Mustang News - February 6, 2026
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Mustang News: February 6, 2026
From the Principal's Desk
This week was a heavy week for all of us with the loss of one of our students. There is no way around that. Our hearts are with the family, friends, and all who are grieving.
In the midst of this difficult time, it was powerful to see our school community come together to take care of one another. The kindness, support, and compassion shown by students, staff, and families meant a great deal and reminded us of the strength of this community.
Being at ski day was also a bright spot this week. The fresh air, movement, and time together helped lift spirits and provided a meaningful moment of connection for many of our students and staff.
As we look ahead to next week, we will continue moving forward together with care, progress, and a strong sense of community.
Lance Betts
Principal
Gunnison Middle School
Join the GCS Team!
We're hiring! Multiple positions available. See full job descriptions here.
Mustang Moments
February 13: GMS Valentines Day Dance 6:30-8:30
February 16-17: No School
Schedule for February 2-6:
Monday: A
Tuesday: A
Wednesday: E
Thursday: O
Friday: A
This week for lunch...
Hello GMS Family,
This week, our GMS family came together and supported each other through tragedy. Our Value/Practice for the month of February is "I develop resilience and perseverance" and while there are absolutely times that we don't have to be strong and we need to let all our feelings out, these hard times that we go through together are one way that we do grow our resilience and perseverance. Whether facing personal challenges, community hardships, or everyday stress, difficult times can feel overwhelming. During these moments, the support we offer one another—and the resilience we build within ourselves—can make all the difference.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and perseverance is the determination to keep going even when things feel tough. These qualities aren’t something people are simply born with; they are skills that can be learned, practiced, and strengthened over time.
One of the most powerful ways to build resilience is through connection. When we check in on one another, listen with empathy, and offer encouragement, we remind each other that no one has to face challenges alone. Small acts—kind words, patience, a helping hand—can have a big impact on someone who is struggling.
It’s also important to normalize hard feelings. Stress, disappointment, grief, and frustration are natural responses to hardship. By acknowledging these emotions and talking openly about them, we create a culture where people feel safe seeking support instead of feeling pressured to “be strong” in silence.
Developing perseverance means focusing on progress, not perfection. Encouraging goal-setting, problem-solving, and a growth mindset helps individuals learn from setbacks rather than being defeated by them. Every challenge can become an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow stronger.
As a community, we can foster resilience by practicing kindness and compassion, offering help and checking in on those who may be struggling, encouraging healthy coping strategies like rest, reflection, and seeking support, and celebrating effort, courage, and growth—even in difficult circumstances. Together, by supporting one another and nurturing resilience and perseverance, we can navigate hard times with hope, strength, and unity—and emerge stronger on the other side.
I am so proud to be a Mustang and to work with your kid(s) every single day. They are amazing and inspire me all the time. Please reach out if you ever need anything.
High School Registration for 8th Graders
Mustang Athletics
Good luck to the Mustang Girls' Basketball squads in the
A League Tournaments tomorrow.
7A plays at Paonia K8 and 8A hosts at Gunnison Middle School.
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WRESTLING practice begins February 9 at 3:45 in the GMS gym.
Requirements for participation are current physical, $75 athletic fee,
signed code of conduct. Athletes also need wrestling shoes, headgear,
and mouth guard (recommended).
Questions? Contact Mary Nordberg at mnordberg@gunnisonschools.net
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 Wednesday Workshop
Are you looking for a social and screen-free activity for your student on early release days?
Have we got the program for you!
All GMS students are invited to join the new and enhanced Wednesday Workshop program. Together we create and share snacks, move and play games, explore art and creativity projects. Quite often we even have a lot of fun.
We also have GHS Honor Students providing homework help in a quiet and supportive environment.
Curious? Sign up to give it a try!
Link to enroll: https://forms.gle/odVKJZGHp9DinpWJ7
Want to learn more? Reach out to Kristi Remkus, GMS Enrichment Coordinator, kremkus@gunnisonschools.net.
GMS Taller Del Miercoles
¡Tenemos el programa perfecto para ti!
Todos los estudiantes de GMS están invitados a participar en el nuevo y mejorado programa de Talleres de los Miércoles. Juntos preparamos y compartimos meriendas, hacemos ejercicio y jugamos, y exploramos proyectos de arte y creatividad. ¡Y lo mejor de todo es que nos divertimos muchísimo!
También contamos con estudiantes de honor de GHS que brindan ayuda con las tareas en un ambiente tranquilo y de apoyo.
¿Te interesa? ¡Inscríbete y pruébalo!
Link to enroll: https://forms.gle/vUFMgt28xDx5meAN7
¿Quieres saber más? Comunícate con Kristi Remkus, Coordinadora de Programas Complementarios de GMS, a la siguiente dirección de correo electrónico: kremkus@gunnisonschools.net.
Safe and Responsible Technology Use
Please take time to review our district's GWSD Student Safe and Responsible Use Policy (English and Spanish). All GMS students will be asked to review and sign this agreement starting January 12th. In addition, we ask that parents and guardians review our GMS Cell Phone Agreement (English / Spanish). Please contact Renee Brekke, GMS Assistant Principal if you have any questions rbrekke@gunnisonschools.net. Thank you for helping us support safe and responsible technology use at GMS.
GMS Culture & Climate Parent Feedback
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are always striving to make GMS a great place for students, staff, and families to learn, make connections, and feel a sense of belonging. Each year, we ask for feedback from all members of our community so we can learn what we are doing well and generate goals for improvement. Please take a moment to complete our 2025-26 GMS Culture & Climate Parent/Guardian Feedback Survey to tell us how your child is making connections at GMS. Feel free to reach out with any additional questions and thank you for your support.
Sign up to Volunteer Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BADA728A0F8C61-61998194-gmsvalentines#/
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!
ORDER by FEBRUARY 9th to be sure.
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
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.