Email: daniela.estrada@dvusd.org

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor of Science in Early and Special Childhood Education

Ms. Estrada

Welcome [back] to Gavilan Peak!

I am Ms. Estrada and I am so excited to be your kindergarten-third grade resource teacher this year. This is my first year at DVUSD. I was previously a preschool teacher in Flagstaff, AZ.

I am originally from Upland, California but was raised in Surprise, Arizona. Needless to say, my family spent many weeks in the summer traveling back to Southern Cali to escape the heat! I enjoy spending my free time reading poetry and cooking fun meals. I have a maltipoo and a cat at home, but my favorite animals (that I can't have in my backyard [yet]) are cows!

I attended Northern Arizona University (go Lumberjacks!!) and completed my dual degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education earlier this year. My time as a preschool teacher further encouraged me to view students from an asset-based lens through reciprocal relationships with students and their families. I look forward to an amazing school year!

It's Grow Time Firebirds!

Kindly,

Ms. Estrada

 

Get to know me- My favorites! 

Cookie: Chocolate chip

Flowers: Baby breath

Drink: Vanilla coffee

Season: Fall

Sport: Soccer

Subject: Reading

Color: Green

Jaime Lavit

Hello!! My name is Jaime Lavit and I'm the School Psychologist for Gavilan Peak. I happy to be a part of Gavilan Peak School community. This is my 5th year in the Deer Valley Unified School District and as a School Psychologist. I graduated from Ottawa University with an Education Specialist (Ed.S) degree in School Psychology and received my Bachelors degree within University Studies, emphasis in Education from the University of New Mexico (Go Lobos!). I am originally from Grants, New Mexico and have lived in Washington state, California, Rhode Island, and now call Arizona my home. I have lived in Arizona for 15 years and absolutely love it! I am married and the proud mom of three children; two daughters and one son. Some of my hobbies include running and hiking and I enjoy spending time with family, watching movies, and I'm a coffee lover!! Please feel to reach out to me with any questions, I am here to support you, your student, and our community!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.

What Do School Psychologists Do? School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students, consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies, work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies, and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services. They help schools successfully:

Improve Academic Achievement

• Promote student motivation and engagement
• Conduct psychological and academic assessments
• Individualize instruction and interventions
• Manage student and classroom behavior
• Monitor student progress
• Collect and interpret student and classroom data
• Reduce inappropriate referrals to special education

Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health

• Improve students communication and social skills
• Assess student emotional and behavioral needs
• Provide individual and group counseling
• Promote problem solving, anger management and conflict resolution
• Reinforce positive coping skills and resilience
• Promote positive peer relationships and social problem solving
• Make referrals to and help coordinate community services provided in school

Support Diverse Learners

• Assess diverse learning needs
• Provide culturally responsive services to students and families from diverse backgrounds
• Plan appropriate Individualized Education Programs for students with disabilities
• Modify and adapt curricula and instruction
• Adjust classroom facilities and routines to improve student engagement and learning
• Monitor and effectively communicate with parents about student progress

Create Safe, Positive School Climates

• Prevent bullying and other forms of violence
• Support social-emotional learning
• Assess school climate and improve school connectedness
• Implement and promote positive discipline and restorative justice
• Implement school-wide positive behavioral supports
• Identify at risk students and school vulnerabilities
• Provide crisis prevention and intervention services

Strengthen Family-School Partnerships

• Help families understand their child's learning and mental health needs
• Assist in navigating special education processes
• Connect families with community service providers when necessary
• Help effectively engage families with teachers and other school staff
• Enhance staff understanding and responsiveness to diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Help students transition between school and community learning environments, such as residential treatment or juvenile justice programs

Improve School-Wide Assessment and Accountability Monitor individual student progress in academics and behavior

• Generate and interpret useful student and school outcome data
• Collect and analyze data on risk and protective factors related to student outcomes
• Plan services at the district, building, classroom, and individual levels

Why Do Children Need School Psychologists? All children and youth can face problems from time to time related to learning; social relationships; making difficult decisions; or managing emotions such as feeling depressed, anxious, worried, or isolated. School psychologists help students, families, educators, and members of the community understand and resolve both long-term, chronic problems and short-term issues that students may face. They are a highly skilled and ready resource in the effort to ensure that all children and youth thrive in school, at home, and in life.

Thank you,
Jaime L. Lavit, Ed.S
School Psychologist
Deer Valley Unified School District
Gavilan Peak School - 623.445.7417
Email: jaime.lavit@dvusd.org
Together, We're Extraordinary
Psychologist Mission Statement: "Our mission is to provide psychological support and services promoting extraordinary educational opportunities for each learner."

mailto: hollie.mccoy@dvusd.org

Mrs. Supplee

Hello, firebirds! 

My name is Kristen Supplee, and I am proud to be GP's self-contained teacher with our wonderful SPED department. I grew up in Arizona and attended public schools within the Washington Elementary School District and Glendale Union. I attended Northern Arizona University where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Special Education.

I truly believe that all children deserve the opportunity to learn and grow! I have a passion for being part of helping children realize their potential and being successful.

I will be promoting independence and the development of meaning by making the world predictable and less confusing. I will be putting an emphasis on modifying the environment and teaching skills based on the students' strengths.  

 

If you need to contact me, please use the information below. Email is preferred. Thank you! 

Kristen Supplee

Service Coordinator

Email: Kristen.supplee@dvusd.org

Phone: 623-445-7459

2024/2025 School Year

headphones for their computer or iPad (depends on grade level)

pencil box (used for going to specials)

All of these are very optional! I have a ridiculous amount of crayons and markers, so I think we are good on those! (I was once a 4th grade teacher) 

If your child is attending another class for a subject, I will talk to you about what they would need. I don't want any of you to over buy supplies! 

• Clorox Wipes
• Hand Sanitizers 
• Tissues 
• Pencils
• Ziplock bags (either gallon or snack size!)
• Cardstock paper (used for art projects, manipulatives, file folders, or task boxes!)
• A bag of change of clothes (if needed) Please have it labeled with their name!
• Expo markers (black) either thin tip or normal! 

Dear parents and students,

Hello! I'm Mr. Nelson Tapel, a special education teacher with over a decade of experience. My journey began in the Philippines, where I discovered my passion for supporting students with disabilities. In 2019, I moved to Phoenix and brought my expertise to continue advocating for inclusive education.

I hold a professional mild-moderate special education K-12 teaching license in Arizona. My educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a teacher certification, and a Master of Arts in Special Education. I am committed to ongoing professional development to continually enhance my skills.

My passion for inclusive education is deeply inspired by my sister Jennifer, who has a disability. This inspiration drives me to create supportive and effective learning environments, ensuring every student can thrive both academically and socio-emotionally.

My mission is to support teachers and parents in helping students achieve their full potential. I aim to provide practical strategies, insights, and resources to empower educators in their mission to support and advocate for students with disabilities. By fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, I believe we can empower students with disabilities to reach their full potential.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy painting, cooking and traveling with my wife, Trisha.

I am dedicated to continuous learning, collaboration, and advocacy. My goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of students and contribute to a more inclusive educational system.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at nelson.tapel-cw@dvusd.org.

 

Thank you!

Nelson Tapel
Service Coordinator

 

• Postive

  • Maintain a Positive Attitude: Approach each day with a can-do spirit. Encourage and support your peers.
  • Avoid Complaints and Negativity: Focus on solutions rather than problems. Use constructive language.

  ---

  Engage

  • Participate Actively: Be involved in all class activities, discussions, and group work. Share your ideas and listen to others.
  • Stay On-Task: Focus on the lesson and complete your assignments diligently. Minimize distractions.

  ---

  Accountable

  • Take Responsibility: Own your actions and behaviors. If you make a mistake, acknowledge it and learn from it.
  • Complete Assignments: Finish your work on time and to the best of your ability. Keep track of deadlines and responsibilities.
  • Be Honest: Always tell the truth and be trustworthy. Respect the property and rights of others.

  ---

  Kind

  • Use Respectful Language: Speak kindly to everyone. Avoid hurtful or disrespectful words.
  • Include Others: Make sure no one feels left out. Work cooperatively and be a team player.
  • Show Empathy: Be considerate of others' feelings and perspectives. Offer help and support when needed.

Welcome Back, Firebirds!

Dear Parents and Guardians,


Welcome to the first week of school! I’m Mr. Nelson Tapel, your new special education teacher at Gavilan Peak, and I’m excited to start this school year with you and your wonderful children. As we begin this academic year, there are a few important topics I would like to discuss to ensure a successful and smooth transition for everyone.

Home Expectations:
To foster a positive and productive learning environment, it’s essential to reinforce classroom expectations at home. Encourage your children to be positive, engaged, accountable, and kind—the PEAK values we uphold at Gavilan Peak. These values will help them succeed both academically and socially.

Attendance:
Regular attendance is a cornerstone of academic success. Ensuring your child arrives on time each day, ready to learn, is crucial. If your child will be absent, please inform the school promptly and provide a valid reason. Consistent attendance sets the foundation for a successful school year.

Homework and Announcements:
Staying organized at home is key to supporting your child’s education. Please check your child’s homework folder or planner daily for assignments, important announcements, and any school updates. This routine helps your child stay on top of their work and fosters a sense of responsibility.

Communication and Cooperation:
Effective communication between home and school is vital for your child’s success. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. By maintaining regular communication, we can ensure that we are all working towards the same goal—your child’s success.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. Together, let’s make this a fantastic school year!

Best regards,

Mr. Nelson Tapel
Special Education Teacher
Gavilan Peak School

Mrs. Jennifer Tapley

jennifer.tapley@dvusd.org

623.445-7425