MJT Weekly

 

This Week's Updates

4/17/26

 

A Second Grade Class - Spring 2026

 

Dear MJT Families,

This week, MJT students began the One School, One Book 14-day Reading Challenge. We sent home a book and short, daily reading schedule. 

Each morning, we do a trivia contest on the prior days reading and announce winners. It's a fun way to engage your student in reading. 

You can help your student read by having an older sibling read with them, reading together to a favorite toy or taking 10 minutes reading before bedtime. 

We are in the final three months of school and this is a great time to learn all about finishing strong.

Keep up the good attendance, ask your student about school and try to learn with them (it is so fun for children to "teach" their parents something). 

Please also note, that Friday, May 22nd, 2026 is now a Snow Day Give Back Day and it is now a no school day.


Wishing you a good weekend,

Mrs. Taylor
Principal, Mary J. Tanner School
518-642-1051 Ext. 4201

btaylor@granvillecsd.org

 
An image with white background that reads: Where can I learn about the school budget? Answer: Visit GranvilleCSD.org and click on Budget FAQ
 

One School, One Book

Please join the MJT One School, One Book 14-Day Reading Challenge with the book and daily reading schedule that was sent home. 

Here is the link to the details.

The image of the book cover to
 

Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration

Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration NOW OPEN 

Deadline to enroll is Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 for Kindergarten Screening.

If you're already in Pre-K, no need to register for Kindergarten.

Please spread the word.

Here is the information about the programs and how to register.

Image of the flyer for PreK and Kindergarten Enrollment. You can find all the details in this flyer and more at the following page:https://www.granvillecsd.org/article/2023834
 

Upcoming Events

April

April is Autism Awareness Month  - Here is a link to free resources for guardians, students and families.

4/13 - 4/30 - MJT One School, One Book 14-day Reading Challenge

4/17 - Marking Period 3 Ends / Deadline for PTO Color Run Sign Up

4/20 - 4/24 - Autism Awareness Spirit Week - Simple, fun, daily dress up themes with a message for each day. Here is the link for more info.

4/20 - Board of Education Petitions Due (for those who wish to run for Board of Education. Here is the link to the details.)

4/22 - Deadline for Pre-K and Kindergarten Sign Up for 2025-2026 School Year Screenings 

4/23 - Community Resource: Free 4-H Clothing Repair Lab for Kids 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM. Here is the link to learn more. 

4/25 - Free Family Friendly Event: Blue and Gold Track and Field Invitational: Come cheer on the Granville Track team. All day free event, concession stand, at the Jr/Sr High Track (behind the Jr/Sr High school).

4/29 - Community Resource: Salem Community Health Open House - You do not need insurance to attend or join the practice. Here is the link to learn more.

Here is the link to all event details in the district calendar.

Friday, May 22, 2026 - NO SCHOOL! Snow Day Give Back Day 

 

Congrats to Mrs. Pardes!

Mrs. Pardes is one of our amazing MJT Special Education teachers, and she is the PTO Staff Member of the Month for March!

"Mrs. Pardes has brought such a light to our school this year, and has created a classroom full of warmth and caring.  She is always thinking outside the box, and each Friday prepares a special experience for her students. 

Last week, she simulated an airport!  Students were able to design their own luggage, print their boarding passes, and take a simulated trip to their destination of choice. Mrs. Pardes even prepared a snack and beverage cart! 

Her lessons are engaging and enthusiastic, and her students truly know they are appreciated in her class.  We are grateful to have Mrs. Pardes as part of our MJT team!"

- Principal Taylor

Mrs. Pardes, Special Education Teacher, MJT

Mrs. Pardes, MJT Special Education Teacher

 

Bus of the Month Winner!

Congratulations to students and staff of Bus 127!

This bus carries students to all buildings and has been example of bus safety, getting along well with each other, and being kind and respectful to their driver.

Getting along with others, accepting each other’s differences and being respectful to your driver goes a long way and will continue to serve you well in life.

All students received a special treat of appreciation for steady improvements in bus behavior and bus safety - Scarlotta’s Car Hop coupons for Jr/Sr High students and coupons for a school snack or ice cream at MJT and GES!

Bus Driver, Mr. Juckett received the Energy Bus book from the Granville, NY PTO and a a beautiful gift bag full of Rathbun's Maple Sugar House goods and a gift certificate to Rathbun’s too courtesy of Wendy Rathbun. Thank you! Go Horde!

Who will win for April? Stay tuned!

Go Horde! 

Here is the link to watch a celebratory reel about Bus 127's win.

To learn more about the Bus of the Month contest, visit this blog post.

Picture of Bus 127 with the words Granville CSD - Congratulations to Bus 127, Bus of the Month
 

BOCES STEAM Bus Visit

The WSWHE STEAM bus visited MJT on Thursday, April 16th.

Students had fun getting outside to play with a variety of science, technology, engineering, art and math games. Go Horde!

Here is the link to more pictures.

 
 

Kindergarten Cafeteria Snack Update

Kindergarten students will be able to purchase snacks on Thursdays, and Ice Cream on Fridays. 

We've had to adjust this because recently due to the fact that we are finding out that a large number of students are throwing their entire/most lunch away and then going to purchase snacks. 

We are working with them to encourage healthy habits to eat more of their lunch rather than rushing for snacks. 

 

Pack Sneakers for P.E. Classes

Please remember to pack sneakers each day for gym class!

March will bring a jump rope unit and will need proper and safe footwear during class. Thank you!

If you like, you can leave an old pair of sneakers in your student's classroom cubby to leave at school for gym. 

If your student needs help tying their shoes, here are two instructional videos to practice at home:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A3P4aM3MlT0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2KcPbhSfBo

 

Principal Taylor's Tips

Screen Time Alternatives

Too much screen time can affect their sleep and behavior patterns in many ways. 

Screens provide instant gratification, which children then expect in all aspects of their lives. 

As a result, this can create challenges at both home and school. 

Here are some alternative ideas to consider that can increase your family time while helping them to practice how to share and take turns.

- Board games: Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Trouble, etc

- I spy: Try playing it different ways such as "I spy something that starts with the letter__"

- Card games: Go fish, War

- Sight word or letter hunt: write students trick/sight words on post-it notes and put them all around the house for students to find and practice.  This can also be done with individual letters.

- Reading books: Bedtime stories are a calm, soothing way for children to unwind before going to sleep.

Visit this page and look for the "Better Screen Time" tips to learn about low-stimulation vs high-stimulation screen time ideas that help students sleep better and learn problem solving skills.

 

Read More Principal Taylor's Tips
 

Please Pack a Daily Snack

Please pack a healthy, filling snack each day to help your child focus, get along with others and feel ready to learn important life skills.  

Here are some great ideas. 

Here are the cheap and healthy snack ideas (consider putting them in small plastic baggies than you can reuse each week): homemade trail mix, small apple or easy to peel small orange like a clementine, mandarin, crackers and pepperoni slices or nut butter for dipping, baby carrots and dip like flavored hummus, cheese stick (with a ice pack), nutrition bar or popcorn.
 

Did You Know?

Reading with your child helps them understand new words, improves speech and helps children feel calm and confident about learning new things. 

Start with 10 minutes per day.

Consider visiting your local library on Saturdays and sign up for a free library card. 

Here is a link to winter book ideas to read with your child. 

Here is the link to the Pember Library and Museum - they are open from 10am - 1pm on Saturdays and Tuesday - Friday as well (hours differ). 

 

Showing Up Matters

Thank you for showing up on time, every day! We love seeing your students in school and appreciate your efforts.

Here are tips for deciding when to keep your student home and when to send them to school. 

Here is a link to this resource on AttendanceWorks.org https://www.attendanceworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Attendance-Works-When-Is-Sick-Too-Sick-092524.pdf
 

District News

Summer 2026 Resources

Here is a link to summer resources for Granville CSD.


Subscribe to the Board of Education Updates


Here is the direct link to the subscribe with an email address.

And here is the link to the general overview of the Granville CSD Board of Education website.

 

Run for Board of Education - April 20th, 2026 Deadline

Please note, three Board members terms end 2026.

Here is more information about how to run for BOE including dates, deadlines and more.

Meet our volunteer Board members here.

 

Community News

Here is the link to view it and subscribe for free.

Here is the link to the Board of Education budget planning information.

 

School Tips 

Get the App! Search "Granville CSD" on any App store and download today.

Granville NY PTO Facebook Page - The latest events and volunteer opportunities

Organizing Tip! Check the district calendar of event, once per week! On the school website and in the school App. 

All Family Resources -
Visit the A-Z index here.

Who to contact? Try our District Contact Guide.

eSchool Parent Portal - Check your child's grades, attendance, and tardies.

Snacks! Please pack a healthy, filling snack everyday for your student to help them focus and feel good. Twice per week, students are introduced to new fresh fruit or vegetable.

Parent Rooms - Family-Teacher chat and classroom updates all in the mobile Granville CSD App. Learn more about Parent Rooms at this link.

Free Breakfast and Lunch Each Day - Arrive 15 minutes early to school and come enjoy breakfast before school starts. No registration needed.

Come Cheer On Our Teams - Attend a Jr/Sr High Home Game with your family for a fun, free outing. Here is the link to the game schedule.

Educational Resources - Try our community school page here.

 
 

Contact Info

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Mary J. Tanner Primary School

9593 State Route 22

Granville, NY 12832

Phone: 518-642-1051

Fax: 518-642-9594

District Contact Guide

 

School Nurse: Jennifer Blais 518-642-1051 Ext. 4204

School Social Worker: Andrea Smith 518-642-1051Ext. 4205

School Psychologist: Renee Forbes 518-642-1051 Ext. 4147


Here is the link to the District Calendar on our website.

Here is the link to the District App.

A-Z Everything Granville CSD