The R. Grant Graham Star Reporter
January 15, 2020
R. Grant Graham Elementary School
Main Office: 248-537-6800
Attendance Line: 248-537-6810Tony Harris- Principal: 248-537-6899
Dawn Cuthrell-Secretary
Gretchen Dietz-Secretary
Website: www.avondale.k12.mi.us
Location: 2450 Old Salem Road, Auburn Hills, MI, USA
From the Principal
Dear Graham Families:
The Board unanimously voted to approve our plan for students to return to in-seat instruction if their families choose to do so. The date for return is February 18th. Please fill out the “Enrollment Commitment Form (Survey)” which allows you to choose between remote learning or in-seat learning. I believe that in-seat learning is best for our Graham students and I really look forward to seeing the students back in school. The form is due no later than January 25th. I have attached a copy of this form to this newsletter if you did not receive one. We will continue to update you with any new information we receive.
I hope you all enjoy the long weekend- below there are some virtual events to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As always, thank you for your patience and understanding during the pandemic.
Remember, it takes a village to raise our children.
Sincerely,
Tony O. Harris
Tony O. Harris
Principal
Enrollment Commitment Form- Please fill out ASAP!
Good Afternoon Avondale Families, On January 11, 2021, the Avondale School District Board of Education voted to offer a hybrid learning environment for students who choose to return to school for in-seat instruction. This vote also allows us to continue remote learning for all students who intend to remain virtual. The purpose of this Enrollment Commitment Form is for you to select the learning environment for your child(ren) that will go into effect beginning on February 18, 2021. The Enrollment Commitment Form can be found here: https://forms.gle/N3TMt8S7A2cSfSvP8 Please watch for communications from your principal that will include additional details and information. Town Hall meetings have been scheduled to answer questions in case you need more information to help make your enrollment decision. Your principal will communicate dates, times and links for the Town Halls. Responses will be shared with building principals after forms are completed. Buildings will communicate follow-up details and schedules. Please communicate directly with your building principal regarding any questions so we may support you and your student(s). Considerations for changing your selection or your child's hybrid group assignment can be made by application with your building principal after January 25, 2021. We appreciate your time and partnership. Thank you, James V. Schwarz, Ph.D.
About this form:
Superintendent
Avondale School District
PLEASE RESPOND BY MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021 AT 8:00AM
K-5 Town Hall
Avondale K-5 Town Hall for Families - Jan. 21 @ 5:30pm
A Town Hall meeting has been scheduled to answer questions in case you need more information to help make your enrollment decision. The Elementary Town Hall for Families will be on Thursday, Jan. 21 @ 5:30pm.
To Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84742194949?pwd=cXhZZmRhaEs4eHczL28wdWUrZm9sZz09
Meeting ID: 847 4219 4949
Passcode: 5vTe12
Covid-19 Updates
Updated K-12 School Opening Guidance
New guidance has been issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) with support from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE); the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA); and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) for schools to keep students, staff, and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic while providing the in-person instruction that is crucial to learning and development.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Updated_School_Opening_712811_7.pdf
* To access all COVID-19 Updates, go to the MDE website at www.michigan.gov/mde.
ESL
ATTENTION PARENTS OF ESL STUDENTS
SOME English Learners at Graham Elementary are eligible for an additional web based educational program, new to Avondale, called Imagine Learning Language & Literacy. Limited spaces are available, so eligibility is based on WIDA and NWEA scores, in addition to other factors. Please check the email address you provided to the school to see if this applies to your student(s). If you have questions, email Frances.lamielle@avondaleschools.org
Important Dates
January 18: No School- MLK Day
February 4: Early Dismissal 1:35 pm
February 12, 15, 16 : No School- Mid Winter Recess
March 4 & 5: Half Day 11:35 am
March 18: Early Dismissal 1:35 pm
March 29- April 2: No School- Spring Break
ATTENTION 2021/2022 KINDERGARTENERS
Happy Birthday Graham Stars!
Danahi Montanez 1/1
Ma'Khyla Moore 1/1
Raven Caldwell 1/3
Ziyad Ourlissene 1/3
Yukthika Manepalli 1/4
London Miller 1/5
Kloe Paddock 1/5
Piper Talmage 1/5
Israa Zain 1/6
Hala Nadar 1/7
Jama Nadar 1/7
Vincent Rodriguez 1/8
Lena Russell 1/8
Liam Slack 1/8
Marshella Giron 1/9
Hemaashpaavan Balajiganesh 1/10
Destiny Betty 1/10
Bryce Jones 1/11
Zoe Okamoto 1/11
De'Mayor Applewhite 1/12
Ananya Budhavarapu 1/14
Chase Strong 1/14
Avery Gooding 1/15
Avery Albright 1/16
Desirae Windham 1/18
Ella Pentecost 1/21
Maxx Leak-Johnson 1/22
Siddharth Sreejith 1/22
Journey O'Neal 1/23
Aubree Edison 1/25
Marianna Short 1/26
Luis Linares 1/27
WE NEED your HELP WITH our YEARBOOK!
We need your help! With the school year starting off remotely (and now continuing remotely), we have no fun photos of our students to include in the 2020-2021 yearbook. We still want to have fun memories of this school year that include our amazing students! It would also be a great way to include pictures of your children if you were not able to attend Picture Day.
Please feel free to email a copy of the photo to Gretchen.Dietz@AvondaleSchools.org with your child's name and which grade or group you would like the picture to be added.
Thank you for helping to create memories!
FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
Helpful Hints if Your Child's Teacher is Using Seasaw
BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
Avondale families wishing to enroll their student(s) in our Blessings in a Backpack program, please fill out the form at this link:
https://forms.gle/PdsACS8KPo7tWKtf9.
Blessings in a Backpack provides simple meals at NO COST each week during the school year for families who need assistance. While Avondale Schools is conducting remote learning, meals will be disbursed in conjunction with the Chartwells Food Service Breakfast and Lunch distributions. (Watch for details about distribution dates, times, and locations.) Sign up today!
Google Quick Tips and Reference for Remote Learning
Useful Google "cheat sheets" embedded into the PDF. Here's a link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZOoceYTr1QMei62Tw3UPAJaEkphjXnCy/view?usp=sharing
NEW DISTRICT WEBSITE
New District Website
Avondale School District launched our new website! It is the same web address, but it has an updated look and it's much easier to navigate!
Check it out here: www.avondaleschools.org.