Desert Shadows Middle School - NUSD #1

06/04/2026

District Registration for kinder and new students (K-12) is open now from 8 am - 4 pm daily.

https://www.nusd.k12.az.us/page/registration

06/03/2026

Summer Feeding Program 2026
More Information https://www.nusd.k12.az.us/page/food-services

06/03/2026

Desert Shadows Middle School Transition Ceremony 2026

05/18/2026

Dear Desert Shadows Middle School Parents and Guardians,

This is an important reminder regarding our 8th Grade Transition Day activities.

On Thursday, May 21, all 8th grade students must report to DSMS school no later than 8:00 a.m. due to the final transition rehearsal taking place at Nogales High School. 8th graders will be transported by bus from DSMS to NHS. Please be advised that all 8th graders will return to Desert Shadows Middle School immediately following the rehearsal, no exceptions.

Once students return to campus, we will hold our final 8th grade meeting, and students will be dismissed at approximately 11:45 a.m.

Please also note the following dismissal schedule for the remainder of the student body:

6th and 7th grade students will be dismissed at 1:20 p.m.
Transportation will be provided for all students riding the bus:
8th grade students will receive early bus transportation following their dismissal.
6th and 7th grade students will be transported at their regular early release time of 1:20 p.m.

Additionally, on Wednesday, May 20 school will be dismissed at 1:20 and on Friday, May 22, school will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m.

As we prepare for the 8th Grade Transition Ceremony at Nogales High School, we ask all families to carefully follow parking and arrival procedures.

Please ensure that you park only inside the NHS parking lot. Vehicles parked along the roadside or blocking sidewalks on N. Frank Reed Road may and will receive citations and/or be towed by the Nogales Police Department. We appreciate your cooperation in helping avoid any unfortunate infractions.

Please also be aware that the ceremony begins promptly at 6:00 p.m., and significant traffic is expected in the area. We strongly encourage families to arrive early.

All 8th grade students participating in the ceremony must report to the NHS football field by 5:00 p.m.

Thank you for your continued support as we celebrate this important milestone for our students.

Sincerely,

Christopher Miranda, Principal

05/09/2026

It’s the season we’ve all been waiting for! 🎓✨ From our youngest promotees to our newest professionals, NUSD #1 is celebrating the incredible achievements of our students.

Join us in cheering on:

* Medical Assistant Pinning Ceremony https://youtube.com/live/chX4fWvidEg?feature=share
May 14, 2026, 6:00 PM PHS Gym
* Fire Service Pinning Ceremony https://youtube.com/live/0NXk4fonBE0?feature=share
May 15, 2026, 6:00 PM PHS Gym
* PHS & NUSD Online School Graduation https://youtube.com/live/tp8AF2Fd_UI?feature=share
May 19, 2026, 5:30 PM PHS Field
* WCMS Transition Ceremony https://youtube.com/live/voR5vFiRhNM?feature=share
May 20, 2026, 6:00 PM, NHS Football Field
* DSMS Transition Ceremony https://youtube.com/live/so_KvCOFRsY?feature=share
May 21, 2026, 6:00 PM, NHS Football Field
* NHS Graduation https://youtube.com/live/97zdqFiukak?feature=share
May 22, 2026, 6:00 PM, NHS Football Field

We are so proud of the hard work and dedication shown by every student. Check the comments/link in bio for the full schedule and livestream details!

05/04/2026

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Circles of Peace for the incredible gift of a mental health awareness mural at our school, as well as for partnering up with us to provide four impactful assemblies for our students during this school year.
The mural, centered on the powerful theme “Tomorrow Needs You,” serves as a meaningful and lasting reminder of the importance of mental health, hope, and the value each student brings to our community. It has already begun to inspire reflection, connection, and important conversations among our students and staff.

Your assemblies were equally meaningful, engaging, thoughtful, and highly relevant to our students’ lives. The topics of mental health, va**ng prevention, social media safety, and mental health during the holidays provided essential tools and awareness that our students can carry with them every day. Each session helped reduce stigma, promote informed decision-making, and encourage students to support both themselves and others.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to Jessica Gallego for her coordination and support throughout this process, to Jasmin Ayala for delivering such impactful and engaging assemblies to our students and to Sahra Fong-kee for sharing her amazing talent through the mural.

We are deeply grateful for your time, effort, and dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of our students. Your partnership has had a lasting impact, and we truly appreciate your commitment to supporting youth and fostering a culture of care and understanding.

05/02/2026

Congratulations to Ava Kay Wise on being named AZ19 Youth Most Influential for Desert Shadows Middle School.

A big shout-out to Ava for her leadership, dedication, and positive impact. Proud moments like this deserve celebration, well done to Ava and her family who supported her along the way.

05/02/2026

Desert Shadows Middle School - Fiesta de las Flores Butterflies - 6th Grade Student Artwork.

04/26/2026

We are incredibly proud to announce that DSMS MESA won 1st place overall today at MESA Day, held at the University of Arizona. This marks the 4th year in a row that our team will represent the state of Arizona at the National NEDC competition in Laurel, Maryland.

Congratulations to our MESA team and to Science/MESA Chief, Ms. Bell for lifting our students to new heights and guiding them to achieve extraordinary things. We’re Maryland bound… let’s go, DBacks!

04/18/2026