🎉 Memorial Elementary is proud to celebrate our 2025 Teacher and Non-Instructional Employee of the Year! 🎉

🌟 Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Mrs. Rachael Brown, our incredible 3rd grade teacher. Mrs. Brown is hardworking, dedicated, and always goes above and beyond to make learning meaningful and fun for her students. Her passion and commitment inspire excellence every day.

🌟 Non-Instructional Employee of the Year
We also celebrate Mrs. Olga Ortegon, our wonderful ESOL Para. Mrs. Ortegon is caring, supportive, and always ready to lend a helping hand. Her kindness and encouragement make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and staff.

We are so proud of both Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Ortegon. Their dedication, positivity, and love for students truly embody the spirit of Memorial Elementary! 💙❤️

Also thank you to the APH Cheerleaders for joining in on our surprise celebrations. Your cheering helped elevate the atmosphere for our staff and students. One cheerleader even had Mrs. Brown as her teacher. ❤️❤️
10 months ago, Memorial Elementary
Mrs. Ortegon 2025-26 Non-Instructional of the Year for MES getting celebrated.
Mrs. Brown 2025-26 Teacher of the Year for MES getting celebrated.
Mrs. Ortegon 2025-26 Non-Instructional of the Year for MES getting celebrated.
Mrs. Ortegon 2025-26 Non-Instructional of the Year for MES getting celebrated.
Mrs. Ortegon 2025-26 Non-Instructional of the Year for MES getting celebrated.
Mrs. Brown 2025-26 Teacher of the Year for MES getting celebrated.
Mrs. Brown 2025-26 Teacher of the Year for MES getting celebrated.
Mrs. Brown 2025-26 Teacher of the Year for MES getting celebrated.
Mrs. Brown 2025-26 Teacher of the Year for MES getting celebrated.

📢 Memorial Elementary Families!

Join us for our first PTO Meeting of the 2025-2026 school year 🎉

🗓️ Wednesday, September 10
🕑 2:30 – 3:30 pm

A Google Meet link will be provided for those who would like to attend virtually.
If you would like to attend via Google Meet please click this link and fill out the form to be sent a Google Meet invite.

https://tinyurl.com/MESptoLink

We can’t wait to see you there and kick off a great year together! 💙❤️

#MESHeroPatriots #PTO #StrongerTogether

10 months ago, Memorial Elementary
Flyer with red and blue painted rays around the border. Text in the center reads: “Join us for the first 2025–2026 PTO Meeting. Wednesday, September 10, 2:30–3:00 pm. Google link will be provided for those who want to attend virtually. Memorial Elementary School.”
🌱🐾 In Mrs. Godfrey’s class, students are exploring the difference between plants and animals! While animals can move around, plants stay rooted in one spot. To make the lesson extra fun, students painted their own pots and planted their very own little plant to take care of. 💚

#MESHeroPatriots #HandsOnLearning #GrowingMinds
10 months ago, Memorial Elementary
Mrs. Godfrey's class learning about difference between animals and plants with some fun activities.
Mrs. Godfrey's class learning about difference between animals and plants with some fun activities.
Mrs. Godfrey's class learning about difference between animals and plants with some fun activities.
Mrs. Godfrey's class learning about difference between animals and plants with some fun activities.
Mrs. Godfrey's class learning about difference between animals and plants with some fun activities.
Mrs. Godfrey's class learning about difference between animals and plants with some fun activities.
Mrs. Godfrey's class learning about difference between animals and plants with some fun activities.
Mrs. Godfrey's class learning about difference between animals and plants with some fun activities.
Mrs. Godfrey's class learning about difference between animals and plants with some fun activities.
Mrs. Godfrey's class learning about difference between animals and plants with some fun activities.
📢 Memorial Families Fall testing is this week!

🗓️ Tuesday, Sept. 2
3rd, 4th & 5th Grades - FAST PM1 ELA
VPK, Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grades - STAR Reading

🗓️ Wednesday, Sept. 3
3rd, 4th & 5th Grades - FAST PM1 Math
VPK, Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grades - STAR Math

✅ Please make sure your child:
* Gets a good night’s sleep
* Arrives on time
* Eats a good breakfast (Free breakfast served daily at MES!)
* Tries their very best 💪

💙 We know our Hero Patriots are ready to shine!
11 months ago, Ginger Shingle
Graphic for MES PM1 Testing Dates. On the left, a red starburst shape says: “Sept. 2nd, Tuesday – 3rd–5th FAST PM1 Reading, VPK–2nd STAR Reading.” On the right, a red starburst shape says: “Sept. 3rd, Wednesday – 3rd–5th FAST PM1 Math, VPK–2nd STAR Math.” Text below reads: “Please make sure your child arrives to school on time.” A cartoon Patriot mascot is in the bottom right corner wearing a red, white, and blue uniform with an “MES” hat.
No School Monday, September 1st for Labor Day.
See students back on Tuesday, September 2nd.
11 months ago, Memorial Elementary
Labor Day with Red, white blue flag
🎨 Thank You, Hero Patriot Families! 🌟
We are so grateful for the donations supporting our ART program! From egg cartons and cereal boxes to fun supplies from home and our Amazon Wish List—your generosity makes even more creative projects possible. 🤩🖼👩‍🎨👨‍🎨

#MemorialElementary #HeroPatriots #ArtClass #CreativeKids #ThankYouFamilies #BuildingCreativity
11 months ago, Memorial Elementary
Basket of Art supplies for our Art Class - paint , cutter, etc
📝 Learning with Mat Man in Pre-K!
Our Pre-K students are starting their writing journey by learning straight and curved lines with Mat Man. They also used shapes to build houses for their families—our theme of the week! 💙🏠✏️

#MemorialElementary #HeroPatriots #PreK #MatMan #EarlyLearning #WritingJourney #HandsOnLearning #BuildingStrongFoundations
11 months ago, Memorial Elementary
Students working hard with shapes and Mat Man
Students working hard with shapes and Mat Man
Students working hard with shapes and Mat Man
Students working hard with shapes and Mat Man
Students working hard with shapes and Mat Man
🐾 A Special Visitor at MES!
Last Friday, Cinnamon, our beloved therapy dog, visited Mrs. Camacho's classroom. 🐶💙 The students loved spending time with her—it was a paw-sitive way to end the week! #MESHeroPatriots #TherapyDog #LoveForLearning
11 months ago, Memorial Elementary
Cinnamon therapy dog visiiting Mrs. Camacho's class
Cinnamon therapy dog visiiting Mrs. Camacho's class
Cinnamon therapy dog visiiting Mrs. Camacho's class
Cinnamon therapy dog visiiting Mrs. Camacho's class
Cinnamon therapy dog visiiting Mrs. Camacho's class
📢 Memorial Elementary Families:
We will have Early Release on Wednesday, August 27th at 12:00 PM. 🕛

🚌 Bus routes & 🚗 parent pick-up lines will run two hours earlier than usual.
📩 Please notify your child’s teacher of any transportation changes by 11:30 AM.

Thank you for helping us ensure a smooth dismissal!
11 months ago, Memorial Elementary
Graphic with blue diagonal background and school supply illustrations. Text reads: “YAY! It’s a half day! Friendly reminder we have EARLY RELEASE AT 12 NOON! Wednesday, August 27th.” At the bottom is the Memorial Elementary School logo featuring the school mascot.

📚✨ Enroll Now for Memorial Elementary’s 2025–2026 VPK Program! 🍎🖍️
✅ Full-day care with enrichment
✅ Affordable at just $50/week
✅ Breakfast, lunch & learning included
Register today at Memorial Elementary office or call ☎️ 863-784-0200!

11 months ago, MES Socials
Flyer for Memorial Elementary School VPK Program for the 2025–2026 school year. The flyer advertises a full-day session costing $50 per week. It includes 3 hours of VPK instruction plus enrichment. Drop-off and breakfast are from 7:00–7:30 a.m., VPK instruction runs from 7:30–10:30 a.m., enrichment and lunch run from 10:30 a.m.–1:45 p.m., and pick-up is at 2:00 p.m. Registration requires two steps: Step 1 – Obtain VPK certification from the Early Learning Coalition with a birth certificate, certificate of eligibility, and proof of residency. Step 2 – Register at Memorial Elementary with immunization and physical records, parent’s driver’s license, and a $75 enrollment fee. Contact information: Memorial Elementary School, 867 Memorial Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825, phone 863-784-0200, website mes.highlands.k12.fl.us.
Ms. Lisa and Ms. Shannon from Almighty Ink stopped by Memorial Elementary today with some amazing gifts for our students! 🎒✏️ We are so grateful for their generous donation of backpacks and school supplies. Their kindness will help our students start the year off right. Thank you, Almighty Ink! ❤️
#MemorialElementary #AlmightyInk #CommunityPartners #BacktoSchool
11 months ago, MES Socials
picture of lady with backpacks donations
💙❤️ Our Hero Patriots had an amazing first week of school! Students are busy learning routines and procedures, while teachers are building strong relationships and creating engaging lessons. ✨ Together, we’re setting the stage for a year full of growth and success! 📚🎉

#HeroPatriots #MESStrong #EngagedLearning
11 months ago, Memorial Elementary
MES students working the 1st week of school
MES students working the 1st week of school
MES students working the 1st week of school
MES students working the 1st week of school
MES students working the 1st week of school
MES students working the 1st week of school
MES students working the 1st week of school
MES students working the 1st week of school
MES students working the 1st week of school
MES students working the 1st week of school
💖💇‍♀️ Our principal went all in with PINK hair to celebrate our Hero Patriots and the success for earning a "B" school grade for last school year at our very first Energy Bus Assembly! From launching our classroom pledge to learning Rule #1, the energy in the room was contagious. 🚍✨ Teamwork makes the dream work, and our MES family is ready for an amazing year ahead! #ProudPrincipal #HeroPatriots #EnergyBus
11 months ago, Ginger Shingle
MES Admin dressed and ready in Red, White and Blue and Pink Hair at the Energy Bus Assembly
Staff dressed in Red White and Blue

🎨 Support ART at MES! Help our young artists by donating items we can use for creative projects.

♻️ Recyclables: cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, bubble wrap, styrofoam, egg cartons, & plastic bakery containers (#6).
🖌️ Art supplies: paper, yarn, felt, magazines, storage bins & more.

💛 You can also sponsor art by visiting our Amazon Wish List: Amazon MES Art Wish List

#MESHeroPatriots #SupportTheArts #CreativityMatters

11 months ago, Memorial Elementary
“Flyer titled ‘Support ART at MES.’ It lists ways to help by donating recyclable items such as cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, wrapping paper rolls, bubble wrap, styrofoam, plastic lids, paper and clear plastic egg cartons, and plastic bakery containers with #6 in the triangle. It also asks for donations of art supplies, paper, scrapbooking materials, yarn, burlap, felt, embroidery floss, clear storage bins, plastic baskets, magazines, art books, art prints, or posters. The flyer includes a QR code to the Amazon Wish List for sponsoring art. Decorative graphics include paintbrushes, a paint palette, and a jar with brushes. Large text at the bottom reads ‘Thank You!’”
🎉 We had an amazing first week in PE at Memorial Elementary! 🎉

Our students had a blast playing games like Head Honcho, Battle Ship, Yo Taxi, and Clean My Backyard. These activities helped them practice strategy, teamwork, and sportsmanship while having fun and staying active. 💪👏

#HeroPatriots #Teamwork #MESStrong
11 months ago, Memorial Elementary
MES students at PE first week of school
MES students at PE first week of school
MES students at PE first week of school
MES students at PE first week of school
MES students at PE first week of school
MES students at PE first week of school
MES students at PE first week of school
MES students at PE first week of school
MES students at PE first week of school
MES students at PE first week of school
🚍💥 Get ready MES Heroes! 💥🚍

We’re kicking off our very first Energy Bus Assembly on Monday, August 18th — and it’s also our first Spirit Dress Day! 🎉

👕 Wear Red, White, and/or Blue to show your MES HERO pride!
📣 Our Kick-Off Assembly will feature:
✨ Rule #1 of Energy Bus
✨ Our Classroom Pledge
✨ A PM1 (FAST) Pump-Up

We can’t wait to see all our kiddos together for this special day! ❤️🤍💙
11 months ago, Ginger Shingle
Memorial Elementary School flyer with red and blue starburst background. Top left corner has the school logo with a cartoon patriot mascot wearing a blue hat labeled 'MES'. Text in bold reads: 'MES Spirit Day, Monday August 18th, Wear Red, White and Blue
🍩☕ A big THANK YOU to the Avon Park Rotary! They kicked off our school year in the sweetest way—treating our staff to donuts, juice, fruit, and coffee. We appreciate your thoughtfulness and support as we start another amazing year at MES! 💙🙌 #MESStrong #CommunitySupport
11 months ago, Memorial Elementary
Rotary members dropping off their donuts, juice and so much more
Rotary members dropping off their donuts, juice and so much more
🎒💙 We are so grateful to the American Legion Post 69 for their incredible generosity! They donated school supplies, clothing items, and a $1,000 contribution to help our students and school. Your kindness makes a real difference in our community—thank you! 🙌 #MESStrong #CommunitySupport
11 months ago, Memorial Elementary
Picture of American Legion group with MES admin dropping off their donation

School starts Monday! 📚 Our teachers are ready, classrooms are prepped, and campuses are sparkling. Let’s make this year amazing from day one!

🚌 Find bus pickup/drop-off times: https://www2.highlands.k12.fl.us/infofinder
🕧 School start times are listed on each school's website
🍳 FREE breakfast and lunch is provided every day, for every student

#SBHCFlorida #HighlandsSchools

11 months ago, The School Board of Highlands County
Reminder, new school year starts on Monday, set your alarm.
🎉 Get ready, Memorial Elementary families! Our Open House is Tomorrow Night! 🎉

Join us on Tuesday, August 5th from 4-6 PM to:

*Meet your teachers & staff
*Tour our school & classrooms
*Get parent pick-up tags & bus passes
* Register for MES Daycare
* Complete required forms & get tech app support

And so much more!

📍 Memorial Elementary School - 867 South Memorial Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825

We can't wait to meet you! Remember to bring ID to complete forms and you may drop off student school supplies. See you there! #MemorialElementary #OpenHouse #BackToSchool
11 months ago, Memorial Elementary
Open House August 6 from 4-6pm