The R. Grant Graham Star Reporter

February 14-21 2025

SCHOOL INFORMATION

About Us

Please contact the school by email at:

Principal: Jamie.Brooks@avondaleschools.org

Assistant Principal: Angela.Castaldi@avondaleschools.org

Secretary: Dawn.Cuthrell@avondaleschools.org

Website: https://www.avondaleschools.org/schools/r-grant-graham-elementary/
Location: 22450 Old Salem RoadAuburn Hills, MI 48326

Phone: (248) 537-6800

Hours: Full Day- 8:32am-3:39 pm

Half Day- 8:11a.m-11:45 am

Attendance Policy

Attendance and Timeliness

If you receive a letter regarding your student's attendance, please contact either our Assistant Principal, Mrs. Angela Castaldi, or Mr. Brooks directly. Attendance is very important, and if there are circumstances causing your student to miss school, we will need to schedule a meeting to provide support.

Students must be in their classrooms by 8:32 AM. Arriving on time ensures they can fully participate in learning, avoid missing important information, and show respect for their teacher and peers.

Punctuality is a valuable life skill that benefits students now and in the future.

Please remember that walk-in student pickups are not permitted after 3:00 PM, as this is too disruptive to the learning environment. If you need to pick up your student early, please call ahead to make arrangements.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Breakfast & Lunch Menu

avondale.nutrislice.com

Behavior Expectations and Student Code of Conduct

Behavioral Growth

As we work hard to grow academically, it’s equally important to grow behaviorally. To help clarify our school’s expectations, here is the link to our Student Code of Conduct: [Link Here]. Please take a moment to review this with your student.

Winter Outdoor Recess Policy

Recess is an essential part of the school day, supporting brain function, focus, and social-emotional development The elementary buildings go outside as long as the temperature feels like it'a 10 degrees or higher. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather so they can fully enjoy recess. If you need help with winter clothing like coats, snow pants, gloves, hats, or boots, please reach out. Our generous community has donated items for families in need.

School Closings

Winter brings the possibility of snow days. If school closings are necessary, families will be notified with a phone call from Superintendent Schwarz, postings on the District and Graham websites, and announcements on local media. Typically, after-school activities and clubs are canceled on snow days as well.

From the Principal

Hello Graham Families,

This past week flew by! A special thank you to our student leadership team for organizing and facilitating the Candy Gram program at Graham. It was a huge success and our students truly enjoyed sending and receiving Candy Grams!

I hope you all enjoyed your snow day last week. As we continue our Mid-Winter Break, please take a moment to read our newsletter. We have many exciting events coming up that you won’t want to miss.

I also want to take a moment to recognize this year’s Teacher of the Year, Denise Gahry-Delie! Mrs. Gahry-Delie is an ELD teacher who exemplifies dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to student success. We are incredibly grateful for all that she does for our students and staff. She is an invaluable part of our school family—congratulations, Mrs. Gahry-Delie!

Enjoy your break, and I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

Mr. Brooks

Principal

Positivity Project Trait of the Week!

Dear Families,

This week, our school community will focus on the Other People Mindset of Cheering Others’ Successes. This means when someone else does well, we are happy for them and show our support.

It's normal to sometimes feel jealous or envious when others succeed, but learning to genuinely celebrate their accomplishments can improve our own happiness and relationships. Supporting others not only helps them feel good but also strengthens our community and creates a positive environment.

Encouraging your child to be happy for others can start with simple actions, such as congratulating a friend, noticing feelings of envy and asking why, or learning from others’ successes. These steps build a supportive culture in families, teams, schools, and communities.

To practice and encourage this Other People Mindset at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your support!

February 25: 5th Grade Parent Night at Avondale Middle School 6:00pm

March 5: Coffee with the Principal - (Graham Cafeteria) in person and virtually - for virtual meeting click blue link Virtual Coffee - 9:30 am - 10:15 am

March 5: Kindergarten Signing Day (Round Up), 6:00pm

March 11: “Coffee with the Superintendent” - Auburn Elementary Media Center 9:00am

Kindergarten Signing Day at Graham

Amazing Attendance for the Month of January

We had over 100 students with Amazing Attendance for the month of January! Each of the students below had only one absence or tardy for the entire month! Congratulations!

Ms. Myers' Class

Ms. Holt's Class

Mrs. Bowman's Class

Ms. Hartley's Class

Ms. Myers' Class

Ms. Brancheau's Class

Mrs. Jiles' Class

Mrs. Mack's Class

Ms. Berletich's Class

Mrs. Freeman's Class

Mrs. Shounia's Class

Mrs. Rohland's Class

Mr. Boss' Class

Mr. Lee's Class

Mrs. Burke's Class

Mrs. Beaupre's Class

Mrs. Thorpe's Class

Library Books

Parents/Caregivers

We are having an increase of library books NOT being returned back to the school library. Please help your student remember to bring them back weekly, so they can check out another book. Late notes are sent home once a month, and emailed every week. If you're not getting the emails please inform the office so they can check that your email is correct.

Thank you,

Mrs. Cuthbertson

Media Manager

From the R. Grant Graham 5th Grade Leadership Team!

To celebrate Black History Month, the Fifth Grade Leadership Team has been busy at work researching important African American leaders that have made an impact on others, our country and the world. Our team members partnered up and chose an important leader that inspired them. They conducted research to gather facts, designed a poster and presented their African American leader to several classes. Each week we will highlight two leaders we are celebrating this month.

Ruby Bridges -

Researched by Madison & Meghana

Ruby Bridges was the first African American student to attend an all-white elementary school in the south. She attended William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana. Many people, both black and white supported Ruby and her family. Especially after her father lost his job due to the backlash against Ruby attending Frantz Elementary. Several members of the community and surrounding communities sent money to help the Bridges family. Ruby went on to become an author, public speaker and lifelong civil rights activist.

Benjamin O. Davis - Pilot

Researched by Travez & Yazan

Benjamin attended West Point Academy. Benjamin never gave up even when times were tough or when his classmates were mean to him. He was motivated to do what he loved regardless of what others thought. Benjamin was the first African American to become Lieutenant General of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen of the United States Air Force. His men bravely flew into enemy territory in Germany and Italy, successfully completing many dangerous missions. He was also the first African American commander of an integrated fighter wing for the USAF.