Viper Voice

I am thrilled to announce an exciting week ahead at our school, filled with opportunities to celebrate the remarkable talents and initiatives of our students.

First and foremost, tonight and tomorrow mark the highly anticipated performances of "Beauty and the Beast," presented by our incredibly talented students. This production promises to be a showcase of their dedication, creativity, and passion for the arts. I encourage you all to attend and witness the magic unfold on stage.

As we look forward to the future, we are also gearing up for an event that exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration here at our school: STEAM Night. Scheduled for April 25th, STEAM Night will be a dynamic evening where we highlight the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. We invite our entire community to join us as we explore hands-on activities, demonstrations, and exhibits that showcase the ingenuity and curiosity of our students.

In the spirit of giving back to our community, our Student Council will be hosting a food drive during STEAM Night. As we celebrate the wonders of STEAM education, we also recognize the importance of supporting those in need. Donations collected during the food drive will go towards assisting local families who may require assistance during the summer months. Your contributions will make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, and I encourage everyone to participate in this worthy cause.

I am continually inspired by the dedication, creativity, and generosity of our students, staff, and community members. Together, we are creating a vibrant learning environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and make a positive impact.

As we approach a week filled with celebration and appreciation, I am thrilled to acknowledge the incredible contributions of our volunteers, before and after school care professionals, and administrative staff. From April 21st to April 26th, we have the opportunity to honor these individuals for their dedication and tireless efforts in supporting our school community.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of our school, generously offering their time and talents to enrich the educational experience of our students. Their selflessness and commitment to serving others make a profound difference in the lives of our students and staff alike.

During National Before/After School Care Professionals Week, observed from April 22nd to April 26th, we recognize the invaluable role played by our dedicated before and after school care professionals. They provide a nurturing and safe environment for our students outside of regular school hours, offering support, guidance, and enriching activities that contribute to the holistic development of our students.

Additionally, Administrative Professionals Week, also taking place from April 21st to April 26th, gives us the opportunity to express our gratitude to the hardworking individuals who keep our school running smoothly. Their behind-the-scenes efforts ensure that daily operations run seamlessly, and their professionalism and dedication are truly commendable.

I encourage our entire school community to take a moment during this special week to extend our heartfelt thanks to our volunteers, before and after school care professionals, and administrative staff. Their contributions are invaluable, and they deserve our utmost appreciation and recognition.

Each week, students from each grade level is recognized for making a positive difference on our campus. Thank you for making SV a better place!

• Please do not park in Handicap parking spots without the proper Legal License plate or placard. We have staff and families who have the proper credentials and need to park in those spots.
  
• If your student(s) are currently registered at this time and you plan to return next year, you will not need to register again. Your student(s) registration will automatically roll over to the next school year.
  
• Open enrollment is now open for the 24/25 school year.
  
• If your student is attending any of our before school clubs or tutoring, please pull up to the curb in front of the office and drop them off - as our parking lot is for our staff.
• If picking up your child AFTER 2:45 PM, please park in our parking lot or you may get caught in the afternoon pick up traffic.
• Please make sure that you call the attendance line if your student is going to be absent for any reason - (623) 376-4890
• Breakfast service begins at 8:10 AM, no students can be dropped off prior to 8:10 AM - as there is no adult supervision available.
• If your student has tutoring in the morning, please do not drop them off before 8:00 AM - as there is no adult supervision available.

We've partnered with 1st Day School Supplies to make back-to-school shopping as simple as it can be. Just click on the grade level your child will be entering into next year, hit checkout and the entire supply list created by the teacher will be shipped directly to you.

DVUSD guidelines do not allow a specific teacher to be requested, but may allow parents to provide input on their child’s needs and the type of teacher that may best serve their child’s needs. It is our belief at Sierra Verde that teachers and parents can provide the best education possible for our children by working together. The responsibility for assignment of students resides with the principal and teachers working together to place students in a learning environment that best meets the needs of the student. Also keep in mind that teachers may change grade levels and/or schools. Therefore, providing detailed information regarding the preferred learning environment and your child’s needs is critical.

• Monday, April 22
• Day 4 Specials
• 8:00 AM - SV Honor Choir Club
• 3:30 PM - Basketball Practice
• 3:30 PM - B.O.L.T.S. Club
• 3:30 PM - Egg to Chick Club
• 3:30 PM - GenTech Club - Musical Micros
• 3:30 PM - Mad Science Club
• 3:30 PM - NJHS
• 3:45 PM - Junior Choir Club
• 4:30 PM - MRHS Track & Field Practice
• Tuesday, April 23
• 8:00 AM - SV Honor Choir
• 3:30 PM - Basketball Practice
• 3:30 PM - Young Rembrandts Drawing Club
• 3:45 PM - D and D Club
• 3:45 PM - Girls on the Run
• 4:30 PM - HOME Basketball Game vs. West Wing
• 4:45 PM - MRHS Track & Field
• 6:30 PM - Governing Board Meeting
• Wednesday, April 24
• 8:00 AM - Team Connect Club
• 3:30 PM - Basketball Practice
• 3:30 PM - Egg to Chick Club
• 4:30 PM - MRHS Track & Field Practice
• Thursday, April 25
• 8:00 AM - Honorary Choir Club
• 3:30 PM - Athletes in Training
• 3:30 PM - Elements of Music Club
• 3:30 PM - Right Start Golf Club
• 4:30 PM - Basketball Playoffs
• 4:45 PM - MRHS Track & Field Meet
• 5:00 PM - STEAM NIGHT
• Friday, April 26
• 2:00 PM - Early Release - Teacher PLC's
• 3:30 PM - Boys Basketball Practice

Our basketball teams are getting ready for the playoffs after their final regular season game on Tuesday, April 23rd. This game will be a HOME game against West Wing. This will be a GREAT game and we need fans in the stands to cheer our boys and girls onto Victory! Their first round of playoff games will either be Wednesday, April 24th at home OR Thursday, April 25th away. We'll let everyone know once we find out!

Our Track & Field team has a week of practice before their championship meet on Monday, April 29th.

We wish all of our Viper athletes good luck at they wrap up their season this month.

It is time to start thinking about sports for next year. We already have the 24-25 physical forms on our website, so get those appointments made and get everything uploaded and completed over the summer for next year!

North Phoenix Bricks & Minifigs will be at STEAM night selling Sierra Verde Minifigs for $15. You will get to customize your minifig with legs, head, hair and accessories. PTSO will earn $5 for every SV minifig sold.

Calling all parents! Teacher appreciation week is coming the week of May 6th. Please sign up below to show our SV teachers some love by decorating their doors! Details in the link.

Ridge Flag Football is hosting another camp, this one is held end of May and registration is open!

We would love to see more student/athletes from SV! If you have any questions please email me!

WHAT IS NOT BULLYING? Adults must realize that not every unkind thing a child does constitutes bullying. For example:

• Being left out is not always bullying. It’s natural for kids to have a select group of friends. Although they should be kind towards everyone, it’s unrealistic to expect them to be close friends with every child they know, and be invited to every function or event.

• Experiencing conflict is not bullying. Learning to deal with conflict is a normal part of growing up. The key is for children to learn how to solve their problems peacefully and respectfully.

• Not playing fair is not bullying. Wanting a game to be played a certain way is not bullying. Children understand the concept of sharing, and should take turns being in charge of the game.

When observing the unkind behaviors your child experiences, be sure to label them correctly. This will help you know how to handle the situation appropriately so that your child can learn and grow from it.

(Ref. Policy JICK, JICK-R, JICK-EA, JICK-EB)

Bullying may occur when a student or group of students engages in any form of behavior that includes such acts as intimidation and/or harassment that:

• has the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm or damage to property,

• is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that the action, behavior, or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive environment,

• occurs when there is a real or perceived imbalance of power or strength, or

• may constitute a violation of law

SRR handbook 2023-2024 (pages 2-4)

We are always excited to be able to welcome our parents/guardians back to help volunteer and visit at SV. If you would like to visit, we welcome you to come and eat lunch with your child in the MPR. Please arrive on time, and bring lunch only for your student - as we cannot have lunches passed out to other student or friends in the MPR for their safety. If you are interested in volunteering, we will soon welcome you back in our classrooms once we have our classroom procedures setup and in place. Mandatory volunteer training dates (required for all NEW volunteers) are listed below! If you are already a trained volunteer, please be sure to stop by the office to update your information.

As a reminder, we require all parents to follow our school rules and dress code on campus and ask that you do not use any cell phones or tablets in the MPR or around our students.

Our PBIS store is OPEN! Students can use their points earned for being a Problem-solver, being Engaged, being Accountable, and being Kind to purchase fun items. These items are delivered on Fridays. If you are interested in tracking your student through our PBIS Rewards app, download the PBIS Rewards for Family app and ask your child's teacher for their unique QR code.

If you are interested in donating to our PBIS store, we have a PBIS Store Amazon wishlist. You can also drop off any donation items to our office - new/gently loved stuffed animals are always a popular item.

1. We need parent volunteers to help keep inventory and package PBIS rewards for students.

2. The store needs rewards! There are many ways to donate – new and gently used toys, party favors – anything that kids would be excited to receive!

3. Help stock the PBIS Store Rewards Store by purchasing Rewards directly on Amazon. If you purchase from our PBIS Rewards wishlist it will ship directly to campus and our kids can purchase immediately. Stock our store here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2YZ9H9VV492G3?ref_=wl_share

If you have are available to donate your time or have questions about our PBIS program, please contact Mrs. Stephanie Hoffpauir in the front office.

• Make sure that all adults who will be picking up students at 3:30 have a purple placard with the student's Last Name and Grade clearly written in marker bold and big so we can read them. Placards are available in the office. Take as many copies as you need (one for mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, etc......).
• Please pull forward and follow all staff directions around the pick up loop, don't stop short, and stay in your car.
• We will load you kids, if they need help buckling, pull up and around the loop to the buckle zone past our bike rack
• We do not have any supervision of students until 8:30 am so please do not drop off or leave any kids unattended before 8:30 am.
• Please be patient and be kind to staff and other drivers as it takes a few weeks for all to learn our procedures. Remember out staff is out in 100+ degree weather keeping all our kids safe, and everyone's safety is more important than any individual's convenience
• If you do not have a kindergarten student, you must use the front loop for morning drop-off. We do not have enough spaces for additional vehicles, and our front loop is much more efficient and safe for our 1st-8th graders.
• Do not cross any streets outside of the designated and manned crosswalks in the am or pm. We have had some very close calls and pedestrians almost struck crossing rose garden illegally.
• If picking up on 74th, please be sure that you are not parking or waiting in the "no parking/loading zone" and please do not block any private driveways
• Please pull all the way down the loop before dropping off. Your student should not be getting out of the car when the line slows down
• Do not enter the parking lot through the EXIT

• All 1st-8th grade students should be dropped off in the front traffic loop, parking in the lot is reserved for Kindergarten parents only. It is also not permissible to park and cross Rose Garden or 74th Ave at any point other than our crosswalks.
• 8:45 is the start of our academic day, kids who are not in class at 8:45 will need a tardy pass.
• We cannot sign students out after 3:15.
• Do not text your students during the school day, phones are available for use at the office with staff permission.
• We will not interrupt instruction to relay messages or deliver items left at home (unless medically needed)
• Attendance warnings will be sent home for students who are absent more than 10% of days in session or who have accumulated 5+ tardies
• If you have a concern or question regarding progress, grades, or behavior, address the classroom level teacher per our DVUSD Problem Solving Guidance
• School staff and administration are not available to meet on demand, appointments will be made to set up meetings or phone calls for administrators and teachers. Walk-in appointments are not an option.
• SV teachers adhere to an email curfew. They will check emails Monday - Friday from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM only
• SV staff will respond to emails within 48 hours, excluding weekends & holidays.

For the 23-24 school year, we will once again be charging for school meals, to apply for a free or reduced meal application visit https://secure.ezmealapp.com or stop by Sierra Verde for a paper application (though the online process is much quicker). See the complete information from DVUSD Food & Nutrition below.

We will not be allowing outside food or drink for any reason on campus. DVUSD has a birthday bucket order form that will be the only method of birthday treats for 23-24. You can fill out an application for a birthday bucket and work with our Cafeteria Manger Mrs. Debbie Jasperson to arrange these birthday treats. The Birthday Bucket application is on our homepage and is linked below as well.

In order to keep meal account balances topped off, you can put money on the student account with cash or check. Please drop off any cash or check in the office, or use E-Z school pay. EZ School pay also has an app available to download and track your balance.