Marauder Weekly

August 24

• Silver Day
• C Level Boys Soccer vs. Widefield at Mitchell High School -4:00 PM
• Boys Golf Scorpion Invitational at Valley Hi Golf Course -8:00 AM

• Blue Day

August 26

• Orange Day
• Fall Mainstage Auditions 3:30-5:00 PM
• Boys Golf Woodland Park JV Scramble at Shining Mountain Golf Course -8:00 AM

• Blue Day
• Fall Mainstage Auditions 3:30-5:00 PM

August 28

• Orange Day
• Marauder Pride Day
• Varsity Football at Bennett High School 7:00 PM
• Girls Softball at Doherty High School -4:00 PM

August 29

• JV Boys Soccer vs. Pueblo Central at Mitchell High School -11:00 AM
• Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Pueblo Central at Mitchell High School -1:00 PM
• Cross Country Pete Falleta Invitational at Pueblo City Park -9:00 AM

Dear Mitchell High School Families,

Marauder Nation continues to build on its momentum as we begin the 2026-2027 school year. During the week of August 16, students completed STAR Benchmark Assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics, providing valuable baseline data to support academic growth throughout the year. Families joined us for Back-to-School Night, strengthening the critical partnership between home and school. At the same time, our Instructional Empowerment partners conducted classroom appraisals to establish baseline data around high-quality instructional practices and our Model of Instruction. Together, these efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality instruction in every classroom, every day.

The excitement extended beyond academics as varsity football, soccer, and softball officially opened their seasons. We are proud of the dedication, sportsmanship, and school spirit our student-athletes demonstrated as they represented Marauder Nation with pride.

Looking ahead, our award-winning theatre program will host fall mainstage auditions during the week of August 23. These opportunities allow students to discover their talents, build connections, and contribute to our school community. I often remind students that those who are connected to school through activities, athletics, clubs, and performing arts are often the most successful both inside and outside the classroom.

We are especially excited to enter this school year with much to celebrate, including improved safety and security, as reflected in our 2025 5Essentials Survey results; a 92% licensed staff fill rate; a 94% ESP fill rate; 12 concurrent enrollment courses; and 14 Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings. Coupled with consistent growth on district benchmark assessments, award-winning performing arts and AFJROTC programs, and Peak Experiences our students have access to that prepare them for success in college, career, military service, and life.

Most importantly, the positive energy from our students, families, staff, and community partners has reinforced what we already know: Mitchell High School is ascending. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to provide a first-class educational experience for every student.

As always, thank you for your support. Let's have another fantastic week at Mitchell High School.

George C. Smith

• Shout out to the new staff for having such a positive first PD week and bringing good energy to the start of the year!
• The Social Studies Department- They have been so helpful and welcoming. Committed to the Crown!
• Jessica Ley for filling LARGE shoes, Rob and Robert for the positive energy they’re providing in the science department, and Brent, Michael, and Francis for their eagerness for this school year by providing work (before USIP days too)!
• Ben Ramseyer is helping to get the ELA department off to a strong start to the school year!
• Mary LaCroix - she is always helping her colleagues.

All students at District 11 schools who serve meals in their cafeteria will eat for free regardless of the eligibility status should a household apply. The State of Colorado provides meals for students who participate in the National School Lunch Program under the Healthy School Meals for All program.

Even though the students are eating their meals for free, other benefits to apply are:

· Possible reduction of fees for programs both within District 11 and outside of District 11

· Households will receive Summer Electronic Benefits (S-EBT) of $120 per qualified student in the summer when school is not in session

· Additional funding for schools especially Title 1 schools and District

Click here to apply now.

We are excited to share that the Mitchell High School Tutoring Center has been reimagined to better support student achievement and expand access to academic help.

For the 2026–2027 school year, the center will operate during the school day and offer three key support models once fully operational:

• High-Impact Tutoring: Targeted support for selected students (families will be notified directly if enrolled).

• Peer Tutoring: One-on-one and small-group mentoring led by high school and college tutors.

• On-Demand Tutoring: Flexible, drop-in assistance for daily academic needs.

Students will receive full instructions on how to access the center once services begin. Stay tuned for further updates and detailed schedules in upcoming newsletters!

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, September 10th, 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

If you have a student interested in playing a fall sport (football, boys soccer, girls volleyball, softball, boys golf, cross country, unified bowling) they can register using the link below.

https://www.gobound.com/co/districts/cospringsd11

Remember to call the attendance office to excuse your student(s) if they will be unable to attend school. If no one answers, please leave a detailed message with your student’s first and last name and grade. It is important for your student to have an accurate attendance record.

The attendance office numbers are (719) 328-6614 and (719) 328-6611.

https://www.d11.org/calendars/district-calendar