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NO GUFF Week ... A 20-Year Falmouth Tradition of Kindness |
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Falmouth Celebrates 20 Years of No Guff
2021 marked a significant milestone as it marked the 20th anniversary of the first No Guff day at Falmouth High School. Today, the observance of No Guff has expanded into a week-long event, celebrated at each of the Falmouth Public Schools, within the community, and proclaimed by Falmouth Select Board members as No Guff Week in Falmouth. A video that celebrates this tradition was created by Brian Switzer Video. |
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NO GUFF Week 2021: April 12-16
About NO GUFF Week
Falmouth's annual NO GUFF Week is a time when students and staff work together to create a positive atmosphere in the school and avoid name-calling and put-downs. In 2001, Falmouth High School adjustment counselor Greg Gilbert was working with a group of students t find a proactive way to handle conflicts. They came up with the phrase "no guff" and worked with graphic arts teacher Doug Riebesehl to print No Guff t-shirts for students. Shortly after that first celebration, Mr. Riebesehl was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident. Since then, No Guff has been held in his remembrance, as he empowered students to get involved in creating a positive atmosphere. Each year, students and staff are asked to take the No Guff pledge, which states: I will not speak or text anything negative about anyone for an entire day.
This year’s NO GUFF Week marks the 20th annual observation of a tradition unique to Falmouth. No Guff Week s a time to celebrate respect and anti-bullying. No Guff Week encourages celebrations of respect, community, and unity. In the schools, it is a time when students and staff work together to create a positive atmosphere in the school and avoid name-calling and put-downs. The theme for 2021 is “NO GUFF: A 20-Year Falmouth Tradition of Kindness.” Local businesses Cavossa Disposal Corporation and Cape Cod Aggregates donated funds for this year’s NO GUFF Week t-shirts as well as the retrospective video about the NO GUFF tradition, produced by Brian Switzer. The video was also sponsored by Falmouth Congregational Church and Falmouth VIPS.
This year’s NO GUFF Week marks the 20th annual observation of a tradition unique to Falmouth. No Guff Week s a time to celebrate respect and anti-bullying. No Guff Week encourages celebrations of respect, community, and unity. In the schools, it is a time when students and staff work together to create a positive atmosphere in the school and avoid name-calling and put-downs. The theme for 2021 is “NO GUFF: A 20-Year Falmouth Tradition of Kindness.” Local businesses Cavossa Disposal Corporation and Cape Cod Aggregates donated funds for this year’s NO GUFF Week t-shirts as well as the retrospective video about the NO GUFF tradition, produced by Brian Switzer. The video was also sponsored by Falmouth Congregational Church and Falmouth VIPS.
2021 No Guff Community Spirit Award
Congratulations to Falmouth native Greg Souza for being chosen as the 2021 No Guff Community Spirit Award winner!
2021 marks the 8th year that the No Guff Community Spirit Award has been bestowed upon an individual who exemplifies the No Guff spirit in his or her daily life. Nominees must reside in Falmouth; staff and students of Falmouth Public Schools are not eligible as awards are given within the schools).
Winners of the No Guff Community Spirit Award are those who:
- consistently display a positive attitude
- avoid talking negatively about others
- practice 'random acts of kindness'
- offer kind words or lend a hand to others in need
Past Winners of the No Guff Community Spirit Award:
2020: Susan Negri
2019: Darlene Braga
2018: Laura Peterson
2017: Annie Hart Cool
2016: Jennifer Connors
2015: Craig D'Amario
2014: Samantha Mueller
2021 marks the 8th year that the No Guff Community Spirit Award has been bestowed upon an individual who exemplifies the No Guff spirit in his or her daily life. Nominees must reside in Falmouth; staff and students of Falmouth Public Schools are not eligible as awards are given within the schools).
Winners of the No Guff Community Spirit Award are those who:
- consistently display a positive attitude
- avoid talking negatively about others
- practice 'random acts of kindness'
- offer kind words or lend a hand to others in need
Past Winners of the No Guff Community Spirit Award:
2020: Susan Negri
2019: Darlene Braga
2018: Laura Peterson
2017: Annie Hart Cool
2016: Jennifer Connors
2015: Craig D'Amario
2014: Samantha Mueller
