October's Newletters 2024

Dear Davidson Families,

Happy Fall! Hopefully, our temperatures will drop soon, and we'll be able to enjoy all Tucson has to offer in October. Here are some things happening at school this month.

October is National Bully Prevention Month. Bullying is the aggressive use of power, targeting another person or group of people with repeated, unwanted words or action, hurting them emotionally or physically. Bullying impacts the education, health, and safety of students. The important words to notice in this definition are "targeting" and "repeated." Adults know from our own childhood experiences that sometimes kids say mean or rude things. They are learning socially appropriate ways to interact with others. Saying or doing something mean or rude on occasion is not bullying behavior. We use restorative practices to teach children the right way to speak or act in those situations. Bullying is when a person is repeatedly mean (physically or emotionally) to the same person over an extended period of time. There is usually a discrepancy in ages, sizes, or power structures when this happens.

October is a time for us to teach our learners about bullying and how to address it when they see it. It gives us the opportunity to talk about what bullying is, strategies to deal with bullying, and how to advocate for themselves and others. During this month, we are working to create a school without bullying, where we promote kindness, acceptance and inclusion. We will be having conversations on the announcements and in the classrooms. We will ask students to sign an anti-bullying pledge. We will be having an Bully Prevention Spirit Week October 21-25 to celebrate Bully Prevention Month. That week will culminate in a Fall Family Game Night on Friday, October 25 from 5:30-7:00.

We are sending home a Bully Prevention Calendar for you. This is full of activities and discussion starters to build kindness and awareness about bullying. Please talk with your learner and encourage them to complete the daily activity. These are ideas that you can do together, especially over Fall Break! You'll also see the themes for our Spirit Week on the calendar.

Enjoy this fall! It's my favorite time of year, and I wish you and your family all the best. I look forward to seeing you at our October events and on the daily.

Warmly,

Sarah Andricopoulos, Proud Principal of Davidson.

• October 7-11, Fall Break

• October 15, 1st Quarter Jump Party

• October 15, Site Council/Family Engagement Meeting, 2:15-3:00

• October 17, PBIS/PAX Team Meeting, 2:15-3:00

• October 22, AZ Opera, 1-3, 9:50-10:50, Cafeteria

• October 22, Leadership Team Meeting, 2:15-3:00

• October 23, PLD (Elementary on Zoom)

• October 25, Fall Family Game Night, 5:30-7:00

• October 31, Annual Halloween Parade, 8:00-8:15

Hello Davidson Families,

I can't believe we are already approaching 2nd quarter. Students in many grades have been learning problem solving skills. Please practicing using "I messages" with your children. Here is an example, "I feel frustrated when the living room is full of toys, I would like you to clean up after yourself." I messages start with how you feel when something happens and ends with what you would like the other person to do. It might feel strange at first, but with a little practice, it will roll right off your tongue.