Dear Desert Sunrise Community,

It is with great excitement that I write this letter of introduction to you as the founding principal of Desert Sunrise High School.  I am very humbled and honored to have the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful community of dedicated learners and staff.  

As an educator, I have served in many capacities over the years.  I started as a K-5 computer teacher, moved to teach technology and career explorations at the middle school level and ended my classroom teaching career as an engineering teacher at the high school level.  

As I transitioned into administration, I served as a Gifted & Talented Coordinator, ECAP Coordinator, STEM Integration Specialist, Assistant Principal and Principal before moving to Maricopa as the CTE Director.  I have been blessed to be the founding principal of another high school and love the unique challenges and rewards that come along with opening a new school.  I look forward to developing our traditions that will carry on well past my lifetime.

In the coming weeks and months, not only will you see the construction of the physical buildings completed, but our daring and diverse instructional model will also be constructed.  We have been laying the foundational building blocks for the framework over the last six months and we will continue to refine them as we bring onboard our teachers and staff.  

I am excited to begin this journey with you and welcome you to reach out to me with any questions or concerns that you may have.

Sincerely,

Marlene Armstrong
maarmstrong@musd20.org