Families and Community,

I tagged one of our pictures on Facebook this week with the caption- "Little School, Big Difference" and I just keep reflecting on that this week. It was a week of service, adventure, and collaboration. It was one of those weeks that you take a step back and look at the amazing things our school is doing and wonder if this is real life!

On Monday, our entire school went to Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Students hiked several miles, explored, learned, and helped plant various trees, shrubs, and flowers around the park. Younger students participated in Leave No Trace presentations. We had the most gorgeous weather and day in general! We heard from several of you that your students went to bed pretty early that night!

On Tuesday, 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders had a wonderful Spring concert to showcase their musical abilities both with singing and playing violins. After the concert, a group of 4th and 5th graders went to the Board of Trustees meeting in Green Mountain Falls to share their proposals for adopting greenspaces in the surrounding area. They each took turns approaching the microphone, introducing themselves, and sharing their research on greenspaces and why they are needed. They proposed a phased plan to clean, plant, and maintain these areas. After answering questions from the Board, it was unanimously voted and passed! We are so proud of these students and the partnerships with our community.

We also had several additional field trip opportunities this week, besides the all school service trip! 2nd and 3rd graders went to Catamount Institute where they learned about the spreading of various seeds. 4th graders took off on an overnight camping trip yesterday, and are set to be back tonight. Our Honor Choir is also performing this evening at World Language and Culture Night! What a busy week!

When I revisit that caption- Little School, Big Difference, I am surrounded by awe and excitement. We may be little, but we're sure making a big difference. We also aren't afraid to operate differently than some other schools and educational philosophies. There's a big difference when. you put kids first. There's a big difference when you value getting your hands dirty, giving back to the community, and being stewards of this earth. I'm beyond proud of that difference.

Have a great 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

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 6pm 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

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.