Graves (K-5) Sailor Newsletter
2025

*Para español por favor haga clic en "Translate” en la esquina superior
Fue maravilloso ver a tantas de nuestras familias en la Noche de STEAM y en nuestro Cafecito con los "Principals". Les recordamos que las conferencias de padres y maestros serán el lunes, 24 de noviembre, y es muy importante programar una cita para conectar con los maestros de su hijo(a). Gracias por su continuo apoyo, y recuerden que siempre pueden comunicarse si necesitan ayuda o desean compartir comentarios. Asegúrense de leer todo el boletín para ver fechas e información importante.
It was wonderful seeing so many of our families at STEAM Night and at our Coffee with the Principal. As a reminder, parent-teacher conferences are coming up on Monday, November 24th, and it is very important to schedule a time to connect with your child’s teachers. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Please remember that you can always reach out if you need assistance or would like to share feedback. Be sure to read the full newsletter for important dates and information.
Please see the following newsletter for important information.
UPCOMING EVENTS/IMPORTANT DATES
Friday, November 14: End of 1st Trimester
Wednesday, November 19: Graves K-5 Turkey Trot (out of uniform day-athletic wear)
Thursday, November 20: 4th Grade Field Trip to Stahl Family Theater (Uniform Required)
Friday, November 21: Report Cards sent home
Monday, November 24: Parent Teacher Conferences 12:30-3:00 PM and 4:00-6:30PM (No School for students)
Tuesday, November 25: Teacher Institute Day (No School for students)
Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
Monday, December 1: Classes Resume
Please remember that every Wednesday is a late start 8:50AM-2:50PM
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE
All meetings are scheduled for 7pm on the second Wednesday of the month.
JOIN US!
December 9, 2025
Admin Center
January 13, 2026
Walsh Elementary School (Walsh Spotlight)
February 10, 2026
Admin Center
March 10, 2026
Wharton Elementary School (Wharton Spotlight)
April 14, 2026
Admin Center
May 12, 2026
Graves Elementary School (Graves Spotlight)
June 9, 2026
Admin Center
Stay connected - find all district and community events all in one place.
Check out the following page for links and details on upcoming workshops, as well as
fun Family and Community events!
DISRESPECTFUL BEHAVIORS
Next week, we'll be going over the following behaviors with our students so they are aware of the different types of disrespectful behaviors. Please review the following with your child.
MEET OUR NEW
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
🔬 GRAVES Family STEAM Night 🔬
STEAM Night was a success!
Thank you to all the families who attended and to the Science Team for all their hard work
in putting this event together
🦃TURKEY TROT 2025 🦃
On Wednesday, November 19th we will be having our “Turkey Trot” and students (K-5) may be out of uniform. Since they will be outside running, we encourage warm athletic clothing and jacket.
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent Teacher Conferences will be on Monday, November 24th from
12:30-3:00 PM and 4:00--6:30 PM.
Teachers have started to reach out to start setting up appointments. If you haven't already, please make sure to reach out to your child's teacher to set up a time to discuss your child's progress.
Students do not attend school on this day
STANDARDS BASED GRADING
At Graves we use Standards-Based Grading for grades K-4.
A standards based reporting system is designed to clearly communicate student performance and inform parents about their child’s progress towards achieving
specific learning standards and expectations.
Your child's performance is being measured against the standard, rather than being
compared to other students in the class.
What does a 4 (Meeting) mean?
A student who receives a 4 means...
- Student is secure in the grade level standard.
- Student understands and applies the grade level standard.
- Student independently & consistently applies grade level concept.
What does a 3 (Developing) mean?
A student who receives a 3 means...
- Student is developing understanding of the grade level standard.
- Student is starting to apply the grade level standard.
- Student is starting to apply grade level concept & skill.
What does a 2 (Experimenting) mean?
A student who receives a 2 means...
- Student is inconsistent in understanding & applying the grade level standard.
- Student has not fully mastered grade level standard.
- Student needs assistance in applying the grade level standard.
What does a 1 (Beginning) mean?
A student who receives a 1 means...
- Student has not yet mastered grade level standard.
- Student is not yet making progress toward understanding the grade level standard.
- Student needs continued support & assistance to apply the grade level standard.
Something to Remember
The "1-4" scale is not comparable to the traditional "A-F' letter scale
and are not to be compared to traditional letter grades
A "3" cannot be considered a "B," just as a "4" cannot be considered an "A."
A score of "4" shows that your child is performing at grade level. If that performance is maintained throughout the year, your child will be on track to meet the end of year standard.
5th Grade students will now be receiving traditional A-F grades
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
The fall weather is here! Students will continue going out for recess when the temperature feels 31 degrees or higher. 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.
PBIS FUNDRAISER
🎂 BIRTHDAY TREATS & SNACKS POLICY 🧁
Treats & Snacks Policy
We ask that parents do not send in birthday treats for students to distribute. Please read below, as taken from the 2025-2026 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.
SOCIAL WORKER CORNER
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Corner
November – Gratitude & Kindness
What is gratitude?
Gratitude is the practice of noticing and appreciating the good things in our lives and the kindness of others. Gratitude is not just about saying “thank you.” It’s about taking time to recognize what makes us feel happy, cared for, supported, and expressing appreciation in return.
Why does gratitude matter?
Encourages kindness and empathy
Strengthens relationships
Builds a positive mindset
Tips to Practice Gratitude
Have children share something they are grateful for during the morning routine or bedtime.
Try creating a family gratitude jar where everyone writes something they’re thankful for each day.
Encourage your child to look for opportunities to show kindness—holding the door, sharing with a sibling, or writing a thank-you note.
Books About Gratitude
Gratitude is my Superpower | Read Aloud by Reading Pioneers Academy
NOTES FROM THE NURSES' DEPARTMENT
As we head into the season of gratitude, we’re thankful for our students, families, and school community! Here are a few health reminders to help everyone enjoy a healthy and happy November.
Practice good hygiene so germs don’t ruffle your feathers: Encourage children to wash their hands before meals, after using the restroom, and after school activities. A quick wash can help keep germs away!
Lice Check Reminder: Before travel and family gatherings, please continue to “take a peek once a week” to prevent uninvited guests.
Turkey Treats & Healthy Teeth: With all the delicious goodies, remind children to brush twice a day and floss to keep their smiles bright. Limiting sticky sweets and drinking plenty of water can also help protect their teeth.
Speaking of teeth.. Miles of Smiles Dental Program will be coming to HMS & Graves on Monday & Tuesday, February 2-3, 2026. Permission slips will be coming home but if you would like to sign up online, please click on the QR Code attached or link PowerForm Signer Information | Docusign
Gratitude & Wellness: Holidays can be busy and exciting. Encourage children to get plenty of sleep and take breaks when needed. Rest supports mood, focus, and overall health.
Wishing your family a warm, safe, and healthy Thanksgiving season! 🦃🍁
Nurse Tina, Nurse Anita & Ms. Oli
🏆 ATTENDANCE MATTERS 🏆
Check out our attendance percentages for the month of October!
We know times are tough but we appreciate everyone's efforts in making sure our Graves Sailors are present and ready to learn! They couldn't have done it without their parents help!
ABSENCES
TRUANCY
Student attendance is critical to the learning process. A parent or guardian who knowingly and willfully permits a child to be truant is in violation of State law. Truancy is therefore a serious issue and will be dealt with in a serious manner by the school and district.
Students who miss more than nine regular school days without valid cause are chronic truants. Students who are chronic truants will be offered support services and resources aimed at correcting the truancy issue. A student who misses 10 consecutive days of school without valid cause and who cannot be located or, after exhausting all available support services, cannot be compelled to return to school is unenrolled.
D104 Action Plan for Truancy:
The District has a truancy intervention plan in place which will be implemented via social worker and administrators after a student starts being truant. For example, truancy letter sent home, student and parent meeting, and more. For more information, please look over our districts handbook.
9 days of absences
o A truancy letter regarding absence concerns (indicating the dates of absences) will be mailed. A copy will be placed in the student’s temporary file.
o Meeting with the student (when appropriate)
18 days of absences
o A truancy letter will be mailed and added to their file.
o The building administrator will contact the family/guardian regarding concerns.
o Future absences will be marked as Truant unless accompanied by a doctor's note.
o An attendance intervention plan can be implemented via social worker and administrator.
21 Days of absences
o A truancy letter will be mailed on each subsequent absence and added to the file.
o The building administrator will facilitate meeting with parent to discuss concerns.
o Social worker will provide resources for student and/or family counseling as well as agency support.
o Attendance intervention plan will be restructured as needed. o Potential Involvement of the
Summit Police Department
o Contact the Intermediate Service Center for truancy
🏫 SCHOOL HOURS 🏫
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
Entrance 7:50a.m.
Dismissal 2:50p.m.
(Doors open at 7:30 for breakfast)
Wednesdays (Late Start)
Entrance 8:50a.m.
Dismissal 2:50p.m.
(Doors open at 8:30 for breakfast)
Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd Grade: Door #4
3rd, 4th, 5th Grade: Door #5
For student safety, no students should be outside on the school grounds before
7:30AM (M,T,TH,F) 8:30AM (W)
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!
TECHNOLOGY DEVICES
As stated in the student handbook the policy states:
The district will assume the cost of parts and labor associated with all repairs deemed due to natural failure. If the technical department determines a failure due to damage, the student will be responsible for any hardware costs needed to return the device to a functional state. The district will assume all labor costs associated with damage repairs. Cosmetic damage will not be charged or repaired.
- Sleeve/Cover Replacement ($10)
- Charger Replacement ($25)
- Keyboard Replacement ($25)
- Touch Screen Replacement ($115)
- iPad Replacement: ($300)
- Chromebook Replacement:
- $200 for a device that is 2 years old
- $150 for a device that is 3 years old
- $100 for a device that is 4 years old
GRAVES LUNCH MENU
Please review this months lunch menu with your child.
PAJAMA DAY
Thanks again for everyone's support in our PBIS Spirit Day
Take a look at some of our Graves Sailors in their comfy PJs!
👪 SD 104 FAMILY EVENTS 👪
Guillermina Arteaga
Principal
Oscar Guillén
Assistant Principal
Stay Connected
Download our District App
Please download our free district app to stay up to date with district information. Search Summit School District 104 in your App Store.
School Webpage
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
Facebook:
Summit School District 104
Instagram:
@summitschooldistrict104
Please remember that the previous information is for students in grades Kindergarten-5th only.
For more information about our PreK program please contact the
Pre-School Director, Kathleen Dunn at 708-546-7151 or at kdunn@sd104.us
