


Firebird Flyer Issue 23 Volume 24
January 31, 2025
Positive Office Referrals
🔥 We are proud of our Firebirds who model PEAK qualities 🔥
Scarlett Moran, 7th grade: Scarlett is a hard worker, respectful, and kind. Keep up the great work Scarlett!
–Mrs. Beall
Audrina Yuzuik, 7th grade: Audrina's work ethic shines through in all that she does. She is always focused on doing her best. Keep it up Audrina!
–Mrs. Beall
Vincent Digilio, 7th grade: Thank you for always having a positive attitude and a smile on your face!
–Mrs. Beall
Julian Gonzalez, 8th grade: Julian has been putting forth great effort in science.
–Mrs. McGurin
Annaliesse Barcelata, 8th grade: Annaliesse has been working very hard to turn in all assignments and participate in class.
–Mrs. McGurin
Jacob Strang, 8th grade: Jacob always has a positive attitude and is willing to help other students.
–Mrs. McGurin
Jake Breedlove, 5th grade: When another student spilled water/left a mess in the room, Jake stayed behind after school ended (along with another student) to clean up the mess completely. Thank you so much for being Accountable!
–Ms Parks
Mathias Taft, 5th grade: When another student spilled water/left a mess in the room, Mathias stayed behind after school ended (along with another student) to clean up the mess completely. Thank you so much for being Accountable!
–Ms Parks
Jack Robertson, 5th grade: When Jack finished his work early, he volunteered to stay at the sink to clean everyone's brushes. He's always so dedicated to his work in class and makes everyone feel included. Thank you so much Jack for being Accountable and Positive!
–Ms Parks
Rhys Abadie, 2nd grade: Being kind and showing forgiveness to others
–Yao Laoshi
Steven Strang, 5th grade: For the Volleyball game, Steven helped me set up the concessions table. He is incredibly positive and accountable in and outside of the classroom!
–Ms Parks
Luke Viuhkola, 8th Grade: Thank you for always being respectful and working hard in class! Keep it up!
–Mrs. Beall
Lincoln Evans, 4th grade: Lincoln always comes to class prepared and ready to learn. He goes above and beyond when it comes to being respectful, a hard worker, kind, and on task. Lincoln adds great ideas to our discussions and takes pride in growing as a student.
–Ms Giurgiu
Mark Robertson, 6th grade: Mark is a treasure to have in class. He comes to class prepared and is always ready to engage at high levels in our Socratic Discussions, his insight and depth are exceptional. Mark is kind, respectful, and very responsible. He is proactive and diligent about assignments and asks great questions about prioritizing work and due dates. Mark is a top-notch researcher and master presenter. His Passion Projects are beyond incredible, keeping the class engaged and wowing us with his in-depth knowledge of his topic.
–Ms Giurgiu
A Note from the Principal
As you are all now aware, one of our 7th grade students was involved in an accident before school on Thursday morning. We are all relieved that he is recovering well and his parents expect to be able to welcome him home from the hospital next week to continue healing.
Some of our region schools are holding special fundraisers such as "hat days" and a GoFundMe page has been established, as well. I believe these have been shared on local Facebook groups. While the school district does not allow me to share GoFundMe links in official communication, we are working with the PTO to have the link put onto their website for anyone interested in supporting the family this way. As an alternative, the school can take delivery of cards or other items for the family on your behalf.
Fortunately, we rarely face serious emergencies involving our students at GP. However, this incident shed light on a few of the school procedures that are not clear to parents. I think this is a good opportunity to re-post the district emergency protocol.
- Please be assured that, if your child is ever in a situation or an emergency is active at our school, you will receive a phone communication from the school or district. This will also copy a text message, an email, and the school/district website with information and instructions for your response.
- If you believe you have missed a call or message, you can use the Message Retrieval Number (1-855-269-0502). This number can also be used in your known caller or contact list to avoid call blocking. If you have recently changed your number or want to add or delete numbers from your emergency list, please contact the school office.
- If you do not receive a call or message and there is not a posting on the school or district website, there is not a school emergency or an emergency involving your child.
- If we experience a real lockdown (e.g. not a drill or practice), teachers will direct students to ensure their phones are on silent but remain on. If it is safe and prudent to do so, they will direct students to text a family member “My school is in lockdown. I’m safe. Please check the District website. My phone will now be silenced.”
I have attached a copy of the email letter that was sent to families on August first. We have updated school procedures to ensure this letter is also provided to families who enroll their students after the first day of school.
I appreciate your patience and support as we continue to refine our practices and provide feedback to the district regarding emergency procedures.
Upcoming GP Events
From the PTO
GP Spiritwear on sale
Get your new GP shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles and hats online today!
DVUSD Volunteer Training
Want to volunteer at school events or in the classroom this year? Check out how to get volunteer-trained. It is quick, easy and free!
Scenes from GP
A Rated Again
Lunar New Year
Has someone gone above and beyond for you or your child? Let us know by clicking the button above!
Each month we recognize staff members who have gotten shout-outs from the public, students, colleagues and parents. Thanks to Nanette Miller, State Farm Insurance for sponsoring our Certified of the Month award and GP PTO for sponsoring our Classified of the Month awards.
Congratulations to Mrs Lasich and Mrs Melian for their January recognitions!
About Us:
Attendance Line:
(623) 445-7490
Principal's Email: kimberly.elms@dvusd.org
Website: https://www.dvusd.org/gavilanpeak
Location: 2701 West Memorial Drive, Anthem, AZ, USA
Phone: (623)445-7400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gofirebirds
Twitter: @GPS_DVUSD