Happy February! As we move further into the school year, we are excited about all the learning and growth happening in our classrooms. This month brings opportunities for creativity, random acts of kindness, learning, and celebration of both Valentine’s Day and Black History Month.

We also have some important events coming up, including parent-teacher conferences in March and our Read-A-Thon reading challenge. Be sure to check the calendar for key dates and reminders.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school a wonderful place to learn and grow!

Dear GMES Families,

We completed some practice tests in January for the state of Washington's Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) test. Students worked hard and we learned a lot about what we need to make sure students know and can do for testing in May. 

Based on parent feedback, we will be having a Science Technology Engineering Art and Math (STEAM) night on Friday, March 13th from 5PM-7PM in the gym. Please reserve the night to have fun doing STEAM activities and enjoying pizza!

Sincerely,   

Dan Aragon

Hello Families- I wanted to take a moment and talk a bit about Valentine's Day. Feb 14th is a time when kids traditionally exchange Valentine cards at school. It is a lovely, wonderful day usually filled with lace trimmed homemade cards or the latest cards of Marvel heroes. Some classes have small parties with treats and some have a special activity planned.

Some kids love Valentine’s day and others really don’t like it. I ask that when you decide if you want your student to celebrate the day, think about all the children in the class. If your child passes out valentines make sure you have the names of all the students in the class so no one is unintentionally left out. Teachers are great about providing a list to families.

I always think homemade valentines are really sweet and they can just be paper cut out with the name of the giver and receiver. Of course pre made ones are great too- Having your child write the name of the receiver and their name is also great writing practice, so have your kids do the work!

One of the things that can be hurtful for students is when some kids receive gifts or special things on that day. My ask would be that you keep that sort of thing away from school and have that happen at home. We want all kids to feel loved and special on that day. 

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.

• Please be patient in the drop-off/pick-up area, sometimes it goes slow. Zippering in line and being kind makes things go so much quicker. 

   

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.