Kephyan Sheppard
Happy Holidays From Advancing DHS!!!
“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.” Douglas Wood As we prepare to enter the holiday season, we have plenty of reasons to be thankful. First and foremost, if you are reading this… you’re alive!!! Robert Louis Stevenson said, “The man who…
Read MoreLet’s Remember Who We Are!
“In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.” – Marianne Williamson Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you are fully aware that this is election season. This is the time where we can remind ourselves…
Read MoreWe may not experience all four seasons like other regions, but I believe that we are all excited! After over 100 days of triple degree temperatures, we are finally experiencing a cool off! Soon and very soon, we will begin to see snow caps on our mountains!
With our amazing views, spacious floor plans, and great value with our home prices, one would say that the housing market here in our city is prime for great deals. We haven’t spoken to a realtor in a while, but I caught up with one of our local realtors, Natasha Howard. The question was simple,…
Read More“Except our own thoughts, there is nothing absolutely in our power.”- Rene Descartes #thinkpositive
I am a realist. Although I operate with a high sense of optimism, I am a realist. It has been said that some of us see the city of Desert Hot Springs through rose colored glasses, and that we are ignorant to the things that are not so pleasant about our city. That cannot be…
Read MoreFrom Dr. Sandra Lyon
As previously stated, our students have returned to school. However, due to COVID protocols, they have returned to school virtually. Virtual learning has proven to be a challenge, and from the responses we have received, everyone is adjusting. I recently reached out to our District Superintindent for additional perspective: “As we begin the year in…
Read MoreBack 2 School!
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”- Nelson Mandela Happy new school year Desert Hot Springs! As we prepare to launch the school year this Wednesday, many of us have become inundated with questions concerning our uncertain, yet immediate future. Because of COVID-19 and all of the safety…
Read MoreLet’s Be Productive During this Pandemic
“A Pessimist Sees The Difficulty In Every Opportunity; An Optimist Sees The Opportunity In Every Difficulty.” – Winston Churchill Unless you have been sitting under a rock, you have become overwhelmed with news concerning COVID and its current outbreak leading to an astronomical increase in infections in several states. Here in California, we are once…
Read MoreA Teacher’s Perspective & Beyond!
As the 2nd semester of the school year got underway, I’m sure most of our educators were beginning to set plans for the summer. Vacations, completing ‘to do’ lists, and rest were more than likely prioritized. Fast forward to March, and COVID19 became the dominant thought, causing many of them to scrap lesson plans and…
Read MoreCelebrating our Grads!!!
“The most essential factor is persistence – the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come.”JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY A story of resilience. One that will be remembered for the ages and will be written about for future generations to appreciate it. In my lifetime, I’ve…
Read MoreThis Graduating Class is Something Special!
As we shift gears and begin to prepare for the return of some normalcy, it can’t be understated enough that for some normal may never return. For some the opportunity to take part in once-in-a-lifetime events has been taken away. Our graduation plans, especially for our high school students have unfortunately become casualties to unintended…
Read MoreMore From Advancing Desert Hot Springs...
A 4 Time Emmy Award Winner Calls DHS Home!
Ask anyone in Hollywood and they will tell you that the Emmy Award is an award of prestige. An Emmy Award (Emmy), is an award that acknowledges excellence in the television industry. This award is coveted by many, and bestowed upon few. Now I know you may be asking the question, “What in the world…
Once Again, DHS High Leads the Way!
A few weeks ago, I sat down with Principal Cota of Desert Hot Springs High School. Not only did she impress me, but based off of the responses I have received, she has impressed many of you. We are extremely fortunate to have what I believe to be the most innovative principal here in the…
DHS STAND UP!
What a beautiful time to be in DHS!!! The summer season is coming to a close, our version of Friday Night Lights will kickoff soon as our Golden Eagle Football team will soon take the field, and of course our beautiful view hiking trails will be prime for enjoyment. This week I asked a simple…
DHS CARES!!!
Homelessness numbers are in the rise throughout the state of California. It has been well documented that varying factors such as drug abuse and cost of living issues have and will continue to impact those without shelter. Many analysts have forecasted that the numbers will continue to rise, and although our numbers here in the…
Danny Holt, “I Chose DHS!”
I really appreciate hearing from you! The response last week from our opening, “I Chose DHS” segment was so great that this week I have another one! A while back (In January), I was able to speak with Danny Holt, the accomplished classical musician who launched a series of classical music concerts here in DHS…
Dr. Sandra Lyon:Superintendent of PSUSD
As noted in previous publications, we believe that some of the finest schools in the valley are right here in Desert Hot Springs. I have had the honor of interacting on a majority of our campuses and it’s amazing to see educators who not only love to teach, but love the communities they teach in.…
Principal Caroline Cota: Shining Bright in Our City!
“The many experiences you had in school and in your community have stretched your mind to its current dimensions, but it is only the beginning. Whether you continue with formal education or not, you are not done learning. So as you go out into the world, take chances, travel, read, be open to other people,…
Mr. Randa – A Teacher Spotlight
I have been involved with Palm Springs Unified School District for over 5 years and I have seen firsthand that Desert Hot Springs has some of the finest teachers district wide. Mr. Doug Randa brings energy and passion to his students at Bella Vista Elementary school every day. Watching him around campus and even on…
Cabot Yerxa Elementary!!!!!
Meet Amber Gascoigne, Principal Rotary Big Hearts Principal of the Year “I love DHS because we are a community working hard to do better for our youth. I’d always “heard” about DHS and was terrified when I came to work up here. The truth is the families and community members are some of the kindest…
Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About!!!
If you haven’t seen it, here it is! A few days ago, Advancing DHS landed on the front page of the Desert Sun! While we recognize the publicity as an honor, we also recognize it as a challenge due to the fact that many feel as if our vision is too grand. In addition to…