School Beat: Grattan Elementary School – Educating Students and Nurturing CommunityHedy Changbyline‚ Dec. 14‚ 2006Four years ago, when I first began researching elementary school options for my oldest son, Grattan Elementary School didn’t even make my list. I just couldn’t imagine my family could ever wake up early enough to arrive in time for its 7:50 start time! But, not wanting to close off our options, I thought I could at least pay a visit. As soon as I walked on campus, I was struck by the school’s warm atmosphere and close sense of community. Everyone on staff, particularly the principal (Jean Robertson), seemed to know each and every one of its 260 plus students without exception. When I saw kindergartners paired with 3rd grade reading buddies in the classroom, I realized that these values were also being thoughtfully nurtured among the students themselves. At the same time, the student body was among the most ethnically diverse I had yet seen. |