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Mesa 365
August 2023 Highlights and Celebrations
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January/February 2024 Highlights
We hope you enjoy this double issue of Mesa 365
January and February Bears of the Month
January Student Bears of the Month exhibiting the Risk Takers IB Trait
Kodiak – Robbie Wells; Jillian Rogers
Atlas – Austin McKeever; Sarah Smith
Polar – Grady LeDuc; Braelyn Ruehl
Glacier – Catherine Gramling; Myles Harris
Grizzly – Harper Benton; West Roina
Sun – Easton Roberts; Oliver McCoy
Panda – Serenity Horsfall; Sam Gustafson
February Student Bears of the Month exhibiting the Knowledgeable IB Trait
Kodiak – Xavier Shumaker, Areli Gonzalez
Atlas – Connor Bailey, Delaney Hull
Polar – Ari Malka, Violet Kohn
Glacier – Isaac Kilman, Lillian Cleaver
Grizzly – Odin Brawley, Lilianna Turk
Sun – Jacob Dietz, Tara English
Panda – Connor Gallen, Miah Adkins
January Staff Bears of the Month
Katy Baccam - 8th Grade Language and Literature Teacher
Katy is an exceptional teacher who tailors her approach to meet students' diverse needs, ensuring they are challenged but not overwhelmed. She's also a creative asset, improving communication and physical spaces at the school. Katy's leadership and caring nature make her a valuable addition to the team.
Ree Kae Telesz - Affective Needs Educational Assistant
February Staff Bears of the Month
Leah Jurim - Art Teacher
Leah, has consistently gone above and beyond to support both students and staff. Through her efforts, she has played a pivotal role in fostering a welcoming atmosphere conducive to learning and work. Leah's dedication has truly enriched our community, brightening the experiences of all involved. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for her invaluable contributions.
Margaret Grundman - Front Office Receptionist
In the office, Margaret consistently exudes kindness in every interaction. Her approach towards both adults and students exemplifies the ideal demeanor expected from a front office staff member. As the initial point of contact for parents, Margaret's presence undoubtedly enhances the atmosphere at Mesa, making it a better place. She sets an exceptional standard, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued from the moment they walk through the doors.
Proud Mesa Moment
Student Miah Adkins took on Colorado's low recycling rates by interviewing State Senator Lisa Cutter. Impressed by her passion for the environment, Miah was invited to testify before a state legislature committee in support of SB 24-150, which aims to ban Municipal Solid Waste and plastics incineration as an energy source. Her proactive advocacy underscores the importance of youth engagement in shaping sustainable policies.
So Proud of this Bear!
Testimony
Athletic News
Women in Sports
Unified Basketball
Unified basketball truly hit it out of the park this season! 🏀 Playing six games and having a blast along the way – what an accomplishment! 🌟 With such amazing athletes and peer coaches, every moment was special! 👏👏👏 As we lead into Inclusion Week starting March 4th, it's the perfect time to celebrate our unity. Our final game will be on Tuesday, March 5th, at Mountain Ridge Middle School at 4:45. We'd be thrilled to have you join us and show your support! 🎉
Passport to Mesa
Our staff and student ambassadors represented our Bear Family with utmost pride, and the event offered a unique opportunity for the community to immerse themselves in the distinctive climate and culture of Mesa. The event underscored what it truly means to be a part of the Bear community for incoming 6th and 7th grade students and their families. We garnered a wave of compliments, with attendees expressing admiration for the passion, excitement, and sincere devotion to children, teaching, and Mesa that shone through every aspect. Here's to the continued success of our community and the remarkable events that bring us together – Go Bears!
DCHS Wish Week Results!
Wish Week at Mesa exceeded all expectations, culminating in a resounding success! We shattered previous records by raising a remarkable $7,435, all of which will contribute towards fulfilling Paxton's heartfelt wish of a backyard batman treehouse. In total, the Douglas County High School raised a total of $53,000 this year to fulfill Paxton's and other's wishes.
Additionally, our Grizzly Pod emerged triumphant in the fiercely contested Pod Wars to raise money, securing a coveted three-peat victory!
The tireless dedication of our Student Council during Wish Week earned them a well-deserved reward – attending the closing assembly at Douglas County High School. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who generously contributed to making Wish Week a truly unforgettable event!
Grizzly Wins!
The Theme
Mesa students present a check to DCHS
News from our Performing Arts Department
Performing Arts - Drama
Drama has kicked off a new semester. Under the leadership of Ms. Swanson, students are led through exercises that grow confidence in performing in the classroom and on stage!
Special Band
Health and Wellness News
8th Grade Nutrition
Mrs. Audree Orna, a nutritionist, recently joined Mr. West's health class to discuss healthy gut living during our 8th-grade nutrition unit. Her engaging presentation provided valuable insights and tips for our students to prioritize their health through informed dietary choices. Thanks, Mrs. Orna, for the enlightening session!
Classroom Spotlights
Black History Month
Ms. Lueck's Science class investigated science achievements made by African Americans via a timeline to celebrate Black History Month. Mrs. Yehle also provided a detailed display of Black Authors, figures, and characters in the library.
Ms. Lueck's Class
Library Display
7th Grade Scientists
Students in Ms. McDaniel's Advanced 7th grade Science investigate what is living in their local pond water as they prepare for their study of cells.
Design: Multimedia
Multimedia students get access to professional tools for lighting for broadcasts as well as mics for recording podcasts!
Inquiry into Space
In our Advanced Science 8 class, Ms. Thorpe leads her students on an inquiry into space where they chose a NASA Exoplanet and then created an elevator-pitch style presentation about their planet and what it would take to colonize it.
Innovation and Design
Innovation and Design students finished off the semester with the task of protecting an egg! Students used the Design Cycle to create a contraption that would protect an egg during the ceremonial "Egg Drop."
Bears Care
Intergenerational Friendships
Mesa has been partnering with DC Aging Resources in an effort to support seniors in our community. Ms. Theriault's 6th grade classes created New Year's cards that were distributed to the elderly in and around Castle Rock.
Community Service
6th grade Advisement students provided greetings of joy and happiness via paper bags. These bags have been donated to SECOR to be used for food distribution to senior citizens in our community. Thank you to Ms. Adams for arranging this opportunity for Mesa students!
Library Learning Commons Highlights
Library Re-decor!
This past January we refreshed our library with paint, new shelving installation , and with a generous grant from the DLMC lots of NEW books! Students are loving the new esthetic and enjoying the space. We will continue to make the Library a welcoming and comfortable place for all students.
Fiction Section Before
Nonfiction and Study Area Before
New Shelves Go In!
New Fiction Area
New Graphic Novels
New Nonfiction and Study Area
Winter Break B-I-N-G-O!
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