News from GRAIS
January 16th, 2025
Please be reminded that the school district is closed on January 20th as we observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Here are few facts about MLK, Jr. to share with our students:
- He skipped TWO grades, and he started college at age 15.
- He improvised much of his most famous speech.
- His birth name was Michael.
- He wrote five books.
- In October 1964, Dr. King won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Physical Educational Classes:
We are excited to let you know that students in fourth and fifth grade have begun their fitness unit! Throughout this unit, we will focus on the five components of physical fitness: cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Our goal is for students to TRY THEIR BEST and track their own progress. Each student will record his/her results in a fitness booklet, and we will complete fitness tests again at the end of the year to hopefully see some growth. As a quick reminder, we appreciate your help in having your children wear proper footwear to PE class to ensure their safety and comfort during all activities. Thank you for your support!
Art Classes:
Fifth graders were challenged to create a 3D cube out of strips of paper and glue sticks. They were introduced to a variety of contemporary sculpture artists that use paper to create their amazing art, such as Ann Wood, Tiffanie Turner, Aysa Kozina, and Matthew Shlian. In partners, they came up with a plan and created a cube in just two art classes. It was great to see them problem solve and work collaboratively.
Fourth graders have anxiously awaited their first clay project of the year and it's finally arrived. They're learning about what a pinch pot is, the type of clay we use and where it comes from, and of course how to create a pinch pot. Students practiced the pinching technique and are now beginning their final pinch pot--ask them about the process! To get a peek inside the art room, follow along on Instagram @grais_art
Library Classes:
This month in library classes, fourth graders will listen to the story, Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, and then create slide presentations to reflect on quotations by Martin Luther King, Jr. Fifth grade students will also create slide presentations about Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders that they research. They will also be honing their presentation skills, as they be sharing their work with their classmates.
Message from the PTO:
Questions or concerns about any PTO events, volunteering opportunities, or monthly meetings nay be sent directly to the board at graispto@gmail.com. The next PTO meeting is on Tuesday, the 21st at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom, with a meeting ID of 477 737 8775 and the meeting passcode is graispto. I hope you will join us!
MCAS Dates:
I will continue to provide the following links, taken directly from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in case you would like a look at the types of questions asked by the state or if you’d like to practice with your student. Both grades participate in the math and ELA sessions, but only fifth graders take the science assessment.
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-ela/
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-math/
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-science/
Spring Anticipated MCAS Dates for GRAIS:
March 31 and April 1–Grade Five ELA
April 2 & 3–Grade Four ELA
May 12 & 13–Grade Five Math
May 14 & 15–Grade Four Math
May 19 & 20–Grade Five Science
*Subject to Change
Dates to Remember:
January 20th - No School
February 7th - Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
February 14th - PTO’s Sweet & Treats for Staff
February 17 - Winter Break Begins
February 24th - School Resumes
March 1st - PTO’s Catalog Fundraiser Begins
March 19th - Second Trimester Grades Post to Portal
April 7th - Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
April 18th - Spring Break Begins
April 28th - School Resumes
May 6th - GRAIS Spring Chorus Performs at FLMS at 6:00 p.m.
May 12th - BOGO Book Fair Week Begins
May 26th - No School
June 18th - Anticipated Last Day with Early Dismissal at 11: 30 a.m.
June 18th - Anticipated PTO Farewell to FIfth Graders Morning Event
*Dates are subject to change.
Respectfully,
Dr. Sullivan
508.923.3506 x 3150/esullivan@freelake.org