This time of year, is a great time to reflect on all that we are thankful for here at GMES. We are very lucky to be part of this great community of Rochester. We have the greatest students, families and staff. We couldn't do it without all of you. From GMES, we hope that you have a wonderful weekend.

Dear GMES Families,

My reflection on this time of year is how thankful I am to be your Principal. You may have noticed the banner that is hung outside the main entrance of the school. You earned the "School on the Rise" award for demonstrating student growth on the year-end tests, which takes everyone working together to keep students safe and learning. We have an amazing school community and I feel privileged to be a part of it. 

Please keep asking questions and providing feedback so we can continue our growth! 

Sincerely,

Dan Aragon

Congratulations to the top three fundraisers in each grade level -- they got to pie a staff member of their choice in the face! Poor Mr. Aragon got 4 pies to the face.... and hair!!

3rd Grade Students: Andrew Brown (Mr. Aragon), Kase Steelhammer (Mr. Olson), Sophia Brown (Ms. Newman)

4th Grade Students: Kenidee Sauter (Mrs. Hart), Charlotte Jones (Mr. Aragon), Morgan Slaby (Mr. Clark)

5th Grade Students: Juliet Kramer (Mr. Aragon), Liz Dour (Mr. Aragon), Hudsen Moen (unfortunately absent for the assembly!)

Our Digital Second Step curriculum has a unit on Emotional Regulation that students have been working on in class. One of the reasons I love SEL (social emotional learning) is because it is so practical with teaching strategies. These are skills that are necessary to become productive, happy people.

The Second Step Curriculum has one lesson per grade level per week that classroom teachers teach in the classroom. They work on goal setting, kindness / empathy and problem solving along with the emotional regulation work they are doing currently. 

I teach 8 lessons per class each year and those lessons are Bullying Prevention in the Winter and The Child Protection/Personal Safety Units in the Spring.  I teach those lessons during each class's  library specialist time. 

If you have any questions about the Social Emotional Curriculum please reach out to me and I would be happy to discuss this material with you. 

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/

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, 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.