Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary

Hello, January!

Happy New Year! We are excited to welcome 2026 and begin the second half of our school year. January is a time of fresh beginnings, renewed energy, and endless possibilities for learning, growth, and connection. As we turn the page to a new year, we also continue building on the strong foundation of positivity, kindness, and teamwork we’ve created together.

Last month, our focus was Enjoy the Ride, and our school community truly embraced finding joy in everyday moments. From celebrating holiday traditions to sharing acts of kindness, it was wonderful to see students and families coming together with gratitude and enthusiasm.

This month, we will revisit all of the Energy Bus rules with a special emphasis on creating a positive vision for the year ahead. January is the perfect time to reflect on what we’ve learned and set meaningful goals for ourselves. Together, we’ll focus on staying positive, supporting one another, and working toward making 2026 our best year yet.

Here are a few ideas to try at home:

• Create a family vision board filled with hopes and goals for the new year.

• Reflect together on moments from last year that brought pride or joy, and talk about ways to build on them.

• Encourage your child to think about how they can use the Energy Bus rules—positivity, kindness, and support—to make a difference each day.

Thank you for being such an important part of our journey. Let’s make this month shine with optimism, purpose, and excitement for all that lies ahead!

Warm regards,
Mrs. Pierson

Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary is proud to recognize two outstanding staff members whose dedication, compassion, and positive impact make a difference every single day.

Mrs. Susan Dodd, our 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year, provides the very first school experience for many of our students. Through thoughtful planning, high expectations, and a joyful classroom environment, she helps students build confidence and develop the academic, social, and emotional skills they need for success in Kindergarten and beyond.

Mrs. Jenny Egli, our 2025–2026 Classified Staff of the Year, is truly the heart of our building. As our school secretary, she creates a welcoming atmosphere for students, families, and staff while expertly managing the many moving parts of the front office. Her kindness, humor, and willingness to help wherever needed make her an invaluable part of the GBR community.

We are incredibly grateful for Mrs. Dodd and Mrs. Egli and the care they show our students each day. Congratulations to both on this well-deserved honor! 🎉

• We have been having beautiful weather lately! If cooler weather approaches, please remember to send appropriate outdoor gear with your learner(s). We do go outside for recess when the temperature or wind chill is zero degrees or above. We also ask that students bring a pair of shoes to change into, as we don’t want them wearing boots all day. We do have a limited supply of extra gloves, mittens, and hats available if needed.

• Please take a moment to call or stop by the school office if you need to update your contact or emergency contact information.

• School begins promptly at 8:15 a.m. We’ve noticed an increase in late arrivals, which results in students being marked tardy or absent. Please remind your child that if they arrive after 8:15 a.m., they should stop in the office to receive an admit slip before heading to class. Thank you for your partnership and support in helping our days run smoothly! 💛

• We also encourage families to sign up for school notifications by downloading the Mitchell School District 17-2 app, available on both iPhone and Android devices. You can select Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary to receive updates specific to our school.

Reminder: No school on Monday, January 19, 2026 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

For student safety, all medications must remain in the school office, and a signed medication form is required.

All medications are administered through the office. Students may keep cough drops in their lockers or desks; however, allergy medications, cold and flu medicines, antacids, inhalers, and all prescription medications must be kept in the nurse’s office.

Please stop in to see Mrs. Snoozy, GBR’s nurse, or call 605-995-3091 if you have any questions.

Please remember that students are NOT allowed to carry any medications on them (including aspirin). For safety reasons, elementary students should not have medications in their possession, as we want to prevent them from getting into the wrong hands. We are happy to keep over-the-counter medications in the office for your child when needed. If you would like your child to have ibuprofen, aspirin, or similar medications available at school, families must provide those items.

Over the next couple of months, all kindergarten–3rd grade students, as well as any new students, will participate in hearing and vision screenings. You may receive a letter or phone call from our nurse if any results are concerning.

If your child has had past health concerns (such as allergies, asthma, or other medical conditions), our nurse may reach out by phone, mail, or a note sent home to confirm information. If your child currently has any health conditions we should be aware of, please contact the school office or our nurse so we can best support your child.

The Caring Kernel Award is given monthly to teacher nominated students who have shown to go above and beyond. Students are chosen for showing kindness to others at school or within the community, showing true Kernel spirit, having a positive attitude, demonstrating great sportsmanship at school activities, and overcoming hardships in school or at home.

Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Mitchell for sponsoring this honor!

Congratulations to Arin, Ryder, Sawyer, Peyton, Jordyn, and Sofia!

The Attendance Award is given monthly to the teacher whose students have the best overall attendance! Winning classes get a chance to spin the prize wheel from Mrs. Kapfer.

Congratulations to Mrs. Moody's class and Mrs. Duffy's class for their tie this month! 3M won a popcorn party and 5D won a gum day!