GFSD Family News

As we head into the heart of December, I want to begin by thanking our incredible community for the generosity you continue to show one another. Our gift and food drive is well underway, with gifts due to Granite Falls High School today. Our student leaders are hard at work cataloging, sorting, and organizing donations in preparation for delivery to Granite Falls families. I know there are many ways to give within our community, and your kindness truly means the world. Thank you for supporting one another in such meaningful ways. I am looking forward to joining our student gift and food drive leaders tomorrow at Fred Meyer as we shop for remaining needs using the generous donations our community has provided.

Looking ahead to next week, we are excited to welcome the sounds of the season to the GFHS Performing Arts Center (PAC), with several band and music concerts featuring our talented elementary, middle, and high school musicians. There is nothing quite like holiday music performed by students, and I hope you are able to join us to celebrate their hard work and joy.

Our high school basketball teams are also in action tonight. Please join us at GFHS for some Tiger hoops and help cheer on our students.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the significant weather events impacting Washington state this week. Many of our friends, families, and neighbors have experienced flooding or the threat of flooding, and additional rainfall is expected next week. Neighboring districts have experienced closures and late starts as a result, and our hearts go out to all those affected. We are continuing to closely monitor conditions locally.

If Granite Falls School District experiences a late start or closure, we will communicate through our regular inclement weather channels, including social media, FLASH alerts, the district website, phone calls, and text messages. We recognize that this may result in multiple notifications, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure that everyone receives timely and accurate information. Weather conditions can change quickly, and safety remains our highest priority. We will continue to keep you informed every step of the way.

Thank you, as always, for being such a caring and supportive community.

Warmly,
Dana Geaslen

"I am a visual arts teacher at Granite Falls High School and this is my 5th year."

What do you enjoy most about your job or working with students and staff in Granite Falls?

"The best thing about my job is the profound connection I make between students and creativity. My passion lies in helping them realize they are creative and have been all along; they simply needed to strengthen that skill. Watching the "light switch on" is immensely satisfying. For instance, a student last year became intensely engaged with caricature design and has been drawing non-stop ever since. Seeing that internal switch flip is truly cool."

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your job?

"I really enjoy watching kids marking art. Seeing what kids come up with is amazing."

What makes Granite Falls a special place to work?

"Being a part of a smaller community. I get to know almost every kid that comes through the door and in the halls."

Share a favorite memory or moment from your time working in Granite Falls.

"My favorite memory is from graduation last year. Watching students walk the stage that started as freshman when I started as a teacher, is really cool."

What do you like to do outside of work — hobbies, family time, or activities that bring you joy?

"Outside of work I have four kids. They are all so amazing. We are usually out at volleyball tournaments on the weekends. I also started playing sitting volleyball with someone that played on the U.S. Paralympic Team.

Do you have a favorite quote, saying, or piece of advice that inspires you?

“Be curious not judgmental” Ted Lasso

If you could describe Granite Falls in one word, what would it be — and why?

“Ready for the next step”

"People here in Granite really want to see this place thrive. The kids are ready to grow and go out into the world."

December 15th:

• Happy Monday :)

December 16th :

• 3rd Grade Music Concerts @GFHS PAC 6:00pm-7:30pm

December 17th:

• 80-Minute Early Release
• 2nd Grade Music Concerts @GFHS PAC 6:00pm-8:00pm

December 18th:

• GFHS Band Winter Concert 7:00pm-8:00pm

December 19th:

• Half Day Early Release
• Last Day of School before Winter Break Dec 22-Jan 2
• Enjoy the Holiday!

Our incredible students put on not one, but TWO amazing performances of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for our community last Friday! The talent on display was truly heartwarming.

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support our students and contribute to the GFSD Food and Gift Drive! Your generosity made a huge difference.

☕The hot cocoa kept us warm and cozy!

🧑‍🎄Santa looked his absolute best for pictures!

🎶The music was jolly!

🎄Thank you to all the students, staff, and families who made this evening one for the books. What a great way to kick off the holiday season! Special thanks to Mr. Wood for the wonderful photos he captured of our students and Mrs. Sullivan for putting this all together!🎁

Carson is a junior at Granite Falls High School and is currently enrolled in the Fire Service Technology Program at Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center.

The Student of the Quarter program was developed to help recognize students who are displaying great employability skills; each quarter focuses on different attributes. Fall focuses on communication, attendance, honesty, integrity, and character. We are so lucky to call Carson one of our own!

Join us in celebrating Carson on a job well done and making us Tiger Proud! 🎉

Hi Families,

Our program is all about helping students ages 18–22 build independence, learn important life and job skills, and become confident members of our community. Each week is a mix of on-campus learning, job training, community outings, and opportunities for students to practice the skills they’ll use throughout their lives.On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students head out to their off-campus job sites from 10:00–11:45 a.m. We are lucky to have amazing partnerships with the Granite Falls Hardware Store, Granite Falls IGA, the School District Preschool, the Food Bank & Community Coalition, a local church, Alfys, Crossroads High School, and the District Technology Department. These businesses and organizations play such an important role in giving our students real work experience, helping them build references, and allowing them to feel proud of the work they’re doing and build transferable skills. We also have meaningful on-campus jobs here at Granite Falls High School. Students work alongside the wonderful cafeteria team led by Ms. T, with Ms. Beach in the library, with Ms. Jamie in the front office, and with Mr. Josue supporting custodial work. These jobs help students build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging in our school community. Mondays are one of our favorite days because we often have guest speakers who come in and share their careers, passions, and personal journeys with us. And on Fridays, our community engagement activities give students the chance to apply their budgeting and money skills, practice social interactions, explore local facilities, and continue developing independence out in the world. It’s amazing to watch how much they learn simply by getting hands-on experience.

Every day in this program is filled with small victories, big moments of growth, and so many reminders of why this work matters. I feel truly honored to be part of your students’ lives and to witness how capable, kind, and determined they are.

A Huge Thank You to Our Para Team

I also want to take a moment to recognize the heart of our program — our incredible paraeducators.
Justin Tate, Corrin Sheet, Jamie Prissel, Amanda Hill, Jenn Kelley, and Maegan Gill are truly one of a kind. They are patient, caring, and always looking out for what’s best for every student. They build strong relationships, celebrate each student’s wins (big or small), and give their whole hearts to the work they do. I am beyond grateful to have them by my side every day. This program wouldn’t be the same without them. Each one of them brings something special, and together they make this program run so smoothly.

• Justin brings a wealth of knowledge and real-life experience that truly connects with our students. He has a way of relating to them that helps build trust and confidence.
• Maegan is an absolute go-getter with a huge heart and an even bigger smile. Her positivity lights up the room and makes students feel welcomed and supported.
• Corrin is always up for a challenge and never misses a beat. She is quick, reliable, and always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed.
• Amanda has a heart of gold and so much creativity. Her artistic eye makes our activities engaging and meaningful, and she connects with students in such a warm, encouraging way.
• Jenn is constantly planning, thinking ahead, and looking for ways to help. Her thoughtfulness keeps us organized and ensures students have what they need to succeed.
• Jamie is another go-getter who brings creativity, wit, and a fun energy to everything she does. She keeps students engaged and adds so much joy to our days.

I could go on and on about these six incredible individuals because there is truly so much that makes them special. They care deeply, work tirelessly, and bring skills and qualities that make this program what it is. I am so grateful for each of them, and we are so lucky to have such a strong team supporting our students every single day.

Thank you for sharing your students with us — it is a privilege to support them and cheer them on.

Warmly,

Aileen Brower

Granite Falls Hardware was named Washington Vocational Services Employer of the Year! Special thanks to Granite Falls Hardware for their partnership with the Granite Falls School District!

This week, our Superintendent, Dr. Geaslen, officially swore in these dedicated individuals who have committed to serving our students, staff, families, and the entire Granite Falls community. Your commitment to our schools is deeply appreciated as we all strive for excellence in education.

Peter LeDoux District #1

Carol Panagos District #3

Tina Veatch District #4

Greg Farley District #5

School Board members play a vital role in setting the vision and direction for our district. We are eager to collaborate with them and benefit from their unique perspectives as we continue to shape a bright future for all Granite Falls students.

Stay tuned to learn more about your School Board and check out the upcoming meeting dates on our website here.

The halls were definitely "holly and jolly" this morning! Our students came together for their Holiday Hangout, and the energy was absolutely incredible.

Hot Cocoa Bar (with all the toppings, of course!)

Dreidel games and holiday fun

Ornament Decorating & Custom Stocking stations

Cookie & Gingerbread House Decorating (almost too pretty to eat!)

Fresh Popcorn & Cotton Candy for that extra sweet touch

It was the perfect way to kick off the festive break and celebrate our amazing student community. The list of fun goes on and on, but the smiles said it all! Thank you students and staff at Crossroads for putting this all together!

Granite Falls School District on Facebook

Granitefallsschooldistrict332 on Instagram

Granite Falls School District families, with winter weather approaching, now is the time to review our procedures for school delays, closures, and limited transportation routes. The safety of our students, families, and staff is our top priority!

Family Preparation Reminders

1. Review Snow Routes: If we announce limited transportation, your bus stop may be different. Find your specific route on the Transportation page of our website.

2. Have a Plan: Discuss a backup plan with your children in case school is dismissed early or there is a closure. Make sure they know who to call and where to go if you are not home.

3. Update Contact Info: Ensure your school has your most current phone numbers and email addresses for emergency notifications.

4. Social Media: follow the Granite Falls School District on Facebook and Instagram.

Questions? Please reach out to communications@gfalls.wednet.edu

Did you know that Granite Falls School District is dedicated to providing nutritious, well-balanced meals to help our students learn and thrive? Our Child Nutrition Services department works hard every day to serve delicious and healthy breakfasts and lunches!

Here’s what you should know:

• Healthy Meals: We offer meals that meet federal nutrition standards, including a daily produce buffet with a variety of fresh and canned fruits and vegetables!

• Access to Meals: Many of our schools, including Mountain Way, Monte Cristo, Granite Falls Middle School, offer free breakfast and free lunch to all students due to state and federal programs!

• Free & Reduced-Price Meals: For Granite Falls High School, be sure to fill out the Free & Reduced-Price Meal Application to see if your student qualifies. It helps the whole district!

A well-fed student is a focused student! Learn more about menus, pricing, and applications on the GFSD website's Child Nutrition Services page.

We’re excited to announce the launch of GFSDConnect, a new and convenient tool designed to help families stay closely connected with the Granite Falls School District. The app provides another easy-to-access space where you can find district news, school events, notifications, calendars, and helpful resources—all in one place.

Whether you’re looking for timely updates, reminders, or information to support your student’s school experience, GFSDConnect brings everything right to your fingertips. It’s part of our commitment to strengthening communication and ensuring families have multiple ways to stay informed and engaged.

The app is live now!

Download the free app from your phone’s app store by searching GFSDConnect- this replaces the previous school district app which is no longer in service.