Grant's News: September 2026

September 7: Labor Day - Enjoy - Schools closed

September 8: K-3 Bus Safety Presentations, annual safety update

September 8: Board of Education Meeting, special meeting with vote, 7 pm, Taft

September 9: PTA meeting at 6 pm in the cafe with open gym for students with guardians at meeting

September 11-17: House Hype Spirit Week (one color to be worn each day and learn more about the five houses, more info soon)

September 17: PTA's Donuts with Grown-ups and Fathers Walk sponsored by Cuyahoga County, stop by from 8:15-8:45 am in courtyard off door #9, all are welcome

September 17: KDG House sorting event, 2:30 pm on the playground, KDG families may join the fun

September 18: House assembly day for the month - wear house t-shirts (thanks PTA for shirts, KDG students will be sorted into their houses on 9/17, third Friday of each month is a house meeting day)

September 21-25: Bike and Hike to School Week (see below for all the details)

September 25: Picture Day - Online Access Key is: B2ZTMV8R

Online Ordering Link is: https://ripchostudio.orderphotos.online/ordering/with?key=B2ZTMV8R

September 25: Read-in event at school - bring your favorite book - consider donating coins to the Imagination Library fund - see below for information

Spirit Wear T-shirt sale going on now - This our only spirit wear sale for the year (flier is below).

Ranger Spirit Day Each Friday this year (wear your Grant/Lakewood gear to show your pride)

Each month we will host a House Assembly on the 3rd Friday of the month - wear house t-shirts on those Fridays this year.

Save the dates for OCTOBER:

October 1: Mum pick up from 2-6 pm, more info soon

October 9: No school with NEOTA Day for staff

October 23: Fall parade at 2:55 pm for PreK-5 students and families outside

October 23: PTA Trunk or Treat evening event from 6-7 pm, see below

October 28-30: Fall conferences for families and teachers to meet, more information soon

8:30 Doors open for breakfast at door 8, optional breakfast

8:45 Bell to enter school

8:52 Announcements

8:55 Instruction begins and tardy bell rings

3:15 Dismissal

Welcome back, Grant! As an entire school community, we continue to celebrate Grant earning the distinction of being a Blue Ribbon School. This prestigious honor is possible because of our incredible staff, our engaged students, and our supportive families. Thank you for the critical role you play in partnering with us to support your children in their academic journey at Grant. If you are interested in more information about this award, you can click the link.

Welcome back Rangers! The Lakewood Performing Arts Boosters (formerly Lakewood Music Boosters) is an organization of parents, teachers, alumni and community members who support the 70+ music and performing arts groups enriching the education of Lakewood’s children. Our mission is to support district music initiatives from elementary through high school, award scholarships for private music lessons, camps, volunteer for events/concerts and so much more! Whether you are a current family member, alumni or community member, we would love to have you as a part of boosters! Check out the flyer for more information, QR code or link to join today!

https://lakewoodmusicboosters.com/membership/

Second Board Vote during September 8 Meeting at Taft

As part of the Board of Education’s legal settlement regarding the District’s previously approved plan to repurpose Lincoln Elementary School as an early learning center and redraw elementary school attendance boundaries, the Board spent its two August meetings hearing about updated enrollment and building utilization data as well as details on benefits of an early learning center. Superintendent Niedzwiecki and other District leaders shared the latest information and updates with the Board, which also heard public comment on the topic.

The Board's decision to settle this matter reflects its commitment to acting in the best interests of the District and being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources. Resolving this litigation allows the District to avoid the significant costs, uncertainty, and time associated with continued legal proceedings. As part of the settlement, the Board of Education does not admit to any wrongdoing.

At a special Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Superintendent will present final recommendations, after which the Board will discuss and vote on the proposed recommendations. The meeting will take place at Taft Center for Innovation and begins at 7 p.m. Following the Board's action on Sept. 8, and pending the outcome of that vote, the District will provide an updated timeline and communicate the next steps to our families, staff, and community.

- Breakfast is available at 8:30 am from door #8.

- The school day begins at 8:45 am and ends at 3:15 pm. This year the tardy bell rings at 8:55 am.

- Submit your Free and Reduced Lunch application, more info below: https://www.lakewoodcityschools.org/departments/nutrition-services

- Label water bottles and lunch boxes all year long, please avoid glass water bottles.

- We do not provide supervision of students prior to 8:45 am and after 3:15 p.m. Please remind your child that he/she is expected to go directly home after school. Students are not permitted on the playground before or after school without adult supervision on the playground. The playground is closed when it is being used by YMCA after care.

- Door 2 (north facing door) in the morning is for walkers, bikers, and car riders. Door 9 off the courtyard is also open for arrival for walkers and bikers each day.

This year, our school is once again participating in Hike & Bike, a citywide program that encourages families to choose healthy, active, and sustainable ways to get to school. Our first Hike & Bike event takes place September 21–27, 2026.

Walking and biking help students start the day alert and ready to learn and fosters independence. Please help us ensure everyone's safety by watching for students walking and biking, keeping sidewalks and crosswalks clear, and if driving, following the school traffic procedures. A few things to remember:

• Use extra caution when turning at intersections and driveways near schools. Students walking and biking may be less visible than vehicles.
• Students biking on sidewalks must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing
• Help keep students safe by slowing down

Membership Sign Up

Meet parents, have fun at events & create lasting memories with your family. Plus, get special group discounts and so much more!

my.cheddarup.com/c/2026-2027-grant-pta-membership

Mums Fundraiser

Bring fall color to your porch and support our Grant Elementary! Every mum purchased helps fund programs, activities, and resources that directly benefit our students. Students will receive a catalog to bring home, but families can get a hard start on purchasing (AND get access to items before they sell out!) by signing up here: https://grantelementary.sowzer.com/parent-signup?step=welcome

Next PTA Meeting - Wednesday, September 9th from 6-7pm

Everyone is welcome! Gym will be open, and we will offer supervised play for children preschool aged and up. Pizza & Snacks provided.

**Principal Foote will be making an EXCITING announcement for the 26-27 school year that night. Join the PTA meeting to hear it first!**

Volunteer Opportunities

The PTA is seeking volunteers for classroom parties, open gym monitors & other events! Want to help out? To get added to the volunteer list, email: volunteeratgrantpta@gmail.com

Open Gym During PTA Meetings

Seeking 1–2 adult volunteers to supervise student play.

Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C4AA9AE29A4F49-65240234-open

Donuts with Grownups - Thursday, September 17th from 8:15-8:45am

Start the day with something sweet! Students are invited to bring their special grownups to enjoy donuts, juice, and quality time together before school.

Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C4AA9AE29A4F49-65238360-copy

Mum Distribution - Thursday, October 1st from 9am-12pm and 2-6pm

Help us distribute the beautiful mums our students will be selling! Even if you’re only available for part of a shift, your help is greatly appreciated. Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C4AA9AE29A4F49-65238656-mumdistribution

Trunk or Treat - Friday, October 23rd from 6-7pm

Mark your calendars and save the date for decorated cars and plenty of treats for all the little ghosts and goblins! Trunk or Treat is a family favorite. Don’t take our word for it. “I love Trunk or Treat! It's fun, everyone's there, and you get to see all your friends. It feels like trick or treating on Halloween... but you don't have to walk as far!” - A Grant 5th grader

Great Wolf Lodge - Monday, November 2nd

Come splash with us at the Great Wolf Lodge on Monday, November 2nd! PTA members will receive a link to stay in a family suite with a balcony/patio for only $89 plus tax.This includes the room and waterslide passes, which can be used on Monday, November 2nd and Tuesday, November 3. **SIGN UP FOR PTA MEMBERSHIP TODAY to access this awesome deal!** my.cheddarup.com/c/2026-2027-grant-pta-membership

Stay Connected

Facebook: GrantElementarySchoolPTA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantlkwd_pta/

PTA Website:

https://www.grant.lakewoodcityschools.org/parents-students/grant-pta

Upcoming PTA events

• September 3-23 - Mums sale

• September 17 - Donuts with Grownups (see info above)

• October 1 - Mums Distribution date

• October 14 - Member meeting

• October 23 - Trunk or Treat/Classroom parties & costume parade

• November 2 - Grant family night at Great Wolf Lodge water park (see info above)

This month's social emotional learning theme is Awareness of Self & Others. Students will learn and practice recognizing their own emotions, thoughts, and values - and others', too. They will understand how these influence both their behavior and decision-making. This self-knowledge will help them identify their strengths and areas for growth. SEL resource for students and parents

Should you choose to send a treat for a special occasion/birthday, please schedule it with the classroom teacher ahead of time, and drop the treat off at the office. The teacher may set aside a few minutes for the treat, or they may send it home. For the health and safety of our students, treats must follow these guidelines:

• Treats must be individually wrapped and store bought. This allows us to avoid concerns over food allergies because the ingredients are listed on the package.

• Treats should not require utensils or need refrigeration. Treats that need to be cut into pieces are not acceptable.

• Families should consider sending a favor or small trinket instead of food items.

• Please save decorative items (balloons, flowers, etc) for your home.

• For more guidelines about classroom treats, please refer to our family handbook. Thank you for your cooperation.

• We reserve the right to refuse a treat that does not follow these food safety guidelines.

When to Keep Your Child Home

With your help, school can be a healthy place for all. To prevent the spread of illness to others, your child should stay home for 24 hours from the onset of:

● Vomiting

● Diarrhea

● Fever (temperature 100.4° or above)

If your child is ill before school, please keep them home. These guidelines are suggested for the good of all students. Please contact your child's healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your child's symptoms.

Welcome to a new school year! One of the most important factors in student success is simply being in school each day. Students who attend regularly build stronger academic skills, develop positive relationships, and feel more connected to their school community. Let’s work together to make attendance a priority from day one. (with optional use of Stay in the Game graphic attached)

Restricting Meal Accounts in PaySchools

Parents have the option to set restrictions on their child’s meal account through PaySchools. These restrictions help ensure that students can only purchase specific items according to your preferences. The available restrictions include:

• Preventing the purchase of ala carte items (snacks, ice cream, etc.)
• Preventing the purchase of second lunches
• Preventing the purchase of breakfast
• Setting a daily dollar spend limit to control how much your child can spend each day

If you would like to set any of these restrictions for your child’s meal account, please contact one of the following Nutrition Services Admin:

• Julie Bartell
  Assistant Supervisor of Nutrition Services
  Email: Julie.Bartell@lakewoodcityschools.org
  Office Phone: 216-529-4480

• Jacob Green
  Supervisor of Nutrition Services/Dietitian
  Email: Jacob.green@lakewoodcityschools.org
  Office Phone: 216-529-4156

Please reach out to Julie or Jacob to make any changes or to ask questions regarding your child’s meal account.

Note: If you choose to block the purchase of ala carte items like icecream, the restriction applies to all snacks and similar items. If your child is blocked from purchasing one snack, they will be unable to purchase any snacks, ice cream, etc. You may contact Nutrition Services to revert this change if needed.

Join us as we participate in the annual Cuyahoga County Father's Walk! We invite any influential person in your child's life to walk them to school on Thursday, September 17th. This could be a father, uncle, brother, grandfather, neighbor or family friend! This year we will combine this annual event with our annual PTA Donuts with Grown-ups. Join the fun - all are welcome!

Grant will conducted the first state-mandated safety drill of the 2025–2026 school year last Wednesday, August 26. In total, there will be six fire drills, four lockdown drills, and three tornado drills (tornado drills will be conducted only in the spring).

The purpose of these safety drills is to practice procedures and educate students on what to do in the event of a real emergency. Classroom teachers will take time to review procedures in a child-friendly way before each drill.

Members of the Lakewood police and fire departments are notified of our drill dates and may be present to provide additional assistance and feedback.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping Grant a safe place for all students and staff.

- Please be sure to pull all the way to the stop sign near door 3 during the morning drop off process

- During car dismissal, parents must stay in the vehicle (students will enter on the right side/curb side of the car to keep them safe from other cars - please pull off to the left, if you need to help buckle your child).

- Students in the car line enter the building at 8:45 am and depart at 3:15 pm each day

- Please do NOT park in the Kirkland House parking lot off Victoria Ave. They will tow cars.

Lakewood elementary schools do not provide supervision of students prior to 8:45 a.m. and after 3:15 p.m., aside from breakfast and school clubs. Please remind your student that they are expected to go directly home after school. Students are not permitted on the playground before or after school without adult supervision. The playground is closed when it is being used by before and after school child care programming.

Student personal cell phones/electronic devices shall be turned off and put away in backpacks/lockers while on school property. They are never allowed to be out/on during the school day. If a caretaker needs to contact a child, please contact the school office at 216-529-4217. Please see our Family Handbook for further information. Thank you.