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February 2024
Straight From the Superintendent
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Introduction
Greetings Manitou Springs School District 14 Community,
We hope this newsletter finds you well. February has been an exciting month for Manitou Springs School District 14, with several noteworthy achievements by our students. We're thrilled to share the latest updates and just a few accomplishments.
Skills USA Success: A Noteworthy Achievement
Manitou Springs High School has marked a noteworthy moment as Mr. Borkowski, MSHS Construction Technology Teacher, sent five students to the state Skills USA competition for the first time in school history. This accomplishment speaks volumes about the dedication, skill, and hard work of our students, as well as the support provided by our educators and community.
Knowledge Bowl Team Qualifies for State Competition
Congratulations to our MSHS Knowledge Bowl Team for their exceptional performance, earning them a spot in the upcoming state competition. This achievement showcases the talent and perseverance of our students, as well as the commitment of our coach, Mr. Slama.
All-State Choir Recognition
We are delighted to announce that one of our Manitou Springs High School students qualified for the prestigious All-State Choir.
Wrestling Triumph at State Tournament
The excitement continues as Manitou Springs High School has qualified six wrestlers for the state tournament, taking place this week at Ball Arena. We wish our athletes the best of luck as they showcase their skills on the state stage.
Girl's Swim Team State Competition Success
Manitou Springs High School Girl's Swim Team had great success at its state competition in early February. The team had eight swimmers qualify for the competition as well as all three relays.
Employee Experience Survey Results
Last month, 137 of our staff members participated in the annual Employee Experience Survey. The feedback provided has been invaluable, highlighting areas of strength and areas for improvement. We are pleased to hear that staff members generally receive timely feedback on their work, and there is a genuine concern for their welfare within their immediate work environment.
However, the survey also revealed an opportunity for improvement in how resources are allocated to support their work. In response to this feedback, district and building leaders are committed to sharing detailed results with staff members and collaboratively developing an action plan to address opportunities for improvement.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Manitou Springs School District 14.
- Monday, February 19 - President’s Day (Schools and District Office closed)
- Wednesday, February 28 - Late Start Wednesday (2-hour delay)
- Friday, March 8 - Staff Work Day (no students)
- Thursday, March 14 - Conferences (early dismissal)
- Friday, March 15 - Conferences (no school)
- Wednesday, March 20 - Late Start Wednesday (2-hour delay)
- March 25-29 - Spring Break
- Wednesday, April 3 - Late Start Wednesday (2-hour delay)
Board of Education Meetings
- Thursday, March 7 - Work Session (5 pm)
- Monday, March 18 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)
- Thursday, April 4 - Work Session (5 pm)
School Building Improvements
MSMS Classroom Hallways
MSMS Classroom Hallways
MSMS Classroom Hallways
Simultaneously, Manitou Springs High School underwent a series of transformative enhancements during the same period. The hallways at the high school were adorned with a fresh coat of paint, bringing a renewed sense of vibrancy to the communal spaces. Additionally, the implementation of state-of-the-art LED lighting in the hallways not only improved visibility but also contributed to energy efficiency. Another notable improvement was the installation of carpet squares in the hallways, providing both comfort and functionality. These combined upgrades at Manitou Springs High School not only made the corridors more visually appealing but also enhanced the overall ambiance of the school, creating an environment conducive to learning and fostering a sense of pride within the school community. We recognize that our work is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to preserving the rich traditions of the past while simultaneously creating space for the achievements of the future.
MSHS Front Entrance
MSHS Classroom Hallways
MSHS Classroom Hallways
Mardi Gras Celebration
Manitou Springs Elementary School
Manitou Springs Elementary School celebrated Mardi Gras in third grade with the Manitou Carnivale Committee king and queen as a culmination of community and art projects with Ms. Dunlap. The third graders displayed their floats to the king and queen and then ate gumbo and King Cake together. What a fun afternoon!
Adventurous Investigators
Ute Pass Elementary School
Venturing into the great outdoors, fourth-grade students transformed into adventurous investigators during a captivating hike. Armed with curiosity, they eagerly scoured the surroundings, determined to unearth evidence of pine beetles and dwarf mistletoe. Through their exploration, these young learners not only discovered the intricacies of nature but also cultivated a sense of wonder and scientific inquiry.
Pikes Peak Honor Orchestra
Manitou Springs Middle School
Lilyanna J., Mateo R., Cayden J., and Nicholas J. had a fantastic performance with the Pikes Peak Middle School Honor Orchestra on January 19. This is a very prestigious ensemble to perform in, and they did an excellent job representing Manitou Springs Middle School. Congratulations, students!
National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Manitou Springs High School
New inductees during the NHS Pledge.
Mustang Spotlight Recognition
Manitou Springs School District celebrated staff members who made an impact in their schools and district wide during the Mustang Spotlight presentation on February 12 held in Manitou Springs High School’s media center.
Mustang Spotlight is the district’s recognition program that celebrates staff members before the Board of Education meetings. This month four staff members were honored: Erika Warren, MSSD14 Human Resources Specialist; Julie Lavigne, preschool teacher at Manitou Springs Elementary School; Maria Medina, custodian at Manitou Springs Elementary School; and Mat Krutka, District Network Manager.
Erika Warren
Erika Warren, MSSD14 Human Resources Specialist, was recognized for her role in the creation and implementation of district-wide systems, most notably our substitute workforce. Erika has quickly become a well-respected member of the central office team as well as the greater Manitou Springs School District. “Erika is a very quick learner and has a problem-solving approach to her work,” said Eric McMartin, Assistant Superintendent. “When I come to her with questions she is quick with an answer or begins to research when she's unsure.”
Julie Lavigne
Preschool teacher at Manitou Springs Elementary School, Julie Lavigne, was honored for her dedication and adaptability as she navigates the intricacies of Universal Preschool Education. MSES Principal Maria Masone spoke about Julie at the BOE meeting and her work on the NME Core Team. Her commitment to continuous learning and growth is evident in every aspect of her work, from developing innovative protocols to creating engaging educational experiences for our youngest learners.
Maria Medina
Maria Medina, who works as a custodian at Manitou Springs Elementary School, was thanked for working tirelessly to maintain the cleanliness of MSES and ensuring that the building remains in impeccable condition. “Ms. Medina fosters opportunities for both staff and students at MSES by establishing a secure, healthy and clean work environment,” said Maria Masone, principal at MSES. “Her warm smiles serve as a bridge between languages, connecting individuals in a harmonious and inclusive atmosphere.”
Mat Krutka
District Network Manager, Mat Krutka, received praise for his efforts in MSSD14’s security upgrades. Mat spends multiple hours learning new systems, working with vendors, helping with computer questions and teaching staff how to use the equipment properly. “I am proud to have Mat as our safety and security team member and he is one of the hardest workers I know,” said MSSD14 Director of Safety and Security Janie Anderson.
College Acceptance and Scholarships
Manitou Springs High School
At Manitou Springs High School, an impressive 61% of seniors have taken the significant step of applying to a four-year college or university, showcasing a commitment to higher education. The deadline for college applications, commonly set for March 1st, is met with enthusiasm and dedication by these students. Notably, the reach of their aspirations extends beyond state borders, as students have submitted applications to institutions throughout the United States, including distant states like Alaska and Hawaii. Some seniors, demonstrating exceptional merit, have pursued admission to prestigious Ivy League Schools and the esteemed Military Academies.
To support their academic endeavors, Manitou Springs High School actively shares a weekly scholarship link with seniors and their parents/guardians every Saturday morning. This resource highlights various scholarships, providing valuable opportunities for financial assistance in pursuit of their educational goals.
Ms. Trainor is supporting students and families with FAFSA completion. She continues to send out "Scholarship Saturdays" to students and families. She’s now hosting "Free Money Fridays" to support scholarship applications with students.
State Testing
Parents and students, please be advised that additional details regarding the upcoming State Testing, including the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) for grades 3-8 and 11th-grade science, will be communicated from specific buildings in the near future. The testing period is scheduled to commence on April 8th. Furthermore, high school students should mark April 17th on their calendars, as it is designated for the PSAT and SAT examinations. Stay tuned for further information and instructions from the respective educational institutions.
Choice Enrollment is Open
Manitou Springs School District is excited to announce that choice enrollment is open! This presents a wonderful opportunity for individuals seeking educational options within our district. To explore the enrollment process and gather more information, interested parties can visit the dedicated enrollment page on our website at www.mssd14.org. Here, you'll find comprehensive details about the enrollment procedures and have the chance to submit your application. Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of our vibrant educational community at Manitou Springs School District – visit the enrollment page today!
Guardians of the Digital Realm: A Cyber Security Class
Building a Secure Community, One Click at a Time
This is a FREE class for adult community members.
Topics covered:
- Password Management
- Phishing Awareness
- Online Privacy
- Social Engineering
Benefits of attending the class:
- Enhanced online safety
- Protection against cyber threats
- Awareness
Date/Time:
Wednesday, March 20 from 5:00-6:30 pm
Location:
Manitou Springs High School media center (401 El Monte Pl, Manitou Springs, CO 80829 - entrance by the track.)
*Light refreshments will be provided.*
Manni Awards
The Manni Awards are Friday, March 15 at 5:00 pm at Manitou Springs City Hall (606 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829). We hope to see you there!
Track Usage
We are currently in the initial stages of assessing the condition of our school track. Our primary focus is to identify the necessary repairs and improvements required to ensure the safety and functionality of the track. While we understand the value of sharing our facilities with the community, we must prioritize the safety of our students. Consequently, during school hours and school-related activities, the track will be closed to the public. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter, as our foremost concern is creating a secure environment for our students. We will keep you updated on the progress of the assessment and any future plans for the track. Thank you for your support.
Upper Activity Field
Manitou Springs Middle School
The plan to improve Manitou Springs Middle School's upper activity field is still in the works. The project is scheduled to go out to bids shortly with work hopefully starting in the summer. Early last year, a planning team of middle-school students, staff, families and community members met to develop ideas for how to improve the middle school's upper activity field. The team sat down with RTA Architects and GH Phipps Construction to identify needs and wants for the space and to break the possible projects down into phases, since funding is limited.
Yard Signs Available
As we strive to enhance enrollment and create more awareness about our exceptional programs, we have a special opportunity for our MSSD14 community. We currently have 14 yard signs available to place in yards outside our district. These signs serve as a visible representation of our commitment to excellence in education. If you are interested in placing a sign in your yard, please email Allison Scott at ascott@mssd14.org. Your involvement will significantly contribute to spreading the word about our district and attracting potential families.
Social Media Links
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: @manitouspringsmses
Ute Pass Elementary School: @upesponies
Manitou Springs Middle School: @manitouspringsmiddleschool
Manitou Springs High School: @manitouspringshighschool
Athletics & Activities: @mssd14athleticsactivities