Grand Mound Elementary
Know, Value, and Support Every Student
✨ Step into a little magic with Rochester High School Drama! ✨
Join us for After Midnight, a production by Joy McCullough, as we discover what happens when you don't listen to your fairy godmother and leave the ball by midnight!
📅 November 13, 14, 20 & 21
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Rochester High School Commons
🎟️ Tickets: $12 general admission | $10 with ASB or for senior citizens, first responders, active military and children.
Come out and support our RHS drama students! We hope to see you there! 💙💛
Join us for After Midnight, a production by Joy McCullough, as we discover what happens when you don't listen to your fairy godmother and leave the ball by midnight!
📅 November 13, 14, 20 & 21
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Rochester High School Commons
🎟️ Tickets: $12 general admission | $10 with ASB or for senior citizens, first responders, active military and children.
Come out and support our RHS drama students! We hope to see you there! 💙💛
💙🏈💛 IT'S PLAYOFF TIME, WARRIORS! 💙🏈💛
Best of luck to our Rochester Warrior football players as they take on the Castle Rock Rockets tomorrow at Centralia HS for postseason action! Let's show up, bring the energy, and cheer our Warriors on!
Tickets may only be purchased using cash or GoFan. No other form of payment will be accepted.
Cash prices are: $5 – Students with ASB, Veterans & Seniors, $10 – Adults & Students without ASB; GoFan Online Prices are: $6.25 – Students with ASB, Veterans & Seniors, $11.50 – Adults & Students w/o ASB (GoFan prices include a processing fee.) Link to the QR code to purchase tickets through GoFan - https://gofan.co/event/7026778?schoolId=WA23315.
You can also stream it on NFHS: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/centralia-high-school-centralia-wa/gamd528475c98
Let's pack the stands and make some noise for our Warriors!
Best of luck to our Rochester Warrior football players as they take on the Castle Rock Rockets tomorrow at Centralia HS for postseason action! Let's show up, bring the energy, and cheer our Warriors on!
Tickets may only be purchased using cash or GoFan. No other form of payment will be accepted.
Cash prices are: $5 – Students with ASB, Veterans & Seniors, $10 – Adults & Students without ASB; GoFan Online Prices are: $6.25 – Students with ASB, Veterans & Seniors, $11.50 – Adults & Students w/o ASB (GoFan prices include a processing fee.) Link to the QR code to purchase tickets through GoFan - https://gofan.co/event/7026778?schoolId=WA23315.
You can also stream it on NFHS: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/centralia-high-school-centralia-wa/gamd528475c98
Let's pack the stands and make some noise for our Warriors!
Please join us in welcoming Mara Harris as the newest member of the Rochester School District Board of Directors, representing District 5!
Mara brings a strong background in working with youth and families, with nearly a decade of experience at the Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County. She currently serves as the Director of Kaila's Kids, a countywide behavioral intervention and social-emotional learning program serving more than 2,000 youth. She also recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science, with an emphasis in Childhood and Adolescent Disorders.
Mara has a longtime connection to the Rochester community and an understanding of the importance of supporting our students, families, and schools. She also has a special connection to this position as the daughter of former District 5 Board Director Heather Harris.
We are excited to welcome Mara to the board and look forward to working with her as she steps into this role!
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the two applicants who took the time to participate in the interview process and expressed a willingness to serve our district. We are grateful for their interest, their commitment to our community, and their willingness to step forward to fill the District 5 vacancy for the remainder of the current term.
Welcome, Mara!
Mara brings a strong background in working with youth and families, with nearly a decade of experience at the Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County. She currently serves as the Director of Kaila's Kids, a countywide behavioral intervention and social-emotional learning program serving more than 2,000 youth. She also recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science, with an emphasis in Childhood and Adolescent Disorders.
Mara has a longtime connection to the Rochester community and an understanding of the importance of supporting our students, families, and schools. She also has a special connection to this position as the daughter of former District 5 Board Director Heather Harris.
We are excited to welcome Mara to the board and look forward to working with her as she steps into this role!
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the two applicants who took the time to participate in the interview process and expressed a willingness to serve our district. We are grateful for their interest, their commitment to our community, and their willingness to step forward to fill the District 5 vacancy for the remainder of the current term.
Welcome, Mara!
🗳️ Make your voice heard, Rochester! 🗳️
Our next election is November 3. Every election is an opportunity to participate in our community and have a say in the decisions that shape our future. Take a moment to make sure you're ready to vote, review your ballot, and return it by the deadline.
Your voice matters. Your vote matters.
🍂 Fall Back, Warriors! 🍂
Daylight saving time ends today! Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before heading to bed tonight, October 31.
Enjoy that extra hour of sleep, Warriors! ⏰💙💛
#OnceAWarriorAlwaysAWarrior
NO SCHOOL - Monday, November 2!
There will be no school on Monday, November 2, as our teachers have a work day. Families can stay up to date on important dates by referring to the 2026–2027 Academic Calendar:
https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/academic-student-calendar.
Have a great long weekend, Warriors! 💙💛
There will be no school on Monday, November 2, as our teachers have a work day. Families can stay up to date on important dates by referring to the 2026–2027 Academic Calendar:
https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/academic-student-calendar.
Have a great long weekend, Warriors! 💙💛
October is Principal Appreciation Month!
We want to take a moment to recognize our Rochester principals and assistant principals and thank them for everything they do for our schools. From supporting students and staff to working with families and helping each building run smoothly, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes each day.
Your time, dedication, and care for our school community do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for the role you play in making Rochester such a great place for our students to learn and grow.
Please join us in showing our principals and assistant principals some appreciation this month! Thank you for all you do for our Warriors!
#WarriorPride #OnceAWarriorAlwaysAWarrior
We want to take a moment to recognize our Rochester principals and assistant principals and thank them for everything they do for our schools. From supporting students and staff to working with families and helping each building run smoothly, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes each day.
Your time, dedication, and care for our school community do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for the role you play in making Rochester such a great place for our students to learn and grow.
Please join us in showing our principals and assistant principals some appreciation this month! Thank you for all you do for our Warriors!
#WarriorPride #OnceAWarriorAlwaysAWarrior
October 30th, GMES will be participating in the all school dress up day called “Have It Your Way'' Day. As part of the fun, students will be parading through each classroom showing what they have chosen to wear that day. This year, the parade will begin at 1:35pm. If you’d like to watch the parade, you need to check in at the office before heading down to the gym to watch the parade.
📣 Conferences are next week, Warriors! Schools will have early release on Monday, October 19, through Friday, October 23. Check the flyer for dismissal times at each school.
Breakfast and lunch will be served. We look forward to connecting with families during conferences! 💙💛
Breakfast and lunch will be served. We look forward to connecting with families during conferences! 💙💛
🏈 HOMECOMING FOOTBALL IS TONIGHT! 🏈
It’s Homecoming at Rochester High School, and we’re ready to celebrate with our Warriors! 💙💛
Join us tonight at 7:00 PM as Rochester takes on the Hoquiam Grizzlies!
👑 Homecoming Court recognized at halftime
💙💛 Grab some Warrior swag at the Booster Shack
🏈 Vintage football jerseys for just $5!
🍿 Concession stands will be open and ready to serve
Come out, bring the family, wear your Warrior gear, and help us fill the stands! Let’s go, Warriors! 🏈💙💛
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior!
#RochesterWarriors #Homecoming #FridayNightLights
It’s Homecoming at Rochester High School, and we’re ready to celebrate with our Warriors! 💙💛
Join us tonight at 7:00 PM as Rochester takes on the Hoquiam Grizzlies!
👑 Homecoming Court recognized at halftime
💙💛 Grab some Warrior swag at the Booster Shack
🏈 Vintage football jerseys for just $5!
🍿 Concession stands will be open and ready to serve
Come out, bring the family, wear your Warrior gear, and help us fill the stands! Let’s go, Warriors! 🏈💙💛
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior!
#RochesterWarriors #Homecoming #FridayNightLights
Happy National Custodian Appreciation Day!
Today we’re giving a BIG thank you to our custodians! This year, they’ve been going above and beyond to keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming even as our custodial teams have been stretched thin.
We see the long days and all the things you do behind the scenes to keep our schools running. Your work matters every single day, and we are grateful for the care you bring to our students and staff.
Thank you for showing up, pitching in, and taking such good care of our schools. We appreciate you! 💙
#CustodianAppreciationDay #ThankYouCustodians
Today we’re giving a BIG thank you to our custodians! This year, they’ve been going above and beyond to keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming even as our custodial teams have been stretched thin.
We see the long days and all the things you do behind the scenes to keep our schools running. Your work matters every single day, and we are grateful for the care you bring to our students and staff.
Thank you for showing up, pitching in, and taking such good care of our schools. We appreciate you! 💙
#CustodianAppreciationDay #ThankYouCustodians
School Board Vacancy – Director District 5
The Rochester School District is seeking a qualified community member to fill a vacancy on the Rochester School Board representing Director District 5.
Are you a U.S. citizen, a qualified voter, and a resident of Director District 5? If so, you may be eligible to apply.
Interested candidates will be asked to provide:
• A brief biographical sketch
• A statement explaining your interest in serving on the School Board
Not sure whether you live in Director District 5? View the district map here: https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/apps/auditor-election-maps/school-districts/auditor_school_district_map_rochester.pdf
Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 14
Candidates will be interviewed during the October 28 School Board Business Meeting, and the interviews will take place in open public session.
The School Board will appoint a candidate to fill the vacancy following the interview process.
Interested in serving your community and helping support Rochester students and schools? Learn more about the vacancy and application process here: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/page/school-board-director-vacancy.
A New Adventure for Heather Harris
After serving our community as a member of the Rochester School Board, Heather Harris will be leaving the area to begin a new adventure. With that move, she is no longer able to continue representing Director District 5.
Heather shared that this decision was not made lightly. Her time serving the Rochester School District and community has been deeply rewarding, and she is truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Rochester family.
We are incredibly grateful for Heather’s time, service, and commitment to our students, staff, and community. Please join us in wishing Heather and her family all the very best in this next chapter!
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior.
After serving our community as a member of the Rochester School Board, Heather Harris will be leaving the area to begin a new adventure. With that move, she is no longer able to continue representing Director District 5.
Heather shared that this decision was not made lightly. Her time serving the Rochester School District and community has been deeply rewarding, and she is truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Rochester family.
We are incredibly grateful for Heather’s time, service, and commitment to our students, staff, and community. Please join us in wishing Heather and her family all the very best in this next chapter!
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior.
🚨 WE NEED YOU, WARRIORS! 🚨
Our custodial crew is working hard to keep our schools clean, safe, and ready for our students every day, but right now, we could really use some extra hands!
Do you like staying busy? Do you take pride in a job well done? Do you want to help your local schools? Do you want to be part of the Warrior team? We are looking for custodial substitutes to help fill in when our regular custodians are out. Even if you can only help occasionally, YOU can make a difference!
And let's be honest… our floors, tables, and trash cans aren't going to take care of themselves.
👉 Apply to become a Rochester School District custodial substitute and help us keep our schools running strong! https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/page/job-openings
💙💛What a special night for Rochester!💙💛
On Saturday evening, family, friends, former teammates, coaches, and community members came together to celebrate and honor some of Rochester’s most deserving Athletics Hall of Fame inductees. Please join us in congratulating our newest inductees:
🏆 Jack Erwin
🏆 Lowell Deguise
🏆 Kevin Wilson
🏆 Aaron Wagner
🏆 Davina Serdahl (Bergman)
🏆 Lucas Eastman
🏆 Joni Guerrero (Lancaster)
The evening was filled with laughter, tears, memories, and stories, but most importantly, it captured the true meaning of being a Warrior and the lasting impact these individuals have had on our Rochester community. Congratulations to our 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees! We are proud to celebrate you and the legacy you have created in our community.
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior.
On Saturday evening, family, friends, former teammates, coaches, and community members came together to celebrate and honor some of Rochester’s most deserving Athletics Hall of Fame inductees. Please join us in congratulating our newest inductees:
🏆 Jack Erwin
🏆 Lowell Deguise
🏆 Kevin Wilson
🏆 Aaron Wagner
🏆 Davina Serdahl (Bergman)
🏆 Lucas Eastman
🏆 Joni Guerrero (Lancaster)
The evening was filled with laughter, tears, memories, and stories, but most importantly, it captured the true meaning of being a Warrior and the lasting impact these individuals have had on our Rochester community. Congratulations to our 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees! We are proud to celebrate you and the legacy you have created in our community.
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior.
Wednesday, September 30th, we invite our Rochester students, staff, and families to wear orange to recognize Orange Shirt Day.
Orange Shirt Day grew from the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her when she entered a residential school as a child. Today, the day honors Indigenous children who were taken from their families and communities and recognizes the lasting impact of residential and boarding schools.
The message of Orange Shirt Day is simple and important: Every Child Matters.
In Rochester, this connects closely to our promise that every student will be known, valued, and supported—and know that they belong. 🧡
#OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #YouBelongHere
Friday, September 25 is Native American Day.
We are fortunate to have a community that includes students and families from many different tribal backgrounds. We also recognize the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, our closest tribal community, and the history and connection they have to this area.
On Native American Day, we honor the many tribes and Native communities represented in our schools and beyond. It’s a good day to learn more about Native history, cultures, traditions, and the contributions of Native people in our communities.
#NativeAmericanDay
We are fortunate to have a community that includes students and families from many different tribal backgrounds. We also recognize the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, our closest tribal community, and the history and connection they have to this area.
On Native American Day, we honor the many tribes and Native communities represented in our schools and beyond. It’s a good day to learn more about Native history, cultures, traditions, and the contributions of Native people in our communities.
#NativeAmericanDay
🎉 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH! 🎉
It’s time to celebrate the start of another great school year, and we’re kicking things off with a fun-filled evening for our Rochester community! 💙💛
Join us this Friday from 5–7 PM at Grand Mound Elementary for our Back to School Bash! Come enjoy: 🎪 Local vendors from our own community, 🎮 games & prizes, ⛳️ putt-putt golf, 🎨 face painting, 🍔 FREE FOOD…and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends, families, and our Warrior community!
Bring the whole family and come celebrate with us! We’d love to see you there! 💙💛 And the fun doesn’t have to end at 7! 🏈 After the Back to School Bash, head over to RHS for Friday Night Football as the Warriors take on Rainier High School at 7 PM.
Start your evening with us at GMES for the Back to School Bash, then end your night cheering on the Warriors under the lights!
#BackToSchoolBash #WarriorPride #GoWarriors
💙💛 What a FIRST WEEK, Warriors! 💙💛
The 2026–27 school year is officially underway, and our Warriors are off to a GREAT start! From welcoming families at Howdy Family Night, getting our 6th graders ready for middle school during Jumpstart, and kicking things off with our RSD All-Staff Breakfast, there has been so much happening across the district!
📚 Classrooms are buzzing
🎒 Students are settling into new routines
🤝 Staff are building connections and relationships
🏫 Schools are full of energy
💙 And that Warrior spirit is already shining bright!
Every event, classroom, conversation, and connection is part of what makes our district special. It all comes back to our promise: We promise to know, value, and support every student.
And if the first week is any indication, we’re off to an incredible start! Here’s to a fantastic year ahead, Rochester! 💙💛
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior!
The 2026–27 school year is officially underway, and our Warriors are off to a GREAT start! From welcoming families at Howdy Family Night, getting our 6th graders ready for middle school during Jumpstart, and kicking things off with our RSD All-Staff Breakfast, there has been so much happening across the district!
📚 Classrooms are buzzing
🎒 Students are settling into new routines
🤝 Staff are building connections and relationships
🏫 Schools are full of energy
💙 And that Warrior spirit is already shining bright!
Every event, classroom, conversation, and connection is part of what makes our district special. It all comes back to our promise: We promise to know, value, and support every student.
And if the first week is any indication, we’re off to an incredible start! Here’s to a fantastic year ahead, Rochester! 💙💛
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior!
Welcome back Warriors! Mr. Aragon and I can’t wait to see you all on Tuesday for the kickoff of the 2026-2027 school year! Here’s a video with some important back to school info. See you Tuesday, September 8!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vk3ubmeqsk_KFPOG6U77z2K2rsBpYFwV/view?usp=drivesdk