July 27, 2023

Dear Spartan Families, 
As usual, summer vacation has flown by much too quickly! I hope you have had an enjoyable, healthy, and restful break. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 2023/2024 school year.  Our staff over the summer has attended one or more conferences to either become AVID certified, learn teaching strategies, and understand their curriculum.  The secretarial and custodial staff have been hard at work preparing our building for the new school year.  At this time I would like to introduce to you  the new middle school staff:

Jesus Osuna, Assistant Principal
Lupita Sanchez, Administrative Assistant
Erik Johnson, Reading Teacher and Media
Michelle White, Science Teacher

Christy Stockton, Social Studies and Culinary
Dr. Comilla Green, Math and CTE Medical Terminology
Jose Rosario, Special Education Teacher

The first day of school is Monday, July 31, 2023.  Please note the new school hours are 7:30am to 3:15pm. Our school was awarded the 21st Century Grant and will be offering several academics and enrichment programs before and after school, and Friday School.  A flier will be sent home with your scholar of program offerings in the next couple of weeks.   Our fall athletic programs will begin practice on July 31st after school.  Coaches will be sending out practice schedules along with homework clubs to assist in keeping grades up to participate.  Parents and guardians please make sure to sign into your ParentVue account to receive up to date information, track your scholars’ attendance and grades.  Currently, our electives are full, the only elective that has space available is band, please keep in mind that scholars will be able to change electives in the second semester.  We encourage you to follow us on Facebook and go to our website for additional information at www.desertstaracadmy.org 

Click here to access the 2023/2024 DSA Scholar-Parent Handbook

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please let us know via email at cbarton@desertstarteachers.org or josuna@desertstarteachers.org or by phone at (928) 770-4523.  We look forward to meeting you this school year at our family engagement and sporting events.   We're excited to work with a staff that has the Spartan school spirit and dedication to our scholars for an outstanding school year. 

All the best,

Chris Barton, M.A. Ed., Middle School Principal

Jesus Osuna, M.A. Ed., Middle School Assistant Principal