Grand Mound Elementary School

Grand Mound Elementary School

 
 

GMES Warrior Update 

June 10, 2026

 

Hello GMES Families!

GMES School

As the school year comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the growth, achievements, and memorable experiences that have shaped our Grand Mound Elementary School community. This year has been filled with curiosity, creativity, and connection—hallmarks of the vibrant learning environment our students, staff, and families continue to build together.

From academic milestones to special events, our students have shown resilience, kindness, and a commitment to learning that makes us incredibly proud. None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of our dedicated teachers, staff, and families, who work together to create a nurturing and inspiring place for every child.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Grand Mound Elementary community—we wish you a joyful and restful summer!

 

 Have A Fantastic Summer

 

Principal Message

Dear GMES Families,

What an incredible year we've had together! I am so proud of how we have amplified student, staff, and community voices to make Grand Mound Elementary truly our school. Your willingness to collaborate, share ideas, and be heard is what makes GMES such a special place to learn and grow. It is an honor to serve as your principal, and I am excited about all that the future holds for us.

Our students, staff, and families have worked incredibly hard this year. As summer begins, I hope you take time to relax, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments with your loved ones. When we return in September, we will continue building on our successes and moving forward together on our journey to make GMES the best school it can be.

Have a wonderful summer, Warriors!

Sincerely,  

Dan Aragon

 

2026-2027 School Year Calendar Available

The academic calendar contains important dates to know regarding the academic schedule. Also note that we have incorporated non-student day such as teacher preparation days, teacher trainings days and professional development days.

https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/academic-student-calendar

 

As we reach the last day of school, I want to take a moment to celebrate all that our students have accomplished this year. Grades 3–5 is such an important time of growth, and we’ve seen students learn new academic skills, build friendships, and practice handling challenges with increasing independence.

The end of the school year can bring a mix of emotions—excitement for summer, sadness about leaving teachers and friends, and sometimes a little nervousness about change. All of those feelings are normal. Kids don’t always have the words for it, but you may see it in their behavior, energy level, or mood over the next few days.

A few simple ways families can help during the transition:

Give space for kids to talk about their favorite memories from the year

Acknowledge mixed emotions without trying to “fix” them right away

Keep a simple routine when possible during the first week of summer

Encourage rest—kids are often more tired than they realize after a busy school year

Celebrate growth, not just grades or achievements

Summer is also a great time for kids to build independence in small, supported ways—whether that’s helping at home, trying new activities, or practicing responsibility with more flexibility in their day.

Most importantly, I want to thank you for sharing your children with us this year. It is a privilege to support them socially and emotionally as they grow. Our school community is stronger because of them.

Wishing you a safe, restful, and happy summer.

Mrs. Fayette

mfayette@rochester.wednet.edu

360-858-1825

 

As we wrap up another wonderful school year, I want to take a moment to thank all of our families for partnering with us in keeping our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn each day.

Your communication, support, and care throughout the year made a tremendous difference in helping us care for students in the health room and across our school community. Whether it was keeping us informed, reinforcing healthy habits at home, or working together during illnesses and injuries, your teamwork was truly appreciated.

It has been a privilege to care for your children this year. I hope your family has a safe, healthy, and relaxing summer.

Nurse Andrea

 
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/

 

Hear the Warrior Roar!!

To close out the year, we had two of our 5th grade leadership students write for the newsletter. Here's what they have to say about what's going on at GMES:

"One thing I personally love about GMES is the teachers and adults in the school community. They are always wanting to help students learn and even better, learn in a super fun way. I really hope GMES continues to select amazing teachers like the ones already working here. 🙂"

-Elias Abarca and Noah Hart. 5th Grade GMES Leadership Students. 

Elias Abarca and Noah Hart, 5th Grade GMES Leadership Students
 

Upcoming Dates:

  • August 19th-GMES Office opens 9-3
  • Aug 20th-10am-3pm ROOF school supply and resource fair
  • Sept 2 to Sept 4- Connection Conferences
  • Sept 8- School Starts

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. 

     

 

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.