Buzzin' in the Hive
Graden Parent and Family Newsletter, October 2020
As we move into October, I am happy to share that we have had a different, but great start to the year. Though the year looks very different, I am beginning to feel right "at home" each day I see our students walk in our doors.
I want to thank each of you for trusting us with your students and understanding some of the tough decisions we have had to make. It is not very fun communicating the number of COVID-19 cases we have, but I always want to be transparent and ensure that we keep our families informed. My number one goal is that we focus on everyone's health and safety while ensuring students feel welcome at school every day.
Thursday, October 29th, marks the end of the first quarter. We have engaged in many learning opportunities both online and face-to-face during the first few weeks of school. I encourage you to take time with your child to reflect on their growth and numerous accomplishments he/she has gained in the first few weeks of school.
We have over 150 students participating in building leadership roles spanning from the cafeteria, bus, office, safety, and greeter leaders! We truly have leadership occurring in every aspect of our building.
I am beyond excited to share that we plan to have our annual Halloween parties on Friday, October 30th. Though we will not be able to welcome visitors, we are planning for an interactive and highly engaging day. All students will be able to wear their Halloween costume to school for the entire day and we will engage in a classroom celebration including an art activity and a snack provided by the Park Hill Nutrition Services department. More information to come...
Parent Teacher Conferences are typically held in October, but to maximize learning opportunities for students the district has canceled the night time and full day conference events. Conferences this year will will be held by appointment ONLY, as needed or by parent request. Your classroom teacher will contact you if a conference is needed. If you would like to request a conference, please contact your classroom teacher.
In closing, I would like to thank each of you for all that you do at home to support all of us at Graden. It truly takes a village to provide exceptional learning experiences for our Hornets and I appreciate all of your support!
It's truly a GREAT DAY to be a HORNET!!!
Mrs. Vanna Easley, Principal
BIRTHDAY PARTY TREATS
Each Interest group day will include a virtual assembly and a classroom interest group activity. Students and staff will wear their leadership shirts and engage in Interest Group Day within their stable classrooms. We hope to create amazing opportunities for students to continue practicing Habit 8
Interest Group Schedule:
Thursday, October 1
Thursday, November 12
Thursday, December 10
Thursday, January 2
Thursday, February 4
Thursday, March 4
Thursday, April 8
Thursday, May 6
COUNSELOR NEWS FROM MISS CETOLA
It’s hard to believe we have already been back in school for nearly a month! It has been such a joy to welcome back students in-person and online. Please check out the Graden Counseling Website for monthly counseling newsletters, community resources, parent referral forms, and social/emotional learning “hubs” where students can access their counseling lessons, as well as several other fun resources to cultivate social and emotional development. I have also attached a direct link to the October Counseling Newsletter below.
For parents of online learners, the District has a new Online Learning Support line. The purpose of the this support line is to help parents navigate online learning tools. Specifically, you will be able to get answers about our learning platforms, online assessments, and finding resources when you need them. This line is currently being answered during office hours at district office by calling 816-359-4044. Along with the support line information, please check out the Park Hill Parent University site. PH Parent University provides tips and resources to support families as they help their students connect to technology, guide social-emotional learning, and navigate online learning.
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule a time to meet in person or via Zoom, you can reach me by email at cetolac@parkhill.k12.mo.us or via phone at 816-359-5647. Wishing everyone a bright October in the hive!
PARK HILL CLOTHING CENTER
The Park Hill Clothing Center would like to thank all of the families who have contributed to our facility. For anyone not familiar with the clothing center there is more information here: Park Hill Clothing Center.
There have been some changes due to Covid-19. The biggest change is that we must limit the number of people in the building. Therefore if you need to “shop” (the clothes are free) please sign up for a time slot using the link above.
Volunteers are greatly needed! We have been fortunate to have received numerous donations, however we’ve had a difficult time hanging up all of the incoming clothes with very few volunteers. If anyone has 1-2 hours to contribute we would greatly appreciate it. The above link also has a link for volunteers. New dates are periodically added so keep checking back.
SOCIAL WORKER RESOURCES
LET'S CELEBRATE
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Hispanic Heritage Month takes place September 15 to October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week” under President Lyndon Johnson, but it was later extended to a month during President Ronald Reagan’s term in 1988.
Since then, the month has been celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and much more. The month also celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries, including: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.
National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans, who have enriched our culture and society and helped make America into the incredible country it is today. Hispanic-American men and women embody the American values of devotion to faith and family, hard work, and patriotism through their countless contributions as leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and members of our Armed Forces.
Observing Hispanic Heritage Month allows for us to show our recognition and support for the work Latinos are doing in helping this country grow!
Spirit wear will be available online this year! If you are interested in ordering Graden spirit wear please access the link below.
As we head into Fall and the seasons begin to change, here are a few tips to keep your family and others healthy and safe.
1. Prepare for daylight savings time on November 1st. This is the time of year when it becomes dark earlier. Turning your clocks back can mess with your sleep rhythm, so be proactive with good sleep habits! Change batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Use caution when walking, biking and driving at dusk or in the dark.
2. Dress appropriate. Wear layers or bring a jacket for the changing weather. It is often cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon. Appropriate closed toed shoes are always the safest to wear, while at school.
3. Get your flu shot. Autumn is the start of flu season!
4. Stay Home if you are sick. Every morning, before coming to school please check and screen your family for symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Rash
- Sore Throat
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Nausea/vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Lack of appetite
- Loss of smell or taste.
If your child has had any of the above symptoms in the past 24 hours, please keep your student home. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL WHEN THEY ARE SICK.
If your child has taken fever-reducing medications, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen in the past 24 hours, keep your student home until they are fever free for 24 hours without medication.
If your child has been in contact with a person with Covid-19, please keep them home and contact the nurse.
Thank you in advance for helping all our students and staff, stay healthy this year!
Wishing You A Healthy &
Successful School Year,
Nurse Kris
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OCTOBER HABIT WINNERS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OCTOBER SPOTTED LEADERS
Meet our Board Members:
Jolayne Gorman, President
Jamie Fender, Vice President
Erica Scott, Secretary
Mary Carrier, Treasurer
Jessica Freels, Parliamentarian
What is a PTA?
A PTA is a local, self-governing unit. It promotes the Purposes and Mission of the Missouri and the National PTA as it plans its programs and activities to meet the needs of children and youth in the community. It is linked through its all-inclusive membership and by its acceptance of the Purposes and Mission of the National PTA and the Missouri PTA. It shares in the resources of the entire organization, such as national and state conventions, workshops, conferences, publicity and special leadership development conferences.
All of us have a great responsibility to our children. As a PTA, your group is part of a larger community working on behalf of children advocating for health, welfare, safety, education, and the protection of children at every level of government. PTA is recognized throughout many communities as the organization that continues to make a difference for children’s issues.
For more information visit: National PTA at pta.org or Missouri PTA at mopta.org
Why Should I Join PTA?
PTA's mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. When you join Graden PTA you also become a member of Missouri PTA and National PTA - one of the largest child advocacy groups in the country. According to www.pta.org , “Over the past 120 years, PTA has helped solve some of the biggest issues facing America’s children. Many of the structures all children benefit from today—child labor laws, universal kindergarten, the National School Lunch Program and the juvenile justice system—were accomplished as a result of PTA
members’ advocacy.”
Missouri PTA is very active in advocating for children in the Missouri House and
Senate and when you join Graden PTA you join the more than 40,000 members
statewide to give strength and power to the voice of Missouri PTA.
Yes! We also love for you to volunteer your time, energy and dollars - and there will
be plenty of opportunity for all of those - but even if you feel you have nothing to give
you can still be part of this organization that supports every child.
PTA Meetings Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month at 6:30pm via Zoom.
Watch your email for a link to participate in meetings!
20/21 Meeting Dates:
October 12th
November 9th
December 14th
January 11th
February 8th
March 8th
April 12th
May
DO YOU KNOW A PARK HILL STAR?
The Park Hill Star recognition program was started in 2015 to celebrate support staff and teachers whose work is especially noteworthy.
The following is an overview of the Park Hill Star Program:
Our employees are the reason we are so successful here in the Park Hill School District, and we would like to recognize them for all they do for our students. That is why we present the Park Hill Star award once a month to a pre-K or elementary teacher, a secondary teacher and a support employee.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
School Office (816) 359-4340
School Fax (816) 359-4349
Attendance Line (816) 359-4341
First Student Bus Company (816) 359-4560
Adventure Club (816) 359-5015
GRADEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Email: easleyv@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Website: https://graden.parkhill.k12.mo.us/
Location: 8804 NW Highway 45, Parkville, MO 64152
Phone: (816) 359-4340