The Griffen Gazette - August 30, 2026

Message From The Principal
 
What a incredible start to the school year! Seeing our hallways filled with energy, curiosity, and bright smiles made for an unforgettable week one.

As we jump into the regular rhythm of the year, we want to reaffirm our commitment to our core mission:

Care: Putting relationships and student well-being at the heart of everything we do.

Clarity: Setting clear goals so every learner feels confident and supported.

Communication: Keeping parents, staff, and students connected every step of the way.

Thank you to our amazing students, dedicated staff, and supportive families for making week one a win. Let’s keep this momentum going!

Important News

Upcoming Event

September 8th - First Day of Preschool

September 9th - Safe Zone Sports Night at Dick's House of Sports - All Families invited 5:30-7:00

September 15th - Ice Cream Social - All Families invited 5:15-6:15 - PTO Meeting from 6:30-7:30

September 16th - Washington Homecoming Parade & Bonfire 6:00-8:00

September 16th - Safe Zone Sports Flag Football - 4:00-5:00 4th and 5th Grade

September 23rd - Safe Zone Sports Flag Football - 4:00-5:00 4th and 5th Grade

September 30th - Safe Zone Sports Flag Football - 4:00-5:00 4th and 5th Grade

October 1st - Grant Wood Picture Day

October 7th - Safe Zone Sports Flag Football - 4:00-5:00 4th and 5th Grade

CRCSD APP - We will be using this for communication!

Stay connected with CRCSD wherever you go! Our official district and school mobile apps put the power of our community right in your pocket. You can scribe to Grant Wood only if you would like to see our events on your app.

Receive push notifications for snow days and emergencies.

Direct chat with your student's teacher.

View the district calendar.

Read campus-specific news stories.

Teachers will start messaging soon through this app - please go to the app store and download!  If you need help please reach out! 

Mrs. Allred will be send direct messages to parents with Positive Referrals!  Click here for more information on the district website.

Safe Zone Sports Night - Dick's House of Sport

Safe Zone Sports Night at Dick's House of Sport on September 9th from 5:30–7:00 PM.

This is a free event for all elementary students, and we are excited to be partnering with the Iowa Giving Crew for this special event.

Families can sign up using the link below. This link will take families directly to the registration page.

Event Details: September 9th, 5:30–7:00 PM
Dick's House of Sport
4600 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Free for all elementary students

Safe Zone Sports Starting in September at Grant Wood - 4th and 5th Grade

All 4th and 5th Grade Students are invited to play flag football, basketball and soccer.  Each of the sports will be on Wednesdays.

Flag Football: 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7

Basketball: 1/13, 1/20, 1/27, 2/3

Soccer: 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28

This is a free opportunity for all 4th and 5th graders.  Students will need to be in good behavior and academic standing to participate.  

A permission slip was sent home with your student.  If another one is needed, please contact your teacher.  

Thank you to Myles Monnahan, Student Safety & Success Advocate for bring this opportunity to Grant Wood. 

Kingston Stadium Student Conduct Expectations

We believe in providing a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment for all athletes, officials, staff, and spectators for all events at Kingston Stadium. We ask that all students and spectators follow policies:

High school students must present their ID in order to enter the stadium. 

Middle school-aged children and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

Only clear bags will be allowed in the stadium with adults and are subject to search. 

Students may NOT enter with backpacks, bags, or cinch sacks. 

No outside food or drink is permitted. 

All spectators must enter and stay on their assigned sides of the stadium. 

All spectators will be respectful, safe, and responsible and follow the directions of the on-site administration, Kingston staff, and security. 

No weapons, alcohol, non-prescription controlled substances, or products containing nicotine will be allowed in the stadium. 

Once you leave the stadium, you cannot return. 

No loitering in and around the stadium. 

Spectators must leave Kingston Stadium grounds immediately after the game is complete. 

Abusive, threatening, or inappropriate verbal or physical conduct directed toward students, school officials, employees, officials, players, activity sponsors, security personnel, or other individuals will not be tolerated

Please review and adhere to the District’s Code of Conduct, click to view here, at all times.

If you have any questions, please contact your school's Principal or Activities Director.

Washington Warrior Shirts - Support Our Feeder School

It’s that time of year to offer our Homecoming shirt in blue or ash gray. And our new band offerings with the PPA

Click to view the shop here. 

These will be ready to deliver at the Homecoming parade on 9/16 at our WAC trailer!

Afternoon Dismissal Procedures

Dismissal will begin at 3:45 P.M.

Bus Riders will be dismissed from Door G.

Car Riders 1st-5th will go out Door D at dismissal.

We encourage all parents to stay in their cars. Car Riders will be picked up on Grant Wood Terrace. Cars will go one way down Grant Wood Terrace and turn on to 25th St. 

Kindergarten parents, please stay in your cars and we will bring your student to you.

To ensure the safety of all our students during busy arrival and dismissal times, we kindly ask that drivers do not make U-turns on Grant Wood Terrace or anywhere directly in front of the school.  No U-Turns on Grant Wood Terrace.  No use of school parking lots at arrival and dismissal.  No Parking on Grant Wood Terrace.  This slows down the car line process. 

Walkers are any students who have parents walk up to the playground.  Parents please go over by door E to pick up your students.  

Thank you for your cooperation and your continued partnership in keeping our school zone safe for everyone.

You’re Invited to the Grant Wood PTO Ice Cream Social

Join us for a sweet treat and kick off a fantastic school year! Come enjoy free ice cream, catch up with fellow families, and learn how the PTO works to enrich our students' school experience through special events, programs, and volunteer opportunities.

Date: Tuesday, September 15th

Time: 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM

Location: Grant Wood Elementary Playground

Highlights: Free ice cream for students and families, friendly faces, and quick info on how to get involved with the PTO!

Whether you have 30 minutes a month or want to take on a larger role, there are plenty of ways to lend a hand and make a difference for our kids. We can't wait to see you there!

Volunteers Needed

 The ice cream social is coming up on September 15th and we're in need of volunteers to help with various tasks (set up/serving/tear down). Please consider signing up by clicking the link here.

If this is your first time volunteering remember to fill out the required application here (click on the "complete application" button to get started, and double check you selected to volunteer at Grant Wood rather than Grant) 

Attendance Matters

References: School Board Policy 0602 & Procedure 0602-Pr(1)

Grant Wood Attendance Office 319-558-2467 prompt #1

Regular attendance, as well as being on time to school and class, is essential for students to obtain the maximum benefit from school and take full advantage of educational opportunities provided by the district. Students and guardians are required to follow District and school rules and procedures regarding attendance as outlined in Board policy 602 and to align with the State of Iowa’s Compulsory Education Law Chapter 299.  

The Cedar Rapids Community School District believes that excessive student absenteeism and tardiness is an early warning sign of poor academic achievement and puts students at risk of dropping out of school. An absence is any time a student does not access instruction (physically or remotely as designated). Absences will be recorded as part of a student's attendance record and tracked through Infinite Campus.

Grant Wood School Counselor

Dear Grant Wood Parent/Guardian,

My name is Mrs. Hall and I am the new school counselor here at Grant Wood Elementary. I am excited to be part of the team of educators supporting your child as they strive to reach their full potential and tackle barriers to learning. 

I have been working with children and families as a social worker and school counselor for over 35 years in various roles.  My passion is empowering students to be the best version of themselves while teaching them how to navigate their environment with a growth mindset and giving themselves grace to make mistakes and learn from them.

In my role as the school counselor, I offer short term, solution focused counseling, small group support, restorative circles and referrals to community resources for students and their families.  If you would like your child to receive counseling support from me please call or email me so we can set up a time to chat. That way I can learn more about your child and explore how I can best support them.

If your child has a community mental health provider or a medication manager/prescriber and you believe it would be valuable for me to collaborate with them to support your child, please contact me and we will get the necessary release of information form completed so that we can all work together to provide collaborative support for your child.

I can be reached at 319-558-2467 Ext #4 or shall@crschools.us

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Sha Hall, LMSW/Nationally Board Certified School Counselor

#GriffinGreatne

I-Smile

Grant Wood will have screenings on September 9-11th . Heidi Houts with I-Smile will come to visit 2,3 & 5th grades on September 1st.  The importance of dental care and regular dental visits  will be presented.  Good oral hygiene and things we can do for better dental health will also be communicated with students. This program will benefit many Grant Wood Students!