Summer has officially arrived, and here at Gates Mills Elementary we reflect on a year full of celebrations, farewells, and gratitude. Kicking off the celebrations was the Memorial Day concert led by Ms. Beach.

The end of the school year brought an unforgettable final field trip for the 5th graders as they prepared to take the next step into middle school. Their graduation events kicked off with a one-of-a-kind field trip, where students visited President Garfield’s historic home, enjoyed a taste of Little Italy, and had the thrill of a lifetime with a ride in East Cleveland’s iconic Rocket Car.

 

The culmination of everything was the graduation ceremony itself, held on a beautiful June evening at the Gates Mills Community House. The students stood proudly before family and friends, each sharing a heartfelt speech about the impact of Gates Mills Elementary on their lives. A common theme resonated throughout the speeches: “Gates Mills Elementary helped make me a better person. It is a special place.” One student’s words particularly stood out: “I’m thankful for all my great teachers. Especially Mrs. V. She gave us candy... and hugs too.”

 This year also marked the retirement of Mrs. Gregoire, the beloved 2nd grade teacher who has touched the lives of countless students over the years. To send her off in style, families at Gates Mills Elementary organized a collection to help her fulfill her long-time dream of a trip to Ireland with her family. In addition, Mrs. Gregoire is looking forward to enjoying her favorite hobby, golf, with her husband. While she’ll be missed in the classroom, the school community is excited for her new adventures and is hopeful she will soon return as a volunteer in the future.

 

To cap off the year, Gates Mills Elementary held a fantastic end-of-year picnic with students, families, and staff coming together for a day of fun and celebration. The incredible Parent Teacher Club (PTC) served up delicious food, while the Gates Mills Police Department were on hand grilling and celebrating with us. The event was made even more special by the generosity of Evolution Wealth Management, the event sponsor, and local businesses that donated to the raffle, including Avanti Salon, Tavern of Mayfield, 56 Kitchen, Scenic FX Landscaping, Kristyn Nicole Photography, Cleveland Museum of Art, Seth Task CRS, StoneWater Golf, and Flow Yoga. Thanks to these donors, the event was a huge success!

 

As the school year wrapped, so many here at our beloved elementary school are filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. The students, teachers, and families are already looking forward to another year of growth, learning, and new memories. We can’t wait to see you at the 4th of July Parade where we can all celebrate “Bridging the Past to the Future” together!