imagine Learning logo
Imagine Español Recognition
05/04/2021
2020–2021 Schools of Excellence, Imagine Español
Read More About Imagine Español Recognition
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2021 Teachers of the Year
2021 Teachers of the Year
04/27/2021
Announcing District Teachers of the Year
Read More About 2021 Teachers of the Year
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CalRTA Logo
CalRTA 2021 Scholarships
04/26/2021
California Retired Teachers Association Desert Sand's Scholarship Recipients for 2021
Read More About CalRTA 2021 Scholarships
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2021 California Green Ribbon Schools Award Honorees
04/22/2021
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2021 Award Honorees
Read More About 2021 California Green Ribbon Schools Award Honorees
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Diversity Books
Indio Rotary Book Project
04/13/2021
The Rotary Club of Indio Providing Books to Elementary School Children
Read More About Indio Rotary Book Project
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Martin Receives Empowering Students Award
Martin Receives Empowering Students Award
03/22/2021
OneFuture Coachella Valley’s ‘The Future Is Ours’ Awards Celebration
Read More About Martin Receives Empowering Students Award
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Kindness Certified Schools
Kindness Certified Schools
02/10/2021
Recognized by the Kids for Peace organization
Read More About Kindness Certified Schools
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Valley Schools Awarded Music Grants
02/01/2021
Five DSUSD schools selected
Read More About Valley Schools Awarded Music Grants
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Danica Larson sworn in as student board member
PDHS Student Board Member Larson
01/13/2021
Danica Larson sworn in as student board member
Read More About PDHS Student Board Member Larson
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More CalRTA Teacher Grants
12/17/2020
Six of our educators awarded
Read More About More CalRTA Teacher Grants
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Technology Project Facilitators recognized by Alludo
Tech Heroes of the Year
12/14/2020
Technology Project Facilitators recognized by Alludo
Read More About Tech Heroes of the Year
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Truman Receives Music Grant
12/01/2020
Thanks to Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic!
Read More About Truman Receives Music Grant
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LBJ Longhorns tip their caps to say hello
Start With Hello Week School Awards
11/25/2020
Three DSUSD schools selected for a national award
Read More About Start With Hello Week School Awards
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SueAnn Blach and therapy dog Budders
Blach Recognized by NASP
11/20/2020
SueAnn Blach selected as an Outstanding Possibilities in Action Partner by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Read More About Blach Recognized by NASP
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Holly Hinman sworn in as student board member
Horizon's Hinman Sworn In
11/18/2020
Holly Hinman sworn in as student board member
Read More About Horizon's Hinman Sworn In
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Fisher named CUE Administrator of the Year
11/17/2020
Principal Brad Fisher of Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School has been named the CUE Administrator of the Year.
Read More About Fisher named CUE Administrator of the Year
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Kennedy Elementary School named Yard of the Month
Schools Celebrated for Conservation Efforts
11/16/2020
Kennedy Elementary and Eisenhower Community Education Center named Yards of the Month
Read More About Schools Celebrated for Conservation Efforts
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College Board Scholars
11/13/2020
Congratulations to two Palm Desert High School students identified as College Board National Recognition Program Scholars.
Read More About College Board Scholars
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Palm Desert Rotary presents check to DSUSD
Palm Desert Rotary Literacy Grant
11/03/2020
Palm Desert Rotary presents check to DSUSD
Read More About Palm Desert Rotary Literacy Grant
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Indio Elks visits Jackson Elementary
Elks at Earhart & Jackson
10/29/2020
Indio Elks Lodge distributes funds to Earhart and Jackson elementary schools.
Read More About Elks at Earhart & Jackson
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New Hires (Mar-Sep 2020)
10/19/2020
Welcome to all of the DSUSD team members who have joined us in 2020! It has certainly been an interesting and challenging time and thank you for sharing your talents with us.
Read More About New Hires (Mar-Sep 2020)
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School to School Water Project
Monroe Funds Clean Water
10/19/2020
Monroe Mustangs fund third clean water well
Read More About Monroe Funds Clean Water
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CSEA Chapter 106 Scholarships
10/16/2020
Congratulations to DSUSD graduates who were awarded scholarships for 2020.
Read More About CSEA Chapter 106 Scholarships
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Indio Sunrise Rotary Teddy Bear Project
Rotary Teddy Bear Project
10/15/2020
Read More About Rotary Teddy Bear Project
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CITE & ACSA Awards
10/13/2020
Kudos to Assistant Superintendent Kelly May-Vollmar, Ed.D., and Amelia Earhart Elementary School Principal Ann Morales for their recent professional recognitions.
Read More About CITE & ACSA Awards
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Eliana Lopez
2020 Golden Quill Award
10/08/2020
DSUSD nominee wins Golden Quill Award
Read More About 2020 Golden Quill Award
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Drug Free Calendar Winners
Drug Free Calendar
10/07/2020
Two DSUSD students win drug prevention poster contest
Read More About Drug Free Calendar
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Budder popcorn
Budder Popcorn
10/05/2020
Budders at Horizon/Summit High School
Read More About Budder Popcorn
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LQHS senior coordinates school supply drive
School Supply Drive
09/28/2020
LQHS senior coordinates school supply drive
Read More About School Supply Drive
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Monroe Elementary National Blue Ribbon School
09/25/2020
U.S. Secretary of Education recognized James Monroe Elementary School as the only school in the Coachella Valley to be named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2020.
Read More About Monroe Elementary National Blue Ribbon School
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CalRTA Teacher Grants
CalRTA Teacher Grants
09/24/2020
Read More About CalRTA Teacher Grants
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CVREP Writing Competition
09/24/2020
CVREP, a local repertory theatre, held a writing contest this summer and multiple DSUSD students won.
Read More About CVREP Writing Competition
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Parent Thanks PDCMS with Flowers
09/23/2020
Read More About Parent Thanks PDCMS with Flowers
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LQHS Theatre
2020 Desert Star Awards
09/21/2020
Read More About 2020 Desert Star Awards
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Dionne Elvira, Ed.D.
Congratulations, Dr. Elvira!
09/17/2020
Dionne Elvira, Ed.D. earned her Doctorate from CSUSB.
Read More About Congratulations, Dr. Elvira!
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Proclamation presented for Deaf Awareness Month
September - Deaf Awareness Month
09/16/2020
La Quinta City Council presents proclamation for September as Deaf Awareness Month
Read More About September - Deaf Awareness Month
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RCOE Superintendent Message
08/21/2020
Distance Learning: A Message From Dr. Judy D. White
Read More About RCOE Superintendent Message
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Bank of America Student Leader Lizbeth Luevano
Bank of America Student Leader
07/27/2020
La Quinta High graduate Lizbeth Luevano selected for Bank of America's Student Leaders program
Read More About Bank of America Student Leader
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McCallum Theatre's Open Call 2020
Open Call 2020
07/23/2020
McCallum Theatre's Open Call 2020 features DSUSD students
Read More About Open Call 2020
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Serina Strange, Ed.D.
Congratulations, Dr. Serina Strange!
07/21/2020
Serina Strange, Ed.D. successfully defended her dissertation.
Read More About Congratulations, Dr. Serina Strange!
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Oliphant Elementary outdoor chalkboard
Oliphant Architecture Award
07/20/2020
Read More About Oliphant Architecture Award
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Principal Derrick Lawson
Principal Lawson Award
06/22/2020
Principal Derrick Lawson to Receive Distinguished Service Award from NASSP
Read More About Principal Lawson Award
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IHS Student Recreates American Gothic painting
IHS Student Recreates American Gothic
06/17/2020
The Getty Museum put out a challenge to students. Recreate a piece of classic art.
Read More About IHS Student Recreates American Gothic
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Kathryn Fisher, 2020 County Academic Scholar
2020 County Academic Scholar
06/11/2020
Kathryn Fisher, La Quinta High School selected as County Academic Scholar
Read More About 2020 County Academic Scholar
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Literature Live participants
Literature Live Anyway!
06/05/2020
This year, La Quinta High School’s IB English seniors have reenvisioned this end of year event.
Read More About Literature Live Anyway!
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Congratulations Ashley Hayball
Hayball Receives HERO Award
06/01/2020
Teacher Ashley Hayball recognized as HERO Award recipient.
Read More About Hayball Receives HERO Award
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Jose Ramirez, Ed.D.
Congratulations, Dr. Ramirez!
05/27/2020
Jose Ramirez, Ed.D. earned his Doctorate from University of LaVerne.
Read More About Congratulations, Dr. Ramirez!
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Volunteers distributing books and bags
Book & Bag Giveaway
05/20/2020
The United Way of the Desert joined The Hope Collaborative for a book and bag giveaway.
Read More About Book & Bag Giveaway
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CalRTA 2020 Scholarships
Students Receive CalRTA Scholarships
05/15/2020
CalRTA Division 43 (California Retired Teachers Association) awards seven scholarships to Desert Sands students
Read More About Students Receive CalRTA Scholarships
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Tobacco Use Prevention Education Billboard 2020
Tobacco Use Prevention Education Billboard
05/14/2020
Palm Desert Charter Middle School student wins 2020 billboard contest.
Read More About Tobacco Use Prevention Education Billboard
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Golden State Merit Seal
Seniors Earn Golden State Merit Seal Diplomas
05/06/2020
Congratulations to this year's seniors who qualified for the Golden State Merit Seal Diploma!
Read More About Seniors Earn Golden State Merit Seal Diplomas
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Bridging the Digital Divide
05/04/2020
Desert Sands USD is proud of its 2019 CSBA Golden Bell recognition and its legacy of innovation. Read this article on DSUSD addressing the digital divide.
Read More About Bridging the Digital Divide
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LaTanya Strange, Ed.D.
Congratulations, Dr. Strange!
05/02/2020
LaTanya Strange, Ed.D. successfully defended her dissertation.
Read More About Congratulations, Dr. Strange!
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Budders works from home
Budders misses DSUSD
05/01/2020
Budders (AKA Butterscotch) wanted to share some messages of hope and connection. She is also ready for May Mental Health Awareness Month.
Read More About Budders misses DSUSD
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LQMS Band Instrument Selfie
LQMS Band - Instrument Selfies
05/01/2020
Mrs. Gubler asks her students, "What does your instrument do to relax?"
Read More About LQMS Band - Instrument Selfies
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Karaina Perkins - Poetry Out Loud
Shadow Hills Knight Competes in Poetry Out Loud
04/15/2020
Kudos to Karaina, from Mrs. Lew!
Read More About Shadow Hills Knight Competes in Poetry Out Loud
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Students Win Rotary Speech Competition
04/14/2020
Palm Desert High School-Rotary 4-Way Test Speech Contest: Triumph over Coronavirus Limitations
Read More About Students Win Rotary Speech Competition
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There's Moo-re to Health at Dr. Carreon Academy
There's Moo-re to Health at Dr. Carreon Academy
03/20/2020
Read More About There's Moo-re to Health at Dr. Carreon Academy
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Indio Ambassadors Mia Puga and Pedro Ledzama-Garcia
Students Participate in Desert Town Hall
02/21/2020
Desert Town Hall is a renowned speaker series presented in Indian Wells. Valley students are invited to attend.
Read More About Students Participate in Desert Town Hall
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AVID students give rise to college fair
AVID Students Give Rise to College Fair
02/07/2020
Read More About AVID Students Give Rise to College Fair
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Indio Middle School
DSUSD Supports, Fields Esports Teams
01/17/2020
Students learn to persevere, think strategically, and to set goals.
Read More About DSUSD Supports, Fields Esports Teams
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District Preschoolers
Thanksgiving: DSUSD Preschoolers Give Thanks
11/28/2019
Read More About Thanksgiving: DSUSD Preschoolers Give Thanks
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Bookmobile
DSUSD Provides Students With Ebooks, Audiobooks
11/22/2019
The Digital Bookmobile is traveling to libraries and schools around North America.
Read More About DSUSD Provides Students With Ebooks, Audiobooks
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Desert Sands Leadership Academy Graduates 26
10/11/2019
Graduation isn’t just for the students at Desert Sands Unified School District.
Read More About Desert Sands Leadership Academy Graduates 26
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The Beacon Goes Live
09/02/2019
In this world of instant electronic communication we are going LIVE with our e-magazine The Beacon. Beginning now, stories will be submitted by YOU!
Read More About The Beacon Goes Live
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