Grindstone News

The Zoey and Sassafras series by Asia Citro is a fun and imaginative blend of science and fantasy that captivates young readers while encouraging curiosity and problem-solving. The books follow Zoey, a clever and compassionate girl, and her loyal, magical cat Sassafras, as they help injured or troubled magical creatures using scientific thinking and real-world experiments. In the first book, Dragons and Marshmallows, Zoey discovers that she’s inherited a special responsibility: to care for magical animals in need. When a baby dragon appears on her doorstep, Zoey must use science to figure out how to help it feel better. This engaging story is the perfect launch for our One Book One School project, combining adventure, critical thinking, and kindness to inspire readers of all ages.

Thank you to the Grindstone PTA for purchasing a book for every student and staff member at Grindstone! We appreciate your support!!!

Follow along as a family, join in all the FUN!!

• Mon., Oct. 27th - Dress Like a Scientist Day

• Tues., Oct. 28th - PJ/Comfy Clothes Day

• Mon., Nov. 3rd - Dress Like a Magical Creature Day

• Wed., Nov. 5th - Wear WHITE Day

• Fri., Nov. 7th - Bring a Magical Friend to school to Read to Day

Home Engagement Activities ~ Zoey and Sassafras Family Playlist

Students will earn a raffle ticket for each home project completed and shared at school for a new Zoey and Sassafras book!! Drawings begin the week of Nov. 3rd!

These past two weeks we have had an epidemic of library books being ruined by water bottle spills in backpacks. At the beginning of the school year all students were given a large resealable plastic bag to put their library books in. Please remind your children to put their library books in the bag before they put them in their backpacks. Thank you!

Students should not carry medication of any kind to school. If it is necessary for a child to receive medications while in school, the following guidelines apply:

• All medication taken in school, including over-the-counter drugs (pain medication, cough syrups, lozenges, etc.), must be prescribed by a physician. The written order must include the student's name and date of birth, name of medication, dosage and route of administration, frequency and time of administration, date written, prescriber's name, title, signature and phone number, and for as needed medications, conditions under which medication should be administered.
• The school nurse must have on file a BCSD Health Form signed by the student's physician.
• All medication must be brought to school in a properly labeled original container by the parent or person in parental authority and delivered to the school nurse. Parents are advised to ask the pharmacist for two containers, one to remain at home and one at school.
• All prescription medication should be in original prescription bottle with student name, physician name and dosage.

On Friday, October 31st, students in grades K-4 can wear their Halloween costumes to school if they wish. Please remember that all costumes must be school-appropriate.

The spirit day colors for the day are orange and black for students not wishing to wear their costume.

Important Costume Guidelines:

• No face paint or masks are allowed.

• No weapons are allowed

• Students should wear their costumes to school. Teachers and staff will not be assisting students get dressed.

• Students are responsible for bringing their costumes home at the end of the day.

Let’s have a fun and safe Halloween celebration! 👻✨

School Fees have been added to student accounts on October 1, 2025. Payments may be made in person at Grindstone using Cash or Check , or through Infinite Campus. Instructions are provided below.

Families are asked and encouraged to complete the Income Eligibility Verification Application to access additional benefits, including increased state and federal funding for staff, equipment, and supplies; discounts on fees for academic assessments; and access to local scholarships, tuition assistance for dual credit and AP courses, and discounts on college application fees. By completing the application, you help the district continue to provide valuable resources and opportunities for every student.

Online payment is our preferred method for parents and guardians to pay for school fees, cafeteria payments, and more.

The Infinite Campus Online Payment system is a payment processing

solution that allows you to submit food service and school-related fees 24/7

via the Parent Portal. Payments can be made for one child or the entire

household.

The Fees tool provides a list of all fees assigned to you. Fees may include things like a lab fee for a science course, a fee for a field trip or the cost of an athletic activity. Fees that are still owed and fees that were paid appear in this list, followed by the ongoing balance for all fees.

View the Fee Payment tutorial

If you are unable to use the online payment system, please contact the

treasurer's office at (216) 898-8300.

As we plan for the upcoming spring school year, we are excited to involve our school

community in shaping our fundraising efforts.

Please take this short survey to have your voice heard for future fundraising efforts.

https://forms.gle/p9cc5r3oFSGm4hXo6

4TH Grade(Class of 2034): https://www.facebook.com/share/cLq3EqQVbQ8kuHeB/

3RD Grade(Class of 2035): https://www.facebook.com/share/1FubfLLNniyEjUm1/

2ND Grade(Class of 2036): https://www.facebook.com/share/3M1GZcHUHxfBSiCP/

1ST Grade (Class of 2037): https://www.facebook.com/share/ZYqMLLhRxTfcqR6u/

Kindergarten (Class of 2038): https://www.facebook.com/share/qxJMB39fxAvfRcYg/

As the weather is changing, please take this opportunity to update your child's extra set of clothes in their backpack with clothing suitable for the current season, ensuring they have appropriate layers for colder or warmer temperatures depending on the time of year.

Please be kind to Grindstone’s neighbors on Race, Edgewood, and other surrounding streets by not blocking their driveways as you wait in line to drop off or pick up your Titan. Drive slowly through the parking lot, as we have students crossing in the crosswalks as they walk home.

Also, there are to be NO cars in our bus drop-off and loading area (blacktop area by our cafeteria doors.)

Thank you.

For the safety of students, staff and visitors, no dogs are permitted on school property during regular school hours or during arrival/dismissal times unless they are part of an approved visit/program. Families walking students to and/or from school should not bring dogs on the property to drop students off or pick them up.

For the 2025-2026 school year, our K-8 classrooms will continue to implement Compass360 lessons as a part of our District's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. These weekly lessons are specifically designed to nurture our students' emotional growth and interpersonal abilities.

Compass360 directly aligns with the five core competencies identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL):

• Self-Awareness: Students will learn to recognize their emotions and thoughts, understanding how these internal states influence their behavior.

• Self-Management: We'll equip students with practical tools to manage stress, control impulses, and effectively set and achieve personal goals.

• Social Awareness: Lessons will cultivate empathy, encouraging students to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives and backgrounds within their community and beyond.

• Relationship Skills: Students will develop essential communication strategies, learn to work effectively in teams, and gain valuable conflict resolution techniques.

• Responsible Decision-Making: We'll guide students through processes that help them make constructive and ethical choices regarding their personal and social conduct.

Through engaging activities, thoughtful discussions, and regular reflection, Compass360 lessons create a supportive and positive environment where students can grow, both academically and emotionally.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Compass360 lessons, please don't hesitate to reach out to:

• Lori Sancin: lsancin@bereaschools.org

• Meredith Ondak: mondak@bereaschools.org

1. All clothing should be neat, clean, and safe.

2. Shorts are permitted on warm days only.

3. Coats are encouraged on cooler days and should be worn by students during outdoor recess.

4. The following clothing is not allowed:

● That which exposes too much or is too tight, including but not limited to tank tops, spaghetti strap tops, halter tops, cut-off T-shirts, bare midriffs, short shorts, and spandex (biking) pants or shorts.

● That which contains messages that are obscene, profane, drug-related, gang-related, or inflammatory or depicts weapons or violence.

● Sagging pants.

5. Parents are encouraged to send a change of clothes to be kept at school for their child.

Disclaimer: Any new “fads” in clothing, or anything not specifically covered in the above guidelines, determined to be inappropriate dress or disruptive to the learning environment, shall be dealt with at the discretion of the Berea City School District Elementary Schools’ Administration. Any student not adhering to the above will be referred to the office where parent contact will occur.

RECESS:

“When the temperature, including the wind chill, is 20 degrees or above, students will go out for recess and need to be dressed for the cold weather. The administration reserves the right to hold indoor recess based on the conditions of the playground/blacktop areas.”

• The school day starts at 9:00 a.m. All car riders should wait in their cars until a Grindstone staff member either opens the door or signals them to exit the car. For student safety, all students should exit and enter their car curbside.

• For all our Titan Friends who walk to school and arrive before the first bell, it is imperative for your child’s safety that they are waiting in line like a Super Titan; being respectful, responsible, and safe. Students should not arrive at school too early as there is no supervision before our first bell rings at 9:00 a.m.

• Students coming for breakfast may enter the building through the cafeteria doors beginning at 8:45 a.m.

Follow this link for 2025 - 2026 GRINDSTONE SPIRIT DAYS

10/24 - PTA Sponsored Trunk or Treat

10/27 - Coe Lake 4K

10/27 - 11/7 - One Book One School Project

11/11 - Grade 3 Veteran's Day Music Program 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

11/19 - PTA Meeting 6:30 p.m.

11/21 - Fall Class Parties

11/26 - 11/28 - No School - Thanksgiving Break

12/10 - PTA Sponsored Winter Fest

12/22 - 1/2 - No School - Winter Break

1/14 - PTA Meeting 6:30 p.m.

1/16 - No School - Teacher Workday

1/19 - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

2/13 - No School - Professional Development Day

2/16 - No School - Presidents Day

4/2 - No School - Teacher Workday

4/3 - No School - Good Friday

4/6 - 4/10 - No School - Spring Break

5/13 - 5/15 PTA Sponsored BOGO Book Fair

5/25 - No School - Memorial Day

5/27 - 4th Grade Farewell

5/28 - Last Day for Students

8:45 a.m.-9:10 a.m. Breakfast students may enter through the cafeteria door
9:15 a.m. Tardy bell rings
3:40 p.m. Car Riders, Walkers, and Right at School After Care Students dismissed
3:45 p.m. Dismissal bell for bus riders

Email: tgrimm@bereaschools.org
Website: www.bereaschools.org
Location: 191 Race Street, Berea, OH, USA
Phone: (216)898-8305
Facebook: facebook.com/GrindstoneBCSD
X/Twitter: @GrindstoneBCSD