R. Grant Graham Elementary building photo

Welcome to R. Grant Graham Elementary

Home of the Stars


Elementary Education  The Road to the Future

R. Grant Graham Elementary serves grades K-5 within the Avondale School District. These years are a critical time for discovery, and we believe they set the stage for a lifetime of learning.We strive to develop positive social, emotional, intellectual, and physical skills within each student to teach them not only fundamental concepts and skills, but also how to use what they learn and to love learning. At R. Grant Graham, we provide a positive, supportive, inclusive environment that enables our students to be confident in their abilities, excited to learn, and motivated to do their best. There is no better reward than seeing our students succeed.

R. Grant Graham Elementary

R. Grant Graham Elementary

2450 Old Salem Road Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Phone: 248.537.6800 Fax: 248.537.6805 Attendance: 248.537.6810

School Day:  8:32 AM - 3:39 PM
Half Day Dismissal:  11:45 AM
Early Release Dismissal:  1:35 PM
Office Hours:  8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Jamie Brooks
Principal
Angela Castaldi
Assistant Principal

We AreLEADERS

Stories

R. Grant Graham 4th Graders Host Annual All School Election

Students in Mr. Novak's 4th grade class at R. Grant Graham Elementary School hosted their annual All School Election for the Best All Time US President! 

The class covered all areas of an election. Each student did a report in first person point of view on a US President, then gave speeches as to why they are the Best President Ever! The class hosted a Primary Election to determine the final three candidates - James K. Polk, George W. Bush, and Theodore Roosevelt. Those three have been campaigning and giving speeches since. Each candidate was also able to choose a Vice President, an Advisor, and a Press Secretary. 

The class even learned about and implemented the Electoral College. They did this simply by assigning each classroom a certain amount of Electoral Votes according to their "population".Students, staff, and district administrators all had the opportunity to vote. Once all votes had been accounted for, it was announced that the winner was George W. Bush! 

Great job to the students and staff, and thank you to all who voted!


Events

April 30
Avondale Education Foundation Meeting
6:00 PM
Avondale Education Foundation Meeting
Date: Apr 30
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Calendar: District Calendar
May 1 - May 2
Principals & Assistant Principals Appreciation Day
12:00 AM
Principals & Assistant Principals Appreciation Day
Date: May 1 - May 2
Time: 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Calendar: District Calendar
May 2 - May 3
Lunchroom Hero Day
12:00 AM
Lunchroom Hero Day
Date: May 2 - May 3
Time: 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Calendar: District Calendar
May 5
Avondale Board of Education Meeting
7:00 PM
Avondale School District Administration Building, 2940 Waukegan St, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA
Avondale Board of Education Meeting
Date: May 5
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Avondale School District Administration Building, 2940 Waukegan St, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA
Calendar: District Calendar
May 6
Avondale College Admissions Panel
5:30 PM
Avondale School District Administration Building, 2940 Waukegan St, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA
Avondale College Admissions Panel
Date: May 6
Time: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: Avondale School District Administration Building, 2940 Waukegan St, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA
Calendar: District Calendar
Avondale is excited to host a panel featuring College Admissions Directors from universities across the state. This event is open to students, parents, staff, and the community, offering an opportunity to better understand how colleges review Avondale transcripts — particularly with our standards-based grading system — and what each institution considers in their admissions process. To ensure a focused and efficient discussion, questions will be collected and provided to panelists in advance.


Please use this form to provide any questions you may have for the panel. Below are the goals for the panel discussion.   
  • Admissions Criteria at Your Institution – An overview of how each college/university determines admissions decisions, including factors like GPA, test scores, AP Coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
  • Understanding Avondale Transcripts – Insights into how Avondale transcripts effectively communicate the academic achievements of our students and ensure universities receive the necessary information for a comprehensive evaluation.
  • Standards-Based Grading and College Admissions – How universities interpret standards-based grading systems, particularly in comparison to traditional grading, and how this impacts the review of student applications. .


Panel Event Information:

Date: May 6, 2025
Time: 5:30-6:30 PM
Location: Avondale Administration Building Boardroom, 2940 Waukegan, Auburn Hills 48326
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82537245875?pwd=6tNlIZcpr9QCizyd7YFawnbBoz5i2L.1
Universities Attending: University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, Lawrence Tech, Oakland University, Olivet, Grand Valley University
Avondale ECC Stakeholder Meeting
6:30 PM
Avondale ECC Stakeholder Meeting
Date: May 6
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Calendar: District Calendar
May 7 - May 8
Teacher Appreciation Day
12:00 AM
Teacher Appreciation Day
Date: May 7 - May 8
Time: 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Calendar: District Calendar

Our Mission

R. Grant GrahamMISSION & VISION

To provide instruction and support to meet the academic, social/emotional, and physical needs of all students.  To work in partnership with families and community members to provide opportunities for student growth beyond the classroom.

Curriculum

Avondale School District's elementary curriculum provides our students with the lessons and skills they need to successfully progress on their educational journey, while also providing the appropriate support for their learning style and level. Our curriculum aligns with the current National and State Standards, while engaging students with inventive teaching techniques in literacy, science, social studies, and mathematics. We employ technology in the classroom and in the computer labs to enhance the learning experience. To learn more about each grade level curriculum, click the button below.

View Curriculum

The Road to the Future

R. Grant Graham Elementary places a strong focus on helping our students achieve success by providing the support required to meet each student where they are at on their educational journey. We strongly believe that all students are entitled to an excellent educational experience within an accepting and supportive environment. A complete, diverse educational journey better prepares students for life beyond Avondale School District, and that's exactly what they will receive at R. Grant Graham Elementary. Additionally, to further enhance our curriculum, we utilize Project Based Learning and Design Thinking to help teach students how to strengthen their collaboration, decision-making, problem-solving, and self-assessment skills, all while learning and expanding their education.

Avondale K-5 Career Development

Students begin to develop ideas about jobs and the world of work at a young age, but they only know what they have seen or experienced. Often, this is a very limited view. At the elementary schools, it is our mission to help students dive in to all 6 Michigan Career Clusters and be exposed to a multitude of possible careers. We have created many intentional activities and events that are completed throughout the year.

Elementary Activities & Events

  • K-5 Job of the Week (174 covered in 6 years) 
  • K-5 "Careers in a Box" Career Cluster lessons available to all teachers
  • 2nd grade Career Booklets completed throughout the year, sent home in May as a great keepsake!
  • 3rd-5th grade Monthly Career Journal starters
  • 4th grade STEMi visit showcasing jobs in STEM
  • District-Wide 5th Grade Career Day
  • District-Wide K-5 Future Focus Day
  • K-5 Xello-Fun online Career Activities

R. Grant Graham Elementary Students

Always remember to be a:

S Safe
T Trustworthy
A Appropriate
R Responsible