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December 2023
Straight From the Superintendent
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Introduction
Manitou Springs School District Community,
Dear Manitou Springs School District 14 Community,
As we approach the end of another calendar year, it's a fitting time to reflect on the achievements and milestones that have shaped our school district thus far in 2023. This December newsletter is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated students, committed educators, supportive families, and the entire MSSD14 community.
Student Success: Our students continue to excel academically, showcasing their knowledge, skills, and creativity in various subjects. From outstanding performances in standardized tests to remarkable projects and presentations, the pursuit of deep learning remains at the forefront of our mission.
Innovative Learning: Throughout the year, we have embraced evidence-based teaching methods and incorporated technology to enhance the learning experience. Our commitment to providing an engaging experience has empowered students to explore, question, and discover in ways that foster a lifelong love of learning.
Arts and Culture: The arts have flourished in our district, with students showcasing their talents in music, drama, and visual arts. Whether through captivating performances, breathtaking exhibitions, or musical showcases, our students have enriched our community with their creative expressions.
Athletic Achievements: Our student-athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and dedication throughout the fall and winter seasons. From thrilling victories to hard-fought matches, each game is a testament to the resilience and teamwork instilled in our athletes through the tireless efforts of our coaches and the unwavering support of the Manitou Springs School District community.
Community Engagement: We are immensely grateful for the continued support of our parents, guardians, community members, and industry partners. Your involvement in school events, volunteerism, and overall commitment to our students' success make Manitou Springs School District 14 a truly special place.
- Wednesday, December 20-Wednesday, January 3 - Winter Break
- Monday, January 1 - Choice Enrollment opens
- January 4-5 - Staff Work Days (No students)
- Monday, January 8 - Students return to school
- Wednesday, January 10 - Late Start Wednesday (2-hour delay)
- Monday, January 15 - MLK Jr. Day (Schools and District Office closed)
- Wednesday, January 24 - Late Start Wednesday (2-hour delay)
- Wednesday, January 31 - Late Start Wednesday (2-hour delay)
Board of Education Meetings
- Thursday, December 7 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)
- Thursday, January 11 - Work Session (5 pm)
- Monday, January 22 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)
- Thursday, February 1 - Work Session (5 pm)
- Monday, February 12 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)
Home Build Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
New Board of Education Members
Manitou Springs School District 14 inaugurated its new board members, Jill Bishop, Connie Brachtenbach and Maggie Santos, in a ceremony held at the December 7th board of education meeting. These three individuals are poised to serve the district, each undertaking a four-year term to contribute their expertise and leadership to the educational community. Read more about the new BOE members below:
Jill Bishop
My name is Jill Bishop. I have been a district #14 resident since 1996 happily living in sunny Cascade. I have long loved the Manitou Springs School District and take great pride in residing in a school district that values educating the whole child and sees every student as a unique individual. I have been a public-school educator for twenty-five years as both a classroom and elementary art teacher. I have served on multiple education committees both as a teacher and as a parent. As an educator, and a board member, it is my belief that every action must be driven by what is best for kids. My children both attended MSSD#14 kindergarten through twelfth grade. As a teacher and Manitou parent, I was very pleased with the opportunities and education my kids received in district #14. It is my goal as a school board member to ensure current and future Manitou parents can say the same.
Connie Brachtenbach
I am a 4th generation Coloradoan, who has lived in Manitou Springs since 1990. My partner, Vicky and I have two daughters, Emma and Nora, who attended school in Manitou Springs. Emma is a middle-school teacher at Fountain-Ft. Carson and Nora was recently employed at the Manitou Elementary School as a paraprofessional. We also have two grandchildren, who we hope will be enrolled in District 14 when they are ready to begin their educational journey, from kindergarten through 12th grade.
I have a BA in Sociology from FHSU in Hays, KS. Most of my professional career has been with Deluxe or many of you may know better, Current or Checks Unlimited. While with Deluxe, I worked in a wide variety of operational, managerial, and senior leadership roles. I was also the Executive Director at TESSA, a local non-profit, served as a campus safety officer at Colorado College, and most recently worked as the plant manager at EduKit.
I currently work for the State of Colorado, in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, as the Business Outreach Specialist, serving El Paso and Teller counties. In addition to my work experience, I have served on numerous, non-profit boards and committees, including the Community Prep School Board of Education. I am also the founder of the RJR Fund for Kidpower.
I look forward to serving the community and the Manitou Springs School District as a member of the Board of Directors and I look forward to the opportunity to meet with students, parents, staff and teachers.
Maggie Santos
I have lived in Manitou Springs since 1999. I moved here specifically so my kids could attend a small school district and have the benefit of a community that revolved around the school. Both of my children went through MSSD kindergarten-12, and it was a wonderful experience. My father retired after traveling the world with the military and I graduated high school in Colorado Springs. I graduated from Colorado College with a degree in Spanish, and a certificate in secondary education. After teaching and coaching middle/high school, I transitioned to law enforcement where I was a DARE/School Resource Officer, was the supervisor of Sex Crimes/Crimes Against Children and the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. I became the Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Management for Colorado College. After leaving Colorado College, I have been substitute teaching and coaching Track at MSSD.
Informative Open House for Prospective 6th Grade Families
at Manitou Springs Middle School
Please watch this short video from MSMS Principal Dustin Cady and UPES Principal Jackie Powell.
New Family Information Nights
Join us!
Several schools are hosting open houses. These nights are designed for incoming students and their families to learn more about the school, its programs, meet teachers and tour the building.
Manitou Springs High School
- January 18th
- 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Manitou Springs Elementary School
- January 25th
- 5:30-6:45 p.m.
Manitou Springs Middle School
- February 8th
- 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Thankful Thursday Literacy Luncheon
Ute Pass Elementary School
Staff and students celebrated Thankful Thursday Literacy Luncheon on Thursday, November 16th. Each class selected a book and then prepared a food from that book for the entire school. They gathered together to reflect on what they're grateful for, enjoyed some delicious food and got to be together as an entire school family. It was a day of gratitude, literacy, family and food. It was also an opportunity for students to make connections between food and literature while practicing math skills and learning all about recipes and food preparation!
Journalism Awards
Manitou Springs High School
Applesauce Fraction Math
Manitou Springs Elementary School
MSSD FTC Robotics goes to the Gobble Squabble
Manitou Springs Middle School
National Honor Society
Manitou Springs High School
Fall Sports Recap
Manitou Springs High School
BOYS GOLF:
- Hayden Dorsey was the Tri-Peaks league champion (first ever in Manitou golf history) and State qualifier
FOOTBALL:
Finished with a 4-5 record improving from last year's 3-6 season.
First Team All Conference:
- Nate Gentzel QB
- Logan Moore RB/FS
- Preston Rhodes WR/CB
Honorable Mention All Conference:
- Sam Fournier WR/Safety
- Ashur Lavigne OL/LB
- Bradyn Dowling OL/DL
CROSS COUNTRY:
The team had a great season. The boys team were the Tri-Peaks league champions and qualified for the state meet finishing 6th overall.
- Cody Kelly - Finished 2nd in the 3A state meet and was All conference, All region, and All State 1st team
- Cody Wyman - Finished 7th in the 3A state meet and was All conference, All region, and All State 1st team
- Elisa Karr - Finished 11th in the 3A state meet and was All State Honorable Mention
BOYS SOCCER:
They made it to the round of 16 in the CHSAA 3A tournament.
- Coach Ben Mack - TPL Coach of The Year
- Evant Yount - TPL Player of The Year
All Conference Selections:
- Deric French
- Evan Yount
- Graham Beckham
- Ethan Beckham
- Gavin Smith
Honorable Mention:
- Bowman Hall
- Austin Courson
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL:
The team had a difficult season but improved every match. End 6-17 overall but finished with a .500 record in league play.
Second Team All Conference:
Sierra Dunlap - Manitou Springs