Dear Center School Families, I hope this message finds you and your family healthy and safe. This is not my ideal way of communicating the following message to you, but due to the current circumstances we are in I felt this was my best option. I wanted to inform you I recently accepted a Superintendent position for the 2020-2021 school year with Staunton CUSD #6. . I have felt truly blessed to be a part of a culture and community that has allowed me to share my knowledge of education with students and help lead them to excellence. I have met amazing people while serving the Center Schools and will always be grateful our paths have crossed. I will miss my students and staff! I want you to know I will give you nothing less than my personal best for the remainder of this school year and will continue to serve you and your students as I have always done until my time has ended here on June 30th. I hope to see our students sooner than later. We miss them! Until we meet again, stay safe. Sincerely, Cindy Tolbert Principal

PTO Butterbraid Delivery Update: Due to schools being closed, the Butterbraid delivery and pick up will be at the Fireman Hall in Alhambra located at 610 W. Main Street, Alhambra, IL 62001 on April 2nd. Delivery will be done in a drive thru process, so please be patient as we work to get everyone's items delivered to them. You can pick up your items anytime between the times of 3:00 -5:30. If you have any questions please feel free to call/text Megan Henschen at (618) 779-1010. As always, THANK YOU for supporting our Center Schools PTO!

Dear Center School Families, As Mr. Sutton recently sent out in his last communication, the Governor of Illinois has extended the closure of all schools until Wednesday, April 8, 2020. He has also enacted a “stay at home order” in the State of Illinois encouraging all families to stay inside with the exception of the need for groceries, gas, and pharmaceutical needs. As Mr. Sutton said we all need to remain calm and follow guidelines for social distancing in order to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Our teachers will continue to engage students academically during this shutdown, so please continue to check Google Classroom, email, and other websites for continued instructions. The district will continue to send out messages through our messaging system as well as our district website as new information comes in. We ask students to continue to do the best that they can and don't hesitate to email teachers or myself with questions. These are unprecedented times, but we are all together with the goal of caring for students. We are going to stay positive and make the best of a difficult situation. Please take the next couple of weeks and relax, stay healthy, get some fresh air and enjoy the break. I want to thank you, parents, for your continuous support. I'm so proud of all of our kids for working so hard during this shutdown. To Our Students …. I can’t emphasize strongly enough, PLEASE DON’T WASTE THIS MOMENT. You are in the middle of a historical event that people will talk about for years to come. This situation has the ability to give you an education that school could never adequately simulate. Hopefully, you will examine and develop an enduring appreciation for our societies interdependence, a real grasp of the relationship between personal responsibility and personal freedom, and an actual experience with how to be truly still. Continue to read a book, do art, play music and work on your learning packets. Your teachers will continue to provide resources for all of your classes that will help you stay on top of instructional material, but we highly encourage you to take time to learn about things that interest YOU!! You have a world of knowledge at your fingertips; take time to explore new topics and ideas. On behalf of all Alhambra and Grantfork staff please know we love you guys and we want what is best for you. We miss you and hope to see you soon! Sincerely, Cindy Tolbert, Principal

Dear Center School Parents, By now you probably have heard that schools are closing to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Our students’ learning is a second only to their health and safety. The faculty and staff are doing their best to pull together some key activities to help our students keep their skills sharp while out of school. Our teachers will send home learning materials/packets today. If you are unable to access the online work sent home, just work through the packet of work that does not require technology with your student. We ask you to do the best you can. Students should return the completed packets as well as any books sent home with them when returning to school. Please have your student reading. Teachers will be available for questions via email. If your student was not in attendance today, you may pick up their materials tomorrow in the school offices between 11-3. This is a critical time in our school year for our students’ development. Please help us prevent any backslide by making sure they continue practicing their skills. We are looking forward to having our students back in the buildings as soon as we are able. Mrs. Cindy Tolbert, Principal Alhambra Primary and Grantfork Elementary

The Center School PTO's Jukebox Bingo will be postponed. More details about when it will be rescheduled will be communicated with you in the upcoming weeks.

Everyone had a great time at the staff vs. student basketball game today.

This is a friendly reminder to you that spring pictures will be taken on Thursday.

4th graders explored sound waves today... They worked together to make adjustments to improve.

LATCHKEY CANCELED TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY! Due to our latchkey supervisor being ill and we being unable to find a replacement for her, we wanted to notify you that morning and afternoon latchkey will be CANCELED on Tuesday, February 18th and Wednesday, February 19th. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Reminder - there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, February 17th, in observance of President's Day! Classes resume on Tuesday!

Ms. Barb Kay shared about the life of Mary Todd Lincoln.

Grantfork students are sharing the love this Valentine's Day! Our students created cards for Major Bill White, a 104 year old Marine Corps veteran & recipient of the Purple Heart who asked for cards from near & far to add to his collection. We hope ours help brighten his day!

Grantfork Elementary student's promoting kindness.

Next week Grantfork Elementary Students will participate in a Kindness Challenge.

We are excited to announce that we are joining thousands of schools across the country to participate in The 2020 Great Kindness Challenge - look for the packet of information coming home tomorrow! In a world where you can be anything...BE KIND!

Mark your calendars for tomorrow, Tuesday, February 4th.  It is our next PTO Domino's Night!  You deserve a break from cooking - order some pizza for dinner!  Our PTO receives 20% of every dollar spent! 

4th grade enjoyed Ag in the Classroom today!

Grantfork Elementary students enjoyed their 2nd quarter Quad A party at McDonald’s and the Lory Theater this afternoon!

Our Grantfork Spelling Bee took place this afternoon. We had 31 participants. After 15 rounds of fierce competition, our champion is Morgan Dressler & our runner-up is Ethan Henschen. Congratulations to them & all who participated!

Our January PTO meeting will be held next Thursday, January 16th at Grantfork Elementary beginning at 6:30pm! Meetings are kept to one hour or less. Please plan to attend!

HHS will be holding two Cheer Clinics. One for boys & girls age 4-2nd grade & the other for boys & girls in grades 3rd-8th. All information you need is on the flyer. Deadline to register is January 31st.

Spelling Bee! Our annual Grantfork school spelling bee will take place this Friday, January 10th at 1:15pm in the gym! Parents are welcome to attend! Please do not arrive before 1pm, as there will be no one in the office to let you in!

Welcome back! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas break! Classes Resume tomorrow, Tuesday, January 7th!

Ms. Keys and the Grantfork students put on a wonderful show this evening. The Grantfork Elementary Christmas program helped spread holiday cheer to all that attended. Thank you to Ms. Keys and all the students for a wonderful program!

Grantfork Elementary adopted a family as our service project for the month of December. Today, some students helped to wrap packages for the family.

Fifth grade students learned about physical and chemical changes by making and enjoying pancakes.

Fifth grade students learned about physical and chemical changes by making and enjoying pancakes.

Fifth grade students learned about physical and chemical changes by making and enjoying pancakes.

Fifth grade students learned about physical and chemical changes by making and enjoying pancakes.

Fifth grade students learned about physical and chemical changes by making and enjoying pancakes.

Grantfork Elementary enjoyed a holiday concert compliments of the HHS bands.

Grantfork Elementary enjoyed a holiday concert compliments of the HHS bands.

Grantfork Elementary enjoyed a holiday concert compliments of the HHS bands.

Our PTO will be sending in a Scrip order on Friday, December 6th. If you need any gift cards, please order them before Friday! Remember, gift cards are the gift that always fit for those hard to buy for people in your life! Contact the school office for more information!

Tonight, Tuesday, December 3rd is our next PTO Domino's Night! 20% of every dollar spent comes back to our PTO! Take the night off from cooking & order some pizza! It's the easiest fundraiser we have!

Grantfork Elementary students welcomed special guests today that helped us learn about the events that led up to the first Thanksgiving and helped us get into the holiday spirit with Christmas carols.

Grantfork Elementary students welcomed special guests today that helped us learn about the events that led up to the first Thanksgiving and helped us get into the holiday spirit with Christmas carols.

Winners of our Disguise a Turkey Project! Such a fun project & lots of creative minds! Our top three winners were Nora K, Ella S & Makaya K. The overall winner was Kallie H!

Our November PTO meeting is tonight at Alhambra Primary at 6:30pm - meetings are kept to one hour! Our PTO does so much for our students and schools - take this opportunity to get involved with a great group of people! Please plan to attend!

This is the last week to sign your child up for Parents Night Out at the discounted rate of $25 per child! What parent can't use four whole hours to themselves? Price goes up to $30 on November 26th!

Our fifth grade band students gave a remarkable performance tonight along side their Highland Elementary band mates at the fifth grade band concert.

Our fifth grade band students gave a remarkable performance tonight along side their Highland Elementary band mates at the fifth grade band concert.

There will be no school tomorrow, November 12, 2019. Stay warm and safe.

This morning we joined Alhambra Primary to honor our communities' Veterans. Thank you to Ms. Keys and the students who worked hard to put together such a wonderful program. Happy Veterans Day!

This morning we joined Alhambra Primary to honor our communities' Veterans. Thank you to Ms. Keys and the students who worked hard to put together such a wonderful program. Happy Veterans Day!

This morning we joined Alhambra Primary to honor our communities' Veterans. Thank you to Ms. Keys and the students who worked hard to put together such a wonderful program. Happy Veterans Day!

This morning we joined Alhambra Primary to honor our communities' Veterans. Thank you to Ms. Keys and the students who worked hard to put together such a wonderful program. Happy Veterans Day!

Tomorrow, Friday, November 8th is our Veterans Day Assembly at Alhambra Primary - please remind your child to wear red, white & blue if possible!

Red Ribbon Week has come to an end today! The students enjoyed each day's dress up themes!

Enjoy an evening out while your kids have fun with their teachers and friends!

Enjoy an evening out while your kids have fun with their teachers and friends!

Red Ribbon Week: Tuesday is Camo Day! Wear as much camo as you can!

It's Red Ribbon Week! Mon: "being drug free is no sweat" -wear sweats! Tues: "you won't see me doing drugs" -wear camo! Wed: "team up against drugs" -wear team jersey! Thurs: "say boo to drugs" -wear boots/Halloween shirt! Fri: "ready to live a drug free life" - wear red!

Grantfork Elementary enjoyed bus evacuation drills on Wednesday. Thanks to our drivers for always getting us where we need to be and keeping us safe!

Grantfork Elementary enjoyed bus evacuation drills on Wednesday. Thanks to our drivers for always getting us where we need to be and keeping us safe!

Wednesday, October 23rd is Unity Day! Students & staff are encouraged to wear Orange to show our support & unity against bullying!

1st Quarter Report Cards are coming home TODAY - look for them! Signed report cards are DUE back by Wednesday, October 23rd!

PTO Meeting Thursday, October 17th at 6:30pm at Grantfork Elementary! Please plan to attend!!

Save the date for this fun evening.

We enjoyed fire safety presentations by the Grantfork Fire Department.

We enjoyed fire safety presentations by the Grantfork Fire Department.

We enjoyed fire safety presentations by the Grantfork Fire Department.

Our October PTO meeting will take place on Thursday, October 17th at 6:30pm at Grantfork Elementary! Please plan to attend!

No School on Monday, October 14 in observance of Columbus Day!

Grantfork Elementary has Fire Safety Day on Friday, October 11, not tomorrow!

The PTC website will open at 4pm so that you can log online & schedule your Parent Teacher Conference! It will remain open until 11pm on October17th! If you have questions please call the office at 675-2200!

Wednesday, October 2nd was Custodian Appreciation Day, aka "Paco Day"! The students & teachers dressed up like Paco! We are very thankful for everything Paco does for us & our school!

Thursday, September 26th the Highland High School football team, cheerleaders & pep band will visit us for a "pep rally" in preparation for the homecoming football game on Friday night! Wear your Highland gear or the school colors of red & black! Go Dawgs!

Check it out - some of our Grantfork students being great examples of respect, as they stood when the American flag passed by, at the HHS Homecoming parade last night! We couldn't be prouder of our kids!!

Fourth grade students engineered devices to enhance their hearing abilities.

Fifth grade students participated in a hands on activity focusing on the design process in science.

Fifth grade students participated in a hands on activity focusing on the design process in science.

Fifth grade students constructed Native American dwellings as we finished our study of early Americans.

Our fourth grade students enjoyed a field trip to the Latzer Homestead today.

Grantfork students enjoyed the Back to School Bash thanks to our PTO!

We are so proud of our Grantfork students who acheived marathon status! Mini Marathon is a great experience for our students to support & encourage the primary students as they run their last mile!

We were overwhelmed with the love & support we were shown during teacher appreciation week! The food, treats & gifts were amazing & we definitely felt the love! We feel so fortunate to get to know our center schools families – you are all special to us!

We would like to thank the IL Dept of Transportation for their help & support in making our garden beds a reality! Not only did they donate the dirt, but they brought the equipment & manpower to fill them! We thanked them & they said, no thanks necessary – it’s “for the kids”!

Ms. Weiss’ 4th grade class won the No Screens Week challenge. As their reward they got to slime Mrs. Tolbert!

Parent Orientation at HMS for parents of current 5th grade students

Grantfork Marathon Club is off to a great start! All our teachers and many students already achieved their first goal towards marathon status! Today we were honored to have our Grantfork Police Officers joins us as well!

4th graders demonstrated the process of weathering, erosion, and deposition in science today!

Mrs. Warnecke’s class has been practicing fractions using their fraction kits!

Ms. Barb Kay visited our fifth grade class for a meet the press discussion. The year was 1810 and the United States is dealing with a few issues. Each student represented a person from that era – such as An Illinois Farmer, Former President Jefferson, Tecumseh, A New England Shop Keeper, etc. The students discussed the problems and possible solutions, not everyone agreed and the discussion got quite lively!

Mrs. Warnecke’s class presented their Weathering Presentations today. They found problems caused by weathering around our school and came up with solutions for these problems.

Betsy Ross and Paul Revere payed our school a visit today to tell students more about President’s Day and the history of the United States! 🇺🇸

4th graders worked together to mend the “Synonym Broken Hearts” 💕

5th graders experimented in science this week!

A few more pictures from our Spelling Bee today 🐝

Thanks to all who came out for our Happy Birthday Illinois celebration this morning! We hope to see you at Parents Night Out tonight at Alhambra Primary! Doors open at 5, and the festivities will begin at 5:30!

We are so proud of all the students who participated in the Spelling Bee today! Congratulations Grant (1st place) and Karley (2nd place)!🏆🐝

Grantfork Christmas Program is tonight, Thursday, December 20th. Doors open at 6:15pm, program begins at 6:30pm. Please enter & exit through the cafeteria doors! Parents should keep their students coats with them, as they won't go back to the classroom after the program ends! Hope to see you tonight!

Happy Birthday Illinois celebration will begin at 9:15 at Alhambra Primary. Doors open at 9 AM. All are welcome to attend! There will be a shuttle bus available to those people who choose to park at the Baptist church, Legion Hall or on the side streets near the school. The shuttle will begin to run at 8:45 AM. It will run until 12:00. The celebration will begin promptly at 9:15 AM.

Grantfork Elementary and Alhambra Primary are getting ready for our Happy Birthday Illinois celebration! We are SO excited! We hope you will join us on Friday morning!

More from 4th grade science this week!

4th graders have been studying waves and light reflection in science this week!

We are having a blast with Nitro Joe this morning!

Just a reminder that November 20th is the last day for early registration!

No school on Thursday, November 15th!

Students enjoyed our visit from the Air Elite Dunkers this morning during our VIP Assembly!

Students enjoyed our visit from the Air Elite Dunkers this morning during our VIP Assembly!

Grantfork Elementary and Alhambra Primary students helped recognize veterans at the Veteran’s Day assembly today.

4th grade students are beginning to work on their Illinois’ Natural Disasters projects.

4th and 5th grade students enjoyed their Fall Festival parties this week!

Bully Prevention-Wear blue

Fire Safety Day

Red Ribbon Week- Cami day

Happy 200th birthday Illinois!

Parents Night Out Registration Form

Parents Night Out

Please help me congratulate one of our very own Center school teachers, Christy Zeller, for winning the 2018 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards program, sponsored by Emerson, annually recognizes more than 100 educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area – from kindergarten teachers to college professors – who are examples of excellence in their field.