With the AIMS Writing and Reading tests quickly approaching, we at Desert Hills High School would like to remind you of the testing dates and address any questions you might have regarding these important examinations. The AIMS testing dates are as follows:

* Writing – Tuesday, Feb. 28
* Reading - Wednesday, Feb. 29

The administration and staff at Desert Hills are taking determined measures to help students successfully complete the AIMS exams this spring, with courses created to address test-taking strategies and reinforce information that students will need to be successful. It is very important that students attend on time on test day, eat a healthy breakfast and get plenty of rest in anticipation of these exams.

If you have questions regarding the AIMS tests, please do not hesitate to contact us at (480) 813-1151. Thanks to your support, we are confident that the students of Desert Hills High School will experience great success on these examinations.

Desert Hills congratulates our boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, which have each enjoyed outstanding seasons! On Monday, the Boys’ Varsity squad played an exciting game and pulled out a win against South Pointe High School. The game sealed the team’s second place standing going into playoffs.

Playoffs for Boys’ Varsity begin Feb. 22 at Phoenix Christian High School. A win would move the team into the next round, slated at Phoenix College.

The Varsity Girls are ranked sixth in their conference and will play EVAC next week, with a time and location still to be announced. The Boys’ JV squad ends its season with a tournament at Mesa Baptist, beginning on Feb. 21.

It’s been a tremendous season for all our players and coaches! Congratulations to everyone!

Also, there is no school scheduled on Monday, Feb. 20 (Presidents’ Day). Enjoy your weekend!

Desert Hills High School is located in Gilbert, at 1515 S. Val Vista Drive. For more information on school events, contact the front office at 480-813-1151, or visit our website at www.deserthillshs.com.

Desert Hills annual "Bank For Babies" fund drive to benefit the March of Dimes was an unprecedented success, netting nearly $450 for the children’s organization.

Each year, Desert Hills’ Future Business Leaders Of America (FBLA) chapter directs this fund drive, which benefits the March of Dimes, a national group dedicated to aiding expectant mothers and babies. Thanks to everyone for participating in this important event!

The Desert Hills FBLA chapter is kicking off its annual ‘Bank For Babies’ Penny War fund drive, which will run through Thursday, Jan. 26. The fund drive effort, which encourages students and staff to bring in coins and change for collection, goes each year to benefit the March of Dimes organization. This year, second period classrooms will compete to bring in spare change to benefit the March of Dimes Phoenix chapter, which is dedicated to improving the health of expectant mothers and babies. For more information on this important effort, contact the DHHS front office at 480-813-1151.

School begins for Desert Hills High School students on Monday, Jan. 9. We hope you have enjoyed your holiday, and we look forward to seeing you next week!

Tryouts for DHHS Spring Sports, including soccer, softball and baseball, are scheduled for Feb. 27-29. For information on signing up to play a spring sport, see coaches Balagna (baseball), Fieman (softball) and Schmitt (soccer), or Athletic Director Quinn. All students are invited to participate! Call 480-813-1151 for more information.

Parents and students - A limited number of free tickets to the Insight Bowl, slated Friday, Dec. 30, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, may be available to Desert Hills' parents and students, based on interest and availability. If you are interested in attending the Insight Bowl, please contact Athletic Director Teresa Quinn as soon as possible, at teresa.quinn@leonagroup.com.

Starting Monday, Jan. 9th, DHHS students will be able to enjoy a hot and hearty breakfast at school. Breakfast will be available from 7:30 to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday, at no cost to those who qualify. The reduced breakfast fee will be 30 cents, and the regular cost will be $1.50. For more information, contact the front office at 480-813-1151.

Have a safe and happy holiday! We will see you on Monday, Jan. 9, 2012!

DHHS will be hosting a Video Game Tournament during 4th period on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 7 and 8, to promote next summer's student trip to Italy! Entrance fee for the tournament will be $3 per person, and prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. Come and show your gaming skills, and help our students see the world in the process. For more information, contact Desert Hills at 480-813-1151.

Parents and students interested in learning more about college tuition aid resources are invited to attend our Financial Aid Night, scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, at Desert Hills High School. Featured guests will be representatives from the HEFAR Group, a non-profit organization offering free college planning services. Call 480-813-1151 and speak to Mrs. Eaton for more information.