News

Tiger Talk Update 10.23.19

Thank you to all the families that participated in the Grain and Berry Family Night on Monday and visited our Book Fair!

We also greatly appreciate all of the students and families that participated in Walk to School Wednesday today! We had 188 participants, which is about a third of our students! Mrs. Trupp's class is the winner of our recess goodies with 13 walkers this morning!

Congratulations to Chris Lanier, Debonique Grigsby and Heather Tanski, who are being awarded for their commitment to excellence in education! Chris Lanier, fourth grade teacher, has been named Grady's Teacher of the Year. Debonique Grigsby, Art Specialist, has been named Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year. Heather Tanski has been named Instructional Support Person of the Year. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to our students!

Grady Elementary School PTA's Fall Festival FUNdraiser is only 2 days away! Fall Festival takes place this Friday, October 25th, from 5:00 - 7:30 pm! There will be a Maze, Bounce Houses, Games, Balloon Artists, 5th Grade Bake Sale, Slime, Sponsors, Magic Show (5:30 & 6:30 pm) and more Fall Fun!! For full event details, click on Read More.

Tonight is the deadline for purchasing wristbands, tickets and full pizzas online. After tonight's deadline, wristbands and tickets will only be available for purchase at the Fall Festival and pizza will only be sold by the slice. Regular priced wristbands are $20/wristbands and tickets are still $1/ticket. Please note that adults do not need to purchase Wristbands unless they plan on participating in the Games, Booths, etc...

**We need your help! Please consider volunteering for a 30 minute shift during the Fall Festival. We know many of you have volunteered at the class level, but we need more volunteers to help the event run smoothly!

Below are some upcoming important dates:
10/24 - Red Ribbon Week - Students should wear crazy socks
10/25 - Red Ribbon Week - Students should wear sunglasses
10/25 - Deadline to submit Box Tops for October drawing & contest
10/25 - Book Fair is open from 4:00 - 7:30 pm
10/25 - Fall Festival from 5:00 - 7:30 pm
10/31 - Storybook Parade at 8:15 am (Parents are invited to watch the parade)
04/18/20 - Grady's Auction Night

Book Fair 10/21-25

Grady Elementary School's Book Fair is open this week! Book Fair is located at the Kathryn Hance Media Center and is open from Monday - Friday, 7:10 - 2:30 (open 4:00 - 7:30 during the Fall Festival on 10/25). Parents must bring ID and sign in at the office if they would like to accompany their students to the Book Fair. Please note that no children are allowed without parents until after the morning show. For full details about the Book Fair, including the link to shop online, please click on Grady's Fall Book Fair.

Consider using the new eWallet feature in lieu of sending kids with cash. For more information, please click on eWallet. If you plan on sending cash, it is recommended to place it in an envelope with students names for younger children. Keep in mind that there is an 8.5% sales tax added to all items.

We still need $6,100 to reach our goal of $13,000 and slime Mr. Tsourakis at the Fall Festival!

If you have any questions or special instructions, call Mr. Tsourakis at 813-872-5325.


Storybook Parade 10/31

Teachers, staff and students are invited to dress in a costume depicting a favorite storybook character and are encouraged to carry the book that depicts their costume on October 31st. Students may change into their uniform after the parade if they’d like to! *Please note that according to school board policy, toy guns, toy swords or weapons of any kind cannot be brought to school. Also, please be aware that very scary costumes are not permitted. For more details, please click on Storybook Parade.

The parade will begin at 8:15 a.m. The spectator viewing area is standing room only outside the school’s front office, along the car line area. Students will parade out the front office gate and walk along the sidewalk traveling East towards the Media Center.

Starbucks has generously donated coffee for the storybook parade spectators and the 5th grade will have a donation-based bake sale, so bring a little cash if you would like a little morning treat for yourself!

The Tiger Trek Ice Cream, Kona Ice, and Video Game parties will also occur on this day for students who earned them through the fundraising! Please note that class parties will be held on November 22nd.

Grady's Storybook Parade 10/31

Grady's Annual Storybook Parade will be on Thursday, October 31st. Teachers, staff and students are invited to dress in a costume depicting a favorite storybook character. Students are encouraged to carry the book that depicts the character they are wearing. 

The parade will begin at 8:15 a.m. The spectator viewing area is standing room only outside the school’s front office, along the car line area. Students will parade out the front office gate and walk along the sidewalk traveling East towards the Media Center. Starbucks has generously donated coffee for the Storybook Parade for spectators and 5th grade will have a donation based bake sale.  Make sure to bring cash if you would like a little morning treat for yourself! 

After the parade, school work will resume with planned literature based activities related to the storybook characters. If your child's costume would be uncomfortable to wear all day, he or she may change back into their school uniform. 

If your child needs help planning something to wear, just send a note to his/her homeroom teacher and assistance will be given. In planning your child's outfit, remember that according to school board policy, toy guns, toy swords or weapons of any kind cannot be brought to school. Also, please be aware that very scary costumes are not permitted. 

 

Tiger Talk Update 10.14.19

We have some very fun events coming up the next few weeks at Grady Elementary! 
 
Grady Elementary School PTA's Fall Festival FUNdraiser is coming up on October 25, 2019 from 5:00 - 7:30 pm! There will be a Maze, Bounce Houses, Games, Balloon Artists, 5th Grade Bake Sale, Slime, Sponsors, Magic Show (5:30 & 6:30 pm) and more Fall Fun!! For full event details, please click on Fall Festival FUNdraiser. 
 
Buy Wristbands in advance for $10 each by Monday, October 21st. Wristbands purchased the night of the event will cost $20 per wristband. All Wristbands include the Bounce Houses, Booths, Maze, Games and Magic Show. Please note that adults do not need to purchase Wristbands unless they plan on participating in the Games, Booths, etc...

Advanced purchased wristbands & tickets will be available for PICKUP by an adult at the following dates/times: 

    • 10/23: Before school on Walk-to-School Wednesday (at the Side Walk Stomper Hub on the corner of Grady/Morrison) 
    • 10/25: Morning drop-off in front of school 
    • 10/25: After School at Park-and-Walk 
    • Pickup at the PTA table at the Fall Festival 
To purchase Advanced Wristbands and Tickets for food/drinks, click here. Please use the name of your oldest child only. You will also be able to pre-order whole pizzas online. We will email a separate link when it is available.  
 

We need volunteers to make the event a success. If you would like to volunteer to help with this year’s Fall Festival please click here.

 
Below are some upcoming important dates:
  • 10/18 - PTA School of Excellence Survey due
  • 10/21 - 10/25 - Book Fair from 7:30 - 2:30 pm daily (open 4:00 - 7:30 on 10/21 & 10/25)  
  • 10/21 - Family Night at Grain and Berry from 2:00 - 7:00 pm
  • 10/23 - Walk to School Wednesday & pick up your Fall Festival Wristbands
  • 10/25 - Deadline to submit Box Tops for October drawing & contest
  • 10/25 - Fall Festival from 5:00 - 7:30 pm
  • 10/31 - Storybook Parade
  • 04/18/20 - Grady's Auction Night
School of Excellence Survey
 
All parents should have received a letter regarding the National PTA School of Excellence program with a 20 questions survey regarding the Grady PTA. Please fill it out the survey and return it to your student's homeroom teacher by Friday, October 18th. 
 
Book Fair 10/21-25
 
Grady Elementary School's Book Fair is coming up on October 21 - 25th at the Kathryn Hance Media Center. Book Fair is open from Monday - Friday, 7:10 - 2:30 (open 4:00 - 7:30 during Grain & Berry Family Night on 10/21 & Fall Festival on 10/25). Parents must bring ID and sign in at the office if they would like to accompany their students to the Book Fair. Please note that no children are allowed without parents until after the morning show. For full details about the Book Fair, including the link to shop online, please click on Grady's Fall Book Fair. 
 

Consider using the new eWallet feature in lieu of sending kids with cash. For more information, please click on eWallet. If you plan on sending cash, it is recommended to place it in an envelope with students names for younger children. Keep in mind that there is an 8.5% sales tax added to all items. 

We need your help to make it an epic adventure! Please sign up to volunteer for the Book Fair: Click Here to Volunteer.

If you have any questions or special instructions, call Mr. Tsourakis at 813-872-5325.

 
Family Night at Grain & Berry 10/21

Monday, October 21st from 2:00 - 7:00 pm, bring your family out to Grain & Berry located at 1155 S Dale Mabry Hwy for Family Night. Join us right after pickup - it is walking distance from the school or you can drive over. 

Please mention that you are with Grady Elementary. To view their full menu, go to www.grainandberry.com.

 
Walk to School Wednesday 10/23

We have added a Walk to School Wednesday on October 23rd to allow parents to pick up advanced purchase Fall Festival Wristbands and Tickets! Walk to School Wednesday will continue to occur on a monthly basis, the first Wednesday of each month. 

Students can walk, bike or scooter to school and check in with volunteers on the corner of Grady and Morrison Ave (right by the crosswalk) from 7:05 - 7:35 am. Students will be able to pick up a sticker on their way to their classroom and parents will be able to pick up advanced purchase Fall Festival Wristbands and Tickets. The class with the most walkers will earn goodies for recess!

Volunteers are needed from 7:00 - 7:40 am to help check in our students and hand out the Advanced purchase Fall Festival Wristbands and Tickets. Please click on Walk to School Wednesday Volunteer to sign up. 

For more details about our Walk to School Wednesday program, please click on Walk to School Wednesdays. 
 
Box Tops
 
Keep collecting Box Tops! For every 5 Box Tops submitted, students will obtain 1 entry into the monthly drawing. In October, 3 students will win a pumpkin full of Halloween goodies and the class that turns in the most Box Tops in October will win an ice cream sundae party! Box Tops must be turned in by October 25th. For more information, please click Grady Box Tops. 
You can submit Box Tops 3 ways: 
  1. Through the Box Top$ for Education app. Send a screenshot of your current uploaded box top amounts in your app to [email protected] to be eligible for prizes. 
  2. Clip Box Tops and turn in on the form sent home or in a Ziploc Bag. Make sure to include your child's name and teacher on the form/ziploc bag. Please insure that you are sending unexpired Box Tops and not the "Skip the Clip" logos. Items with the "Skip the Clip" logo should be submitted through the Box Top$ for Education App. 
  3. Send unscanned receipts to your teacher with your child's name written on the back. 
PTA Membership
Thank you to all of the families that have already signed up to join the Grady PTA. We have 360 members signed up, but still need 90 more to reach our goal of 450 members. You can still sign up/renew your PTA membership online by clicking PTA Membership.  Membership must be renewed annually. Membership is only $6 for 1 person or $10 for 2 people. Anyone can join the PTA: Parents, Grandparents, Children (6th - 12th grade), Teachers, Faculty, Staff and Community Members. High membership participation provides PTA with strength in numbers when advocating for our students and also allows us to participate in PTA programs such as Reflections Art.   
 
PTA Meetings
The next PTA meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 12th from 8:00 - 9:00 am in the Teachers' Lounge. The meeting is open to anyone interested in learning more about the PTA and upcoming events. If you cannot attend and would like to review the prior meeting minutes, please visit PTA Board Meetings. We have also listed some of the programs that 2019-2020 PTA Fundraisers will help fund. 
 
Tiger Business and Family Partners
Thank you to all of our Tiger partners! Our Tiger partners greatly assist us in enhancing educational opportunities and experiences for Grady students in four main areas: make a difference in our classrooms by funding programs; deliver PTA events to our students, teachers, and families; support Grady school events by providing volunteers and/or covering expenses; and enhance Grady Elementary through health and safety projects. To learn more about Tiger Family and Business Partnerships, please click here: Tiger Partnership Program. 
 
Welcome to our newest Green (Cub) level Tiger Partner, The Knittle Family! 
 
Our 2019-20 Tiger Business Partners are: 

Our 2019-20 Family Sponsors are: 

  • Leader of the Pack level partner: Drs. Siviero & Heather Agazzi
  • Tiger Bronze partners: Melanie Edwards Fowler; The Gibbs Family; The House Family; and The Zysk Family
  • Red (Bengal) level partners: Angi Comas; The Christopher Family; The Du Family; The Fitzgerald Family; The Gomez Family; The Jacobs Family - Jennifer, Jeremy, Welles & Briggs; The Ledford Family; The Lueckeman Family; The Roush Family; and The Schentrup Family
  • Yellow (Cougar) level partners: John Paul and Rosemarie Getting; The Neward Family; Khue and NamSon Nguyen Family; and Ken Vu
  • Green (Cub) level partner: The Knittle Family

Got used markers? ColorCycle them at Grady

What is Crayola ColorCycle? Crayola’s latest sustainability initiative designed to repurpose markers, highlighters and dry erase markers. All marker brands are accepted. 

How do I help? Collect markers and drop them off in the front office or your student can give them to our art teacher, Debonique Grigsby. 

For more information, click on ColorCycle.

Grady Book Fair & Volunteer Sign-up 10/21-25

Grady Elementary School Book Fair

Oct. 21 - Oct. 25

Our Scholastic Book Fair is a great way to get kids excited about reading and to buy some great reads! 

The Book Fair takes place in the Media Center and is open from Monday - Friday, 7:30 - 2:30 (open 2:30 - 7:00 during Grain & Berry Family Night on 10/21 & 4:00 - 7:30 pm for Fall Festival on 10/25). No children are allowed without parents until after the morning show.

We need your help to make it an epic adventure! Please sign-up to volunteer for the Book Fair: Click Here to Volunteer

Interactive Book Fair Flyer: Click Here

Consider using the new eWallet feature in lieu of sending kids with cash. For more information, please click on eWallet. If you plan on sending cash, it is recommended to place cash in an envelope with students names for younger children. Keep in mind that there is an 8.5% sales tax added to all items. 

If you are unable to shop in person, click on Shop Online to access our online book fair. 

If you have any questions or special instructions, call Mr. Tsourakis at 813-872-5325.

Thank you for supporting our school Book Fair and developing a love of reading in your child!

Grady Health & Safety Update

We are very excited to share changes and new initiatives to keep our students safe and healthy at Grady Elementary this year. 
 
New Crossing Guard
 
Grady Elementary finally has a dedicated Crossing Guard! Janet is located at the crosswalk on Grady Ave and Morrison Ave and is present during both morning drop off and afternoon pickup.  
 
New Stop Signs on Morrison Ave
 
Over the weekend, 2 new stop signs were installed on Morrison Ave at the intersection with Grady Ave. That intersection is now a 3-way stop and all cars must come to a complete stop. 
 
 
 
Walk to School Wednesday
 
Grady Elementary's first Walk to School Wednesday will take place tomorrow, October 2nd from 7:00 am - 7:35 am. We will have one volunteer on site early to check in 5th grade Patrols who walk to school. Students participating in Walk to School Wednesday can wear their Tiger Trek spirit shirts tomorrow.
 
Walk to School Wednesday is a new PTA partnership with Sidewalk Stompers to improve pedestrian safety and increase the number of children walking to school. The first Wednesday of every month, students are encouraged to walk (or bike or scooter) to school. For more details, please click on Walk to School Wednesday Flyer. 
 
Walkers/bikers should check in with volunteers on the corner of Grady and Morrison Ave on their way into school. We are still looking for a couple more volunteers to check in our students. Please click on Walk To School Wednesday Volunteers to sign up. 
 
Pedestrian Safety Flags
 
We now have bright orange pedestrian safety flags by the Grady/Morrison Ave. crosswalks to provide visibility to pedestrians when there is no crossing guard in the intersection. In addition, having the bright colored flags at both ends of the crosswalk makes the crosswalk stand out more. 
Students should pick up an orange safety flag when they are ready to cross the road. They need to look both ways and insure that traffic has stopped. When it is safe to cross, they should hold the flag high, cross the street, and leave the flag in the bucket on the other side. 
 
New Tiger Crossing Signs
 
There are new Tiger Crossing yard signs in front of our school to remind drivers to slow down and watch out for children crossing. 
 
New Track on Campus 
 
PTA’s main fundraising goal is to build a track at Grady Elementary. The track is a 2 year project that will cost at least $70,000 as we will be purchasing a higher quality/safer track top. To view the 3D rendering, please click on Grady Track. 
 
If you have any questions about Walk to School Wednesday or any other health and safety initiatives, please email [email protected]. 

3D Track Rendering Of Grady's Proposed New Track!!!

3D rendering of our Proposed Grady Track!!

Here is a 3D renedering of our proposed new track at Grady Elementary. This is a 2 year fundraising project. Our 2 year goal is $70,000 for our new track. Tiger Track is our first fundraising event this year. 

For more information on Tiger Trek, please click here!

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