From the Principal...
Families and Community,
This quote has been at the forefront of my mind this week- "A tree that is unbending is easily broken" - Lao Tzu. One of my previous newsletters talked about how trees need to be challenged by the elements to grow a strong root system, and how when they created a perfect atmosphere in a biodome, trees were unable to grow without being exposed to the wind. We've talked a lot about flexibility with this short, but every-changing week! Thank you for being "bendable" with the things out of our control- weather, staff absences, medical situations, etc.
One of our amazing 4th graders, Claire McMartin, had an exciting week! The fourth grade class mailed hand-written persuasive letters back in October. Claire wrote hers to a company in California, Stasher, about the idea of reusable garbage bags. While they could not meet her request due to cost of materials, they were so impressed with her initiative and drive to reduce waste. Because of this, Claire has become an ambassador for the company, and they sent 200 bags for every student in our school. Claire was able to go around on Tuesday and Wednesday ti pass the bags out and explain her idea. Please check out the links below for her story. It was featured on KRDO, KOAA, and Fox 21 this week!
Keep scrolling to see some of the exciting learning opportunities from this week!
#watchusgrow
Your partner in education,
Jackie Powell, Ute Pass Principal
Important Dates in February and Beginning of March
February
28- 3rd and 4th grade to Pueblo
28- 1st and 2nd grade to Bear Creek
28- Variety Show Rehearsal 3-4:30 pm
March
1- Late Start
1- Variety Show 5-7 UPES gym
6- Superintendent Search Input Session @ UPES 3:15-4:15
8- Late Start
9- 6th grade to Manitou Springs Middle School
14- PAC Meeting 3 pm in the gym
15- Late Start
22- Late Start
22- Performing Arts Night (Honor Choir and 5th grade play)
24- MSMS Dance (6th grade) 4-6 pm
27-31 Spring Break
Join our Amazing UPES Crew!
Mountain Math
Dates: Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (volunteer for one day or more)
Contact Person: Ms. Powell- jpowell@mssd14.org
Times: 12:30-12:50
What will I do: Assist with math games, flash cards, and help grow our students' math skills!
UPES Library
Dates: Flexible- one to three times per week for 20-30 minutes
Contact Person: Mrs. Kettler- kkettler@mssd14.org
Times: Also flexible!
What will I do: Help Mrs. Kettler check-in books, replace books on the shelves, etc
UPES PAC
Dates: PAC meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 3 pm in the gym
Contact Person: Amanda McCloskey- upepac@gmail.com
Times: 3 pm
What will I do: The PAC puts on several amazing events each year, and also helps support our staff through monthly appreciation surprises! Contact Amanda to see how you can help!
UPES Morning Announcements
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
Counselor's Corner
Small Group Counseling, Classroom Counseling, and Individual Counseling is underway!
Please reach out to Stephanie Wilson if you have any changing needs where we can better support your student!
Her email is swilson@mssd14.org. You may also call her at 719-685-2209 if you have any questions.
Ute Pass Elementary PTO/PAC
If you are unable to make it to meetings and would like to be a part of PAC please reach out.
Thanks so much,
Amanda McCloskey
PAC President
Upcoming Events:
- PAC Meeting 3-14-23, 3 pm in the gym
Landsharks is Back!
UTE PASS ELEMENTARY SPRING TRACK SERIES
We offer a non-competitive youth program to introduce running to young athletes in a safe and fun environment. The focus is on self-improvement, being an encouraging teammate, and making new friends. The Spring Track Series is a fun running program led by Sara Striegel and is open to students in kindergarten through 6th grade. Please remember to purchase a RED team race shirt if this is your first season running.
Practices are scheduled for Wednesdays/Fridays beginning April 12th with a celebration practice on May 10th. Practices consist of running games and track workouts with a strong focus on fun.
Races are held on Monday evenings at Woodland Park Middle School’s track at 5pm on April 24th, May 1st and May 8th. Runners run TWO of the following distances:
Meet #1
All runners will run the 50m sprint,
followed by the 400m OR 800m race
Meet #2
All runners will run the 100m sprint,
followed by choice of a 400m OR 800m race
Meet #3
All runners will run the 200m sprint,
followed by the 400m OR 1600m race
Registration opens February 1st and closes April 12th at 5pm OR until we reach CAPACITY
Runners must be registered prior to their first practice. Please register online at www.Landsharksrunningclub.com $65 registration fee through April 5th then an additional $10/runner fee applies until registration closes.
I look forward to working with your athletes! Please consider volunteering to help coach or work at our race site. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer.
Coach: Sara Striegel
Email: striegels2@gmail.com
Breakfast and Lunch Information
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.
Connect 14
Some of these classes are held at UPES, but transportation is provided for students who wish to attend a session at Manitou Springs Elementary School. Please visit www.connect14.org to sign up today!
Here's how you find us....