Welcome to the 2024-2025 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 of our students.  With this incredible facility and beautiful outdoor campus features, we are able to offer a wide range of opportunities and experiences not usually available at an upper elementary school. In addition, our two-teacher teaming model, students are able to succeed in a smaller, more personalized learning environment. 

The upper elementary grade levels can be a time of transition and growth but also a lot of fun. Students this age are curious, nervous, enthusiastic, shy and confident. These times can also be a challenge as well for students and families. In an effort to develop positive student-teacher, and peer-peer relationships, GMUES is a Capturing Kids Hearts campus where every staff member models and implements CKH strategies. Students will also be recognized throughout the school year for demonstrating positive character traits on campus. 

GMUES is one of very few schools in Arizona and the nation to have received STEAM certification. The GMUES 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 Upper Elementary instructional schedule is built around daily intervention and 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. We are also very happy to announce that GMUES is the recipient of a new five year cycle grant with the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. This will provide our students with extracurricular activities before and after school at no charge to families. 

We are excited for our second year of leading and learning with your students! Here’s to another incredible year and partnership! Be on the lookout for the weekly Grizzly Gazette for all your school related questions. 

Sincerely,

Karen Hughes, Principal    Michelle Allmon, Assistant Principal