MARAUDERS WEEKLY

February 23

• Silver Day
• College and Career Day
• 5E Survey in Future Ready
• Unified Basketball @ Palmer Ridge High School, 3PM
• Start of Spring Sports
• After School Tutoring, 3:15-4:45 PM

February 24

• Blue Day
• After School Tutoring, 3:15-4:45 PM
• Unified Basketball vs. Pine Creek, 4 PM
• SENIOR NIGHT
• Boys Basketball @ Walsenburg, 6 PM
• Girls Basketball vs. Walsenburg, 5:30 PM

February 25

• Orange Day
• After School Tutoring, 3:15-4:45 PM
• CLDE Family Night, 5-7 PM

February 26

• Blue Day
• After School Tutoring, 3:15-4:45 PM
• ILT, 3:20 PM
• Boys Basketball @ Thomas MacLaren, 5:30 PM
• Western Choir, TBD

February 27

• Orange Day: Marauder PRIDE Day
• Western Choir, TBD

February 28

• Western Choir, TBD

We are thrilled to celebrate two outstanding students who have been selected for an incredible opportunity this summer!

Congratulations to Aniyah Roberts and Penny Hartman, who have been chosen to participate in a study abroad program in Mexico. This is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for learning—especially in their Spanish studies.

We are so proud of Aniyah and Penny for representing Mitchell High School and embracing this life‑changing global learning experience. ¡Felicidades!

Check out this link for more information about the experience.

We proudly honor our Senior Boys Basketball players and Coach Dorian Watson on Senior Night! Our seniors have embodied the ACCEPT values, especially teamwork and courage, through their dedication and leadership on and off the court.

As they move on to their next adventures, we celebrate their hard work, resilience, and commitment to the Marauder spirit.

We are proud of you, Marauders!

Wally Cassel and Larry Sugia compete at the JROTC Marksmanship Nationals in Anniston, AL.

Last week Unified Basketball placed 4th at Regionals! They fought hard and we are ready to play again at State on March 6th!

We would like to shout out Ethan Peat. He is the only senior on our team and has been with us for 3 years. He helped establish this program. We are very proud of the growth we have seen with Ethan both on and off the court. He is one of our captains for a reason; he supports his teammates and has heart for the game. We are sad that this is his last season with Mitchell Unified, but we know he’ll continue to play the game he loves.

Way to exemplify our athletic vision "We Dare to Be Different."

Go Marauders!

Dear Mitchell High School Families,

As we progress through the second half of the 2025–26 school year, I am pleased to provide an update on our school’s achievements and ongoing efforts. Following a recent check-in with the Colorado Department of Education Director of Transformation Strategy, I want to highlight the WINS we are celebrating and address the areas where we can continue to grow together. Our efforts remain firmly rooted in our Pathway Plan, the guidance from the Colorado Department of Education, and the unwavering dedication of our students, staff, families, and community partners.

Let’s start with the good news: Classroom instruction is becoming more effective and engaging. Our teachers and leaders have conducted nearly 300 classroom visits this year to enhance lessons and provide targeted support for students. As a result, we have seen significant improvement in student work, particularly in critical thinking and analysis, with 40% growth from August to January. Reading scores are on the rise, and our teachers are setting clearer learning targets while using improved tools to track progress and monitor student learning. School culture is moving in a positive direction as well, suspensions are down compared to last year, more students feel focused on their futures, and our attendance support systems, including home visits, daily check-ins, and community partnerships, are foundational to our work. Our career and college pathways are thriving: 94 students have earned college credits, over 400 have completed CTE coursework, and more than 100 students have achieved industry certifications. Our semester one On-Track-for-Graduation rate was the highest in years, and we are on pace for an 82% graduation rate for the Class of 2026.

At the same time, important challenges remain. Chronic absenteeism remains a concern, making improved daily attendance a top priority for our entire community. While math achievement is gradually increasing, it still falls short of our targets, and we must ensure greater consistency in how data is used to drive and inform classroom instruction. Student feedback indicates that English classes would benefit from increased engagement and rigor, and too many 9th-grade students remain off track. Additionally, high mobility and dropout rates persist, impacting our progress and stability.

Every member of the Mitchell community plays a vital role in our continued progress. Students can have the greatest impact by attending school daily, staying engaged during lessons, and making the most of resources such as learning targets, BAG reports, and Future Ready advisory blocks to stay on track. Teachers will keep refining their instruction, leveraging data more effectively, and providing extra support to students as needed. Our non-licensed staff is key to ensuring students feel safe, supported, and connected, particularly those who face transportation or family challenges. Families reinforce our efforts by emphasizing regular attendance, monitoring grades and progress, and collaborating with us to address concerns. Community partners strengthen our work by supporting transportation, offering mentoring and work-based learning opportunities, assisting with athletics, tutoring, and providing essential services for our highest-need students and families.

As I often say, “Mitchell is on the rise.” While we have not yet reached all our goals, we are clearly moving forward. In closing, and as we wrap up Black History Month, I am reminded of an African proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." Marauders Nation is strongest when we work as one. Thank you for your belief in our students and for supporting the efforts that make our progress possible. With your continued partnership, we will continue building a brighter future for every student.

Let’s make it another great week, Marauders Nation, and get those WINS - We Increase Numbers by believing in our Students!

George Smith, Principal

The School Accountability Committee (SAC) comprises a dedicated team committed to driving student success and ongoing school improvement. Reverend Michael Bibbs and Alyssa Webb serve as co-chairs for the 2025-2026 school year, bringing strong collaborative leadership that will further strengthen the SAC’s mission. Their 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, March 12, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, and will include updates from the Superintendent. For your convenience, a virtual attendance option is also available via the provided link.

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:

Co-Chair Michael Bibbs at michaelbibbs039@gmail.com (719) 287-2729

Co-Chair Alyssa Webb at opuswebb@gmail.com (719) 475-7465

DAC Representative Alyssa Webb ... Substitute Representative Sharon Simpson-Dogon

Secretary Sharon Simpson-Dogon at yeswellnessmatters@gmail.com

FUTURE CENTER EVENTS:

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Shadow a Teacher Day Orientation

10:00am to 11:00am

UCCS College Rep Visit

12:00pm to 1:00pm

Sign up in Schoolinks

Spanish Parent Night

Information on concurrent enrollment and other resources

5:00pm to 7:00pm

UC School of Medicine Nursing Focus and Heart to Heart Informational Sessions

Students interested in any health profession should attend

8:30am-12:00pm

Sign up in Schoolinks

FAFSA Friday

Stop by the Future Center during lunch if you still need help with your FAFSA Application

Other News:

A Note About College Applications and Post-Secondary Planning:

Senior students still needing help completing their college applications should see Mrs. Montez or Mr. Cooks in the Future Center. If students are not interested in attending college directly after high school, we still need to meet with you! There are lots of other opportunities for students who are interested in apprenticeships, internships, military, etc.

ATTENTION SENIORS-An important note about the FAFSA Application for ALL Seniors:

ALL SENIORS NEED TO COMPLETE THIS!!!

As part of the required ICAP (Individualized Career and Academic Plan) which is required for graduation, EVERY senior will need to either complete a FAFSA Application and document this in Schoolinks OR indicate in Schoolinks that they will not file a FAFSA Application. Please see Mrs. Montez or Mr. Cooks in the Future Center if you need help with this.

Students With Jobs Outside of School/Potential High School Credit:

For any student who is employed and has not filled out the application for high school credit in Schoolinks, please see Mrs. Montez or Mr. Cooks in the Future Center. Students who work a certain number of hours within a semester can earn high school credits.

Attention Junior Boys! Colorado Boys State Opportunity:

High School Juniors are invited to apply for the 2026 American Legion Colorado Boys State program. These young men will experience American self-government as they create and operate in their own cities, counties and state governments. This is a "hands on" environment, and students will interact with their peers from all across Colorado to share concerns, ideas and some agreements on what and how to operate their state as they develop and demonstrate their leadership skills. This year's event will take place at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado from May 31 thru June 6, 2026. There is no cost for the student, but students must complete an application at https://colegionboysstate.org/ The deadline to apply is May 1, 2026. Participants are also eligible to apply for college scholarships.

Attention Junior Girls! Girls State Opportunity:

High School Juniors are invited to apply for the 2026 American Legion Colorado Girls State program. This is a week-long program designed for young women who are passionate about patriotism and female empowerment. Delegates are taught about the governmental process and learn the ethics of being a responsible, civically involved citizen and leader. This year's event will take place at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado from June 7th thru June 13th. There is no cost to the student, but students must complete an application at https://alacolorado.org/girls-state/ The deadline to apply is May 1, 2026.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

Sachs Foundation Scholarship:

The Sachs Scholarships are $10,000 per year for up to 4 years of full-time study. It is open to anyone that identifies as Black, is a high school senior, and a full-time Colorado resident for at least 3 years. Visit www.sachsfoundation.org to apply. The deadline is March 15th.

Izak Jasson Memorial Scholarship:

1. Izak Jasso was a very special young man who made great contributions to Mitchell High School. He would have been a member of MHS Class of 2025 but unfortunately his life was cut short after his sophomore year. As a leader on the wrestling team and in the AFJROTC Program, Izak inspired all of us with his enthusiasm, kindness, and pursuit of excellence.

2. The AFJROTC Program has established an annual scholarship for a Mitchell High School graduating senior to honor the legacy of Izak and to serve as an inspiration to all Mitchell students to pursue the traits that Izak emulated.

3. The criteria for the Izak Jasso Memorial Scholarship are based on the MHS A.C.C.E.P.T criteria. Applicants must have the following:

a. ACHIEVEMENT: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and acceptance (and intent) to pursue post-secondary education

b. COURAGE: Possess character and integrity

c. CARING: Display pride in Mitchell HS and demonstrate kindness toward others

d. EXCELLENCE: Embrace continuous improvement and the growth mindset

e. PERSEVERANCE: Have goals for future education

f. TEAMWORK: Demonstrate a positive attitude and a desire to work with others

4. The 2026 Scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1500. The application package must include the following items:

a. An official Mitchell HS Transcript

b. A 300-word essay on how the applicant exhibits the A.C.C.E.P.T criteria.

c. One letter of recommendation

d. An acceptance letter from the institution of higher learning that the student plans to enroll at in Aug-Sep 2026

5. The completed package must by turned into the AFJROTC Department NLT 18 March 2026.

Kit Faragher Foundation Scholarship:

Kathleen "Kit" Faragher was a woman full of life, deeply loved by family and friends. Kit's life was cut short during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The Foundation honors Kit's memory by supporting students who embody the same qualities that made her such a shining light in our community: resilience, positivity, and an infectious zest for life. They are seeking seniors with a positive can-do attitude, a strong commitment to personal goals and exceptional drive and determination. Eligibility criteria also includes a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrated financial need. Apply at www.KitFaragherFoundation.org The deadline to apply is Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5pm.

Colorado Senior and Student View Scholarship Program:

The 2026 Student View Scholarship Program offers $13,000 worth of scholarships to high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year college, community/junior college or career school. Al Colorado seniors who apply for the Student View Scholarship will also be automatically entered into the drawing for the new $500 Colorado Senior Scholarship. The application process is simple and only takes 15-20 minutes. There are no minimum SAT/ACT scores or GPA, no essay or lengthy application forms, and no application fees. Apply at www.student-view.com The scholarship deadline is April 23, 2026.

Kinnikinnik Chapter Scholarship:

The Kinnikinnik Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will be awarding a scholarship to a Pikes Peak area high school senior graduating in 2026. To qualify a student must have a GPA of 3.0 or above, be a US citizen, demonstrate characteristics of a good leader and provide clear and concise answers to questions on the student form. Please see Mrs. Montez or Mr. Cooks for the student form to apply. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 20th.

Jiffy Lube Colorado Teen Driver Scholarship Program:

The Jiffy Lube "What Drives You?" High School Scholarship program is a unique opportunity to pursue your interests, goals and ideas. A simple 500 words about what drives you? Finalist essays will be selected from the 500 word “What Drives You?” essays. Each finalist will be guaranteed a minimum $1,500 award if they create and submit a unique 1-2 min. video that expands on their essay in their own candid words, visuals, etc. The overall $3,500 scholarship winner will be chosen from these videos. Click on rules/guidelines and eligibility for complete details. The deadline to apply is March 9, 2026.

Big Future Scholarship Giveaways through College Board for 10th, 11th and 12th Graders:

Each month, Big Future gives students the change to earn the chance to earn scholarships by simply planning for life after high school. Every step completed earns another entry for a $40.000 scholarship. All students need is a College Board account to get started. This opportunity is open to 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Visit https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/bigfuture-scholarships to get started.

The Horatio Alger Scholarship - A Scholarship Opportunity for Juniors:

Eligibility Requirements for Juniors:

We want to share an exciting update about college planning for our students.

Our district (D11) is partnering with Match EAB, a college admissions platform used across Colorado. Match offers a Direct Admissions process that helps students discover colleges they already qualify for—making college applications easier and faster.

What this means for students

If a student chooses to create a profile with Match:

• Their high school transcript will be securely shared with Match
• This allows colleges to review eligibility automatically
• It saves time for both students and school counselors

Other nearby districts have seen great results using Match. For example, District 49 and District 2 had over 600 college applications submitted in just one month after participating.

Your choice as a parent

Before any transcripts are shared, families are being notified and given the option to opt out.

• An Opt‑Out Form is attached (this is the same type of form used by nearby school districts)
• If you do not want your student’s transcript shared with Match, you may submit the opt‑out form
• If no form is submitted, the transcript may be shared only if the student chooses to complete a Match profile

A Note About College Applications and Post-Secondary Planning:

Senior students still needing help completing their college applications should see Mrs. Montez or Mr. Cooks in the Future Center. If students are not interested in attending college directly after high school, we still need to meet with you! There are lots of other opportunities for students who are interested in apprenticeships, internships, military, etc.

Students With Jobs Outside of School/Potential High School Credit:

For any student who is employed and has not filled out the application for high school credit in Schoolinks, please see Mrs. Montez or Mr. Cooks in the Future Center. Students who work a certain number of hours within a semester can earn high school credits.

The Future Center would also like to wish all students a great first week back!

ACCEPT Core Values in Action at Mitchell High School

At Mitchell High School, we ground our community in the ACCEPT Core Values—Achievement, Courage, Caring, Excellence, and Teamwork. These values guide our daily decisions, shape our culture, and help us create a safe, supportive, and successful environment for every Marauder. As we move through the school year, we want to highlight several important reminders and expectations that strengthen both our school climate and our shared commitment to these values.

Achievement: Setting Ourselves Up for Success

Achievement begins with strong habits, and one of the most important is showing up on time—to school, to class, and especially after lunch.

• Arrive at school on time to ensure a smooth start to your day.
• Return from lunch promptly to keep instructional time intact and maintain classroom momentum.
• Use Securly Pass any time you leave your classroom or another designated area. This system helps us maintain accountability, monitor hallway traffic, and ensure students are where they need to be in order to learn.

By practicing punctuality and responsibility, students demonstrate true academic achievement and respect for their learning environment.

Courage: Speaking Up and Prioritizing Safety

A safe school empowers students to learn, grow, and thrive. We want every Marauder to feel confident using the tools available to protect their peers and themselves.

Safe2Tell: If you see something, say something.

Students are encouraged to use Safe2Tell to report concerns anonymously. Whether it’s safety issues, bullying, threats, or anything that makes you uncomfortable—having the courage to speak up is how we take care of one another.

Increasing our school safety perception starts with students knowing their voice matters and that every report is taken seriously.

Caring: Respecting Ourselves and Our Community

Caring for ourselves includes presenting ourselves in a way that supports a positive school community. Mitchell High School follows the Colorado Springs School District 11 Dress Code, which promotes:

• Safety
• Respect
• Readiness to learn

Students should choose clothing that aligns with the district’s dress policies and avoids distractions or safety risks. This ensures that every student feels comfortable, respected, and ready to engage in learning.

Excellence: Learning Without Distractions

To maximize focus and improve the academic environment, Mitchell High School uses Yondr pouches for all personal electronic devices.

Reminder:

• All cell phones and personal electronics must be secured in the Yondr pouch upon entry to the school each day.
• Devices must remain locked away until students are officially dismissed.

This expectation is essential for minimizing distractions, improving engagement, and supporting excellent academic outcomes.

Teamwork: Building a Positive School Culture Together

A strong school community thrives when every member does their part. By following expectations consistently—using Securly Pass, arriving on time, adhering to the dress code, properly using Yondr pouches, and reporting safety concerns—we create a school where everyone feels safe and supported.

Teamwork isn’t just about collaborating in the classroom or on the court—it's also about helping uphold the values that make Mitchell High School a place where all students can succeed.

Living the ACCEPT Values Every Day

As Marauders, we are committed to:

• Achievement in academics and personal growth
• Courage to speak up and do what’s right
• Caring for ourselves and others
• Excellence in conduct and learning
• Teamwork to build a safe, thriving school community

Thank you for being an active part of keeping Mitchell High School a place where every student can learn, feel safe, and succeed. Let’s continue to rise together—the Marauder Way.

-Mr. Blanc and Dr. Rinder

Our Leadership Club has officially selected a new logo for the Marauders Market! We’re excited to showcase this design as we continue building pride and ownership in our school community.

Colorado Springs

April 1, 2026

4:00–5:30 PM

Get ready, Marauders! We’re excited to host our first-ever community car show during Prom Week — and we want YOU to be part of it!

If you’re interested in supporting our community by showing off your classic, modern, or unique ride, we’d love to have you there. There is no entry fee — just register, bring your car, and come enjoy a fun afternoon with our students, families, and community members.

Questions?

Contact Emily Lavery, Assistant Principal

Emily.Lavery@d11.org

Let’s make this an unforgettable Prom Week!

Car Show Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/VkMx79KuNM