New to Del Mar Hills? Get the insider scoop on everything SurfRider...
Del Mar Hills Academy: Del Mar Hills Academy is a neighborhood school with approximately 225 students. We are a National Blue Ribbon school and a California Distinguished School. DMHA was built in 1974 and we are celebrating 50 wonderful years!
SurfRider: School mascot
Principal Sleet’s Surf Report: A weekly electronic newsletter with updates from our Principal, Andrea Sleet, & the PTA. Be sure to look for it in your inbox Sunday morning!
Konstella: A private communication platform that allows schools to send and share information with parents and guardians. Use the app to connect with other parents in your student’s class, sign up for volunteer opportunities and get the latest information about upcoming events. Be sure to sign up here: www.konstella.com
PTA/Parent Teacher Association: A volunteer, parent led nonprofit organization. The PTA’s mission is to support every child to reach their full potential by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. The PTA hosts all extra-school activities and finances school needs not provided by the district. www.delmarhillspta.org
Catch the Wave: The PTA’s annual membership and giving campaign held each fall to kickstart fundraising. DMHA only has one fundraiser and a parent’s event/auction each year. All events on campus are free of charge thanks to your generous contributions to the Catch the Wave campaign.
HillsFest: The PTA’s biggest party and fundraiser for the year. Parents are invited to an offsite venue for food, drinks, music and a silent and live auction.
Spirit Wear: Del Mar Hills Academy branded clothing builds a sense of unity, pride and teamwork. Spirit Wear is available for purchase from our online store all year.
DMUSD/Del Mar Union School District: An award winning elementary school district currently comprised of nine K-6 school sites: Ashley Falls, Carmel Del Mar, Del Mar Heights, Del Mar Hills Academy, Pacific Sky, Ocean Air, Sage Canyon, Sycamore Ridge and Torrey Hills. www.dmusd.org
Governing Board of Trustees: DMUSD has a five-member Governing Board, which is an elected body. The Governing Board is responsible for the approval of the scope and focus of the District, as well as all Board policy decisions. The Board is responsible for appointing the Superintendent, who administers the day-to-day operations of the District and who answers to the Board.
Take 2: Community messages from the Superintendent produced by DMUSD.
DMSEF/Del Mar Schools Education Foundation: The Del Mar Schools Education Foundation (DMSEF) is a volunteer, parent led nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that exists to raise funds to assist in paying for the compensation packages for specialized and credentialed teachers in the Del Mar Union School District’s STEAM+ curriculum. The foundation raises money at all schools in the district to bridge the gap between the money the state provides for STEAM+ staffing and the actual cost (there is a 40% differential on average). This is separate from the PTA, which serves one school location. www.dmsef.org
STEAM+: The enrichment classes provided during the school day, including integrated Arts, Science, Technology, Music & Physical Education.
Second Step: A district wide social and emotional instruction curriculum with units for learning empathy, emotion management, friendship skills, and problem solving. The Early Learning program in Second Step also includes a unit for transitioning to Kindergarten.
The 8 Keys of Excellence: The 8 Keys of Excellence is a character education program that provides a common framework for both teachers and students. The 8 keys inspire students to model excellence in and out of the classroom and reinforces positive behavior throughout the year.
1. Integrity – Match behavior with values
2. Failure Leads to Success – Learn from mistakes
3. Speak With Good Purpose – Speak honestly and kindly
4. This Is It! – Make the most of every moment
5. Commitment – Actualize your dreams
6. Ownership – Take responsibility for actions
7. Flexibility – Be willing to do things differently
8. Balance – Live your best life
Little Toy: Nickname for play structure for K-2 located on the primary blacktop.
Big Toy: Nickname for play structure for grades 3-6 located next to the field.
PAC/Performing Arts Center: Students and families gather here for different events throughout the year. The PAC is a separate structure located on the primary blacktop.