Mrs. Amidei

Mrs. Amidei, Activity Director

Welcome to DRA Diamondbacks! I am very glad to be your ASB, Renaissance, WEB, Journalism and Venom Yearbook advisor. My goal is getting all students and staff engaged in meaningful extra curricular activities, events and community service. Students who excel in these tasks leave middle school prepared for leadership roles in our community. I believe in an inclusive approach that supports those who need us most.

ASB is our student government. We work closely with site administration to follow all legal and accounting procedures set by California Ed. Code, our DSUSD School Board, and the Fiscal team at DSUSD. We decide what activities and events we want to have at the school, which leadership trainings to attend, and then figure out how we will raise the money needed to make those things happen for everyone. We are the body that authorizes other club activities to be sure they are following procedures too. We work very hard to make your time at Desert Ridge Academy engaging, inclusive, and filled with special memories.

Renaissance is crucial to promoting and recognizing the positive achievements and improvements made by our Diamondbacks. This class focuses on teacher, staff, and student recognition and rewards for academics, positive behaviors, attendance, and other contributions to our wonderful DRA culture. This year we will also be managing the PBIS Rewards store.

Welcome Every Body is a class that promotes CONNECTION on campus. Student to student, and student to staff. With this goal in mind, EVERY 6th grader (and any student who requests) at DRA will be assigned a student leader mentor to help guide them while they attend Desert Ridge.

The Journalism class creates the Student Newsletter. We are using a digital platform that can be viewed at KDRAnews.com Check out our student produced articles and voice!

The Venom Yearbook class works all year to capture the stories of every single student and staff member at DRA. Every story is unique. Every story is important. We pride ourselves on getting photos of every student for publication in our Hard Cover yearbook or in our Digital supplemental galleries.

I am available to help all students connect to the positive culture of Desert Ridge Academy--the BEST middle school in the valley!

#DRAleadstheway with Accountability, Integrity, Respect

terresa.amidei@desertsands.us

What it's like in my room:

We are a community of learners who support one another. Students are expected to participate in class discussions, activities and events., while working independently and in committees.

The classroom rules are simple:

Maintain DRA accountability, integrity & respect

Please remember parents that the adolescent brain is not fully developed which can cause many areas of concern when it comes to decision making. I'll try to do my best to help you and your student through this stage--because I've experienced it all in my career. This is especially true with the stresses associated with coping with COVID.

Students have enough time and support to complete all tasks required. I carefully budget my time to be sure I can answer emails, grade materials, provide feedback, and analyze student outcomes. PLUS plan for some fun!

I work very hard to return emails and to answer your concerns. I will need your assistance to be sure students stay on track with assignments and learn how to manage time to ensure personal growth and academic success while at DRA.