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Graham Elementary Schools

News From the Nest - February 1, 2026

Graham Elementary Schools News From the Nest - February 1, 2026
Graham ElementarySchoolsNews From the Nest - February 1, 2026
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At Graham Elementary, "A better ME means a better WE"! At Graham Elementary, "A better ME means a better WE"!

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Hello Falcon families!


As we finish up a 5-day week that ended with Leader In Me clubs and Valentine's Day parties, we hope you all have a restful three-day weekend. We will return to school on Tuesday, February 17. In observance of Presidents Day, school will not be in session on Monday, February 16.


The remainder of this month and early next month will include many learning opportunities, and we are hopeful that the weather will begin warming up so that we can get back outside for recess🌞 While inside recess can be fun, it will be great to get learners back outside and in the fresh air! Please ensure children are coming to school with coats, hats and gloves for when it warms up enough to get outside and play.


As we continue in 2026 and the second half of the school year, we want to focus on our goals:

*academic growth and achievement

*We are measuring the number of learners at each grade level or are reading at grade level each

quarter.

*attendance

*We know that when our learners are at school consistently and on-time, they grow in so many

ways! We are measuring the percentage of students who are at school each day at each grade

level.

*behavior

*We hold our learners to high standards and expect them to be the best version of themselves

each day. We are measuring the number of bus/office referrals every day. We are at day 15 of

our 30-day goal for the end-of-year celebration.


This issue of the GES News From the Nest includes important information and an AWESOME celebrations! Keep scrolling to read more about:

⛄GYAA baseball and softball information,

⛄GHS Musical coming soon,

⛄Community Health and Wellness group therapy visits information,

⛄Family Falcon Focus,

⛄GES updates,

⛄...and much more!


Stay informed about all things happening at Graham Elementary by following us on:


Facebook: Graham Elementary School


Apptegy Rooms and GES Live Feed


Graham Local Schools website: grahamlocalschools.org. (Graham Elementary School)


Emily Shreve, Graham Elementary School Principal


Aaron Myers, Graham Elementary School Assistant Principal

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⭐Leader In Me Habit Heros⭐ ⭐Leader In Me Habit Heros⭐

This week we featured Habit 3: Put First Things First! It’s all about focusing on our “big rocks” which means we prioritize the most important tasks in order to achieve our goals one by one to build up to great success. We learn to say no to things that distract us from our goals. We work hard first, then play hard later! These Habit Heroes tackled their big rocks one at a time and conquered the week! We are proud of YOU!

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It's Almost Time for Baseball and Softball...GYAA Information It's Almost Time for Baseball and Softball...GYAA Information

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CHWP Group Therapy CHWP Group Therapy

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🧜🏻‍♀️Graham High School Presents The Little Mermaid🧜🏻‍♀️ 🧜🏻‍♀️Graham High School Presents The Little Mermaid🧜🏻‍♀️

Under the direction of Kristen Gleeson, our talented students are bringing this beloved classic to life!

February 20 & 21 at 7 PM

Graham Middle School

Tickets go on sale Monday!

https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/graham/entity/schools/1

Join us for a magical evening under the sea!

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At GES, A Better ME Means a Better WE! At GES, A Better ME Means a Better WE!

At GES, we take pride in being the best versions of ourselves each day! Read on to learn more about a couple of the many ways we work together to continue the greatness that happens everyday!

Attendance

One of the ways to guarantee that students grow both as learners and as individuals is good attendance. When students are healthy and well, we want them at school. For the week of February 9 to February 13, we are proud to share that we reached an attendance percentage of 88.93%⭐ Our fifth grade learners had the highest percentage of attendance at 92.41%!

Great job, Falcons!

Lunchroom Volume Protocols

Lunchtime at GES is a time when students can relax and recharge from a morning-full of learning and hard work. Our team values students' opportunities to enjoy lunch with their peers, and lunchroom volumes are being intentionally monitored. Research finds that volume levels in an elementary cafeteria should stay below 80dB to prevent strain and stress for children and adults alike. It has been found that the average busy cafeterias carry decibel levels between 70dB and 80dB.

As a result, our GES team monitors cafeteria noise levels using a decibel meter iPad app.

If noise levels rise to between 75dB and 79dB, students are reminded to be mindful of conversation levels. We find that our learners respond well to these prompts⭐

If noise levels reach and are sustained at 80dB or greater, students sit quietly for a few minutes. This time ensures that students are able to eat their meals without noise disruptions and can relax during this time.

🍎We are proud of our Falcon learners for synergizing to make lunchtime an enjoyable time of day for everyone🍎

Benefits to well-controlled cafeteria volume include:


  • Student Health & Well-being: Excessive noise can cause anxiety, headaches, etc. in both students and staff.
  • Academic Impact: A chaotic lunchroom can leave students jittery and distracted for afternoon lessons.
  • Improved Nutrition and Less Waste: Noise distractions often lead to students not finishing their meals or eating less healthily.
  • Safety and Behavior Management: Loud, echo-prone rooms make it hard to hear instructions, leading to behavioral issues, poor safety monitoring, and communication breakdowns.
  • Hearing Protection: Daily exposure to high-volume cafeteria noise can potentially lead to hearing damage over time.
  • Environmental Calm: It allows the cafeteria to be a place for necessary socializing without descending into stressful "acoustic chaos".

Communication is 🔑...GLS Falcons App and Rooms REMINDERS Communication is 🔑...GLS Falcons App and Rooms REMINDERS

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As we move into the 2nd semester of the 2025-2026 school year, we want to ensure families have up-to-date and clear communication of important information. In order for this to happen, all Falcon families must install the GLS Falcons App.

This app allows families to do many important things including:

⭐view the GLS and GES Live Feeds to see up-to-date and need-to-know information (think Class DOJO School Story),

⭐Access ROOMS to message GES staff at any time

⭐and much more!

Follow this LINK to access the Graham Local Schools website for more information.

Please see the images and the Rooms Family Guide below for more information and reach out to Mrs. Shreve or Mr. Myers for assistance.

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📅GES Family Falcon Focus📅 📅GES Family Falcon Focus📅

February

16: NO SCHOOL - Presidents Day

23: GES PTO meeting @ 3:45p.m. in GES Hatchery


March

2-4: Health Partners of Western Ohio Vision Outreach

13: end of quarter 3

13: Q3 ZERO REFERRAL REWARD (during lunch)

16: first day of quarter 4

17: Spring Music program - grades 2 and 3 (time TBD)

19: Columbus Zoo @ GES for PreK-2 Students

19: P/T Conferences @ 3:30p.m. to 7:00p.m.

20: NO SCHOOL - Staff PD day

24: GES PTO Meeting @ 5:00p.m. in Hatchery

24: P/T Conferences @ 3:30p.m. to 7:00p.m.

26: GES Spring Picture Day starting at 9:15a.m

27: Leader in Me Club Day @ GES

31: Boonshoft Museum of Natural Discovery @ GES for grades 3-5 students


April

1-7: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

10: Preschool Games with Grandparents event in cafeteria

14: ELA OST 3-5 Day 1

16: ELA OST 3-5 Day 2 (THURSDAY)

17 ELA OST Make-Ups Begin

20: GES PTO Meeting @ 3:45p.m. in Hatchery

21: Math OST 3-5 Day 1

22: Math OST 3-5 Day 2

23: Math OST Make-Ups Begin

28: Science OST 5th Day 1

29 Science OST 5th Day 2

30: Science OST Make-Ups Begin


May

6: Trout Release 2026

7: Leader in Me Club Day @ GES

8: Kindergarten Field Trip @ 9:30a.m. to 2:00p.m.

11: Q4 ZERO REFERRAL REWARD (during lunch)

15: Field Day for grades kindergarten thru 5th

15: Last day of school with Kindergarten

15: K-5 EOY 30-Day Referral Free Celebration (if earned)

18-21: GES kindergarten screening days

19: Last day of school with preschool and KPrep

19: GES PTO meeting @ 5:00p.m. in Hatchery

19: 5th grade promotion @ 6p.m.

20: Preschool Family Fun Day in GES gymnasium (for Kindergarten transition students only)

21: Last day of school with students grades 1-5

21: Fifth grade clap out @ 3:15p.m. (line hallways at 3:10p.m.)

21: end of quarter 4

REMINDER: GES Allergy Protocol REMINDER: GES Allergy Protocol

As we continue to focus on student safety at Graham Elementary School, we want to remind families of our class treat protocol.

Please see the information below to learn of updates and additions to allowable treats and protocols. These changes are effective immediately.

**Families must contact their child's/children's teacher prior to sending treats to school**

Please contact Mrs. Shreve and Mr. Myers with any questions.


We appreciate our Falcon families!

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At Graham Local Schools, we are proud to serve our students both as learners and as individuals. Community Health and Wellness Partners allows access to medical and mental-health supports. Read on to learn more👍


Community Health & Wellness Partners believes that school-based health care can play an important role in helping families manage the physical and mental health needs of their children. Having a health care center on-site at a school offers a convenient way for parents to have their child seen by a provider. A school-based health center also provides a consistent care provider relationship, reducing the need for parents to switch health care providers to fit their schedules or changes in health insurance.


The goal of a school-based health center is to minimize the time children are out of class and maximize the amount of time they spend learning. Studies have shown that students who receive school-based health care also have fewer long-term health issues and experience improved academic outcomes.


If you want to learn more, visit the Graham School-Based Health Center website HERE.

Free and Reduced Meal Application Reminder Free and Reduced Meal Application Reminder

Reminder: Free & Reduced Meal Applications


As we draw near the end of September, last year’s status will be removed. To continue receiving benefits, a new application must be completed each school year.


Apply online: www.payschoolscentral.com

Paper copies are available in every office

Questions? Contact Jodi Lough at loughj@grahamlocalschools.org

Graham Local Schools Volunteer Policy Graham Local Schools Volunteer Policy

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  • Volunteers must be approved each school year, and their approval will be valid from approval until the last day of each school year.

    • Example: A volunteer who applies and is approved in April needs to re-apply to volunteer the next school year in September.

  • Volunteers should apply by visiting https://securevolunteer.com/Graham-Local-School-District/home

    • The fee collected is paid directly to Secure Volunteer and is not refundable.

  • Volunteers are able to come into Graham Local Schools with approval once the background check is complete, approved, and recommended to the Board of Education/on the Approved Volunteer List.

    • Volunteers should not be in schools until they are recommended to the Board of Education or are on the Approved Volunteer List.

  • Volunteer applicants cover the cost of the Secure Volunteer Background Check.

Please email Mrs. Shreve (shrevee@grahamlocalschools.org) with any questions.

Thank you for your partnership in your child's education!

GES Handbook Reminders... GES Handbook Reminders...

Thank you for taking the time to review our Graham Elementary Student Handbook! Please note the following important and/or updated portions of the handbook. Please contact Mrs. Shreve with any questions or concerns😊

Please use this link to access the handbook in its entirety.


❗❕SCHOOL FEES and FIELD TRIPS: All school fees must be paid in order for students to attend field trips (Glen Helen included) or participate in preschool celebration and or 5th grade promotion.


⌚📵Cell phones and Smart Watches are to remain off and in student bookbags upon entering the building and should not be used until after the final dismissal bell and students have exited the school building. In effect, cell phones should not be “seen, heard, or used” during this time.

Students cannot contact parents via a personal cell phone during the day; they are to utilize a classroom or office phone.

If violations of this policy should occur, then CELL PHONE WILL BE TAKEN AND CAN BE PICKED UP AT THE END OF THE DAY.

1st offense–warning *2nd offense–parent called *3rd offense–detention/parent picks up device


👕👖DRESS CODE (revised...please read)

Clothing must cover the chest, stomach, back, buttocks, upper thighs, and undergarments when the student sits, stands, raises his/her hand, or bends over. Any article of clothing that reveals an excessive amount of skin will be deemed inappropriate for the school environment.

Therefore, the final decision regarding the professionalism of clothing and accessories will be made by the building administration.

Clothing or accessories bearing patches, drawings, and/or sayings (stated or implied), which refer to drugs, alcohol, sex, profanity and obscenity, shall not be permitted.

Shoes shall be worn for health and safety reasons. Footwear with only toe support (ex - thongs, flip flops, etc.) shall not be worn. High heels or platforms, roller shoes can present safety concerns and are not to be worn. Socks are recommended as a good hygiene practice.

Pupils are not to wear hats, overcoats, jackets, or other outer wear in the building unless the principal has granted permission. This dress code will be in effect for all school days and related activities except for those “special” days and/or activities as approved by the principal.

Graham Elementary School Daily Schedule Graham Elementary School Daily Schedule

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Reminder: If you have a change of phone number, address, custody, etc., please update your child's Final Forms immediately Please use this LINK to log in if information needs to be updated.

Thank you!

🚸GES Drop-Off and Pick-Up (car riders) Procedures🚸 🚸GES Drop-Off and Pick-Up (car riders) Procedures🚸

Please read this in its entirety and abide by all procedures. Please contact Mrs. Shreve (shrevee@grahamlocalschools.org OR 937-663-4449 ext. 4605) with any questions.

At Graham Elementary, our students' safety is critical. One piece of ensuring student safety is the morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups procedures.

Please be reminded that the west lane of the front parking lot is for handicap drop-off only. Vehicles entering this lane should have a handicapped placard posted in their vehicle. Often times, the gate is not in the lane to allow for handicap drop-off/pick-up. Even when the gate is not blocking the lane, we ask that that lane be used for handicap drop-off/pick-up only.

In addition, the east lane of the front parking lot is not to be used in the afternoon. Typically, it is blocked by a saw horse. In the event that it is not, please refrain from using this lane.

Lastly, if someone other than parents/guardian are dropping off/picking up your child, please advise them of these procedures.


Thank you for your cooperation🙂

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2025-2026 Supply Lists & School Fees 2025-2026 Supply Lists & School Fees

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GRAHAM ELEMENTARY SUPPLY LIST FINAL 2025-26.pdf
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2025-2026 Preschool Half-Day Program School Supply List (Final).pdf
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K-Prep Supply List 2025-2026.docx.pdf
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2025-2026 GES School Fees - Sheet1.pdf
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As we continue to focus on student safety at Graham Elementary School, we have made some updates to our class treat protocol.

Please see the information below to learn of updates and additions to allowable treats and protocols. These changes are effective immediately.

Please contact Mrs. Shreve and Mr. Myers with any questions.

We appreciate our Falcon families!

2025-2026 Graham Local Schools Calendar 2025-2026 Graham Local Schools Calendar

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Kroger Community Rewards Program Kroger Community Rewards Program

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Want to help your school??

Before you head out to the grocery store, please consider linking your Kroger card to Graham Local Schools. When you spend, we earn!


Graham Local Schools has been accepted into the Kroger Community Rewards program. Funding earned through this program will be used to directly support student needs. If you and your family and friends shop at Kroger in Ohio, please take 2 minutes to link your Kroger Plus Card to Graham Local Schools. Linked accounts earn our school money from your shopping trips.

Thank you for supporting our students!



Graham Local Schools can now receive funding from Kroger Community Rewards. Funding is generated when our staff and friends and family link their KROGER PLUS CARD to Graham Local Schools. Grocery shopping at Kroger with a linked card will help us earn money to support students in the district directly.

Linking your card is easy!


If you have an existing Kroger Plus Card:

Step 1: Visit https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards, scroll to the bottom and click on this image:

Step 2: Your Kroger Plus Card is set to a preferred store. Some stores in our area are within the Columbus Division of Kroger (Urbana, Bellefontaine) and some stores are within the Cincinnati Division of Kroger (Springfield, Dayton areas). You will put in the code or GRAHAM LOCAL SCHOOLS into the organization you wish to link to.


To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program:

CINCINNATI REGION CODES

Simply encourage your participants to visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into their Kroger account they can search either by name GRAHAM LOCAL SCHOOLS or WI866 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.



COLUMBUS REGION CODES

Simply encourage your participants to visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into their Kroger account they can search either by name GRAHAM LOCAL SCHOOLS or NH792 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.


Step 3: CONFIRMATION

Donation Summary

Status:

Enrolled

Organization Name:

Graham Local Schools

Organization Number: NH792 or WI866

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Graham Elementary School

Emily Shreve - Principal - shrevee@grahamlocalschools.org

Aaron Myers - Assistant Principal - myersa@grahamlocalschools.org

Grace Ludlow - Pupil Services Coordinator - ludlowg@grahamlocalschools.org

Morgan Boggess - School Nurse - boggessm@grahamlocalschools.org

Kristina Thornton - Administrative Assistant - thorntonk@grahamlocalschools.org

Kayla Yoder - Administrative Assistant - yoderk@grahamlocalschools.org
Website: grahamlocalschools.org
Location: 9464 U.S. 36, Saint Paris, OH, USA
Phone: 937-663-4449
Facebook: facebook.com/FreddieFalcon
Twitter: @GESFALCONS

Emily Shreve
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