Graves (K-5) Sailor Newsletter

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

Spring Break has arrived!

We would like to thank our staff, students, parents, and members of our school community for all the hard work and dedication you have demonstrated.

Once we return, we will be in the home stretch to the end of the school year.

Please take some time to relax and spend quality time with family and friends during this break.

Please see the following newsletter for important information.

Monday, March 23 - March 27: Spring Break (No School)

Monday, March 30: Classes Resume

Tuesday, March 31: 3rd-5th Grade Math Family Night

Friday, April 3: Good Friday (No School)

Monday, April 6 - Friday, April 10: Assistant Principal Appreciation Week

Monday, April 6: Easter Monday (No School)

Wednesday, April 8- Friday, April 17: IAR Testing for 3rd-5th Grade

Monday, March 23 - March 27: Spring Break (No School)

Monday, March 30: Classes Resume

Tuesday, March 31: 3rd-5th Grade Math Family Night

Friday, April 3: Good Friday (No School)

Monday, April 6: Easter Monday (No School)

Tuesday, April 7: IAR "Slam the Exam" 3rd-5th Assembly (3rd-5th)

Wednesday, April 8- Friday, April 17: IAR Testing for 3rd-5th Grade

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

All meetings are scheduled for 7pm on the second Wednesday of the month.

JOIN US!

April 14, 2026

Admin Center

May 12, 2026

Graves Elementary School (Graves Spotlight)

June 9, 2026

Admin Center

The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is the state assessment and accountability measure for Illinois students enrolled in a public school district. IAR assesses the Illinois Learning Standards incorporating the Common Core and will be administered in English language arts and mathematics to all students in grades 3-8.

Some key points to remember

Please make sure your child gets a good night's rest and is ready.

Please make sure your child has a healthy breakfast.

Please make sure your child comes to school on time.

Please make sure your child brings their Chromebook charged.

*Please remember that our 3rd-5th graders will be testing Wednesday, April 8- Friday, April 17

Students who had PERFECT ATTENDANCE for the second trimester (Nov. 17-Feb. 26)

had a special Attendance Celebration!

We've noticed an increase in tardies these last few days.

Regular daily attendance and arriving on time are

critical components of the educational process.

Please remember that our doors open as early as 7:30/8:30(W) to avoid any traffic/morning rush.

It is important for students to arrive on time so that they begin their day on a positive note.

Arriving a few minutes late may not appear to be a big problem, but when the student enters the classroom the rest of the class has already begun their daily morning routines.

Class instruction begins as soon as the bell rings, and it is not possible to recover all the learning that takes place in the classroom when multiple tardies have been accumulated.

Letters for excessive tardies have been sent home.

Additionally, research indicates that a student who has excessive tardies

will eventually begin having additional absences.

It is crucial that your child gets to school on or before

7:50AM (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays) & 8:50AM (Wednesdays).

As a reminder, students will be receiving a district attendance letter and/or referrals

for having excessive tardies.

We want your child to be successful.

Please help us make a change. Every minute late is a missed learning opportunity!

Students will continue going out for recess when the weather permits and dismissal every day. Please make sure that your child wears appropriate jacket to school.

Per Illinois State Guidelines

- if the REAL FEEL is 32 degrees or higher, students will have OUTDOOR RECESS.

- if the REAL FEEL is 31 degrees or lower, students will have INDOOR RECESS.

☘️ March is here.. May it spread luck, not germs! ☘️

The Health Office has been busy chasing away more germs than leprechauns this week! Many cold and flu symptoms have been reported, and many fevers have been sent home. Please take a moment to review the nursing handout and talk with your children about simple steps they can take to help stop germs before they spread.

Norovirus season is also in full swing, so good handwashing habits are more important than ever. Please remind students to wash their hands with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating. Hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus; soap and water are the real lucky charm here. Students should be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

Please also contact the school nurse if your student has had an injury or a significant health update, including a new medical diagnosis or an upcoming surgery. We’re always happy to help ensure a safe and successful return to school.

Graves/HMS will be hosting an immunization event on March 30 for students who may need required vaccines. See attached flyer to take advantage of this opportunity to help keep everyone healthy and school-ready.

NOW is the time to be scheduling appointments for required physicals for students entering kindergarten or 6th grade in the fall.

Nurse Tina, Nurse Anita & Ms. Oli

SD104 will be hosting an immunization event on March 30th & the Ronald McDonald Mobile Unit on May 13th. See attached flyers for more information to take advantage of these opportunities!

Please review this months lunch menu with your child.

The following Graves students were chosen to be our

STUDENT OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

as they have demonstrated how to be

-RESPECTFUL

-RESPONSIBLE

-SAFE

As a reminder, students are allowed to wear their

"Student of The Month" T-Shirt any day of the week with uniform pants or with blue jeans on Fridays!

Emily Hooper Lansana and Zahra Baker, of the storytelling duo “In the Spirit,” perform an extensive repertoire of African, African American, and woman’s stories and songs demonstrating commitment to community and transformation. Individually and collectively, they perform for people of all ages in diverse settings

Stay connected - find all district and community events all in one place.

Check out the following page for links and details on upcoming workshops, as well as

fun Family and Community events!

Please remember that the previous information is for students in grades Kindergarten-5th only.

For more information about our PreK program please contact the

Pre-School Director, Kathleen Dunn at 708-546-7151 or at kdunn@sd104.us