LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS

UPDATE: 11/16/20

We will host a Virtual Family Data Night on Thursday, 11/19 at 5:30PM. We will discuss student assessments, data reports, student progress, tips for home & more. In addition, since we know that many of you still have questions about school re-entry, we will also take time to address any questions you have about our proposed return to the building.

Topic: Family Data Night and Town Hall
Time: Nov 19, 2020 05:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88684824216?pwd=VVM2U2JDK3hvQTk1NDRiUWtDM0pHUT09

Meeting ID: 886 8482 4216
Passcode: Dragons

We hope to see you then and remain incredibly grateful for the opportunity to educate your children and be a part of your family.

The Grahamwood Administration

UPDATE 10/28/20.

Hello families!

Wow! There is certainly a lot going on this week! Thank you to everyone who has participated in Spirit Week so far. Don't foget that Friday is our Drive Thru Trick or Treating. We cannot wait to see you!

Also, on Saturday, the district is hosting a "Boo for Books" event. Drive through the BOE between 11AM and 2PM to grab a swag bag, which will include books!

Finally, we know that there are lots of questions about the Superintendent's Plan for a January reentry. See details below!

If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.

UPDATE 10/22/20: Spirit Week!

We are thrilled to announce that next week will be SPIRIT WEEK. Show your Grahamwood spirit each day and then join us between 2 and 4 PM on Friday, 10/30, for Drive Thru Trick or Treating (we will provide individual bags of candy, and masks and gloves will be worn!).

We cannot wait to see you!

UPDATE 9/28/20:

Grahamwood Families,

It has been a busy few weeks and now we are officially half way through the first quarter! Here are some important reminders:

Parent Sessions

We know that it is not easy balancing virtual school with everything else. So, our amazing counselors have put together a series of Parent Sessions aimed at providing parents with the tools and strategies needed to assist with online behavior, and balance school, work, and home.
If you missed our first September session, you can catch it again tonight at 5PM via Zoom. See below for details.

Parent Conferences and Progress Reports

Teachers will be reaching out to schedule conferences to discuss your child's academic progress. These will take place between October 1 and October 7. All progress report grades will be finalized by October 7 and will be available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. We recommend downloading the APP to make viewing these easier. Paper progress reports will not be issued this year so be sure to contact us if you need help accessing the portal.

Book Pick-Up

We are now ready to issue our next set of books (ELA and Math). Pick up for grades 3, 4 and 5 will be this Thursday/Friday (October 1 and 2) from 9-2.

K-2 pick-up dates will be forthcoming.

Library

Beginning this week, 9/28, rather than engaging in a virtual lesson with our library staff students will engage in independent reading during their assigned library time. Students will be expected to keep a reading log (provided) and take an Accelerated Reader (AR) test after each book. "Prizes" will be awarded for students who complete these assignments. Teachers will provide students access to a virtual library via MYON but students are also welcome to check books out of the local library provided that the book is on their level and is part of the AR library (you can check this by looking inside the cover for an AR Level sticker or asking the librarian).

Mastery Connect

All students will be taking a diagnostic test through Mastery Connect this week. We ask again that parents and caregivers not assist students with this test in any way (other than for technical issues). Accurate data is essential for helping teachers adjust instruction to meet the needs of their students, and students will not receive a grade for this assignment.

Remember that parents will not be able to assist students with any state testing in the Spring (which will occur in person in small groups). As such, it is critical that students receive the instruction that they need. We need to know what students know - not what their parents/caregivers know!

Online Etiquette

We know that it can be difficult to keep students focused on school work when it is online, but it is critically important that students:

"Come" to school every day, ready to learn (with supplies nearby etc.)

Stay logged in for the duration of their class, with their camera on.

Refrain from engaging in other activities (playing, watching TV, doing chores, etc.) during class time

Wear appropriate clothing and sit at a desk or table (not on their beds, the couch, etc.)

Complete assignments independently to the best of their ability

Remain muted unless asked to unmute

Participate actively

As always, we appreciate your partnership, and we miss seeing you! Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns

The Grahamwood Administration

UPDATE 9/22/20:

We know that virtual learning is not without its challenges. As such, our amazing counselors have put together a series of Parent Help Sessions aimed at providing support to parents and families as they navigate a "new normal." Topics include TEAMS success, how to handle student emotions (stress, anxiety, crying), and Self Care for parents and students!

Option 1: Friday Morning

Topic: Grahamwood School Counselors Present: Parenting and Virtual Learning Success

Time: Sep 25, 2020 08:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86578819979?pwd=TnNFc2dpcGJUemhxMnRyYzQxZFZpZz09

Meeting ID: 865 7881 9979
Passcode: ui1U3F

Option 2: Monday Evening

Topic: Grahamwood School Counselors Present: Parenting and Virtual Learning Success

Time: Sep 28, 2020 05:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89329094967?pwd=YlFyTjI4cEVsSkVvZXp2QjQxOWxuQT09

Meeting ID: 893 2909 4967
Passcode: Kf5sug

Update: 9/13/20: Parent Trainings Next Week!

You asked, we delivered! Grahamwood will be hosting a series of parent trainings beginning next week. These trainings will provide an overview of iReady, offer some TEAMS tips and tricks, and present some virtual learning dos and don'ts.

Trainings will be via Zoom and are for parents and caregivers not students. You can click the link to join below:

Grades K-2

Tuesday, September 15 @ 5PM:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83386992023?pwd=NXJLVS9kSU43OEhIdzJtUzBwdlhvZz09

Meeting ID: 833 8699 2023
Passcode: Dragon

OR

Thursday, September 17 @ 9AM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87402138990?pwd=QnBDSnowSXJYem9lUHp3UENLNjNQUT09

Meeting ID: 874 0213 8990
Passcode: Dragon

Grades 3-5

Tuesday, September 15 @ 6PM:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82350707618?pwd=WEZ2bGdpZWFUSE1wS3pzWHk5UzNrdz09

Meeting ID: 823 5070 7618

Passcode: Dragon

OR

Thursday, September 17 @ 10AM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88147202047?pwd=elM4SWlmQlNTUURlYmtXR2dONENFZz09

Meeting ID: 881 4720 2047
Passcode: Dragon

Parents with students in multiple grade bands can just choose one session to attend, and a session from each grade band will be recorded and posted for those unable to attend.

We hope to see you then!

Grahamwood Administration

Update 7/29/20: School Supply Lists are posted!

We know that this weekend is Tax Free in Tennessee so we posted these lists a little earlier than planned! Since all students will be starting the year virtually this year, supply lists will be very simple. There is one list for K-1 students and one list for students in grades 2-5. They can be found here: Grahamwood @ Home Supply Lists.

If additional supplies are needed when students return to school, parents will be informed once a decision about a return date has been made. However, for parents who wish to plan ahead, in addition to the posted @home supplies, students who plan to attend school in person will need:

Face masks - a clean one for each day of the week (cloth or disposable).

A ziplock bag or pouch to store the face mask during lunch/breakfast (there are also lanyards you can purchase)

A 6 quart plastic tub (available from Target or Walmart for a few dollars)

A chair bag (cheaper on Amazon)

We know there are also questions about school uniforms:

The school uniforms have not changed from last year. These guidelines can be found here: https://schools.scsk12.org/Page/11838. Students returning to the building (whenever that may be!) will be allowed to wear regular uniforms (purchased from Target, Old Navy, Walmart, etc.) as well as GPTO/Grahamwood Club gear, and Grahamwood Spirit Wear purchased from Summer Kids.

There has been lots of discussion regarding whether virtual students (which includes all students for right now) have to wear uniforms. While Dr. Ray's original plan indicates that they do, we realize that this might pose a hardship for some families. As a result, the Grahamwood Administration, in partnership with district staff, is currently working on an "online student dress-code." Please stay tuned for more details.

UPDATE: 7/23/20:Hello Grahamwood Families,

We are excited to announce that we've partnered with Summer Kids Memphis to offer some great embroidered uniform options.

You can order ruffle shirts, dresses, polos, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. as well as some exclusive Grahamwood accessories (hair bows, face masks) in a variety of color and styles. You can shop in store at: 2831 BARTLETT BLVD. BARTLETT, TN 38134, or order online (pictures available- see below for a sneak peek) here: Grahamwood Gear @ Summer Kids Memphis

Remember that this is just an option, Students can still wear traditional uniforms (from walmart, target, Old Navy, etc.) and Grahamwood shirts.

Stay safe and Be Well,

UPDATE 7/20/20: Thank you to everyone who attended our Town Hall meeting last week. F.A.Q documents are now available at the links below:

Grahamwood @ Home F.A.Q.s

Grahamwood @ School F.A.Q.s

Answers may be updated as district policies change or more information becomes available. Stay tuned for details regarding our next meeting!