This week, I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time in classrooms, just talking with students and observing the magic. I watched preschoolers practice singing the days of the week. I heard kindergarten students talking about place value during calendar time. I watched first graders open and shut their fists to simulate a heart pumping blood throughout their bodies. I heard second graders learning about adjectives and then using them in their writing about ice cream. I observed third graders summarizing a story and talking about how reading makes them powerful. I sat with fourth graders in the outdoor classroom as they described and illustrated the structure and function of various plants native to the area. I watched as fifth graders tackled expanded form in math class and persevered through some really challenging problems by collaborating with each other. I heard the overall buzz of excitement as our sixth graders were fitted to their backpacks and discussing upcoming trips.

I heard laughter and problem solving coming from the gym during PE (with some occasional moans and groans during fitness tests). I saw the most beautifully painted aspen trees in the art room. I saw students find a safe space to breathe and regulate in the counselor's office. I witnessed bravery and originality as students belted new songs and tried new instruments in the music room. I heard students speaking Spanish in complete sentences and checking out books for the very first time in the library. I observed our special education, interventionist, and support staff provide individualized instruction to all learners in the hallway, classrooms, the stage, and all throughout the building. I watched our kitchen manager supply healthy meals to students in the cafeteria. I saw kids and families waving to our front office secretary. I smiled as the security guard took students on stretch breaks to help him "secure" the building. I watched the nurse bandage countless boo-boos and the custodian clean up many messes from kids being allowed to explore and create.

I watched growing occur right in front of my eyes- growing of hearts, minds, bodies and the earth. I watched kids feeling safe to be themselves. I watched as each student was greeted every single day by adults who believe wholeheartedly in their potential.

It is a truly wonderful season of change, not just in the weather, but in getting back to the beauty of our small school and the work we can do when we come together with a common purpose. It's just the beginning of the journey for this school year, and although there will be (literal and figurative) construction along the way, we're sure happy to share this season with you.

#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! Check out our first graders singing

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! Beginning Monday, you can watch them on our very own YouTube channel. Daily announcements will be available for your viewing pleasure as soon as we complete them for that day (usually around 8:10 am). Simply subscribe to the Ute Pass YouTube channel at this link- UPES YouTube

Road construction will begin in front of the school Monday, August 29th.

From: Aug. 29 - ?

Times: 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

Lanes Open: One at a time with flaggers directing traffic

Company: Kewitt Construction

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. Menus will be available beginning next week on the district website--> departments-->nutrition services.

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.

Ute Pass Landsharks Running Club Fall Cross Country Series

Practices are scheduled for Wednesdays/Fridays beginning September 2nd with a celebration run to follow after the last meet. Practices consist of running games and track workouts with a strong focus on fun.

Races are held on Monday evenings at Shining Mountain Golf Course. Races will begin at 5pm on September 19th, 26th and Oct 3rd. Runners run ONE (1) of the following distances: Kindergarten & 1st grade 0.5 miles only, 2nd-6th grade 1 mile OR 1.5 miles.

Registration opened August 1st and closes September 9th 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 September 3rd then an additional $10/runner fee applies.

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