Mesa 365
August 2023 Highlights and Celebrations
Fall Issue
October and November 2024
We hope you enjoy this issue of Mesa 365!
October and November Bears of the Month
October Bears of the Month
Exhibiting the Principled IB Trait
Kodiak 6th – Shaw Shaw; Luke Schempp
Atlas 7th – Paxton Sugiyama; Inaya Velani
Polar 7th – Isaac Weiss; Abbey Seymour
Panda 7th – Easton Jones; Chloe James
Glacier 8th – James McClintock; Addilyn Mosley
Grizzly 8th – Sean Loban; Mackenzie Bamber
Panda 8th – Mason Everette; Taylor Ghilardi
November Bears of the Month
Exhibiting the Open-Minded IB Trait
Kodiak 6th – Madeline Hungerford; John Gordon
Atlas 7th – Hunter Alsup; Rylee Grimm
Polar 7th – Gracey Glick; Teddy Shoemaker
Panda 7th – Ty Jones; Olivia Addler
Glacier 8th – Catherine Gramling; Caleb Murray
Grizzly 8th – Krystal Torres Munoz, Tru Turnbaugh
Panda 8th – Claire Bohman; Noah Rutoski
Not pictured: Caleb Murray, Krystal Torres Munoz
October and November Staff of the Month
October Certified Staff Bear of the Month
Jessica Atkinson - SPED Social Worker
Jessica has made a significant impact on the team and students, particularly within the AN program. Her positive attitude, willingness to help, and strong support for students' social, emotional, and academic needs have been invaluable. Her dedication and commitment to the students have created a positive and supportive learning environment.
October Classified Staff Bear of the Month
Margaret Grundman - Front Office Secretary
Margaret's positive attitude and dedication to her work have made her an invaluable asset to the front office. Her ability to remain calm under pressure, her willingness to help others, and her warm welcome to parents and students have created a positive and supportive school environment.
November Certified Staff Bear of the Month
Niki Brock - 6th Grade Language and Literature Teacher
Niki is a dedicated and innovative educator who has significantly contributed to Mesa through the pioneering PAWS program. Her commitment to student success is evident in her tireless efforts to ensure the program runs smoothly, and her willingness to go above and beyond to support her colleagues. Niki’s positive attitude, strong work ethic, and student-centered approach make her an invaluable asset to the school community.
November Classified Staff Bear of the Month
Jen Gross - Assistant Principal's Secretary
Jen's versatility and willingness to assist colleagues have been instrumental in the school's success this year. Her extensive knowledge and positive attitude have made her a valuable asset, and her sense of humor has brightened the work environment.
Performing and Visual Arts Spotlight
Fall Choir Concert
Feeder Band and Orchestra Concerts
The combined band and orchestra concerts were a spectacular display of musical talent, showcasing the growth and dedication of young musicians from elementary to high school. The audience was awestruck by the lovely tunes provided by each ensemble. Many thanks to Douglas County High School for hosting everyone and to all the student musicians that played.
One Book One District Art Show
Ms. Jurim supported several students in entering their art work into this district wide juried art show themed around the book Whale Fall by Melissa Stewart. Several Mesa students' pieces won awards. Congratulations to Sonya Golanek, first place, mixed media; Desmond Albers, first place, sculpture. Congratulations to the following honorable mentions: Kenna Wood, August Hinman, Klaire Willie, and Ava Dale.
Matilda the Musical Jr.
This fall Mesa Middle School presented Matilda on November 16th. Students of all grades participated. They were responsible for not only fantastic performances but fun custom, makeup, hair, set, light and sound designs, and running all of the technical equipment. With a cast and crew of 70 students It was a great opportunity to see how multitalented students at Mesa Middle are.
State Poster Contest Winner
Colorado Dept. Public Health and Environment held a poster contest to get the word out about Radon. Mesa student, Addi Mosley entered the Radon contest and won first place in the state! She will be receiving a $300 gift card.
Athletic News
Unified Flag Football
Unified Flag Football had an incredible first season! Our athletes had a blast playing against their peers, learning the game, and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship.
We’re thrilled to announce that our team took first place at the Special Olympics Denver Area Regional Flag Football Tournament! Our athletes shined on both offense and defense, and we couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and dedication.
A special thanks to our amazing peer partners who helped lead our team to victory and exemplified the Mesa Bear spirit of inclusion and kindness.
Way to go, Mesa Unified Champions!place holder
Special Olympics YAC
In October, we participated in the Special Olympics YAC (Youth Activation Committee) Summit at CU Denver. We joined middle and high school students from across the metro area to discuss ways to foster inclusivity in our schools. We had a great time playing games and enjoying a delicious lunch. A big thank you to our PE partners for joining us on this engaging day!
7th Grade Girls Volleyball
Congratulations goes out to this team for their exciting win to capture the district championship! Thank you to Coaches Wells, Lueck, and Gross for their support this season!
7th and 8th Grade Flag Football
8th Grade Girls Basketball
ESports
Classroom Showcase
Future Engineers
Over the last five weeks, Engineers at General Atomics have mentored and coached Mesa Middle School students to build and code robots. General Atomics Engineers have guided students through meeting mission requirements and working collaboratively.
2nd Polar Team Awards for First Semester
Counseling and Wellness News
Unity Day
During Spirit Week, Mesa was "United in ORANGE" to support Bullying Prevention Month's UNITY Day -- to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion! Students filled out orange heart sticky notes, on which they wrote an example of how they show kindness, acceptance and inclusion. Then, they placed them on the Unity Wall. They also received a kindness, acceptance and inclusion themed sticker.
I Am...
8th grade Wellness students recently worked on an "I Am" project. The "I AM" wall is a vibrant, student-created display celebrating the diverse identities and shared humanity of the school community. 8th grade wellness students contributed a piece of paper that began with the phrase "I AM," followed by words or phrases that express their individuality, values, and aspirations.
Pager Turners: Library Highlights
Author Mark Oshiro Visit
One Book One District Virtual Author Visit with Melissa Stewart
STEAM: Science - Technology - Engineering - Art - Math
Thanksgiving
In celebration, students were able to collect old recipes to try at home. Mrs. Yehle rewarded the culinary efforts with a small token from the library.
Native American and Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month
About Us
Website: https://mms.dcsdk12.org/
Location: 365 North Mitchell Street, Castle Rock, CO, USA
Phone: (303)387-4750
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MesaDCSD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mesa.middle.school.crco/
Twitter ( X ): https://twitter.com/mmsbears