Gravette Upper Elementary

🚔 Gravette Upper Elementary students had a hands-on experience with agriculture, law enforcement, and emergency services this morning for Career Day! Students met prize-winning cattle, petted horses, and got a glimpse into farm life. Law enforcement agencies like the DEA, FBI, and SWAT brought high-tech gadgets, riot gear, and even an armored vehicle, giving students a closer look at the tools of the trade. The local police showcased drones, while the fire department let kids explore the fire truck and ambulance. Thank you to the community members who showed up and helped spark curiosity and excitement in our students! 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🎉 Gravette Upper Elementary students from the Lighthouse and Ambassador teams enjoyed a well-deserved day of fun and celebration! Their hard work throughout the school year earned them a trip to Sky Zone and Mt. Hebron Park. It’s great to see our young leaders rewarded for their dedication and teamwork! 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

TRAFFIC NOTICE: Highway 72 to the east of Gravette High School is currently blocked by an 18-wheeler accident. Afternoon bus routes and car traffic may experience delays.

🏛️ Gravette Upper Elementary fifth graders enjoyed a visit from Representative Hope Duke where she shared how a bill becomes a law! Students also showcased their own learning by discussing bills they created and debated during a mock committee session. Some bills made it through, while others didn’t, giving students a hands-on look at the legislative process. Thank you to Rep. Duke for bringing a real-world example of lawmaking to our schools! Some of the next generation of lawmakers could be in that room, dreaming of how they can shape their own future. Well, it's a long, long journey to the capital city. It's a long, long wait while sitting in committee. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🗣️ May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, where we recognize the essential role our Speech-Language Pathologists play in supporting student growth. Thank you to Ms. Julie Hooks, Mrs. Lisa McKee, Mrs. Jordan Bradford, and SLPA Mrs. Lauren Hawbaker for making sure every student is heard. SLPs help students strengthen communication skills by assessing needs, guiding progress, and addressing speech and language challenges that affect learning and relationships. SLPs play a vital role in helping students thrive by assessing, diagnosing, and supporting those with communication challenges. Their work is in the background but crucial, often shaping how students connect with the world around them. From speech sound disorders to language delays, they empower students to communicate confidently and succeed academically and socially. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools #BetterHearingAndSpeechMonth

WEATHER UPDATE: This morning we implemented our tornado safety protocol in each building. We sincerely appreciate all staff and students who made this go as smoothly as possible. Everyone was safe and our campus was unharmed. Unfortunately, like many in our area, Gravette High School is without electricity. We hope to have an update soon on restoration efforts. A big thanks to all of our utility workers and first responders as they work through the rain to resolve these issues. We plan to have regular pickup times and bus routes this afternoon. Please contact your child's school if you have to change transportation arrangements for today.

🏆 Nominations are open for Gravette's Classified Staff of the Year! Classified staff members include all staff who support students outside of certified teaching roles, from bus drivers to office staff, nurses, custodians, cafeteria teams, paraprofessionals, tech staff, and more. These vital team members keep the day-to-day operations of our schools running smoothly. We simply could not do school without them. Any student, parent, coworker, administrator, or community member may submit a nomination. 📝 Submit your nomination by Friday, May 9, 2024: https://www.gravetteschools.net/soty25 Recognition includes School Board acknowledgment, local newspaper coverage, and a feature on the district website. Help us celebrate those who make Gravette a great place for kids! 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

📚 Join us for a family night focused on how to beat the “Summer Slide” before it begins. Families are invited to learn practical ways to support reading and math at home this summer, with bonus tips woven into backyard-style games and a community kickball match! 📅 Tuesday, May 6, 2025 ⏰ 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM 📍 Gravette Upper Elementary Cafeteria and Playground The concept of the summer slide has been on researchers’ radar since at least 1996, when one of the first comprehensive studies on the phenomenon was published. The study showed that kids lose significant knowledge in reading and math over summer break, which tends to have a snowball effect as they experience subsequent skill loss each year. A more recent study of children in 3rd to 5th grades also showed that students lost, on average, about 20 percent of their school-year gains in reading and 27 percent of their school-year gains in math during summer break. This event makes learning feel like play while giving parents easy, everyday tools to help their children retain academic skills through the summer. Don’t slide back, step up! 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

Yesterday, on National Administrative Professionals Day, Michelle Newbill was honored with the A Cut Above award and a surprise visit from the school board at Gravette Upper Elementary! Last month, staff were invited to nominate a colleague who stands out in the 3 A’s: Attendance (reliable and present), Attitude (brings a positive spirit), and Action (goes the extra mile). Michelle was recognized by several coworkers who spoke to her steady leadership in the front office and her ability to juggle responsibilities that keep the entire building on track. The nomination reads, “Michelle juggles so many responsibilities and never misses a beat. She helps in so many ways, and always puts others first.” Her reliability and knowledge of the building have made her the go-to person for so many over the years. Her award, a custom metal plaque, was designed and built by Mr. Malott and his students in the Gravette High School Agricultural Science workshop. Precision-cut, welded, and hand-painted, each plaque is a one-of-a-kind keepsake that honors the excellence we see in our staff every day. Thank you, Michelle, for being A Cut Above! 🦁 #LionPride

🥚 The Easter Bunny stopped by with something sweet, joining our team to make the day complete! With goodies in hand and joy all around, the Courtesy Committee shared appreciation abound. Staff were surprised with sweet treats and smiles, thank you, Courtesy Committee for going the extra mile. Our staff is supported for all that they do, we’re grateful for a team that always comes through. Then the Bunny played kickball before hopping away, and spread joy all around to cap off the day! 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

👟 Families and kids are invited to join Newsong Church and Samaritan’s Feet for an Easter celebration, where children can receive new shoes and socks, enjoy bounce houses, games, lunch, drinks, and snacks (weather permitting) 📅 Saturday, April 19, 2025 ⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Newsong Church 1690 Gamble Rd., Centerton, AR 72719 Samaritan’s Feet is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves and inspires hope by providing shoes as the foundation for a spiritual and healthy life. Thanks to the generosity of our community members and organizations, students of Gravette Schools may have the option to accept a new pair of athletic shoes and new socks. Please note: This is a first-come, first-served opportunity for students who did not register for shoe sizes by April 15, 2025.

🎵 The 5th grade musical program "We Celebrate America" is coming up next week! All 5th grade students from Gravette Upper Elementary will take the stage to honor the spirit and history of our nation. 📅 Thursday, April 17, 2025 ⏰ 6:00 PM (Students arrive by 5:50) 📍 Gravette High School Performing Arts Center Students should wear red, white, and blue to help bring the patriotic theme to life. Let’s come together to support our students as they sing, speak, and shine in celebration of America! 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🎉 The winner of our raffle basket from today’s Breakfast and Books event at Gravette Upper Elementary is Hayden from Mrs. Roach’s 3rd grade class! Thanks to everyone who joined us this morning and supported our Courtesy Committee. 🍪📚🦁 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🍪 During our Breakfast and Books event on Tuesday, April 8 from 8:00–9:00 AM, we’ll also be hosting a Bake Sale and Basket Raffle to support our Courtesy Committee. Bring cash or pay with Zelle to grab a treat, enter the raffle, and shop the book fair with your student, all in one stop! 🦁 Sweeten your Tuesday morning at Gravette Upper Elementary! All proceeds go directly to supporting our school. We appreciate your generosity! #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🥚 Ozark Community Hospital is hosting an Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt to support community healthcare! Join the Gravette community for a special Easter Brunch hosted by Ozarks New Hope to raise funds for Ozarks Community Hospital’s new radiology equipment. 📅 Sunday, April 20, 2025 🕗 Brunch: 8 AM – 1 PM 🐣 Egg Hunt: 1 PM 📍 OCH Annex, 1101 Jackson Street SW, Gravette, AR 🎟️ $10 per person — cash, check, or card accepted. 💝 All proceeds benefit Ozarks Community Hospital. Ozarks New Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting the health and well-being of our region through funding for local clinics, hospitals, and caregivers. Come enjoy good food and family fun while making a difference in our community!

📚 Don’t miss out on the upcoming book fair at Gravette Upper Elementary! It’s happening next week, April 7-11, during school hours. 🦁 Plus, join us for Breakfast and Books on Tuesday, April 8 from 8:00-9:00 AM. Parents can shop with their kids during this special event! If you didn’t RSVP, you’re still welcome to shop, but please note that breakfast will only be available for those who RSVP'd as the grocery order has already been placed. 📖 Shop online anytime! Our online fair is open now: https://www.gravetteschools.net/guebookfair We look forward to seeing you at the fair! #LionPride #GravetteSchools

📢 Summer Opportunity! Camp War Eagle’s Mobile Day Camp is coming to Decatur at the end of June! This is a great chance for kids to experience fun activities, make new friends, and enjoy a summer camp close to home. From Mrs. Pitts at GUE, a Camp War Eagle Ambassador! Visit https://www.campwareagle.com for more information.

🍎 Gravette Upper Elementary is now accepting nominations for this year's Teacher of the Year awards. https://www.gravetteschools.net/toty25gue Our school and other schools in the district will recognize one exceptional teacher, and one district winner will go on to represent us in the Arkansas Teacher of the Year competition. Nominees must have at least three years of teaching experience in Gravette and must not have won in the past four years. Tell us why you nominated your teacher! Submit your nomination by April 11, 2025 at https://www.gravetteschools.net/toty25gue #LionPride #GravetteSchools

🎉 Gravette Upper Elementary students cashed in their PBIS points for a glow-tastic time at the 3rd quarter reward party. Points are earned throughout the quarter for positive behavior and good choices, and students can spend them on special rewards like this one. Hard work lit up the room—and so did they! 🧡🦁 #LionPride #GravetteSchools

☀️ Tomorrow, students at Gravette Upper Elementary can "Spring Into Break" with a fun dress-up day! Break out your favorite vacation or school-appropriate beach attire: Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses, sun hats, flip-flops, or even a full tourist look with a camera and fanny pack. Let’s send off the season in style before Spring Break begins! 🌸🏝️ #LionPride #GravetteSchools