January 2025

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a restful and rejuvenating holiday break surrounded by family and friends. As we step into 2025, I want to welcome everyone back for what promises to be a rewarding and impactful second semester in Manitou Springs School District 14.

The start of a new year is always a time of renewed enthusiasm, and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our students and staff. The second semester is a time to build on the successes and growth from the first semester, dive deeper into learning, and continue fostering authentic relationships and bountiful opportunities for everyone in our school community.

Coffee & Talk with the Superintendent
I also want to take this opportunity to invite all parents, staff, and community members to join me for Coffee & Talk with the Superintendent on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 8:00-9:30 am in the Alumni Room at Manitou Springs High School. This is a wonderful chance for us to connect, share ideas, and discuss how we can continue to grow and thrive as a district. Your input and partnership are essential to our success, and I look forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue with you.

As we embark on this second semester, let us continue to exemplify the spirit of collaboration, care, and creativity that makes Manitou Springs School District 14 such an extraordinary place to learn and grow. I am deeply grateful for each of you and the role you play in shaping a bright future for our learners.

Here’s to a productive and inspiring semester ahead!

Sincerely,

Sean Dorsey
Superintendent of Schools
Manitou Springs School District 14

• Monday, January 13 - Ute Pass Elementary Open House/Choice Night (5-6:30 pm)
  
• Wednesday, January 15 - Late Start Wednesday (2-hour delay)
• Monday, January 20 - MLK Jr. Day (Schools and District Office closed)
• Tuesday, January 21 - Manitou Springs Elementary Open House/Choice Night (5-6 pm)
  
• Thursday, January 23 - District Accountability Committee Meeting (9-11 am)
• Thursday, January 23 - Manitou Springs Middle School Open House/Choice Night (5-6:30 pm)
• Thursday, January 23 - Manitou Springs High School Open House/Choice Night (6-7 pm)
• Thursday, January 30 - Hoops & Hype Family Night at Manitou Springs High School (5:30 pm)
  
• Wednesday, February 5 - Late Start Wednesday (2-hour delay)
• Friday, February 14 - Staff Work Day (no students)
• Monday, February 17 - Presidents Day (Schools and District Office closed)
  
• Thursday, February 27 - District Accountability Committee Meeting (9-11 am)

Board of Education Meetings

• Thursday, January 9 - Work Session - Virtual (4:15 pm)
• Thursday, January 9 - Regular Meeting - Virtual (5:15 pm)
• Thursday, January 16 - Special Meeting - Virtual (4:30 pm)
  
• Thursday, February 6 - Work Session (5 pm)
• Monday, February 24 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)

Don't miss out on the incredible opportunities at Manitou Springs School District! The Choice Window is open. Secure your child's spot in a district celebrated for strong relationships, enriching programs, and a close-knit community! Whether you're a new family or looking for a change, now is the time to join a district where students thrive, academically challenged and make lasting connections.

For more information, visit the "Enrollment" section on our website.

• Window 1: January 1st - May 9th
• Window 2: July 21st - August 29th (subject to change based on capacity)

• New students outside MSSD district boundaries (K-12)
• Current students who’ve moved out of the district
• Students wishing to transfer to a different district school
• Preschoolers (separate enrollment process)
• Mountain Academy of Arts (MAAS) 6th graders (separate enrollment process)

• Submit the online Choice Application during the designated windows
• Applications are not accepted at individual schools
• One application per student

• Kindergarten: Must be 5 by September 1st
• 1st Grade: Must be 6 by September 1st (exceptions for Kindergartners)

• Based on seat capacity and program availability at the school/grade level

• If the school or grade is full, students are placed on a waitlist
• Waitlist status will be reviewed and communicated during notification windows

• High School Athletic Eligibility may be affected by school transfers (CHSAA rules apply)
• In-District Transfers: Complete the In-District Transfer Form by February 1st for priority placement

Ute Pass Elementary School:

• Monday, January 13 from 5:00-6:30 p.m.
• 9230 Chipita Park Rd, Cascade, CO 80809

Manitou Springs Elementary School:

• Tuesday, January 21 from 5:00-6:00 p.m.
• 110 Pawnee Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Manitou Springs Middle School:

• Thursday, January 23 from 5:00-6:30 p.m.
• 415 El Monte Pl, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Manitou Springs High School:

• Thursday, January 23 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
• 401 El Monte Pl, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Join us for an exciting evening of basketball and community fun! Watch the Manitou Springs High School basketball teams in action and learn more about MSSD14.

• Date: January 30
• Time: 5:30 pm
  
• Location: Manitou Springs High School (401 El Monte Pl, Manitou Springs, CO 80829)

Parents must accompany elementary and middle school students.

Don't miss this fun-filled family night—Go Mustangs!

Bring this flier for free entry!

District Wellness and building wellness teams invite you to join us for two upcoming Parent Connections events focused on “Parenting in the Digital Age: How to Empower Youth to Make Healthy Choices.” These sessions aim to provide valuable insights and tools to support your child’s well-being in a digital world.

Elementary Session: open to Manitou Springs Elementary School families

• Date: January 29
• Time: 5:00-6:30 pm
• Location: Manitou Springs Elementary School auditorium

MSES families registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnCtZabGjuPzQoW-wVL7NfR1y5_Mvtx41y1bdfqcdboaJv4w/viewform

Secondary Session (MSMS & MSHS)

• Date: February 4
• Time: 5:00-6:30 pm
• Location: Manitou Springs Middle School media center

MSMS/MSHS families registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeT49VEVgsgEIAG5MH8GQ56pX5c-oG1Q4tkYIWncqXYkarQLA/viewform?urp=gmail_link

A lite meal will be provided at both sessions. Registration is required.

Nineteen 8th-grade students from Manitou Springs Middle School have achieved an extraordinary honor. Through a national competition hosted by Poetic Power and Creative Communications, these students’ original poems have been selected for publication:

Trey F., Alice B., Adalyn H., Arthur K., Ben K., Bristol R., Lilliana S., Adriana M., Saige D., Sophia W., Addi H., Tucker T.J R., Archer de N., Trent M., Farah R., Tanner M., Emelia M., Owen F., and Lachlan S.

This is an unprecedented achievement, as typically only two or three students from MSMS are published per semester. Their creativity and talent have brought tremendous pride to the 8th-grade English Language Arts program and our entire school community. Congratulations to these young poets!

We’re forming a Bond Steering Committee to guide important facility improvements and set the stage for our schools’ future. This committee will play a vital role in guiding facility improvements, ensuring the best for our students and staff. If you're passionate about supporting our students, staff, and community, this is a great opportunity to make a difference!

Interested?
Scan the QR code below to fill out a quick form, or contact Suzi Thompson at sthompson@mssd14.org for more details.

Join us in building a stronger future for Manitou Springs School District!

Calling all Manitou Springs School District alumni! We want to celebrate YOU.

Our alumni have incredible stories, and we’re excited to showcase the amazing journeys and achievements of our graduates. From careers to community impact, your story can inspire current students and show the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

If you’d like to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight, we’d love to hear from you! Share your memories, accomplishments, and the path you’ve taken since graduation.

Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/NtBSzu7EbZjFZfKA8

Let’s celebrate the pride and success of our Mustang family together!

The Manitou Springs Community Foundation is raising funds to support Kidpower and Peak Education in their efforts to empower D14 students. Together, they’ve already secured $50,000, but need your help to raise the final $30,000 toward their $80,000 goal.

Here’s how your donation will help:

• Kidpower - Fund personal safety and confidence-building workshops and take-home workbooks to reinforce skills

• Peak Education - Empowering youth with college and career readiness guidance

How to Help: Donate today!

Every dollar directly benefits these programs and helps create brighter futures for students in our community. Learn more and donate here: https://peaklivingmanitousprings.org/what-we-do-impact

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