Mustang Messenger
2021-2022 School Year: Volume 12 - Week of November 15 & 22
Be the Best YOU at Grandview!!!
From the Principal's Desk....'Tis the Season to Reflect and be Thankful
This Mustang Messenger is a two-week issue. I will not have an issue next week. As we prepare to take a short break from school for Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude for everyone who makes it possible for as many students to come to school every day, on time, ready to learn. We thank:
- Our students and families for making daily attendance a priority since they know the habit of attendance will help your children do well in the classroom and eventually in a career.
- Our wonderful teachers who pour their energy into making each classroom an exciting place for exploration and knowledge so children do not want to miss out on learning, each and every day.
- We appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra days off during the Thanksgiving holiday. Just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and leave your child behind in school.
- We especially appreciate everyone’s efforts during this COVID pandemic. This is not an easy time for everyone and we appreciate all of us coming together to come together as a community to ensure learning is happening at all times, whether your child is in a quarantine or in the classroom learning.
- Our support staff, FOG, food service, and transportation who provide the extra hands and attention our children need. We appreciate each one of you so much that make sure our students get to school safely, fed each day and find ways to bring the community together with fun events.
You will see that I am putting a big emphasis on attendance. I am starting to notice that some of our students have missed lots of days off of school. Year-to-date, if your child has missed 10 or more days, that is missing at least 20% of the school year, so far. We need your children learning each day. If you need support and help for your child, then call me, let's set up a meeting so that I can support you and to help you to get your child to school.
In the end, I wanted to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. I hope that you all get to come together at a safe number of family members and reflect on everything that we are thankful for, like our health. I know that I will be reflecting and celebrating, I hope you all do as well! Grandview is a special community that deserves to be celebrated!!!
Enjoy the gratitude this month!! Remember we are here for you and as a school community. Let us know how we can help you. Also be sure throughout the month of November to continue to reflect as a family on ways that we are thankful and performing random acts of kindness!
Enjoy the gratitude this month!!
Your Proud Principal,
Mrs. Melissa Carruth, Ed.S
Grandview...a community of mathematicians
Important Dates and Upcoming Dates
NOVEMBER
17: Popcorn Wednesday
Early Release
19: Fire Drill at 1:00
Student Council Friday -- Stuffed Animal Day
23: Turkey Trot
24-28: Thanksgiving Break
DECEMBER
1: Popcorn Wednesday
Early Release
6: Last Day for Grandview Spirit Wear
6&7: Holiday Shop (6-8 pm)
6-10: Candy Cane Candy Grams
8: Holiday Concert -- 7-8:00
Picture Retake Day
Early Release
9: Board of Edu Mtg - 6:30 pm
13-17: Holiday Spirit Week
Sucker Candy Grams
14: Lockdown @ 1:30
FOG Mtg @ 6 pm
15: Popcorn Wednesday
Early Release
18- January 2: Winter Break
Attendance Matters!!! Look Below to see why....
Importance of being in school
Education is important for your child’s success in life. Regular attendance ensures that your child gets all the benefits school can offer. When children are missing school, they’re missing out on those benefits. School attendance is so important, that Michigan law makes it compulsory for all children ages 6 to 16 attending public schools. When children are excessively absent, the law holds parents/guardians accountable. If your child is truant (missing scheduled school time without an accepted excused absence), you and/or your child could end up in court with serious consequences. Attendance may be the single most important factor in school success because:
- Children do best in school when they are in class every day. The U.S. Department of Education reports that for every missed day of school, it takes a student two days to catch up.
- In addition to academics, children learn valuable lessons about personal responsibility and commitment.
- Children keep up with their peers and have stronger bonds with the school and community.
- Annually, students who graduate from high school will earn 30% more than those who don’t complete high school.
- One in 10 kindergarten students miss nearly a month of school every year. In some districts, it runs as high as 1 in 3.
- Kindergarteners who miss 10 percent of school days have lower academic performance when they reach first grade.
- Chronic absence in kindergarten translated into lower fifth grade achievement.
Below is some important information about the correlation between attendance and achievement.
National Recycling Day is MONDAY!!!
School-Aged COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Pfizer has been approved for EUA in ages 5-11. The Oakland County Health Division is working to vaccinate all school-age children and make it convenient for everyone.
Below, please find the schedule for COVID-19 vaccination sites located at schools within Oakland County. These clinics are for ages 5-18. Families can register at the following link:
https://oaklandcountyvaccine.com/Grandview Fall Book Fair Thanks!!
A big Thank You goes out to FOG for all their help with the recent book fair. Thank you to all the parents and friends that helped us out. If you didn't find what you wanted or are looking for more great books you can still shop online. You can shop the online part of the book fair until Nov. 19th using the link below and all sales count towards our school's fair. Thank you for your continued support.
Holiday Help!
For the past 12 years, Mrs.Gibson has been working with Grandview families to ensure that all families have a wonderful holiday season. If you are in need of some help, please reach out to Mrs. Gibson either via email cynthia.gibson@clarencevilleschools.org or phone call by contacting the Grandview office.
Holiday Shop
This year's Holiday Shop will be held on Monday, December 6 & Tuesday, December 7 from 6-8 pm for students of Grandview Elementary and their younger siblings. The Holiday Shop gives the kids an opportunity to purchase gifts for friends, family, teachers, and pets for the holidays. Gifts range in price from $0.25 to $5.00. Students select items, purchase them, and have them gift wrapped before going home.
In order to run this event, we need volunteers to help shop, wrap gifts and check people in. Please see the Sign Up Genius link to volunteer. Thank you.
Grandview Elementary, a school filled with highly qualified staff
Our school receives funding from the Title I Part A federal program, which is designed to help children reach high academic standards. Because we receive this funding, we are required to inform all parents at our school about the professional qualifications of the staff at our school. To receive information about our highly qualified Grandview staff, please look at the below PDF letter.
Winter Weather is here.....Dress Appropriately
Additionally, if your child medical conditions restricts them to be outside, please do not just send a note in from you. We need to have a medical note. Our office is becoming packed with kids that say, "my parents told me to stay in." We welcome them to stay in, but we need the medical note as we have kids that have medical restrictions and they do not have anywhere to sit due to the kids that do not have the medical note.
Yearbooks are on sale!!!
It has been an awesome start to the 2021-2022 school year. To remember such a memorable year, consider purchasing a yearbook for your child.
The yearbook is not part of your child's fall picture package, you need to purchase it separately. Below is the yearbook flyer with the details on how to order.
5th grade Camp Fundraiser
Pricing and information is below. If you do not know a 5th grader, you can purchase through the Grandview main office and the proceeds will go to the camp scholarship fund that helps our students in need.
Grandview Compact - Please Sign and Return
Questions or comments, please let me know so that we can make the necessary changes for the 2021-2022 school year.
Student Council Friday's
Friday $1 days are back!! Student Council is hosting their Annual $1 Friday's to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness and Karmanos Cancer Institute and families in need for the Holiday Season. All Friday's will be $1 if they participate.
November 19th: Stuffed Animal Day
Grandview Sports
Fall Football and Poms are over for now......Friday Night Lights was on Friday and was a huge success. A huge shout out to Coach Stacey for a fantastic season and for all of her hard work and thank you to all of the coaches and volunteers that put in countless hours to ensure that the season can happen.
We hope to learn about what guidelines we need to uphold to ensure a Floor Hockey season this year. We hope to get information and more details soon. Fingers are crossed that the season can happen.
Please send Coach Stacey a quick email so you can be added to the sports email list. This will help ensure you don't miss any news, registration forms, rules, code of conduct, schedules, etc...
All communication will be shared via email, on our Grandview Sports Facebook page (@GrandviewSports) and on our sports website. https://staceyannusa.wixsite.com/grandviewsports
Poms Update
We are hoping to have POMS to continue after the first of the year. Stay tuned for more information after January.
Tuesday Night Night
Early Release Wednesday's
Free Breakfast and Lunch
This week's menu choices....We can only report Monday's choice due to delivery delays. We will send the rest of the menu out via school messenger.
Monday
Breakfast: French Toast Sticks
Lunch: Chicken Pot Pie or Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly uncrustable sandwich
Tuesday
Breakfast: Mini Pancake Sausage Wraps
Lunch: Chicken Cordon Bleu or Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly uncrustable sandwich
Wednesday:
Breakfast: Maple mini waffles
Lunch: French Toast Sticks with Turkey Sausage Patty or Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly uncrustable sandwich
Thursday:
Breakfast: Turkey Sausage Breakfast Pizza
Lunch: Grandview Thanksgiving Meal or Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly uncrustable sandwich
Friday:
Breakfast: Apple Jacks cereal with graham crackers
Lunch: Frito Chili Pie or Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly uncrustable sandwich
Monday -- 22nd
Breakfast: Maple Mini Waffles
Lunch: Breaded Drumstick Fries or Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly uncrustable sandwich
Tuesday -- 23rd
Breakfast: Double Chocolate Chip Muffins
Lunch: Classic Pepperoni Pizza or Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly uncrustable sandwich
Math Tips for Home
One of the best ways to help your child enjoy math is to show them that you enjoy it too. Talk about math at home in a positive way and set aside time to enjoy math activities that are fun and enjoyable for the whole family! Check out the family scavenger hunts linked below!
FOG Calendar and Position are available
Additionally, there is 1 FOG position available for the 2020-2021 school year, as well as some committees to chair. We are looking for a president to join this amazing team. We love our volunteers and Grandview needs volunteers to help provide lots of opportunity for our students!!
Popcorn Days!!
Popcorn days are a HIT. They will be two times a month on Wednesday's. The students will sign up with their classroom teacher and will turn in their money into their classroom teacher. Below are the next popcorn day dates. All proceeds go to FOG.
Future, FOG popcorn dates are:
November 17
December 1
December 15
Bags of popcorn is $.50 per bag. Students can only purchase 2 bags as the limit.
FOG Spirit Wear
Shipping options can either ship directly to your home or we can ship to school and send home with your children.
Proceeds go to Grandview's FOG!! What a great win-win....cute things for your child and you are also supporting your child's school!!!
Check out the link below and some images of the merchandise.
Grandview Bus Routes
Be sure to check the bus routes as there have been some changes.
Below is the REVISED bus schedules for the start of the year. Bus 3 is combined with Botsford.
We are short drivers and the routes have been adjusted to provide the best service until we hire additional drivers. If you are looking for a job opportunity, the Clarenceville School district is looking for bus drivers.
The power of conversation
COVID Quarantine Guidelines
OCHD recommends a 7-day quarantine with COVID-19 tests to return. The following must be bet before returning to school:
- A negative PCR test (not a rapid antigen or antibody test) COLLECTED no sooner than 5 days after exposure date (test must occur on day 5 or later). The school should ensure the timing of the test is appropriate (no less than 5 days after last date of exposure).
- Person remains symptom-free
- With a negative PCR result, person may return to school on day 8
OR
- Stay home for 10 days after exposure while wearing a mask and physically distancing from others.
COVID Protocols
- Mask mandate is in effect for staff and students, please see Mr. Shepich's letter about the mandate.
- Uphold 3 feet of social distancing
- Eat breakfast and lunch in the classroom
- Cohorting with classes, which means there is no mixture between classes
- Limit the number of students in the bathroom at one time
- Frequent hand washing and/or sanitizing
- Air purifying systems within the classroom
- Windows and doors will be opened for cross circulation
- Sanitation of desks, supplies, and materials when needed and before and after eating
School Hours
8:30-3:40. 1/2-day ends at 11:30.
School Doors open at 8:20 and the students will report to the hallway outside their classroom. At 8:25, the first bell rings and the 2nd bell rings at 8:30, when learning begins. Dismissal begins at 3:40.
Your child is marked tardy starting at 8:40 and students will not be released after 3:15 unless advance notice was given. Attendance is so important, especially with all the learning that was lost due to the pandemic. We need your children in school each and every day!!
Morning Drop Off
A few reminders
In the Back of the school:
- Please form 3 lines to help with the flow of traffic and then alternate 1, 2, and 3.
- Please make sure your child exits your car on the side closest to the building. They should not walk around your car. This is for their safety.
- Also remember, you may not park in the back of the building and walk your children in. Let’s all keep our kids safe!
- If you are a walker, the please have your child walk in through the back door.
In the Front of the school:
- This is only to be used for busses
- Starting next week, we will be splitting up upper and lower elementary dismissal locations
- There is NO Parent Walk-up as visitors are NOT allowed in the building while we are under COVID restrictions
If your child is late:
- The doors in the back of the building will close at 8:35. If you arrive to school after that, you will have to report to the front of the building, be buzzed in and sign your child in.
- Tardies are tracked and could lead to truancy should excessive tardies become a trend.
Afternoon Drop Off
Our wonderful staff is working hard to help your children get into their cars safely. Please be patient as we all perfect routines. You can play a part by forming 3 lines in the back and hanging your sign with your children's name on it from last year. If you are new this year or to this process, we will be giving you a new sign the first week of school. Safety always wins!
There is NO PARENT WALK-UP.
Walkers will be released to their adult through the back.
Please note: Starting next week, we will have lower el picking up in the front of the school. Look for that information coming to you next week.
Late Drop off and Early Pick Up
Tardy is marked starting at 8:40.
Children will not be allowed an early dismissal from the office after 3:15 pm so we can ensure a calm and safe end to the day for all students. Please plan accordingly.
Volunteering at School
Job Opportunity
Grandview and Kroger
We get money from Kroger if you add Grandview to your profile. Thank you to all of you who have already added Grandview to your account. Though know that it is never too late to sign-up and join!!! So shop away, Grandview is benefitting from your grocery shopping!
Simply encourage your participants to visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into their Kroger account they can search for Friends of Grandview either by name or TH003 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.
*Customers must have a registered Kroger rewards card account to link to your organization.
*If a member does not yet have a Kroger rewards card, please let them know they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger
REMEMBER, purchases will not count for your organization until after your participants register their rewards card.
Participants must swipe their registered Kroger rewards card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger rewards card when shopping for each purchase to count.