Christine Grant Chronicle

Hello Grizzlies,

Looks like we get to experience a rise in temperatures this weekend! Thanks much for monitoring the varying temps this past week and having your child dress accordingly. As we look ahead to the inevitable return to cold temps and all the weather that comes with living in Iowa, please let us know of any challenges that may exist relative to accessing winter gear.

Last day of school prior to winter break: Friday, December 20th

Students return to Grant on Monday, January 6th

GRANT SPIRIT WEAR:

Monday, Nov 4th - Dec 10th >> 25% off orders!!

Guaranteed delivery before Christmas.

Store will be open year round.

Check out this link!

HELLO GRIZZLIES

WHAT: Computer Science Night with Bio:Ness

WHERE: 2500 Crosspark Rd.,

Coralville, IA

WHEN: Thursday, 12/12 @ 6:30 p.m.

Come and enjoy a night of learning about Computer Science with the family!

*******************************************************************************************

Good Afternoon Families and Staff,

It’s that time of year again—winter weather is just around the corner! Snow, ice, and cold can sometimes mean schedule changes. We want to make sure you have the information you need to stay updated on our inclement weather announcements, including school cancellations, delays, and early releases.

Here’s how you can stay in the know:

• Inclement Weather Guidelines: Visit www.IowaCitySchools.org/WeatherGuidelines to review our detailed plan for cancellations, delays, and early releases.
• Late Starts on Thursdays: In the event of a late start on a regularly scheduled early dismissal day (Thursday), the early dismissal will be canceled, and school will follow regular dismissal times.
• Timely Notifications: You’ll receive email, phone, and text notifications with weather announcements.
• Follow Us Online: Stay informed by checking our website and following us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Threads for updates.
• Check Out Our Mobile App: Download our official Iowa City Schools mobile app for a centralized hub of all school and district-related information, including weather notifications.

We’re here to help! If you have any questions about our weather procedures, feel free to contact our Educational Services Center at (319) 688-1000.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support of High Reliability Schools, the educational framework that guides our district in creating safe, inclusive, and effective learning environments for every student.

As part of our commitment to fostering a positive school experience, we are inviting students in grades 5-12 to participate in the 2024-25 HRS Level 1 Survey between December 9th and 13th. During our school registration period, you gave permission for your student to participate. This survey is an important tool that helps us better understand and improve key aspects of school life, including:

• Relationships with teachers and peers
• School safety and the disciplinary environment
• A sense of belonging and inclusion
• Overall perceptions of the school environment

Please note that participation in the survey is completely voluntary, and students are not required to fill out the questionnaire. The survey will take approximately 15-25 minutes to complete during one class period.

We want you to feel confident that this survey is designed with care and respect for students’ well-being. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to Laura Cottrell at cottrell.laura@iowacityschools.org.

Thank you for your partnership in ensuring our schools are places where all students feel valued, supported, and safe.

Thank you,

Laura Cottrell
Executive Director of Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness
gray.laura@iowacityschools.org
(319) 688-1011

Hello Grizzlies,

Thanks to those who volunteered last year! All volunteers enjoyed their time being with our Grizzlies! We are rolling this out again for the 23-24 year.

Expectations are in place for students in both locations, and a volunteer would be paired with an experienced staff member. Some cafeteria duties include opening containers (milk, juice, etc..), giving out napkins and spending some time interacting in a positive manner. Playground expectations are also in place. Duties are primarily connected to being visible and available for student needs while monitoring for safe choices.

This sign up link offers opportunities to sign up for specific days and times. We included the lunch/recess schedule so you will know the grade level and location.

The district does have protocols for volunteering. This link will direct you to the online background check.

Not only do we appreciate any support, we are also excited that parents have the opportunity to get into the school and add to our positive and supportive atmosphere!

Thanks!

Mr. Turnis

Looking for information on Securly, our web filtering tool? Find all the information here www.IowaCitySchools.org/Securly.

The school day runs from 7:55-2:55. Our weekly one hour early out (1:55) will be each Thursday this year.

Here is a link to the district elementary handbook. There will be some updates added soon relative to attendance. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Sarah Siddig is Grant's SFA.

Sarah can assist families in a variety of ways including, but not limited to:

• seeking out community resources
• assisting with registration
• building home-school connections
• locating school supplies and winter gear
• housing
• transportation
• attendance
• accessing mental health supports

As noted above, breakfast and lunches are back on a payment system this coming year. A pricing link is included above.

Breakfast is available at a cost daily for all Grizzly students from 7:40-7:50. If opting to have school breakfast, please use the front doors. Depending on the number of students accessing breakfast, we may adjust to an earlier time.

BIRTHDAY BOULDERS

The celebratory boulders have been fun! For a $10 donation to the PTO, you can “rent” the large boulders in front of the building and paint a special birthday message for your child on their big day.

Here’s how it works:

1. Sign up for a date to “rent” a boulder. Reserve both if you’re extra ambitious! The $10 reservation fee goes straight to the PTO support teachers, students, and staff at Grant.

2. Pay through our secure payment portal (you’ll get instructions after reserving your date)

3. Come up with your birthday message design idea. Is your kiddo into sharks? Cover the rock with blue and put Jaws on there. Does your child love all things strawberries? Paint a bushel of them around their name. It's all up to your imagination.

4. Gather your materials—we’ll advise you on the best kind of paint to use. You can begin painting after 4pm the day before your rental.

All the guidelines and details can be found on the sign up sheet >> Reserve a Birthday Boulder

https://www.facebook.com/ChristineGrantGrizzlies/

@ChristineGrantGrizzlies

https://twitter.com/GrizzlyGR8

@GrizzlyGR8

Email: turnis.ken@iowacityschools.org
Website: https://www.iowacityschools.org/Domain/4089
Location: 1000 Centro Way, North Liberty, IA
Phone: 319-688-1500
Facebook: facebook.com/ChristineGrantGrizzlies/
Twitter: @GrizzlyGR8

It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Eric Howard, Director of Equity and Employee Relations, 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245, 319-688-1000, Howard.eric@iowacityschools.org.