Welcome Grace McWayne Families
Calling all super heroes…It’s time to assemble!
Students and parents – welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! As you can see, our theme for this year is “Superheroes” and our mission this year is to ignite wonder, build a sense of belonging, and help every child connect with his or her superpowers. Students will learn that not all heroes wear capes as we explore how they can make a difference in our school and across their community by displaying great character, working hard and maintaining a growth mindset. When students walk into the school on August 14th, they will be joining a league of superfriends and together we will make every day a super day!
As you read above, our mission here at Grace McWayne continues to align with our district strategic plan. Our super teachers and staff have banded together to (1) Enhance Teaching and Learning Practices, (2) Foster Inclusion and Belonging, and (3) uphold Operational Excellence and Resource Stewardship. We obviously cannot do this all alone. We encourage your partnership and participation to work toward these goals. Our GMS PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) is a great way to show off your own superpowers. Check out the PTO website to find out more about the many ways you can help out our students and school.
If you would like to learn about all of the back-to-school events and be introduced to some of our new staff, please keep reading. As a reminder, our first day of school is Thursday, August 14th, but there are several opportunities to gather at the school before then. Tomorrow, August 1st, you will have access to view your child’s teacher in PowerSchool. In addition, this Parent Reference Guide can answer many frequently asked questions about Grace McWayne School.
SPECIAL EVENTS
KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION – Thursday, August 7th, 4:00pm and 5:00pm
All kindergarten students and their parents are encouraged to attend a special welcome event just for our newest Grizzlies. Students will visit their classroom and tour the school. Parents will be oriented on the basics of Grace McWayne and have time to ask questions about the school year.
Students in AM classes will attend at 4:00pm, and students in the PM class will attend at 5:00pm.
*All kindergarten parents, please also remember that a physical with proof of immunizations is required before the first day of school. Please bring this on or before kindergarten orientation to be sure your child is fully registered.
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION – Thursday, August 7th, 5:00pm
All 1st -5th grade students who are new to Grace McWayne and their parents are welcome to join us for a brief orientation and time to explore the school. Parents will be oriented on the basics of Grace McWayne and have time to ask questions about the school year.
WELCOME CELEBRATION – Tuesday, August 12th, 4:00-6:00pm
All students and families are welcome to join us at our annual welcome celebration. Whether you start on our playground or enter through the front doors, you are in for a good time! Teachers will be around to meet students and parents and the building will be open so families can check out the classrooms. Our PTO will be handing out tickets for a shaved-ice treat, so be sure to come visit them on the blacktop near the playground at the back of the school.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL – Thursday, August 14th, 8:45am Arrival & 9:00 Start
KINDERGARTEN – All kindergarteners will meet their teacher or enrichment instructor in the front of the building. Students will enter the building as a classroom and begin their school day at 9:00am.
1ST – 5TH GRADE – All students other than kindergarteners will walk to the blacktop area in the back of the school starting at 8:45am. The school day will begin outside at 9:00am with a special presentation before classes enter the building to begin their first day of school. All parents are welcome in the back of the school. Parking will be limited, so please plan ahead.
Protip: If you have a kindergartener and older student, drop off your kindergartener first at 8:45am and then walk with your child to the back to enjoy the opening celebration.
INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW YEAR
Along with welcoming all of you back, we also get to welcome some new teachers to Grace McWayne this year. We are so lucky to have them join our team of super teachers!
We added a fourth teacher to both our 1st grade and 2nd grade teams this year. Ms. McBride is our new first grade teacher. Her student-centered approach along with her endorsements in reading and writing make her a perfect fit for our 1st grade team.
Joining our 2nd grade team this year will be Mrs. Webb. She is an experienced educator and has previously been a 2nd grade teacher and kindergarten enrichment instructor in BPS101. She is amazing at building a classroom community while providing great opportunities for student growth.
Our 4th grade team has changed quite a bit. Joining Mrs. Barrett on the 4th grade team this year will be Ms. Peterson (coming from the 5th grade team) and Mrs. Riggs who is new to the building. All of our 4th grade teachers prioritize positive student relationships and developing a growth mindset within their classrooms. They are eager to team together to promote student growth.
Mrs. Acosta will be getting some help this year with the hiring of our 1/2 time social worker, Mrs. Holt. Mrs. Holt comes to us from a nearby district where she did a wonderful job of supporting the social-emotional needs of her students.
We also have added a new building substitute, Mrs. Hughes and a new ILP Paraprofessional, Ms. Clayton. These two new staff members are also very child-centered and come with years of experience in the school setting.
Everyday, our staff is committed to providing the very best care for each individual student of Grace McWayne. This level of care can only be achieved through a genuine partnership with you, the parents. I welcome you to contact the front office, your child’s teachers or me whenever you need us. Together we can achieve our school mission: Nurturing the whole child to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Welcome back!
Jeff Modaff
Principal
POWERSCHOOL OPENS – CLASS ASSIGNMENTS AND FEE PAYMENT
For all GMS students
Friday, August 1st
KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION
For kindergarten students and their parents
Thursday, August 7th, AM Kindergarten – 4:00pm, PM Kindergarten – 5:00pm
*AM and PM designation will be available on August 1st (see above)
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
For all new students and their parents
Thursday, August 7th, 5:00pm
WELCOME CELEBRATION
For all students and families
Tuesday, August 12th, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
For all students (8:45am on blacktop for 1st-5th Grade; 8:45 by flagpole for kindergarten)
Thursday, August 14th
GMS PTO PANCAKE BREAKFAST
For all GMS families (free breakfast for students and their families)
Saturday, August 16th, 8:00am-10:30am – Cafeteria
LABOR DAY – NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE
Monday, September 1st
CURRICULUM NIGHT
For parents only (open house format – virtual presentation sent on September 1st)
Thursday, September 18th 6:00pm – 7:00pm
PICTURE DAY
For all students
Tuesday, September 23rd