Families and Community,

I've shared the following story with the staff before, but this weather made me think of it again. Years ago, a group of scientists created an experiment in the desert called "The Biodome". Under a massive glass dome, they created the most "ideal" conditions for human, plant, and animal life to grow. In the biodome, there was a controlled environment with purified air and water, healthy soil, and filtered light. People lived in the biodome for months at a time, and everything went smoothly- except for one thing. As the trees grew in height, they began to topple. In fact, every single one of them would bend and fall over once they reached taller heights. After being quite baffled for some time, the scientists concluded that they had misjudged what would constitute perfect growing conditions. It turns out, in order to grow strong, trees need wind. Trees need wind because it causes their root systems to grow deeper to support their height.

I share this because I think people need "wind" too. Not in the sense of 100 mph gusts, but in the sense that sometimes we need to experience challenges to grow deeper and stronger. It's how I've tried to frame these past few years in education. The wind has been strong, maybe even causing some bending to occur, but it's created strong roots- a foundation that can't be cracked when we keep what's important in front of us.

Kids also need "wind" as they grow- they need to wrestle with difficult concepts, experience what it's like to not know an answer, and to work together to problem-solve. I've said it before, and I'll say it over and over, I am so proud of the depth of learning I see in these classrooms. I'm so proud of a staff that doesn't jump in and give all the answers, but asks scaffolded questions to help guide rather than provide. The wind makes us stronger.

It was certainly a strange week for weather, and we appreciate your flexibility as decisions are made to keep our students safe in questionable conditions! Please continue to send your child to school with jackets, gloves/mittens, and hats, as we like to go outside as much as possible! If you need help with these items, please contact Stephanie Wilson at swilson@mssd14.org, or see the flyer below for information on our Winter Clothing Drive.

I hope you had a chance to tune in to our students performing on Fox 21's live segment on Thursday! It was such an incredible experience, and we want to recognize Mr. Ferguson for the work he is doing to grow our music program! All of our K-6th grade students will have concerts next week, and we look forward to showcasing their musical talents. All concerts will take place at 5 pm, with a rehearsal at 2 pm on the day of their concert. Families are welcome to attend both, or either one!

• Tuesday, December 6th- Kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 4th grade
• Wednesday, December 7th- 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 5th grade
• Thursday, December 8th- 6th grade

We have a lot of big fun heading our way as we near winter break. I tend to go pretty big for the last week before break, and with the help of our amazing PAC, I'm looking forward to spoiling our staff as much as possible! If you'd like to contribute and need an idea, I will be collecting small gift cards for prizes for the staff for an activity on one of the days. If you have the means, and would like to contribute, you can bring in a $5 or $10 gift card to add to my prize stash. Some ideas include: Safeway, Natural Grocers, Walmart, Starbucks, The Pantry, The Wines of Colorado, Amazon, Target, Fern's, etc. You can bring gift cards in all next week and give them to Mrs. Dudley or me, and I will add them to the mix. I appreciate your help recognizing this team of teachers and staff who work so incredibly hard each and every day!

I hope you have a wonderful and slightly wind-free weekend! :)

#watchusgrow

Your partner in education,

Jackie Powell, Ute Pass Principal

Our morning announcements are such a wonderful way to start the day! We have student-led announcements and singers every single day!

We want to share some of this Pony Pride from our "home" to yours! If you'd like to watch morning announcements, we are live-streaming them each day! Simply subscribe to the Ute Pass YouTube channel at this link- UPES YouTube

A healthy breakfast and lunch is a key factor in growing a healthy mind and body! Ute Pass Elementary will offer breakfast to students for $1.45 and lunch for $2.95. See below for information on accessing menus.

You can find the new free and reduced application on the district website- https://www.mssd14.org/departments/food_service.

If you don’t qualify for free and reduced price meals, please make sure that there is money in your student’s account. You can add money online at this link- https://mssd14.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=57448&pageId=13267314

Any questions or concerns, please call Paula Faucette, Director of Nutrition Services, at 719-685-2005 or email pfaucette@mssd14.org.