Firebird Flyer

The Gavilan Peak School Improvement Committee is going to meet next week to take a closer look at strategic challenges facing our school, think about, and explore possible solutions. This time we will be looking more closely at enrollment and class size and think about how we can continue to offer the highest quality teaching and learning environment and robust enrichment opportunites while addressing the issue of Anthem's declining K-8 student population and saturated school market.

When: Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 at 6-7 pm

Where: Library

Everyone has a role to play in bullying prevention and response, and to promote a culture of respect, responsibility and resiliency. Parents and families are central to this effort. Here’s information about what parents and families can do to prevent bullying, and what happens when bullying is reported to the school.

Things you might not know about Arizona Anti-bullying Law

Arizona anti-bullying laws do not define harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Surprisingly, they also do not require schools or school districts to implement bullying prevention programs or strategies, nor to train teachers and staff on how to prevent or respond to bullying incidents.

There are no specific groups listed under Arizona anti-bullying laws or regulations, however, Arizona schools that receive federal funding are required by federal law to address discrimination based on certain personal characteristics. (Find out when bullying may be a civil rights violation).

School districts are, by law, required to include definitions of harassment, intimidation, and bullying in district policies, adopt procedures to protect the health and safety of pupils who are physically harmed as the result of incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying and to provide written copies of the rights, protections, and support services available to alleged victims and/or their parents.

Which Arizona laws and regulations cover bullying?

• Arizona Revised Statutes §15-153. Crime reporting; policies and procedures; notification; discipline

• Arizona Revised Statutes §15-341. General powers and duties; immunity; delegation

• Arizona Revised Statutes §15-2301. Hazing prevention policies; definitions

Deer Valley Policies

Guidance about bullying and harrassment can be found in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. However, here at GP, we also talk to kids about bullying and harrassment in classes and provide multiple avenues for reporting bullying. Once an incident of bullying is reported, it is investigated comprehensively according to district policy and procedures.

How does DVUSD define bullying, cyberbullying, harrassment and intimidation?

DVUSD definitions can be found on the district website, in policy and in the student handbook.

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

Bullying of a student or group of students can be manifested through written, verbal, physical, or emotional means and may occur in a variety of forms that are further outlined in the student handbook.

Cyberbullying is, but not limited to, any act of bullying committed by use of electronic technology or electronic communication devices, including school computers and an individual’s personal electronic media and equipment.

Harassment is intentional behavior by a student or group of that is disturbing or threatening to another student or group of students. Intentional behaviors that characterize harassment include, but are not limited to, stalking, hazing, social exclusion, name calling, unwanted physical contact and unwelcome verbal or written comments, photographs and graphics. Harassment may be related, but not limited to, race, religious orientation, sexual preference, cultural background, economic status, size or personal appearance. Harassing behaviors can be direct or indirect and by use of social media.

Intimidation is intentional behavior by a student or group of students that places another student or group of students in fear of harm of person or property. Intimidation can be manifested emotionally or physically, either directly or indirectly, and by use of social media.

Does the bullying have to occur at school?

Not always. According to DVUSD policy, if bullying that occurred outside of the school and the school day resulted in a substantial physical, mental, or emotional negative effect on the victim that carries over to school grounds, school property, school buses, at school bus stops, or at school sponsored events and activities, or when such act(s) interfere with the authority of the school system to maintain order, disciplinary action will be taken. All suspected violations of law will be always be reported to local law enforcement.

What protections does a student have once they report bullying?

Students who believe they are experiencing being bullied or expect another student is bullied should report their concern to any staff member. School personnel are to maintain appropriate confidentiality of the reported information, but it should be noted that those accused of bullying have a right to know what they have been accused of (not by whom) in order to provide a response to the charge. However, confidentiality is maintained to the fullest degree possible.

Reprisal or 'revenge' by any student directed toward a student or employee related to the reporting of a case or a suspected case of bullying is not tolerated, and the individual(s) will be subject to the disciplines set out in applicable District policies and administrative regulations.

What can happen when a student is found bullying?

Bullying is an extremely serious offense and students found to be bullying others will be disciplined up to and including suspension or expulsion from school. Knowingly submitting a false report of bullying will also result in disciplinary action. This is different from a case where an investigation concludes that the report does not constitute bullying.

What isn't bullying?

Not every unkind thing a child does constitutes bullying.

• 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.
• Teasing or making fun of another person is not always bullying. Sometimes simple teasing can go too far. Teasing turns into bullying when kids use it to gain greater social status or when the intent of what is said or done is to harm.

Five Tips For Parents To Help Prevent Bullying
Parents and guardians are among a school’s best allies in bullying prevention:

• Talk with and listen to your children every day. Ask questions about their school day, including experiences on the way to and from school, lunch, and recess. Ask about their peers. Children who feel comfortable sharing experiences with their parents before they are involved in bullying are more likely to involve them after.
• Spend time at school, especially during recess. Schools always appreciate extra help to provide all students individualized attention, especially during “free” time, like recess. Volunteer to coordinate games and activities that encourage children to interact with their peers.
• Set a good example. Children are observing when you get angry at a waiter, another driver, etc. Model effective communication techniques, especially when they are present. Any time you speak to another person in a mean or abusive way, you’re teaching your child that bullying is okay.
• Create healthy anti-bullying habits. Starting as young as possible, coach your children on both, what not to do (push, tease, and be mean to others) and what to do (be kind, empathize, and take turns). Also coach your child on what to do if someone is mean to him or to another (get an adult, tell the bully to stop, walk away and ignore the bully).
• Make sure your child understands that bullying is not okay. Explicitly explain what it is and that it’s not normal or tolerable for them to bully, be bullied, or stand by and watch other kids be bullied.
• Make sure your child knows what bullying is and isn't. 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.

Parents Can Help Stop Online Bullying As Well
Kids may not always recognize teasing as bullying. Some kids also may be too embarrassed or ashamed to talk to their parents about it.

That’s why it’s important to talk about online and digital behavior before your child starts interacting with others online and with devices, as this article from Common Sense Media suggests.

The Daisy Mountain Veterans Annual Holiday drive in the Anthem will provide holiday gifts and food for area parents in need. Organized by the Daisy Mountain Veterans with Anthem area businesses and nonprofit partners, the effort aims to make sure no child among us goes without a Christmas gift and holiday meals.

If your family or a local family you know could use a helping hand this season, please fill out a questionnaire by November 10.

The pick up of items will be handled in a unique fashion in order to protect identities. When a family wish list is complete, Daisy Mountain Veterans will contact the family to a confidential pickup and the identities of families will not be shared.

Holiday Help Registration Form

Monday, November 13th 6:00 - 7:30 pm at BC

For teachers and parents

Practices start Monday and will run from 3:15 to 4:45.

There is a Volleyball Parent Meeting on Tuesday the 14th from 5 to 6 pm in the Library.

We are hosting 6 other schools, so parking and traffic are going to be challenging. It's advised that if you can walk from home or consider parking near the Sonic/Walgreens strip and walking to school, you may find it easier than parking at school or in a local neighborhood.

We are having our annual PE Fundraiser Nov. 14th and 15th during Specials. Parent volunteers are appreciated and can sign up here (but you have to have had the DVUSD volunteer training)

Volunteer Link

This is a fun activity where the students will pay money ($1 for 2 rolls, $5 for 12 +prize) to bowl a frozen turkey. There will also be small toys and trinkets for sale varying between $1-$5.

All turkeys are donated to Rusty's Angels.

We need your help with our Day of Awesomeness! Volunteers will be helping supervise the inflatables. All volunteers must have completed DVUSD training.

Pick your volunteer spot on our Sign Up Genius

Thanks again for registering to join us for lunch! Please don't forget that adult lunches are $4.50 (cash preferred).

The menu is a traditional Thanksgiving meal with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and pumpkin pie!

Adults, please check in at the office before lunch.

Café Serving Start Times (seating times are approximately 25 minutes)

Kinder 11:30

1st 11:00: First grade is eating picnic style in their quad. Check your classroom newsletter for details.

2nd 11:20
3rd 11:05
4th 11:35
5th 12:00

6th 12:25
7th 1:00
8th 12:50

Happening November 17

Enjoy an evening on campus with your family and friends. Get into the holiday spirit with musical performances, food and dessert trucks, art displays & more! This year we will also be hosting a toy drive for The Foster Alliance.

Purchase luminaria bags to decorate at home & have displayed at the event. (10 bags for $5)

Visit https://gavilanpeakpto.org/luminaria/ for details.

Calling all LEGO fans! Show your school spirit and build your own GP minifig at Bricks and Minifigs (North Phoenix Location only) at 1730 W Happy Valley Rd Suite 106, Phoenix, AZ 85085

Choose from a large variety of legs, heads, hair/hats, and accessories to make it your own. GP mini figs are $15 with $5 of that coming back as a donation to your PTO.

Email a pic of your custom GP Minifig to gavilanpeakpto@gmail.com and we will also give you a GP drawstring backpack as a prize! Be sure to include your name, grade and homeroom!

We are pleased to welcome Mr Ruhly ("Roo-Lee"), who joined our teaching staff on November 7! Mr Ruhly moved to Arizona from Wisconsin eight years ago and lives in Anthem with his family. His degree in P.E. and kinesiology led him to a successful career coaching hockey and now he's applying his teaching skills to the 8th grade social studies classroom. Mr Ruhly is taking over for Mr Eklund who is joining the district New Teacher Mentor Team supporting new hires in Deer Valley.

Attendance Line:

(623) 445-7490

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