Graves October Newsletter
SY 20-21
Adjusting to Remote Learning
Attendance
It is important to continue to contact the Graves School Office to report an absence at (708) 458-7260. During remote learning, homeroom teachers take attendance at 7:50a.m. and again at 12:20p.m. during the direct instruction time. Any child not connected at this time, is considered to be absent. Please continue to communicate directly with your child's teacher if you have an internet connectivity issue or other technology problem. Students with five or more unexcused absences will receive a phone call home, truancy letter, potentially a home visit and/or fine. Please be sure to maintain open communication about absences.
Medical Forms
Students in grades K and 2nd must submit medical forms with record of immunizations and a physical examination by your child's pediatrician. Medical forms are due to nurse Anita by October 15th. You may email your medical forms to gravesregistrationdocs@sd104.us or drop off at the main office. You may call the secretaries, Ms. Becky and Ms. Patty, if you have further questions at (708) 458- 7260.
UNIDOS: Parent Leadership Academy
The SD 104 Parent Leadership Academy is forming. This program will help Parent leaders strengthen skills needed to support their children in school and learn how the U.S. School system works. In turn, parent leaders become community resources and share these skills with neighbors. If you would like more information, please contact Racheal Romo, UNIDOS Parent Liaison, at 708-458-0506, or rromo@sd104.us
Parent Interest Survey click here
Additionally, SD 104's UNIDOS and Argo Community High School (ACHS 217) are sponsoring free English as a Second Language (ESL) virtual classes and GED classes. For more information, contact the English Language Learner Department at (708) 458-0506, or rromo@sd104.us
Technology Tech Support
Supply Disribution
PBIS Rewards Coming Soon!
PBIS Rewards is an online platform that is coming soon! Last year, we used our paper sailor slips to reward positive behavior aligned to our school's three core values:
- Be respectful,
- Be responsible,
- Be safe
This year, we will be moving forward with virtual points, rewards, raffles and more! Stay tuned to our school announcements on Seesaw and our Graves web page! We believe that recognizing positive behavior when it is observed will ultimately shape our students' habits of mind and correct negative behaviors. PBIS also helps keep everyone motivated!
SEL Connection:
PBIS is correlated to the social emotional learning (SEL) development of children. The core SEL skills include:
- Self-awareness – recognition of one’s own emotions, personal goals, and values
- Self-management – regulation of one’s own emotions and behaviors
- Social awareness – understanding and compassion for others’ backgrounds or cultures
- Relationship skills – ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships
- Responsible decision-making – making positive choices involving one’s own behavior
Our Graves Social Worker, Ms. Calderon, provides SEL support at Graves in a variety of ways and works with students through her SEL lessons/tools/announcements on Seesaw, small groups and/or individual consultations as needed. We all work together as a school community to support children with essential SEL skills in order to be successful academically and develop healthy habits that allow them to connect with others. Ignoring social and emotional skills development can have an adverse effect on academics. Supporting each child’s social and emotional learning yields positive academic outcomes and contributes to a solid foundation in life overall. Thank you parents for your continued partnership!
National Hispanic Heritage Month
What does your heritage mean to you? Email Ms. Figueroa at vfigueroa@sd104.us a 2 min. video clip explaining a little bit of your cultural heritage, your favorite traditions and what your heritage means to you and your family. With your permission, your video clip may be uploaded in our next Graves Newsletter :)
Fall Fun!
Midwestern Fall Family Traditions!
With so much time sitting in front of a computer, it is important to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Fall is full of color, crisp air, and Midwestern family traditions. Below is a list of a few Midwestern fall traditions/activities you may consider:
Pumpkin Picking & Festivals:
Hiking:
Apple Picking
Please be sure to remind your children about the need to take movement breaks throughout the day and most importantly build in time for maintaining an active lifestyle. The physical activity will support each child's ability to maintain mental wellness and focus during remote learning.
Note: other fun around town is a visit to the Shedd Aquarium-free days in October are on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Virtual Visit to the Mexican Fine Arts Museum.
Key Dates
October 12: No School (Columbus Day)
September 15-October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
October 15: Medical Forms due (grades K, 2)
Otis P. Graves Elementary School
Guillermina Arteaga, Principal
Kathleen Dunn, Pre-K Director
Vanessa Figueroa, Assistant Principal
Website: https://www.sd104.us/o/graves-es
Phone: (708) 458-7260