MSES Mustang Tales

One of the things that makes Manitou Springs Elementary special is the opportunity for our students to learn beyond the pages of a textbook. Whether they are exploring a science question, working together to solve a challenging math problem, creating alongside a local artist, or learning from the community around them, our students have opportunities to make connections between what they learn and the world they live in.

Being a small-town school gives us something special: a community that can become an extension of our classrooms. These experiences build curiosity, confidence, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Family Math Games: Building Strong Foundations

A big thank-you to our Parent Action Committee (PAC) for supporting family math games and providing manipulatives for classroom use. These resources give students opportunities to explore mathematical concepts, build number sense, and strengthen foundational numeracy skills through hands-on learning. When students can see, touch, and work with mathematical concepts, they have more ways to develop understanding and explain their thinking.

Third Grade Community Brochure Project: Learning with a Purpose

After studying about Communities, third graders will create a brochure about OUR Community: Manitou Springs! They will have 6 panels to complete as parts of a giant brochure. Students will do research about their community and use The Write Tools writing process to brainstorm, plan, draft, and publish their work.

Additionally, we plan to include field trips to the Manitou Heritage Museum and City Hall. The City Council has invited any of our families to attend their November 17th meeting at 6:00 pm where several of our students may be able to present their brochures to the public.

Here’s to celebrating our wonderful larger community around our Manitou Springs Elementary Community!

Second Grade Elections: Learning About Voice and Choice

In October, our second graders are bringing learning to life through their own classroom election! Connected to the Benchmark ELA curriculum and the upcoming elections, students are learning about the election process and the importance of having a voice. After writing opinion pieces about their snack preferences—sweet treats like chocolate or savory favorites like Lay’s potato chips—students will cast their votes on Election Day and see the results of their classroom election.

To deepen their understanding on Election Day, students will learn from Dr. Elizabeth Coggins, a Colorado College political science professor and our election judge, who will share insights about how elections work. This experience brings together opinion writing, civic learning, and student voice in a meaningful, hands-on way.

We are grateful to the families, staff, and community partners who help make these opportunities possible. Together, we are cultivating and celebrating every kind of mind.

And lastly, Amy Bradbury, our TEAMS teacher, will be leaving MSES November 21st after many years of dedicated service to our students and school community. She has developed and expanded a robust science and STEM program, creating hands-on, project-based learning experiences that spark curiosity and deepen students’ understanding. Her work has been an important part of what makes MSES special, and we are grateful for the time, creativity, and energy she has invested in our students. Donna Knox will be subbing in the position until a replacement can be found, helping provide continuity for our students during this transition.

Carolyn Leyes
Principal

719-685-2145; cleyes@mssd14.org

Jenny Sueppel

Assistant Principal

729-685-2153; jsiueppel@mssd14.org

Colorado Springs Utilities will be doing work on gas lines starting on 11/4 and continuing through the month. As of now, they are anticipating that Duclo Ave will be fully closed for one day towards the beginning of the project and again for one day towards the end of the project. They will limit the closure to between 8:00am and 2:30pm, ensuring that buses will not be affected. This closure will affect parents who park on Duclo during school hours.

I was first drawn to education as my daughter's girl scout leader: listening to the girls, teaching them about nature, helping them to appreciate new experiences, and watching their joy and wonder as they grew and explored different activities. The incredible students, their families, supportive staff, and overall feeling of community makes MSES the perfect place for me.

I still get goose bumps when I can help students reach that 'light bulb' moment, when they learn to do something new that they had been struggling with on their own. This empowers them to see themselves as successful learners in others areas as well.

We have had a busy and exciting start to our time together in art.

Our current 1st and 5th graders just enjoyed our fourth annual Manitou Monster Project Gallery Night on October 2nd. Please come and enjoy looking at our amazing collaboration, which will be on display through mid-November in the Art Atrium at MSES.

Artists K-5 are warming up for art class each day by doing "Art Starts" in their individual sketchbooks. Last week we drew apples and shake cups utilizing our knowledge of the art elements of design

Students are also begin utilizing their online art portfolios with Artsonia. If you would like to participate in sharing, viewing, and adding artwork to your child's portfolio, you may join by scanning the QR Code on the attached Artsonia flyer below.

K-5 students are enjoying the new Piano lab! In addition to getting hands on keyboards, students are practicing drawing music notation, playing boomwhackers, playing music games, and getting ready to dive into our Winter Showcase music! 4th and 5th graders have been working hard on the Veteran's Day concert which will be on November 11th, 9:30-10:30am in the District Auditorium!

Our students have been bringing fantastic energy and enthusiasm to PE class! Throughout our soccer, volleyball, and physical fitness units, students from Kindergarten through 5th grade are building strong motor skills, improving personal fitness, and learning the values of teamwork and good sportsmanship.

PE Safety & Shoe Reminder: To ensure every child can move comfortably, build confidence, and participate safely in all movement activities, please ensure your student wears supportive footwear on PE days. Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

2nd and 3rd Grade!

Second graders are exploring interdependent relationships in nature. Students are researching animals, habitats, and how living things depend on one another to survive. They will use what they have learned to design and create their own habitat, showing their understanding through a hands-on project!

Third graders are learning about Colorado life zones, including prairies, foothills, montane, subalpine, alpine, and riparian zones. Students are researching facts about each zone and will choose one that interests them to create a project to display and share their learning!

On October 1 & 2 fifth grade went to Camp Shadybrook! The two days were filled with hiking, learning about forest fire ecology, stream health, night animals, our eyes at night, kayaking, rock climbing, hatchet throwing, and more! This was a time of strengthening our relationships with peers, gaining some independence, and getting to know our teachers better! Students enjoy the great outdoors, learn, eat yummy food, and sleep in big lodges! Camp is always a highlight of the year! For any upcoming 5th grader next year, camp is already scheduled for 9/30 & 10/1!

Each spring, Manitou Springs kindergartners dream up wild and wonderful monsters through their own drawings. Over the summer, local artists reimagine those monsters in their favorite styles and mediums, from painting and sculpture to digital art and beyond.

Displayed side-by-side, the student drawings and artist creations highlight the magic of imagination, creativity, and collaboration between young and adult artists in our community.

Our 3rd annual Manitou 5K was a great success! This year, funding went towards math manipulatives for every single student at MSES. This hands on learning really brings math to light in ways that make our youngest students grasp concepts that could be challenging. Thanks to everyone that came out to support this community event!

THANK YOU for making this year’s Maniboo Carnival a smashing success!

Our amazing MSES community came together for an evening full of fun, laughter, and memories! From playing games and dancing to face painting, crafts, pie throwing, and enjoying lots of yummy food, students, parents, and staff had an absolute blast!

It’s no wonder Maniboo Carnival is a favorite tradition that keeps kids coming back—even long after they’ve graduated from MSES!

A huge thank-you to everyone who helped make this special day possible. We couldn’t do it without you!

Until next year, Maniboo!

Our 13th Annual Pumpkin Drop was a smashing success! This much-loved, super-fun event is always a favorite, but it’s also a fantastic hands-on opportunity to explore the wonders of science.

As pumpkins took their plunge, students learned about gravity, mass, and the science behind falling objects. Along the way, they were challenged with some fun and thought-provoking questions:

• Are pumpkins always the same color?
• Will all pumpkins fall at the same rate of speed?
• Is a pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable?
• Do pumpkins grow on vines or trees?
• Are pumpkins ever flowers?

From making predictions to discovering surprising facts, students had the opportunity to ask questions, think critically, and learn through experience. Who knew pumpkins could teach us so much?

A big thank-you to everyone who helped make this annual tradition such a smashing success. We’re already looking forward to next year's drop!

Staff and students alike got into the Halloween spirit, showing off their most creative and festive costumes! The day was filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of Halloween excitement, all capped off by our traditional Costume Parade. This special event gives students the opportunity to admire one another’s costumes, exchange high-fives, celebrate each other’s creativity, and enjoy the excitement of being together. After the parade, everyone headed back to their classrooms for festive Halloween parties. What a wonderful day of fun and community!

Ever wonder what our Parent Action Committee (PAC) actually does? Our amazing group of parent volunteers plays a big role in supporting our school and strengthening our school community!

Just this past month, PAC hosted our annual Halloween carnival, Maniboo! The time and effort that go into planning this special event are a wonderful testament to how invested our parents are in creating a fun, welcoming school culture.

But that’s not all! PAC has also:

• Supported student learning by purchasing math manipulatives for every student in every classroom.
• Raised over $4,000 through a Domino’s fundraiser! These funds go directly toward classroom grants that benefit our students and teachers.
• Helped make school events a success by volunteering to set up our fall book fair and assisting with fall picture day.

We are so grateful for the time, energy, and generosity our PAC families contribute to making our school such a special place!

Want to get involved? We would love to see you at our next PAC meeting on November 3 from 8:30–9:30 a.m. Come learn more, share your ideas, and discover how you can make a difference in our school community. Everyone is welcome!

We hope to see you there!

With the support of our amazing PAC team and our wonderful paraprofessionals, students brought home a Math Fact Bingo game in their Thursday folders during the last week of October!

We encourage families to play together at home, practice math facts, and build math fluency in a fun and engaging way. It’s a great opportunity to learn, laugh, and spend quality time together!

And there’s a fun incentive! The PAC will treat the class with the highest participation to a pizza party!

Happy playing, and may the best class win!

Join us for a Thanksgiving-themed Fitness Friday on Friday, November 6, from 7:30–7:55 AM!

• Walking School Bus meets at Memorial Park at 7:25 AM to walk to school together!
• Extra playground equipment will be available, and our fifth grade STANG Leaders will lead a fun game of tag in the gym!
• FREE breakfast for everyone who attends!

Come move, play, and kick off your Friday with us!

This is a friendly reminder that all students must have documentation of required immunizations, a valid exemption, or an in-process immunization plan on file with the school.

Please send updated immunization records from your healthcare provider to your school's health tech/nurse or front office. If you choose an exemption, information and forms are available through the school or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

If you've already submitted the necessary paperwork, thank you, no further action is needed!

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your school's health tech or district nurse.

We appreciate your help keeping our school community healthy and safe!

Know a family that is looking for a great elementary school? Send them our way (link)!

11/3 PAC Meeting 8:30-9:30

11/4 Late Start

11/6 Fitness Friday

11/11 Veteran’s Day Concert 9:30-10:30

11/13 Touch the Truck 3:00-3:45

11/16 4th Grade Field Trip to History Colorado Center 8:10-1:30

11/17 PAC Meeting 8:30-9:30

11/17 Texas Road House Fundraiser on 8th street 5:00-8:00

11/18 Late Start

11/20 Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast 1:35-2:15

11/23-11/27 Thanksgiving Break

12/1 SAC Meeting 8:00-8:30

12/1 PAC Meeting 8:30-9:30

12/4 Fitness Friday

12/9 Late Start

12/15 PAC Meeting 8:30-9:30

12/15 K-2 Winter Showcase 5:00-6:30

12/16 3-5 Winter Showcase 5:00-6:30

12/21-1/1 Winter Break

1/4-1/5 Staff Work Day/ PD

1/12 PAC Meeting 8:30-9:30

1/13 Late Start

1/18 MLK Day, District Closed

1/26 Coffee with the Principal 8:00-8:30

1/26 PAC Meeting 8:30-9:30

110 Pawnee Ave. Manitou Springs, CO 80829

(719) 685-2195

Manitou Springs School District is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities.

We recognize that accessibility is an ongoing effort, and we are dedicated to identifying and addressing areas for improvement. If you encounter any accessibility barriers while using our online resources or have suggestions on how we can enhance accessibility, please contact Cat Olimb at colimb@mssd14.org or 719-685-2012.