K–5 Transition Update
As we continue planning for our transition to two K–5 elementary schools beginning in the 2027–28 school year, I want to thank the many families and staff members who have already reached out with questions, feedback, and important considerations. Your perspectives are valuable as we work through the many details involved in this change.
We have added a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to our district website to help families stay informed about the transition, including timelines, school assignments, transportation, and other important topics. We will continue to update this resource as planning progresses and additional questions arise. There is much work ahead, and we are committed to communicating throughout the process, listening to feedback, and making thoughtful decisions that support our students, families, and staff.
Lunch with Some Pretty Cool Fifth Graders!
Today, I had the opportunity to eat lunch with five very cool fifth graders at Monte Cristo Elementary—Brystol, Layla, Xzavier, Kendall, and Adelyn! They filled me in on how school is going, what they love most, and a few things they would like to change. They even offered Principal Losee some advice when she stopped by our table!
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was asking students what they thought my job was as superintendent. Their answers were thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly insightful! What stood out to me most was that several students said my job was to keep students safe. They are absolutely right. There is nothing more important that we do than ensure our students feel safe, supported, and cared for every day.
I love these opportunities to spend time with students, hear their perspectives, and be reminded of why we do this work. Thank you, Brystol, Layla, Xzavier, Kendall, and Adelyn, for making my day! Our students have so much to teach us when we take the time to listen!
Keeping Safety and Belonging at the Center of Our Work
Speaking of safety, this week I met with all of our school leaders to engage in a safety and belonging walkthrough. We are using a common tool to help us consistently examine our schools, classrooms, and shared spaces through the lens of safety, belonging, and the experiences of our students, staff, and community.
This work is about more than checking doors and reviewing procedures. It is about continually reflecting on the environments we create. Do students feel welcomed? Are our spaces safe and well-supervised? Do students feel connected to the adults in their schools? Are there things we may have become accustomed to that deserve a second look?
Safety and belonging are not one-time initiatives. They require our ongoing attention, reflection, and willingness to improve. I appreciate our school leaders for engaging in this important work and for keeping students at the center of our conversations.
Go Tigers! Playoff Football Tonight!
It's playoff football time! Our Granite Falls Tigers take on Meridian High School tonight at 7:00 PM at Sedro-Woolley High School. Congratulations to our players and coaches on earning this opportunity! We are proud of you and excited to cheer you on.
Good Luck at State, Mason Neuman!
A huge congratulations and best of luck to our very own Mason Neuman as he competes at the State Cross Country Championships tomorrow in Pasco!
Having watched my own daughter run on that course, I know what a special experience this is. There is something unforgettable about the atmosphere, the excitement, and watching runners who have worked so hard earn the opportunity to compete at the state level. Qualifying for state is an incredible accomplishment, and Mason, we are so proud of you!
Whether our Tigers are competing on the football field, running at state, or making a difference in their classrooms, there is so much to celebrate in Granite Falls.
Thank you, families, for your continued partnership and for the trust you place in us every day. Have a wonderful weekend, and go Tigers!
Dana Geaslen
