November 2026
Griffin Elementary uses "Kelso's Choice"
Conflict or disagreement is normal and often happens when children get together. However, hurtful words, gestures, or physical attack are unacceptable ways to deal with conflict and disagreement at school.
Our goal is to teach students several positive ways to deal with these difficult situations. To do this, we are asking students who have minor problems to try at least two of the following ideas:
1. Go to another game or activity.
2. Share and take turns.
3. Respectfully talk it over and listen to each other.
4. Walk away from the problem.
5. Ignore the problem behavior.
6. Tell the person to stop the problem behavior.
7. Apologize.
8. Make a deal or compromise.
9. Wait to cool off.
This process can be done before asking for adult help. When a request for adult help is made, it will include the two ideas tried: “Mrs. Jones, Tad is teasing me about my glasses. I tried ignoring him, and I’ve told him it hurts my feelings when he makes fun of me. He’s still calling me names.” The playground supervisor at school will get involved and help solve the problem by using our playground discipline plan. Of course, the playground supervisor will immediately handle any serious conflicts that cause a child to feel threatened or frightened.
By using this plan, we believe that our students will develop effective problem-solving skills that they can use again and again. It will help them to deal with conflict in a positive manner and to make appropriate decisions. Knowing what to do will help students reduce the stress and number of conflicts they have at school and in their neighborhood.
Colorful charts illustrating ways to deal with conflict will be posted so all children will know their choices. We encourage you to become familiar with this program and use it in your home. By working together, we can develop a healthy life skill for young people to use at home and at school.
Sincerely,
Carrie Pipkin, Elementary Counselor
360-866-5823
Braden Bursch, Counseling Intern
At Griffin, we believe a hungry child cannot learn. To ensure our students have the energy to excel, we want to remind families about our Free and Reduced Meal Program.
Why Participate?
Budget-Friendly: Enjoy delicious, balanced meals while stretching your household budget.
100% Confidential: Student status is never disclosed in the cafeteria.
Apply Anytime: You can sign up or re-apply at any point during the school year as your needs change.
Support Our School: High participation helps Griffin secure essential funding.
Quick & Easy Application
Applying takes just a few minutes and remains strictly confidential.
Healthy bodies lead to healthy minds.
Let’s work together to ensure every student is fueled for success!
👟 Run Club meets Mondays at 8:15am! Last date: Nov. 9th (1st-5th grade)
🏀 Girls Basketball Practice after school (M, T, TH, F) - begins Nov. 3
November 2: PTO Fundraiser at MOD Pizza
November 4: 6pm - School Board Study Session, Library
November 6: Good Morning Grizzlies ~ Family Breakfast 8-8:45am
November 9: Vision & Hearing Screening
November 9-20: Middle School Food Drive (Sponsored by the National Junior Honor Society)
November 10: 10am, Veterans Day Assembly (Gym)
November 10: 6pm PTO meeting (Library)
November 11: Veterans Day, NO SCHOOL
November 12: Picture Retakes
November 17: 6pm - School Board Meeting, Cafeteria
November 20: 9:30am, Great Grizzly Celebration
November 25-27: Thanksgiving Break, NO SCHOOL
