Families and Community,

There are few things better than being surrounded by supportive and appreciative people with a similar zest for life and passion for education- whether that is family, friends, colleagues, or community. Sometimes it's all of the above. This week, although very busy, provided time and space to collaborate, recognize, brainstorm, plan, and celebrate with the Ute Pass Elementary community. And what an incredible community that is.

During our late start Wednesday, our team had a chance to participate in a Professional Learning Community led by some of our teachers around environmental learning, climate studies, and experiential opportunities for our students. It was the first of many times this week where I sat back and watched incredibly invested people contribute really amazing ideas to deepen students' learning and opportunities at Ute Pass. I know late starts are difficult on families for all sorts of reasons, but I have to tell you, that time of collaboration, celebration, and planning was cherished. Perhaps the sweetest part of it all- it was led by the teachers. This focus area is not one person saying we should be more intentional about creating environmental stewards in our students, it is a collective group that believes wholeheartedly in the good work we're doing, and still wants to put in the effort to make it even better.

On Thursday, we began our WIN (What I Need) Mountain Math time at Ute Pass. From 12:30-12:50 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, the entire building stops what it's doing and students transition to Mountain Math groups. These are 13 multi-age groups that focus on a wide range of foundational math skills, and are labeled by popular mountains outside each classroom. Every 4-6 weeks, we will re-assess and determine movement to next skills/mountain ranges. We are incredibly excited for the opportunities this will provide to fill skill deficits and extend higher learners into some project based learning. This is truly an all-hands on deck initiative (that began as another crazy little idea I had trying to fall asleep one night) to meet our students where they are and to help them GROW even more! Every single staff member, no matter what subject they typically teach is a crucial part of this working, and you can be part of the fun, too! If you'd like to volunteer during this time, please contact me at jpowell@mssd14.org.

The Chili Cook Off on Thursday evening was another time that I was blown away by a small idea becoming a REALLY big and exciting event. Mrs. Weisheipl, and her 4th grade students, planned, organized, and ran a very successful night. There were tables upon tables of delicious chili, raffle drawings, a silent auction, games, and more, but there was also time to gather and relax with our families and community as a whole. The silent auction is live for 5 more days at upes.betterworld.org. All of the proceeds from this event go right back into the opportunities for our students around environmental learning and outdoor education. Again, I'm grateful for our students, staff, and families who value and support this work and our little-turned big ideas!

To finish off the week, we were able to come together again as a school community to honor past, present, and future veterans for the Veterans Day Concert. When you have a group of incredibly talented musicians and you add a music teacher as amazing as Mr. Ferguson, the performances are simply fantastic. To all veterans- thank you for your bravery and sacrifice.

What an unbelievable week we had at Ute Pass. How fortunate are these students to receive such a well rounded education? How fortunate are we to have staff that values the whole-child approach? How fortunate are we as a school to have YOU as a community that sees and acknowledges the growth happening in this little school. How fortunate am I to be a tiny piece of the puzzle that fits together beautifully in creating a generation of young humans that are deep thinkers, problem-solvers, good communicators, resilient, compassionate, and also appreciate and care for the environment.

#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.