Grove Public Schools

A huge thank you to Taylor and Cole Shimanek for donating a mobile sound system for GMS staff and students to enjoy during assemblies, hallway fun, Fun Fridays, and exciting activities outside! 🎶❤️ Taylor (Vasquez), a 2014 graduate of Grove High School, wanted to give back to the school community, and we couldn’t appreciate her and Cole’s thoughtfulness more. Their generosity will help create even more fun and memorable experiences for our students and staff. Thank you for supporting GMS and our Ridgerunners! ❤️🖤

Class of 2026 Families: Graduation will be on Friday, May 22nd, at 7 pm. Graduates need to be in the Upper Elementary gym at 6:30 pm. Nothing may be on your cap or gown except for Native American regalia that has been discussed with the administration. Please, be sure to dress professionally. We are going to do everything possible to have the ceremony on Friday night, at 7 pm, weather permitting.

Last week, Grove Upper Elementary held our final House Assembly of the year, and it was a great way to celebrate an incredible year of leadership, teamwork, and school spirit! We are excited to announce our new house leaders for the 2026 school year. These students will help lead, encourage, and represent their houses this year. We also wrapped up the year by announcing our overall House winner... 🏆 Congratulations to Reveur! 💙

GHS Families: The Summer Hours at GHS will begin Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026. During Summer Hours, Mrs. Cash will be at the front office of the High School on Tuesdays and Fridays ONLY, from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. She will most likely not have diplomas for Seniors yet on June 2nd, as we may still be waiting to receive grades from other institutions to finalize everything. We will post here when diplomas are ready to be picked up.

Seniors: if you have not already done so, make sure you bring your Chromebooks and chargers to be checked in when you come to pick up your diploma after June 2nd. Seniors wanting to pick up diplomas will also need to make sure that all of their HS debts are paid.

Kindness matters every single day! Congratulations Ezekiel, Perry, and Rosalynn for being honored with Third Grade's Principal Kindness Awards. Always stay kind.

Congratulations to 3rd grade's Colton and Gentry for being honored with the Masonic Lodge's Students of Today. What a wonderful accomplishment!

The Lower loved sending off our Track STARS to State!

Student Council wrapped up the year with an unforgettable 8th Grade Celebration featuring ice cream floats, an obstacle course bounce house, and a dunk tank generously donated by Grand Rental!

Several students spent the morning having fun at The Anchor before enjoying an afternoon full of laughter, friendly competition, and memories with friends. What a way to celebrate our 8th graders!

Mrs. Hutchison treated her class to pizza and ice cream for winning the 3rd Grade Reading Challenge. Way to go remarkable readers!

Today, the Class of 2026 had graduation practice, a walkthrough of the elementaries, and finished the day watching the Senior Slide Show!!!

Even more students in Ms. Mitchell's class had a great time learning comparative anatomy through frog dissections!!!

Students in Ms. Mitchell's class had a great time learning comparative anatomy through frog dissections!!!

Congratulations to Ms. Gain's first grade! Today they celebrated a trip to the park and pizza from Ms. Smith for reading over 1.2 million words!! Way to go!!

Missy and Janice are in the Graduation Spirit at GHS!!! Ridgerunner Alums = Ridgerunners for LIFE!!!

Congratulations to the April Ridgy Student of the Month Nominees!!!
Each student was nominated by an educator for their outstanding conduct exemplifying The Rigdy Way!!!

McKenzie Badgwell
Sebastion Bermudez
Moses Brewer
Landon Brown
Lonnie Coats
Tiahnna Dotson
Aubrey Evans
Cheyanne Flemming
Asher Fuser
Cameron Golden
Kinsy Guinn
Talon Handle
Jayton Haynes
Brooke Howes
Yile Huang
Ana Ivanda
Aiden Knight
Addie Lane
Kadie Moore
Clarissa Morris
Ashlyn Napier
Shannon Phipps
Gabe Pouge
Trevor Praytor
Jake Reed
Rebel Ruddick
Antuan Sams
Lily Shriver
Christopher Stroud
Hagen Sumter
Colton Whetstine

Meet the newly selected GHS Leadership Student Council members for the 2026-2027 school year. We are excited to see how these new members shine in their new leadership roles!

Meet the newly selected GHS Leadership Student Council members for the 2026-2027 school year. We are excited to see how these new members shine in their new leadership roles!

What a way to celebrate an amazing 4th quarter at GMS!

Students who earned outstanding grades, attendance, and behavior spent the morning at The Anchor enjoying an unforgettable reward trip filled with wiffle ball, basketball, cornhole, pickleball, pool, air hockey, ping pong, foosball, and every arcade game imaginable!

A huge thank you to Apex Title for generously donating a soft drink and ice cream treat for every qualifying student, and to The Anchor for providing unlimited game passes for the entire group.

We are so proud of these students and the hard work they put in all quarter long, and we appreciate these businesses for investing in and supporting our students!

A Farewell Message from Superintendent Pat Dodson As I prepare to step into retirement, my heart is full. I do so with immense pride and deep gratitude. Education has never simply been a profession for me. It has been a calling. Serving the students, staff, families, and community of Grove has been the honor of my lifetime. To our teachers, librarians, nurses, and counselors: thank you for the countless hours, the late nights, and the unwavering compassion you show each day. You do far more than teach; you nurture, inspire, and shape the future. To our Principals and Directors: thank you for your tireless commitment to creating environments where both students and staff can thrive. Your leadership, vision, and dedication make a lasting difference in the lives of those you serve. To our Paras, Clerks, and support staff: you are truly the unsung heroes of our district. Your work may not always be visible, but it is invaluable. I know how hard you work and how deeply you care, and Grove Public Schools is stronger because of you. To our bus drivers, cafeteria staff, SRO’s, maintenance, custodians, and technology staff: Thank you! The best instruction in the world means little if students cannot arrive safely, feel secure, receive proper nourishment, and learn in safe, comfortable, and innovative surroundings. You make that possible every single day. To our families: thank you for entrusting me with your children. Your partnership, support, and belief in our mission are essential to their success. To our School Board past and present: thank you for your trust, counsel, and steadfast vision to always champion for our children. To our Central Office Admin team: You are the heartbeat of our district. You work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure bills get paid, paychecks are on time, and you do everything according to law and policy. Thank you! Lastly, to the Class of 2026, Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone! Your perseverance, determination, and achievements are a powerful testament to the impact of education and the strength of your character. I am proud of you and confident that you will continue to accomplish great things in your next chapter. As I reflect on the past 33 years, serving as a teacher, coach, transportation director, bus driver, principal, superintendent, and anything else as needed, I realize I have received far more than I have ever given. While the work of education is never truly finished, I leave with complete confidence in our staff and community. The Ridgerunners are in good hands, and their future is bright. Thank you for the incredible gift of allowing me to serve alongside you. With gratitude and pride, Pat Dodson Soon-to-be-Retired-Superintendent

5th grade reading teachers Kylie Hornback and Katie Casey accepted the Golden Book award at today's awards assembly. The Golden Book is awarded to the grade level who has read the most words for enjoyment this year. 5th grade won with over 77 MILLION words read!!! 🎉 📖 Well done 5th graders!