Graham Elementary Schools
News From the Nest - Sunday, March 1, 2026
At Graham Elementary, "A better ME means a better WE"!
Hello Falcon families!
Happy March! Time is flying by, and we are excited to share that the awesome-ness of each day at Graham Elementary is continuing! Parent/Teacher conferences are coming soon, and we are excited for the 4th and 5th grade Night With the Arts as well as our 2nd and 3rd grade music programs.
This time of year brings several additional activities along with the high levels of learning that are always happening. This week alone, we are celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday and Right to Read Week with a GES library spirit week and various teacher-facilitated activities. We are also recognizing National School Breakfast Week. The details of both events are shared in this newsletter.
Our GES kindergarteners have grown 100 days smarter, and we are excited to share some of the great things that were happening last week when this was celebrated! Keep reading to see all-things-100-days in action!
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 19 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:
π100 days of kindergarten,
πGES participating at the Champaign County Science Fair,
πGES Habit Heroes,
πGES Read Across America Spirit Week,
πKindergarten Screening information,
πNational School Breakfast Week details,
πFamily Falcon Focus,
π...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
Read Across America Spirit Week at Graham Elementary School
National School Breakfast Week
National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) celebrates the important role a nutritious school breakfast plays in helping students start their day ready to learn, grow, and succeed. Observed each year during the first full week of March, NSBW shines a spotlight on the School Breakfast Program and the dedicated school nutrition professionals who fuel students every morning.
For the week of March 2 thru March 6, students who elect to eat breakfast at school will be entered into a drawing to receive a free frozen treat from the cafeteriaπ¨
βLeader In Me Habit Heroesβ
Happy Friday and Happy Habit Hero Day!
Habit 5 was the focal point of our week - Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood. While we love all of our habits, this is one of our favorites because it gives us many chances to see friends using empathy, selflessness, and compassion for others. This helps boost productive communication skills, and participating in the wonderful knowledge and skills that others have to offer and change our lives too! These Habit Heroes showed us what it means to be considerate of all perspectives to reach success and that makes us SO PROUD!
π¬Science Fair Celebrationsπ§ͺ
We are proud to share unique opportunities with our learners, and participating in the Champaign County Science Fair is an impactful way for our scientists to stretch their science skills!
Thank you to Mrs. Sarah Lonsinger for her hard work in organizing and facilitating this opportunity for our learners! Mrs. Lonsinger remarked, βFor the elementary students, this is their first experience with a science fair project and a large research paper. The students were able to showcase their passions and interests and foster a love of science that will hopefully follow them throughout their school career. I am very proud of the work they did and the support of their families.β
February 19 was the night to shine for our scientists, and we are proud to share the results below.
Excellent work, Falcons!
Graham Elementary School Results:
Avery Croker & Addison Delaney - Superior
Vincent Deppen - Superior
Kelly Birchfield & Hagen Kizer - Excellent
Elizabeth Dontingney & Sophie Hedrick - Excellent
Kenslie Harlow & Lillian Robinson - Excellent
Joy Mockbee & Hayden Myers - Excellent
Special Prizes
(earned cash rewards)
Lightle Science Fund Awards in Physics 1st: Avery Croker & Addison Delaney ($100)
Lightle Science Fund Awards in Physics 2nd: Vincent Deppen ($50)
We π Our Local Libraries!
π
100 Days of Kindergartenπ
Our kindergarteners are 100 days smarter, and they spent the day on Monday, February 23 doing all-things-100!
From 10 sets of 10 various physical activities to setting up 100 dominos to make a domino chain, it was all smiles in the kindergarten pod!
It's Almost Time for Baseball and Softball...GYAA Information
4th and 5th grade GES Night With the Arts Coming Soon
Our 4th and 5th grade learners are excited to share some of the fine arts work they have been doing! While you are at parent/teacher conferences on Thursday, March 19 AND/OR Tuesday, March 24, please plan to drop-in and view and learn more about their creative work!
Even if you do not have a conference scheduled, please consider brining your 4th or 5th grader to see their greatness on display!
NOTE: All students are to be accompanied by an adult when viewing our Fine Arts displays.
CHWP Group Therapy
Communication is π...GLS Falcons App and Rooms REMINDERS
As we continue 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:
βview the GLS and GES Live Feeds to see up-to-date and need-to-know information (think Class DOJO School Story),
βAccess ROOMS to message GES staff at any time
βand 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.
π
GES Family Falcon Focusπ
March
2-4: Health Partners of Western Ohio Vision Outreach
13: end of quarter 3
13: Quarter 4 GES Town Hall meeting
16: Q3 ZERO REFERRAL REWARD (during lunch)
16: first day of quarter 4
17: UPDATED INFORMATION: Spring Music program - grade 2 @ 5:30p.m. AND grade 3 @ 6:30p.m.
19: Columbus Zoo @ GES for PreK-2 Students
19: P/T Conferences @ 3:30p.m. to 7:00p.m.
19: GES 4th and 5th grade Night of the Arts Drop-In event
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.
24: GES 4th and 5th grade Night of the Arts Drop-In event
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
25: PTO Splits and Giggles bowling event @ Southwest Lanes - 1p.m. (more information coming soon)
28: Science OST 5th Day 1
29 Science OST 5th Day 2
30: Science OST Make-Ups Begin
30: GES/PTO Games with Grandparents and Grand-friends event @ 5:30p.m. to 7:00p.m.
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 - UPDATE: 2-hour early release
21: UPDATE: Fifth grade clap out @ 1:15p.m. (line hallways at 1:10p.m.)
21: end of quarter 4
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!
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 moreπ
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
Reminder: Free & Reduced Meal Applications
As we draw near the end of September, last yearβs 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
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...
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 concernsπ
Please use this link to access the handbook in its entirety.
ββSCHOOL 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.
βπ΅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 βseen, heard, or usedβ 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 offenseβwarning *2nd offenseβparent called *3rd offenseβdetention/parent picks up device
ππDRESS 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 βspecialβ days and/or activities as approved by the principal.
Graham Elementary School Daily Schedule
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!
πΈGES Drop-Off and Pick-Up (car riders) ProceduresπΈ
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 cooperationπ
2025-2026 Supply Lists & School Fees
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
Kroger Community Rewards Program
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
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