Blog

Desert Mountain High School
12575 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 480-484-7000 • Fax 480-484-7001

Dear International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program families,
We hope you are safe and healthy during these difficult and uncertain times. We wanted to offer some
further clarification for IB MYP families for important decisions you will have to make in the coming
days.
If you select Model A: Enhanced Distance Learning to Full Return, no changes will need to be made to
student schedules. Students will begin on August 10 in an Enhanced Distance Learning Environment,
until it is deemed safe to return to the building. That date is tentatively set for Tuesday, September 8. In
addition, the district has decided to allow IB MYP students who are NOT comfortable with an in person
return to remain in an Enhanced Distance Learning Environment. Students/families with vulnerabilities
will not need to return in person and will remain in an Enhanced Distance Learning Environment for
semester 1, 2020-2021 school year. We are very thankful the district is providing this accommodation
for this specialty program. Please be patient, as we work through what those Enhanced Distance
Learning accommodations will look like for students who remain remote after other students have
returned in person. Those decisions are yet to be made.
If you select the Scottsdale Online Learning (SOL) option, which also begins August 10, you will select a
new schedule of SOL classes only. SOL does not necessarily offer classes that support the IB MYP
curriculum. However, we will allow you to return to the IB MYP program semester 2 or the following
year, depending on what year you are in the program. We ask that you reach out to Janet Emond
([email protected]) or Laura Kamka ([email protected]) to help you select classes to best support a
return to the IB MYP program down the line.
These are uniquely challenging times. We apologize for any confusion with communication. You may
reach out to Janet Emond at Desert Mountain High School with any further questions.
Sincerely,
Janet Emond
IB Middle Years Program Coordinator
Dr. Lisa Hirsch
Principal

IB Visual Art Exhibition

IB Visual Art Exhibition

The IB Visual Arts program will be hosting an exhibition in the Desert Mountain library on Thursday, April 4th, from 6 to 7 pm. All are invited to view this showcase of student work.

Read more ...

Life After IB

Life After IB

DMHS IBPA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Life After IB-DMHS Time: Feb 7, 2024 06:30 PM Arizona Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 856 6350 4628 Passcode: 760291 Meeting ID: 856 6350 4628 Passcode: 760291

Read more ...

CAS Explained-Nov. 1

CAS Explained-Nov. 1

DMHS IBPA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: CAS ExplainedTime: Nov 1, 2023 06:00 PM Arizona Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86180079717?pwd=ODN1SzJ0MHQ2L08rNXVKUUtFWGlYUT09 Meeting ID: 861 8007 9717Passcode: IBMeetingFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcKTGLBwDY

Read more ...

How to Speak IB Coffee- Thursday, 9/21, 8am!

How to Speak IB Coffee-  Thursday, 9/21, 8am!

IBPA Parent Event- September 21, 8am DMHS Library Join the IBPA in person on September 21st for conversation and to learn more about the IB and MYP program. This is a great time to visit and ask questions of other IB Families. OR Join us on Zoom, September 28, at 6:30pm where this presentation will be duplicated. Topic: How to […]

Read more ...

Alum Event-1/19/2023

Alum Event-1/19/2023

Join us for this Popular Event! Join the IBPA on Zoom, January 19, 2023 at 6:30pm. This virtual evening event is a great opportunity to learn about how IB has helped graduates.  Great for all IB Students and Families! Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/81979819992?pwd=dm9zd3NRYSs2eTBoREcyRWxwci81UT09 Meeting ID: 819 7981 9992Passcode: 331589Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdFU9YnveN Contact us at [email protected], with any […]

Read more ...

IB Parent Mixer

IB Parent Mixer

The Desert Mountain IB Parent Association invites you to ring in the New Year with an evening on us. We can celebrate our kids, share our IB highs and lows and enjoy an adult evening out. Food and one drink will be provided (cash bar also available). Can’t wait to see you there! RSVP to our Evite by January […]

Read more ...

CAS Explained 10/27, 6pm

CAS Explained 10/27, 6pm

with Laura Kamka Join the IBPA on Zoom October 27, 2022 at 6pm. Desert Mountain’s IB DP Coordinator Laura Kamka explains CAS hours to parents. IB students in their Junior and Senior years are expected to earn and log hours reflecting Creativity, Activity and Service. This virtual evening event is a great time to get […]

Read more ...

Parent Coffee

Parent Coffee

The IBPA Board will host an information and question and answer session. Please enjoy complementary coffee! The event will be held on September 29th at 8 am in the Desert Mountain High School Library and again on Zoom the following week, October 6th beginning at 6pm. This is an information session and MYP/IB families from […]

Read more ...

Barnes & Noble Bookfair

Barnes & Noble Bookfair

Required reading for the 22/23 school year will be released soon. Use this coupon to get your books and support IBPA in the process. In Store only at Pima and Shea (90th St). Share this information with Friends and Family!

Read more ...

2022 IB Recognition Event-May 6, 2022

2022 IB Recognition Event-May 6, 2022

We invite the DM IB Community to join us for this year’s IB Recognition event. We will be honoring the graduating seniors, acknowledging teacher milestones, and honoring countries with a flag ceremony. Mark your calendar, we hope to see you there for this special night! Questions? Email [email protected]

Read more ...

Save the Date

Save the Date

2022 IB Recognition Event May 6th, 2022 6-7:30pm Desert Mountain HS Auditiorium Reception in Mall to follow

Read more ...

Fundraiser

Fundraiser

Support the IBPA and eat at Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers, Wednesday, February 2nd.

Read more ...

Learn from IB Alumni–Now Virtual

Learn from IB Alumni–Now Virtual

Join the IBPA on Zoom, Thursday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. This virtual evening event is a great opportunity to learn about how IB has helped graduates.  Great for all IB Students and Families!  Topic: IB Alumni SpeakTime: Jan 6, 2022 06:30 PM Arizona Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/6596161867?pwd=N3RNbUg4enJuUFpBb25WSDRiWVdMdz09 Meeting ID: 659 616 1867Passcode: DMIBPAOne tap mobile Find your […]

Read more ...

Fundraising

Fundraising

Meeting the IBPA Board is rescheduled to 2/2/2022, please support the IBPA by ordering from Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers on 1/5.

Read more ...

Fundraiser

Fundraiser

Meet the DM IBPA from 5:30-7:30pm. This is a great time to meet other IB/MYP families!

Read more ...

How to Speak IB

How to Speak IB

Join us on December 9 to learn about IB Terminology. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6596161867?pwd=M0xYanVZS3oxay9ZMmo5b21XVUNyZz09 Meeting ID: 659 616 1867 Passcode: DMIB 

Read more ...

CAS Explained

CAS Explained

CAS Explained with Lisa Zaragoza and Laura Kamka. Join the IBPA on Zoom, Wednesday November 10 at 5:45pm. Desert Mountain’s CAS Coordinator, Lisa Zaragoza and IB DP Coordinator, Laura Kamka explain CAS hours to parents. IB students in their Junior and Senior years are expected to earn and log hours reflecting Creativity, Activity and Service. […]

Read more ...

Thank you!

Thank you!

It was great seeing you all at CBCB last Wednesday! We are looking forward to doing it again next first Wednesday, November 3rd.

Read more ...

Happy Hour!

Happy Hour!

Join us on Wednesday October 6 at 5:00PM on the patio of CBCB on 116th and Shea for a meal or a drink and meet other DM IB parents and the board.

Read more ...

The IBPA is looking for you!

The IBPA is looking for you!

Our first afternoon coffee/happy hour will take place on September 13 @ 6pm on Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87661994189?pwd=VkRnSU80ampyTTZad2pzTml4S3dmdz09  Meeting ID: 876 6199 4189 Passcode: 385855 Join the IBPA and meet parents and caregivers who like you, have a student or students in the IB program at Desert Mountain High School. Be as involved as you want and can; […]

Read more ...

New year, new beginnings

New year, new beginnings

Are you new to the IB program? – Join the IBPA! Are you an old timer in the IB program? – Join the IBPA! Do you want to take a more active role in your child’s IB journey, all the while meeting a whole bunch of interesting people from all over the world? – Join […]

Read more ...

CBCB First Wednesday fundraiser

CBCB First Wednesday fundraiser

Dine-in or take-out ALL DAY LONG at CBCB on 116th and Shea. Make your life easier every first Wednesday and support IBPA while you are at it. We thank you for your support!

Read more ...

Why join IBPA?

Why join IBPA?

The IBPA is looking for you! Join the IBPA and meet parents and caregivers who like you, have a student or students in the IB program at Desert Mountain High School. IBPA Creates/Hosts the Following :  IB Recognition Event   Freshman Welcome Event   Parent Education Nights:   “How to Speak IB”   “CAS Explained”   “Life After IB: Alumni […]

Read more ...

School year 2021/2022 here we go!

School year 2021/2022 here we go!

IBPA are looking for volunteer to join our wonderful team. Contact us via email on [email protected] if you want to help out and support the IB program students, teachers and faculty at Desert Mountain High School. We can promise new friends, a lot of fun and a chance to be a part of the creative […]

Read more ...

SAVE THE DATE!

SAVE THE DATE!

SAVE THE DATE! IB Recognition is here! Due to COVID-related guidelines, in-person attendance will be limited and Zoom viewing will be made available. Invitations to both will be coming shortly.

Read more ...

This is NOT a drill!

This is NOT a drill!

CBCB First Tuesday is BACK! Dine-in or Take-out all day and night on Tuesday 6 April at the 116th and Shea location and support the IBPA in the process.

Read more ...

Volunteers needed!

Volunteers needed!

Come join the great team of IB Parent Volunteers. We are looking to fill a variety of long- and short term positions. Our biggest event of the year is coming up: THE IB RECOGNITION EVENT. Mark the date: 21 May, 2021. For this event we are looking for volunteers on the day of the event […]

Read more ...

Parent Coffee

Parent Coffee

Grab your favorite morning drink and join us for a parent coffee on Friday 19th March at 7:45am. An open forum with a focus on the IB recognition event and and an informal discussion about next school year. DMHS IBPA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: DMHS IBPA’s Personal Meeting Room Join […]

Read more ...

Hello March!

Hello March!

It’s CBCB Day again! Skip cooking and eat in or take out on Tuesday March 2nd all day and support IBPA in the process. Thank you! We appreciate you!

Read more ...

Mark your calendars!

Mark your calendars!

Starting this Tuesday, February 2nd, every first Tuesday of every month is CBCB fundraiser day! Plan on NOT planning your lunch and/or dinner and support DMHS IBPA while you’re at it! Available at the 116th and Shea location. Thank you for supporting IBPA and you are welcome!

Read more ...

Life after IB – thoughts from IB alumni

Life after IB – thoughts from IB alumni

Welcome to our next IBPA virtual event: Life after IB – thoughts from IB alumni. Date: January 21, Thursday @ 6:00pm Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86811304420?pwd=eldkUVZnMFErS3RpOXBhRXMzZkxrQT09 Meeting ID: 868 1130 4420 Passcode: 362484

Read more ...

IBPA Virtual coffee

IBPA Virtual coffee

Mark your calendars and join us on Wednesday December 16 @ 6pm for an informal and informative coffee. Dr Hirsch will join us and address the latest in the DMHS IB community. If you have questions for Dr. Hirsch, kindly send them to [email protected]. Topic: Dec 16th IBPA Parent CoffeeTime: Dec 16, 2020 06:00 PM […]

Read more ...

Calling new MYP students

Calling new MYP students

DMHS is now accepting registrations for our newly authorized IB MYP Program. Use this link to learn more about the IB DP and IB MYP Programs offered at DMHS, as well as for registration information.https://www.susd.org/Page/555 To jump straight to the registration forms; click here https://www.susd.org/Page/572

Read more ...

IBPA congratulates the DMHS IB teachers, administrators and students on this great achievement!

IBPA congratulates the DMHS IB teachers, administrators and students on this great achievement!

Desert Mountain High School is proud to inform the community that the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) has formally approved the school for authorization to offer the Middle Years Programme. The announcement was made on Friday, October 30, 2020, moving the school from a candidate school to a fully authorized program. Congratulations to the teachers, students […]

Read more ...

Come join us!

Come join us!

The IBPA wants you! When our kids graduate, so do the parent volunteers! Join us now and see how you can be a part of the IBPA next semester, next year and onwards. Email us on [email protected].

Read more ...

IBPA fundraiser!

IBPA fundraiser!

Wednesday, November 18th, from 11am until closing, dine-in our take out. Come support our kids and the IB program all the while not having to cook lunch or dinner. Spread the word, bring friends, post it on your FB or Insta or why not Next Door. Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers, 116th and Shea location.

Read more ...

CAS explained

CAS explained

Join us Monday, November 16th for yet another informative parent ed. This virtual evening event will feature Laura Kamka, IB DP coordinator, and Lisa Zaragoza, CAS administrator, as guest speakers. Zoom details to follow.

Read more ...

How to Speak IB

How to Speak IB

Thank you everyone who attended our first parent ed talk of the year; How to Speak IB. We had great questions and discussions and it was great seeing you all. Do you still have questions? Email us on [email protected] or connect on our Facebook page, Desert Mountain IB Parents Association or in our Facebook Group […]

Read more ...

How to Speak IB

How to Speak IB

IBO, MYP, DP, CAS, HL, SL – what does it all mean? On October 22 @ 7:00pm we will unscramble the acronym soup for you. Lookout for Zoom login details coming your way in an email.

Read more ...

Fall Break!

Fall Break!

Thank you all for attending our very first Virtual Parent Coffees. We hope you found it informative and fun. If you want to help out and have a more active part in IBPA don’t hesitate to reach out. Easiest by email to [email protected] or connect on either our Facebook Page, Desert Mountain IB Parent Association, […]

Read more ...

Virtual Parent Coffee!

Virtual Parent Coffee!

September 21, Monday @ 7:00-8:00 PM or September 29, Tuesday @ 7:45-8:45 AM Zoom log-in details have been sent out via email. We hope to see you all there!

Read more ...

IB Freshman game night

IB Freshman game night

The IBSA hosted IB Freshman game night was a success! Over 30 freshmen RSVP’d and participated and had a great time. Thank you to the nine IBSA members who organized and also to the nine seniors who volunteered. A special shout out to Mr. Sheh and Mr. Rouhani who helped out during the event and […]

Read more ...

Barnes and Nobles Book Fair

Barnes and Nobles Book Fair

A great opportunity to purchase your IB class books and raise funds for IBPA, a volunteer non-profit organization supporting the IB community, including the IB students, teachers, administration and families.

Read more ...

Letter from Ms Kamka

July 15, 2020 Dear IB Diploma Program (DP) families, We hope you are safe and healthy during these difficult and uncertain times. On Monday night, the District unexpectedly uploaded the IB FAQ sheet.  Since that occurred, it has been decided that Desert Mountain will offer accommodations to our DP students who cannot attend in-person classes, […]

Read more ...

Letter from Ms. Emond and Dr. Hirsch

Dear International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program families,We hope you are safe and healthy during these difficult and uncertain times. We wanted to offer some further clarification for IB MYP families for important decisions you will have to make in the comingdays. If you select Model A: Enhanced Distance Learning to Full Return, no changes will […]

Read more ...