GRAHAMWOOD ELEMENTARY Parent-Teacher Organization News: Week of February 19th - 23rd

Note: School is In Session on Monday / Presidents Day.

Seeking Parents to Join ESL Reading Program

Hello Grahamwood Families:

Dr. Maxwell will once again be heading up a reading program for ESL students, and is seeking parents and community members who can commit to reading with our ESL students on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 2:30-3:00 PM, beginning Tuesday, February 20th and ending on Thursday, April 5th. One group of parents come each Tuesday and a second group on Thursdays--that would make a total of 6 visits for each group.

Please feel free to call Dr. Maxwell at the school if you have any questions or need more information. Thank you!

Jumping for Healthy Hearts at Grahamwood

Students at Grahamwood Elementary have given it all once again to the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Hearts program. Amazingly, under the guidance of P.E. Instructors Jo McCawley and Andrew Martin, Grahamwood Elementary students raised over $17,000 dollars!

In fact, in just the last 4 years our students have raised $50K for this worthy cause! Participating students spent part of their Valentine’s Day jumping rope to celebrate their accomplishment. Additionally, students were given tokens of appreciation and recognized for raising this unprecedented amount of money for those in need.

“We are thankful to all of our students, parents and stakeholders who always give so much back to our community,” said Principal Pete Johnson. “I am always impressed with the sense of generosity and civic duty our teachers and parents instill in our students.”

Grahamwood Elementary Students love Jumping for Healthy Hearts!

Shakespeare Visits Grahamwood Elementary!

The Tennessee Shakespeare Company returned to Grahamwood Elementary this week for their performance, “Shakes, Rattle, and Roll.” The actors mixed in themes of Shakespeare’s plays with classic Memphis songs by the likes of Elvis and Aretha Franklin. The event was organized by CLUE teacher Laura Wilons for 5th grade students. “The students were able to hear the beautiful words of the Bard and even got to see the actors use real swords in a fight on stage!,” noted Ms. Wilons.

The students were amazed at the enthusiasm of the actors and their knowledge of Shakespeare, and showed their appreciation by laughing, clapping, and cheering the performers along.

“Grahamwood prides itself in partnering with numerous organizations throughout the state and beyond to provide our students with unique learning experiences that you just can’t find at other schools,” stated Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell, Grahamwood Elementary’s Optional Coordinator. A grand time was had by all!

Keeping Grahamwood’s Students Active!

Grahamwood Elementary, like other SCS elementary schools, does not technically have sanctioned sports teams. However, beyond P.E. and recess, our school strives to keep our students active and competitive through offering a number of clubs and programs. Research has repeatedly shown the academic, social and health benefits of involving kids in physical and team-based activities. Encouraging active participation at an early age is a factor in developing healthy adult lifestyles.

To this end, Grahamwood offers both primary and competitive cheerleading squads. These teams are coached by Robbin Gunn and Kelly George, who both happen to be Grahamwood educators. Their students actively compete in competitions throughout the region and perform at school functions. Our track and running clubs are the brainchild of Coach Andrew Martin. Throughout the year, they can be found at CBU or Rhodes getting tips from college athletes and taking part in local 5K competitions.

Additional opportunities, including martial arts, ballet, tap, parkour, and gymnastics, cater to students’ interests while keeping them moving.

Principal Pete Johnson sums up Grahamwood’s commitment to promoting active students by saying, “While academics are key, it’s also important to teach children the value in leading active and engaged lives to prepare them to be healthy and happy adults.”

#DragonsPlay Campaign

The GPTO is raising funds to repair the school playground and track and add new playground equipment! Our first phase is estimated at $50,000. Our goal is ambitious and we would love your help!