Grafton Gazette
October 2024
Message from the Principal
Happy Fall! The weather seems to finally be changing and students and teachers are falling into their consistent routines as we wrap up our first grading period. With this in mind, we have scheduled fall parent teacher conferences for grades 1 - 5 for October 14th and October 28 and 30 for Kindergarten. If you have not yet scheduled yours, please contact your child’s teacher to see what times are still available. You will receive your child’s grade report at this conference along with data from fall assessments. Please note that there will be no school for students on October 11th and 14th as teachers prepare for and hold conferences.
In this week’s Elevate Weekly, the division provided an overview of the literacy assessments we are using this year, several of which are new. You may remember, if your child has recently been in K-2, you previously received a PALS report. PALS was the old state-wide literacy screener that has been significantly revised and is now called VALLSS. The new VALLSS assessment includes many more tasks than PALS and it assesses more individual skills recognized as being foundational to successful reading development. Across the state, division, and our school, we are seeing many more students flagged as potentially at high risk or moderate risk for reading difficulties than we did with PALS. Students who may have not been identified at the end of last year with the PALS assessment may now be identified as at high or moderate risk for long term reading difficulties. We believe this is due to a variety of factors, including the intent of the test being to cast a wider net than the previous assessments.
In your child’s folder (for K - 3rd grade students), you are receiving a letter that further explains VALLSS and provides your child’s individual “band of risk.” If your child is newly identified as at risk and that has not been communicated to you in the past, please know that we will talk through what this means and how we plan to fill in the gaps identified by the test. We do not want this to cause alarm, but to catalyze an opportunity to talk about your child’s current areas of strength and places where we can work together to support your child to mature into a fluent and confident reader.
With the end of the first grading period, it is also a great time to talk about the importance of consistent school attendance. Research shows that consistent attendance correlates with higher achievement, improved social skills, and increased confidence. While we certainly agree that students should stay home when they are sick, we really want them at school when they are healthy so we can help them with their academic and social growth. At this point in the year, students who have missed 5 or more days are at risk of being considered chronically absent which has been correlated to decreased performance on school work and assessments, increased anxiety, and diminished social skills. Please encourage and support consistent attendance as it makes a big difference for your child.
At this time of year, we know there are many appointments and activities that may impact transportation plans. In order for us to effectively route your child the right way, we ask that you send a note to the teacher in the morning with any dismissal changes for the afternoon. If you are unable to send a note, please call the office prior to 1:00 so we can make any needed transportation passes and have these delivered to the teacher and student prior to dismissal. Your help is greatly appreciated!
We would like to draw your attention to some upcoming events at GVES and beyond. On October 31, we will hold our annual character dress up day. Students are welcome to come in costume on that day but be mindful of a few rules. First, costumes should not be bloody or gory. Second, they should not include toy weapons like swords or guns. Finally, if the costume has a mask, students may bring it to show the class the whole costume but will then be asked to remove it for class time. On this day, we will also be having our Spooky Sprint during specials class. This fun outdoor activity includes various stations that are run by our amazing specialists. Be mindful that students will be participating in their costumes and will want to have appropriate shoes.
In September, we hosted our PTA Breakfast Buddies program. The event was a huge success but also highlighted a safety concern for traffic. Please know that Dixon-Smith Middle School is directly behind GVES and staff and families are often traveling the road near the water tower to access the school. With increased traffic on that road, it is crucial that drivers look both ways and drive with caution as they exit our parking lot to enter the roadway.
Finally, I want to share that we are still in need of substitute teachers. If you are interested or want more information, please email me at sidebothammb@staffordschools.net
Michael B. Sidebotham
Principal
Monthly Calendar
10/1 Special Day 3
10/2 Special Day 4, Chorus 7:30
Custodial Appreciation Day
10/3 Student/ Staff Holiday Rosh Hashanah
10/4 Special Day 5
10/7 Specials Day 1
10/8 Specials Day 2
10/9 Specials Day 3, Chorus 7:30
10/10 Specials Day 4, End of 1st Nine Weeks
FT- GATES 4th Grade to Melchers
1st Grade Family Night 6:00 pm
10/11 No School
10/14 No School - parent teacher conferences
Fall Book Fair until 10/23
10/15 Specials Day 5
FT- GATES 3rd Grade to Ferry Farm
10/16 Specials Day 1, Chorus 7:30
10/17 Specials Day 2
10/18 Specials Day 3
PTA Fun Run: K and 2nd (8:45- 9:45), 1st and 4th (9:55- 10:55), 3rd and 5th (1:30- 2:30)
10/21 Specials Day 4
10/22 Specials Day 5
10/23 Specials Day 1, Chorus 7:30
10/24 Specials Day 2
FT- K to Belvedere
Lockdown Drill
10/25 Specials Day 3
Code Ninjas 2nd Grade
10/28 Specials Day 0
Awards Assemblies: 3rd- 8:40, 5th- 9:30, 4th- 2:10
Kindergarten Conferences 3:30- 7:00
10/29 Specials Day 4
Awards Assemblies: 2nd- 8:45, 1st- 9:30
10/30 Specials Day 5, Chorus 7:30
Kindergarten Conferences 3:30- 7:00
10/31 Specials Day 0
Spooky Sprint/ Halloween
Attendance Updates from the Vice Principal
As we embrace the arrival of Fall and the beginning of October, we want to remind you that with the changing seasons, many students may start to experience illnesses. If your child needs to miss a day due to illness, please ensure that you report the absence in Synergy, call the school, or send in a note. Your communication is vital for us to keep track of attendance.
During the first nine weeks of school, our attendance team has been celebrating classes that achieve perfect attendance. Classes receive certificates for each day of perfect attendance, and after earning 10 certificates, they enjoy an extra recess. We’re excited to share that 10 classes have already earned this reward!
Thank you, parents, for your support in ensuring your students arrive on time and stay throughout the day. We love seeing our Grizzlies at school!
The GVES attendance team is here to support our families. Please call if you have any
questions. 540-373-5454
Attendance Team Members:
Belinda Rippon, AP
Kelli Koeck, School Social Worker
Mia Fravel, Guidance Counselor
Nicole Spangler, Guidance Counselor
Brandon Lesniak, School Psychologist
Kristian Bourne, Attendance Secretary
Counselors Corner
Happy Fall - we can’t believe that school has already been in session for almost 2 months!! Mrs. Fravel, Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. Spangler have really enjoyed going into the classrooms, introducing themselves and getting to know all of your kiddos. We have also been talking to your students about Kelso’s Choices (how to handle big and small problems), different learning styles and responsibility.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
During this month, we will be focusing on anti-bullying strategies and activities, specifically what to do if you are bullied, how to tell the difference between bullying and teasing, and what to do if you see someone else being bullied.
Dates to Remember:
National Unity Day, October 16th (Bullying Prevention) – Please have your student wear orange to show their support for kindness and unity in our school. The PTA will be ordering orange t-shirts to wear that day. If you wish to purchase one, the cost is $10 and orders need to be in by October 2nd so that they arrive on time.
Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31) - We will be planning a Spirit Week during this time; please be on the lookout for a flyer with more information, coming soon!
Remember, if your child needs to speak to a counselor, call or email us!
540-373-5454
Message From the Specialists
Library News
Book Fair
The Bedford Falls Book Fair is coming!!! Please read below to find out the details.
Monday, October 14th - Open to families and students. Students must be accompanied by adults. (Families can purchase with credit cards on this day in addition to cash or checks.)
Tuesday, October 15th-Monday, October 21st - Library classes will visit the book fair and have the option to purchase books during their library time.
October 22nd and 23rd - Book Fair letters will come home next week. It will also have your child’s buying time on either 10/22 or 10/23.
There is no tax on book fair purchases.
Students may bring cash or a check made payable to GVES. We can only accept checks for the exact amount. We cannot make change for a check.
We ask that you place any cash or checks in an envelope or plastic baggie marked for the book fair. Please write your students name and the amount enclosed on the outside.
Students can also make purchases using a Kid Credit. You would purchase this online. It is easiest if you purchase prior to 7:00 am as that is when our report is generated for the day.
The Kid Credit information is linked here Our fair code is 16761.
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Music News
Attention 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade families: We will begin our whole school RECORDER ORDER in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to find out how to order a recorder for your student through GVES to get the wholesale school price! If you're 3rd grader has an older sibling's recorder to use, please send it in to Mrs. Greven as soon as possible!
Check out these family tech planners from Common Sense Media to support your Grizzlies at home with family conversations surrounding technology use at home.
Special Events/ Volunteer Opportunities
Would you like to be a WATCHDOG at GVES?
1st Grade Literacy Family Night 10/10
PTA Fun Run 10/18
PTA News
PTA NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2024
- Unity Day October 16th- Order your shirts
https://graftonpta.givebacks.com/store/items/1108438
- Fun Run Friday October 18th ( fun run times vary by grade)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
- Spirit Night at Chipotle and last day to submit Fun Run donations 10/22
- Original Works Art Fundraiser www.originalworks.com
PTA Board
President: Kelly Sienkowski
Hospitality: Annmarie Mulholland
Ways & Means: Jenna Grabowski
Treasurer: Jodi Smith
Secretary: Ali Johnstone
Events: Amanda Lamberton
CONTACT INFORMATION: GraftonPTA@gmail.com
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.
No cell phones in Elementary School
CELL PHONE POSSESSION AND PHONE WATCHES: The Stafford County Code of Conduct states: “Elementary school students shall not be permitted to use or display such devices while on school grounds unless expressly authorized by staff”. Students are asked to keep their phones off and away during school hours.
Connect With Us
GVES Front Office Information
Mike Sidebotham, Principal
Belinda Rippon, Assistant Principal
Kim Overton, Bookkeeper
Stacee Rogers, Registrar
Kelly Davis, Administrative Assistant
Kristina Bourne, Administrative Assistant
Amy Pisciotta, Nurse
Leah Malloy, Special Education Department Chair
If you need to pick your child up from school, please notify the office by email or phone prior to arriving and bring your ID.
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.
GRAFTON VILLAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SACC Daycare at GVES
SACC – Stafford and Spotsylvania
540-371-9622
Alicia Kindred – Executive Director, ext 2033
Virginia Murphy – SACC Operations Director, ext 2001
Nutrition at GVES
Julie Washington, Cafeteria Manager washingtonja@staffordschools.net
Transportation
George Schlegel
Area 1 Coordinator
📞 540-374-8580
Route Numbers: 101-199- Dispatch 540-374-8585