Monthly News
Griffith Elementary Pawprints
September 2024
Welcome back to the 2024-2025 school year! My name is Philip Ingram and I am excited to begin my seventh year as principal at Griffith. This year marks my eighteenth year in the district. Previously I have taught both fifth and third grades, worked in behavior interventions as well as been an assistant principal. Once again, I’m excited for the new school year as we get Every Student Future Ready!
Nurse News
Immunizations must be up-to-date for state requirements by no later than October 22nd. On the 23rd, your child will be excluded from school until completed. If you have questions, please contact the school nurse at 973-8904.
Hall Pass
This school year, all parents, caregivers, and visitors will be required to sign in with Hall Pass to obtain a badge when entering buildings. This includes the 10 minutes before school begins. You can make this easier by signing up for a key fob from the office. This fob will work at all district campuses. Stop by the new office for help with this!
New Construction Update
Construction is now complete on our new office! As most of you know, we began a project in February to move our offices and create a secure entry. That work is done and we have a shiny new office for you to visit when you come to Griffith.
This change allows us to:
- increase security for Griffith students;
- provides a secure entry into the building and;
- have dedicated visitor parking spaces.
Please note that we are now located on the SOUTH end of the building. Just ring the bell to enter!
Important: Bring your ID or key fob with you every time you come to visit or check out a student for the day. Please be sure you tell anyone that is coming for a student on your behalf (and that we have listed as able to pick up) to do the same or we will not release the student.
October 2024
Fall Conferences
Griffith‘s fall conferences will be October 15th-17th. This year, we will not dismiss early, but we will be out of school all day on Thursday, October 17 (followed by Friday, October 18th and again on Monday, October 21st) Please look for more information to come from your child’s teacher soon so that you can make an appointment. We look forward to the opportunity to meet with each family. This is an important time for school and home to communicate about student progress.
Tuesday, Oct. 15th 4:30-8:00
Wednesday, Oct. 16th 4:30-8:00
Thursday, Oct. 17th 9:00-4:00
Book Fair
When: October 14th -17th
Open during 2nd Recess & Parent/Teacher Conferences
Where: Located in the Library C1
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping: https://bit.ly/3TGAEJ7
Nurse News
Don’t forget to get your FLU vaccine this fall. Signs of FLU include fever, cough, muscle aches, and headache. Contact your physician, pharmacies, Sedgwick County Health Department or other clinics for hours and vaccine cost. Please keep your student(s) at home if they have vomited within the last 24 hours. When they come to school too early, they can spread illness or take longer to get well. Students should also be fever free, without medication, prior to returning to school.A fever is considered anything 100.4 and above. Your child should stay home if ill. Call school office to report absences.
November 2024
Thank You!
Happy November! Thank you for attending our fall Parent Teacher Conferences last month. We appreciate the time you took to meet with teachers. We hope that you gained some valuable insight into your child's progress and we look forward to a continued partnership throughout the year. You play a very important role in educating your child. If you have any questions or need reading or math resources to work with your child at home, please let your child's classroom teacher know or contact us at 873-8900.
Dismissal...it takes teamwork!
As we work to get students home safely each afternoon there are a few things that you can do to help us out.
-Parents should stay inside of vehicles while in line to pick up students. A staff member will assist if needed;
-Students must enter vehicles on the right side of the car closest to the curb. It is not safe for students to walk around and into the street;
-As space becomes available, please continue to move the line forward. Students will go to you instead of you waiting on them;
-Please use the crosswalks when crossing the streets!
Thank you for working with us to help keep kids a safe!
Cold Weather is (FINALLY) Arriving!
Cold weather is finally on the way! It is important to remember to send students to school dressed warmly. Students will be expected to go outside even with cold temperatures and even if they forget their jackets. Please have your child wear appropriate clothing/layers as temperatures sometimes fluctuate quite a bit even throughout the day. If you have questions or need assistance with clothing to prepare for the coming months, please contact our Social Worker, Mr. Hamilton, at 973-8900
December 2024 and January 2025
Happy December! As we head into the remainder of the first semester, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. There is a lot going on this time of the year and we want to remain committed to your child’s education and keep communication open. We still have a lot of work to do and want to continue to partner with YOU!
Griffith teachers and staff would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday! Students will be on Winter Vacation from December 20th through January 3rd. The first day back is Monday, January 6th. We look forward to seeing everyone ready to learn after the break!
Managing the Holidays
The holiday season can be a stressful time for many, especially children. You can help your child by trying to keep a consistent schedule and routine, getting them to bed early to maintain normal sleeping patterns, and setting limits for activities and eating beyond what is normal for them. These ideas can help bring their anxiety levels down and help everyone to enjoy the season.
February 2025
Conferences
Griffith‘s spring conferences will be February 11th-13th. Again this year, we will not dismiss early, but we will be out of school all day on Thursday, February 13th. Please look for more information to come from your child’s teacher soon so that you can make an appointment. We look forward to the opportunity to meet with each family. This is an important time for school and home to communicate about student progress. If you are unable to keep your scheduled conference time, please be sure to call 973-8900 and let our office staff help you to reschedule.
Tuesday, Feb.11th 4:30-8:00
Wednesday, Feb. 12th 4:30-8:00
Thursday, Feb. 13th 9:00-4:00
February
11th-12th Parent/Teacher Conferences
NO EARLY DISMISSAL
13th- Conferences all day- NO SCHOOL
14th- District Staff Inservice- NO SCHOOL
17th- President’s Day- NO SCHOOL
21st - 5th Graders to Mead Middle School
25th- WPS Zero-Rate-Change Bond Vote
28th- Spring Pictures
March
4th- 1st Graders to Exploration Place
14th- Nonteaching Duty Day for Teachers- NO SCHOOL
17th-21st- Spring Break- No School
Book Fair
When: February 10th – 13th
Open during 2nd Recess & Parent/Teacher Conferences
Where: Located in the Library C1
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping: