Ollie's News

• Thursday, December 12 , 2024 - PreK Enrichment: Music with Jen

• Tuesday December 17, 2024- PreK Enrichment: Library Visit

• Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Classroom Winter Celebrations

• Monday, December 16, 2024 - Red and Green Day at SGES

• Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - Let's Get Cozy: Wear Flannel, warm and/or fuzzy attire at SGES

• Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - Sock It to Me: Wear Your Favorite Holiday Socks

• Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Holiday Sweater Day: Ugly or Nice

• Friday, December 20, 2024 - Let's Get Comfy: Wear your comfy clothes or PJ's and a stuffy!

• Friday, December 20, 2024 - SGES All School Assembly - Glow Stick Party and Holiday Songs

As we enter this season of giving, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible generosity of our school community. Your donations of gift cards and warm socks have made a significant impact, and we are deeply appreciative of your kindness and willingness to help those in need.

The holiday season is a special time to reflect on the power of community and the joy that comes from giving. Your contributions not only provide essential items to those who need them most but also teach our children the importance of compassion, empathy, and looking out for one another. Your support truly embodies the spirit of giving and reminds us all of the wonderful community we have here at South Grafton Elementary School.

Thank you once again for your generosity and support. We wish you and your family a joyful, peaceful, and warm holiday season.

At SGES, we believe that daily outdoor play is essential for student learning and development. Outdoor play helps students grow socially, recharge their minds for afternoon learning, and stay physically active.

However, we recognize that winter weather sometimes creates unsafe conditions. As a general guideline, students will stay indoors for recess when the “real feel” temperature is below 20°F.

For those who wish to play in the snow, we ask that they come prepared with the “Show Me 5” winter items:

1. Boots
2. Coat
3. Hat
4. Gloves
5. Snow Pants

Thank you for helping us keep students safe and prepared for fun winter play!

The South Grafton Parent Teacher Organization (SGPTO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (id #26-1073231), comprised of parents, guardians, teachers, principals, and staff collaborating to create a fun and enriching learning atmosphere for students attending Millbury Street Elementary and South Grafton Elementary Schools. Our collective focus is to foster a community of learners where academic, social, and personal development are cherished and supported.

Important Links:

South Grafton PTO

Volunteer Opportunities — South Grafton PTO

Meetings & Events — South Grafton PTO

South Grafton PTO | Grafton MA | Facebook

Throughout the year we work closely with our community partners to provide families with information on various activities throughout town. Please click on the links below for more information!

Community Flyers - Youth Basketball, Grafton Rec Programs, Girl Scouts, Grafton Library Caddy Stacks.

Email: wallacem@grafton.k12.ma.us
Website: https://sges.graftonps.org/
Location: 90 Main Street, Grafton, South Grafton, MA, USA
Phone: 508.839.5484
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouthGraftonElementary
Twitter: @SGESPrincipal

Dear SGES Community,

As we reflect on this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to express how truly thankful we are for this school community and for each and every one of your children.

Your partnership and support play an essential role in creating an environment where learning and growth flourish. Whether it’s through volunteering, attending events, or simply encouraging your child’s education at home, your involvement makes a world of difference.

And to our incredible students: Thank you for the joy, curiosity, and determination you bring to our school every day. Watching you grow, learn, and support one another is a privilege that inspires us as educators to do our best for you.

Together, we are building not just a school, but a family. I am grateful for the laughter, the milestones, and the challenges that strengthen our bond as a community.

Wishing you all a season filled with love, gratitude, and cherished moments with your loved ones. Thank you for being such an important part of what makes this school so special.

Warm Regards,

Mrs. Wallace

As a means of giving back to the community, South Grafton Elementary School is seeking monetary donations towards purchasing gift cards or if you would like to donate a gift card (Stop & Shop, Market Basket or Target) to assist the Grafton Food Bank this holiday season.

We will also be collecting NEW men or woman socks for the Homeless Shelter. A collection bin will be placed in the front lobby of the school.

Donations for both will be accepted through December 6th. Any assistance would be appreciated. Happy Holidays!

I am reaching out to seek your support in reinforcing safe and respectful behavior during recess. Recently, staff members noticed an increase in incidents such as pushing, kicking, and tackling among students on the playground, which raises concerns about everyone’s safety. Our top priority is to ensure that every child enjoys a positive and secure experience at school, and we want to prevent any injuries from occurring.

Additionally, staff members have experienced challenges with students listening to and following directions while outside. Cooperation and respect are essential for maintaining a safe playground environment, and I kindly ask for your help in talking with your child about our expectations.

Here are a few points you can discuss with your child at home:

• Hands and feet to ourselves: Remind them that physical games should never involve pushing, kicking, or tackling.
• Listening to adults: It’s important to follow instructions from teachers and playground supervisors to keep everyone safe.
• Kindness and respect: Encourage them to treat others the way they would like to be treated, with kindness and respect.

Thank you for your partnership and for helping reinforce these expectations. Together, we can create a safe and enjoyable playground environment for everyone.

The first grade students did an amazing job on their Magnificent Thing project. I am incredibly proud of their work! Please ask them about it. This project is part of our new literacy program called EL.

Self-esteem is the way we perceive ourselves. It plays a central role in a child's motivation and achievements in school, social relationships and their ability to bounce back from setbacks (resilience).

A child's self-esteem is shaped by their own thoughts and feelings about their ability to achieve in ways that are important to them. It is also shaped by the perceptions and expectations of significant people in their life. This includes how they are thought of and treated by parents, teachers and friends.

The closer a child's perceived self (how they see themselves) comes to their ideal self (how they would like to be), the higher their self-esteem.

Here are some of the building blocks that contribute to healthy self-esteem:

1. A sense of security

Your child must feel secure about themselves and their future. ("What will become of me?")

2. A sense of belonging

Your child needs to feel accepted and loved by others. This begins with their family and then extends to groups such as friends, schoolmates, sports teams, house of worship and even a neighborhood or community. Without this acceptance or group identity, they may feel rejected, lonely and adrift.

3. A sense of purpose

Your child should have goals that give them purpose and direction. Goal can provide an avenue for channeling their energy toward achievement and self-expression. If they lack a sense of purpose, they may feel bored, aimless, or resent being pushed in certain directions by you or others.

4. A sense of personal competence and pride

Your child should feel confident in their ability to meet challenges in their life. A sense of personal power evolves when your child has successful experiences with:

• solving problems independently, and
• being creative and getting results for their efforts.

Set appropriate expectations, not too low and not too high, for your child. This helps them develop competence and confidence. If you overprotect them, they are too dependent on you; if expectations are so high they never succeed, they may feel powerless and incapable.

5. A sense of trust

Your child needs to feel trust in you and in themself. Toward this goal, you should keep promises, be supportive and give your child opportunities to be trustworthy. This means believing your child and treating them as an honest person.

6. A sense of responsibility

Give your child a chance to show what they are capable of doing. Allow them to take on tasks without being checked on all the time. This shows trust on your part, a sort of "letting go" with a sense of faith.

7. A sense of contribution

Your child needs to develop a sense of importance and commitment. Help them by providing opportunities to participate and contribute in a meaningful way to activities. Let them know that they really count.

8. A sense of making real choices & decisions

Your child will feel more in control of events when they are able to make or influence decisions that they consider important. These choices and decisions need to be appropriate for their age and abilities, and for your family's values.

9. A sense of self-discipline & self-control

As your child strives to gain more independence, they need and want to feel that they can make it on their own. Give them expectations, guidelines and opportunities to test themselves. This lets them reflect, reason, problem-solve. It also lets them consider the consequences of the actions they may choose. This kind of self-awareness is critical for their future growth.

10. A sense of encouragement, support & reward

Beyond achieving goals, your child also needs positive feedback and recognition. This send a message that they are doing well, pleasing others and "making it."

Encourage and praise your child not only for achieving a set goal, but also for their efforts. Be sure to recognize even small changes and improvement. ("I like the way you waited for your turn;" "Good try—you're working harder;" "Good job!") Give them feedback as soon as possible. This will reinforce their self-esteem and to help them connect your comments to the activity involved.

11. A sense of accepting mistakes & failure

Your child needs to feel comfortable, not defeated, when they make mistakes or fail. Explain that these setbacks are a normal part of living and learning, and that they can learn from them.

Offer supportive, constructive feedback and recognition of their effort. This can help overpower any sense of failure, guilt or shame they might be feeling, giving them renewed motivation and hope. Use examples from everyday life to model these skills; if you yourself make a mistake, share what happened with your child so they can see you move beyond it.

12. A sense of family self-esteem

Your child's self-esteem first develops within the family. So, it is influenced greatly by the feelings and perceptions that a family has of itself. Bear in mind that family pride is essential to self-esteem. It can be nourished in many ways. This includes participating in community activities, tracing a family's heritage and ancestors or caring for extended family members.

Families that fare better focus on each member's strengths. They avoid excessive criticism and stick up for each other outside the family setting. They believe in and trust each other, and respect their individual differences. And they show their affection for each other and make time for being together, whether to share holidays, special events or just to have fun.

For more tips on ways to support a healthy sense of self-esteem in your child, talk with your pediatrician.

More information

• Tips to Support Healthy Mental & Emotional Development in Your Child

• Signs of Low Self-Esteem
  

Fall is here, bringing cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, and pumpkin-spice everything. It’s also that time of year when we “fall back” by setting the clocks back an hour. Therefore, I wanted to share with you some tips that may help you and your family adjust to the Daylight Saving Time that will occur this weekend.

Jeanine DeMelo, BSN, RN, NCSN

South Grafton Elementary School

demeloj@grafton.k12.ma.us

I am thrilled to share the success of our Literacy Parade held yesterday! The event was an incredible celebration of our students’ love for reading, and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.

The children looked amazing in their costumes, each inspired by their favorite characters from beloved books. The parade was filled with excitement, smiles, and an enthusiasm for literacy that was felt by everyone present. Seeing our students proudly represent the stories that spark their imaginations and curiosity was truly inspiring.

Thank you to all the families who supported their children in preparing for this special event. Your encouragement means the world to me as we continue to foster a love of reading and learning. I look forward to many more events that celebrate our students and the joy of literacy.

Here are just a few of the amazing story characters represented yesterday!

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for making this year's Oktoberfest such a memorable event! The joy and laughter that filled the air were a true testament to the strength of our community, and we couldn't have done it without your support.

Seeing the smiles on our children's faces as they enjoyed the games, treats, and festivities was priceless. From the laughter during the musical cakes to the excitement on the bouncy houses and all the wonderful moments in between, it was truly a day to remember. Your dedication and enthusiasm in helping bring this celebration to life made all the difference.

Thank you once again for helping create such special memories. We look forward to many more celebrations together!

Mrs. Largesse's Parent Teacher Conference Sign Up link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0849AFA622A4FB6-52267773-mrs

My schedule for SGES conferences:

Thurs Nov 7: SGES evening (in person)

Please consider supporting the GHS class of 2025 by visiting their Vendor and Craft Fair on Saturday, November 9th from 9-3 at Grafton High School. There will be 40+ vendors, food trucks, fantastic raffles, and much more!

What is the SAC? A School Council is a representative committee composed of the principal, parents, teachers, and community members of a particular school. A council is required under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 59C. Together we support the school towards achieving it's goals for each school year! We meet once a month virtually and are currently in need of both a community representative and parent representatives.

Still interested? Email wallacem@grafton.k12.ma.us

This school year students across Grafton in grades K-8 will be introduced to a new program, Project Lead the Way, during their Technology/Innovation Zone classes. Project Lead the Way uses STEM based modules to develop critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. The PLTW team partners with universities across the country, including WPI locally here in central Massachusetts.

All North Street students will be introduced to PLTW for one four week module during the school year. During these four weeks students will attend PLTW daily, which means they will not have library, music, PE, or art during this cycle. However, classes will have two PE, music, art, or library classes during other weeks throughout the year. In the end all students will have the same amount of related arts classes.

To learn more about PLTW and its curriculum, please see the guides and short video below.

Curriculum Guides

Project Lead the Way Overview Video

Wednesday, October 9 - Progress Reports Released

The information below has been developed to ensure parents/guardians know when and how to access both mid-term progress reports and end-of-term report cards for all students in the Grafton Public Schools. All progress reports and report cards will be available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Printed copies will not be sent home with students or mailed. To view documents, parents/guardians must log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal on a web browser, not all documents/information will be visible in the mobile app.

For more information on accessing the PowerSchool Parent Portal, click here.

STUDENTS IN GRADES K-5

To access progress reports and reports cards:

1. Go to www.graftonps.org and select PowerSchool Parent Portal from the Parent Links menu.

2. Sign in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

3. Select/click the first name of the student you wish to view in the blue bar.

4. Click the BrightArrow link on the left navigation menu.

5. In the main window, click on the appropriate/current report card or progress report.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRESS REPORTS

To access progress relative to IEP goals:

1. Go to www.graftonps.org and select PowerSchool Parent Portal from the Parent Links menu.

2. Sign in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

3. Select/click the first name of the student you wish to view in the blue bar.

4. Select the applications icon from the top right of the screen (box with arrow coming out of it), then select Special Education Home.

5. Select/click the Individualized Education Program for the most recent school year.

6. Select/click Progress Report in the Section dropdown list.

7. Change goals by clicking the dropdown arrow next to Progress Report.

BookFlix by Scholastic:An online literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks with related nonfiction eBooks. Geared for grades PreK-3.

ComicsPLUS: Enjoy unlimited, simultaneous access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from a variety of publishers. Every title is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on your computer, tablet or phone—no holds or wait lists required.

PebbleGo: Packed with informational articles, ready-made activities, and literacy supports for students of all abilities, PebbleGo fosters independent learning for children K-2.

Teachables by Scholastic: Build your own lessons or stay sharp through the summer with printable worksheets, lesson plans, learning games, and more. PreK-8th grade.

TrueFlix by Scholastic: Build knowledge and improve literacy skills with captivating videos, age-appropriate non-fiction books, games, lesson plans, and more! Ideal for ages 8-12

Watch and Learn Library by Scholastic: An exciting video library, just for kids! Hundreds of curriculum-aligned videos build learning excitement and launch new lessons of discovery. PreK-3

Hoopla: Enjoy online and mobile access to thousands of movies, TV shows, music, and audiobooks, many available for instant streaming.

Libby, by Overdrive: Search thousands of popular eBooks and eAudiobooks available from CW MARS. Place a hold or download directly to your Kindle or other device. Includes Children’s Materials Catalog.

Kristin Pliakas

Grafton Public Library School Liaison

The countdown to Octoberfest is on! This event is powered by volunteers and is a 40+ year tradition in South Grafton - so we need YOUR help to keep it alive and make sure the day of the event is an incredible experience for the South Grafton community. Please click on the below link to volunteer. All volunteers will receive a free Fun Pass.

SIGN UP TODAY: South Grafton & Millbury Street Elementary Schools: Octoberfest 2024 (signupgenius.com)

Thank you so much for your help in making a truly memorable experience for our school communities.

Just a reminder that Sunnyside Street has a speed limit of 20 miles per hour. There have been reports of vehicles exceeding this limit. For the safety of everyone, please be mindful and adhere to the speed limit.

Thank you for your cooperation!

This year the district has adopted a new primary ELA curriculum titled EL Education. The EL Education curriculum, "is built on the science of reading and the science of learning and development. It is validated by rigorous third party research showing excellent equitable outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds."

Each grade level consists of four modules, each which is centered on an over-arching theme. The links below provide an overview of each grade level's modules for the year and the books students will read. I encourage families to review the information below to learn more about the topics students will engage in throughout the year.

Kindergarten

Grade One

Please visit the Massachusetts Department of Education's useful parent curriculum guides below. These guides provide a wonderful overview of the learning expectations for each grade level across subjects. As all schools in Massachusetts are required to target these standards, they are a helpful resource to gain a glimpse into the year ahead for your child/ren.

Department of Education Parent Guides

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness is a 2024 book by Jonathan Haidt which argues that the spread of smartphones, social media and overprotective parenting have led to a "rewiring" of childhood and a rise in mental illness.

Sign Up Link - We have 11 families signed up!!! Yay

When: 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23

Time: 7:30- 8:30 via Virtual Google Link (I will send the link out on 10/1 to all participants)

Facilitator: Mrs. Wallace

You must purchase the book or go to the local library to check out.

Every time you pair a book with an experience, you are giving children an opportunity to learn more about their world. Here are some suggestions for books and activities to extend a child's reading experiences.

Art

• Fiction: Scribble, by Deborah Freedman, or The Art Lesson, by Tomie de Paola
• Nonfiction: Frida, by Jonah Winter, or Henri Matisse: Drawing with Scissors, by Jane O'Connor
• Activities: Have your child draw a self-portrait, and then have him or her tell you about it. Visit an art museum or a public art show, or find examples of art in your community (such as murals or sculptures) and talk about which pieces you like and find interesting.

Food

• Fiction: Salsa Stories, by Lulu Delacre, or Bunny Cakes, by Rosemary Wells
• Nonfiction: Emeril's There's a Chef in My Soup!, by Emeril Lagasse, or Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschoolers & Up, by Molly Katzen and Ann Henderson
• Activities: Go to a make-it-yourself pottery studio and decorate a special serving dish, or create your own with a pottery kit. Make a family recipe with your child and talk about where it came from.

Storms

• Fiction: Rainstorm, by Barbara Lehman, or The Buffalo Storm, by Katherine Applegate
• Nonfiction: The Magic School Bus Inside a Hurricane, by Joanna Cole, or Twisters and Other Terrible Storms, by Will and Mary Pope Osborne
• Activities: Put together a storm kit with items like a flashlight, extra batteries, and bottled water. Brainstorm some things you could do at home if the electricity went out. Put the list in the storm kit!

Record read-alouds

It's fun for a child to see and hear himself reading a favorite story. Have him read into a cassette recorder or take a video movie of the activity.

Grabe las lecturas en voz alta

A un niño le resulta divertido verse y escucharse a sí mismo leer una historia favorita. Haga que lea frente una grabadora de casetes o filme una película de video de la actividad.

Throughout the year, you might visit your child's classroom as a Mystery Reader, as a room parent or maybe to support our Book Fair. Please note that when visiting the building, you will need to provide your license as part of our signing in system. When you enter the office, please give your id to Mrs. Tauras and she will help you to scan it, and retrieve your personalized sticker!

Our health team has provided a few informational website on EEE. You are encouraged to review these information. If you should have any questions, please contact the Grafton Public School head nurse, Jackie Davis, at davisj@grafton.k12.ma.us.

• https://www.mass.gov/info-details/eee-eastern-equine-encephalitis
• https://www.mass.gov/doc/eee-factsheet-english-0/download

Please call (508) 839-5484 before 8:30am if your child will be absent from school. Press 1 to leave a message on the absence line. You must press # at the end of your message to save it to the voicemail box. You can also email Michelle Henault directly to report your child’s absence at henaultm@grafton.k12.ma.us.

Please understand that an automated email from PowerSchool is triggered at 10:00 am for any student whose absence has not been reported by the parent whether via phone or written note to the classroom teacher. On occasion, written notes are accidentally left in backpacks or desks and do not get relayed to the office before the emails are sent out.

The school office is open from 7:45 am - 4:15pm. You can reach us by phone at (508) 839 - 5484.

Grafton Public Schools has a highly informative Transportation Webpage. Here you will find the bus routes for the 2024 - 2025 school year. Routes are published closer to the start of the school year.

The bus routes and stops are established each year, taking into consideration variables such as safety, efficiency, and reasonable walking times and distances for students. Moreover, site visits are completed and traffic flow, patterns, and volume are reviewed.

If you believe there is an issue with a bus stop, prior to making a request for a change, we ask that caregivers please read carefully through the FAQ section. Any possible changes cannot be made until after the first few weeks of school have passed. All requests will be carefully evaluated and subject to feasibility.

Please direct all questions and requests to: businfo@grafton.k12.ma.us

The SGES Office does not have the authority make changes to bus routes or create bus stops.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We're delighted to extend our warm invitation to Know Your School Night on Thursday, September 19th! This year, we're excited to involve Kindergarten and Grade One students in the evening's activities.

SGES families are invited to the cafeteria at 5:30 p.m. for a brief welcome from Mrs. Wallace and the PTO. Families are then welcome to "pop in" to classrooms until 6:30 p.m. If you have children in multiple grades, please customize your visit to suit your needs.

Preschool: After the welcome in the cafeteria, parents will meet Mrs. Mahoney, Mrs. Jenny Leach, and Mrs. Michelle Williams to learn more about our Preschool Program!

This event is for Parents Only.

Kindergarten: Parents and students can visit the classroom to see all the exciting things the children have been doing over the past few weeks.

Grade 1: Parents and students can visit the classroom to see all the exciting things the children have been doing over the past few weeks.

Kindergarten and Grade 1 Parents: We've made an exciting change to our Know Your School Night (KYSN) this year by including our students. However, we request that only the child currently enrolled at SGES join you for this event. This adjustment is intended to allow your child to take you on a tour of their classroom, explain expectations and routines, and provide an overview of what to expect in the upcoming school year.

While we appreciate the presence of siblings, please understand that this event is specifically designed for our students. We kindly ask that only the student(s) attending Kindy/1st at SGES accompany you.

This evening is not a parent-teacher conference, so please refrain from inquiring about your child's progress during the event. If you have any concerns or want to discuss your child's performance, please email your child's teacher to schedule a separate meeting.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am thrilled to share with you what a wonderful first week of school we've had! From the very first day, our classrooms have been buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm. It's been truly heartwarming to see your children settle in so quickly and embrace their new learning environments.

Our Open Door Day was a great success, thanks to your participation and support. It was a joy to see so many smiling faces, and we hope you enjoyed the opportunity to see where your children will be spending their days this year. The children especially seemed to love getting their picture taken in the front lobby with Ollie! Those snapshots captured some very special moments, and we're sure they'll be cherished memories for years to come.

Our Kindergarten and Grade One students have been doing an amazing job adjusting to their new routines. Lunchtime has been smooth and organized, with the children showing great independence and responsibility. Dismissal has also gone exceptionally well, with everyone safely and happily heading home each day. I couldn’t be prouder of how well they’ve adapted!

Thank you for helping make this first week such a success. I look forward to many more weeks of learning, growth, and fun ahead. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We’re here to support you and your child throughout the year.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Wallace

Free Breakfast and Lunch: We are pleased to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students this year. This initiative ensures that every child has access to nutritious meals during the school day, supporting their learning and overall well-being.

Link - Breakfast Sign Up

Snack Times: In addition to the free breakfast and lunch, we have designated snack times for our younger students to ensure they stay energized throughout the day.

• Grade 1: Snack time is scheduled for 9:30 AM.
• Kindergarten: Snack time is scheduled for 10:10 AM.

Lunch and Recess Time:

• Kindergarten Recess - 11:45 to12:15
• Kindergarten Lunch - 12:15-12:40

• Grade One Recess - 12:15-12:45
• Grade One Lunch - 12:45 -1:10

We kindly ask that you send a healthy snack with your child to enjoy during their designated snack time. Please be mindful of any classroom allergy restrictions when choosing snacks.

If you have any questions or concerns about the meal program , please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to supporting your child's nutritional needs and ensuring they have a successful and enjoyable school experience.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Welcome back to school! I wanted to send a note regarding medication policies in

the Grafton Public School.

According to the Grafton Public School Policy, medications dispensed at school

must be accompanied by a Medication Administration form which has been

signed by the prescribing doctor and parent/guardian. Additionally, medications

for students in Grade K-8 must be brought to school by a parent/guardian and

secured in the health unit. All medications need to be in their labeled containers

as well.

Cough drops of any kind, hydrocortisone cream, sunscreen, and any other over

the counter items intended for medical purposes are considered medication and

are subject to the above protocol.

As we start off the New Year, please send in any updated physical forms and lists

of updated immunizations to the health office. You may send the forms via my

email if that is more convenient.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Jeanine DeMelo, BSN, RN, NCSN

School Nurse

demeloj@grafton.k12.ma.us

508-839-5484

What is Kindergarten Bus Practice Day?

Kindergarten Bus Practice Day allows kindergarteners to take the bus and meet their teachers and classmates. We want students excited to start school on August 27, 2024!

How will students be transported?

• The buses will travel their routes on this practice day to help students meet their new bus driver and “practice” the routine of the bus ride. The bus routes for this day/event should start to pick up kindergarten children at approximately 8:15 a.m. Please plan accordingly, depending on the route sequence. This route will be published on the Grafton Public Schools webpage!

• Students will ride the bus to school only on this day. Due to Open Door Day, no buses will be running for the return trip home.

• If your child is not taking the bus, you will be doing drop-off beginning at 8:50 am. Please enter through Sunnyside Terrace and proceed to the drop-off location on the cafeteria's side. We will have teachers present to receive your child. Parents will remain in their cars during drop-off, similar to how drop-off happens during the school year. After you drop off your child, you can park and enter the building.

• Please have your child wear the color-coded tag we will give out at the Popsicle Social on August 14, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Your child’s teacher will wear the same color tag on this day!

Arrival Procedures/Schedule

• Children will get off the bus at the main entrance.

• Children should be wearing their colored name tags. These are printed with their name and teacher’s name.

• Children will be met by school personnel and proceed to the classroom to meet their teacher.

• Parents of students who “practiced” riding the bus will drive to school and meet them at school to visit their classroom and meet their teacher.

Grade 1 Open Door Day!

Meet your child's teacher, explore the classroom, and connect with new friends! We invite all Grade 1 students and a parent to join us for Open Door Day on August 26th from 9:45 AM to 10:15 AM.

Please note that while we can't wait to welcome our Kindergarteners, their teachers will be busy preparing for the first day of school. We kindly ask that Kindergarten families refrain from visiting during this time. Rest assured, teachers are excited to greet their students with hugs and hellos on the first day!

Email: wallacem@grafton.k12.ma.us
Website: https://sges.graftonps.org/
Location: 90 Main Street, Grafton, South Grafton, MA, USA
Phone: 508.839.5484
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouthGraftonElementary
Twitter: @SGESPrincipal