Grand Mound Elementary

What’s the one thing that helps students thrive in school? Consistent attendance! September is Attendance Awareness Month, and we want to remind everyone that showing up every day makes a huge difference. Regular attendance not only boosts academic performance but also builds confidence and a sense of belonging. Let’s work together to make sure every student is present and engaged.

Today is Native American Day. We recognize and celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures, and enduring contributions of Native American people. This day serves as an important reminder to reflect on the past and commit to continued learning and fostering strong relationships with our local Indigenous communities. We encourage everyone to take a moment today to learn more about the Native American heritage that shapes our state and region.

Did you know that Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15? The date is significant because it's the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries! The traditions, languages, and unique perspectives enrich our classrooms. Our district is proud to be a place where we can learn from and honor the traditions, achievements, and stories of our Hispanic and Latino families.

Happy National IT Professionals Day! We want to give a huge shout-out to our amazing IT team, Jon and Josh. They're the unsung heroes who keep our district running smoothly. With over 5,000 pieces of equipment and more than 280 staff members to support, their work behind the scenes is invaluable—especially during this busy time of year.

Thank you, Jon and Josh, for your tireless efforts. We truly appreciate you!

We are excited to introduce our new School Resource Officer, Deputy Mancuso! He’s already been making his rounds at all of our schools, getting to know staff and students, and we’re thrilled to have him join the Warrior team. And yes—what better way to kick off the school year than with a super cool backpack and a Mickey Mouse lunch pail? Welcome to the team, Deputy Mancuso! #WarriorPride #RochesterStrong

Welcome Back, Warriors! We’re so excited to kick off another great school year with all of you! To help make the transition smooth, here are a few important links for parents and guardians:

🚌 Bus Routes → https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/bus-routes
⏰ School Hours & Numbers → https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/page/school-hours-and-phone-numbers
📱 Download the New “R”ochester App → https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/page/rooms-support

Here’s to a year full of learning, growth, and Warrior pride!

Today we honor the hard work and dedication of all workers, including our incredible staff who give so much to our students and community. We hope you enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday with family and friends! 💙💛

Success Conferences are happening today, Wednesday, August 27, and tomorrow, Thursday, August 28!

If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time—log in to Q or call your student’s school to schedule. School hours and phone numbers can be found here: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/page/school-hours-and-phone-numbers.

Warrior Families...Mark your calendar for Friday, September 12th, from 5-7pm for the 2025-2026 Back to School Bash. This district event will take place at GMES.

A big thank you to the Thurston County Sheriff's Community Service Unit (CSU) for their generous donation of 100 backpacks filled with school supplies for our students! It was a pleasure meeting Sgt. Dave Odegaard, Capt. Cyndi, and Lt. Diane during the delivery earlier today. We’re so grateful for their continued support and kindness toward our schools and families. Thank you for being amazing partners in student success!

This August there will be two vaccine clinics where required and recommended school immunizations will be provided free of charge: Weds, Aug 13 @ Thurston County Resources Hub – 929 Lakeridge Dr. SW, Olympia, WA 98502 from 11:00AM – 4:00PM and Thurs, Aug 21 @ ROOF-10140 US-12 SW, Rochester, WA 98579 from 10:00AM – 3:00PM. These clinics are a great opportunity to make sure your child is up to date on their vaccinations before the new school year begins.

Surplus Auction Now Live! We’re currently holding a surplus auction through July 28! Browse and bid on a variety of items by visiting: https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/rochestersd,wa/list/current?orgid=188254 Take a look—you never know what you might find!

District Office Summer Hours: Monday – CLOSED to Public Tuesday - Thursday – 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Friday – CLOSED to Public Thank you for planning ahead and enjoy your summer!

Congratulations to Grand Mound Elementary School! We’re proud to share that GMES has been recognized by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) as a 2025 School on the Rise! This award celebrates schools where students and adults collaborate to improve culture and amplify student voice. AWSP and its Foundation support these schools with resources and opportunities. These schools foster inclusive and equitable environments. This incredible recognition is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between staff and students, our Student Leadership Team, and the focused efforts to close achievement gaps. Way to go, GMES — your commitment to creating a positive and inclusive school culture continues to shine! #RochesterWA #GMES #SchoolOnTheRise #StudentLeadership #WarriorPride

Please join us in thanking Joey Easley for her many years of dedication to the Rochester School District. From the classroom to her role as an Intervention Specialist at both RPS and GMES, Joey has spent well over a decade making a difference in the lives of our students and families. Her care, commitment, and steady presence have helped shape a strong foundation for so many learners. As she moves on to a new chapter, we want to express our deepest appreciation for her time, talent, and heart. Joey, your impact in Rochester will not be forgotten. We wish you all the best in the journey ahead! #ThankYouJoey #OnceAWarriorAlwaysAWarrior

After 19 years of creating harmony in our schools, Francie Ishler is moving on to a new adventure. From her time in the classroom to leading the way as our beloved music teacher, Francie has left an unforgettable mark on Rochester. She’s inspired students to find their voice, helped them hit the right notes, and brought rhythm and joy to countless school days. Her passion for teaching and love for music struck a chord with everyone lucky enough to learn from or work alongside her. As she turns the page to a new chapter, we want to thank Francie for the melody she’s added to our district. You’ll be deeply missed—but your song will echo through our halls for years to come. #ThankYouFrancie #OnceAWarriorAlwaysAWarrior

Our RSD app keeps getting better and better! Invitations to log in to parent-teacher chat in the app are coming TODAY! Due to technical difficulties, these invitations were not sent last week, but we are ready and excited to get started. Parents/guardians who have already created an account can now access new app features like Messages and Class Streams via web and in the app. Download for Android https://aptg.co/4lfk19 Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/lS_zbq

Today is graduation day for the Rochester High School Class of 2025! If you can’t join us in person, tune in live at 2:00 PM to celebrate with us virtually. Click the link or scan the QR code to watch: https://youtube.com/live/arGblESxrEw?feature=share