Mustang News - February 27, 2026
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Mustang News: February 27, 2026
From the Principal's Desk
We have been enjoying some truly beautiful weather this week, and the sunshine and warmer temperatures have brought a welcome lift to our days. It has been great to see students bringing that same positive energy into classrooms and activities across the school.
Wrestling is in full swing, with our team competing in Alamosa today and Pagosa Springs tomorrow, followed by a busy week of matches ahead. We are proud of the effort and commitment our wrestlers are showing as they represent GMS. We are also looking forward to band and choir performances next week and the opportunity to celebrate our students’ hard work and talent in the performing arts!
We hope to see many of you at parent teacher conferences next week during our open house on Wednesday from 5 to 7 pm. These connections are such an important part of supporting student success, and we appreciate your partnership.
Lance Betts
Principal
Gunnison Middle School
Join the GCS Team!
We're hiring! Multiple positions available. See full job descriptions here.
Mustang Moments
February 27: Substance Use Presentations and Movie Night
March 3: Wrestling at GMS, 4pm
Choir Concert at GMS, 6pm
March 4 and 11: Parent Teacher Conferences
March 5: Band Concert at GMS, 7pm
March 16-20: Spring Break
April 7-15: CMAS Assessments
Read Across America- Dress up Days March 2-6
Monday: Wear a hat and/or stripes
Tuesday: Wear animal print or something with an animal on it
Wednesday: Wear your favorite color
Thursday: Dress up as your favorite book character or bring your favorite book
Friday: PJ day
Save the dates for GMS Summer Experience 2026!
Session 1: June 8-25, Mondays-Thursdays, 8:00-12:00pm
Session 2: July 6-23, Mondays-Thursdays, 8:00-12:00pm
More information to come!
Next Weeks Bell Schedule:
Monday: A
Tuesday: A
Wednesday: E
Thursday: O
Friday: A
Next week for lunch...
Here is our Monthly Parent Guidance Resources and the March Mental Health Newsletter. This month focuses on Body Image, a topic that has become increasingly critical in our community. It was shared with our district that a local physician recently noted a concerning trend, even using the word "epidemic" to describe the rise of eating disorders among our adolescent girls. Adolescence is a time of tremendous growth and change, including physically, emotionally, and socially. During these years, young people are developing their sense of identity, and body image often becomes a significant part of that journey. In a world filled with filtered photos, comparison culture, and unrealistic beauty standards, it is more important than ever to intentionally support healthy self-esteem. Body image is how we see our bodies and how we feel about them. It includes how we perceive our appearance, how we think others see us, and how comfortable and confident we feel in our own skin. A healthy body image does not mean loving every single thing about how we look. It means appreciating our bodies for what they can do and treating ourselves with respect and kindness, especially on those days when we feel unsure. Noticing even the little things can make a huge difference! Self-esteem grows when students feel valued, capable, and connected. We can focus on strengths and character, encourage positive self-talk, model healthy attitudes, promote healthy habits for well-being and not appearance, and create safe spaces for open-ended conversations. When we help young people shift from “How do I look?” to “Who am I becoming?” we strengthen resilience. Confidence is not built on perfection—it grows from self-compassion, meaningful relationships, and recognizing one’s unique contributions. Every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and worthy exactly as they are. By working together—families, educators, and community—we can foster environments where young people develop a healthy relationship with their bodies and a strong, steady sense of self-worth. Let’s continue to remind our students: You are more than an image. You are capable, growing, and deeply valued.
Go, Mustangs!
Mustang Athletics
Mustang wrestlers are competing in Alamosa today and
Pagosa Springs tomorrow. As of press time, GMS is in third place.
Wrestlers will compete in Montrose, Monte Vista, and Delta next week.
Questions? Contact Mary Nordberg, Athletics Coordinator.
GMS Substance Use Prevention Night: Friday, February 27, 6:30-8:30pm
GMS is collaborating with the Gunnison Police Department and the Gunnison County Substance Abuse Prevention Project (GCSAPP) to host two substance use prevention presentations for our students and parents/guardians on Friday, February 27th at 6:30pm. Presentations for 7th and 8th graders will take place during the school day and a parent/guardian presentation will take place that evening at 6:30pm at Gunnison Middle School.
Dinner will be provided for parents. While parents/guardians are participating in the substance use presentation, students and siblings can enjoy a movie and concessions in the GCS Commons.
RSVP by Monday, February 23rd: Please complete this short participation form so we know how much food to purchase.
The safety, health, and well-being of our students is our top priority. We hope these presentations will give students and families the opportunity to engage in this important conversation. Please let us know if you have any questions: rbrekke@gunnisonschools.net or (970) 641-7710.
GMS Conferences
Gunnison Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, March 4 and March 11. Teachers and interpreters will be available in the Gunnison Community School Commons from 5:00-7:00pm, no appointment necessary. This is a great time to chat with all of your child's teachers, ask questions, and gain valuable information about their academic progress this year.
Thank you for supporting your child's education at GMS. Feel free to contact us with any questions about conferences. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/g/iXuDrx7iPm
Reserve your free tickers before the show: https://cbmajestic.org/purchase/340332/
ORDER YOUR 2026 YEARBOOK NOW!
The deadline to order a yearbook is fast approaching!!
Make sure to reserve one now so that your student gets one in May!
If your student is active outside of GMS, please send us pictures!
Hunting, rafting, golfing, baseball, arts and crafts....the yearbook
is looking for those! Thank you! (Send to Mary Nordberg at
mnordberg@gunnisonschools.net)
Contact Mary Nordberg with any questions.
mnordberg@gunnisonschools.net
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.