From the Principal
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Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year at Granite Mountain Upper Elementary!
Greetings from everyone here at Granite Mountain Upper Elementary School! We are so excited to get the year started and we have been working hard to get everything ready. We are going to have an incredible year of learning and growth. We are so happy that you are a part of the Granite Mountain family.
Our focus at GMUES is to meet the unique educational needs of all 5th and 6th grade students. Through our outdoor school environment, we are able to offer a wide range of opportunities and experiences not usually available at an upper elementary school. Due to our two-teacher teaming model, students are able to succeed in a smaller, more personalized environment.
As we embark on this new beginning and new name change, Granite Mountain is still going to have all the elements this community has loved and have enjoyed for years. With important stakeholder feedback around the idea of establishing an "elementary school" feel and culture to our campus. You will notice the school name change happen slowly but with some very specific planning around clear expectations, structure, and safety. Granite Mountain still has an incredible, highly qualified staff as well as a beautiful outdoor campus. We are working hard to make sure every student has the best experience possible.
GMUES is one of very few schools in Arizona, both nationally and internationally to have received STEM certification through AdvancEd School Accreditation. The Granite Mountain staff is dedicated to providing a STEAM-infused (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics) educational experience. Students have opportunities to learn grade-level content material integrated with critical thinking and real-world applications. In addition to our rigorous grade-level curriculum, the Granite Mountain instructional schedule is built around daily enrichment at each student’s individual learning level.
At GMUES, every student is provided an innovative, character-rich education in a safe environment. Our students have the opportunity to explore Band, Orchestra, Choir, PE, Art, STEAM, Intramural Sports, and a wide range of before and after school club activities. Additionally, with 1:1 student access to technology, our students can prepare for college and career readiness in the 21st Century.
As a longtime leader in PUSD, it is my personal belief that every student at Granite Mountain Upper Elementary School deserves the opportunity to learn and succeed with our highly qualified and collegial staff. Our focus will continue to be on building positive relationships with every student, and a renewed sense of belonging for every grizzly.
Here’s to an incredible year and partnership! Be on the lookout for my weekly Grizzly Gazette!
Sincerely,
Karen Hughes, Principal
