The R. Grant Graham Star Reporter

Kindness Matters: Spreading Positivity at Graham

As our Graham community navigates the heartbreaking loss of Mrs. Joy Thorpe, we are reminded of the importance of kindness, compassion, and looking out for one another.

Now, more than ever, we want Graham to be a place where everyone feels valued, supported, and cared for. We encourage our families to have conversations with their children about the importance of treating others with respect and remembering that our words matter. Words have the power to lift someone up or bring them down, and even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference.

Let's work together to fill our classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and homes with positivity. Remind your children to be the reason someone smiles, feels included, or has a better day. We never know what someone else may be going through.

Let's continue building a school community where kindness leads the way, compassion is shown every day, and everyone feels they belong.

That's The Graham Way! 💙💛

We would like to thank all the families who purchased popcorn and juice this past week. We were able to raise $400 for Mrs. Thorpe’s family. Of this total, $200 will be donated to the Sleepy Dog Book Foundation, and the remaining $200 will be given to the family.

• October 29: First All-Star Assembly! (Teachers will share photos with families)
• October 30: Halloween Celebrations and Costume Parade 11:10am
  Families may arrive beginning at 11:00am, check in at the main office
  and then proceed to the gym.
• October 30: HALF DAY - End of the 1st Quarter - Dismissal at 11:45am
• November 3: NO SCHOOL for Students - Election Day and Staff Professional Learning
• November 5: Districtwide 5th Grade Career Day
• November 4-11: Parent Teacher Conferences
• November 5: Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30-8:00pm
• November 9: NO SCHOOL - Fall Break and Diwali
• November 11: Picture Retake Day
• November 11: Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30-8:00pm

Roman L - 4th

Gabriella M - K

Ms. Schwartz’s class

Samuel H - TK

Donovan S - TK

BJ C - 4th

Jakobi R - TK

Aria M -4th

Aliviah F - K

Last week, our Graham fourth graders had an exciting opportunity to experience STEMi 2.0 – the Mobile Innovation Station! This unique learning experience introduced students to the world of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through hands-on exploration and innovative technology. Students had the opportunity to think creatively, solve problems, and discover how STEM connects to the world around them. What a great way to inspire our future scientists, engineers, and innovators!

Thursday, October 29 at 9:00 a.m.

We are excited to kick off a new Graham tradition this week with our All-Star Assembly! We'll come together to celebrate students who demonstrate The Graham Way by being Safe, Trustworthy, Appropriate, and Responsible.

Our first All-Star Awards will recognize students who shine in the area of SAFETY by making safe choices, keeping their hands and feet to themselves, following directions, and being positive role models.

We'll also bring the FUN with music, school spirit, and a Students vs. Teachers Dance-Off! 🎶

📸 Teachers will share photos so families can enjoy the special moments, too!

We can't wait to celebrate our amazing Graham Stars! 💙💛

Friday, October 30 | Dismissal at 11:45 a.m.

We are looking forward to a fun-filled morning celebrating with our Graham Stars! Here are a few important reminders:

👻 Costume Parade – 11:10 a.m.

• 11:00 a.m. – Families may arrive, check in at the main office, and head to the gym for seating.

• 11:10 a.m. – Our costume parade begins, starting with TK and continuing through 5th grade!
  
  

🎃 Costume Reminders

Students are welcome to wear costumes, but no masks, costume weapons, or bloody or frightening costumes are permitted.

🏫 Taking Your Child Home Early?

Please notify your child's teacher and check your child out through the main office before leaving.

🙋 Classroom Volunteers

Please coordinate with your child's teacher in advance. All volunteers must complete the required approval process.

We can't wait to celebrate with our Graham families! 💙💛

Our Graham STARS are in for a spooktacular fall experience at the Haunted Farmer's Market! Students will explore interactive stations, shop for fresh fruits and vegetables using their very own "veggie bucks," and participate in fun, hands-on activities!

From pumpkin seed sprouting and apple cider tasting to scavenger hunts, mystery boxes, and even live chickens, this event is packed with opportunities for learning and fall fun!

Each student will receive a special shopping bag, a T-shirt, and six veggie bucks to spend at the market. Lunch will also be provided.

We can't wait for our students to enjoy this exciting fall adventure!

• October 30, 2026: Half Day of School - End of Quarter 1
• November 3, 2026: No School for Students - Staff Professional Learning
• November 9, 2026: No School - Diwali
• November 23-27: No School - Thanksgiving Break
• December 21, 2026 - January 1, 2027: No School - Winter Recess & Christmas Break
• January 18, 2027: No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• January 21 & 22 2027: Half Day of School - End of Quarter 2 & First Semester
• February 10, 2027: Winter Count Day
• February 12-15, 2027: No School - Mid-Winter Break, Presidents Day
• March 10, 2027: No School for Students - Eid al-Fitr & Staff Professional Learning
• March 25, 2027: Half Day of School - End of Quarter 3
• March 26 - April 2, 2027: No School - Spring Break & Good Friday/Easter
• May 7, 2027: No School - Staff Professional Learning
• May 28-31, 2027: No School - Memorial Weekend
• June 10, 2027: Half Day of School
• June 11, 2027: Last Day of School - Half Day for Students - End of Quarter 4 & Second Semester

The volunteer form is linked below or they are available in the main office. Please note that we will need to make a copy of your license at the time of submission. Also, forms must be submitted AT LEAST two weeks before you plan to volunteer for an event. We appreciate your ongoing support!

Connecting Graham families to opportunities, resources & our Avondale community.

Free Breakfast & Lunch

Every Graham Star may receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day.

Breakfast

Lunch

Blessings in a Backpack

Families who would benefit from additional weekend food support may sign up for this free program. Asking for support is always welcome at Graham.

• Please use the Google doc link to sign up for the program.