Happenings 2011-12
Grant Elementary School welcomes Mr. Alfonso Llano (pronounced yahn-oh) as our new Principal. Mr. Llano comes from a family of educators. He started his career as a bilingual basic skills teacher. He hold’s two Master’s degrees from Kean University in Curriculum and Instruction, and from New Jersey City University in Educational Leadership.
He is excited to work with teachers, parents, and students as we start this new school year.
Mr. Llano loves soccer and played on his school’s team as a student. He is married and has three children.
Grant School's Mission Statement
On September 11, 2001 Ms. Spyros’ Art classes designed this quilt that is now on display at Grant School, in honor of the tragedy that occurred on that day.
Grant School’s Back to School Night was held on September 20th. The parents were able to meet our new Principal, Mr. Llano and visit with their child’s classroom teacher and support staff.
The annual Fall Scholastic Book Fair was held on the week of October 21st. There were books for everyone.
Grant Elementary School celebrated its annual Hispanic Heritage Program on Thursday, October 27th. Johnny Gonzalez, guest speaker, talked to our students about the importance of honoring our heritage, staying in school and working hard to achieve our dreams. Staff, parents, and students enjoyed the beautiful program featuring the island of Puerto Rico.
Trenton Mayor Tony Mack visited Grant School on Friday October 28th to discuss Anti-Bullying with the students. He also stressed the importance of never giving up on your goals and dreams.
Grant School’s holiday program included performances from the chorus led by Mr. Brown as well as a Christmas Rap, Boogie Reindeer, and a surprise visit from the Grinche's dog Max.
On February 8, 2012 the McCarter Theater actors visited Grant School and through a fusion of dance, story and drama they taught about African culture. The high-energy of the actors was contagious and encouraged the students to pay close attention to what was happening.
Breakfast with your child was held on February 10th. Many parents participated in this event.
School Club Roundup is sponsored each year by the American Radio Relay League. This is a great way to get the students interested in amateur radio technology as well as the study of geography. With Mr. Susswein’s ham radio station in the computer lab the students were able to talk to other schools (elementary, middle, high school, and college) as well as individual radio operators. Contacts were made in Barcelona Spain, West Germany, Florida, Arkansas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and even a commemorative station in Arizona, the late Senator Barry Goldwater’s call sign. The picture shows Grant School’s QSL card. This post card is mailed out to the radio stations that we contacted.
Grant School celebrated 100 ways to move your body in the 100th Day of School with a series of fun and heart healthy activities. It was fun for both students and staff.
The Seventh Principle in Bantaba was presented by Young Audiences on February 23rd. The artist-educators taught about African dance, culture, and the history and origins of African-based culture in America. Throughout the program, the members of the Seventh Principle explained why the people of Africa dance, why they use costumes, and why music is so important to what they do.
Grant School held its Black History Program on February 28th. The theme for the program was “Struggle to Strong”. The students read poetry, theatre readings, a power point presentation, and sang songs.
Grant School students had the opportunity to participate in an Art Project sponsored by Young Audiences of NJ. In residence artist Cathy English spent a week at our school helping students and staff sketch and paint pictures to illustrate the themes : "Our Animals of Land & Sea" and "Keeping our Planet Healthy for All". All the pictures will be on display at Grant.
Grant School held it’s first ever Staff-Student Soccer Match on March 29th. Grant's Principal, Mr. Llano was the referee. The students and staff had a great time.
The Junior Achievement Program Volunteers visited Grant School on March 30th. It was a great chance for the community to get involved in our classrooms; from K to 5th grade. The program consisted of working professional volunteers from NJ corporations to help our students prepare for the "real world." Their lessons focused on work readiness, entrepreneurship & financial literacy. The students really enjoyed the lessons.
The Grant School Garden Team took advantage of the Urban Agriculture Isles, Inc program to help create another garden on our school grounds. Students are hoping to be rewarded with beautiful flowers and fresh vegetables in the summertime.
Kids on the Block visited Grant School on April 25th. Using large puppets they gave a performance on personal safety to the first graders.
Young Audiences of NJ sponsored “Samba to Salsa” on May 21st. The students and staff really enjoyed the performance.