We appreciate you a waffle lot! 🧇💛

A HUGE shoutout and thank you to Mrs. Hodo for her amazing chef skills on the waffle makers! 👩‍🍳👏
And to Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Henry for rolling through and serving each of you with smiles on their faces—we are so grateful for you all!

To our incredible teachers and staff—thank you for the early mornings, the long days, and the endless care you pour into our students. You inspire curiosity, build confidence, and create a place where every child feels seen, supported, and valued. Your patience, creativity, and dedication make a lasting difference far beyond the classroom.

Because of you, our school is more than just a building—it’s a community filled with kindness, encouragement, and heart. 💙

#StaffAppreciationWeek #WeAppreciateYou #MemorialElementary
about 5 hours ago, Memorial Elementary
Waffle cart for Staff appreciation week - Classroom Room Service - delivery of waffle, juice and toppings.
MES staff with their delicious waffle.
MES staff with their delicious waffle.
MES staff with their delicious waffle.
MES staff with their delicious waffle.
MES staff with their delicious waffle.
MES staff with their delicious waffle.
MES staff with their delicious waffle.
Waffle cart
🎉 2nd Grade Field Trip Fun at Hunsader Farms! 🌾🐐

Our Memorial Elementary 2nd graders had an amazing time on their field trip last week to Hunsader Farms—it was a complete success! 🙌

The day began with a scenic train ride around the farm where students got to see a variety of plants and animals. 🌿🛻 Afterward, they enjoyed lunch under the trees and some fun time on the playground. 🌳🍎

One of the highlights? Each student received a cup of feed and got to hand-feed animals like goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs, horses, an emu, llamas, lemurs, birds, a capybara, a tortoise, and even a porcupine! 🐴🦙🦔

The fun didn’t stop there—they explored a charming village featuring buildings like a school, church, courthouse, and jail, and had a blast with bikes and games. 🚲🏛️

2nd grade had a blast... but let’s just say there were some sleepy kids on the ride home! 😴💚
about 6 hours ago, Memorial Elementary
MES 2nd graders enjoying Hunsader farm field trip.
MES 2nd graders enjoying Hunsader farm field trip.
MES 2nd graders enjoying Hunsader farm field trip.
MES 2nd graders enjoying Hunsader farm field trip.
MES 2nd graders enjoying Hunsader farm field trip.
MES 2nd graders enjoying Hunsader farm field trip.
MES 2nd graders enjoying Hunsader farm field trip.
MES 2nd graders enjoying Hunsader farm field trip.
MES 2nd graders enjoying Hunsader farm field trip.
MES 2nd graders enjoying Hunsader farm field trip.
Many of our awesome MES artists received awards for their artwork at the County Art Show on Friday, April 24th! We had a great turnout and we appreciate so many of our MES families coming to support their artists! There was so much amazing art there and we are so happy MES was a part of it! 🖼🥳🏆👨‍🎨👩‍🎨🎨
about 7 hours ago, Memorial Elementary
MES students and Art Teacher Mrs. Sutermeister at the District Art Show for awards and showcase of all of the MES Artwork.
MES students and Art Teacher Mrs. Sutermeister at the District Art Show for awards and showcase of all of the MES Artwork.
MES students and Art Teacher Mrs. Sutermeister at the District Art Show for awards and showcase of all of the MES Artwork.
MES students and Art Teacher Mrs. Sutermeister at the District Art Show for awards and showcase of all of the MES Artwork.
MES students and Art Teacher Mrs. Sutermeister at the District Art Show for awards and showcase of all of the MES Artwork.
MES students and Art Teacher Mrs. Sutermeister at the District Art Show for awards and showcase of all of the MES Artwork.
MES students and Art Teacher Mrs. Sutermeister at the District Art Show for awards and showcase of all of the MES Artwork.
MES students and Art Teacher Mrs. Sutermeister at the District Art Show for awards and showcase of all of the MES Artwork.
MES students and Art Teacher Mrs. Sutermeister at the District Art Show for awards and showcase of all of the MES Artwork.
MES students and Art Teacher Mrs. Sutermeister at the District Art Show for awards and showcase of all of the MES Artwork.
Our Memorial Elementary staff got to taco-bout an awesome day! 🌮🎉

In celebration of Staff Appreciation Week and Cinco de Mayo, our team enjoyed delicious walking tacos with all the toppings—such a fun and tasty treat! 😋💃

A big THANK YOU to Oscar’s Restaurant for helping prepare the meat. We truly appreciate your support for MES! 💙

🌟 Taco-bout our AWESOME staff—we are so grateful for everything you do each day!

#MemorialElementary #StaffAppreciationWeek #CincoDeMayo #TacoBoutAwesome #ThankYou #CommunitySupport
about 23 hours ago, Memorial Elementary
MES Staff for Staff Appreciation Week getting Walking tacos on Cinco de Mayo.
MES Staff for Staff Appreciation Week getting Walking tacos on Cinco de Mayo.
MES Staff for Staff Appreciation Week getting Walking tacos on Cinco de Mayo.
MES Staff for Staff Appreciation Week getting Walking tacos on Cinco de Mayo.
MES Staff for Staff Appreciation Week getting Walking tacos on Cinco de Mayo.
MES Staff for Staff Appreciation Week getting Walking tacos on Cinco de Mayo.
MES Staff for Staff Appreciation Week getting Walking tacos on Cinco de Mayo.
MES Staff for Staff Appreciation Week getting Walking tacos on Cinco de Mayo.
MES Staff for Staff Appreciation Week getting Walking tacos on Cinco de Mayo.
MES Staff for Staff Appreciation Week getting Walking tacos on Cinco de Mayo.

📘✨YEARBOOKS are HERE !!!

Diary of a School Kid Yearbook Sale! ✨📘

Memorial Elementary families—don’t miss out on capturing this year’s memories!

🖊️ Order your 2025–2026 Yearbook today
💲 Only $15
💻 Pay online on the MES webpage

Link: https://tinyurl.com/mes2026yearbook

From friendships and fun to field trips and school days, this yearbook will be one to remember!

📸 Order now and save the memories!

#MemorialElementary #YearbookSale #SchoolMemories

1 day ago, Memorial Elementary
Colorful flyer styled like a lined notebook page promoting a Memorial Elementary School yearbook sale. Large text reads “Diary of a School Kid Yearbook Sale!” A cartoon school mascot dressed in colonial-style clothing with a blue hat labeled “MES” stands on the right, smiling and waving. A boxed section states “Only $15” and “Payable online on the MES webpage.” Additional doodles include a notebook, camera, and a thought bubble listing “memories, friends, fun, field trips, school days.” Bottom text reads “Don’t miss out on the memories!” and “Memorial Elementary School.”
🎉 Kindergarten Registration is OPEN at Memorial Elementary! 🎉

Future Kindergarten families—now’s the time! We’re excited to welcome our newest learners for the **2026–2027 school year**.

🧒 Eligibility: Children must be **5 years old on or before September 1, 2026**

📋 What to bring:
✔️ Valid Photo ID
✔️ Birth Certificate
✔️ Immunization Record
✔️ Proof of Physical Exam
✔️ Proof of Residency (within last 30 days)

📍 Stop by the front office to pick up your registration packet and get started!

💙 We can’t wait to meet our future students—say YES to Memorial Elementary!

#KindergartenReady #MemorialElementary #FutureStudents #SchoolRegistration
1 day ago, Memorial Elementary
Kindergarten registration flyer for Memorial Elementary for the 2026–2027 school year. The heading reads “Kindergarten Round Up!” with colorful graphics of children, school supplies, and stars. Text invites future kindergarten parents to register their child and states eligibility: the child must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2026. Required documents listed: valid photo ID, birth certificate, immunization record, proof of physical exam, and proof of residency with the parent’s name dated within the last 30 days. A note says families may visit the front office to pick up a registration packet. The bottom reads, “We can’t wait for you to say yes to MES!”
Today at Memorial Elementary, Staff Appreciation Week kicked off in the BEST way! 🔥🍽️

A huge thank you to one of our amazing parents, Mr. Villeda (dad of Sofia and Leilani), for treating our staff to an incredible BBQ! 🙌💙

He generously provided smoked pulled pork, chicken quarters, mac & cheese, and baked beans—and it was absolutely delicious! 😋👏

Mr. Villeda, your kindness and genuine care for our staff truly meant so much. We are so grateful for your thoughtfulness and support! ❤️

#MemorialElementary #StaffAppreciationWeek #ThankYou #Grateful #SchoolCommunity #KindnessMatters #BBQDoneRight
2 days ago, Memorial Elementary
MES Staff getting their plates of BBQ for staff apprecitation week.
MES Staff getting their plates of BBQ for staff apprecitation week.
MES Staff getting their plates of BBQ for staff apprecitation week.
MES Staff getting their plates of BBQ for staff apprecitation week.
MES Staff getting their plates of BBQ for staff apprecitation week.
Staff Appreciation Week at Memorial Elementary is here! 💙🍎

We are so excited to celebrate our AMAZING staff all week long with fun treats and surprises each day—because they truly deserve it! 🎉✨ Check out the schedule below to see all the delicious and thoughtful ways we’re sharing the love.

Students and families, you can join in too! 💌🎨
Have your child draw a picture or write a sweet note to their teacher or other school staff to show just how much they are appreciated. Those small gestures mean so much! ❤️

Thank you to our incredible staff for all you do every single day—we appreciate you more than words can say! 🙌

#StaffAppreciationWeek #MemorialElementary #ThankATeacher #SchoolFamily #WeLoveOurStaff #Gratitude #KindnessMatters
2 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Colorful poster announcing “Staff Appreciation Week, May 4th–May 8th” with a picnic-themed design featuring food, drinks, and decorations. The schedule lists daily themes and meals: Monday—BBQ lunch with smoked chicken, pulled pork, mac and cheese, and baked beans; Tuesday—“Taco ’bout our Awesome Staff” with walking tacos; Wednesday—“We appreciate you a waffle lot” with a waffle cart and toppings; Thursday—“Thankful Thursday” with BBQ chicken provided by the local fire department and sides; Friday—“You Make Learning Sweet and School A-Peel-Ing!” with a caramel apple bar. The bottom reads, “Thank you for all you do!”
🚌⚡️ All Aboard the Energy Bus at Memorial Elementary! ⚡️🚌

Our students had an amazing time at the Energy Bus Pep Rally as we gear up to ROCK THE TEST! 🎸⭐️ The energy was high, the excitement was contagious, and our students are ready to shine!

Our staff brought the fun by dressing up as ROCK STARS 🤘🎤—helping pump up our students and remind them that they’ve got what it takes to succeed! 💥

Students were encouraged with a powerful message:
👉 “You know it, and now we show it!” 💡📚

We are so proud of our students for their hard work and positive attitudes. Let’s keep that confidence going as we head into testing! You’ve got this! 💪✨

#EnergyBus #RockTheTest #MemorialElementary #StudentSuccess #TestingReady #PositiveEnergy #WeBelieveInYou
5 days ago, Memorial Elementary
MES Pep rally students at table and cheering on for test success.
MES Pep rally students at table and cheering on for test success.
Mr. Taylor and  Mr. Richards are ready to motivate students to rock the test next week.
MES Pep rally students at table and cheering on for test success.
MES Pep rally students at table and cheering on for test success.
MES Pep rally students at table and cheering on for test success.
Mr. Taylor at the pep rally. Students seated at tables.
MES Pep rally students at table and cheering on for test success.
Mr. Taylor at the pep rally. Students seated at tables.
🦸‍♀️🍎 Happy School Lunch Hero Day! 🍽️💙

Today we celebrate our amazing Memorial Elementary lunch heroes! These incredible ladies work hard every day to prepare and serve breakfast and lunch to our students with care, kindness, and dedication. 🥪🥗✨

Their efforts do so much more than fill plates—they help fuel our students’ bodies so they can stay focused, energized, and ready to learn in the classroom. 📚⚡ From early mornings to busy lunch lines, they always show up with smiles and a commitment to making a difference! 😊👏

We are so thankful for everything you do to support our students and our school community. You truly are heroes! 💖🦸‍♀️

#SchoolLunchHeroDay #ThankYouLunchHeroes #MemorialElementary #FuelingSuccess #Grateful #SchoolCommunity #EverydayHeroes
5 days ago, Memorial Elementary
A colorful, comic-style graphic celebrating School Lunch Hero Day at Memorial Elementary. Six cafeteria staff members stand together in a school kitchen, posed confidently like superheroes. A banner reads, “The M.E.S. Lunch Heroes – Ready to Serve!” Additional text in the scene includes “Staff Superheroes Lunch Heroes,” “Smile!” and “Ready!” The image features a cartoon school mascot and kitchen equipment in the background. The staff are shown smiling and standing proudly, highlighting their important role in preparing and serving meals to students.
🎉 Happy National Principal Day, Mrs. Vermilye! ❤️

Today we celebrate an incredible leader who goes above and beyond for our Memorial Elementary community! 🏫✨ Mrs. Vermilye supports our students in their learning every single day, always encouraging them to grow, believe in themselves, and reach their full potential. 📚🌟

She creates a welcoming, positive environment where students feel safe, valued, and inspired. 💙 She takes time to connect with families, cheer on student achievements, and make every child feel seen and heard. 👏😊

For our staff, she is a constant source of support and encouragement—lifting others up, celebrating successes, and fostering teamwork and positivity. 🙌🍎 Her leadership helps make our school a place where both students and educators thrive!

Thank you for your dedication, kindness, and the heart you bring to Memorial Elementary every day! 💖

#NationalPrincipalDay #ThankYouPrincipal #SchoolLeadership #MemorialElementary #MakingADifference #EducationMatters #Grateful #InspiringLeaders
5 days ago, Memorial Elementary
A celebratory graphic for National Principal Day featuring a portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, identified as Mrs. Vermilye. The text reads, “Happy National Principal Day! Mrs. Vermilye.” Additional text thanks her for her leadership, dedication, and the heart she brings to Memorial Elementary every day. The design includes red, white, and blue colors, confetti, and a cartoon school mascot dressed in a colonial-style outfit with “MES” on the hat, waving. The bottom of the image reads “Memorial Elementary.”
🚌❤️💙🤍 Today at Memorial Elementary, we celebrated Bus Driver Appreciation Day!

We treated our amazing bus drivers and attendants to some goodies as a small thank-you for helping get our littles to school safely and back home each day.

We appreciate all you do for our students and families—you make a difference every single day!

#BusDriverAppreciationDay #MemorialElementary #ThankYou
8 days ago, Memorial Elementary
MES Bus Driver Appreciation Day with a bag of goodies.
MES Bus Driver Appreciation Day with a bag of goodies.
📘✨ Diary of a School Kid Yearbook Sale! ✨📘

Memorial Elementary families—don’t miss out on capturing this year’s memories!

🖊️ Order your 2025–2026 Yearbook today
💲 Only $15
💻 Pay online on the MES webpage

Link: https://tinyurl.com/mes2026yearbook

From friendships and fun to field trips and school days, this yearbook will be one to remember!

📸 Order now and save the memories!

#MemorialElementary #YearbookSale #SchoolMemories
9 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Colorful flyer styled like a lined notebook page promoting a Memorial Elementary School yearbook sale. Large text reads “Diary of a School Kid Yearbook Sale!” A cartoon school mascot dressed in colonial-style clothing with a blue hat labeled “MES” stands on the right, smiling and waving. A boxed section states “Only $15” and “Payable online on the MES webpage.” Additional doodles include a notebook, camera, and a thought bubble listing “memories, friends, fun, field trips, school days.” Bottom text reads “Don’t miss out on the memories!” and “Memorial Elementary School.”
☕💙❤️🤍 Coffee Cart Success at Memorial Elementary! 💙❤️🤍☕

A big THANK YOU to our amazing staff for supporting our ESE students during today’s Coffee Cart! 👏

Our students did a fantastic job delivering coffee around campus—practicing communication, building confidence, and strengthening social skills along the way. We are so proud of their hard work and bright smiles! 😊

📸 Check out these great moments of our students in action as they delivered coffee to staff!

Thank you for helping make this experience so meaningful for our students. ❤️💙🤍

#MemorialElementary #ESE #StudentSuccess #CoffeeCart #MakingMemories
9 days ago, Memorial Elementary
MES Students delivering coffee cart to MES Staff.
MES Students delivering coffee cart to MES Staff.
MES Students delivering coffee cart to MES Staff.
MES Students delivering coffee cart to MES Staff.
MES Students delivering coffee cart to MES Staff.
MES Students delivering coffee cart to MES Staff.
MES Students delivering coffee cart to MES Staff.
MES Students delivering coffee cart to MES Staff.
MES Students delivering coffee cart to MES Staff.
🎉 Testing Boot Camp Spirit Week is coming! 🎉

Memorial Elementary is excited to kick off Spirit Week (April 27th–May 1st) as we prepare our students for state testing! Let’s build energy, confidence, and school pride all week long 💪✨

Here’s the lineup:
🪖 Monday – Camo Day
🏈 Tuesday – Team Up Day
❤️ Wednesday – Red, White & Blue Day
🏋️ Thursday – Workout Day
🎸 Friday – Rock the Test + Spirit Day (Pep Rally!)

We encourage all staff and students to join in the fun! Your participation helps create a positive, motivating environment where our Patriots can do their best.

Let’s remind, encourage, and celebrate our students all week long—because we are ready to ROCK the test! 💥

#BootCampReady #YouWillRockTheTest
12 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Testing Boot Camp Spirit Week poster with a green camouflage background and military theme. The headline reads “Testing Boot Camp Spirit Week” with dates April 27th–May 1st. Subtext encourages students to get ready for state testing by dressing up each day to show school spirit.  Daily themes are listed:  Monday: “Camo Day” – wear camouflage or green Tuesday: “Team Up Day” – wear favorite team gear or match with a friend Wednesday: “Red, White & Blue Day” – show patriotic spirit Thursday: “Workout Day” – wear workout clothes Friday: “Rock the Test + Spirit Day” – dress like a rockstar or wear school spirit gear, followed by a pep rally  The poster includes decorative icons such as a helmet, foam finger, fireworks, weights, guitar, and microphone. A motivational message reads, “You’re going to ROCK the test!” and a closing line encourages students to stay focused and believe in themselves. Hashtags at the bottom: #BootCampReady and #YouWillRockTheTest.
🎨 Amazing MES Artists! 🎨

Your artwork will be showcased at SFSC from April 21–24 for the District Art Show! For the first time ever, Memorial Elementary will be represented at the district level alongside all the incredible art programs in Highlands County.

Students and families are invited to attend Tuesday–Friday from 4–6 PM. Be sure to stop by and see Mrs. S. on Tuesday or Friday!

Join us Friday evening at 5:30 PM for a special awards reception with refreshments as we celebrate our student artists selected by county judges.

Come enjoy the amazing creativity we’ve explored all year—and get inspired for what’s ahead! ✨
15 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Colorful flyer with a bright, paint-splatter background promoting the Highlands County School District Art Show. Large white text reads “ART SHOW,” with smaller text above: “Highlands County School District.”  Details listed:  Dates: April 21–24, 2026 Time: 4–6 p.m. Location: South Florida State College Gymnasium, 600 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825  Participating schools include Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid high schools; Sebring, Lake Placid, and Avon Park middle schools; and several elementary schools including Memorial Elementary.  An awards reception is announced for Friday, April 24, with elementary awards at 5:30 p.m. and middle/high at 6:00 p.m. Light refreshments provided from 5–6 p.m.
🎓 Memorial Elementary End-of-Year Awards 🎉

We are excited to celebrate our students and all of their hard work this year! Please see the schedule below for award ceremony dates and times:

⭐ VPK, PreK & Migrant – May 7th @ 8:30 am
⭐ Kindergarten – May 14th @ 8:00 am
⭐ 1st Grade – May 15th @ 8:00 am
⭐ 2nd Grade – May 14th @ 9:00 am
⭐ 3rd Grade – May 18th @ 8:00 am
⭐ 4th Grade – May 15th @ 9:00 am
⭐ 5th Grade – May 19th @ 8:00 am
⭐ Ms. Santerre & Mrs. Godfrey – May 14th @ 11:00 am
⭐ Mrs. Desai – May 14th @ 11:30 am

If you plan to attend, please complete the form using the attached link. If you will be attending more than one ceremony, kindly submit a separate form for each event. Link: https://tinyurl.com/MESeoyAwards2026

Completing the form in advance helps us welcome you and check in visitors quickly and efficiently so we can focus on celebrating our students. Thank you for your support—we look forward to seeing you there! 💙
16 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Black and gold flyer titled “EOY Awards” for Memorial Elementary, featuring a trophy and school logos. It lists end-of-year awards ceremony dates and times by grade level:  VPK, PreK, and Migrant – May 7 at 8:30 a.m. Kindergarten – May 14 at 8:00 a.m. 2nd Grade – May 14 at 9:00 a.m. Ms. Santerre and Mrs. Godfrey – May 14 at 11:00 a.m. Mrs. Desai – May 14 at 11:30 a.m. 1st Grade – May 15 at 8:00 a.m. 4th Grade – May 15 at 9:00 a.m. 3rd Grade – May 18 at 8:00 a.m. 5th Grade – May 19 at 8:00 a.m.
🌎✨ What an incredible day at Memorial Elementary! ✨🌎

Our 2nd graders brought history to life through an engaging Ellis Island Immigration Simulation! 🇺🇸

Students rotated through hands-on stations such as Baggage Check, Health Inspection, Naturalization, Character Evaluation, Currency Exchange, and Immigrant Experience, giving them a deeper understanding of what immigrants experienced in the past.

This meaningful activity helped build empathy, curiosity, and a real connection to history. 💙📚

👏 Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so special!
19 days ago, Memorial Elementary
MES 2nd graders during their Immigration Simulation to Ellis Island.
MES 2nd graders during their Immigration Simulation to Ellis Island.
MES 2nd graders during their Immigration Simulation to Ellis Island.
MES 2nd graders during their Immigration Simulation to Ellis Island.
MES 2nd graders during their Immigration Simulation to Ellis Island.
MES 2nd graders during their Immigration Simulation to Ellis Island.
MES 2nd graders during their Immigration Simulation to Ellis Island.
MES 2nd graders during their Immigration Simulation to Ellis Island.
MES 2nd graders during their Immigration Simulation to Ellis Island.
MES 2nd graders during their Immigration Simulation to Ellis Island.
🎨🏃‍♂️ What a COLORFUL day at Memorial Elementary! 🏃‍♀️🎨

We had an amazing time at our Color Run last Friday! From start to finish, it was filled with energy, laughter, and so many bright smiles—just take a look at the fun captured in these moments! 😄🌈

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped raise funds for the MES PTO. Your support makes a difference for our students and school community!

We loved seeing everyone come together for such a joyful event—what a great day to be a Patriot! ❤️💙
19 days ago, Memorial Elementary
MES Student and staff after Color Run fun.
MES Student after Color Run fun.
MES Student after Color Run fun.
Principla Vermilye after Color Run fun.
MES Student after Color Run fun.
Staff and students at MES Color run.
Assistant Principal Taylor after Color Run fun.
MES Student after Color Run fun.
MES Color Run students after all the fun lined up outside.
MES Student after Color Run fun.
Get ready for some laughs! 😂
🎉 Look-Alike Day is coming to Memorial Elementary!
Students will dress like teachers, and teachers will dress like students—who will you be for the day?
📅 April 20th
It’s going to be a fun day full of silly swaps and school spirit!
We can’t wait to see everyone’s creative outfits—join in the fun! 👩‍🏫👕👟
20 days ago, MES Socials
Colorful school flyer for Memorial Elementary School featuring a cartoon mascot at the top. Large bold text reads “Look Alike Day!” The flyer explains that students dress like teachers and teachers dress like students, inviting everyone to join the fun. The event is scheduled for April 20th and is described as “a fun day of silly swaps.” The design includes playful shapes, notebook paper graphics, and red, blue, and white colors.