Mustang News - March 27, 2026
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Mustang News: March 27, 2026
From the Principal's Desk
It has been a great start to the spring season at GMS. Track and field officially began this week, and it has been exciting to see so many students out participating, setting goals, and supporting one another as the season gets underway.
We are also entering into state testing season, and our schedule will look a bit different on testing days in April. We will share more details as those dates approach so families and students know what to expect.
Yesterday, a large group of first responders and district administrators came together to debrief the secure the perimeter event that occurred before spring break. It was a very productive and collaborative meeting that will help us continue to improve our practices in any type of incident and strengthen overall student safety. It was truly impressive to see so many community partners working together in one room toward a common goal.
Here we go for a great spring!
Lance Betts
Principal
Gunnison Middle School
Join the GCS Team!
We're hiring! Multiple positions available. See full job descriptions here.
Mustang Moments
GMS February Students of the Month
Willow Smith, Samantha Meir-Castillo, Weston Reynolds, Michael Fix, Paisley Betts, Daniel Haslam
Joseph Sawyer, Blake Hill, Camille Ligget
NOT PICTURED: Sheyla Barco-Aveiga,
April 7-15: CMAS Assessments
Next Weeks Bell Schedule:
Monday: A
Tuesday: A
Wednesday: E
Thursday: O
Friday: A
Next week for lunch...
Hi Mustang Family!
It's time for 6th and 7th grade students to start registering for classes for next year! 7th graders will be working with me on Tuesday, March 31st and 6th graders will be with me on Tuesday, April 21st. Students will be bringing home a course description book and I always encourage them (and you) to read through this, as teachers work really hard on their course descriptions and they really explain what students will be doing in those classes. It's quite difficult to change a student's schedule once school starts in August, so I encourage families to really discuss the various options and pick classes based on what students are interested in, not what their friends might be encouraging them to take. We are really lucky to have so many elective options for being such a small school! Students will have about a week to return the paper form and complete the online survey, but I am always willing to extend this deadline if that is communicated to me ahead of time. The online survey and a digital copy of the coursebooks will be available on ClassLink soon. Please reach out if you have any questions, need help picking classes, or want/need some extra time to choose.
Go, Mustangs!
Mustang Athletics
The Mustang track and field team continues practice next week in preparation for the opening meet on April 8.
Please plan to attend the Parent/athlete meeting Tuesday, March 31 at 5:30 pm in the GMS Gymnasium.
Questions? Contact Mary Nordberg, Athletics Coordinator.
Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS)
Each year, students in Colorado participate in state-required assessments that provide valuable information to families, educators, and the community. These assessments are mandated by state and/or federal law and help ensure that all students receive a high-quality education aligned to Colorado Academic Standards. Results help us understand how well students are meeting grade-level expectations and guide instructional planning and program improvement across the district.
ELA (Grades 6–8): 90 min/unit × 3 units
Math (Grades 6–8): 65 min/unit × 3 units
Science (Grade 8): 65 min/unit × 3 units
Social Studies (Grade 7): 65 min x 1 unit
Purpose: CMAS measures student mastery of Colorado Academic Standards in core academic areas. Results help identify strengths and growth areas, inform instruction, and evaluate programs across schools.
Why These Assessments Matter
Ensure that every student, regardless of background, is supported in meeting state academic expectations.
Provide consistent, objective information about student learning.
Guide curriculum, instruction, and professional learning across the district.
Assessment Results are Used to
Inform classroom instruction.
Improve teaching practices.
Guide professional development.
Provide targeted student support and enrichment.
Families receive individual student reports, and schools use the data to strengthen programs and interventions. Additional information is available here:
Parent Resources & Participation
We encourage families to help students by ensuring they are well-rested and present on testing days. Results will be shared once received from the state. If you have questions about state assessments or how results are used, please contact GMS Administration at (970) 641-7710.
8th Graders: Stay on Track!
As we enter our final stretch of the school year, we will be working closely with our 8th graders to finish the year strong and prepare for a successful transition to high school. This week, our 8th graders participated in a presentation aimed at motivating them to "stay on track." Please take a moment to view our short Google Slide Presentation as well as the Preparing Yourself for Success Checklist (English) (Spanish) Let us know if you have any questions and thank you for your support!
Student Immunizations
Please see the attached letter for important information regarding required immunizations for your student.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/FNT1Bqv4Hpf7HBmd8
Link to register: https://tinyurl.com/StudentScientist
Enlace para registrarse: https://tinyurl.com/StudentScientist-ES
GMS Yearbook 2025-26
The 2025-2026 yearbook is off to print! (More will be added.) You must reserve a copy in order
for your student to receive one in May.
You may send $20 payment (cash or check made to GCS) with: student name and advisor to the GCS Office or
follow the line to Jostens.com
For more information, contact Mary Nordberg
GMS Summer Experience is BACK!
Gunnison Middle School Summer Experience is back and welcoming students that will be in 6th-9th grade during the 2026-2027 school year! There's something for everyone with exciting indoor and outdoor activities, on and off-campus, led by licensed teachers, GHS graduates, and community leaders! The schedule is Monday through Thursday, 8:00am - 12:00pm.
Session 1: June 8 - June 25
Session 2: July 6 - July 23
Secure your spot! Register TODAY!
GMS Summer Experience Registration Form
$150/session. Cash/check, MyPaymentsPlus accepted, and Gunnison County Scholarship accepted. Registration will be confirmed once payment is received.
Questions?
Contact GMS Assistant Principal, Renee Brekke, rbrekke@gunnisonschools.net or (970) 641-7710
Register here: https://thegoinitiative.org/
Junior Mountaineer Camps
Junior Mountaineers Camp (JMC) is back on the Western Colorado University campus this summer, AND we’re adding overnight adventure camps for middle and high schoolers, featuring backcountry hut trips, expedition trips, and more! JMC is a state-licensed summer day and overnight adventure camp that blends athletics, outdoor recreation, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) learning. Led by experienced staff and Western students, JMC provides a safe, active, and inclusive experience for campers. Families can register by the week, with each week offering a unique theme and outdoor recreation activities. For more details on JMC Summer 2026 offerings, please visit us online.
Lost and Found
Be sure to take a look and see if you recognize anything in our lost and found collection.
Our Mission
The Gunnison Middle School community supports the growth of all learners to think critically and engage as empathetic, respectful, healthy, and responsible global citizens.