Chavez Building
GRPS Expo & Information Fair Join us on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at GRPS University and learn more about the region’s largest, most comprehensive selection of school choices offered at GRPS.
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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!

Jessica Schwarz
Principal

School Apps

César E. Chávez Elementary

1205 César E. Chávez Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616-819-2560
Jessica Schwarz
Principal
Clarita Hoeksema
Assistant Principal
Leysha Ortiz
Head Secretary

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. 

KSSN

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. 

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. 

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 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. 

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


We have incorporated distance learning for years and are poised to be a leader in the district as a blended model of new technologies and old practices, giving our students the best of both worlds. Our 1-to-1 student technology device approach ensures that every student has the opportunity to learn inside and outside the classroom.

  • 22 Dec
    thru Jan 2
  • 23 Dec
  • 14 Jan
    • Alexander Community Engagement Meeting
      Date: Jan 14
      Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
      Location: 1331 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      This meeting will be held in the Auditorium.
    • Alexander Community Engagement Meeting
      Date: Jan 14
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
      Location: 1331 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      This meeting will be held in the Auditorium.
  • 15 Jan
  • 19 Jan
  • 23 Jan
    • Union Redhawks Boys Basketball Youth Night
      Date: Jan 23
      Time: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
      Location: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 26 Jan
    • Union Redhawks Girls Basketball Youth Night
      Date: Jan 26
      Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
      Location: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 28 Jan
    • GRPS Expo & Information Fair
      Date: Jan 28
      Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
      Location: 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar

      Join GRPS on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at GRPS University for the annual Expo & Information Fair! With the largest selection of school choices in West Michigan, this is your chance to explore our schools, learn about enrollment, and meet GRPS staff while enjoying free dinner, giveaways, and fun activities.

      Bring the whole family and get ready for the 2026–2027 school year—see you there!

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