Buzzin' in the Hive
Graden Parent and Family Newsletter, September 2021
As we move into September, I am happy to share that we have had a great start to the year.
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.
Through the use of our Leader in Me initiative, We have over 160 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. It is amazing to see leadership throughout the building.
I am beyond excited to share that we will have an in-person Parent Orientation on Thursday, September 2nd. This is a great night focused on learning information about your teacher and the classroom expectations for the year. Your classroom teacher shared information about this evening and included an opportunity for you to sign-up for a time to visit the classroom. There are two in-person options: 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm and 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm. Each teacher will also share their presentation with all families. You will find the orientation flyer below.
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!
Upcoming Dates:
- Wednesday, September 1st: Fall Pictures
- Thursday, September 2nd: Parent Orientation - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm (Sign-up for a time)
- Monday, September 6th: No School in Observance of Labor Day
- Wednesday, September 8th: Early Release - 2:00 pm
It's truly a GREAT DAY to be a HORNET!!!
Dr. Vanna Easley
CAR RIDER CHANGES - STARTING SEPTEMBER 7TH
I truly appreciate your patience and understanding as you have been navigating the car rider line. Starting Tuesday, September 7th, we will change our car rider pattern to make things flow more smoothly and allow for more cars to enter our lot. This change will be for both morning and afternoon car riders. Please see the images below to learn more about our new car rider procedures starting Tuesday, September 7th.
MORNING CAR RIDER PROCEDURES
AFTERNOON CAR RIDER PROCEDURES
THURSDAY, SEPT. 2ND -
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
We will have early release day once a month for teachers and staff to engage in professional development to continue to enhance learning opportunities for students.
We will release ALL students at 2:00 pm on early release days.
Please communicate with your classroom teacher and the office if you have alternate transportation on early release days.
2021-22 Early Release Days:
Wednesday, September 8th
Wednesday, October 6th
Wednesday, November 10th
Wednesday, December 8th
Wednesday, January 5th
Wednesday, Feb. 2nd
Wednesday, March 2nd
Wednesday, April 6th
Wednesday, May 4th
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:
Wednesday, September 8th
Wednesday, October 6th
Wednesday, November 10th
Wednesday, December 8th
Wednesday, January 5th
Wednesday, Feb. 2nd
Wednesday, March 2nd
Wednesday, April 6th
Wednesday, May 4th
CLUBS
I am excited to share that we will have clubs this year! Please look for information coming home in your student's bag soon for club information.
COUNSELOR NEWS FROM MISS CETOLA
I have been thrilled to welcome your children back into our building for the 2021-2022 school year. Hearing excited voices fill the hallways of Graden during these crazy times has reminded me how lucky I am to serve as your child’s school counselor. I am looking forward to a year filled with growth, learning, memories, and lots of happiness. This month, 3rd-5th grade students will complete the Panorama Social/Emotional Learning Survey with me. If you have specific questions about this, please feel free to reach out. Visit the Graden Counseling Website for monthly counseling newsletters, community resources, and parent referral forms, as well as several other fun resources to cultivate social and emotional development. I have also attached a direct link to the September Counseling Newsletter below. As always, I am available to chat via email, phone, or Zoom. You can reach me by email at cetolac@parkhill.k12.mo.us or via phone at 816-359-5647. Wishing everyone a healthy and happy September!
Upon return of this completed form, the School Social Worker and/or School Counselor will either send you information or applications based on the needs indicated, or contact you directly for further information. By submitting this form, you give the School Social Worker/School Counselor permission to contact you and to provide referrals to community resources. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Graden Elementary School Social Worker, Julianne Ruwe at ruwej@parkhill.k12.mo.us or (816) 359-6939 or the Graden Elementary School Counselor, Cari Cetola, at cetolac@parkhill.k12.mo.us or (816) 359-5647.
BACK TO SCHOOL PTA AUCTION
The PTA sponsored silent auction is currently OPEN for bidding and will close at the end of back to school night – Thursday September 2nd at 7PM
All proceeds fund the PTA to support our teachers, students and school. See below for auction link
Meet our Board Members:
Jamie Fender, President
Hayley Cooper, Vice President
Lindsay Ramon, Secretary
Maggie Wright, Treasurer
Jessica Freels, Parliamentarian
2021-22 PTA Meeting Dates
September 13th
October 11th
November 8th
December 13th
January 10th
February 21st
March 21st
May 9th
SEPTEMBER LUNCH MENU
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