Grimes School celebrates student achievement at PBIS Ceremony and Poetry Contest
![Students and assistant principal on stage.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744140375/mtvernoncsdorg/q0qvctzj6w0decbkjxha/Grimes-PBIS-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744140375/mtvernoncsdorg/q0qvctzj6w0decbkjxha/Grimes-PBIS-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1744140375/mtvernoncsdorg/q0qvctzj6w0decbkjxha/Grimes-PBIS-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1744140375/mtvernoncsdorg/q0qvctzj6w0decbkjxha/Grimes-PBIS-1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1744140375/mtvernoncsdorg/q0qvctzj6w0decbkjxha/Grimes-PBIS-1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744140375/mtvernoncsdorg/q0qvctzj6w0decbkjxha/Grimes-PBIS-1.jpg","width":2048}])
Grimes School celebrates student achievement at PBIS Ceremony and Poetry Contest
Grimes School recently held a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Ceremony and Poetry Contest, which celebrated students’ achievement.
The PBIS Ceremony is part of the PBIS framework designed to improve student behavior and create a positive school environment. It focuses on prevention and positive reinforcement, with students being recognized by their teachers every marking period for demonstrating outstanding behavior and effort.
The poetry contest was open to fifth and sixth graders. A total of 22 students participated, challenging them to express themselves through a sonnet or free verse. This year's contest theme was "Self-Discovery and Identity," allowing students to reflect on and explore their journeys.
5th-grade winners:
• 3rd Place: Tyler's Poem by Tyler Johnson
• 2nd Place: My Identity by Cherish Garner
• 1st Place: Red in the Game by Jayce Echavauria
6th-grade winners:
• 3rd Place: My Emotions by Khazae Thompson
• 2nd Place: Goodnight by Thomas Santiago
• 1st Place: Complicates the World by Chloie-Ann Byrd
“Once again, congratulations to all our talented students!” said Berlange Ettienne, teaching assistant at Grimes. “We are so proud of their hard work and creativity."
Grimes School recently held a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Ceremony and Poetry Contest, which celebrated students’ achievement.
![Two students reading.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741983025/mtvernoncsdorg/pjwytiial7athz92fvcw/Grimesreadcrossamerica-3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741983025/mtvernoncsdorg/pjwytiial7athz92fvcw/Grimesreadcrossamerica-3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741983025/mtvernoncsdorg/pjwytiial7athz92fvcw/Grimesreadcrossamerica-3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741983025/mtvernoncsdorg/pjwytiial7athz92fvcw/Grimesreadcrossamerica-3.jpg","width":1056}])
Grimes School celebrated Read Across America Week by sharing the #1 New York Times bestselling picture book, "The Smart Cookie" by Jory John and Pete Oswald. The book helped teach the universal message of self-worth and the willingness to grow.
![Five students smiling for the camera.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741716011/mtvernoncsdorg/s0czwu7x9ug903nam8db/GRIMESBHM-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741716011/mtvernoncsdorg/s0czwu7x9ug903nam8db/GRIMESBHM-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741716011/mtvernoncsdorg/s0czwu7x9ug903nam8db/GRIMESBHM-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741716011/mtvernoncsdorg/s0czwu7x9ug903nam8db/GRIMESBHM-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741716011/mtvernoncsdorg/s0czwu7x9ug903nam8db/GRIMESBHM-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1741716011/mtvernoncsdorg/s0czwu7x9ug903nam8db/GRIMESBHM-4.jpg","width":2200}])
Scholars at Grimes School performed flips and tricks across the stage as the crowd went wild for their performances in honor of Black History Month on Friday, March 7, 2025. Families and students gathered in the auditorium to watch their loved ones showcase their talents on stage.
![Mother and daughter posing with free laptop.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741626142/mtvernoncsdorg/ogv7dlxdk29uqac1zgcp/GRIMES-PTA-attmeeting-10.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741626142/mtvernoncsdorg/ogv7dlxdk29uqac1zgcp/GRIMES-PTA-attmeeting-10.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741626142/mtvernoncsdorg/ogv7dlxdk29uqac1zgcp/GRIMES-PTA-attmeeting-10.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741626142/mtvernoncsdorg/ogv7dlxdk29uqac1zgcp/GRIMES-PTA-attmeeting-10.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741626142/mtvernoncsdorg/ogv7dlxdk29uqac1zgcp/GRIMES-PTA-attmeeting-10.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741626142/mtvernoncsdorg/ogv7dlxdk29uqac1zgcp/GRIMES-PTA-attmeeting-10.jpg","width":2048}])
“Online safety must be emphasized,” repeated the crowd in unison as Andrea Thomas, Principal of Denzel Washington School of the Arts, presented information on cell phone and internet safety. On Monday, March 10, 2025, the Grimes School Parent Teacher Association gave an engaging presentation to parents and students on cell phone readiness and handed out free laptops provided by AT&T to each parent in attendance.
![Mother and her children.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739282640/mtvernoncsdorg/sauj58cmzms1l99kyoa5/Val-Grimes-18.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1739282640/mtvernoncsdorg/sauj58cmzms1l99kyoa5/Val-Grimes-18.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1739282640/mtvernoncsdorg/sauj58cmzms1l99kyoa5/Val-Grimes-18.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1739282640/mtvernoncsdorg/sauj58cmzms1l99kyoa5/Val-Grimes-18.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1739282640/mtvernoncsdorg/sauj58cmzms1l99kyoa5/Val-Grimes-18.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1739282640/mtvernoncsdorg/sauj58cmzms1l99kyoa5/Val-Grimes-18.jpg","width":2200}])
Grimes School students and families had a night of dancing and celebration at their Valentine’s Love Ball on Friday, February 7, 2025. The ball was organized by The Unique Learners at Grimes School, a part of the Special Education Department. The Unique Learners team works collaboratively to meet each student’s educational needs, ensuring they receive tailored support at their level.
Click here to view the full photo gallery!
Click here to view the video highlighting the Valentine's Love Ball!
![Teacher and Principal holding Yondr pouch and magnetic base.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737638623/mtvernoncsdorg/e0r1xwwt3yjgnezs4tcy/Grimes-PhoneFreePolicy2025-3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1737638623/mtvernoncsdorg/e0r1xwwt3yjgnezs4tcy/Grimes-PhoneFreePolicy2025-3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1737638623/mtvernoncsdorg/e0r1xwwt3yjgnezs4tcy/Grimes-PhoneFreePolicy2025-3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1737638623/mtvernoncsdorg/e0r1xwwt3yjgnezs4tcy/Grimes-PhoneFreePolicy2025-3.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1737638623/mtvernoncsdorg/e0r1xwwt3yjgnezs4tcy/Grimes-PhoneFreePolicy2025-3.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1737638623/mtvernoncsdorg/e0r1xwwt3yjgnezs4tcy/Grimes-PhoneFreePolicy2025-3.jpg","width":2200}])
At Grimes School, middle school students have started locking their phones up and carrying them in Yondr pouches as a part of the new cellphone-free school policy. This initiative was implemented during the second week of January, and students have been able to sharpen their focus on their classes in their new cellphone-free environment.
![Grimes School ENL Class celebrates the holidays with Great Grandma Read-Aloud, Author Visit and Festive Fun]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1735050394/mtvernoncsdorg/nxvk7jdidhfttgkfpsg2/Grimeenlchristmasreadaloud.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1735050394/mtvernoncsdorg/nxvk7jdidhfttgkfpsg2/Grimeenlchristmasreadaloud.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1735050394/mtvernoncsdorg/nxvk7jdidhfttgkfpsg2/Grimeenlchristmasreadaloud.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1735050394/mtvernoncsdorg/nxvk7jdidhfttgkfpsg2/Grimeenlchristmasreadaloud.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1735050394/mtvernoncsdorg/nxvk7jdidhfttgkfpsg2/Grimeenlchristmasreadaloud.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1735050394/mtvernoncsdorg/nxvk7jdidhfttgkfpsg2/Grimeenlchristmasreadaloud.jpg","width":2200}])
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, students in Jocelyn Rios’ English as a New Language (ENL) class at Grimes School were treated to a Great Grandma Christmas Read-Aloud party, where they enjoyed all sorts of Christmas festivities. Whilst enjoying snacks, pastries, and refreshments provided by the parents, students listened to a live reading of Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” read aloud by Mrs. Rios’ mother, a long-time resident of Mount Vernon.
![Grimes celbrates Hispanic Heritage with living wax museum]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1733515533/mtvernoncsdorg/lbga43uzgrg01skedes5/Grimeslivingwaxmuseumday2-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1733515533/mtvernoncsdorg/lbga43uzgrg01skedes5/Grimeslivingwaxmuseumday2-4.jpg","width":333}])
English as a New Language (ENL) students at Grimes School confidently performed historical figures of Hispanic Heritage amongst all of their school peers and community. Each grade was invited to participate in the “Believe that the Impossible is Possible! Living Wax Museum and Dance Hall” from December 4 through December 6, and learn about notable Latin names such as Ellen Ochoa, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, and Santana.