Mustang News - April 3, 2026
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Mustang News: April 3, 2026
From the Principal's Desk
We are looking forward to our first track meet of the season next Wednesday in Delta. It has been great to see our athletes preparing, working hard, and supporting one another as the season gets underway.
I also want to share an update from our music program. Our music teacher, Mr. Jones, has recently joined the National Guard and will be out for the remainder of the year as he serves. He has been an incredible addition to our staff, and we are grateful for the impact he has made on our students and school community. We look forward to welcoming him back next school year. Thank you, Mr. Jones, for your service.
We are very fortunate that our recently retired band teacher, Mr. Keopsel, has graciously agreed to return and support our program through the end of the year. We appreciate his willingness to step in and continue providing a great experience for our students.
We have seen a recent uptick in cell phone violations and want to remind families that we are a no cell phone school. Phones must remain in backpacks during the school day. Please take a moment to review our cell phone policy with your student. You can find it in the student handbook, located below the lunch menu in this newsletter.
CMAS state testing begins on Tuesday and will continue over the next two weeks. Please let us know if you have any questions about the testing schedule or process. We are looking forward to our students having the opportunity to show what they have learned.
Take care,
Lance Betts
Principal
Gunnison Middle School
Join the GCS Team!
We're hiring! Multiple positions available. See full job descriptions here.
Mustang Moments
STEM students Jacob and Dechlan prepare their hot air balloon for launch.
It floated to the ceiling in the Commons and stayed afloat 28 seconds!
April 7-15: CMAS Assessments
April 23: Honors Ceremony
Next Weeks Bell Schedule:
Monday: A
Tuesday: CMAS
Wednesday: CMAS
Thursday: CMAS
Friday: A
CMAS Schedule:
Math (Grades 6–8): 65 min/unit × 3 units
-April 7: 8:55-10:20, 1:25-2:40
-April 8: 8:55-10:20
ELA (Grades 6–8): 90 min/unit × 3 units
-April 9: 8:55-10:45, 1:25-2:40
-April 13: 8:55-10:45
Social Studies (Grade 7): 65 min x 1 unit
-April 14: 8:55-10:20
Science (Grade 8): 65 min/unit × 3 units
-April 14: 8:55-10:20, 1:25-2:40
-April 15: 8:55-10:20
Next week for lunch...
Happy April, GMS Family!
This month, we're working on the value and practice of "I focus on solutions" here at the middle school. This is such a perfect time in life to learn about and work toward a growth mindset, because often challenges show up on a daily basis. There could be missed assignments, lost papers, friendship conflicts, tough group projects, and moments when things just don't go as planned. It's so easy to get stuck on the negative and focus our energy on the problem, so one of the most powerful habits that we can build is to shift our minds to focus on solutions. Instead of asking “why is this happening to me?” we encourage students to ask, “what can I do next?” This shift builds confidence, resilience, and independence, which are skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. Some strategies for shifting our mindset could be taking a deep breath before reacting and thinking through options, asking for help when needed, brainstorming multiple ways to solve a problem, learning from mistakes instead of dwelling on them, and staying positive, even when this feels really hard to do. For example, if a student forgets an assignment, a problem-focused mindset might sound like, “I’m going to fail.” A solution-focused mindset sounds like, “I’ll talk to my teacher, make a plan, and get it done.” That small shift makes a big difference. At home, you can support your child(ren) by encourage brainstorming without immediately jumping in to fix it, asking "what do you think you could try?" when they share a challenge with you, praise their effort and creative problem solving, and share your own examples of working through challenges. By consistently reinforcing “I focus on solutions,” we help students develop a mindset that empowers them to navigate obstacles with confidence and optimism.
Go, Mustangs!
Mustang Athletics
The Mustang Track & Field team competes in Delta on Wednesday and
at Sangre de Cristos meets on Friday. There are 80+ athletes participating.
GO MUSTANGS!
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.
Student Immunizations
Please see the attached letter for important information regarding required immunizations for your student.
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 link 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. Pay by cash/check or on MyPaymentsPlus. 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.