Graham Elementary School

Hello Falcon families!

Things continue to go well at Graham Elementary School, and we are thankful for the students and staff that make everyday a great day to be at school!

These last weeks will include finishing up Ohio State Tests for our students in grades 3, 4 and 5. All of our GES learners, from preschool to 5th grade, will finish strong! We are looking forward to celebrating all that has been accomplished over the course of this school year!

As we continue in the fourth quarter of the school year, we are continuing 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.

This issue of the GES News From the Nest includes important information and an AWESOME celebrations! Keep scrolling to read more about:

🔆GES Habit Heroes,

🔆GYAA Pee Wee Football sign up information,

🔆5th grade promotion CHANGE of DATE📆

🔆PTO Splits and Giggles bowling event information

🔆Grandparents and Grand-friends After School Event information

🔆Kindergarten Screening information,

🔆Ohio State Test dates,

🔆2026 GMS Color Run registration details,

🔆Family Falcon Focus,

🔆...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

Give this week’s Habit Heroes a round of applause!

This week’s Habit was Habit 2: Begin with the End In Mind. This week’s group of Habit Heroes know that success doesn’t happen by accident—it starts with a plan. By beginning with the end in mind, our students are learning to visualize their goals before they take the first step. Whether it’s tackling a tough assignment or being a better friend, shifting from "I can't" to "How can I?" makes all the difference. We are so proud of these leaders for taking charge of their actions and showing us what it means to be the boss of your own future!

As the warm weather returns, and we don't have to be bundled up every day, please review the Dress Code section of our GES Student Handbook. Thank you for your cooperation!

👕👖DRESS CODE

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 “special” days and/or activities as approved by the principal.

Attention families of students in grades K, 1 and 2:

We are excited to share that we will have local author, Nicole Loy, visiting Graham Elementary on Friday, May 1, 2026. Mrs. Nance, GES librarian, has arranged for Nicole to visit, read her book and speak with our learners about her work as an author.

Families can pre-order signed copies of Nicole's book - Saving Sir Stud Muffin - using the link below:

https://hurrybackbooks.com/

Order forms will be sent home today. If purchasing a book online, please complete the purchase online AND return order form to school on or before Friday, April 24. This order form will provide Nicole with the information needed to sign the book and have the order prepared for the May 1 visit.

Books can also be purchased (cash or check) on the day of Nicole's visit, and we will share more information about this opportunity as Nicole's visit draws near.

Please contact Mrs. Nance with any questions.

Our 2026 5th grade promotion date has been changed. The original date was Tuesday, May 19. The NEW date is Monday May 18.

We are looking forward to celebrating our 5th grade learners on Monday, May 18 @ 6:00p.m.⭐

Graham Middle School is hosting a Color Blast 1 mile & 5K run/walk

with proceeds benefiting student organizations and student initiatives

throughout the building.

Date: Saturday, May 2nd

Time: 10:00am runs start (all starting together this year)

Location: Graham Middle & Elementary Schools

Check-in: begins at 9:00am @ GMS (9644 Us Hwy 36 Saint Paris, OH 43072)

Pre-Registration Deadline: Sunday, April 19th @ midnight (if shirt package chosen)

Cost:

Basic Run/Walk Packet $25

-Participant Registration

-Color packets to use during the event (2)

-Sunglasses

-Color Blast Bracelet (1)

-Color Blast Tattoos (2)

Registration Plus Shirt Option $37

Shirt only (no run/walk package) $15

All participants will run through a minimum of 4 color stations in the 1 mile, and 12 total in the 5K. Our goal is 6 each mile.

All participants have the opportunity to participate in the pre-race water balloon fight (helps the color stick to clothing, weather dependent).

All participants and spectators can enjoy the variety of vendors we hope to have.

Additional color packets may be available for sale at the event (cash/check)

**New this year, you can signal “NO COLOR POWDER” the day of the event to prevent being doused directly with powder throughout the race.**

All Things GMS Color Blast!

Registration for the May 2nd Event:

https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/graham/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50Lzc0NQ==?fbclid=IwY2xjawRLWdZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeZK9NLsi-slNVuRsBRYWKq4fTOrHpLu9B6Go5PLCtuTX1YyKTMP_nXVAPi_4_aem_G3has7s0GzUOXiQUidf-gg

Vendor Registration: https://docs.google.com/.../1aqz203ufpHSWOF5gZUY8.../edit...

Sponsorship Form: https://docs.google.com/.../1EYgXz1sILxh711TIp6AZ.../edit...

We hope you can join us in any capacity for this wonderful community event that raises funds for our student organization and PBIS costs.

Our GES PTO is excited to host families for a bowling event that will be fun for all who attend! Flyers have come home with students and more information can be found below.

We are looking forward to welcoming our learners and their important grandparents/grand-friends to a fun after-school event!

Please see the flyer below for more information and contact Mrs. Shreve (shrevee@grahamlocalschools.org) or Mr. Myers (myersm@grahamlocalschools.org) with any questions.

Ohio State Testing season is upon us here at GES! Just a reminder of the dates our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will be taking their Ohio State Tests. Please be sure to notify the office of any absences on these dates so we can ensure that students are able to get their testing completed in a timely manner. We wanted to share these dates well in advance of the tests so families could ensure their students are prepared to do their best on the tests! Thank you for your continued partnership in your students' education.

The testing dates are in the graphic as well as listed below:
Math: Tuesday April 21st and Wednesday April 22nd
Science (5th Grade Only): Tuesday April 28th and Wednesday April 29th

We are looking forward to meeting our newest Falcons at this year's Kindergarten Screening! Please share this information with your friends and families🍎

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:

⭐view the GLS and GES Live Feeds to see up-to-date and need-to-know information (think Class DOJO School Story),

⭐Access ROOMS to message GES staff at any time

⭐and 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.

April

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.

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)

12: First Grade Field Trip

13: K-5 EOY 30-Day Referral Free Celebration (if earned)

15: Field Day for grades kindergarten thru 5th

15: Last day of school with Kindergarten

18-21: GES kindergarten screening days

CHANGE OF DATE: Monday, May18: 5th grade promotion @ 6p.m.

19: Last day of school with preschool and KPrep

19: GES PTO meeting @ 5:00p.m. in Hatchery

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

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 more👍

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.

Reminder: Free & Reduced Meal Applications

As we draw near the end of September, last year’s 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

• 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!

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 concerns😊

Please use this link to access the handbook in its entirety.

❗❕SCHOOL 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.

⌚📵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 “seen, heard, or used” during this time.

👕👖DRESS CODE (revised...please read)

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!

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 cooperation🙂

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!

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

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