Message from the Principal
Dear Families:
It is hard to believe we have reached the last month of school. As the school year draws to a close, we are busy planning our end of year festivities. Our annual senior walk where Grafton Grizzlies who are graduating high school return to walk the halls of our school while being cheered on by our current students will be held on May 28th. If you have a high school senior or know of any neighbors and friends with high school seniors who attended GVES, please spread the word. We are extremely proud of our graduates and look forward to seeing them in the building!
We also have some special events taking place for our 5th graders. On May 1st, these students will take part in our DARE Graduation at Dixon - Smith Middle School. Later this month on May 22, they will participate in a DARE Day celebration field trip to Pratt Park. Finally, a committee of 5th grade parents are planning an end of year celebration for our 5th graders scheduled for May 28th. Please note that the last day of school for all GVES students is May 29th.
With summer approaching, we are already receiving questions about class placement for next year. We are seeking parent input to help us consider important factors when placing each student. Please take time to complete this important form.
Form for Rising 1st - 5th Graders
I carefully read each one and assure you that it does make an impact in our class placement decisions. We work very hard to consider performance data, teaching and learning styles, and input from various sources when making class lists. As always, please remember that we are unable to honor requests for specific teachers. The form for rising 1st - 5th graders is due by June 13 and the form for new kindergarteners is due by July 11. Thank you in advance for your valuable input.
Recently, Grafton Village began Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year. If you or any of your friends or neighbors need to register a kindergartener, now is a great time to stop by our office and begin this process. Please be sure to bring your child’s state issued birth certificate, social security card, and proof of residency. Because our hiring of new teachers is based on the number of students enrolled, everyone is encouraged to register as early as possible!
With best wishes for a safe and relaxing summer,
Michael B. Sidebotham
May Calendar of Events
5/1 2nd grade MAP testing
DARE graduation 6:30 ceremony begins
FT- 1st Braehead Farm
PTA Meeting 12:30
5/2 Makeup Reading SOL 3/4/5
School lunch hero day
Shenandoah U. String Quartet Assembly
5/5 Teacher Appreciation Week
5/6 SOL Science and VA Studies 4th and 5th
5/7 Field Trip- 2nd grade Friends of the Rappahannock
National School Nurses Day
SOL Math 3rd grade
5/8 Field Trip- 2nd grade Friends of the Rappahannock
Makeup SOL Math 3rd grade
Makeup SOL VA Studies/ Science 4th and 5th
5/9 SOL Retake 3/4/5 Reading
Papa John's Spirit Day
5/11 Sunday Mother's Day
5/13 SOL Math 4th and 5th
5/14 SOL Retake VA Studies/ Science
5/15 Makeup SOL Math 4th and 5th
5/16 Field Day
5/18 National Speech Pathologist Day
5/20 SOL Retake 3rd Math
5/21 3rd Grade Kids Marketplace
Kindergarten Field Trip to Zoo
SOL Retake- 4th and 5th Math
5/22 DARE DAY
5/26 Student/ Staff Holiday Memorial Day
5/27 CRRL Library visits
5/28 Senior Walk 10:30
5th Grade Party
5/29 Last Day for Students
Fire Drill
Kindergarten End of Year Celebration
5/30 No School- Staff Work Day
Upcoming Events
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK MAY 5- 9
MONDAY- HAVE STUDENTS BRING A SWEET NOTE OR GIFT TO TEACHER
THURS/ FRIDAY SEE THE SIGN UP GENIUS FOR DESSERT AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES BELOW
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FIELD DAY FRIDAY MAY 16TH
SIGN UP GENIUS BELOW
LAST GENERAL PTA BOARD MEETING 5/14 9:30 SCHOOL CAFETERIA
Rent the Rocks
Did you know you can rent "The Rocks" located in front of the school for special occasions? It is a great way to spread positive messages and increase excitement in our community. All requests must be made via email to graftonpta@gmail.com. Rock the Rental as the subject. The PTA will confirm approval of the rental date and rock message before the rock rental can be purchased.
If you have a Facebook Acct, please join our Facebook Group. You must answer the security questions to be approved.
PURPLE STAR SCHOOL
Virginia Council on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children voted on October 26, 2023, to approve Grafton Village Elementary as a recipient of the SY 2023-2024 Purple Star Award.
