Principal's Message
Hello, Hassayampa Families!
Learn. Grow. HOWL! That's the spirit we're bringing to Hassayampa Elementary as we prepare to welcome students and families for another exciting school year. The start of a new year is filled with fresh opportunities, new friendships, and endless possibilities, and we can't wait to begin this journey together.
At Hassayampa Elementary, we know that student success is built through strong partnerships between home and school. Whether you're returning to our campus or joining the Coyote family for the first time, we're excited to work alongside you to create a year filled with learning, growth, and meaningful experiences. Together, we can help every child build confidence, develop character, and discover the joy of learning.
We're also excited to welcome several new members to our team while celebrating the return of a couple of familiar faces. We know our students and families will be thrilled to reconnect with these valued educators, and we're equally excited to once again offer an Art program at Hassayampa Elementary. Each new and returning staff member brings unique talents, fresh ideas, and a shared commitment to helping every student succeed.
Please join us in welcoming:
- Makayla Freese - Kindergarten;
- Elizabeth Gomez - Second Grade Teacher;
- Barbara Gill - Special Education Teacher;
- Amber Santee - Special Education Teacher:
- Alma Holt - Art Teacher;
- Gloria Rogers - Preschool Aide;
- Aspen Klenk - Paraprofessional;
- Gabrielle Conly - Paraprofessional.
Important Upcoming Dates:
📅 Open House & Meet the Teacher Night - Thursday, July 30
Doors open at 3:15 p.m. with teacher presentations running every 25 minutes from 3:30 to 5:20 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to visit classrooms, learn about expectations for the year, sign up for Class Dojo, and connect with community and district partners — including transportation, food services, and the Wickenburg PTA.
📅 First Day of School - Monday, August 3
To help students get off to a great start, school doors will open at 7:30 a.m. during the first week. A consistent bedtime, a positive morning routine, and a plan for transportation and meals can make those first days smooth and successful.
Stay connected throughout the year by visiting hes.wickenburgschools.org for news, events, and important updates. We look forward to filling our classrooms with curiosity, kindness, and the excitement that comes with learning something new every day.
Here's to a fantastic school year as we continue to live the Coyote Way—Learn. Grow. HOWL! We can't wait to welcome everyone back to Hassayampa Elementary.
Best regards,
Carissa Hershkowitz, Hassayampa Principal
Warm regards,
Mrs. Hershkowitz
News
Here on our news page we will keep you posted on all upcoming events and activities. Check back often for any new developments!
PARENT-TEACHER COLLABORATION!
Communication is essential! We encourage all parents to reach out to their child’s teacher with questions and concerns as we continue to strive for academic excellence. You will find teachers’ email addresses right here on our school website. Many families enjoy the convenience of using Class Dojo for communication as well. Keep in mind that Class Dojo doesn’t necessarily alert the teacher when a message has come through. If there is a delay in communication, please contact the teacher through the school email.
It is important that the schools have your current contact information - email & phone. Please contact the school office to provide updates.
SCHOOL MORNINGS
Students need to be on time and ready for school each morning! It is important to establish routines to reduce morning chaos. We recommend the following, but figure out what works for you and your family.
NIGHTLY:
- Lay out clean clothes, underwear, socks, and face covering.
- Organize backpack and have it ready.
- Put a jacket with your backpack if needed.
- Brush teeth.
- Shower or bath with soap! (This can be in the morning)
- Read a bedtime story.
MORNING:
- Shower or bath, if not done the night before.
- Brush teeth.
- Brush hair.
- Put on clean clothes, underwear, and socks.
- Eat breakfast. (if eating school breakfast, arrive at 7:45)
- Get backpack and face covering.
- Arrive at school BEFORE 8 am. Classwork starts at 8:00.
Thank you for your help in starting the day right!
A Note from the Health Station
IF SICK, STAY HOME!
We have to be certain that students who are ill stay home. If your child is running a fever, he/she may not return to school until he/she is fever free without medication for 24 hours.
If your child is ill and must miss school, please give us a call to let us know - 928-684-6750.
Should your child become sick while at school, you will be called to pick your child up. Make sure you are available or that you have a Plan B if you aren't available. Be prepared!
Drop Off and Pick Up Reminders
STUDENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
It is very important that all families understand the safety measures in place for our parking lot. Thank you for taking the time to review this information.
The student drop-off in the morning is the parking lot in front of the stairs to the school. A staff member will be our greeter. A staff member will be on duty at 7:45 a.m. Please do not drop your child off until you see someone on duty. For longer stops, please park and walk your child to the sidewalk. We do not permit students in the parking lot without an adult. For those times that you may need to be somewhere early, please make arrangements for your child to either ride the bus or be taken to school by someone else.
In the afternoon, parents may wait in the car line for their child to be sent to their car or park in the lot and wait for students at the gate. Again, we do not permit students in the parking lot unless escorted by an adult. Please do not call your child from the car as we will not allow him/her to enter the lot. This is for your child’s safety. Please follow the traffic flow through the parking lot and be courteous to drivers and pedestrians. Kindergarten students are the first to exit the building, and will come down the ramp. A staff member will be on duty at the ramp gate. No visitors will be permitted beyond the gate unless picking up preschool or needing assistance in the office. Please let the supervisor know which child is yours. Supervisors may ask for identification.
Kindergarten through second grade release first - 3:10. Parents of third through fifth graders should arrive after 3:15.
Reading Progress
How many books are our excited students reading? Simply view the chart to watch our book count grow, and see what books are hot. You can also use your child’s login to Accelerated Reader and view books your child has read as well as test results.
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." From Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

Check out our newsletters to stay up-to-date with what's happening at Hassayampa!
Coyote Den
CHROMEBOOKS!
At this time, Hassayampa is fortunate to have one-to-one Chromebooks available in all classrooms. These Chromebooks have been paid for by a variety of grants as well as through our Tax Credit funds. We are grateful to our generous community for supporting us in this way!
If you want to help support this technology, many classrooms still need headphones.
Thank you for your support!
