We hope everyone had a wonderful winter break and is ready for an exciting start to the new year! January is a time for fresh beginnings, and we are thrilled to dive into the next chapter of learning, growth, and fun with our students, families, and staff.

Don’t forget to check out the important dates, announcements, and updates below to stay connected and informed.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support—let’s make it a fantastic start to 2026 together!

Dear GMES Families,

Welcome back everyone! Please consider attending our next Boosters and Bytes meeting on Tuesday, January 13th at 6PM in the Library at GMES, where we will have food, child care, and an interpreter. We will be making plans for the rest of the school year and would love your feedback!

Sincerely,

Dan Aragon

I often have parents ask me how to get their kids to talk more about school.

 “How was your day?”

 “Fine”

 What did you do?” 

“Nothing”.

 Has that happened at your house? Here are some questions that might help get a real conversation going. Here are 25 conversation starters to get a deeper understanding of what your child is doing here at school. I will have 25 more questions next time.

1.What made you smile?

2.Can you tell me an example of kindness you saw/showed?

3.Was there an example of unkindness? How did you respond?

4.Does everyone have a friend during recess?

5.What was the book about that your teacher read?

6.What are the WOW words of the week?

7.Did anyone do anything silly to make you laugh?

8.What did you do that was creative?

9.What is the most popular game at recess?

10.What was the best thing that happened today?

11.Did you help anyone today?

12.Did you tell anyone thank you?

13.Who did you sit with at lunch?

14.What made you laugh?

15.Did you learn something today that you didn’t understand?

16.Who inspired you today?

17.What was the high and low?

18.What was your least favorite part of the day?

19.Was anyone in your class gone today?

20.Did you ever feel unsafe?

21.What is something you heard that surprised you?

22.What is something you saw today that made you think?

23.Who did you play with today?

24.Tell me something you know today that you didn’t know yesterday?

25.What is something that challenged you?

These questions are meant to start the conversation.. Follow up questions/statements can be open ended such as- Tell me more about that. Then what happened? How did you feel? What would have happened if…? More questions will be coming in the next newsletter.

Mrs. Fayette

mfayette@rochester.wednet.edu

360-858-1825

Are you looking for exciting sports or extracurricular activities for your child? Engaging in sports or other after-school activities provides children with more than just physical exercise—it boosts confidence, fosters teamwork, and helps them explore new interests. Whether they're interested in team sports like soccer or basketball, arts and music programs, or even STEM clubs, these activities provide valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. Not only do they promote social skills and resilience, but they also give kids a chance to develop lifelong passions. Start exploring options today at http://www.rochesteryouthsportsandrec.com/

This competition is a fun opportunity to learn new cooking skills, develop creative recipe ideas, and explore what makes these lunches special while adding your unique touch. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and let’s get cooking! Competition is March 11th at RHS. Use the link below to submit your entry...All entries are due by Feb 11th. Future Chef Challenge

Important Reminders:

• The gate to student drop off will open at 8:30

• Parents that will be doing parent drop-off/pick-up that have children at both RPS and GMES will drop-off/pick-up their RPS student first, then continue onto the GMES pick up area.

Rochester School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, the use of a trained guide dog or service animal, or any other basis prohibited by law. We also provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Coordinator: Jennifer Bethman (360) 273-9242, jbethman@rochester.wednet.edu; Title IX Coordinator: Kelsey Lincoln (360) 273-5534, klincoln@rochester.wednet.edu; 504/ADA Coordinator: Laura Staley (360) 273-5536, lstaley@rochester.wednet.edu. Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Jennifer Bethman (360) 273-9242, jbethman@rochester.wednet.edu Address: 10140 Highway 12 SW, Rochester, WA 98579.