Dear Families:

As we approach the end of the school year, I've had to put on roller skates to keep up with your wonderful children and our talented staff!

Field Day started our week at MSHS for grades 3, 4, and 5 and we ended the week with Field Day for grades K, 1, 2. The intermediate students participated in several field events like high jump, long jump, hurdles, sack races and relays at the high school field. Thank you all for giving up your day and timing students, giving out band-aids and encouraging all of our students to do their best. Our primary students climbed our rock walls, jumped high and shot baskets, though the weather prevented some of our other outside events.

We are celebrating the end of elementary school for our fifth graders May 26th, in the district auditorium at 9:00am. Plan to arrive early to check in at the front desk before the ceremony begins.

As we close out this year, I would like to thank each of you for allowing me to serve you and your children. Beginning my principal career during COVID was difficult and I am grateful that we weathered the challenges together. I can't think of another place I would rather be. Thank you for your love and support.

Have a terrific weekend and stay warm!

Warmly,

Maria

Your third grade expert ecologist is learning all about the natural balance of ecosystems, and how easily this balance can be disrupted. Ask your expert to list some natural changes that affect an ecosystem’s equilibrium. (Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, wildfires, floods) See if they can also describe changes to the environment that are made by humans. (Oil spills, pollution, acid rain, removing natural habitats for crops and development, climate change) What are some ways that we can help to protect our planet? Reduce, reuse, recycle!! We will wrap up our Ecology unit by learning about environmentalists like John Muir, who is well known here in Colorado for this quote; “The mountains are calling, and I must go!”

Below: Third graders are designing their own wildlife parks as part of the CKLA Ecology Unit.

Fifth grade has been busy finishing up science labs, US Geography, novels, and decimals math units in the classroom. We have also been outside with Field Day at the high school track, field trips to Starsmore (supporting our Native American CKLA unit) and Garden of the Gods (community service organized by Ms. Lawson). But now it’s time to think about how we say good-bye to our Fifth Graders as they leave the building for the last time next week.

Please join us (all visitors must sign-in with ID at the front office) on Thursday, May 26th in the MSES auditorium from 9:00am-10:30am! After the ceremony, we will have a potluck-style picnic at Mansions Park (behind City Hall) following the ceremony. If you are taking your student home from the ceremony or the picnic, please sign them out while at the front office. Thanks to all students and families for such a great year.... MSES will miss them!