Welcome to César E. Chávez Elementary (PK-5)
Bienvenidos a César E. Chávez Elementary School! We are honored to create another joyful year of learning and growth with our new and returning families. Every day, our students’ curiosity, creativity, and kindness make Chávez a truly special place to learn and grow.
As a proud GRPS Culture Center, we celebrate the diversity, languages, and heritage that enrich our community. We believe that every scholar brings unique gifts that contribute to our shared success. At Chávez, we hold high expectations for all scholars and are committed to ensuring that every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to learn with us. Thank you for being an essential part of our wonderful school. Your partnership, trust, and belief in our shared mission make all the difference. Juntos crecemos, together we grow!
César E. Chávez Elementary
School Hours
Breakfast 8:10 a.m.
Start Time 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal 3:28 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 11:40 a.m.
School Transparency

We are a Community School!
Connect with your KSSN Coordinator
At César E. Chávez Elementary, we believe in the endless potential of our scholars. We nurture that belief by encouraging our Little Red Hawks to see themselves as confident, successful learners who have the power to shape their own bright futures.
Rooted within the vibrant Roosevelt Park neighborhood, our school is a reflection of the community’s commitment and care. Our strength comes from the partnerships we share among our staff, families and neighbors, who help us to prepare our scholars with the knowledge, curiosity, and confidence they need to be successful. Our classrooms are places where every language, story, and culture is valued, creating a joyful and inclusive space where all scholars can belong and thrive.
Our Dedicated Educators
At César E. Chávez Elementary, our teachers and support staff are the driving force behind our school’s success. Each day, they bring passion, creativity, and deep commitment to their classrooms, ensuring that every scholar is seen, supported, and challenged to grow.
Our staff partners closely with families to create meaningful connections between home and school, recognizing that collaboration is key to each scholar’s success. We teach engaging lessons that spark curiosity and foster critical thinking, while also prioritizing the social and emotional well-being of every child. Grounded in the belief that every child can achieve at high levels, our staff continuously reflect, learn, and refine their practice. Their dedication transforms classrooms into caring communities where our Little Red Hawks can soar.
Celebrating Culture and Language
César E. Chávez Elementary thrives at the heart of a vibrant, multicultural community shaped by our families who bring traditions and languages from around the world. As a GRPS Culture Center, César E. Chávez Elementary is a place where traditions, stories, and voices from all backgrounds are uplifted and celebrated. We nurture an environment where every scholar feels proud of who they are, deeply valued, and fully supported to reach their highest potential.
We are proud of and celebrate our diversity and see multilingualism as a powerful asset that enriches learning, builds confidence, and strengthens our students’ connections to one another and to the world. Our bilingual program supports scholars in developing strong skills in both Spanish and English, allowing them to succeed academically while honoring their home language and culture.
Our Supportive Families
Our families are our students’ first teachers, and their love, wisdom, and traditions enrich every aspect of school life. The strong partnerships with our families are the foundation of every Little Red Hawk’s success. We value parents and caregivers as active partners and we encourage their involvement in classrooms, volunteer opportunities, and family-centered events that bring our community together throughout the year.
We are grateful for our “Popcorn Moms” who devote time to our school through our weekly popcorn fundraiser and also provide valuable leadership, thought-partnership and collaboration with school staff. We host monthly “Coffee with the Principal” meetings, where families come together with school leadership to share their questions, celebrations or concerns. We are very grateful for our continued partnership and collaboration.
Positive and Supportive Learning Environment
At César E. Chávez Elementary, social-emotional learning (SEL) is a cornerstone of everything we do. Every student begins the day in a community circle, fostering care, connection, and setting positive intentions. Through these morning meetings, our scholars also learn how to understand their emotions, build strong friendships, and navigate challenges and mistakes with self-reflection, and resilience.
Our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program complements SEL by celebrating the many ways our Red Hawk’s shine each day. Students are recognized for their achievements, kindness, and contributions to our inclusive and joyful school culture.
While following our district’s discipline policy, our approach to addressing behavior also incorporates restorative practices, where students are asked to reflect on their choices, their impact on self and others, and take steps toward repair. We understand that learning is a journey, and mistakes are valuable opportunities to grow, reflect, and deepen our relationships with one another.
We welcome and encourage families to partner with us in supporting our S.T.A.R. habits:
- S: Self-Awareness – understanding and reflecting on one’s thoughts, feelings, strengths, and how actions impact oneself and others
- T: Taking Responsibility – owning actions and choices
- A: Attitude of Gratitude – appreciating others and practicing thankfulness
- R: Respectful – showing respect for oneself, others, and the community
Meet Our Principal
César E. Chávez Elementary Photo Tour
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31 Mar
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Native American Education Program (NAEP) Library Ribbon-Cutting 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMNative American Education Program (NAEP) Library Ribbon-CuttingDate: Mar 31Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar5:30 pm: Program 5:45-7:00 pm: Open House Light refreshments provided.
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3 Aprthru Apr 10
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Spring BreakDate: Apr 3 - Apr 10Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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21 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Public Reception for GRPS Families & Friends 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Public Reception for GRPS Families & FriendsDate: Apr 21Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Notice of Public Hearing - Native American Education Program 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMNotice of Public Hearing - Native American Education ProgramDate: Apr 21Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
Native American Parents, Native American Students and the General Public are invited to share recommendations regarding programs and services to meet the special needs of Native American students in Grand Rapids Public Schools.
The input will be used to develop the district’s application for federal funding for the 2026-2027 school year.
The public hearing will be held from 5:30 p.m.—7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in the Straight School Building, 850 Chatham NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
If you have any questions, please call 616-819-3318
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22 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 22Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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23 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 23Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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24 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 24Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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25 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 25Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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26 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 26Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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27 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 27Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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