Happy Principals Month! We want to take a moment to spotlight the leadership team at GMES. We are so fortunate to have Principal Dan Aragon and Dean of Students Madison Newman guiding our Warriors. Ms. Newman is a dedicated veteran, now in her second year as a Warrior, and Mr. Aragon has quickly made GMES his new home this school year. Together, they form a great team that is making a huge positive impact in our building every day. Thank you, Mr. Aragon and Ms. Newman, for your dedication to our students, staff, and community!
Get Ready for Conference Week: Half-Day Schedule Next Week!
Conference Week is happening Monday, October 13, through Friday, October 17. This means all students will follow a half-day schedule for the entire week.
Here are the dismissal times for each school:
RPS & GMES: 12:15 PM
RMS: 11:10 AM
RHS: 11:25 AM
Lunch will be served each day before dismissal. Our academic calendar is available on our website at: https://rochestersdwa.sites.thrillshare.com/o/rsd/page/academic-student-calendar
#RSDWAKids #ConferenceWeek
GMES Families,
Conferences are happening October 14-16. Due to conferences, dismissal time next Monday - Friday is 12:15pm.
If you have not scheduled your conference, please call the office at 360-273-5512.
Can't wait to see you and your student(s) next week for Fall Conferences!
Conferences are happening October 14-16. Due to conferences, dismissal time next Monday - Friday is 12:15pm.
If you have not scheduled your conference, please call the office at 360-273-5512.
Can't wait to see you and your student(s) next week for Fall Conferences!
A big shout-out to our incredible custodial team on Custodian Appreciation Day! Your commitment to keeping our schools in top shape is something we are so thankful for every single day. Thank you for all you do behind the scenes to keep our schools running smoothly. We appreciate you!
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!
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!
🚌 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.
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.
We're Hiring! Join the Rochester School District Team! Are you passionate about supporting students and making a difference in your community? We’re currently hiring for several positions, with an immediate need for Educational Assistants (EAs) in Special Education. Our EAs play a vital role in helping students grow, learn, and succeed every day. If you're patient, caring, and ready to be a positive influence, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today: https://rochestersdwa.sites.thrillshare.com/o/rsd/page/job-openings and help us spread the word!
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.
School Supply Lists Are Now Available!
Getting ready for the 2025-2026 school year? Each school's supply list is posted on their homepage — just look for the quick link in the top right corner of the screen. You can also find all supply lists under the Parent/Student Resources section on our district website - 25-26 School Supply Lists | Rochester School District.
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
