The Parent/Caregiver Experience Survey, conducted in November, provided valuable insights into both strengths and opportunities for growth within our district. The survey results, with scores rated on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0, continue to guide our efforts to strengthen school-family partnerships and improve the educational experience for students and families.

Areas of Strength

We are proud of the following strengths, which demonstrate the district's commitment to creating a supportive and effective learning environment:

• Classroom Supplies: I believe my child has the necessary classroom supplies and equipment for effective learning. 4.24/5.0
• Safe Environment: I believe this school provides a safe environment for my child to learn. 4.20/5.0
• Pride in School: I am proud to say I have a child at this school. 4.20/5.0

Opportunities for Improvement

The survey also highlighted areas where we can grow to better support our families:

• Positive Communication: I receive positive phone calls, emails, or notes about my child from the school. 3.58/5.0
• Decision-Making: I believe school administration makes decisions that are in the best interest of children and families. 3.70/5.0
• Feedback on Learning: I regularly receive feedback from school staff on how well my child is learning (such as grades being updated weekly, follow-up communication from teachers, etc.). 3.79/5.0

These results reflect our data-driven approach to decision-making, reinforcing our mission to continuously improve and deliver a high-quality educational experience. By celebrating our strengths and addressing areas for improvement, we remain focused on providing a great place for our students to learn.

Sincerely,

Sean Dorsey
Superintendent of Schools
Manitou Springs School District 14

• Wednesday, December 11 - Late Start Wednesday (2-hour delay)
• Thursday, December 19 - District Accountability Committee Meeting (9-11 am)
  
• Monday, December 23-Friday, January 3 - Winter Break
• Monday, January 6-Tuesday, January 7 - Staff Work Day (no students)
• Wednesday, January 8 - School Reconvenes
• 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)
  

Board of Education Meetings

• Thursday, December 5 - Work Session (5 pm)
• Thursday, December 13 - Special Meeting - Virtual Only (4:30 pm)
  
• Monday, December 16 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)
• Thursday, January 9 - Work Session (5 pm)
• Thursday, January 9 - Regular Meeting (6 pm)

Don't miss out on the incredible opportunities at Manitou Springs School District! The Choice Window opens on January 1st. 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

Manitou Springs School District’s Mustang Spotlight recognized Manitou Springs High School’s Cross Country Team and coaches who had a remarkable 2024 season. These athletes and coaches were recognized during the Mustang Spotlight presentation on November 21 held in Manitou Springs High School’s media center.

The girls’ team became the Tri Peaks League Champions, Regional Champions, and CHSAA 3A State runner up. The boys’ team took 3rd place at Regionals. Both boys' and girls' teams qualified for the State Championship meet—an accomplishment that has not been achieved since 1997. This milestone reflects the dedication and consistent effort of the coaching staff and the athletes. “As Manitou Springs celebrates the successes of its cross country program, we are grateful for the dedication of Coach Sherwood, Mack, and Bresnahan,” said Athletics and Activities Director Cameron Jones. “[Their] vision and transformative leadership continue to inspire our student-athletes, shaping them into leaders on and off the track.”

Mustang Spotlight is the district’s recognition program that celebrates people throughout the district at the Board of Education meetings.

Manitou Springs Elementary students have brought a beautiful tradition to life with their stunning A Thousand Cranes installation! This collaborative art piece, created by 3rd-5th graders, features 1,000 origami cranes symbolizing hope, peace, and unity—just in time for the International Day of Peace on September 21.

Stop by the MSES Art Plaza to see this inspiring project, which will be on display through the end of the year.

Ute Pass Elementary students recently came together for their second annual Thankful Thursday Literacy Luncheon! Each classroom chose a book, created recipes inspired by it, and prepared food to share with the entire school.

This heartwarming event combined creativity, storytelling, and gratitude into one unforgettable feast. Special thanks to the Nutrition Services team for collaborating with us to make this incredible event possible!

We’re so proud of our 160 students who earned a spot on the Honor Roll for the 1st quarter and 53 students recognized as "On a Roll" for their hard work and dedication!

Parents joined us for a fun-filled celebration, where students received certificates, treats, and participated in exciting grade-level competitions.

Congratulations to all our Mustangs for their achievements! Keep up the amazing work!

Manitou Springs High School biology students are using cutting-edge science to address real-world challenges. In their latest project, students studied STR loci and genetic patterns in elephant DNA to investigate the ongoing issue of poaching in Africa.

In Mr. Mack’s class, students took on the role of forensic scientists, applying gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA ladders and sequences. Their work emphasized the power of science in holding poachers accountable.

Kudos to our amazing students and dedicated biology teachers for their innovation and effort!

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 Kiwanis Club invites you to a festive morning of good food and holiday cheer!

Where: Manitou Springs Town Hall

When: Saturday, December 14, 2024

Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast featuring:

• Scrambled Eggs
• Ham
• Pancakes
• Orange Juice
• Hot Chocolate & Coffee

Suggested Donation:

• $10 Adults
• $5 Kids 12 & under
• Free for Kids under 3

Free Parking: Available in any public parking space east of Pawnee Avenue (library corner) from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Celebrate the season with Santa and the Manitou Springs community! This event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club.

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

Each Holiday Season, the Wellness Team of Manitou Springs School District 14 coordinates supporting families in need with food and gifts for the holidays. This is open to all families who have a child (or children) attending one of our district's schools.

Below are links to more information if you need support or if you would like to support a family:

• Holiday Help Family Needs
• D14 Holiday Help Adopt a Family

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