Congratulations to students and staff as we power through finals this week! I had the joy of joining an English IV class as they presented their findings to prove whether or not Beowulf was a monster this week: their eloquence, expertise in the text and the societal values of the time, as well as their teamwork were astounding! I am so proud of all of our students and staff for their dedication and growth this semester.

As we look back on first semester, Jessie Nunley and I are really proud of:

• Making over 200 positive phone calls home celebrating students for positive office referrals and awesome accomplishments (in addition to the numerous calls/emails/notes from staff members to families directly)!

• Over 150 classroom visits ranging from 10 minute pop-ins to full block period observations to give staff feedback on great teaching and next steps!

• Our student attendance rate is over 96%, which supports our students in experiencing content, collaborating with their peers, and maximizing partnership with staff!

Based on the recent survey feedback we received around improving positive communication home with families to celebrate students, we will be adding a Student of the Month nominated by each department! We look forward to continuing to strengthen recognition for students as they accomplish so much both in the classroom and beyond.

I hope you all have a fantastic winter break and happy holidays!

Anna Conrad

Manitou Springs High School

Principal

Thank you for reading The Prospector this semester!

Read our last article of the semester: CTE risks beings in high school sports by Frank Brost

We hope you enjoy your winter break,

The Prospector Staff

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mshs.prospector?_t=8r7FOHPbN8A&_r=1

Spanish 4 and AP completed their "Chef's Table" presentation where they had to create a video on the history and tradition of the dish along with the recipe and how to make it. These students presented in Spanish for 7-10 minutes, created dishes from scratch and learned a lot of history and culture. The food was delicious and I am beyond proud of them!!!

Language classes celebrated the spirit of cultural holiday traditions while enjoying hot chocolate. French students assembled and enjoyed "Bûches de Noël,” traditional French Christmas Yule Log cakes.

Work by Kyle B.

Grid drawing by: Clementine C.

We are hosting our annual Bowl-A-Thon on Sunday, March 9, and we’d love to have you join us as we work to raise funds for our team’s spring break trip to Arizona.

Each year, our program competes in the Coach Bob National Invitational, where we face off against top teams from across the nation. The cost of this trip typically ranges from $14,000 to $16,000, and while the experience is invaluable for our players, we rely heavily on fundraising to make it financially accessible. The Bowl-A-Thon is our main fundraiser, and the money raised helps reduce the cost for our players and their families.

Here’s how you can participate:

• Cost: $20 per bowler

• Team Size: Teams of 5-6 people

• Event Time Options:

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The event includes two hours of bowling with a variety of games and challenges for prizes, as well as a raffle for several exciting items. This is a great opportunity to build departmental team chemistry or spend quality family time together. The Bowl-A-Thon becomes exceptionally fun when departments, sports teams, or groups get together to compete for high scores and bragging rights. It’s a relaxed environment where everyone can have fun while supporting a great cause.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could gather a team of colleagues, family members, or friends and join us for this great cause. Your participation would mean so much to our team and help ensure that our players can compete on a national stage without the burden of high out-of-pocket costs.

Thank you for considering supporting us! If you would like to register a team, please use the link below or the QR code in the flyer to do so. Please let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!

Overall a pretty good day for wrestling over in Salida last weekend. Hannah won her first wrestling match! First time placing in a Varsity tournament for both Maddox and Kyle! Alex, Kara, and Abbie continue to be successful, all winning their brackets.

Yesterday we had the pleasure of hosting the swim team for a combined practice. We did some "buddy carries", plate workouts (not pictured) and ended w/ a game of "duck duck goose". Lots of fun and lots of laughs!

📍Friday, December 20: Finals 3B and 4B (early release for students @ 12:45PM); Boys Varsity Wrestling Dual Vs. Salida @ Manitou @ 5PM

📍Saturday, December 21: Girls Varsity Wrestling Invitational Vs. Columbine @ Columbine @ 8AM; Boys Varsity Wrestling Invitational Vs. Sheridan High School @ Sheridan @ 8:45AM

⛄Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3: *~Winter Break~*

📍Saturday, January 4: Girls Varsity Swim and Dive Invitational Vs. Legacy @ Legend High School @9AM; Girls and Boys Varsity Wrestling Invitational Vs. Arvada HS @ Arvada High School @ 9AM

📍Monday, January 6 : Staff Work Day (No Students); Girls Basketball C-Team Vs. The Classical Academy @ Manitou @ 4PM; Girls JV Basketball Vs. Pueblo Centennial @ Manitou HS @5:30PM (Varsity 7PM); Boys Basketball C-Team Vs. The Classical Academy @ Manitou HS @5:30 PM

📍Tuesday, January 7: Staff Work Day (No Students)

📍Wednesday, January 8: Students Return; Girls Basketball Vs. Rye @ Manitou HS (JV 4PM) (Varsity 5:30PM); Boys Basketball Vs. Rye @ Manitou HS (JV 4PM) (C-Team 5:30 PM) (Varsity 7PM)

📍Thursday, January 9: Girls Swim and Dive Varsity Dual Vs. Woodland Park @ Woodland Park Aquatic Center @ 5PM

📍Friday, January 10: Girls Basketball Vs. St. Mary's @ Manitou HS (JV @ 3:30PM) (Varsity @ 6:30PM); Boys Basketball Vs. St. Mary's @ Manitou HS (JV @ 5PM) (Varsity 8PM)

📍Saturday, January 11: Girl's Varsity Wrestling Invitational Vs. Vista Ridge @ Vista Ridge @9AM; Boy's Varsity Wrestling Invitational Vs. Denver South @ Denver South High School @ 9AM

📍Wednesday, January 15: Late Start (2-Hour Delay)

📍Monday, January 20: MLK Jr. Day (School and District Office Closed)

Email: aconrad@mssd14.org
Website: www.mssd14.org
Location: 401 El Monte Pl. Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Phone: 719-685-2074
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manitouspringshighschool