
🌟 Happy National Principal Day! 🌟
Today, we proudly celebrate Mrs. Vermilye, our incredible leader at Memorial Elementary School! 🎉
Mrs. Vermilye, you are our MES Hero — a guiding light for students, a champion for teachers and staff, and the heart of our school community. Your unwavering dedication to student learning, your support for every classroom, and your leadership through every challenge make a difference every single day.
You lead with compassion, vision, and strength — always putting kids first and creating a school culture where everyone feels valued and inspired. Thank you for your tireless work, your kind heart, and your powerful impact. 💙🍎
We are lucky to call you our principal. MES shines brighter because of you! ⭐
#NationalPrincipalDay #ThankYouMrsVermilye


Updated Dates
🎉 End-of-Year Awards Ceremonies at Memorial Elementary! 🎉
We’re excited to celebrate our students’ hard work and achievements this year! 🌟 Join us on the following dates and times for each grade level’s EOY Awards Ceremony:
📅 Kindergarten – May 15 @ 8:45 AM
📅 1st Grade – May 20 @ 8:45 AM
📅 2nd Grade – May 20 @ 7:45 AM
📅 3rd Grade – May 15 @ 7:45 AM
📅 4th Grade – May 19 @ 7:45 AM
📅 5th Grade – May 21 @ 7:45 AM
📍 All ceremonies will be held on campus.
🔗 IMPORTANT: For those planning to attend, please pre-register at the link provided by 12:00 PM the day before your child’s award day.
Register form here: https://tinyurl.com/MES2025Awards
We can't wait to see you there and celebrate our amazing students! 🎓✨


3rd Graders will be taking their ELA & Math FAST test this week. On Thursday, May 1st they will take ELA/Reading. On Friday, May 2nd they will take Math. Please make sure your 3rd grader is at school by 7:30am. Help them prepare to do their best with a good night's sleep, eat breakfast at home or school, and encourage them to try their best and show what they have learned!


🎉 Memorial Elementary 5th Grade Awards Ceremony! 🎉
We're excited to celebrate our amazing 5th graders with a fun-filled day of recognition and memories! Here's what to expect:
🍽 Breakfast – Free for 5th graders! Adults: $10. All payments are due by May 2, 2025 — no late payments accepted!
🏅 Awards Ceremony – Parents, you’ll receive a letter if your student is receiving an award, but everyone is invited to join the celebration!
💃🕺 Dance – Enjoy a special Mother-Son and Daddy-Daughter dance, followed by student dances!
👏 Clap Out – Let’s cheer on our 5th graders as they take their next big step!
🎨 Theme: Next Step Middle School
📣 Dress attire: Black & Gold if possible
🎈 Volunteers most likely needed! Help us decorate and set up — reach out to your child’s teacher if you can lend a hand.
Let’s make this a day to remember! 💛🖤
#MemorialElementary #5thGradeCelebration #NextStepMiddleSchool



🌸 Spring Fling Fun! 🎉
We had an amazing time at Memorial Elementary's Spring Fling last night! It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces enjoying games, treats, and time together. 💐🎯
A huge thank you to our incredible staff and the awesome APH student volunteers who helped make the event such a success! 💛 Swipe through to see some of our favorite moments! 📸✨
#SpringFling #MemorialElementary #CommunityFun #ThankYouVolunteers










🚌💛 Bus Driver Appreciation at Memorial Elementary 💛🚌
Some heartwarming snapshots of our amazing students showing love and appreciation to the everyday heroes who get them to and from school safely—our dedicated bus drivers! 🛑👋
Whether it’s a friendly wave, a thank-you note, or a handmade card, our students know how to spread kindness and gratitude. 💌👏
We are so grateful for the care, responsibility, and smiles our drivers bring every day. You truly keep our school rolling! 🚍✨
#BusDriverAppreciation #ThankYouDrivers #MemorialElementary #GratitudeInAction #SafeAndSound










🌟 Volunteer Spotlight 🌟
We are beyond thankful to honor Mrs. Judith Eckstein as Memorial Elementary’s Volunteer of the Year! 💐
Her unwavering dedication, warm heart, and countless hours spent helping our littlest learners reach their goals make an incredible difference. From lending a helping hand to reading and to offering words of encouragement, just when they're needed most—Mrs. Eckstein's impact is truly immeasurable. 💛📚
Thank you for being a guiding light, a role model, and a treasured part of our school community. We are so lucky to have you! 🙌✨
#MemorialElementary #VolunteerOfTheYear #ThankYouMrsEckstein #CommunityChampions #HeartOfGold


🎉 Happy Administrative Professionals Day! 🎉
Today, we celebrate the heart of Memorial Elementary — our incredible admin team! 💙
We are so grateful for the hard work, dedication, and kindness of these amazing ladies:
✨ Mrs. Wright
✨ Mrs. Jared
✨ Mrs. San Miguel
✨ Mrs. Grossman
✨ Ms. Epps
Thank you for all you do to keep our school running smoothly and with so much heart! 💐📚 #ThankYou #AdminProfessionalsDay #MemorialElementary


🚌✨ A huge THANK YOU to our amazing bus drivers and aides! ✨🚌
Every day, rain or shine, you help get our students to and from school safely — and with a smile. Your dedication, care, and hard work do not go unnoticed. We are so grateful for all that you do! 💛👏
#ThankYou #SchoolHeroes #WeAppreciateYou


Kindergarten & VPK Enrollment now happening for the 25/26 School Year
Stop by MES front office to complete the registration packet, Monday thru Friday 7:45am to 1:00pm.
Documents to Bring:
* Birth Certificate
* Social Security Card
* Updated Shot Records & Physical
* Parent/Guardian ID
* Proof of Residency
VPK: Child must be 4 before Sept. 1, 2025
Kindergarten: Child must be 5 before Sept. 1, 2025
Questions? Call us at 863-784-0200


🎶💻 Not only is he a tech wiz, but he’s also the music man!
A big THANK YOU to Mr. Mullins for sharing his incredible musical talent with Mrs. Peterson’s class.
What a wonderful and inspiring way to start the day at Memorial Elementary! 💙🎵 #MemorialMagic #ThankYouMrMullins #TechAndTunes

✨ MES 2025 Spring Testing is Coming Up! ✨
Families, please mark your calendars for our upcoming testing dates. Let’s help our students do their best by setting them up for success!
✅ Get a good night’s sleep
✅ Eat a nutritious breakfast (at home or school!)
✅ Be on time
✅ Try your best — you’ve got this!
🟡 Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd Grade Test Dates
April 22 – Reading
April 24 – Math
💗 3rd Grade
May 1 – Reading
May 2 – Math
💙 4th Grade
May 8 – Reading
May 9 – Math
🔵 5th Grade
May 6 – Reading
May 7 – Math
May 13 – Science
Let’s show what our Patriots can do! 🧠🎉 #MESPride #SpringTesting #PatriotStrong #ReadyToShine


Memorial Elementary Color-A-Thon
We’re aiming to raise $10,000 – and if we hit our goal, students will get the chance to PIE Mrs. Vermilye & Mr. Taylor! 🥧😄
📅 Event Date: May 16, 2025 @ 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Memorial Elementary School
📌 Deadline to donate: Extended to April 24th!
Register now at donate.schoolathon.org
* Use Campaign ID: 28714
Share your donation page with family and friends and help support our school while having a blast!
#ColorRun #MemorialElementary #FundraiserFun #PieThePrincipal #ColorAThon2025


Register today for VPK, spots are limited!
Memorial Elementary School
2025-2026 VPK Registration
Contact the Early Learning Coalition to apply for a VPK certificate.
Registration is currently open
VPK Program offered $50 per week from 7:30am-2:00 pm
Why enroll with us?
-Free breakfast and lunch
-Limited Spaces
-Full-time School Resource Officer and Florida Department of Health nurse
- Highly trained certified teachers
-Low student-teacher ratios, 20:2 or 11:1
Registration is a multi step process
1. Parents obtain a VPK Certificate from the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) at https://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com/
2. Parents register at Memorial Elementary School
Parents bring: ·
-VPK Certificate of Eligibility
·Child's Birth Certificate
·Proof of Residency
·State of Florida Physical Record ·State of Florida Immunization Record
·Parent Driver's License ·$75 Registration Fee & $50 First week payment
For more information (863) 784-0200
https://mes.highlands.k12.fl.us/
Facebook: Memorial Elementary School
![Image Description: A flyer for Memorial Elementary School announcing registration for the 2025-2026 Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. The flyer features a cartoon pirate mascot in the upper left corner and a chalkboard graphic stating "Registration Available Now" in the center. Text is organized into sections with headings and bullet points. Sections and Key Information: Memorial Elementary School 2025-2026 VPK Registration Registration Available Now (graphic of a chalkboard) Space is limited! Contact the Early Learning Coalition to apply for a VPK certificate. VPK Programs Offered: A table outlines program options: Full Day: 3 hours VPK + 3.5 hrs extended day (7:30 AM - 2:00 PM) Free (VPK) + $50 per week (3.5 hrs) (free breakfast and lunch) Registration is a multi step process: Parents obtain a VPK Certificate from the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) at [link to familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com]. Parents register online at or at Memorial Elementary School. Parents bring: Bulleted list of required documents: VPK Certificate of Eligibility, Child's Birth Certificate, Proof of Residency, State of Florida Physical Record, State of Florida Immunization Record, Parent Driver's License, $75 Registration Fee (enrichment program). Why enroll with us?: Bulleted list of benefits: Free breakfast and lunch for VPK+Enrichment Program, After school daycare til 5:45 (fees apply) - Limited Spaces, Full-time School Resource Officer and Florida Department of Health nurse, Highly trained certified teachers, Low student-teacher ratios, 20:2 or 11:1. For more information:1 (863) 784-0200 [link to mes.highlands.k12.fl.us/] Facebook: Memorial Elementary School (includes a circular profile picture of the school's logo).](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/school_board_of_highlands_county_ar/live_feed_image/image/15402907/large_MES__VPK_Flyer_2025.jpg)

You're Invited!
Join us for the MES Spring Fling – a FREE family event sponsored by Title 1!
Parents will receive literacy resources to help reduce the summer slide!
Enjoy tons of outdoor fun including:
* Inflatable Axe Throwing
* Bounce Houses
* Grade-Level Games & Prizes
Date: Thursday, April 24th
Location: Memorial Elementary School PE area
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Each child gets ONE free ticket for a popcorn OR sno-cone!
Plus, grab a bite from our awesome food trucks:
DONUTNV, Momma’s Kitchen & Good Vibes Concession
(payment made to Food Trucks)
Don't miss out on the fun — we can't wait to see you there! 💙
#MESSpringFling #FamilyFun #LiteracyMatters #Title1Event #MemorialElementary


Today, our 2nd grade students took a step back in time and experienced what it might have been like to be an immigrant coming to America through Ellis Island between the 1880s and 1920s!
From baggage check 🧳 to health inspections 🩺, naturalization 📜, currency exchange 💰, and even detainment 🚫—our students journeyed through each station to finally become approved to enter the United States of America! 🎉
It was an unforgettable, hands-on way to bring history to life. What a fun and educational day to be in second grade! ❤️ #EllisIslandExperience #MemorialElementary #HandsOnHistory #SecondGradeRocks
Thank you to our volunteer community members who came and helped with our event.







🎉 A BIG Memorial Elementary THANK YOU to Erika Partida and Julian Cubilette for putting together our brand-new Gaga Pit in the PE area! 🙌
Gaga is a fast-paced, action-packed version of dodgeball played inside a circle—and our students are LOVING it! 🌀💥
Your hard work and dedication are making recess and PE even more exciting. We appreciate you! ❤️ #GagaBall #ThankYou #MemorialElementary #ActiveKidsHappyKids

We are getting ready for our COLOR RUN FUNDRAISER!
Watch this video: https://tinyurl.com/MEScolorRun
Fundraiser Dates: April 7-April 21, 2025
Color Run Info
When: Friday, May 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 am
All students will get to participate!
All monies will be due APRIL 21st.
Feel free to visit the website at the bottom of the flyer (and the link below) to take a peek at our website for the fundraiser. You can view prizes and a leaderboard by class, grade level, and school goals. Watch for more information coming to you soon!
Register at: donate.schoolathon.org
Enter Campaign ID 28714 in the Register Box
Students must have at least $30 in donations by April 21st to be guaranteed a t-shirt and color pack.
#Funrun #ColorfulRun #HelpMES


Golden Spoon Winners !!
Class of the Week: Lunchroom Edition!
At Memorial Elementary, we inspire our students to be HEROes in the cafeteria by following our Cafe HERO Expectations:
✅ Helpful hands clean up trash
✅ Encouraging others to stay seated
✅ Respectful of the area and others by following directions
✅ On task by entering quietly and making lunch enjoyable for everyone
Last week’s Golden Spoon Award winners are:
K-2: Ms. Hamilton's 2nd Grade
3-5: Mrs. Lindquist's Homeroom
Congratulations to these amazing students for showing true HERO behavior! Keep up the fantastic work!
#MESHeroes #GoldenSpoonAward #TeamMES #PositiveBehavior



We are getting ready for our COLOR RUN FUNDRAISER!
Fundraiser Dates: April 7-April 21, 2025
Color Run Info
When: Friday, May 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 am
All students will get to participate!
All monies will be due APRIL 21st.
Feel free to visit the website at the bottom of the flyer (and the link below) to take a peek at our website for the fundraiser. You can view prizes and a leaderboard by class, grade level, and school goals. Watch for more information coming to you soon!
Register at:
donate.schoolathon.org
Enter Campaign ID 28714 in the Register Box
Students must have at least $30 in donations by April 21st to be guaranteed a t-shirt and color pack.
#Funrun #ColorfulRun #HelpMES