Desert Palms Elementary School

Tomorrow, July 31, Peoria Unified will be closed as all staff are on a furlough day. During a furlough day, all district schools and worksites are closed to the public, employees do not work and are not paid.

Last November, the community did not approve the override funding for our schools, resulting in a loss of approximately $11 million from this year's operating budget, or our maintenance and operations fund. This, coupled with declining enrollment has caused the district to cut a total of $21 million from our current budget. One way the budget shortfall will be addressed is with three furlough days this school year: July 31, February 12 and May 12. These furlough days will result in an average pay decrease of 1.5 to 1.7% for all staff members.

All school and district offices will reopen for normal hours on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, for the first day of school.

Learn more about Peoria Unified's fiscal reality at peoriaunified.org/fiscalrealities.

Happy birthday to America! 250 years ago, on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence forming the United States of America. From learning about the three branches of government to understanding the importance of voting, Peoria Unified is committed to educating our students to be civic-minded, responsible citizens.

Be sure to register, verify and update your voter registration status by visiting peoriaunified.org/vote.

Elections might not be as exciting as a grand opening, but they do serve as an important opportunity for you to make your voice heard on local, state and federal ballot initiatives. Register to vote today at peoriaunified.org/vote.

Is your child ready to leap into kindergarten? Early education is more than just learning the ABCs – it's where your child will build early literacy and math skills, and explore creativity through art, music and physical education. Ready to dive in? Visit www.peoriaunified.org/startstrong to learn more!

Our Firebird students had lots of fun in the sun during their water days!

Don't forget! Tonight are our Barro's Pizza and Yogurtini fundraisers at their 59th and Thunderbird locations! We hope to see you there for some tasty treats!

www.facebook.com

Join us at Barro's Pizza and Yogurtini next Tuesday, May 12th for our final Food Fundraiser Night of the school year! Barro's will contribute 25% of sales from 4-10 PM and Yogurtini will contribute 25% of sales from 5-8 PM. We hope to see you there for dinner and dessert!

Student Council is putting on one final Spirit Week of the year from May 4th - May 8th! Check out the flyer to see details on the dress up days.

Don't forget! The Firebird Finale is TOMORROW (Wednesday, April 29th) here at Desert Palms from 5-7 PM! Join us for a fun filled evening of performances, activities, and food for sale. Kona Ice will be here selling snow cones as well! Get new Firebird Merch for only $10/shirt. We can't wait!