Clifford Granger Elementary School

Happy November, Granger Families!

It’s hard to believe we’re already two months into the school year! From our Friday parent luncheons to the Book Fair, conferences, and the laughter of Wellness Day, this fall has given us so many reminders of what makes Granger special.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m grateful for the people who care for our students each day. Our teachers and paraprofessionals celebrate small victories, encourage students through challenges, and make learning meaningful. Our office staff, nurse, custodians, cafeteria team, lunch monitors, and substitutes keep our days moving with care. And our PTO and volunteers always seem to know when a little extra help or a warm bowl of soup will make a difference.

Thank you, families, for welcoming me into this community during my first year as principal. I’ve loved getting to know you at our luncheons, school events, and everyday arrival and dismissal conversations. Whether you’re reading together at home, helping locate a missing folder, or getting everyone out the door on a tough morning, you are an important part of our team.

Most of all, I’m thankful for our Granger students. Their hallway greetings, unexpected questions, growing confidence, and kindness toward one another make this work so rewarding. Watching our students persevere through something difficult and then proudly say, “I did it!” never gets old.

November brings more opportunities to come together as we honor our veterans, collect canned goods for the Mayflower Marathon from November 9–23, and enjoy our Turkey Trot. Please check the dates below and send along a jacket or sweatshirt for our cooler recess days!

I hope this season brings your family moments to rest, laughter, and enjoying one another. Thank you for helping make Granger a place where our students feel known, encouraged, and ready to grow. We truly are Better Together!

With thanks and appreciation,
Mrs. Roy

Every Day Counts at Granger.. Even the short ones.

Our daily attendance rate is 97.2%, with a special shoutout to fourth grade for leading the school at 97.7%! Thank you, families, for helping students show up ready to learn and connect.

Half days are important school days, too! We look forward to seeing everyone on November 25 for learning, friendship, and our fun Turkey Trot before dismissal at 11:50 a.m. Let’s finish strong before we gobble ’til we wobble! 🦃

We’re giving On a Roll a fresh look! Our recognition program is becoming Student of the Month, and selected students will celebrate with a special seat at the Fancy Table! Our PBIS team and Student Council will help lead this exciting celebration.

Our focus for November is accountability: taking responsibility for our choices, following through, and making things right when we make a mistake. At home, try asking, “What is something you took responsibility for today?” We look forward to recognizing students who practice accountability while showing respect for themselves, others, learning, and our environment.

We’re also continuing Granger Wishes this year! Stay tuned for more details and opportunities to celebrate our students.

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

Register Here

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.

Learning includes building friendships, managing emotions, and navigating challenges. During our December staff meeting, teachers and staff will collaborate to complete the full DESSA social-emotional rating scale for students, using their knowledge of children’s everyday school experiences.

This is a change from past practice and our first year completing the full DESSA for all students. It will help us better understand students’ strengths, identify areas where they may need support, and plan strategies to help them grow.

Family information will be shared through Thrillshare on November 10. Families who wish to opt out may complete the family opt-out form by November 23. Please reach out with questions!

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 12/2 at 6:30pm in the Granger Staff Lounge.

Our Turkey Trot is November 25, and we’re looking forward to some movement, laughter, and Granger spirit before Thanksgiving break! Please send your child with sneakers and clothing appropriate for the weather.

November 25 is a half day with dismissal at 11:50 a.m. Lunch will be served in classrooms before dismissal. Please make sure your child knows their dismissal plan. Half days bring learning and connection, too we hope to see all our dinosaurs there!

Our Mayflower Marathon canned goods collection runs November 9–23! Families who are able and would like to participate can send canned goods to school with their child. Every contribution is appreciated, and participation is optional.

This is a wonderful opportunity to talk with children about caring for our neighbors and how small acts of kindness add up. Let’s see what our Granger dinosaurs can do together!

Student Council: Growing Our Student Voice!
Our fourth grade Student Council representatives bring student ideas to the table and help make Granger even better! With Mrs. Sherry and Mrs. Gagnon, they’ll partner with our PBIS team to help launch our Student of the Month celebrations and special “Fancy Table” recognition. We’re excited to see our students lead with kindness and accountability!

School Council: Partnering for Granger’s Future
School Council brings together families, staff, and community representatives to help shape our school improvement goals. As we get underway this year, our focus is on strengthening learning, supporting students, and building family partnerships. Student Council shares our children’s voices, while School Council helps guide the bigger picture, another way we’re Better Together!