Grand Mound Elementary School

GMES Warrior Update

Sept. 5,2025

Hello GMES Families!

GMES School

It has been such a wonderful feeling seeing our students back in the classrooms working hard. It has also been nice to catch up with the students on the playground and in the cafeteria enjoying their time with friends. We are off to a wonderful start to the school year! Keep encouraging your kids to be safe, respectful, and responsible in and out of school.

IMPORTANT TASKS

Annual Qmlativ Parent Updates

Parents,

If you have not yet filled out your annual Qmlativ updates, your child will not be allowed to use their chromebooks in class starting Monday, September 8. Please make sure you acknolwedge that you have: access to the handbook; read the district's Acceptable Use Policy; and read and shared the "Electronic Resources and Internet Safety Acceptable Use Policy" with your child. See the screenshot above for reference.

If you need help filling out the annual Qmlativ updates, please call the office at 360-273-5512.

Principal Message

Dear GMES Families,

I hope your first week back to school was amazing! It's been a pleasure to meet your children! I have witnessed many acts of kindness throughout the week and you have done an admirable job raising such incredible children!

Also, please remember to pull forward as far as you can when picking up your children, while also leaving yourself enough room to exit before the car in front of you.

Next, please attend our first Boosters and Bytes meeting with our awesome Boosters and me. It will be on Tuesday, September 9th from 6PM-7PM in the GMES library and on zoom. We will have pizza, child care, and interpreters to support your attendance and engagement. Not only will you learn more about the Booster Club, but I would like your feedback about how things are going for you and your family at our school!

Finally, I am very thankful to serve as your Principal. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dan Aragon

Celebration Time!

We want to give a big shout out to our 3rd grade students and families for having 100% attendance on Thursday, September 4th! This is an incredible accomplishment that deserves recognition. Great job, Warriors!

Jumping Celebration in Sunset

GMES Picture Day Wednesday 17th

Picture Day is September 17th. Please use the link below to order online. Link to Order Photos

Picture Day

Big Smiles Dentistry...

Big Smiles Logo

Big Smiles Mobile Dentistry will be at GMES on December 1st. Use the link below to sign up if your child needs dental care. Consent forms will be coming home with your students soon. MySchooldentist Registration

Update's are important...

Please make sure you are updating your apps on your phone to ensure the best function. This allows the best communication between families, teachers and schools.

RSD Parent App image

Rochester Youth Sports & Rec

Rochester Youth Sports & Rec

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/

Attendance Matters...

GMES Top Attendance Tip...

Plan Ahead for Vacations and Appointments: Schedule vacations and non-urgent appointments during school breaks whenever possible to minimize disruptions to your child's attendance. If appointments during school hours are unavoidable, try to schedule them at the beginning or end of the day.

Did you know picking up your kids early at the end of the day is the same as getting them to school late? Both early pick ups and being late to school impact your student the same and are called "tardies." Please make sure that your student is at school for the entire day, being picked up early here and there adds up quickly and your student is missing out on important instruction.

Absences Add Up

Upcoming Dates:

  • September 9- Boosters & Bytes with the Principal 6-7pm

  • September 12- Back to School Bash 5-7pm

  • September 17- Fall Picture Day

  • October 14 & 15th- Late Night Conf

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 students at RPS.

Now Hiring Substitutes:

Substitutes are a very important part of our team. If you are interested in a job that provides flexibility, join the Rochester Substitute Teacher or Rochester Paraeducator team, earn some extra money, and support our students. Rochester is working with Kelley Education Services to fill all our substitute positions.

Questions??? Contact: SUPPORT@KELLYEDUCATION.COM or 1-855-535-5933

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.