Desert Canyon
Middle School
Our News
Between Two Mountain Lions - A Student Media Collaboration, Episode 3: Student-Athletes of the Week!
A joint production from Yearbook, Student Government, and Video Production, Between Two Mountain Lions features lively one-on-one conversations between two Mountain Lions, flanked by our two Mountain Lion Mascots. The show features students, teachers, or a student-teacher pair to spotlight school happenings, celebrations, interviews, and other stories that showcase our community's voice and spirit.
In Episode 3, Micah, one of our Yearbook students, interviews Itay and Ellie to shine a spotlight on two of our many amazing Student Athletes of the Week from this school year!
In our continuing series called Behind the scenes, we are shining a spotlight on our Mandarin Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program and taking a look inside Ms. Li´s Mandarin 1A class.
In this video, our sixth-grade students showcase their Mandarin skills through genuine conversation and cultural expression. This project reflects our approach of moving beyond isolated grammar drills to emphasize real-world application. Whether they are debating preferences, collaborating on peer projects, or performing self-selected Mandarin songs, our students are using the language in meaningful, authentic contexts. By prioritizing communication over rote memorization, we are helping them build the confidence and cultural competence needed for lifelong fluency.
DCMS students enrolled in the Dual Language Immersion program will receive two periods a day, equivalent to 40% of their academic school day, in taught in Mandarin. The two courses per day are:
6th Grade: Science & Mandarin 1A
7th Grade: Science & Mandarin 1B
8th Grade: Science & Mandarin II
By the end of 8th grade, Mandarin Immersion students will have completed high school Mandarin levels I & II.
Dual Language Immersion students are eligible for the Middle School Pathway to Biliteracy Award.
May we have your attention please...Did you know DCMS has a CGP program! (Comprehensive Gifted Program)
We asked Mr. Beard, one of our amazing Comprehensive Gifted Program teachers, what he thinks is the best thing about DCMS. Let’s hear what he has to say!
In our continuing series called Behind the scenes, we are shining a spotlight on Algebra I taught by Mrs. Morfitt. In this clip, students are improving their skills with linear equations as they prepare for an important exam. They analyze different descriptions of lines and express those relationships in various forms, such as slope–intercept, point–slope, and standard form. Working collaboratively in groups, students discuss the most effective strategies for solving problems and writing equations. This teamwork fosters a deeper understanding of the concepts and encourages logical, clear presentations of their work, allowing them to articulate their thought processes.
DCMS offers Algebra I and Geometry/Trigonometry. 8th graders that successfully complete these yearlong classes are eligible to earn High School credit at SUSD High Schools.
A joint production from Yearbook, Student Government, and Video Production, Between Two Mountain Lions features lively one-on-one conversations between two Mountain Lions, flanked by our two Mountain Lion Mascots. The show features students, teachers, or a student-teacher pair to spotlight school happenings, celebrations, interviews, and other stories that showcase our community's voice and spirit.
In Episode 2, Micah, one of our Yearbook students, interviews Camden to shine a spotlight on his amazing accomplishments! Camden won the DCMS Spelling Bee and the SUSD District-wide Spelling Bee! Watch the full episode here and help celebrate Camden's tremendous accomplishments!
A joint production from Yearbook, Student Government and Video Production, Between Two Mountain Lions, features lively one‑on‑one conversations between two Mountain Lions, flanked by our 2 Mountain Lion Mascots. The show features students, teachers or a student‑teacher pair to spotlight school happenings, celebrations, interviews and other stories that showcase our community’s voice and spirit.
In the premiere episode of Between Two Mountain Lions, Yearbook club president Ethan V. welcomes Ms. DeSarno — our 7th‑grade ELA teacher, National Board Certified and Scottsdale Charros Teacher of the Year — to introduce Alma Mater Mondays to campus. Alma Mater Mondays spark schoolwide conversations about college and future pathways.
High-energy Spanish I students practice present-tense verb conjugations using Total Physical Response (TPR), acting out verbs to lock meaning to movement. Across DCMS classrooms, teachers blend brain‑based strategies — like movement, retrieval practice and multimodal instruction — so students deepen understanding, build retention and enjoy the learning process.
Our outstanding student-athletes model determination and teamwork. These student-athletes help DCMS earn our school's "A" rating in the classroom. Outside the classroom, they compete for W's on the fields and courts. We celebrate their school spirit and achievements.