MARAUDERS WEEKLY

March 2

• Silver Day
• Future Ready
• Girl's Soccer vs. Palmer, 4PM(JV)/6PM(V)
• After School Tutoring, 3:15-4:45 PM

March 3

• Blue Day
• After School Tutoring, 3:15-4:45 PM

March 4

• Orange Day
• After School Tutoring, 3:15-4:45 PM

March 5

• Blue Day
• Baseball @ Palmer, 4PM
• After School Tutoring, 3:15-4:45 PM

March 6

• Orange Day: Marauder PRIDE Day

March 7

• Girls Soccer vs. Harrison, 10AM (V)
• Baseball vs. Harrison, 10AM/12PM
• Doubleheader
• Track and Field-Palmer Invite @ Gerry Berry, TBD

We are excited to announce the launch of the Mitchell CLDE Parent Academy beginning March 11! This initiative is designed for Mitchell parents and building staff and focuses on building community through Adult ESL learning combined with “school literacy” skills that help families engage more fully in the school experience.

This program celebrates the rich diversity of our Marauder community and creates a welcoming space for families to connect, learn, and grow together.

For more information or to join the academy, please contact Mrs. Beate Silva, Beate.Silva@d11.org

The Pikes Peak Regional Science and Engineering Fair was held yesterday, February 28th, and we are incredibly proud of Delilah Epps, our only PPRSEF contestant, and the first from Mitchell in over ten years!

Delilah presented her outstanding project, “Microplastics in Colorado Water Sources,” showcasing impressive scientific thinking and dedication. She truly embodied our ACCEPT Core Values, especially Excellence in her research and Courage in representing Mitchell on a regional stage.

Delilah has made the Marauder Nation proud!

These students went to the 2026 Western Slope Honor Choir Festival at Western Colorado University in Gunnison last week. They experienced three unforgettable days of music making under world class leadership from internationally celebrated composers and conductors, Dr. Z. Randall Stroope and Professor Myriam Nunez Pertuce.

1. Khylei Keller

2. Autumn Goldizen

3. Aleerah Dorsey

4. Aleassa Wimbley

5. Landon Richard

Mr. Grantz and the rest of the Marauder Nation is so proud of you and wants to celebrate you for your PERSEVERANCE and EXCELLENCE.

Khylei won the outstanding musicianship award.

Dear Mitchell High School Families,

As we move into March and further into the spring semester, I want to take a moment to talk about the familiar “third quarter slump” that often happens in schools around this time. It’s normal for motivation to drop and routines to get off track, especially with the long stretch between winter and spring breaks. This pattern is especially noticeable in high schools, where national data shows that chronic absenteeism more than doubles from 5th grade (14.22%) to 12th grade (32.13%), highlighting how the challenge grows as students move into their upper‑grade years. Additionally, a large four‑year study tracking more than 7,700 adolescents found that motivation and engagement decline by about 18% as students transition into high school, another reminder that this time of year can be particularly difficult for teens.

With just two weeks left until the third quarter ends on Friday, March 13, I encourage everyone to refocus on the habits that help us succeed. Positive behavior and good conduct help make our school a safe and respectful place for everyone. Coming to school regularly and arriving on time are especially important. Research shows that attendance among high school students has a powerful impact on achievement. In fact, a study of senior high school students found that class attendance accounted for over 50% of the variability in academic performance, with students who attended regularly significantly outperforming those who did not. This connection becomes even more critical as students work to stay on track for graduation.

Most importantly, maintaining a strong academic focus over the next two weeks can significantly improve grades, boost GPAs, and help secure the credits needed for graduation, especially in a year when national 12th‑grade academic results show ongoing declines in reading and math performance and increases in absenteeism compared to pre‑pandemic levels. Now is the time for students to lean in, use available supports, and finish the quarter strong.

I encourage all students, families, and staff to approach the last part of the third quarter with a positive attitude, productivity, and energy as we work toward a strong finish.

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

Upcoming PSAT/SAT/CMAS Testing

Each spring our high school administers state assessments by grade level: PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, SAT 11 School Day, and CMAS Science for 11th grade. The PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 help prepare students for the SAT 11, which colleges use and can also satisfy Colorado’s graduation testing requirement. The CMAS Science for 11th grade measures student understanding of grade-level expectations aligned to the Colorado Science Academic Standards.

This year will be conducting these exams during the month of April. Below is the upcoming testing schedule:

Tuesday, April 14

Wednesday, April 15

Thursday, April 16

***Please try to schedule outside appointments on other dates so students are present for testing. A detailed schedule for each testing day will be shared with the community during the first week of March.

Big Future Schools and Connections (PSAT/SAT)

Your student can choose during the testing window and in the Big Future School mobile app to opt-in to Connections, which is an optional program that connects students to non-profit colleges, scholarship organizations and non-profit educational organizations that are interested in students like them. No personal information is shared with these organizations as part of Connections. Connections is free to you.

Please complete the following form if you consent to having the options for your student to access their scores early and receiving more information regarding scholarship opportunities in the Big Future School™ mobile app using a personal phone number, and to opt-in to Connections.

Return completed form to Ms. Lavery or email to Emily.Lavery@d11.org

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OPT out Forms:

D11 State Standardized Assessment Excusal Form (English)

D11 State Standardized Assessment Excusal Form (Spanish)

D11 State Standardized Assessment Excusal Form (Arabic)

Please download form, sign and return in person to main office or email to Emily.Lavery@d11.org. Additional paper copies will be in main office starting in April 2026.

FUTURE CENTER EVENTS:

FUTURE CENTER EVENTS:

Monday, March 2, 2026

Junior Group Meetings in the Future Center

Future Ready Classes will bring students to the Future Center

(more meetings will be held on March 30th)

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Peak Education Workshop

10:00am to 11:00am

University of Northern Colorado

College Representative Visit

10:00am to 11:00am

Sign up in Schoolinks

UC Health Speaker Series (at Palmer High School)

1:30pm to 3:00pm

Sign up in Schoolinks

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Colorado Mesa University

College Representative Visit

2:30pm to 3:10pm

Sign up in Schoolinks

Friday, March 6, 2026

FAFSA Friday

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

Thursday, April 2, 2026 and Friday, April 3,2026

Overnight Field Trip to University of Wyoming and University of Denver

Open to all grade levels

Sign up in Schoolinks

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 Rotary Club of Colorado Springs High School Scholarship:

The Rotary Club of Colorado Springs is proud to offer high school seniors attending Palmer High School, Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus, Mitchell High School and Coronado High School the opportunity to compete for one of the five scholarships of $2,500 the club will award.

These scholarships are for students entering four-year colleges and universities, vocational/technical schools and programs, apprenticeships and two-year colleges. They are to help local students further their academic pursuits or vocational training.

The Rotary Club of Colorado Springs is one of 7 clubs in Colorado Springs and part of Rotary International which is the largest community service organization in the world. There are over 45,000 clubs, and over 1.2 million members in more than 160 countries worldwide. The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self”, so we are interested in hearing how you exemplify “service above self” by telling us about your community service work in clubs at school, your community involvement or volunteering at a local agency helping disadvantaged persons or church volunteer work.

Who is eligible? Students currently attending Palmer High School, Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus, Mitchell High School, or Coronado High School and will graduate in May 2026, are encouraged to fill out an application. Students who are receiving aid through a Promise Program that covers all tuition, fees and other supports are not eligible for this scholarship.

Students must submit an essay that is no longer than 1500 words along with their unofficial high school transcript and a copy of their acceptance letter to a college or vocational school by April 12, 2026. Students must submit a compelling paper detailing the reason that they deserve this scholarship addressing their “service above self” commitment to others. Please do not use AI to write your paper, we want to hear your own words.

Your essay needs to include the college or technical school you will be attending and your intended area of study. It should also include the following:

-School and extra-curricular activities

-Leadership awards received or special recognitions

-Statement of family and/or financial need

Please put your name, address, phone number and email on your application.

ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE BY MIDNIGHT SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2026, ALONG WITH YOUR TRANSCRIPT AND LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE TO:

carolmosierbach68@gmail.com

The Rotary Club of Colorado Springs will review all applications and will notify the recipients by email by May 2, 2026.

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

The Mitchell Theatre Department is excited to invite our families and community to this year’s Spring Musical, RANKED! Come experience an unforgettable production brought to life by our talented student performers and crew.

Show Dates:

• March 12
• March 13
• March 14

This is a wonderful opportunity to support the arts, celebrate student creativity, and enjoy a powerful performance that our Marauders have worked hard to prepare.

Bring your friends, bring your family, and join us for a spectacular night at Mitchell High School!

Don’t miss it—our students can’t wait to share this show with you!

Visit the Mitchell High School's Drama Page for Tickets: https://www.mitchelldrama.org/upcoming-past-productions/ranked-the-musical

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!

DATE: April 1, 2026

TIME: 4:00–5:30 PM

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.

OR

If your organization is interested in sponsoring Mitchell or hosting a table/booth at the event, please reach out.

Let’s make this an unforgettable Prom Week!

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

Contact Emily Lavery, Assistant Principal

Emily.Lavery@d11.org

phone: 719-328-6605

We’re excited to announce that Grupo Hispanidad will begin meeting on March 11 at 3:30 PM in the cafeteria. This group is a space for connection, culture, and community, and we welcome all who wish to participate.

Join us as we celebrate heritage, build relationships, and strengthen the Marauder community together!

If you need to get ahold of your teacher for questions, support, or communication about classes, please visit our Mitchell High School Staff Directory. You can easily search by name or department to find the correct contact information.

👉 Staff Directory: https://mitchell.d11.org/departments/staff-directory-clone

We encourage students and families to reach out whenever they need assistance—our staff is here to help!