Mustang Monthly | April 2023

Good things are happening in all our schools! See these highlights and more on the Manitou Springs School District 14 Facebook and Instagram feeds.

Manitou Springs Elementary School

Science Fair

Fifth-grade students got to show off the projects they’ve been working on for months at the school’s annual science fair.

See this week's MSES newsletter.

Ute Pass

Elementary School

Habitat Displays

Second-grade students synthesized their research and learning on different habitats by creating displays to show what they learned.

See this week's UPES newsletter.

Manitou Springs

Middle School

Honor Roll Celebration

MSMS had its third-quarter honor roll celebration, which included ice cream sundaes! Students got to decorate Principal Cady with all of the sundae fixings.

See this week's MSMS newsletter.

Manitou Springs

High School

West Point Leadership

and Ethics Program

Five of our juniors attended the West Point Leadership and Ethics program this week. It's designed for students who are emerging leaders among their peers.

See this week's MSHS newsletter.

Mr. McMartin’s Message:

Until the board of education selects the district’s next superintendent, Assistant Superintendent Eric McMartin will serve as interim superintendent. Mr. McMartin provides important updates for Manitou stakeholders in this video message.

Watch the video

High School Assistant Principal

Jessie Nunley, who is currently serving as the interim assistant principal, was selected to be the next assistant principal of Manitou Springs High School, starting with the 2023-2024 school year.

Superintendent Finalists

Meet and Greet

The Manitou Springs Community will have a chance to meet the four finalists to be the district’s next superintendent at a meet-and-greet event on Thursday, April 20 at 6 p.m. in the Manitou Springs High School small gym (401 El Monte Place, Manitou Springs). The four finalists will interview with stakeholder committees and the Board of Education on Friday, April 21, 2023.

Learn more about the candidates.

World Language and Culture Night

The 9th annual district World Language and Culture Night is on May 5 from 5-8 p.m. at MSHS. This year’s theme is Architecture Around the World and will feature student projects, presentations and performances.

Strategic Vision Task Force Update

During the third Strategic Vision Task Force Meeting on April 5, the team provided feedback on drafts of the graduate and educator profiles as well as the district’s mission, vision and values, created using input from the entire team. The facilitators from the Colorado Education Initiative will use this feedback to revise the drafts to bring back to the group at its final meeting April 19, then the task force will present the work to the Board of Education for consideration and possible adoption.

Mustang Way Connector Trail Volunteers

Come join us from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on May 6 to work on the Mustang Way Connector Trail! Help build a much needed trail connecting the high school with the Intemann Trail. Work includes using standard trail-building hand tools (no power tools), lifting and carrying large rocks with a team, cutting branches, removing roots, walking and working in areas with no trail and sometimes a steep cross slope. Meet by the high school track and bring water, lunch, sunscreen, hiking shoes, clothing for weather, and readiness to enjoy the day. Middle school students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Choice Enrollment

Our classrooms are filling up, so enroll now for the 2023-2024 school year! Enrollment is open now for both residents and choice students from surrounding communities.

Manitou Springs High School Front Office

The MSHS front office had multiple unused spaces that triggered a project to create an updated staff lounge and conference room. By eliminating a hallway that sat between the two rooms, we were able to grow both spaces. We were also able to demo both ends of the conference room and grow it further. This project presented many challenges, from moving load bearing walls, installing new plumbing for the staff room, and adding electric features to accommodate both spaces. These rooms are ADA compliant.

At this point we have passed all three inspections, the cabinets are installed and the countertop is ordered. We are pushing hard to the finish line, and we are hopeful that the staff lounge can be used before the end of the school year.

Six district employees have been nominated for special recognition of the many contributions they make to the education of our students: Brandon DeMatto, Miles Groth, Reginald Hass, Amanda Kerrigan, Mat Krutka, and Lynda Strickland.

They will be honored at a recognition dinner on Tuesday, April 18 at the Manitou Springs Elementary School commons, beginning at 5 p.m.