
The R. Grant Graham Star Reporter
March 17, 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
From the Principal
Hello Graham Families,
Last week was an incredible week at Graham! Our students have been working so hard on their NWEA reading assessments, showing focus, determination, and a true commitment to learning. We are so proud of their efforts and positive attitude! This week, they'll take on their math assessments, and we know they’ll continue to give it their best.
We’re also thrilled to celebrate a very special moment congratulations to Danahi Montanez for receiving the Excellence in Education Award from the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce! This award honors her leadership, dedication, and all-around excellence. Even more heartwarming, Danahi chose Mr. Lee as the teacher who has made the biggest impact on her school journey. What a beautiful reminder of the powerful connections built here at Graham.
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement—it makes all the difference.
Take Care,
Mr. Brooks
Breakfast & Lunch Menu
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.
Positivity Project Trait of the Week!
Dear Families,
This week, our school community will focus on the Other People Mindset of Identifying and appreciating the good in others. It’s important to deliberately work to identify and appreciate others’ character strengths. It’s not always easy to notice people’s strengths, but it’s something we should all practice.
Often, it’s easier to blame others or focus on their mistakes, which can lead to negative feelings like jealousy or frustration. This negativity can create problems, not just for us but also for our relationships with others.
When we make an effort to see the good in people, we start to see the world in a more positive way. If we always focus on the bad, it feels like we’re surrounded by negativity, which makes us defensive and stressed. This doesn’t mean we should ignore reality or pretend everything is perfect, but we should try to understand others and recognize their good intentions. When we see the good in others, they are more likely to see the good in us.
To practice and encourage the 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!
March 18: Districtwide 5th Grade Music Concert at AHS @ 6:00pm
March 21: HALF DAY - End of 3rd Quarter - 11:45am Dismissal
March 24-28: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
March 31: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Learning
April 9: HALF DAY - Teacher Professional Learning - Dismissal at 11:45am
April 18: NO SCHOOL - Good Friday
April 21: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Learning
Leadership Team
March is Reading Month
To help our classrooms celebrate March is reading month, members of Leadership Team are guest readers throughout the building!
Oakland University Students Read to Ms. Jones Class
The students really enjoy the OU students.
Avondale High School Girls Basketball Players Read to Our Students
Thank you to Amaria & Khalia for reading to our students they really enjoyed it!
Athletic, and food service support
Food Service Support
Reading in Ms. Brancheau's Class
Reading in Mrs. Ibrahim-Shounia 3rd grade class
Amaria and Khalia enjoy the experience
Buzz listening in Mrs. Ibrahim-Shounia 3rd grade class while Amaria and Khalia read
Mrs. Mack's 2nd Grade Class
Ms. Brancheau 2nd Grade Class
Questions of the basketball players by the students before reading in Mrs. Macks class
March Is Reading Month!
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
February Amazing Attendance!
Students with 93% or greater attendance for the month of February!
Ms. Holt's Kindergarten
Mrs. Shounia's 3rd Grade
Ms. Myers' TK
Mrs. Thorpe's 1st Grade
Mrs. Beaupre's 1st Grade
Mrs. Burke's 1st Grade
Ms. Brancheau 2nd Grade
Mrs. Mack 2nd Grade
Mrs. Jiles 2nd Grade
Mrs. Shounia's 3rd Grade
Mrs. Freeman's 3rd Grade
Ms. Berletich's 3rd Grade
Ms. Jones' 4th Grade
Ms. Roland's 4th Grade
Mr. Lee's 5th Grade
March Birthdays
Kyia Abbott
Jawad Askar
Taraji Benion
Luna Cervera Rodriguez
Easton coakley
Sa'Raaj Combs
Antonio Guster
George Hairston
A'Mora Lee
Carter Lumas
Raheem McCowen
Emilia Morales
Chye Ratcliff
Senator Ratcliff
Yashika Suvigunta
Darius Smith
Isaiah Smith
Miamor Smith
Zachary Smith
Azalea Stephens
Ava Timmons
Vihaan Varansi
Penelope Weis
PTO
Read a Thon!
This is the last week of our read - a -ton,
We only have 30 students sign-up. It is not too late to sign-up!.
The school has logged 1,064 minutes readed and has raised $315.00 for the library to get new books.
Keep up the good work!!!!!Watch a short video to see how to signup your reader:
https://youtu.be/12tmuXH8zCg
This account will serve as a hub for recording and monitoring your child's progress as a Reader in the event, and for you to share their Read-A-Thon message with friends and family. Use the link below to activate your student's Reader account:
https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/myGTyX/1
Thank you so much for your participation and support. Together, we can make this Read-A-Thon an amazing experience for our young readers! Thank you,
R. Grant Graham PTOScience Fair!
Science Fair Sign Up Sheets came home in your child's Friday Folders this week.
DISTRICT INFORMATION
Avondale Weekly News
Please click to read this week's Avondale's Weekly News & Notes
Transportation
24-25 District Calendar
2025-26 District Calendar
Blessings in a Backpack
Please use the Google doc link to sign up for the program.