Graham Elementary School
News From the Nest - Sunday, May 3, 2026
At Graham Elementary, "A better ME means a better WE"!
Hello Falcon families!
We hope this finds you all enjoying the sunshine even though the temperatures are not currently feeling very May-like🥶 Soon enough, it will warm up. When it does, we are excited to spend the last several weeks of the 2025-2026 school year soaking up some warmth and fun!
This week marks a special time for students and families alike to recognize the heart and hard work that our Graham Elementary staff pour into each learner we serve every day. Staff Appreciation 2026 starts tomorrow, Monday, May 4. Students are encouraged to participate in the PTO sponsored Staff Appreciation Spirit week. This year's week culminates with an opportunity to tape Mr. Tim, GES daytime custodian, to the cafeteria wall! Happy Staff Appreciation Week to all GES Staff! You truly are the best🍎
This issue of GES News From the Nest is all about what is coming up in the next several weeks and highlighting a couple of fantastic events at GES and GMS from last week. Our first ever evening Games with Grandparents and Grand-friends event was a HUGE success! The gymnasium and cafeteria were alive with sounds of laughter and fun as the children and their families enjoyed minute to win it games and snacks provided by our PTO! We are already planning for next year!
Graham Middle School's 2026 Color Run was a HUGE success with the most participants to the event to date! Many of our GES learners and their families took part in the fun, and we thank you for your participation!
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,
🔆Staff Appreciation Spirit Week at GES,
🔆5th grade promotion CHANGE of DATE📆
🔆Grandparents and Grand-friends After School Event celebration and pictures
🔆Kindergarten Screening information,
🔆2026 GMS Color Run Event celebration and pictures
🔆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
Fun Times at GES: Games with Grandparents and Grand-friends!
Face Off Minute to Win It game
Cup Stacking Fun with Friends
Face Off Minute to Win It game
Rapid Fire Minute to Win It
Ping Pong Float Minute to Win It
Sticky Situation Minute to Win It
📖Author Nicole Loy Visits GES📖
On Friday, May 1, our students in kindergarten, first and second grade got to learn what it takes to be an author!
Author Nicole Loy visited our library classes and shared one of her picture books, Sir Stud Muffin with our learners. Families had the opportunity to pre-purchase a signed book, and many did just that. Students were also able to purchase the book on the day of the visit. We are excited that so many of you now have your very own copy of this fun story!
Thank you to GES staff member, Chastity Nance for organizing this awesome opportunity for our learners to hear an author speak about their craft!
GMS Color Run Fun!
The Graham Middle School Color Run is a fun family event every year, and Saturday, May 2 was no exception!
Record-setting numbers of students and adults participated, and it was a fantastic day for all!
Graham Elementary was represented well at this year's event!
Fun times at the GMS Color Run!
GES Staff Appreciation Spirit Week is this Week!
⭐Leader In Me Habit Heroes⭐
Give this week’s Habit Heroes a round of applause!
Habit Heroes are in!!! This week, our focus was on Habit 4: Think Win-Win. We were so impressed to see our Falcons demonstrating the maturity to consider how their choices impact others while having the courage to speak up for their own needs.
It wasn't just about "getting along"—it was about our students working hard to find creative solutions where everyone walks away feeling successful and valued. From collaborative problem-solving in the classroom to fair play on the playground, these Habit Heroes proved that we are at our best when we look for the "win" for everyone involved! We are proud of YOU!
📅Attention 5th Grade Families: Change of Date📅
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.⭐
Important End of Year Dates
📅GES Family Falcon Focus📅
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
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
20: Preschool Family Fun Day in GES gymnasium (for Kindergarten transition students only)
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
Community Events Information
Kindergarten Screening Coming Soon!
We are looking forward to meeting our newest Falcons at this year's Kindergarten Screening! Please share this information with your friends and families🍎
We 💗 Our Local Libraries!
Communication is 🔑...GLS Falcons App and Rooms REMINDERS
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.
REMINDER: GES Allergy Protocol
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.
Free and Reduced Meal Application Reminder
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
Graham Local Schools Volunteer Policy
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!
GES Handbook Reminders...
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.
Students cannot contact parents via a personal cell phone during the day; they are to utilize a classroom or office phone.
If violations of this policy should occur, then CELL PHONE WILL BE TAKEN AND CAN BE PICKED UP AT THE END OF THE DAY.
1st offense–warning *2nd offense–parent called *3rd offense–detention/parent picks up device
👕👖DRESS CODE (revised...please read)
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.
Graham Elementary School Daily Schedule
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!
🚸GES Drop-Off and Pick-Up (car riders) Procedures🚸
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🙂
2025-2026 Supply Lists & School Fees
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!
2025-2026 Graham Local Schools Calendar
Kroger Community Rewards Program
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
Graham Elementary School
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