Graves (K-5) Sailor Newsletter

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

Please see the following newsletter for important information.

Monday, February 17: Presidents' Day (No Classes)

Friday, February 21: PBIS Glow Dance Party Incentive (See flyer below for more information)

Monday, February 24 - Friday, February 28: Erin's Law Presentations by our Social Workers

Wednesday, February 26: PBIS Student of the Month

Thursday, February 27: PBIS Grade Level Events

Thursday, February 27: END OF 2nd TRIMESTER

Friday, February 28: Teacher Institute Day (no classes for students)

Monday, March 3: Casmir Pulaski Day (No Classes)

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

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

PLEASE JOIN US!

March 11, 2025

Wharton Elementary School ( Wharton Spotlight)

April 8, 2025

Admin Center

May 13, 2025

Graves Dual Language School (Graves Spotlight)

June 10, 2025

Admin Center

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of

African Americans to the United States.

See the following video for more.....

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 he/she 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. Students will receive letters sent home for excessive tardies.

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).

We want your child to be successful.

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

This month's winners will win a pass to the

Children's Museum in Oak Lawn or gift card to the movie theater!

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.

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:

Per SD 104 Handbook, Chronic Truancy/Absences Protocol is as follows:

5 absences (unexcused/excused) = Attendance post card sent to Parent via text

9 absences (unexcused/excused) = Truancy letter mailed home, meeting with student

18 days absences (unexcused/excused) = Truancy letter mailed home, building administration will contact parents, and an attendance intervention plan can be implemented via social worker and administrator. Future absences will be marked as Truant unless a doctor’s note is provided.

21+ absences (unexcused/excused) = Truancy letter mailed home, building administration will contact parent/facilitate meeting, and attendance intervention plan will be restructured as needed. IL South Cook regional office will be notified with contact of truancy officer and potential Summit police involvement.

For more information, please look over our districts handbook

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……

1. Erin's Law is a vital piece of legislation designed to empower children with knowledge about child sexual abuse prevention and awareness. This age-appropriate curriculum, tailored to different grade levels, equips students with the skills to recognize, understand, and respond to potentially unsafe situations. It teaches them:

   • Body safety and boundaries: Recognizing their own bodies and understanding personal privacy, appropriate touch, and unsafe situations.
   • Identifying trusted adults: Knowing who they can confide in if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
   • Safe communication: Learning how to express concerns and say "no" if something feels wrong.

   We believe informed children are empowered children. Erin's Law will give our students the valuable tools they need to navigate their world with confidence and self-awareness. We'll be starting implementation soon, and parents will be kept informed with detailed information and resources.

   In the meantime, we encourage you to:

   • Start conversations at home: Talk to your children about body safety, trust, and appropriate touching in an open and age-appropriate way.
   • Create a safe and open space: Let your children know they can always come to you with any concerns, worries, or uncomfortable experiences.
   • Familiarize yourself with Erin's Law: Visit https://www.erinslawillinois.org/ for more information and resources.

   Together, we can create a culture of safety and empower our children to make informed choices and protect themselves. Let's work hand-in-hand to keep our kids safe and happy!

The health office had another busy week! On top of many sick visits, we have received several confirmed positive cases of Influenza A. Please see the attached guidance on Influenza and talk to your children about taking steps to prevent the spread of illness!

• Washing your hands is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs like Flu, Covid, RSV and many others!

• Please contact the school nurse if your student has any injuries or significant health updates (new medical diagnosis or upcoming surgeries). We can help assist you with what is needed for a safe return to school.

• 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).

• Miles of Smiles will return to Graves/HMS for students who were unable to be seen for dental exams!

• Loyola Van will be returning to Graves/HMS on April 1st, 2025. Call the office for more information!

February is American Heart Month (and Valentine’s Day!) so it’s a great time to focus on heart health. There are many simple ways to keep your heart healthy this month and all year long! Show your heart some love by trying out the ideas below with students, friends, or family.

🥦 Eat a Balanced Diet – Encourage fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

🍎 Limit Processed Foods – Reduce sugary snacks, fast food, and high-sodium foods.

🥛 Choose Healthy Drinks – Water and milk are best; limit sugary drinks and sodas.

🏃‍♂️ Keep Kids Moving – At least 60 minutes of daily activity like running, biking, or sports.

🛑 Limit Screen Time – Reduce sedentary time (TV, video games) to encourage active play.

🛏 Prioritize Sleep – Kids need 9-12 hours of sleep per night for heart health.

🦷 Manage Stress – Encourage relaxation, mindfulness, and talking about emotions.

🩺 Regular Checkups – Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and growth.

Starting young with heart-healthy habits sets the foundation for lifelong well-being! ❤️

Nurse Tina, Nurse Anita & Ms. Oli

A physical copy was sent home with students before the Winter Break.

Please review it in case of inclement weather in the near future.

GRAVES K-5 Student Dress Code

SHIRTS/TOPS

Plain maroon collared polo or dress shirt with long or short sleeves is required. Plain black or white undershirts may be worn under the maroon collared shirt. Shirts must extend to waistline. Plain black or maroon sweaters or sweatshirts may be worn over the collared maroon polo or dress shirt or over a plain white or black undershirt. *Maroon or black hoodies are allowed.

PANTS

Must be SOLID black or khaki and worn at the waist. This includes shorts (knee length), capri pants, and skirts (knee length). Leggings may be worn, but only when a shirt extending to mid-thigh is worn as well.

FRIDAY SCHOOL SPIRIT

Students may wear any shirts given or bought through Graves School with Jeans.

*Please note that blue jeans are only allowed on Fridays with a school shirt.

PBIS FUNDRAISER & HOLIDAY DRESS-DOWN DAYS

There will be days when students will be allowed to come without uniform due to PBIS activities or holidays. A flyer will be posted via Seesaw when those days occur.

Students will continue going out for recess

when temperature allows.

Please make sure that your child wears appropriate

sweater/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.

Please review this months breakfast & lunch menus with your child.

As a reminder, students have breakfast & lunch options to choose from.

We ask that parents do not send in birthday treats for students to distribute. Please read below, as taken from the 2024-2025 District 104 Handbook:

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

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