Gravette Upper Elementary

🎗️ The Gravette Upper Elementary lion is participating in Red Ribbon Week. Our mascot is helping students celebrate this week's commitment to a healthy, drug-free life.

Today, Wednesday, our lion and students are wearing boots or Western-themed clothing to "Give drugs the boot." We are excited to see everyone participate in the themes for the rest of the week. Tomorrow, Thursday, is "Peace out to drugs" (Decades Day). The week will wrap up on Friday with "Lei off drugs" (Hawaiian Day).

We hope to see our entire school to show support for making positive choices! 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🎯 Gravette Upper Elementary students recently competed in a Lexia Challenge to see who could complete the most units in our literacy program. The top two classes from each grade earned a fun reward: getting to throw water balloons at Officer Josh and Officer Thomas! (And as for why you're seeing so many cowboy hats.. it was all part of Homecoming dress-up week!)

Congratulations to the winning classes:
🏆 3rd Grade: Mrs. Briggs & Mrs. Roach
🏆 4th Grade: Mrs. Hirsch & Mr. Moots
🏆 5th Grade: Mrs. Carreira & Mrs. Riggs

Lexia is a program our students use on their Chromebooks to build foundational reading skills, one small, focused "unit" at a time. This friendly competition was a great way to motivate our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to apply consistent effort to their daily literacy work.

This was an entertaining way to celebrate the hard work our students have been putting into their reading goals. We are grateful to our School Resource Officers for being such great sports and helping to encourage children to reach new heights in their education with fun activities like this. A special thank you to Mrs. Pitts for sharing this story and photos! 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🏀 The Boys & Girls Club of Western Benton County has opened registration for its youth basketball program. Registration is open from now until November 2nd. The cost is $75 per player. Late registrations will begin on November 3rd with a $20 late fee, provided spots are still available.

📝 Sign Up Here: https://www.visioncps.net/form/WRForm.asp?OrgUnit=1523/1

Follow the Boys & Girls Club of Western Benton County on Facebook for more opportunities in our area: https://www.facebook.com/bgcwbc 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🚌 During National School Bus Safety Week (Oct 20-24) the Gravette School District Transportation Department, challenged children to think about bus safety and show what they learned. Part of this exercised involved a School Bus Safety Coloring Contest for all K-5 students at Glenn A. Duffy Elementary and Gravette Upper Elementary. Our very own Gravette bus drivers even served as the judges!

Winners:
🚌 Bellamy (Kindergarten)
🚌 Gwen (1st Grade)
🚌 Lynnlee (2nd Grade)
🚌 Gavin (3rd Grade)
🚌 Noah (4th Grade)
🚌 Daisy (5th Grade)

Student safety is a shared responsibility. The Gravette School District is grateful for the ongoing partnership with our students, families, and community to reaffirm our shared commitment to the well being of our kids. We urge motorists to be alert, slow down near school zones, and watch for children at bus stops.

Our students should all be well aware that they are expected to wait off the roadway, stay out of the "danger zone" (10 feet around the bus), and always wait for the driver's signal before moving to board or cross the street.

Thank you to all community drivers for helping to keep our students safe. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🚌 This week, October 20-24, 2025, Gravette School District is observing National School Bus Safety Week. This time is set aside every year as a reminder that student safety is a shared responsibility between students, families, and all community motorists.

Keeping our students safe during their commute is a top priority. Share these tips with your children:
⌚ Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early.
🚏 Stand five giant steps away from the curb.
🚌 Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay before stepping onto the bus.
🔗 Read More: https://www.gravetteschools.net/article/2501604

We encourage all Gravette families to review these important tips with their students. We are grateful for our community drivers for their caution and for our transportation staff who work to get our students to and from school safely. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🚗 TRAFFIC ALERT: Gravette is hosting the 4A North Regional Volleyball Tournament this year! Traffic will increase near the volleyball gym during dismissal on Monday, October 20 through Wednesday, October 22. The games will bring extra vehicles into the main parking lot by the Volleyball Gym.

Please Be Aware:
⚠️ Avoid parking in the area around the Volleyball Gym to help ease traffic and save time.
⚠️ Walkers should be picked up in the car rider lines at Glenn Duffy Elementary, Gravette Upper Elementary, or Gravette Middle School during these three days.

Following these notices will help with a much smoother dismissal and keeps the area clear for buses, families, and tournament guests. Thank you for supporting a safe dismissal. Go Lions! 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🔎 It’s game day, Lions! Lucy wrapped up her week of adventure in the weight room at the back of the fieldhouse, getting in one last workout before kickoff. She’s ready, and so are we.

Congratulations to Devin Taylor for being the first to pinpoint the exact location. Winners from this week can pick up their drink vouchers at the concession stand tonight and put them to use right away. The staff will be ready for you.

Let’s fill the stands, cheer loud, and show that Lion Pride as the Lions take on the Berryville Bobcats for Homecoming. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🔭 October 16th is National Boss's Day, and Gravette School District recognizes the leaders who keep our schools running strong.

It is easy to overlook the steady work and personal sacrifices that leadership requires when we rely on these individuals every day. Today we're taking a moment to express our gratitude for their guidance, knowledge, and commitment. The district would not function without them.

The Administrative Assistant and Communications teams partnered to share a simple gesture of appreciation, a homemade cinnamon roll from Granny’s Simple Blessings bakery and a card for each leader. Their collaboration and understanding of our community make Gravette a stronger district. They are the glue that holds everything together.

Mr. Gravette, The Vision
Leadership with integrity.

Rebecca Andrews, The Team Builder
Fostering trust and ensuring success for both students and staff.

Richard Carver, The Foundation
Maintaining the systems that keep school operations moving every day. He wasn't around when we stopped by, likely working on something far more important.

Daniel Rice, The Connector
Nothing works without him.

Coach Andrew Vire, The Spirit
Guiding the team and creating opportunities for students.

Tyler Matlock, The Support
Ensuring no child is left behind through compassion and understanding.

Sheila Roughton, The Fuel
Encouraging healthy choices and empowering students through nutrition.

Dennis Kurczek, The Money
Building stability and growth through careful planning and stewardship.

Each leader represents a vital piece of the puzzle that makes up the whole picture of our district. We also extend our gratitude to the other leaders who serve our students every day, including Lisa Thrailkill, Director of ESOL and Migrant Services, Rachel Gibson, Director of GATE, and all of our building principals.

Thank you, district leadership, for everything that you do for our staff, students, and community. Happy Boss's Day! 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🔎 Lucy got a little too comfortable today. She was caught relaxing in the superintendent’s chair at the district office, feet up and all. Maybe she was brushing up on policy or planning her next big move.

Congratulations to Cindy Keigley for calling it right and recognizing Mr. Gravette's office.

Only one clue remains before Homecoming. Be ready for tomorrow’s final stop and your last chance to win. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

📚 Glenn Duffy Elementary and Gravette Upper Elementary invite families to a special Leader in Me Family Night. The event will showcase student-created work and celebrate how our students are growing as leaders in their classrooms and beyond.

Families can enjoy time together, connect with our school community, and enter for fun giveaways.

📅 Thursday, November 20, 2025
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 OCH Community Event Center

We look forward to celebrating student leadership and learning with our Lion families. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🔎 Lucy spent her day near the chicken coop at Gravette Upper Elementary, keeping watch on the feathered residents. She might have gone looking for a few eggs, but decided to wait and let them hatch.

Congratulations to Tina Harris for finding her first. It was her knowledge of our schools that led her to the answer, not just good cluck!

Lucy’s adventure continues tomorrow with a new clue and another chance to win before Homecoming. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🚧 Drivers heading through Gravette, please be aware of possible traffic delays in the afternoon on AR-72 on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

The Gravette Lion Invitational cross country meet will be held across from Country View Animal Care Center. Westbound traffic may experience bottlenecks turning onto Stage Coach Road from around 3:20 P.M. through the evening. Volunteers and law enforcement will be directing traffic, but extra travel time is recommended.

View the location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4wsjz4ogL1SrKadG9

We appreciate your patience as our community hosts this first-year event.

🔎 Lucy was caught in the front office at Glen Duffy Elementary, admiring the setup of our four-legged staff member’s station.

Congratulations to Chelsea Thomas for being the first to call it exactly: Duffy’s spot! Several others were close, but her answer nailed the detail.

Lucy’s adventure continues tomorrow with a new clue and another chance to win. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🔎 The curtain lifts on Lucy’s first stop. She spent the day on stage in the Old Gym at Gravette Middle School. Congratulations to Melanie Nichols for spotting her location first!

Lucy’s on the move again tomorrow morning, so rest up and be ready for the next clue. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🎀 Red Ribbon Week is coming to Gravette Upper Elementary, October 23–31! Students will celebrate a drug-free lifestyle with themed dress-up days and school spirit.

👕 Monday, October 27 – Team up against drugs: wear spirit wear
🟥 Tuesday, October 28 – Rally in red: wear red
🥾 Wednesday, October 29 – Give drugs the boot: wear boots or Western-themed clothing
🕺 Thursday, October 30 – Peace out to drugs: Decades Day
🌺 Friday, October 31 – Lei off drugs: wear a lei or Hawaiian-themed clothing

No school will be held on Friday, October 24. Let’s show our commitment to safety and making healthy choices. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🎁 Gravette Upper Elementary’s Courtesy Committee is collecting gift cards to celebrate and thank our teachers and staff this holiday season. Parents and local businesses are invited to donate cards valued between $5-$25.

Gift cards can be from anywhere (Sonic, Amazon, Walmart, Target, or your favorite local small businesses) to help support our community. Every donation helps show our staff how much they are appreciated.

Donations can be dropped off at the front office by Monday, November 17. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🏈 Homecoming 2025 is just around the corner, packed with events for students, families, and the community. Lion Stadium will be roaring as the Lions take on the Bobcats!

HOMECOMING SCHEDULE:
📅 Friday, October 17, 2025
– 10:00 AM: Parade
– 2:00 PM: Pep Rally
– 6:30 PM: Coronation
– 7:00 PM: Game Time

💃 The Homecoming Dance will be held Saturday, October 18 from 8:00–10:30 PM.

Leading up to the big game, the whole district will be celebrating with a week of spirited dress-up days and events that reflect the carnival-inspired theme "Lion County Fair." This year's fair-themed Homecoming is sure to be full of fun, spirit, and pride! The spotlight is on our Lions, and the whole district is invited to the show. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🍬 Today is National Custodian Appreciation Day! Custodians are on the front lines of keeping our schools clean and safe. Their work provides the foundation for healthy learning and helps us appreciate and care for our shared spaces.

Maintenance and Transportation Director Richard Carver and Administrative Assistant Melissa White visited each school during shift changes to present daytime and evening custodians with a special gift! A Gravette-themed bag of sweet treats! The note included in the bag read:
Custodians are Mounds of help.
You always go the Extra mile and become our Lifesavers when we're in a Crunch.
Custodians like you make a Whopper of a difference.
On Payday I’m going to ask Mr. Gravette to give you 100 Grand.
Your favorite Nerds.

Our custodians were recognized across every campus. Students thanked custodians throughout the day, and at the high school they received a round of applause for their work. We are grateful for all they do to support learning and keep our schools running smoothly. Thank you Gravette Custodial Staff! The time you give to our community and the work you do for our kids is highly valued and appreciated. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools