The Weekly Update #4

4A Colorado Springs South Metro League Champions

• Widefield High School Girls Softball
• Widefield High School Boys Soccer
  
  

4A Colorado Bandmasters Association State Competition Results

Mesa Ridge and Widefield high school marching bands competed in the Colorado Band Association State Competition

• The Pride of Mesa Ridge placed 10th in the semi-finals
• The Widefield Gladiators placed 8th in the quarter finals.
  
  

The MiLL National Training Center in Widefield School District 3 and the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) are proud to announce a collaborative partnership to develop ignition resistant construction props designed to improve fire safety in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).

This initiative aims to use existing fire mitigation strategies, specifically in the area of home hardening, to demonstrate the need for building materials that resist heat, flame, and embers. As wildfires continue to pose significant threats to communities across the region, CSFD and The MiLL are committed to advancing fire prevention measures through the design and construction of props that showcase best practices in fire-resistant materials.

Over the course of several months. MiLL students will apply their learning in the skilled trades to build four props. These props will use materials that range from non-compliant to exemplar, in order to educate builders, homeowners, and communities on how to reduce fire risks in vulnerable areas.

“The MiLL is excited to be sharing the responsibility. Our students will be working in the construction industry, and using these materials to build homes. This partnership will allow the students to practice and learn the best methods for keeping communities safe,” said Kathleen Mena, MiLL Operations Manager.

Through this partnership, CSFD and The MiLL are setting a precedent for proactive measures in fire safety and prevention. Together, they aim to inspire builders and residents to adopt best practices that protect lives and property in the face of increasing wildfire risks.

“The Colorado Springs Fire Department is excited to enter into this new partnership with the MiLL,” said Kris Cooper, Deputy Fire Marshal, CSFD. “As we educate the students and the future of the construction industry in fire safe construction practices, through the collaboration of this project, the students in turn will help us educate current trade professionals and the public on the importance of ignition resistant construction and wildfire mitigation practices. As we support them in their programs, they support us in efforts to ensure the safety of our citizens against the ever present threat of wildfire.”

Resilience is a research-backed skillset that can help kids of all ages work through the challenges of life. But how do you teach resilience, and what does it look like in children? Our partners at Children’s Hospital Colorado share expert tips for cultivating resilience, understanding its importance and preparing kids for the road ahead.

Winter is coming, and that means potential snow days. We use a Weather Dial to track our snow days. We have 7 traditional snow days where school and work are canceled. Each time we use one, we'll update the dial and post it on our website under School Closures & Delays.

Special Education Resource and Agency Fair

• Thursday, Nov. 14
• 4:30-6:30pm
• Mesa Ridge High School
• This event is free and open to WSD3 students and their families who access special education services.
• RSVP

For more than 30 years, Fountain Valley Scholars has been supporting our Widefield School District 3 (WSD3) and Fountain-Fort Carson School District seniors by raising college scholarship funds. This incredible organization is all about giving back to the Fountain Valley community and helping our students achieve their dreams.

Each year, high school seniors have the opportunity to apply for scholarships. The process involves writing an essay and interviewing with a panel—giving students valuable real-world experience in public speaking, and interviewing. It’s more than just about scholarships—it’s about life lessons.

How You Can Help:

• You can donate anytime of the year to Fountain Valley Scholars. Every dollar goes toward helping our students pursue higher education and achieve their goals.
• Volunteer!
• Help read scholar essays or sit on the interview panel.
• Help with fundraising efforts - our biggest fundraiser, the Fountain Valley Scholars Golf Tournament, happens every July.

Scholarships are available in December and awarded in May.