Chavez Building
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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


  • 28 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public (8:00am - 8:00pm)
      Date: Apr 28
      Time: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 29 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public (8:00am - 8:00pm)
      Date: Apr 29
      Time: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
    • Ridgemoor Park Montessori FMP Open House
      Date: Apr 29
      Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
      Location: Ridgemoor Park Montessori School, 2555 Inverness Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
    • School Budget 101: A Parent Workshop About School Funding
      Date: Apr 29
      Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Join us for an educational workshop designed to help GRPS families better understand how school funding works.
  • 30 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public (8:00am - 8:00pm)
      Date: Apr 30
      Time: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
    • North Park Montessori FMP Open House
      Date: Apr 30
      Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
      Location: North Park Montessori Academy, 3375 Cheney Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 14 May
  • 18 May
    • CA Frost Middle High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 18
      Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
    • Union High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 18
      Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 19 May
Two GRPS seniors awarded prestigious, full-ride Gates Scholarship

Two Grand Rapids Public Schools seniors have been awarded The Gates Scholarship, a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship that covers the full cost of college.

Ashley Covington builds confidence through connection at Grand Rapids Learning Center

For nearly two decades, Ashley Covington has been dedicated to helping scholars discover their confidence and potential. 

WZZM 13 On Your Side: This Teacher of the Week is a rockstar at her school

The Teacher of the Week this week is the most veteran at her school, Congress Elementary. But that doesn't mean she doesn't know how to have fun.