Firebird Flyer Issue 21 Volume 24

Bridger Struve, Kindergarten: He has taken the time every class the first week back to help with cleaning! Bridger is so engaged in every project and has been fantastic with sharing supplies. Great job Bridger!

—Ms. Parks

Steven Strang, 5th grade: When he comes into the art room, the first thing he asks is if I need any help. Not only has he been making sure his project is perfect for each assignment, but Steven has also worked on helping those around them as much as possible. Great job Steven!

—Ms. Parks

Bobbie Phillips, 5th grade: Bobbie comes to school each day with a positive attitude and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. His diligent approach to his work and consistent effort set a great example for his classmates. Bobbie’s happiness and readiness to engage with each lesson contribute to the supportive and encouraging environment in our classroom. Thank you for being such a dedicated and inspiring student, Bobbie!

— Mrs. DeReese

Ally Landrum, 5th grade: Ally is a bright and cheerful presence in our classroom, always bringing her best effort to everything she does. Her positive attitude and dedication to her work inspire those around her, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for her peers. Ally’s kindness and enthusiasm for learning make her a true role model. Keep up the great work, Ally!

—Mrs. DeReese

Kyler Sheth, 4th grade: Kyler is a quiet and diligent student who consistently puts forth great effort in all that he does. He approaches challenges with determination and always strives to do his best. Kyler’s kind and respectful nature helps create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued. His enthusiasm for learning and willingness to support his peers make him a wonderful role model. Great job, Kyler! Keep up the fantastic work!

—Mrs. DeReese

Maksim Hercegovac, 4th grade: Maksim is a focused student who consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic in the classroom. He takes pride in his work, carefully completing each task with precision and care. Maksim’s calm and thoughtful approach sets a wonderful example for his peers, and his dedication to learning is truly commendable. Thank you, Maksim, for being such a dependable and hardworking member of our class! Keep up the amazing effort!

—Mrs. DeReese

Kyle Johnson, 8th grade: Since we have returned from break Kyle has been incredibly engaged in ELA class. His writing, reading fluency, and participation are top notch!

—Mrs. Lasich

Evie Diaz, 8th Grade: Thank you to Evie for helping me out with a tech issue by working on an extra "test assignment" to help me figure out a problem! Her positivity is appreciated.

--Mrs. Lasich

Celebrating Lunar New Year is a a long-standing tradition for Gavilan Peak and this year we are offering even more opportunities for families.

• 8:30 a.m. we will have a dragon parade and parents/families are welcome to observe.
• From 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. adults can join us for a special dumpling lunch if you RSVP by January 21st: https://forms.gle/joeimsp9xeQd3K3n6
• From 5:30 p.m. to 7 pm is our culmination event. This fantastic evening features food trucks, student performances and family activities to celebrate the new year. and

Save The Date! Our first fundraiser of 2025 and it's delicious! Join us on Wednesday, January 22nd at Sonic (41135 N Daisy Mountain Dr.) between 5-8pm. Show the flyer when you order/pick up and a portion of your sale will benefit the PTO in supporting our staff and school. Don't miss watching teachers and students compete in the Tot Eating and Slush Drinking contests!

It's your month to help us stock the January Treat Cart!
Please help us fill our GP teacher & staff snack cart with beverages & treats! Donations can be dropped off in the front office by Thursday, January 23rd.
https://gavilanpeakpto.org/treatcart/

This week we were informed by the district that, due to low enrollment and lack of override funding, we will not offer a Mandarin option to incoming Gavilan Peak Kinder students in 2025-26.

This does not affect students already enrolled in the Mandarin Program. We will continue to provide our excellent DLI Mandarin Program here at GP and Mandarin will continue to be offered at the high school level at Boulder Creek and Sandra Day O'Connor.

The district is not removing the Mandarin DLI Program for grades K-8 as it is still being offered to new Kindergarten students at Desert Sage and middle school students at Hillcrest Middle School, which are in an area of the district that is not in declining enrollment.

The Gavilan Peak Program, which has been the longest continually running DLI Mandarin Program in the state of Arizona will have a gradual close as current students graduate. The last Mandarin Program courses offered at GP will be for the 8th grade graduating class of 2034.

The district has stated that, should there be an influx of interest for Mandarin, this would be reconsidered.

If you would like to ask questions or participate in a parent forum, an opportunity will be held on January 21, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Gavilan Peak Library.

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.

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