Grafton Gazette
November 2026
A Message from our Assistant Principal, Sarah Stinson
It is hard to believe we’re already approaching the end of the year! This season always serves as a great reminder to pause, count our blessings, and share a little extra gratitude. As we honor the incredible service of our military members, exercise our civic rights at the polls, and get ready to gather around the Thanksgiving table with family, I’m also reflecting on how lucky I am to be part of this school community.
We’re diving into the second grading period, and I’m constantly inspired by what’s happening inside our classrooms. Our teachers and students are in a great groove—asking big questions, taking on new challenges, and showing remarkable growth every single day. The energy and dedication to learning right now is truly something special.
Finally, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank our PTA and the entire GVES community for their overwhelming support of our recent Fun Run. We were truly amazed by the incredible commitment shown, which helped our PTA raise over $45,000 for the school! Our students are extremely fortunate to have such a supportive and generous community!
November is a busy month at GVES. Friday, November 6th, all students will participate in the Turkey Trot. On November 10th there will be a 3rd grade performance starting at 6:30 pm. It will be followed by a Family Night to celebrate America’s 250th!
Grafton Village is getting ready to unveil our Veterans Day Hall Of Fame Wall. We are privileged to showcase photos in our main hallway of all our GVES Veteran family members during November in commemoration of Veterans Day. Submissions will be accepted through Friday November 6th, 2026. To participate, please email a jpeg image of the Veteran in your family in either full dress or in active duty along with their full name, rank, branch of service and name of their Grafton Grizzly student to Mrs. Brooks @ brookssc@staffordschools.net.
November is also filled with holidays and days off for students. School is closed on November 3rd (Election Day) and November 11th (Veterans Day). School is closed November 25th - 27th for Thanksgiving.
Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving!
Sarah Stinson
Assistant Principal
Grafton Village is getting ready to unveil our Veterans Day Hall Of Fame Wall!
We are privileged to showcase photos to students and staff of our GVES Veteran family members during November in commemoration of Veterans Day. Submissions are being accepted from Friday, October 16th through Friday November 6th. To participate, please email a jpeg image of the Veteran in your family in either full dress or in active duty along with their full name, rank, branch of service and name of their Grafton Grizzly student to Mrs. Brooks @ brookssc@staffordschools.net.
November 2026
11/2 8:30 AM - 2nd grade Awards Assembly
9:20 AM - 1st grade Awards Assembly
3:00 PM - Afterschool Karate
11/3 NO SCHOOL Student /Staff Holiday: Election Day
11/4 7:20 AM - Chorus regular rehearsal
3:00 PM - Afterschool Karate
11/6 9:45 AM Fire Drill
Turkey Trot - all grades (during Specials) - wear your sneakers
11/9 Turkey Trot rain date
11/10 8:45 AM 3rd Grade Performance Dress Rehearsal
6:30 - 8:00 PM Family Night - America 250 (featuring 3rd grade performance)
11/11 NO SCHOOL Student/Staff Holiday: Veteran's Day
11/12 7:20 AM - Chorus regular rehearsal
11/17 Lock Down Drill
11/18 7:20 AM - Chorus regular rehearsal
11/24 7:20 AM - Chorus regular rehearsal
11/25 - 11/27 NO SCHOOL Student/Staff Holiday: Thanksgiving
We understand that the holiday season can bring financial challenges, and we want to ensure every child in our school community experiences the joy and warmth of the holidays. We are pleased to announce an opportunity for families in need of assistance to receive help with new gifts and clothing for their children this holiday season.
This support is being offered by our amazing Grafton staff as well as some generous members of our community. Please read and complete the Google Form by clicking on the link below. Thank you and we look forward to partnering with you this holiday season.
If you have any questions, email our counselor Nicole Spangler- Spangernf@staffordschools.net
Ms. Counsell, Librarian
Many thanks to all the Grafton families, PTA, and staff who supported the book fair! We were able to get new books for the library as well as money for library programs and materials!
Mrs. Armstrong, Innovative Learning Coach
Commonsense.org can provide families with many resources to support your digital literacy and well-being. From podcasts and videos to family activities, this website can provide you with up-to-date information in our digital age to support your Grizzlies. Check out this link for some new resources to use with your family!
Mrs. Greven, Music Teacher
Mr. Bridi and Mrs. Menezes, Physical Education
Get ready for the Turkey Trot! Friday, November 6th (rain date is Nov 9th)
Wear your sneakers!
Mrs. Feeney, Art Teacher
Donations welcomed in the Art Room:
Since pie and gift wrapping season is upon us, the art room is collecting pie tins and wrapping paper rolls, with or without wrapping paper.
The art room could also use the white Amazon bubble wrapping mailing packages and fine and ultra fine black Sharpie markers.
Would you like to be a WATCHDOG at GVES?
Turkey Trot Nov 6th - wear sneakers!
11/25 - 11/27 Thanksgiving Holiday Break
PTA Calendar of Events
11/ 3 Original Works Artwork orders due (online only)
11/ 10 America 250th Family Night
11/13 GVES Spirit Night at Wild Waylon's BBQ
11/16 Fall Coffee Cart (Volunteers needed for this fun morning, no items are needed!)
2/26 Family Bingo Night
2/26 5th Grade Shout Out Ads due for the Yearbook
4/2 Yearbook Orders due
4/16 Family Dance at Eagles Lodge
5/1 Grizzlyfest
PTA Board
President - Kelly Sienkowski
Treasurer -Christina Sullivan
Secretary - Annmarie Mulholland
Vice President, Events - Erin Creel
Vice President, Hospitality - Meghan Kala
CONTACT INFORMATION: GraftonPTA@gmail.com
This year the PTA is supporting Grafton's Art program by offering the Original Works Fundraiser again. Your student worked hard on a special art project during the first quarter while in their Art class. This artwork can be printed on a selection of items for a unique keepsake. Custom brochures with your student's artwork and ordering information are coming home soon.
All orders can be placed online and are due by November 3rd. All items ordered will be received at the school the first week of December and distributed to each student allowing you to do some holiday shopping if you wish!
All funds raised by this program go directly to Mrs. Feeney to support our Art program at Grafton Village!
Rent the Rocks
Did you know you can rent "The Rocks" located in front of the school for special occasions? It is a great way to spread positive messages and increase excitement in our community. All requests must be made via email to graftonpta@gmail.com. Rock the Rental as the subject. The PTA will confirm approval of the rental date and rock message before the rock rental can be purchased.
PERSONAL ITEMS AT SCHOOL
As we begin the new term, we would like to share a gentle reminder regarding our school policy on personal items. To minimize distractions and prevent the loss of cherished holiday gifts, students should refrain from bringing toys (particularly Labubu), collectibles, or electronics to school.
We want to ensure that every student can focus fully on their lessons and social interactions without the worry of misplaced, lost or broken toys. If a specific 'Show and Tell Day’ or ‘Stuffy Day’ is scheduled, your child’s teacher will notify you in advance. Thank you for your continued cooperation and for helping us maintain a productive classroom environment.
NO CELL PHONES IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
CELL PHONE POSSESSION AND PHONE WATCHES: The Stafford County Code of Conduct states: “Elementary school students shall not be permitted to use or display such devices while on school grounds unless expressly authorized by staff”. Students are asked to keep their phones off and away during school hours.
GVES Front Office Information
Phone #540-373-5454
If you need to pick your child up from school, please send a note with your child to give to the teacher in the morning. If you are unable to send a note, you may call the office prior to 1:00 PM so that we can notify the teacher to have the child packed and ready to go. Be sure to bring your ID . The cut-off time for pickup in the office before dismissal is 2:15 PM - after that time, school buses will begin parking the bus loop for dismissal and you will need to pick your child up through the Car Rider line.
Mike Sidebotham, Principal
Sarah Stinson, Assistant Principal
Kim Overton, Bookkeeper
Stacee Rogers, Registrar
Kristina Bourne, Administrative Assistant
Sarah Brooks, Administrative Assistant
Amy Pisciotta, Nurse
Leah Malloy, Special Education Department Chair
If you have a Facebook Acct, please join our Facebook Group. You must answer the security questions to be approved.
PURPLE STAR SCHOOL
Virginia Council on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children voted on October 26, 2023, to approve Grafton Village Elementary as a recipient of the SY 2023-2024 Purple Star Award.
GRAFTON VILLAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Nutrition at GVES
Julie Washington, Cafeteria Manager
Phone # 540-373-5454
washingtonja@staffordschools.net
Kristen Swartz, Student Account Management, Free and Reduced Applications
Phone # 540-654-9041 (para Espanol)
Transportation
George Schlegel
Area 1 Coordinator
📞 540-374-8580
Route Numbers: 101-199- Dispatch 540-374-8585
