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August Newsletter
Straight From the Superintendent
![August Newsletter Straight From the Superintendent](https://cdn.smore.com/u/bbc8/62bf9490d1173e5eec6886f26bdc6443.jpg)
Introduction
Manitou Springs School District 14 Families,
I am excited to introduce myself as the new Superintendent of Schools for Manitou Springs School District 14. A little bit about me… I have been a building and district level leader in El Paso County for more than twenty years. Prior to becoming an administrator, I was fortunate to serve as a special educator. My wife is a teacher, and my twins are about to become freshmen at Manitou Springs High School.
As I am getting to know the Manitou Springs School District community, I am humbled by the warm welcome I have received. People have been kind and patient throughout my transition. Moreover, the pride that students, staff, families, and community members have in our schools is evident. Simply, this is a great place to lead.
For families returning to us for the 2023-2024 school year, I want to begin by thanking you. Thank you for continuing to choose Manitou Springs School District 14. I know you have options to attend elsewhere. For those families that are new to our district this school year, welcome. We are excited to partner with you as we begin a new school year.
As we launch into the 2023-2024 school year, it is important to revisit our core values as an organization:
Relationships: We value authentic connections grounded in trust and respect between ALL people.
Deep Learning: Our community practices: dynamic, divergent, critical, and global thinking.
We challenge each learner to master, transfer, and apply the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for success.
Opportunity: We provide accessible and engaging opportunities for purposeful growth and visionary learning.
In essence, we endeavor to provide a great place for families to send their students to learn. We look forward to living up to your high expectations. I am proud to be a Mustang and am so excited to work for our students, staff and community! Have a great start to the school year.
Sincerely,
Sean Dorsey
Superintendent of Schools
Manitou Springs School District 14
Friday, August 18 - First Day of School (Grades 1-12)
Monday, August 21 - UPES First Day of School
Monday, August 21 - Kindergarten First Day of School
Monday, August 21 - Q&A with BOE Candidates
September 18-23 - Homecoming WeekTuesday, November 7 - School Board of Education Elections
Board of Education Meetings:
Monday, August 21 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)
Thursday, September 7 - Work Session (5 pm)
Monday, September 18 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)
Thursday, October 5 - Work Session (5 pm)
Monday, October 16 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)
Thursday, November 2 - Work Session (5 pm)
Monday, November 13 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)
Thursday, December 7 - Work Session (5 pm)
Monday, December 18 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)
Healthy School Meals for All
Free Meals for Students, Plus Important Reminders for Families
We are excited to share that all students in Manitou Springs School District will receive free breakfast and lunch starting in 2023-24 through the Healthy School Meals for All program! This new statewide program, approved by Colorado voters, is helping Colorado children and teens have access to nutritious food at our schools.
Even though breakfast and lunch will be provided for free, we need families to continue sharing household income information through this form in order for our school to receive full access to federal funding.
Be sure to fill out the form as part of your back-to-school registration! If you have questions or would like additional support, please reach out to Paula Faucette-Director of Nutrition Services, 719-685-2005 or email pfaucette@mssd14.org for more information.
Summer Projects
Ute Pass Elementary School
- Secure entry vestibule
- Front office remodel
- All hallway carpet
- All hallway paint
- Roof replacement
Manitou Springs Elementary School
- Secure entry vestibule
- Small changes to Secretary area
- Blocked windows opened up
New Employees
We are looking forward to the arrival of some remarkable educators to the Manitou Springs School District family. As we gear up for the upcoming academic year, our commitment to providing an exceptional learning experience remains stronger than ever.
Meet Our New Staff:
Tanya Aldrich – MSES Health Tech
Savanna Anstedt – UPES Preschool Teacher
Zach Chavez – MSMS Math
Mitzi Forbes -- Bus Driver
Cheryl Graham – MSES Para SLD
Kacy Greene -- MSMS Health Tech
Meredith Hinds – MSES Counselor
Eric Holt – MSMS Counselor
Rebecca Johnson – UPES 5th grade
Alicia Mauer – MSHS Science
Maria Medina -- Evening Custodian
Elena Ramsey – MSMS Sped Para
Kate Rix – MSES/UPES Social Worker
Paul Slaugh -- MSES Day Maintenance Tech
Kelly Stewart -- MSMS Para SSN
Brittnay Stockton – MSES Preschool Group Leader
Erika Warren – HR Specialist
Leslie Wolken – MSMS Interventionist
Mica Wood – 504 Coordinator/Truancy Coordinator
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our new staff members as we embark on an exciting and transformative academic year together!
Growing Gardens Camp
MSHS Student Council Retreat
AP Scholars
We are thrilled to announce that 17 exceptional Manitou Springs High School students were given honors in the Advanced Placement Program. Several students were granted AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, or AP Scholar with Distinction. Amanda Kerrigan's Advanced Placement Literature and Composition, Ben Mack’s Advanced Placement Biology, Andrew Slama's Advanced Placement Physics, and Steve Blocher's Advanced Placement Computer Science classes earned a score of 3 or higher on their exam last spring. Students earning a 3, or higher, are eligible for college credit. Congratulations to these students and their teachers for their well-deserved recognition!
MSSD14 Board of Education Elections
Three Board of Education seats currently held by Christi-Marie Butler, Gustav Moen,
and Jack Sharon will be on the coordinated election ballot on Tuesday, November 7th,
2023. During this election, three directors will be elected for the Manitou Springs
School District Board of Education for a term of office of four years.
Anyone interested in running for one of the seats can pick up a packet at SILC (405 El
Monte Place) beginning Wednesday, August 9th from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Packets with
50 valid signatures will be due back by Friday, September 1st, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
The Manitou Springs School District Board of Education and Superintendent will host an
informational workshop for prospective board member candidates. The meeting will
take place on Monday, August 21st, 2023 from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. in the media center at
Manitou Springs High School (401 El Monte Place). You can enter the media center
using the east doors of the high school.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the role of school
boards from current school board members and Superintendent Sean Dorsey.
Please contact the designated election official for MSSD, Suzi Thompson at
sthompson@mssd14.org or 719-339-3573 for additional information.