The Bulldog Bark

The 2026-2027 school year is off to a fantastic start at Galileo Middle School! We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the families and community members who joined us for Open House on August 19. It was wonderful to meet so many parents, guardians, and community partners and to share the excitement of a new school year together. We look forward to continuing to build strong connections and hosting many more community events throughout the year.

Over the past few weeks, students completed their Beginning-of-Year STAR Math and STAR Reading diagnostic assessments. In the coming days, students will receive their results and begin setting personal academic goals based on their performance. These assessments provide valuable information that helps students and teachers identify strengths, target areas for growth, and track progress throughout the year. While students will be working toward these goals each day at school, we also encourage them to take advantage of the IXL Learning platform at home. Even just 15 minutes of practice two or three times each week can make a meaningful difference in student achievement.

Our staff has been incredibly impressed by students' enthusiasm, determination, and focus during these first weeks of school. The energy and positive attitude our Bulldogs have shown are setting the stage for an outstanding year of learning and growth. We are excited for all that lies ahead and look forward to partnering with our families and community to make this a truly fantastic year at Galileo Middle School!

Please give a big Bulldog welcome to our outstanding 6th Grade Team! This energetic group is excited to help students learn, grow, and make the most of their middle school journey. Mr. Badeau (Math) brings his passion for math, Legos, and hands-on projects to the classroom, and can't wait for students to tackle the exciting Candy Factory algebra project. Ms. Collins (Social Studies) loves helping students build confidence while exploring real-world topics like financial literacy, and students are always amazed by the number of concerts she's attended. Mrs. Gross (Science) inspires students through engaging physics labs, her adventurous rock-climbing stories, and her commitment to building a strong classroom community. In English Language Arts, Ms. Jordan is excited to dive into Greek mythology and help students reach their full potential, while Ms. Reid brings her love of reading, adventurous spirit, and passion for student success to support every learner. Together, this dedicated team is committed to creating a supportive, engaging, and fun learning environment where every 6th grader can discover their strengths, build confidence, and shine throughout the year!

From left to right: Ms. Jordan (ELA), Mrs. Gross (Science), Mr. Badeau (Math), Ms. Collins (Social Studies) Not pictured: Ms. Reid (ELA)

Our 7th grade team is excited for an amazing year of learning, growth, and fun! Ms. Makrucki (Math), Mr. Marshall (Science), Mrs. Korte (Social Studies), and Mr. Penta (ELA) are looking forward to helping students discover new interests, build confidence, and achieve their goals.

Students will work on everything from real-world math problems and exciting science investigations to archaeology, literature, and meaningful classroom discussions. Along the way, they'll learn some fun facts about their teachers too. Did you know Ms. Makrucki and Mrs. Korte are both video game enthusiasts, Mr. Marshall enjoys dancing and snowboarding, and Mr. Penta was born in Japan and has traveled to 32 countries?

Most importantly, our 7th grade teachers are passionate about helping students grow as learners and young adults. They are committed to creating classrooms where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to do their best. We are excited for a fantastic year and look forward to partnering with families to make it a great one for all of our Galileo Bulldogs!

From left to right: Mr. Marshall (Science), Mr. Penta (ELA), Ms. Makrucki (Math), Mrs. Korte (Social Studies)

Please join us in giving a warm Bulldog welcome to our amazing 8th Grade Team! Mr. Mufson (ELA), Ms. Olivier (Science), Mr. West (Social Studies), and Mr. Kaczmarek (Math) are excited to help our students learn, grow, and thrive this year. From exploring Romeo and Juliet through engaging acting activities with Mr. Mufson, to uncovering the wonders of genetics and even learning about tarantula migrations with Ms. Olivier, students will experience learning that is both fun and memorable. Mr. West brings his expertise as a martial arts instructor and competitor to the classroom, inspiring students through U.S. History, government, and the pursuit of success. In math, Mr. Kaczmarek is eager to help students build confidence with linear equations while celebrating the growth and maturity that make middle school such an exciting time. Together, this dedicated team is passionate about helping students discover new interests, challenge themselves, and prepare for success in high school and beyond. We can't wait to see all the amazing things our 8th grade Bulldogs accomplish this year!

From left to right: Ms. Olivier (Science), Mr. Kazcmarek (Math), Mr. Mufson (ELA), Mr. West (Social Studies)

Never miss an important school event! This short video walks families through the simple process of adding a D11 school or district calendar from the website directly to their iPhone calendar, making it easy to stay connected and informed.

Important: Students participating in athletics are required to have a current sports physical on file before they can participate.

Lower-Cost Physical Options:

Urgent Care

• Walk-ins welcome: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• 1035 Garden of the Gods Rd. #120, Colorado Springs, CO
• (719) 365-3200
• Cost: $30
• Student must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Peak Vista Community Health Center

• 2828 International Circle
• 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
• Appointment required
• Fees based on income

🏐 Volleyball 🏐

Open gyms and practices will typically be held Monday through Friday from 4:00-5:30 PM in the Galileo gym, as long as there is no game scheduled.

Our coaching staff this season:

• Ms. Rachel Makrucki, Head Coach
• Mr. Nathan Kaczmarek, Assistant Coach

Game Reminder: B Squad plays first, followed by A Squad.

Volleyball Schedule

• 8/31 @ Carmel, 4:00 PM
• 9/2 Home vs. Carson, 4:15 PM
• 9/9 Home vs. Fox Meadow, 4:15 PM
• 9/14 Home vs. Mountain Vista, 4:15 PM
• 9/16 Home vs. Panorama, 4:15 PM
• 9/21 @ Fox Meadow, 4:00 PM
• 9/23 @ West, 3:45 PM

We are excited for another great season of Bulldog Volleyball! Whether you're a returning player or trying out for the first time, we hope you'll join us for open gyms and get ready for an exciting season. Come ready to work hard, improve your skills, and have fun.

🐾🏃‍♂️ GALILEO BULLDOG CROSS COUNTRY 🏃‍♂️🐾

🔥 READY... SET... RUN! 🔥

Cross Country Season

📅 August 17 - September 22

Practice Schedule

🏃 Monday - Friday (except meet days)
⏰ 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 Galileo Track

Questions?

👟 See Mr. Hart
📧 isaac.hart@d11.org

🏅 CROSS COUNTRY MEET SCHEDULE 🏅

📍 September 3

Janitell Invite
🕒 3:30 PM
📍 Janitell Junior High School West Field

📍 September 8

Carmel Invite
🕒 3:00 PM
📍 El Pomar Sports Complex

📍 September 17

Sabin Invite
🕒 TBD
📍 Penrose Elementary

📍 September 19

Cougar Classic
🕒 TBD
📍 Coronado High School

📍 September 22

Jenkins Invite
🕒 TBD
📍 Jenkins Middle School

💙💛 BE A BULLDOG. BE FAST. BE FEARLESS. 💛💙

No experience necessary! Come challenge yourself, make friends, and represent Galileo!

Sound Lab Club

Tuesdays | 4:00-5:30 PM

Sound Lab is Galileo's after-school Music program where students learn to sing, play instruments, write music, perform, and work as members of a band. Students will explore guitar, bass, drums, piano, vocals, sound technology, stage skills, songwriting, and collaborative music-making while building confidence, creativity, leadership, and teamwork.

As students' progress, they will form small and large ensembles, prepare performance-ready music, and participate in future Open Mic events and potential community performances representing Galileo's Bulldog PRIDE.

Participation Requirements ✅ Maintain a C average or higher

✅ Commit to participating for the semester

✅ Obtain parent/guardian permission

✅ Submit transportation information

✅ Return a signed Sound Lab Contract

Students who are currently below a C average may still begin the process by completing the Sound Lab Academic Oath and working with their Advisory teacher and club sponsor to improve grades. Once academic eligibility is met, students may transition to full Sound Lab membership.

To register, parents/guardians should email Ms. G or Mr. Penta:

• Student Name & Grade

• Parent/Guardian Contact Information

• Transportation Plan (bus, parent pickup, guardian pickup, etc.)

• Confirmation of permission to participate

After receiving the email, Ms. G or Mr. Penta will send the appropriate paperwork for completion.

🎶 Learn. Create. Collaborate. Perform. Represent Bulldog PRIDE. 🎶

Office: 719-328-2200

Fax: 719-448-0498

Galileo Middle School, Colorado Springs