Graves (K-5) Sailor Newsletter

*Para español por favor haga clic en "Translate” en la esquina superior

Thank you to all the families who joined us for Curriculum Night! We had a wonderful turnout, and it was great to see so many of you connecting with our teachers and learning more about your child’s school year. We look forward to continuing to see our families at events throughout the year. Staying connected with your child’s progress is so important in ensuring their success, so please continue to engage with us and read our school newsletters for important updates and information.

¡Gracias a todas las familias que nos acompañaron en la Noche de Currículo! Tuvimos una gran participación y fue un gusto verlos conectarse con nuestros maestros y aprender más sobre el año escolar de sus hijos. Esperamos seguir viendo a nuestras familias en los eventos durante todo el año. Mantenerse conectados con el progreso de sus hijos es muy importante para asegurar su éxito, así que continúen participando y leyendo nuestros boletines escolares para obtener información y actualizaciones importantes.

UPCOMING EVENTS/IMPORTANT DATES

Friday, September 11: Patriot Day

Monday, September 14: After School Programs begin

Tuesday, September 15 – Thursday, October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month

Wednesday, September 16: Mexican Independence Day (out of uniform day)

Tuesday, September 22nd-Thursday, September 24th: FALL (MAP) Testing

Friday, September 25: Graves Fall Picture Day (out of uniform day)

Friday, September 25: PBIS Monthly Grade Level Event

Please remember that every Wednesday is a late start 8:50AM-2:50PM

LATIN AMERICAN HERITAGE & INDEPENDENCE

To celebrate Latin American Heritage & Independence everyone is invited to

wear traditional wear on

Wednesday, September 16th.

If you do not have traditional wear, you may wear the colors/clothing that represents your culture.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 2026

This month, we are proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and honor the traditions, cultures, and contributions of our Hispanic communities.

As a Dual Language school, we are especially proud that our students are learning Spanish and embracing the beauty of bilingualism. This helps them connect with culture, strengthen their academic skills, and prepare for a bright future.

As a community of immigrants and families with diverse backgrounds, we know the importance of celebrating where we come from while learning together as one school family. Hispanic Heritage Month is a wonderful reminder of the strength that comes from honoring our cultures and building unity through language, learning, and community.

Click on the following link to learn more!

FALL TESTING

Tuesday, September 22 - Thursday, September 24

Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) Testing for students in grades 1st-5th will be taking place in the next couple of weeks. Please make sure your child gets a good night's rest and is ready.

Measure of Academic Progress (MAP), is a computerized adaptive test which helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child's academic growth.

It is VERY important the students bring their Chromebook, charged and ready to go every day.

GRAVES PBIS FUNDRAISER

All proceeds will help fund school wide PBIS events we have planned for our students

throughout the year.

Please see the attached flyer for more information……

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER

The fall weather will be here soon! Students will continue going out for recess every day. Please make sure that your child wears appropriate sweater/jacket to school.

ELEMENTARY ATHLETICS

Registration is now open!

To Register for 4th/5th Grade Basketball (CLICK HERE)

🏫 SCHOOL HOURS 🏫

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays

Entrance 7:50a.m.

Dismissal 2:50p.m.

(Doors open at 7:30 for breakfast)

Wednesdays (Late Start)

Entrance 8:50a.m.

Dismissal 2:50p.m.

(Doors open at 8:30 for breakfast)

Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd Grade: Door #4

3rd, 4th, 5th Grade: Door #5

For student safety, no students should be outside on the school grounds before

7:30AM (M,T,TH,F) 8:30AM (W)

TRUANCY

School Hours

Student attendance is critical to the learning process. A parent or guardian who knowingly and willfully permits a child to be truant is in violation of State law. Truancy is therefore a serious issue and will be dealt with in a serious manner by the school and district. If chronic truancy persists after support services and other resources are made available, the school and district will take further action, including:

D104 Action Plan for Truancy:

The District has a truancy intervention plan in place which will be implemented via social worker and administrators after a student starts being truant. For example, truancy letter sent home, student and parent meeting, and more. For more information, please look over our districts handbook.

9 days of absences

A truancy letter regarding absence concerns (indicating the dates of absences) will be mailed. A copy will be placed in the student’s temporary file.
Meeting with the student (when appropriate)

18 days of absences

A truancy letter will be mailed and added to their file.
The building administrator will contact the family/guardian regarding concerns.
Future absences will be marked as Truant unless accompanied by a doctor's note.
An attendance intervention plan can be implemented via social worker and administrator.

21 Days of absences

A truancy letter will be mailed on each subsequent absence and added to the file.
The building administrator will facilitate meeting with parent to discuss concerns.
Social worker will provide resources for student and/or family counseling as well as agency support.
Attendance intervention plan will be restructured as needed. o Potential Involvement of the Summit Police Department
Contact the Intermediate Service Center for truancy

ABSENCES

In the event of any absence, the student’s parent or guardian is required to call the school before 8:00 a.m. to explain the reason for the absence. If a call has not been made to the school by 10:00 a.m. on the day of a student’s absence, a school official will call the home to inquire why the student is not at school. If the parent or guardian cannot be contacted, the student will be required to submit a signed note from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence.

Failure to do so shall result in an unexcused absence.

🎂 🍨 Treats & Snacks Policy 🧁🍪

We ask that parents do not send in birthday treats for students to distribute. Please read below, as taken from the 2026-2027 District 104 Handbook:

Treats & Snacks [K-5] 1.80 Due to health concerns and scheduling, no birthday treats are allowed. Treats will be limited to certain school-wide celebrations.

SOCIAL WORKER CORNER

SEPTEMBER — Building Relationships & Belonging

This Month’s Focus
Starting a new school year can bring many changes. Children are learning new routines, meeting new people, and adjusting to expectations. Feeling connected and supported helps children feel comfortable and ready to learn.

Try It at Home

Create consistent morning and bedtime routines.
Ask your child about one positive part of their school day.
Encourage your child to greet others and introduce themselves.
Talk about ways to include others.

Ask Your Child

“What was the best part of your day?”
“Who did you play with today?”
“What helps you feel comfortable at school?”

Family Reminder:

Connection and positive relationships help children feel supported and ready to learn.

A Note from the Nurses' Department

Washing your hands is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs... Especially stomach bugs!
Please remember per district 104 handbook: students are NOT allowed to carry ANY medication (this includes any over-the-counter medication such cough drops, Tylenol, and Motrin). If your student needs medication administered during the school day (including cough drops, Tylenol, or Motrin), medication must be kept in the Health Office and medication authorization forms must be signed by the parent/guardian AND a medical provider (Doctor, PA, APRN).
When you send your student to school, you are attesting that your student is in good health and ready for learning. Follow these guidelines on when to return to school for our top three symptoms of illness:
-Fever (100.0 or higher): The student may return to school after being fever free 24hrs without fever reducing medication.
-Vomit: The student may return to school after being free of vomiting for 24hrs.
-Diarrhea: The student may return to school after being free of diarrhea for 24hrs.
Kindergarten and new to district students must submit a current health exam and proof of immunizations by Thursday, October 15th in order to avoid school exclusion per Illinois State Board of Education school code. There are several free and low-cost options available to help families complete these requirements:
💉 Greater Lawn Immunization Clinic
📍 4150 W. 55th Street, Chicago
🕗 Monday–Wednesday | 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
All required vaccines are FREE.
🩺 Midwest Express Clinic – Garfield Ridge
📍 6239 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60638
📞 708-929-1569
School physicals are available for $30.
🚐 Ronald McDonald Care Mobile – September 30
Returning to our district to provide services for eligible students who are uninsured or have state-provided insurance.
Signed consent forms must be returned by September 22.