October 2024

As we embrace the energy of October, I want to take a moment to reflect on our recent homecoming celebrations. It was heartwarming to see our community come together in support of our students, showcasing their hard work and school spirit. Many of our sports teams are wrapping up their seasons, and I want to extend my gratitude to our athletes, coaches, and families for their dedication and support throughout the year.

We have recently celebrated Count Day, which is crucial for ensuring that our district receives the necessary funding to support our schools and students. Thank you for your continued commitment to our educational mission.

Looking ahead, we are preparing for our upcoming parent-teacher conferences. This is a valuable opportunity for collaboration between home and school, and I encourage all families to participate. Your involvement is vital to our students’ success.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Manitou Springs School District. Together, we are creating a positive and enriching environment for our students.

Sincerely,

Sean Dorsey
Superintendent of Schools
Manitou Springs School District 14

• Saturday, October 5 - Mustang 5K (8 am)
• Friday, October 11 - George Rykovich Stadium dedication (tailgate 5:30 pm / kickoff 7:00 pm)
  
• Thursday, October 17 - Staff Work Day (no students)
• Thursday, October 17 - District Accountability Committee Meeting (9-11 am)
• Friday, October 18 - Fall Break (Schools and District Office closed)
• Thursday, October 24 - Conferences (early dismissal)
• Friday, October 25 - Conferences (no school)
• Wednesday, November 6 - Late Start Wednesday (2-hour delay)
• Wednesday, November 20 - Late Start Wednesday (2-hour delay)
• Thursday, November 21 - District Accountability Committee Meeting (9-11 am)
  
• Monday, November 25-Friday, November 29 - Thanksgiving Break
  

Board of Education Meetings

• Thursday, October 3 - Work Session (5 pm)
• Thursday, October 17 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)
• Thursday, November 7 - Work Session (5 pm)
• Thursday, November 21 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)

Manitou Springs School District had a fantastic Homecoming Week from September 23-27! Students got into the spirit with fun dress-up days, showing off their creativity. The week culminated in an awesome Homecoming Parade on Friday afternoon in downtown Manitou Springs, where everyone came together to celebrate. We wrapped up the festivities with an exciting football game, cheering on our Mustangs and enjoying the community vibe!

It’s National Principals Month! We’re celebrating our four incredible principals who embody the core values of Relationships, Deep Learning, and Opportunity every day. From fostering strong connections with students and families to creating engaging learning experiences and providing opportunities for growth, our principals are making a meaningful impact across all of our schools.

Carolyn Leyes - Manitou Springs Elementary

Jackie Powell - Ute Pass Elementary

Dustin Cady - Manitou Springs Middle School

Anna Conrad - Manitou Springs High School

Throughout October, we’ll be highlighting the work they do to support our students, staff, and community. Stay tuned to learn more about these dedicated leaders!

At Manitou Springs Elementary, every day is an opportunity for our students to explore, grow, and deepen their love for learning. From hands-on STEM activities to creative arts and outdoor adventures, our students are encouraged to pursue their passions and develop a strong foundation for future success.

With dedicated teachers and a supportive community, we strive to create an environment where curiosity is celebrated, and every child has the chance to discover their strengths. Together, we’re building bright futures, one opportunity at a time!

It was a spectacular day for the Fun Run at Ute Pass Elementary School! The energy was contagious as the spirited Mustangs ran their hearts out, with amazing volunteers providing invaluable support. The school is thrilled to announce that they surpassed their fundraising goal, raising an incredible $15,000! A huge shoutout goes to the dedicated Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) for their endless support and commitment to the school community. Together, they are making great things happen!

The Headless Horsemen, Manitou Springs Middle School's FTC robotics team, came together to kick off this year's exciting season of INTO THE DEEP. This event offered our rookie members a fantastic introduction to the thrilling world of robot competition, sparking their enthusiasm and curiosity for the challenges ahead. With teamwork and creativity at the forefront, the Headless Horsemen are ready to dive into an incredible season!

Ms. Galloway's Coffee Corral students hosted the first Coffee Corral of the year this week, and wow did they impress! This entrepreneurial student and staff team works tirelessly to prepare baked goods, breakfast burritos, and delicious coffee and refreshments so that all MSHS students and staff can purchase the perfect morning pick-me-up during advisory. A better, more professional and hard-working team could not be found!

Manitou Springs School District’s Mustang Spotlight recognized a Ute Pass Elementary School staff member who has made a difference in the district and at UPES during the Mustang Spotlight presentation at the board of education meeting on September 16 held in Manitou Springs High School’s media center.

Kym Ferguson, Ute Pass Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher, was recognized for her ability to foster incredible student growth and nurture young minds for nearly 25 years at UPES. “Kym has helped mentor many new teachers in her career and cares deeply about the field of education and fostering a deep appreciation and curiosity of the natural world around us,” said UPES Principal Jackie Powell. “The opportunities she provides are not only limited to field trips and experiential learning, but also moments to explore, create, and imagine- concepts every childhood should be filled with.”

At Manitou Springs School District, we believe in the power of relationships, deep learning, and opportunity. The following staff members have embodied these core values through their unwavering dedication to our district, students, staff, and community for over a decade. Their commitment helps foster an enriching environment where students thrive, and we are honored to recognize their lasting contributions.

The following individuals have served Manitou Springs School District for over 10 years:

10 Years
Miles Groth – UPES 6th Grade Teacher
Julie Lavigne – MSES Preschool Teacher
Jill McCracken – MSHS Special Education Teacher
Gayle Mendoza – District Accounts Payable
Lisa Mussi – MSES 3rd Grade Teacher
Luz Shoemaker – MSES Kindergarten Teacher
Mike Talbott – MSHS Math Teacher
Danny Tramel – MSES Music Teacher
Gabrielle Waters – MSHS Media Tech
Taylor Weimer – MSMS Band Teacher

11 Years
Terrence Batson – UPES Spanish/Gifted & Talented Teacher
Paul Bonner – MSHS Art Teacher
Carrie Dunlap – MSES Art Teacher
Reginald Hass – MSHS Math Teacher
Jessie Nunley – MSHS Assistant Principal

12 Years
Tiffany Allen – MSES Physical Education Teacher
Christina Baker – District Data Analyst
Brad Borkowski – MSHS Careers in Construction Teacher
Kevin Connors – MSMS Social Studies Teacher
Stuart Cross – Director of Buildings & Grounds
Brandon DeMatto – MSHS Physical Education Teacher
Ben Gilliam – MSHS English Teacher/Intervention Specialist
Paul Willie – Bus Driver

13 Years
Steve Blocher – MSHS Computer Science/Math Teacher
Jessi Larsen – MSES 4th Grade Teacher

14 Years
Amy Bradbury – MSES TEAMS Teacher
Kristen Kanaga – MSES Gifted & Talented Teacher/Math Interventionist

15 Years
Liz Tindall – MSHS Special Education Teacher

16 Years
Ken DiMauro – Bus Driver
Kolleen Johnson – Executive Director of Secondary Education

18 Years
Paula Faucette – Director of Nutrition Services
Lindsay Hammel – MSES Kindergarten Teacher

19 Years
Cat Olimb – Director of Technology

21 Years
Brian Brown – MSHS Social Studies Teacher
Cameron Jones – Athletics & Activities Director
Ben Mack – MSHS Science Teacher
Meleah Perkins – MSHS Registrar

22 Years
Christi Marquardt – MSES 4th Grade Teacher

23 Years
Moira Archuleta – MSES Special Education Paraprofessional
Jodi Wilt – MSMS Special Education Teacher

24 Years
Kym Ferguson – UPES Kindergarten Teacher

25 Years
Angela Gieck – Community Liaison
Maria Woytko-Morris – MSES 3rd Grade Teacher

26 Years
Jenny Guynn – MSMS Administrative Assistant
Melissa McElhaney – District Administrative Assistant

We're excited to announce the 1st Annual Manitou 5K Run and Walk, taking place on Saturday, October 5th! This community race was envisioned by a dedicated Manitou Springs Middle School parent on our District Accountability Committee to strengthen the partnership between the city, local businesses, and our school district. We hope to see many students (K-12), parents, and community members at the race.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, October 5
• Location: Starts and ends at Fields Park
• Time: 8 am - 10 am
• Cost: $38 for ages 15+ | $22 for ages 18 and under
• Inclusions: Free t-shirt designed by Manitou students
• Timing: Chip Timed by CCR Timing

All proceeds from the event will benefit Manitou Springs School District. It's a wonderful opportunity to get active, have fun, and support our schools.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/manitou5k.

Registration for the 1st Annual Manitou 5K is going strong, and we’re almost at our $10,000 goal! Spots are filling up quickly, so if you’re thinking about joining the fun, sign up now before registration closes early. Don’t miss out—invite your family, friends, and neighbors to participate!

We are excited to announce the dedication of George Rykovich Stadium on Friday, October 11, during the home varsity football game!

Join us for a delicious tailgate before the dedication! For just $10, enjoy BBQ chicken and beef sandwiches, potato salad, chips, brownies, a veggie tray, pop, and water. The tailgate will be held in the Manitou Springs Middle School parking lot, starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are required. You can purchase tickets here: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZJJYF1YWH0RCDT_ZZ64BGJ64W4ST4U or RSVP to Melissa McElhaney: 719-685-2024 x5 or mmcelhaney@mssd14.org

The football game kicks off at 7:00 PM. At halftime, we will hold a special ceremony honoring former Coach George Rykovich for his incredible legacy and contributions to Manitou Springs.

In addition, we have a fundraising page set up to support the new stadium. Please consider contributing to the new George Rykovich Stadium. Every contribution is a step towards creating a lasting tribute that future generations can enjoy. You can donate here: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZJJYF1YWH0RCDT_ZZ646AVB24RKLNR.

Mark your calendars, and come pack the stands to show your support for Coach Rykovich and our Mustangs!

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Hours - 4 hours a day with the opportunity for additional hours
• District will pay for you to go to school for your School Bus Endorsement
• Summers and holidays off
• 10 Annual/Sick days per year
• Health and retirement benefits
• Opportunity to make a difference

Job Responsibilities:

• Safely transport students to and from school and school-related activities.
• Ensure the safety of all passengers by adhering to traffic laws and school district policies.
• Perform routine checks on the bus and report any maintenance issues.
• Maintain a clean and orderly bus interior.
• Foster a positive and respectful environment for students.

Requirements:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a School Bus Endorsement (or willingness to obtain).
• Clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and physical examination.
• Strong commitment to safety and student welfare.
• Availability for field trips, activities, and athletic events.

Apply Now:
Route/Activities Bus Driver:
https://www.applitrack.com/ManitouSprings14/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?AppliTrackJobId=201&FromAdmin=True

Why Work With Us?

• Paid time off:
• 12 annual/sick
• 10 vacation
• 14 holidays
• Health and retirement benefits
• Supportive work environment
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Pay varies with experience (minimum $16/hour)

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform routine maintenance tasks, including minor repairs, painting, and general upkeep.
• Assist with landscaping duties, such as mowing, trimming, and snow removal.
• Maintain the cleanliness and safety of school buildings and grounds.
• Ensure that all areas are safe and ready for student and staff use.
• Support the set up and tear down of events and activities as needed.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Experience in custodial work, maintenance, or related field preferred.
• Ability to operate basic maintenance tools and equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work daytime and evening shifts as needed.

Apply Now:
Buildings and Grounds:
https://www.applitrack.com/ManitouSprings14/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Maintenance%2fCustodial

Ready to make a difference in a positive learning environment? Explore our open positions on our website or contact our Human Resources Specialist, Erika Warren, at ewarren@mssd14.org for more information.

We're on Facebook and Instagram! Follow our pages to stay up-to-date on what's going on in our schools.

District pages:

District Facebook: @manitouspringsschooldistrict14

District Instagram: @manitouspringsschooldistrict14

School Facebook pages:

Manitou Springs Elementary School: @manitouspringselementaryschool

Ute Pass Elementary School: @utepasselementaryschool

Manitou Springs Middle School: @manitouspringsmiddleschool

Manitou Springs High School: @manitouspringshighschool

Athletics & Activities: @mssd14athleticsactivities