Mustang News - September 19, 2025

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Mustang News: September 19, 2025
From the Principal’s Desk
Gunnison Middle School Families,
We are moving full steam ahead into the school year, and it has been a joy to see our students settling into their academic routines while also taking part in the many experiences that make GMS such a special place. The energy in the building is positive and focused, and it’s clear our students are getting into the groove of learning.
Our building construction is nearly complete, and the finishing touches are making a huge difference in the look and feel of our school. The fresh spaces are creating an even more welcoming environment for both students and staff, and we are grateful for the patience and flexibility everyone has shown throughout the process.
This past week, our 7th grade students enjoyed the Mill Creek field trip, made possible with the help of several community resources. It was a day filled with hands-on learning and teamwork, and our students came back with new knowledge and memories to share. Coming up, our 6th graders will head to W-Mountain for their annual field trip, another opportunity to learn outdoors and bond as a class. In addition, our outdoor education classes have been busy hitting the trails, exploring local hikes and building skills that combine adventure with learning.
On the academic side, we are excited to share that WIN (What I Need) time has been built into our master schedule this year. Every student at GMS will participate in two quarters of targeted support in either Math or English. This is a new and important opportunity to give students exactly what they need to grow, and we’ll be sharing more details with you soon.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our parents for continuing to support your students as they get back into the rhythm of school. And finally, a huge shout-out to our incredible teachers—their hard work, dedication, and passion have set the tone for an amazing start to the year.
Here’s to the learning, growth, and adventures still ahead!
If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to reach out. You also schedule a meeting with me using the link below.
Schedule a Meeting with Mr. Betts
Lance Betts
Principal
Gunnison Middle School
Join the GCS Team!
We're hiring! Multiple positions available. See full job descriptions here.
Mustang Memories
September 23 - Picture Day
September 26 - GHS Homecoming Parade
September 29 - NO SCHOOL -Professional Development Day for Staff
October 6- 6th Grade W Mountain Field Trip
October 17- GMS Fall Dance 6:30-8:30 pm
Schedule for September 22-26:
Monday: A
Tuesday: A
Wednesday: E
Thursday: O
Friday: Modified A (2:10 walk to Homecoming Parade, return to GMS by 3:30)
This week for lunch...
At GMS, each month we focus on a Value and Practice that aligns with our school mission. This month, our value and practice is "I treat myself and others with kindness and dignity." At school and at home, small choices can make a big difference. When we treat ourselves with kindness, we build confidence and resilience. When we treat others with dignity, we create a community where everyone feels respected and valued. Middle school is a time when friendships and self-identity are growing quickly—so it’s the perfect stage to practice both. Families can encourage this at home by noticing and naming kind actions, talking about what dignity looks like in everyday life, and modeling respect even during disagreements. Together, we help students grow into compassionate, confident people who know the power of kindness. Go, Mustangs!
Travel Opportunities for 2026
Washington DC, Spring Break, 2026
2026 is the United State's 250th Birthday! A great way to celebrate would be to go to Washington, DC for Spring Break! You'll see sites like the Lincoln Memorial, George Washington's home, the Air and Space Museum, the US Capitol, and the National Zoo. This will be a fun, exciting, educational, and safe experience for all interested GHS and GMS students. There will be a trip information meeting to discuss this wonderful opportunity on Tuesday, September 9th at 5:30 PM in room A117 at GHS. All current 6th, 7th, 8th, and high school students (plus, other friends and family members!) are invited. Registration is now open! You can sign up online at worldstrides.com/register or by phone at 800-468-5899. 5/6/7 graders use the code 219547 and 8th graders use the code 219069 to sign up. Please reach out to Sara Lamar if you're interested but unable to attend the meeting or with any questions: slamar@gunnisonschools.net. Thanks! Dominican Republic, Summer, 2026 Mrs. Lamar and Mrs. Clements are very excited to announce that we are planning our next trip to the Dominican Republic! We’ll be participating in cultural activities, service projects, and having so much fun in the summer of 2026. All current 5th, 6th, and 7th graders are invited. Registration is now open! Enroll now with this link: www.eftours.com/2680037BT. Please reach out to Sara Lamar with any questions: slamar@gunnisonschools.net. ¡Gracias y vamos!
Mustang Athletics for Sept. 22-27
Saturday 9/20 Volleyball at Montrose/Delta 8am
Tuesday 9/23 Football at Center 4:30pm
Thursday 9/25 Volleyball at Hotchkiss 7A/8A
Friday 9/26 Cross Country at Lake City
Saturday 9/27 Football at GHS 10:00am
Saturday 9/27 Volleyball League Tournament 8A at Paonia, 7A at Cedaredge
Boys basketball season begins the second week of October. Make sure your athlete has a current physical and look for more information coming soon!
Some feedback we received last week from Paonia's Athletic Director about our GMS girls Volleyball Team:
"Also just wanted to say that your girls team energy and positivity was awesome! I told both your 7&8 coaches that I loved seeing them cheering non stop and just the positivity they had. Keep up the good work over there creating good human beings :) your girls were great. Shout out to them."
Way to represent ladies! Go Mustangs!
Picture Day
Dear Parents,
School Pictures are coming! Attached is a PDF of our school’s FALL Picture Day Flyer.
The PDF is hyperlinked, click anywhere on either page and it will take you directly to the online ordering page.
You can also order online by going to www.mymjthomas.com and entering our school's event code. (Event Code: C802)
If you have any questions or concerns about pictures please call MJ Thomas Photo at
1-800-219-0199.
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.