🎒📚 Memorial Elementary – VPK & Kindergarten Round-Up! 🍎✨

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting registration for the 2026–2027 school year!

📅 Wednesday, March 25
⏰ 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

🌟 Future Kindergarten & VPK families are invited to:
• Visit classrooms for story time
• Participate in a fun make-and-take activity
• Enjoy a snack
• Get important school information

👧 Kindergarten Eligibility:
Child must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2026.

🧒 VPK Eligibility:
Child must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026.
VPK requires an ELC Certificate.
Full-day VPK program: $75 enrollment fee + $50 weekly fee.

📄 Items to Bring:
✔️ Valid Parent/Guardian Photo ID
✔️ Birth Certificate
✔️ Social Security Card
✔️ Updated Immunization Record
✔️ Updated Physical Exam
✔️ Proof of Residency (dated within last 30 days)

📍 You may also stop by the front office to pick up your child’s registration packet during office hours 8:00 - 1:00 daily.

📞 863-784-0200
🌐 MES.HIGHLANDS.K12.FL.US (website)

We can’t wait to welcome our 26–27 Future Kindergarteners! 💙🏫
7 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Flyer for Memorial Elementary School announcing “VPK & Kindergarten Enrollment.” Accepting registration now for the 2026–2027 school year. Event date: Wednesday, March 25, from 2:30–3:30 PM. The school is the VPK Avon Park location for 2026–2027. Information includes: VPK requires an ELC certificate and has a $75 enrollment fee plus a $50 weekly fee for the full-day program. Kindergarten eligibility: child must be 5 years old before September 1, 2026. VPK eligibility: child must be 4 years old before September 1, 2026. Documents needed: birth certificate, social security card, updated shot records, updated physical, parent/guardian ID, and proof of residency. Contact information: 863-784-0200 and website mes.highlands.k12.fl.us. The flyer features colorful school-themed graphics including crayons, a globe, books, a pencil, and an apple.

Second grade had so much fun wrapping up our Human Body unit this week! 🫀🫁🦴

Students rotated through several hands-on activities. It was wonderful seeing their excitement and curiosity in action!
We were also lucky to have a special visitor from Lake Placid Health and Rehab join us. They generously donated masks and gloves for our activities and helped students as they worked through the stations. The kids loved having a real healthcare professional there to support their learning and answer questions!


Thank you for helping make this experience even more meaningful for our students. Learning truly comes alive when our community gets involved! 💙

8 days ago, Memorial Elementary
2nd grade students and staff end of unit learning activity on Human Body.
2nd grade students and staff end of unit learning activity on Human Body.
2nd grade students and staff end of unit learning activity on Human Body.
2nd grade students and staff end of unit learning activity on Human Body.
2nd grade students and staff end of unit learning activity on Human Body.
2nd grade students and staff end of unit learning activity on Human Body.
2nd grade students and staff end of unit learning activity on Human Body.
2nd grade students and staff end of unit learning activity on Human Body.
2nd grade students and staff end of unit learning activity on Human Body.
2nd grade students and staff end of unit learning activity on Human Body.
Need something to do over Spring Break that's FREE and FUN? Head to one of our local libraries and see Stella 🐾 and Janie 🐾, our local Therapy Dogs that work with the HSCO, and both LOVE to READ! 📖
Highlands County Library Schedule: Spring Break with Therapy Dogs.

📖 Avon Park: Tues, March 17 @ 11 am
📖 Sebring: Wed, March 18 @ 11 am
📖 Lake Placid: Thursday, March 19 @ 11 am.
8 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Two therapy dogs sit on a rug in a children’s library section. A small brown, white, and black corgi with its tongue out sits beside a taller gray dog; both wear alphabet-print bandanas. Bookshelves filled with children’s books line the space, and a small sign on a table reads, “Meet our Therapy Dogs: Stella & Janie!” with adults and a child browsing in the background.
Flyer for the Highlands County Library System titled “Spring Break with Therapy Dogs.” Event dates and locations: Avon Park Public Library, Tuesday, March 17 at 11 a.m.; Sebring Public Library, Wednesday, March 18 at 11 a.m.; Lake Placid Memorial Library, Thursday, March 19 at 11 a.m. Logos for the County of Highlands, Heartland Library Cooperative, and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office are displayed. A circular badge shows two therapy dogs, Stella and Janie, with the words “Highlands County Therapy Dogs – Sheriff’s Office – Instilling Hope.”
🎉🌳 Memorial Elementary Kid’s Park Reminder! 🌳🎉

📅 Friday, March 13th
⏰ 2:00–3:00 PM
📍 Memorial Elementary (MES)

This is a reminder for families of students who are signed up for Kid’s Park this Friday.

👉 Please plan to pick up your child promptly at 3:00 PM.

We look forward to a fun afternoon! 💙

#MemorialElementary #KidsPark #ParentReminder #MES
9 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Colorful reminder graphic for Memorial Elementary featuring the school’s colonial-style mascot wearing a hat labeled “MES,” standing near a playground with swings and slides. Text reads: “Memorial Elementary. Reminder to Parents! For those students signed up for Kid’s Park this Friday, March 13th from 2–3 pm. Please remember to pick up your child promptly after the Kid’s Park.” Balloons, school supplies, flowers, and a sunny outdoor scene decorate the image.
🌞🌴 Memorial Elementary Spring Break! 🌴🌞

📅 March 16th–20th
🚫 No School & No MES Daycare

We hope our Memorial Elementary students and families enjoy a fun, relaxing, and safe Spring Break! 🌊🌺

We can’t wait to welcome everyone back on Monday, March 23rd! 💙

#MemorialElementary #SpringBreak #EnjoyTheBreak
10 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Colorful beach-themed graphic announcing Memorial Elementary Spring Break, March 16–20. Text reads “Spring Break! March 16th–20th. No School & No MES Daycare. See students back Monday, March 23rd.” The image features a smiling cartoon colonial-style character wearing a blue hat labeled “MES,” standing on a beach with an umbrella, beach ball, bucket and shovel, flip-flops, flowers, and ocean waves. A smiling sun wearing sunglasses appears in the sky.
📘✨ Memorial Elementary 5th Grade Yearbook Ads ✨📘

Celebrate your 5th grader with a special Yearbook Ad! 🎉

📝 Ad Pricing:
• ½ Page – $15
• Full Page – $25

⏰ Orders Due By: April 2nd

✅ How to Order:

Pay on the MES website under Student Fees

Choose your pictures and message

Email your picture/message to Kim Grossman at grossmak@highlands.k12.fl.us

A proof will be sent home for parent approval

Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize your student and create a lasting memory in this year’s yearbook! 💙📚
11 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Colorful flyer for Memorial Elementary promoting 5th grade yearbook ads. The headline reads “Memorial Elementary Yearbook Ads – 5th grade.” Pricing is listed as half page for $15 and whole page for $25. Orders are due by April 2nd. Ordering steps: 1) Pay on the MES website under student fees. 2) Choose pictures and message. 3) Email picture and message to Kim Grossman at grossmak@highlands.k12.fl.us . 4) A proof will be sent to the parent for approval. The flyer includes illustrations of crayons, a spiral notebook page, a student writing, an alarm clock, stacked notebooks, and a globe.
🎨🏃‍♂️ Memorial Elementary Color Run Fundraiser! 🏃‍♀️🎨

Get ready to support our school while having FUN! 🌈

Our amazing Memorial Elementary students are collecting donations to help fund school programs and activities — and celebrating with an exciting Color Run event!

📅 Money Due: March 23
💵 Accepted Payments: Cash or Online Payment
🚫 Please note: No payments by check

Every donation helps make a difference for our students. Let’s come together and make this a colorful success!

Thank you for supporting Memorial Elementary and our incredible MES Patriots! ❤️💙

#MemorialElementary #MESPatriots #ColorRun #SchoolFundraiser #SupportOurSchool #FunRun
14 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Memorial Elementary School flyer for a “FUNdraiser Color Run.” The headline reads “Support Our School While Having FUN!” The flyer explains that Memorial Elementary students are participating in a Color Run fundraiser to support school programs and activities. Students collect donations and celebrate with a color run event. Important Information section lists: Money Due: March 23 Accepted payment methods: Cash and Online Payment No payments by check “How It Works” section: Students collect donations to support the school. Turn in donations by March 23. Celebrate with a Color Run event. The flyer features bright splashes of colored powder, four children wearing sunglasses covered in colorful powder with their hands raised, and a cartoon patriot mascot labeled “MES.” The bottom reads, “Let’s Make This a Colorful Success! Thank you for supporting Memorial Elementary School. MES Patriots.”
Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment is here! Lock in future college costs at today’s rates. New options include 1-year plans and payments as low as $29/month. 🎓

Secure your child’s future today: https://www2.highlands.k12.fl.us/flprepaid
16 days ago, The School Board of Highlands County
Risk-free college savings starting at $29/mo. Florida Prepaid
📣 Calling All Incoming 5th Graders Headed to APMS! 📣

Are you interested in becoming an APMS Cheerleader for the 2026–2027 season? 🎉

Join us for our Mandatory APMS Cheer Parent Meeting to get all the important details!

🗓 March 30, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 APMS Commons

‼️ At least ONE parent/guardian MUST attend for a student to be eligible to try out.

At the meeting, we will cover:
✔️ Important Tryout Information for the 2026–27 Season
✔️ Season Overview (including mandatory dates)
✔️ Team Commitment & Expectations

Stay connected for updates and upcoming tryout information:
📘 Facebook: @APMS CHEERLEADING
📸 Instagram: @APMS_CHEERLEADING2018

Questions?
📧 deancl@highlands.k12.fl.us
📧 potts@highlands.k12.fl.us

We can’t wait to meet our future APMS cheerleaders! ❤️📣
17 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Red and white graphic flyer titled “Mandatory APMS Cheer Parent Meeting.” The flyer includes a photo of cheerleaders in red and white uniforms holding pom-poms. Text states that the meeting will cover important tryout information for the 2026–27 season, a season overview with mandatory dates, and team commitment and expectations. The meeting is March 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the APMS Commons. At least one parent or guardian must attend for a student to be eligible to try out. Contact emails listed are deancl@highlands.k12.fl.us and potts@highlands.k12.fl.us . Social media accounts shown are Facebook: APMS Cheerleading and Instagram: @APMS_CHEERLEADING2018.
Memorial Elementary families — we’re ready for another Fab Friday in February! 🎉
On February 27th, students are invited to wear Red, White & Blue to show their school spirit! ❤️🤍💙
Let’s fill our hallways with Patriot pride — Patriots First!

#MemorialElementary #FabFridays #PatriotsFirst #SchoolSpirit
22 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Colorful school flyer with a light blue background for Memorial Elementary’s “Fab Fridays in February.” The flyer announces that on February 27th students should show school spirit by wearing red, white, and blue clothing. The text reads: “Memorial Elementary – Fab Fridays in February – February 27th – Show school spirit by wearing Red, White and Blue clothing – Patriots First!” A smiling cartoon patriot mascot in a red, white, and blue colonial outfit with an “MES” hat is waving. The background includes stars, balloons, hearts, and confetti in red, white, and blue.
📚🎉 Memorial Elementary Celebrates Dr. Seuss Week! 🎉📚
March 2–6

We are excited to celebrate Dr. Seuss Week at Memorial Elementary! Students are invited to join the fun by participating in our themed dress-up days:

Monday – Cat in the Hat: Dress up as your favorite Dr. Seuss character or wear red and blue!

Tuesday – If I Ran a Zoo : Wear animal print or camouflage. Bring a stuffed animal to school as a reading buddy!

Wacky Wednesday – Fox in Socks: Show off your silliest style by wearing wacky socks!

Thursday – Green Eggs and Ham: Wear as much green as you can!

Friday – Oh, the Places You’ll Go! : Wear your favorite college shirt or school colors.

We can’t wait to see our students join in the fun as we celebrate reading and the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss! Thank you for your support in making this a memorable week for our MES Heroes! 📖✨
23 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Colorful flyer titled “Celebrating Dr. Seuss Week – March 2–6!” featuring Dr. Seuss characters and themed dress-up days. Monday: “Cat in the Hat” – Dress up as your favorite character from the book or wear red and blue. Tuesday: “If I Ran a Zoo” – Wear animal print or camouflage and bring a stuffed animal as a reading buddy. Wacky Wednesday: “Fox in Socks” – Wear wacky socks. Thursday: “Green Eggs and Ham” – Wear as much green as you can. Friday: “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” – Wear your favorite college shirt or school colors. The flyer includes bright red, blue, green, and yellow backgrounds with illustrations of the Cat in the Hat, animal characters, colorful socks, green eggs and ham, and a child holding a college pennant.
📘✨ 5th Grade Yearbook Ad Opportunity! ✨📘

Memorial Elementary 5th grade families — celebrate your student with a special yearbook ad! 🎉

🖊 1/2 Page – $15
🖊 Full Page – $25

📅 All ads must be submitted and paid for by April 2nd.

💳 Please make payment under Student Fees and include your student’s name + “Yearbook Ad” in the payment description.

Don’t miss this chance to recognize your 5th grader and make their final elementary year even more memorable! 💙⭐

#MemorialElementary #5thGrade #YearbookMemories
28 days ago, Memorial Elementary
Graphic with a blue starry background announcing “5th Grade Yearbook AD.” Text reads: “1/2 Page $15. Whole Page $25. Due and paid by April 2nd. Make payment under student fees, put student’s name & for yearbook ad.” The Memorial Elementary mascot, a smiling colonial-style character wearing a blue hat labeled “MES,” stands on the right side waving.

📸 Spring Picture Day is this Friday at Memorial Elementary! 🌸

Spring Picture Day is Friday for our MES students!

⭐ Date: Friday, February 20, 2026

Individual student picture is prepaid online prior or payment sent in on picture day and given to the teacher.

Class group picture also taken and order forms will be sent home later.

📷 Photographer: Lifetouch Photography
https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/
Picture Day ID code: EVTZ3JKMD

Students are encouraged to dress their best and bring their smiles! Order forms will be sent home this week.

#MESSpringPictures #PictureDay #Lifetouch #SchoolMemories

about 1 month ago, Ginger Shingle
Lifetouch Photography promotional graphic for Memorial Elementary School Spring Picture Day. The top banner reads “Lifetouch – Capturing Memories for a Lifetime.” Below are four smiling elementary-age children posing for school photos. Text at the bottom reads: “Thank you for choosing Lifetouch Photography. Memorial Elementary School. Spring Picture Day Date(s): February 20, 2026. Spring Picture Day ID: EVT3JKMD.
Better late than never, because you can’t catch someone this fast! 🛹💨

Even though School Resource Officer Day was February 15th, we are keeping the celebration rolling for our very own Deputy Stewart! He is much more than just a uniform at Memorial Elementary; he is a mentor, a protector, and a genuine MES Hero.

Whether he’s keeping our campus safe, checking in on students with a fist bump, or zooming through the halls on his skateboard, Deputy Stewart makes MES a better place to be.

✨ The best part? One lucky 5th grader will get to take home his skateboard at the end of the year! 🎁

Thank you, Deputy Stewart, for:

Keeping our students and staff safe every single day.

❤️Building bridges and being a positive role model.
🤍Showing us that safety and kindness go hand-in-hand.

We are so lucky to have you on our team! 🚔💙
#MESHeroes #SchoolResourceOfficerDay #DeputyStewart #SafeSchools
about 1 month ago, Memorial Elementary
Standing picture of Deputy Stewart in the Front lobby of MES in front of the USA Flags and painted mural in the back.
Every Hero needs a guide, and at Memorial Elementary, we have the very best! 🦸‍♂️✨

While National School Counseling Week may have officially ended, Mrs. Nola Wright’s impact is so big it deserves to be celebrated every single day! We are keeping the celebration going for the heart behind our MES Heroes.

Mrs. Wright is constantly cheering our students on and helping them discover their full potential. Whether she’s providing a listening ear, helping a student navigate a tough day, or supporting our hardworking staff, she does it all with grace and dedication.

Thank you, Mrs. Wright, for:

❤️Being a safe harbor for our students.
🤍Helping our Heroes be the best they can be.
💙Always having a solution and a smile for our staff.

We love you, Mrs. Wright! 💙❤️
#MESHeroes #SchoolCounselorWeek #DreamTeam
about 1 month ago, Memorial Elementary
Picture of Guidance Counselor Mrs. Nola Wright in front of a book shelf with other objects.
Yesterday, Memorial Elementary hosted our annual Facilities Walkthrough with School Board members and district staff.

Our student leaders did an outstanding job welcoming our guests, sharing the MES project list, and guiding them on a tour of the areas highlighted to showcase the needs within our campus. We are so proud of the confidence, leadership, and professionalism they demonstrated!

Guests were treated to delicious cookies prepared by SHS Culinary and received beautifully decorated pens created by one of our talented staff members.

We truly appreciate the time, attention, and commitment our School Board members and district staff give to listening to and supporting the needs of Memorial Elementary. 💙🏫
about 1 month ago, Memorial Elementary
Students speaking to school board members and district staff about the projects at MES
Students speaking to school board members and district staff about the projects at MES
Students speaking to school board members and district staff about the projects at MES
Students speaking to school board members and district staff about the projects at MES
Students speaking to school board members and district staff about the projects at MES
Students speaking to school board members and district staff about the projects at MES
Students speaking to school board members and district staff about the projects at MES

A huge thank you to the wonderful ladies from Crystal Lake for their incredible kindness!

They stopped by Memorial Elementary this week to drop off Valentine card boxes so our students will have cards for classmates and friends. It’s gestures like these that make our community so special.

We can't wait to see these cards and sweet messages!

about 1 month ago, Memorial Elementary
Crystal Lake ladies dropping off Valentines
Valentine card boxes donated for our students from Crystal Lake community.
Upcoming School Reminder 🎒

Hey parents! Just a quick heads-up about school days for Memorial Elementary later this week. Make sure to mark your calendars and arrange for student pick-up!

Important Dates:
Thursday, Feb. 12th: Early Release at 12:00 PM.

Friday, Feb. 13th: No School for students.

Enjoy the long weekend with your little patriots! 💙❤️🤍

#MemorialElementary #SchoolReminder #EarlyRelease #NoSchool #MES
about 1 month ago, Memorial Elementary
Graphic for Memorial Elementary School with a red, white, and blue background. A smiling cartoon patriot mascot wearing a tricorn hat labeled “MES” stands on the left. Text on the right reads: “Memorial Elementary Reminder. Thursday, Feb. 12th – Early Release at 12:00 PM. Friday, Feb. 13th – No School.” Bottom text says, “Reminder for Parents.
📸 Spring Picture Day at Memorial Elementary! 🌸

Spring Picture Day is coming up for our MES students!

⭐ Date: Friday, February 20, 2026

📷 Photographer: Lifetouch Photography
https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/
Picture Day ID code: EVTZ3JKMD

Students are encouraged to dress their best and bring their smiles! Order forms will be sent home this week.

#MESSpringPictures #PictureDay #Lifetouch #SchoolMemories
about 1 month ago, Memorial Elementary
Lifetouch Photography promotional graphic for Memorial Elementary School Spring Picture Day. The top banner reads “Lifetouch – Capturing Memories for a Lifetime.” Below are four smiling elementary-age children posing for school photos. Text at the bottom reads: “Thank you for choosing Lifetouch Photography. Memorial Elementary School. Spring Picture Day Date(s): February 20, 2026. Spring Picture Day ID: EVT3JKMD.
🏈⚽🏀 Fab Friday is coming! 🏀⚽🏈
Memorial Elementary students and staff are invited to show off their team spirit on Friday, February 6th by wearing your favorite team jersey—pro, college, or local team!
Let’s fill the school with school spirit and team pride. Go team! 🙌
about 1 month ago, Memorial Elementary
Colorful poster for Memorial Elementary’s Fab Friday in February. The school’s colonial mascot is smiling and wearing a team jersey and foam finger, standing with diverse students and a dog, all dressed in different sports jerseys. Text reads ‘Fab Friday in February’ and ‘Show Your Team Spirit,’ with sports balls and confetti in the background.