Mustang News - May 15, 2026
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Mustang News: May 15, 2026
Join the GCS Team!
We're hiring! Multiple positions available. See full job descriptions here.
Mustang Moments
Student of the Month: (back) Zia Niemeyer, Ayda Lopez, Allen Long, Colter Malcolm, Jonah Abila, Levi Townsend (front) Camille Estrada, Lydia Ventura, Sofia Nunez-Rascon
GMS Events:
May 22: Black Canyon Field Trip (7th grade)
May 22: Student Chromebooks sent home GWSD Summer Chromebook Letter (English/Spanish)
May 25: Memorial Day, no school
May 27: 8th Grade Continuation Ceremony, GMS Gym at 8:30am
Community Events (click event for more details):
June 19 & 20: Speed Jigsaw Puzzling Competition, Center for the Arts CB (Sign up for the Youth Division!)
Next Weeks Bell Schedule:
Monday: A
Tuesday: A
Wednesday: E
Thursday: O
Friday: A
Next week for lunch...
This week, I'm copying the ParentGuidance May newsletter article, which is all for parents! It's titled, "What's Your Parenting Superpower?"
Parenting can be hard and stressful. We often find ourselves being stretched beyond what we thought possible, but did you know you have natural superpowers within you?
Requiring Help with Daily Chores
If kids aren't doing the dishes, someone is doing it for them. Teaching responsibilities helps children learn contribution and independence. It fosters accountability for the household and prepares them to take initiative.
Showing Empathy
"Snow-plow" parenting is parents who micromanage to prevent failure. Although their intentions are good, this type of parenting limits their ability to develop critical coping skills. Instead, show empathy while allowing safe failures. This approach prepares kids for real-world challenges rather than shielding them.
Listening
As children develop their self-identity, parents should listen, not control. Avoid “fixing” problems for them. By listening without offering advice, kids learn to problem-solve independently, building confidence without fear of criticism or shame.
Encouragement
A Stanford University study in 2021, showed parents who encourage exploration raise kids with better emotional regulation, confidence, self- regulation, and independence.
Caregiving
Attentive parenting, especially in the first three years boosts academic success and relationship skills. Establishing early parent-child relationships result in long- term benefits.
Protective Factors
Small everyday actions have been shown to make a difference with children. Parents are a key protective factor for their children and increase the likelihood for children to thrive. Building a strong connection is vital to support children during crises. A few ideas include:
Engage in problem-solving conversations
Show interest in your child’s passions
Ask questions and guide children in conversation
Other protective factors include having accurate knowledge of child development and age-appropriate expectations.
Super Parenting Phrases
Do your conversations with your child feel stuck on repeat? Like:
Parent - "How was school today?"
Child - "Fine"
Sometimes the smallest changes can open doors to deeper conversations.
"What was a hard part of your day?"
"What made you smile today?"
Encourage your child to express feelings, not just seek approval.
"How do you feel about your decision?"
Turn reminders into questions to build independence and responsibility.
"What is your plan for ____________?"
When your child asks serious questions, explore their curiosity. This approach provides a good opportunity to connect with your child.
"Why do you ask?"
Communication is a parent’s superpower - level it up with these simple shifts! Take a no-cost
course at ParentGuidance.org Take this course to understand key challenges in children, with additional courses for ages 11-14, 15-18, and 19-22For helpful parenting resources visit: ParentGuidance.org
Go, Mustangs!
Here you'll find the new Gunni-Pack applications in both English and Spanish.
Gunni-Pack Application ENGLISH.pdf
Energy Drinks (Prohibited)
GMS is committed to supporting student health, focus, and well-being throughout the school day. In alignment with this goal, we have established the following guidelines regarding energy drinks and caffeinated beverages. High-caffeine energy drinks have been shown to negatively impact: Student focus and learning. Sleep patterns. Heart rate and overall health. Behavior and emotional regulation. Energy drinks are not allowed on GMS school grounds or at school-sponsored events. Energy drinks include beverages marketed specifically for increased energy, alertness, or performance and often contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants. If a student brings an energy drink to school: The drink will be confiscated The student may be asked to dispose of the beverage Repeated violations may result in parent/guardian contact and a referral to the district nurse We recognize that some students may consume beverages with lower levels of caffeine, such as tea, coffee, and flavored or sparkling drinks with small amounts of caffeine. These beverages are permitted in moderation under the following conditions: They must be in a reasonable size (no oversized or highly concentrated drinks). They must not disrupt learning or student behavior. Staff may restrict consumption if it is impacting a student’s focus, health, or conduct. School staff and administration reserve the right to make decisions regarding any beverage brought to school if it is deemed unsafe, excessively caffeinated, or disruptive to the learning environment.
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.