Marauder Weekly
Marauder Weekly
Week of October 25, 2026
This Week at Mitchell
October 26
- Silver Day
- College and Career Day
- JV Volleyball vs. Liberty Tree Academy at Liberty Tree Academy 4:30 PM
- Varsity Volleyball vs. Liberty Tree Academy at Liberty Tree Academy 5:50 PM
- Unified Bowling vs. Coronado at Peak Bowl 3:30 PM
- Blue Day
- C-Team Volleyball vs. Palmer at Palmer High School 4:00 PM
- JV Volleyball vs. Palmer at Palmer High School 5:00 PM
- Varsity Volleyball vs. Palmer at Palmer High School 6:00 PM
- Orange Day
- Marauder Pride Day
- Blue Day
- C-Team Volleyball vs. Harrison at Harrison High School 4:00 PM
- JV Volleyball vs. Harrison at Harrison High School 5:00 PM
- Varsity Volleyball vs. Harrison at Harrison High School 6:00 PM
- Orange Day
- Halloween
- Varsity Football vs. Peyton at Garry Berry Stadium 1:00 PM *Senior Night*
Message from the Principal
Dear Mitchell High School Families,
Welcome back! I hope Fall Break gave our students, staff, and families a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy activities that support healthy and balanced well-being. Whether you traveled, enjoyed the outdoors, connected with family and friends, or simply slowed down, I hope the week has left you refreshed and ready for a strong second quarter.
As we return to school, the final week of October is upon us. The chill of fall is definitely in the air; the leaves have fully turned, and the changing season reminds us just how quickly the school year is progressing. Believe it or not, the second-quarter midpoint is only three weeks away, on November 13. While the holidays may seem just around the corner, we still have significant learning, growth, and achievement ahead of us before we get there. I encourage all students to maintain strong attendance, stay actively engaged in classes, and take advantage of every opportunity to strengthen their academic standing and stay on track for graduation.
I am incredibly proud of the momentum the Mitchell High School community has built throughout the first quarter and into the beginning of the second quarter. Earning the school's highest state performance rating in more than a decade, hosting our most well-attended ACCEPT Scholar Ceremony, high engagement during the fall Parent-Teacher Conferences, continuing our PSAT/SAT practice testing tradition, and helping seniors take the next step toward their futures through Free College Application Day all reflect the dedication and commitment of our students, staff, and families. These accomplishments provide a strong foundation as we continue our journey toward excellence this school year.
I also want to remind our community that Election Day is November 3, 2026. Colorado Springs School District 11 voters will consider Ballot Question 4A, a proposed bond measure focused on school repair and modernization projects across the district. As Principal, I remain neutral regarding ballot measures. However, I strongly encourage all eligible community members to stay informed, participate in the democratic process, and exercise their right to vote.
As we move into November, I remain optimistic about Mitchell High School's future. I see students demonstrating perseverance, staff members going above and beyond in service of our youth, and families continuing to partner with us to create a strong village that nurtures, challenges, and supports every student. Together, we are building something special, and I am excited to see what our students accomplish during the remainder of the semester.
Thank you for your continued support of Mitchell High School.
Principal Smith
Mitchell High School
We Increase Numbers by believing in our Students, WINS!
Staff Shout Outs!
- Mr. Blanc for being Marauders Nation's biggest warm demander by balancing the love for our students with support and accountability, helping to maintain a safe, secure, and structured learning environment at our school.
Justin Briggs for stepping up as a teacher-leader by getting involved and embodying distributive leadership. He leads by example through student-earned industry certifications, leads departmental PLC meetings, serves on the ILT, and finds creative ways to offer courses to our staff.
Mr. Latino for leading enrollment initiatives throughout the Southeast area feeder pattern via the All-In Committee and Future Marauders All In Orange initiative. He is combating declining enrollment at the grassroots level, increasing our school's exposure, highlighting premier programs, and integrating elementary and middle school students into our culture.
Weekly Celebration
This past week has been filled with rest, relaxation, and the ability to recharge for our students, teachers, and staff members. The pictures below highlight some of the things our staff did over fall break.
HellScream Haunted House
Mr. Smith in Cancun
Avalanche hockey game
Mellisa Vasquez's desserts
Mellisa Vasquez's desserts
Col. Hinson's "friends" in Breckenridge
Mr. Bautista and Mr. & Mrs. Valentin at Seven Falls
Mr. Bautista and Mr. & Mrs. Valentin at Garden of the Gods
MHS SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE (SAC)
The School Accountability Committee (SAC) comprises a dedicated team committed to driving student success and ongoing school improvement. Laura Jacobo serves as president for the 2026-2027 school year, bringing strong collaborative leadership that will further strengthen the SAC’s mission. The SAC's guidance is expected to boost parental engagement and foster greater community involvement.
The next SAC meeting will be held at its regularly scheduled time and place, Mitchell High School, on Thursday, November 12th, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. We sincerely appreciate everyone who has attended and contributed to the Mitchell High School SAC. Your involvement is vital to our shared success.
For more information, contact our committee:
SAC Chair: Laura Jacobo raullaurajacobo11@yahoo.com
DAC Representative: Sharon Simpson-Dogon
Secretary: Sharon Simpson-Dogon at yeswellnessmatters@gmail.com
Help Share Warmth with D11 Families
A warm coat. A cozy layer. A teddy bear to hug. These simple comforts can make a meaningful difference for a child and together, we can help provide them.
D11’s Coats and Cuddles Winter Coat and Teddy Bear Drive, in partnership with Iron Sharp Community and a Beautiful Redemption, is accepting new or gently used winter coats, warm clothing, and stuffed animals now through November 13.
There is a significant need among D11 families this season, including those experiencing housing instability or financial hardship. We invite our staff, families, neighbors, and community partners to come together to help students feel warm, supported, and cared for as colder weather approaches.
Please drop donations in the large collection box at the Central Admin entrance (1115 N. El Paso Street). If you’re cleaning out closets or preparing for the holidays, consider setting aside a winter coat, cozy clothing, or a cuddly companion to share. Every donation helps fill the box with warmth and comfort!
Thank you for the care and generosity you bring to our D11 community.
Tutoring Center Updates
Free On-Campus Tutoring Services Available at Mitchell High School
We are excited to share that free tutoring services are available to support your students’ academic success.
Here are the details on the tutoring programs available:
In-School Tutoring (Tuesday – Friday): Available during the school day for core subjects, including Math, English, Science, and Social Studies. Reservations required.
On-Demand Lunchtime Tutoring (Monday – Friday): Students can drop in for quick academic help during their lunch period. Reservations required. Starting October 27, 2026.
Spanish Language After-School Tutoring (Wednesdays): Dedicated support for Spanish-speaking students starting at 3:20 PM.
We encourage all students to take advantage of these resources to stay on track and reach their full potential.
If you have any questions or would like more information on how your student can sign up, please contact Valerie Jordan, Project/Success Teams Manager at 719.328.6608 or via email at valerie.jordan@d11.org.
Future Center Updates
Explore Careers & Colleges Through Hands-On Experiences!
The Mitchell Future Center has several exciting career and college exploration opportunities coming up this fall! These experiences give students the chance to explore careers, visit college campuses, ask questions, and get a better sense of what their future could look like.
Space is limited to 10 Mitchell students per opportunity, so interested students should stop by the Future Center as soon as possible to learn more and pick up a permission slip.
🚒🚓🚦 City Careers Field Trip
October 28 | 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Students interested in fire, police, traffic management, and other city careers will tour City of Colorado Springs sites and participate in a Q&A with Mayor Yemi and Superintendent Gaal.
🔧 UCCS Engineering Visit Day
October 30 | 10:00 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
A hands-on opportunity for students interested in engineering to explore UCCS, learn about engineering programs, tour campus, learn about admissions and student life, and enjoy lunch on campus.
🎓 MSU Denver Campus Visit
November 6 | All Day
Students who are considering Metropolitan State University of Denver can explore campus, learn about college life, and experience what it might be like to attend MSU Denver.
💼 UCCS Business Visit Day
November 13 | 10:00 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Students interested in business can explore UCCS, learn about business programs and careers, tour campus, learn about admissions and student life, and enjoy lunch on campus.
🩺 CU Anschutz Medical Careers Visit
November 17 | 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Students interested in medical and healthcare careers will participate in hands-on activities and workshops, with opportunities to explore areas such as ultrasound, anatomy, suturing, and potentially eye dissection at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.
Interested in an opportunity?
Students should stop by the Future Center to learn more and pick up a permission slip. With only 10 spots available for each opportunity, students are encouraged to sign up early.