Graves (K-5) Sailor Newsletter

*Para español por favor haga clic en "Translate” en la esquina superior

We hope to see everyone later tonight at our annual DIA DE LOS MUERTOS family event and next week at our FALL Parade and Trunk-A-Treat!

Please see the following newsletter for important information.

UPCOMING EVENTS/IMPORTANT DATES

Thursday, October 1 – Friday, October 30: National Bullying Prevention Month

Friday, October 23: SD104 Día de los Muertos Celebration 5:30PM-7:30PM

Friday, October 30: Fall Parade 1:00 p.m. & Classroom Celebrations

Friday, October 30: Graves Family Trunk-or-Treat 5:30 p.m.

Please remember that every Wednesday is a late start 8:50AM-2:50PM

GRAVES FALL PARADE & CELEBRATIONS

On Friday, October 30, 2026 Graves students will parade around the soccer field starting at 1:00PM (Weather Permitting). You are invited to spread around the field (inside fence area) as students parade in their costumes. They will come out through #5, go around the soccer field and then back into the building through door #9.

Students will be allowed to wear a costume or dress in Orange/Black. Costumes must be appropriate for school and should not come with masks, weapons, or full face paint.

After the parade, students will go back into their classrooms for their Fall Celebrations.

Treats will be provided for all students. If you are sending candy with your child to share, please make sure that candy is pre-packaged and store bought (no cupcakes). Please do not feel pressured to send treats/candy, students will have more than enough treats. If your child has any allergies please make sure they know which treats they can and cannot accept.

If you prefer that your child does not participate in these events, please let their teacher know.

*As a reminder, students who received behavior referrals for the month of October will be missing out on part of their celebration to reflect on their behavior.

GRAVES PARENT GROUP

SOCIAL WORKER CORNER

Together Against Bullying

October — Unity Day: Together Against Bullying

This Month’s Focus

Unity Day is celebrated in October as part of National Bullying Prevention Month. It reminds us of the importance of standing together against bullying and promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and welcomed at school.

During our SEL lessons, we have been discussing bullying, inclusion, and the importance of respecting everyone’s differences. Students are learning how their words and actions affect others and how they can help create a safe, kind, and welcoming school community where everyone feels that they belong.

Try It at Home

Talk about the importance of treating everyone with respect.
Encourage your child to include others and show kindness.
Remind your child to tell a trusted adult if someone is being hurt or bullied.

Ask Your Child

“What does it mean to stand together against bullying?”
“How can you help someone feel included?”
“How can you show respect for others’ differences?”

Family Reminder

Together, we can make a difference! By choosing kindness, respecting differences, and including others, we help create a school community where everyone belongs.

A Note from the Nurses' Department

🤒 When Should My Child Stay Home?

When you send your child to school, you are confirming that they are healthy and ready to learn. Please follow these guidelines to help prevent the spread of illness:
- Fever (100.0°F or higher): Students must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
- Vomiting: Students must be free of vomiting for 24 hours before returning.
- Diarrhea: Students must be free of diarrhea for 24 hours before returning.
Healthy Habits Reminder: Encourage frequent handwashing, disinfect frequently touched surfaces (including Chromebooks), and avoid close contact with others when sick. Small habits make a big difference!
🪮 "Once a Week, Take a Peek!" Head Lice Prevention
Head lice are common among school-aged children. Although they can be frustrating, they do not spread disease.
Help prevent the spread by checking your child's hair weekly, avoiding head-to-head contact, and reminding children not to share hats, brushes, combs, or hair accessories.
If live lice are found:
- Per the Student Handbook, Pre-K and Kindergarten students will be sent home. Students in grades 1–8 may finish the school day.
- Over-the-counter treatment may be provided by the Health Office when available.
- Students must return with evidence of treatment, which will be evaluated by the Health Office.
👓👂 Vision & Hearing Screenings
Schoolwide vision and hearing screenings were conducted on October 20–21, 2026, for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.
Students who were absent will have an opportunity to complete their screenings on November 17, 2026.
🌙 Sleep Matters: Healthy Sleep, Healthy Minds!
Getting enough sleep helps children stay focused, regulate emotions, strengthen their immune systems, and succeed in school!
Try these simple sleep hygiene tips:
- Keep a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.
- Turn off screens at least 30–60 minutes before bedtime.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or taking a warm bath.
- Keep bedrooms cool, dark, and quiet.
- Avoid caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening.
How much sleep does your child need?
- Ages 3–5: 10–13 hours per day, including naps.
- Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours per night.
- Ages 13–18: 8–10 hours per night.
Remember: A well-rested student is better prepared to learn, grow, and thrive!

Thank you for partnering with the Health Office to keep our school community healthy, safe, and ready to learn!

🎂 🍨 BIRTHDAY TREATS & SNACKS POLICY 🧁🍪

We ask that parents do not send in birthday treats for students to distribute. Please read below, as taken from the 2026-2027 District 104 Handbook:

Treats & Snacks [K-5] 1.80 Due to health concerns and scheduling, no birthday treats are allowed. Treats will be limited to certain school-wide celebrations.

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER

The fall weather is here! Students will continue going out for recess every day. Please make sure that your child wears appropriate sweater/jacket to school.

It is recommended that you write your child's name on their belongings as there's always plenty of items left over after lunch/recess.

ABSENCES

In the event of any absence, the student’s parent or guardian is required to call the school before 8:00 a.m. to explain the reason for the absence. If a call has not been made to the school by 10:00 a.m. on the day of a student’s absence, a school official will call the home to inquire why the student is not at school. If the parent or guardian cannot be contacted, the student will be required to submit a signed note from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence.

Failure to do so shall result in an unexcused absence.

NO DOGS ALLOWED ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

For the safety of our staff and students, please do not bring dogs onto school property.

Thank you for your support!

GRAVES LUNCH MENU

Please review this months lunch menu with your child.

Visit SD104 Food Program Website for More Information

CRAZY HAIR DAY AT GRAVES

Thanks again for everyone's support in our PBIS Spirit Day

Take a look at some of our creative hairstyles!

UNITY DAY AT GRAVES!

Students at Graves showed their support in promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to prevent bullying by wearing orange clothing to send a united message that no one should feel alone and that everyone should be treated with respect.