Clifford Granger Elementary School
October
Hello Granger Community!
Welcome to our first family newsletter of the school year! Each month, I’ll share schoolwide events and activities, important dates, celebrations, and helpful resources to keep you connected to what’s happening at Granger.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Chalk It Up and Back to School Night! It was wonderful to meet so many of you, see families in our classrooms, and feel the excitement for a new school year. Your support makes such a difference, and I’m grateful for the warm welcome you’ve given me as your new principal.
We’re off to a great start! Our students are settling into routines, building friendships, and learning so much already. I look forward to seeing many of you at the PTO pizza luncheons this month and having more opportunities to get to know you.
Our theme this year is “Better Together,” and you are a big part of that. Please reach out with questions, ideas, or anything you’d like us to know about your child. We’re glad you’re part of our Granger community!
October Family Calendar
MCAS Recognition
A Big Congratulations to Our Granger Students!
Granger has been named a 2026 Massachusetts School of Recognition, one of just 56 schools statewide to receive this honor! This recognition celebrates progress toward school improvement goals, with an emphasis on achievement in English language arts and math.
A special congratulations to our current fourth graders and our former Granger students who are now fifth graders at Doering. Your hard work helped make this possible!
Thank you to our teachers, staff, and families for supporting our students along the way. This is something our whole Granger community can celebrate.
Half Day Lunch Update
The Importance of Attendance
Every Day Counts at Granger!
Every school day brings opportunities to learn, build friendships, and grow in confidence. Our goal is to maintain an attendance rate of 94% or higher for all Granger students, and we appreciate your partnership in helping us get there!
Consistent bedtime and morning routines, along with arriving on time, help children start their day ready to learn. Small habits can make a big difference!
We understand that illnesses and unexpected challenges happen. If your child is having difficulty getting to school, please reach out so we can work together to support your family. Thank you for helping our students build a bright future, one day at a time!
Parent Teacher Confrences
Parent teacher conferences are coming up on October 22! Be on the lookout for a message from your child’s teacher with details about scheduling a conference time. We look forward to connecting with you, celebrating your child’s progress, and talking about how we can support their continued growth together!
Family Resources
Friendships can be one of the best parts of childhood — and one of the most painful. If you’ve watched your child navigate friend drama, social exclusion, or the pressures of group chats, you know how hard it can be to know when to step in and what to say.
Join Cartwheel, our virtual mental health partner, and licensed counselor, author, and Washington Post contributor Phyllis Fagell, LCPC, for a free live webinar:
Friend Drama, Group Chats, and Social Exclusion: What Parents Need to Know
Thursday, October 15, 7–8pm ET
You'll leave with a clearer picture of what children and teens need from the adults in their lives to navigate friendship challenges, build resilience, and maintain healthy relationships.
See the attached flyer for additional details.
You can see the full calendar here or visit our website here.
Title 1
Title I is a federal program that helps schools provide additional learning support and resources so students can succeed. Our Home School Learning Compact shares how Granger staff, families, and students can work together to support learning. Please take a few minutes to review it .
PTO Corner
Our PTO helps make so many special moments at Granger possible! From family events and pizza luncheons to fundraisers that support our school, we’re grateful for the time and care our volunteers give.
Take a look below for upcoming events and ways to get involved. Whether you can lend a hand at one event or join a meeting to share an idea, we’d love to have you. Every little bit helps, and it’s a wonderful way to connect with other Granger families!
Our next PTO meeting is 10/7 at 6pm in the Granger Staff Lounge.
Volunteer Incentive
Sensory Friendly Events
Lyman Pie Fundraiser
Student Council
Student Voices at Granger!
We’re excited to launch our fourth grade Student Council this year! Our first group of student leaders was announced at our PBIS assemblies on October 2.
With guidance from Mrs. Sherry and Mrs. Gagnon, students will share ideas, listen to their classmates, and help make Granger a welcoming place for everyone. They’ll practice leadership and teamwork while helping with school activities and finding ways to make a positive difference in our community.
We can’t wait to see their ideas come to life.
ALICE and "I love you Guys"
Keeping Granger Safe
Our staff and students are participating in ALICE and “I Love U Guys” safety training to strengthen how we prepare for and respond to emergencies. These trainings help us build shared routines and clear communication so we can work together to keep our students and staff safe. Conversations start this week in PE and our first Evacuation drill is on 10/16.
PE
October 2026
Hi Families,
The month of October is a busy one!! We will be wrapping up our kicking/soccer units and transitioning to our Chase/Flee/Dodge units. We will also be taking the first week of October to go over all of our Safety Protocols at Granger.
As a reminder please make sure your child is wearing proper clothing and footwear on PE days. Also, for 4th and 3rd graders who have PE in the morning an extra pair of socks may come in handy. Sometimes the grass is a little damp.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you,
Matt Baker
Science
A Welcome from Mrs. Mitchell
Our science teacher, Mrs. Mitchell, has a welcome letter to share with Granger families! Take a look below to meet her and hear about the learning and discovery ahead for our students.
Principal Message
A Note from Mrs. Roy
As I settle into my new role at Granger, one of my favorite parts has been getting to know your children and the families who make this school so special. From conversations at arrival to visits to classrooms, those everyday moments are helping Granger feel like home.
Thank you for your kindness, the warm welcome, and your partnership in supporting our students each day. The encouragement you give at home and the things you share with us help us better understand and care for each child. Your support helps us build a welcoming and supportive school community.
I’m still learning the traditions and little things that make Granger, Granger, and I look forward to hearing what your family loves about our school. I’m also looking forward to seeing many of you at the PTO luncheons this month and at parent teacher conferences!
I’m so glad to be here. Please don’t hesitate to reach out or say hello when you see me!
Warmly,
Principal Alyse Roy