Desert Ridge High News
![White graphic with Desert Ridge High and Junior High logos that says School of Innovation and Design]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1743014613/gilbertschoolsnet/cnxxwzbnqakwvhdwtsc7/DRHSSIDSchoolNews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1743014613/gilbertschoolsnet/cnxxwzbnqakwvhdwtsc7/DRHSSIDSchoolNews.png","width":512}])
The School of Innovation and Design hosted by Desert Ridge Junior and Desert Ridge High takes 6th-12th grade students on a journey to build the skills and access the education they need to unlock career opportunities in the job market of their future. Students are immersed in STEM, engineering, computer science, multi-media, robotics, and beyond, with an advanced academic track as well as conventional grade-level options to meet the needs of all learners.
![Desert Ridge High students pose onstage with their awards at the annual DRHS Senior Awards Night]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747081210/gilbertschoolsnet/lsyovcqlxqucilnzklfz/DRHSAwardsNewsSquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747081210/gilbertschoolsnet/lsyovcqlxqucilnzklfz/DRHSAwardsNewsSquare.png","width":512}])
Desert Ridge High acknowledges the Class of 2025’s hard work, dedication, and perseverance at their annual Senior Awards Night.
![7 Highland High Productions Film students pose at the 2025 GPS Film Fest with their "Best of the Fest" award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746644638/gilbertschoolsnet/wmegfav2p9htlix2rjnu/FilmFestNewsSquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746644638/gilbertschoolsnet/wmegfav2p9htlix2rjnu/FilmFestNewsSquare.png","width":512}])
May 6th was the 3rd annual GPS Film Fest. 51 student videos were submitted and viewed, with participants from all 5 of GPS’s comprehensive high schools, and almost 2 hours worth of video content.
![Ian Jeffer treating a football player at Desert Ridge High]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746082867/gilbertschoolsnet/khbbxnyiu2yfwutpmr2w/IanJeffer.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746082867/gilbertschoolsnet/khbbxnyiu2yfwutpmr2w/IanJeffer.png","width":512}])
Desert Ridge High's Head Athletic Trainer, Ian Jeffer, was recognized with the fifth annual Henry Schein Medical Athletics and Schools Rising Star Award for his sports medicine club management, creative teaching methods, and dedication to students.
![Campo Verde High Senior hugging a former teacher]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745276058/gilbertschoolsnet/huj02qebrkoeupcfupfp/SeniorCelebrationsGoldSquare.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745276058/gilbertschoolsnet/huj02qebrkoeupcfupfp/SeniorCelebrationsGoldSquare.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745276058/gilbertschoolsnet/huj02qebrkoeupcfupfp/SeniorCelebrationsGoldSquare.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1745276058/gilbertschoolsnet/huj02qebrkoeupcfupfp/SeniorCelebrationsGoldSquare.jpg","width":1080}])
Many GPS elementary schools are giving the graduating class of 2025 a chance to relive their fond childhood memories by inviting them back to the campuses where their learning journeys began, giving seniors a chance to reminisce while inspiring 6th graders as they look toward the future.
![Keeping Up With the Classroom Part 3]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744219464/gilbertschoolsnet/qyqfzotcvjb2zcsxg3t5/KeepingupwiththeClassroompt3square.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744219464/gilbertschoolsnet/qyqfzotcvjb2zcsxg3t5/KeepingupwiththeClassroompt3square.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1744219464/gilbertschoolsnet/qyqfzotcvjb2zcsxg3t5/KeepingupwiththeClassroompt3square.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744219464/gilbertschoolsnet/qyqfzotcvjb2zcsxg3t5/KeepingupwiththeClassroompt3square.jpg","width":1080}])
In the final installment of "Keeping Up With the Classroom," we check in on five educators who are finishing their first year teaching a Gilbert Public Schools. Abigail Mintz, April Clark, Gabriella Deets, Jonathan Dangerfield, and Kourtney Madsen each share the expectations they had when the school year started and how they've grown as educators since joining GPS.