Marauders Weekly
Week of September 14, 2025
Important Dates
September 15
- SILVER DAY
- HOCO Spirit Week: Cartoon/Disney Day
- PSAT/SAT Practice Test, alternative schedule
- Fall mainstage rehearsals, 3:15-5:30 PM
- After School Tutoring, 3:15-4:45 PM
- Soccer @ The Vanguard School, 4PM/6PM
- BLUE DAY
- HOCO Spirit Week: Jersey Day
- Fall mainstage rehearsals, 3:15-5:30 PM
- After School Tutoring, 3:15-4:45 PM
- Softball @ The Classical Academy, 4PM
- Volleyball @ Rocky Ford, 4PM/5PM
September 17
- ORANGE DAY
- HOCO Spirit Week: White Out Day
- Fall mainstage rehearsals, 3:15-5:30 PM
- After School Tutoring, 3:15-4:45 PM
- Bonfire, 6-9 PM
- BLUE DAY
- HOCO Spirit Week: Soccer Mom/BBQ Dad Day
- Fall mainstage rehearsals, 3:15-5:30 PM
- After School Tutoring, 3:15-4:45 PM
- Softball @ Elizabeth, 4 PM
- Soccer @ Pueblo East, 6 PM
- Volleyball vs. Lotus, 5PM/6PM
- ORANGE DAY
- HOCO Spirit Week: Mitchell in Hawaii Day
- Picture Retake Day
- Homecoming Football Game vs. Manual High School, Garry Berry, 7 PM
September 20
- Soccer @ Lamar High School, 12PM/2PM
- Softball vs. Bennett, Double Header, 11 AM
- Homecoming Dance, 6-9 PM
9/11 Ceremony
Message From the Principal
Dear Marauders Families,
Last week, Mitchell High School came together for a thoughtful and moving commemoration of the September 11 anniversary. Our award-winning Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) hosted its annual ceremony in collaboration with the Colorado Springs Fire and Police Departments and community leaders, honoring those lost on that tragic day and paying tribute to the courageous first responders who ran toward danger to save others. Their dedication and bravery remain a lasting inspiration for our country and community.
We also paused to acknowledge the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, underscoring our country’s need for peaceful discourse and grace regardless of opinions and differences. Our school remains committed to practicing the ACCEPT Core Values and engaging in respectful civil discourse.
In keeping with our commitment to safety, Mitchell High School remains dedicated to ensuring a safe, structured, and positive learning environment for every student. I personally want to express my commitment to putting safety first as we walk in solidarity with the families of the Evergreen High School victims.
Looking ahead, this week marks the beginning of both National Hispanic Heritage Month and Mitchell High School’s Homecoming Week! We are excited to celebrate the diverse cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through a range of engaging and meaningful activities.
Homecoming Week will provide plenty of fun and excitement—from the bonfire and athletic competitions to the pep assembly and Homecoming Dance. I encourage everyone to join the festivities and show their school spirit!
I have more exciting news. Did you know that Mitchell High School is no longer designated as a turnaround school? Our state performance score improved by 4.5 points, moving us back into the priority improvement status. We’re celebrating the hard work and dedication of our students, families, staff, and community partners that made this progress possible. However, we remain focused on student achievement through high-quality instruction in every classroom, every day. In partnership, students and families must make the personal investment in the learning experience (agency) and ensure consistent student attendance at school.
To sustain this progress, on Monday, September 15, it’s all hands on deck as Marauders students and staff engage in the first round of Progress Learning (formerly Horizon) benchmark testing. This is Mitchell High School’s second year using Horizon Education’s Progress Learning assessments to help students prepare for the PSAT and SAT. These tools are closely aligned with official College Board exams and provide detailed feedback to guide instruction and boost student performance. By identifying learning gaps early, we help students build confidence, improve scores, and increase college readiness. This work also supports school improvement and ensures equitable access to postsecondary opportunities for all students.
Parents and guardians, please speak with your student about how this assessment can lead to future success and encourage them to show up prepared and with focus.
Thank you for your continued partnership and keep getting those WINS!
George Smith, Principal
Homecoming 2025
ACCEPT Scholars Award Ceremony
On September 22, 2025, Mitchell High School will honor and recognize students grade 10-12 for academic achievement. Please join us in the auditorium on Monday, September 22 from 10:35-11:30. You will receive notification if your student is receiving an award.
From the Future Center
Senior Meetings:
Upcoming Events from the Future Center
- Wednesday, September 17th, Pikes Peak State College Representative Visit, 10am-11am
- Friday, September 19th, University of Colorado at Boulder, 10am-11am
- Friday, September 19th, FAFSA Fridays, Sign up for your FSA ID to complete your FAFSA during lunch
PSAT/NMSQT Testing:
The PSAT/NMSQT will be given at Mitchell on Wednesday, October 29th to any interested 11th or 10th grade student. This is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test for 11th grade students. If an 11th grade student receives a qualifying score, this is potential money for college! The PSAT/NMSQT is also good practice for any 10th grade student who will be taking the test again as an 11th grader. There will be no cost for students to test. Please sign up in the Future Center by October 1, 2025. If you have questions, please see Mrs. Montez in the Future Center.
Mitchell Merch
If you are interested in purchasing Mitchell Marauders apparel, please stop by the Athletics/Activities office and we will point you in the right direction! Let's reignite the "M" as a source of identity and honor!
Attendance & Discipline Update
At Mitchell High School, student safety and academic success are our top priorities. We are committed to maintaining a secure, welcoming environment where students can thrive.
📈 Attendance Goals
We’re aiming for 92%+ Average Daily Attendance (ADA). To support this, we’re offering:
- Incentives for improved attendance
- Personalized support for students at risk
- Community outreach to reduce chronic absenteeism (missing 10%+ of the school year)
Random hallway sweeps help ensure students are in class. Repeated truancy may result in In-School Detention (ISD) or Out-of-School Suspension (OSS).
📝 Attendance Reminders
- Closed Campus: All 9th & 10th graders must remain on campus during the school day.
- Open Lunch: Juniors & Seniors may leave campus with ID. Privilege may be revoked for tardiness.
- Absences: Must be excused within 48 hours.
- Extended Absences: Require pre-approval and a completed absence form.
📵 Cell Phone & Tech Policy
To maintain focus and privacy:
- No personal tech use during class or in private areas.
- Devices must be stored in Yondr pouches.
- Repeated violations lead to escalating consequences, including suspension.
📞 Questions? Contact the Attendance Office:
719-328-6613 or 719-328-8895
Interested in Becoming a Health Assistant
Mitchell High School is seeking a dedicated Health Assistant to join our team. This role supports the health and well-being of our students and staff. If you or someone you know is interested, please see the attached document for position details and application information.
Mitchell School Accountability Committee (SAC)
The School Advisory Council (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 the D11 Tesla Professional Development Center on Thursday, October 9, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This meeting will precede the District Accountability Committee (DAC), meet and greet opportunity for candidates running for the D11 School Board this fall. 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.
YEARBOOKS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR ONLY $30. Buy yours today on the Josten’s website before the price goes up to $50.
Josten’s website: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1008547/Mitchell-High-School/2026-Yearbook/2025082012151426359/CATALOG_SHOP
Seniors, it’s time to submit your senior pictures for the yearbook! Use this link to submit yours today.
Seniors, do you want our yearbook staff to take your professional senior photos? We got you! Email Mrs. West at marsha.west2@d11.org to get on our list!