Welcome to César E. Chávez Elementary
(PK-5)
As principal of César E. Chávez Elementary, it is my pleasure to welcome new and returning families to our school. I am thrilled to have scholars back in our classrooms. Our staff eagerly awaits their laughter, energy, and enthusiasm for learning.
César E. Chávez Elementary is such a special place to learn and grow. We are proud of our beautiful school and have high expectations for each and every scholar. Our scholars are kind, compassionate, and resilient. Together with our dedicated staff, we strive to make connections with scholars to help them feel valued, accepted, and safe. Our overarching goal is to encourage active scholar engagement that fosters a lifetime love for learning.
Principal
Aimee Garcia

César E. Chávez Elementary
School Hours
Breakfast 8:10 a.m.
Start Time 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal 3:26 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 11:40 a.m.
School Transparency
We believe in inspiring scholars to own their roles as thinkers, lifelong learners, and change agents.
At César E. Chávez Elementary, we create and maintain a high quality, safe learning environment that enables every child to exceed expectations. We are a modern neighborhood school that celebrates diversity and provides assistance to English Learners to ensure academic success. Our outstanding scholars, committed staff, dedicated partnerships, and supportive parents all work together to help today’s learners develop the skills needed to succeed in tomorrow’s global market and community. We want our scholars to thrive in all aspects of their lives; therefore, we believe in fostering every child’s inner sense of purpose, independence, and ability to adapt.
Committed Teachers
The teachers at Chávez go above and beyond to ensure that scholars’ needs are met, that parents are involved in their child’s education, and that scholars have a positive experience. With our committed teachers, our learners are challenged and engaged to do their best every day.
Culture & Language
Chávez is located in the heart of one of Grand Rapids’ Hispanic/Latinx communities in which Spanish is the first language in more than 90% of scholars’ homes. Scholars are supported by a bilingual transition program that teaches scholars in their native language while they learn English. As a cultural center, Chávez holds programs and events to celebrate diversity and culture.
Parents as Partners
We believe in empowering families and engaging the community to support academic achievement for all scholars. Chávez values parents as partners in their child’s education. Parents are actively involved as volunteers and regularly participate in many family events throughout the year.
Safe & Secure
Scholars continue to feel safe at Chávez. We rely on the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) program along with our trauma-informed practices to support the whole child’s development. The number of scholars being recognized for making good choices and showing positive behavior continues to increase while behavioral referrals continue to decline. This year’s PBIS assemblies and celebrations engaged K-5 scholars in our S.T.A.R. behavior through participation games, a focus on restorative practices, and a belief that all our scholars are “Rising Stars” at Chávez.
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.
César E. Chávez Elementary Photo Tour
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23 Sep
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Ottawa Hills Volleyball TournamentDate: Sep 23Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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26 Sep
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Reimagine GRPS with Us! Voter Informational Session 5:30 PM to 6:30 PMReimagine GRPS with Us! Voter Informational SessionDate: Sep 26Time: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PMLocation: GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarThis meeting will be held in person at GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Avenue NE.
A virtual option is also available.
Please register to attend using this registration link:
https://forms.gle/RtfrSQXbp3s5Nr3Z7
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28 Sep
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Kensington School Farewell 4:00 PM to 6:00 PMKensington School FarewellDate: Sep 28Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: 1031 Kensington Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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4 Oct
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Fall Count DayDate: Oct 4Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Dean Transportation Update & Parent Feedback | Suggestions 6:30 PM to 8:00 PMDean Transportation Update & Parent Feedback | SuggestionsDate: Oct 4Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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7 Oct
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Ottawa Hills Girls Swim InvitationalDate: Oct 7Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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10 Oct
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GRPS Parent Action Leaders (PALs) Meeting 9:30 AM to 11:00 AMGRPS Parent Action Leaders (PALs) MeetingDate: Oct 10Time: 9:30 AM to 11:00 AMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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GRPS Parent Action Leaders (PALs) Meeting 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMGRPS Parent Action Leaders (PALs) MeetingDate: Oct 10Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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13 Oct
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Ottawa Hills Homecoming Football Game 7:00 PM to 10:00 PMOttawa Hills Homecoming Football GameDate: Oct 13Time: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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23 Oct
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No School; No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Oct 23Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Pastor’s daughter and former GRPS student persevered to earn two degrees and a lifetime of experience to share with her scholars.

Attendance is important and counts every single day...but on Wednesday, October 4, it counts for a percentage of your school’s funding.

The Grand Rapids Public Schools has identified the operations team member who died following an accident on the job Tuesday afternoon.