A message from Ms. Erdmann                                                                    June 2012

Welcome to Grass Valley Elementary School, home of the Zebras! We have over 600 students in Preschool through Grade Five. In the Camas tradition, we are committed to academic excellence for all students and to nurturing self-confidence and a love for learning in the children entrusted to our care. We appreciate the importance of parents and teachers working together to support students and encourage community involvement in all our school programs. We send home information for parents regularly and include links to our newsletters on this website. If you are interested in volunteering to work with a wonderful group of children and adults, please let us know!

We are proud to have received a Washington Achievement Award this year. Working in professional learning communities, our teachers collaborate weekly to insure that we are focusing on giving all children the support they need to be successful learners. At every grade we provide a rich literacy program to build strong readers and writers. Starting in first grade we “move to math”, grouping students with similar learning styles and skills and targeting each group’s specific needs. Our science and social studies programs provide diverse opportunities for learning about the world around us and integrate literacy and math throughout the curriculum. Each student attends library, music, physical education and computer lab weekly. In addition to classroom art activities, we have an annual Artist in Residence program and will launch a volunteer-run Art Discovery program in September. Grass Valley Vocal Jazz is a nationally recognized choral group who performs throughout the region. GVVJ is an optional program and includes over 50 students in grades three to five.  

We know that we must look inside children’s hearts before we can expand their minds. Our herd of zebras cares about each other and forms strong classroom communities. We are a PBS School, using Positive Behavior Supports to promote respect, responsibility and safety for all.

We believe in the importance of connecting children with the natural world. Our building includes a stained glass window that incorporates photovoltaic cells to light the stairway, wind turbines to light a hallway, a rooftop garden and an “outdoor classroom” with gardens and an amphitheater. Every student plants a bulb each October and we have over 1500 tulips and daffodils blooming in the spring. We are glad to have reached Level 2 Washington Green School certification. Student Eco-Officers and SOS Squad members comprise our Green Team and oversee our energy conservation and lunchroom composting program.

We have a terrific Parent Teacher Association (PTA) whose members are enthusiastic about building school traditions, providing family activities and fundraising for extras for our school. They provide wonderful opportunities for our entire school community! Check out the weblink to join PTA.

Warm regards,

Patricia Erdmann
Principal