GRIMSRUD ELEMENTARY
August Newsletter
A Message From Your Principal
Dear Grimsrud Families,
It is AMAZING to be back in the swing of things! A big thank you for your flexibility, patience, and positivity as we navigated the new bell time changes and busing transitions this first week of school. I am so grateful to see the many adults modeling adapting to changes, solving barriers, and making the best of new and different situations in a positive way.
Our staff have been busy getting to know your children, helping them build connections with one another, and teaching and practicing important routines that will set the tone for a successful year.
Consistency is key, so we encourage you to keep these routines (bed time, wake-up, etc.) going over the weekend to help your child feel ready and be successful Monday morning.
It is normal to have new or additional questions after the first few days... Please don't hold back if you have a wondering or question that we may help with.
We appreciate your partnership in making this a smooth and positive start to the year!
~Dr. Upton
School Hour Reminders
School Day- 7:47am (First Bell) 2:20pm Dismissal
School starts promptly at 7:50am. After 7:50 students are considered Tardy and will need to come to the office for a slip before going to class.
- Doors open at 7:20am daily after we have supervision.
- There will be NO consistent MORNING Playground Supervision/Recess before school this year: students are doing great at arrival in the gym and grabbing breakfast so far.
Breakfast: 7:50 am in the classrooms
Office Hours: 7:15am-3:15 pm
After School Pick-Up and Bussing
Families, please take a moment to double check your after school plans and remind your child where to go when the bell rings at 2:20. Supervision is not provided after 2:20 pm.
- All students who do not ride the bus or go to BLAST must be picked up promptly at 2:20. There is no after school supervision and students are not allowed to stay on the playground or outside the school to wait for parents.
- If you signed up to ride the bus, you would have received an email with specific routing information including times and locations of morning pick up and end of day drop off. *please carefully watch the addresses listed for your pick-ups/drop-offs as they may be different.
- If you did not receive routing information email, your child will not be able to ride the bus yet. It is your responsibility to get them to and from school while you wait for bussing to be established. Please contact transportation at 701-323-4500 or email bpstransportation@bismarckschools.org with questions.
Parent Pick Up Locations
To assist parents in knowing where to look for their child during dismissal- see this photo!
Grimsrud Quick Reference Guide
We have created this summarized document "Grimsrud Quick Reference Guide" to accompany the Bismarck Public Schools' Elementary Handbook (available at www.bismarckschools.org). Please take time to thoroughly review so you and your child are prepared for a successful start. Paper copies are available upon request.
A Note from our Grimsrud PTO
We hope your first few days of school have gone well!
We are planning our new year and hope to do even more fun and exciting things, but we can't do it all without your help! Please join us for our first meeting, Tuesday, September 9th @2:30. We will discuss overall plans for the year, budget and more. We would love to hear all of your thoughts, ideas and opinions.
Here is a recap of some of what the PTO did for the school last year:
- Open house treats
- Fall Fest
- Organized Chocolate Fundraiser
- Volunteered for the Book Fair
- Organized Conference Meals
- Multicultural Festival
- Staff Appreciation Week
- Hot Chocolate Cart
- Bingo for Books
- 5th Grade Track Shirts and Celebrations
- Extended Learning Opportunities including many field trips for all grades and so much more!
Watch your take home folders for our chocolate fundraiser permission slips! They should be heading home next week! This year we will be selling bigger bars as well as almonds!
Join the FB page for more updates and info here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grimsrudpto
Grimsrud PTO
School Supplies and Other Needs
If you are in need of school supplies or other items as we start this school year please reach out to Mrs. Schmidkunz, School Social Worker. You may contact the school office and ask for her voicemail or contact her via cell phone at (701)934-0826. We have several items on hand or would be happy to problem solve with you how we can help you, your child, and family be successful!
FIRST DAY FUN!
Immunization Clinic
A Note from Mrs. Schmidkunz
๐ Back-to-School Tips for Families
Support a Smooth and Positive Start to the School Year with these fun tips! 1. Establish a Routine 2. Create a Learning Space 3. Read Daily 4. Reconnect with Friends 5. Stay Positive 6. Plan Ahead Together 7. Communicate with the Teacher 8. Celebrate the First Week
๐ Set consistent wake-up, bedtime, and homework routines . Kids thrive with predictability!
๐ Set up a quiet, comfy spot with supplies ready. Having a go-to place helps students focus and feel prepared.
๐ Get into the habit of reading together each dayโeven 10 minutes a night helps build strong literacy skills.
๐ Plan a playdate or a park visit with a school friend. Rebuilding and making new connections is great this time of year.
๐ Share fun stories about your own school memories. Help your child look forward to learning and friendships.
๐
Let your child help pick outfits or pack lunches the night before school. Involving them builds confidence and independence.
๐ฉ Reach out early to say hello or share important information. A strong home-school partnership supports success.
๐ฆ Plan a small family celebrationโice cream, a walk, or a game nightโto honor your childโs brave first week!
๐ Important Upcoming Dates
September 1st- NO SCHOOL- Labor Day
September 9th- PTO meeting 2:30 pmSeptember 19th- School Picture Day
September 22nd- NO SCHOOL - Staff Development Day
September 30th- Family Fun Night - Fall Fest 5:00-6:30pm
October 13th & 14th - Parent teacher conferences 2:30-6:30pm
October 16th & 17th - NO SCHOOL
October 29th - Picture Retakes
October 31st - NO SCHOOL- Staff Development Day
Questions? Needs? Contact the Office
Email: grimsrud_secretary@bismarckschools.org
Website: https://www.bismarckschools.org/grimsrud
Phone: 701-323-4150