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Military Family Resources

A fierce, snarling purple bear with sharp teeth and intense eyes dominates the image, set against a dark background.
AYPYN military students celebrating Month of the Military Child

 

Mesa Ridge High School welcomes military-connected students. Located two miles from Fort Carson Army Base, we offer a variety of support services for students and their families.

What is a Purple Star Designation?

The Purple Star School designation signals to military families that a school is committed to supporting students as they transition into a new learning environment within a new community. This designation ensures that the school provides resources to support the student's social and emotional well-being during this adjustment.

What does it take to become a Purple Star School?

  • Dedicated Liaisons: Liaisons serve as a single point of contact for military families and their students, who have been specially trained to support the issues that face military families.
  • Student Led Leadership: Students provide peer-to-peer support for new and continuing military-connected students to create a welcoming and supportive environment.
  • Specialized Education Planning & Programs: Purple Star schools have systems and process to ensure students stay on track for academic success, have access to activities and enrichment programs, and develop a sense of belonging at their school.

With 22% of its student population being military-connected, Mesa Ridge High School is actively pursuing its Purple Star School designation to better serve these students and their families.

How We Support

Student 2 Student (S2S) Program

When students first come to Mesa Ridge, we pair them with a S2S buddy. This buddy gives new students a tour of the school, helps them learn the school, and offer to support them as they transition. 

Army Youth Programs in Your Neighborhood 

Army Youth Programs in Your Neighborhood (AYPYN)is a partnership between the army and school districts for youth attending secondary schools off the installation. AYPYN supported after-school programs are available Monday through Friday at no cost to the student during the school year. AYPYN sponsors high interest clubs enhancing the academic achievement, health, and well-being of students.

The program is supervised by certified district teachers and available to all Mesa Ridge students in grades 9-12. MRHS will offer a variety of academic, social, and athletic clubs dependent upon teacher availability and student interest.  Daily attendance is recorded, but all clubs are voluntary. A student may attend a club from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. or from 3:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.  Clubs are open most school days but are subject to cancellation at any time. Student Union is open from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday and meets in the library. 

The MRHS Main Office closes at 3:45 p.m. and all exterior doors remain locked after school. Please arrange for student pick-up prior to attending a club. A student may use a personal cell phone to arrange for pick-up. Permission slips are valid for and required before students can attend any club. Students may always attend Student Union Club if another club is cancelled.

Athletics & Activities

A group of people, including a military member, stand together holding a sign for the %22Purple Star School%22 program, with American and Colorado state flags in the background.

April 7th, 2026 Mesa Ridge High School was awarded the Purple Star School Award at the Colorado Department of Education building in Denver. In the photo MTSS Coach Mindy Blake is holding the award with Principal Joshua Trahan to the right and Governor Jared Polis on the left. Additional attendees include State Board of Education Chair Rebecca McClellan and Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova. 

We Offer

  • Designated Military & Family Life Counselor
  • Daily flex time during Academic Lab to get support from teachers
  • 20+ after school clubs and activities
  • Monthly military recruiter visits 
  • Special regalia at graduation for military students 

Contacts

  • MRHS Counseling Center
    • (719) 391- 3631
  • MRHS Registrar
    • (719) 391-3625
  • Mike Felice - Athletics & Activities Director)
    • (719) 391-3614
    • felicem@wsd3.org
  • Mindy Blake - Military Liaison
    • (71). 391-3187
    • blakemelinda@wsd3.org
  • Trish Wakawa -  Military Family Life Counselor
    • (719) 367-1409
    • wakawatrish@wsd3.org
  • Michelle Rose - Military Installation School Liaison Officer
    • (719) 526-2463
    • theresa.m.rose.5@naf@army.mil

Additional Resources

military resources