Mustang News - December 5, 2025
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Mustang News: December 5, 2025
From the Principal's Desk
It has been good to settle back into our routines this week after some time off. Students and staff have eased back in and are finding their rhythm as we move toward the end of the semester.
Congratulations to our drama students on their wonderful performances this week! Their effort, creativity, and stage presence made for an impressive series of shows, and we are proud of all they accomplished.
As we enter the final two weeks of semester one, we are looking forward to plenty of learning, positive classroom experiences, and a lot of fun along the way! Thank you for your continued support as we help students finish the semester strong.
Go Mustangs!
Lance Betts
Principal
Gunnison Middle School
Join the GCS Team!
We're hiring! Multiple positions available. See full job descriptions here.
Mustang Moments
December 6: Senora Tortuga Performance at 4pm (GCS stage)
December 8-9: iReady Mid-Year Assessments
December 10: GCS Gingerbread Walk of Lights 5:30 -7:00 pm
December 11: GMS Band/ Choir Concert at 6pm (GHS Auditorium)
December 19: Ski Fees and Tech/ Tech Repair Fees Due and Last day of Quarter 2
December 20-January 5: Winter Break, No School
January 6: Students Back to School
January 16, 23, 30, and February 6: 6th Grade Ski Days
January 30 and February 6: 7th and 8th Grade Ski Days
January 19: GMS MLK Day Summit
Schedule for December 8-12:
Monday:A
Tuesday: Modified A
Wednesday: E
Thursday: O
Friday: A
This week for lunch...
Hello GMS families! During the month of December, our school is focused on the value/practice of "I value and practice integrity." Integrity is one of the most important (and sometimes one of the most challenging) qualities we can build during our middle school years. When I ask students what the word integrity means to them, they tell me that it means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It’s about being honest, trustworthy, and responsible, and it helps us grow into people others can count on. When students practice integrity, our whole school community becomes stronger, kinder, and more respectful.
Integrity starts with small choices. It might look like turning in work you completed yourself, admitting when you made a mistake, or speaking up if you see something that isn’t right. These moments may feel small, but they add up. Every time you choose honesty, you’re building your character and showing others they can rely on you.
However, integrity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real, respectful, and willing to learn. When we value integrity, we help create a school where everyone can feel proud of who they are and confident in who they’re becoming. Each choice matters, and each student can make a difference. Our hope at GMS is to build a community of mutual respect and connectedness, and integrity is at the heart of this. And your kid(s) are absolutely demonstrating integrity this year! If you'd ever like to talk about this, or anything else, please don't hesitate to reach out. I am here to help and support in whatever way I can!
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.
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. Use the code 219547 to sign up. Please reach out to Sara Lamar if you have 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 5-8th 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 Dec 1-5
Girls' basketball practice begins on Tuesday, December 9, at 3:45 - 5:30.
Requirements to participate:
1. Signed Commitment form by parent/guardian and athlete
2. Signed Code of conduct (not needed if one on file from fall sports)
3. Current physical
4. $75 athletic fee
5. Wear athletic shorts, t-shirt, and have shoes to change into
Questions? Contact Mary Nordberg at mnordberg@gunnisonschools.net
iReady Assessments December 15-16
It's hard to believe that it's already December and the end of our first semester is just around the corner! Next Monday and Tuesday, all GMS students will take their mid-year iReady assessment in reading and math. This is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate how much they have grown since August.
Assessments Matter!
Schools rely on iReady data to help guide curriculum and instruction. We also use individual results to create targeted academic support and enrichment for students. We want to make sure every student is getting what they need to be successful!
- Parent Resources & Participation
- There are many things families can do to prepare their child for assessments.
- Start the conversation this week about mid-year iReady and why assessments matter.
- iReady is a digital assessment so make sure your child has their technology. (Chromebook, charger, and headphones should be turned into their Advisory teacher on Friday)
- Make sure your child is well rested and present on testing days.
- Encourage your child to eat breakfast and drink plenty of water on testing days.
Mid-Year Results
Assessment results will be mailed home in January with your child’s report card. If you would like results before then, you may reach out to your child’s Advisory teacher.
We look forward to finishing the semester strong! Please reach out if you have any questions and thank you for your support.
Healthy Kids Colorado Survey
Dear Families,
At Gunnison Middle School, we are committed to supporting the health, safety, and overall well-being of every student. One of the important tools we use to better understand student needs is the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS), a voluntary and anonymous survey offered to middle and high school students across the state. Gunnison Middle School plans on administering the survey during December 1-12.
The HKCS helps schools and communities learn how students are doing in areas such as physical health, emotional well-being, school climate, safety, and healthy decision-making. Because the survey is confidential, students can share their experiences honestly, which provides us with clearer, more accurate information.
Why the survey matters:
Improves school supports: Results help us identify programs and resources students may need—such as mental health supports and bullying prevention.
Amplifies student voice: The survey allows students to tell us what is going well and what could be better at school.
Guides district and state planning: Schools, districts, and state agencies use the data to make informed decisions to positively impact students across Colorado.
Anonymity: Responses are anonymous. No names or identifying information are collected.
Participation is always voluntary. If you wish to opt your child out, please complete the Google Form linked below by November 25, 2025.
For more information, please review this email from Nicole Swaggerty, District Student Wellness Coordinator, and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document.
Thank you for your partnership in helping us create a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment for all students. When students share their experiences, they help us better understand how to meet their needs and help them thrive.
Sincerely,
Lance Betts
Principal
Gunnison Middle School
ORDER YOUR 2026 YEARBOOK NOW!
If you order personalization, there are four free icons
for you to choose through the end of October!
GMS Yearbooks are still ONLY $20! They will be delivered
in May but you can order now and never worry that we'll run
out.
Click the link below to check this off your list!
GMS Yearbook
Contact Mary Nordberg with any questions.
mnordberg@gunnisonschools.net
Lost and Found
Be sure to take a look and see if you recognize anything in our lost and found collection.
PLEASE NOTE: Any items not claimed by winter break will be donated to Six Points.
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.