September 2024

The school year is off to a fantastic start, and we want to thank you for making sure your kids are arriving on time. Consistent attendance is key to their success, and we truly appreciate your commitment to helping them make the most of each school day!

As we settle back into the school routine, it's essential to keep safety at the forefront. Please remember to observe the 10 mph speed limit on school grounds and stay vigilant around school buses. When a school bus has its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, passing is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Stopping is non-negotiable—our children’s lives depend on it. Just a moment of distraction or impatience can lead to tragic consequences. Let’s all commit to following these rules and keeping our community safe.

Homecoming Week is just around the corner, from September 23-27! We invite you to join us in celebrating our school spirit and community. Don't miss the afternoon parade on September 27, followed by the Homecoming game that evening at 7:00 pm.

In our last Board of Education meeting, the board approved renaming the football field to George Rykovich Stadium. We will honor this change with a dedication ceremony during the October 11th home football game. More details will be shared soon, and we hope to see you all there!

Sincerely,

• Wednesday, September 11 - Late Start Wednesday (2-hour delay)
• Wednesday, September 11 - Community Coffee & Talk with Superintendent Dorsey at Adam's Mountain Cafe in Manitou Springs (8-9 am)
• Friday, September 20 - Staff Work Day (no students)
• Monday, September 23-Friday, September 27 - Homecoming Week
• Friday, September 27 - Homecoming Parade
  
• Thursday, September 26 - District Accountability Committee Meeting (9-11 am)
  
• Wednesday, October 2 - Late Start Wednesday (2-hour delay)
• Saturday, October 5 - Mustang 5K (8 am)
• Friday, October 11 - George Rykovich Stadium dedication
  
• Thursday, October 17 - Staff Work Day (no students)
• Thursday, October 17 - District Accountability Committee Meeting (9-11 am)
• Friday, October 18 - Fall Break (Schools and District Office closed)
• Thursday, October 24 - Conferences (early dismissal)
• Friday, October 25 - Conferences (no school)

Board of Education Meetings

• Thursday, September 5 - Work Session (5 pm)
• Monday, September 16 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)
• Thursday, October 3 - Work Session (5 pm)
• Thursday, October 17 - Regular Meeting (5:30 pm)

Join us for coffee with Superintendent Dorsey on Wednesday, September 11 from 8:00-9:00 a.m. at Adam's Mountain Cafe (26 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829). Come chat with our superintendent about anything on your mind. Your voice matters! See you there!

Kindergarteners at Manitou Springs Elementary are off to a great start this year! As part of our Tier 1 expectations, each classroom creates a social contract outlining how students and teachers wish to treat one another. In Ms. Hammel’s class, students developed their social contract and celebrated by making beaded bracelets. Each bracelet features different colored beads representing core values: helpfulness, kindness, respect, sharing, and playing fair. These bracelets serve as a colorful reminder of the values guiding their classroom community.

At Ute Pass Elementary's Mountain Academy, 6th graders are honing essential skills through team-building challenges. These activities emphasize the importance of effective communication and collaboration, laying the groundwork for strong relationships and future successes.

On August 19th, Manitou Springs Middle School student leaders joined the Manitou Kiwanis Club to speak about their student leadership class and how they are making a positive impact at MSMS. Izzy, Sophia, Lily, Theo, and Ella spoke about their Sources of Strength program, new student orientation, upcoming Manitou 5K race, school spirit initiatives, and work that they are doing to create a positive school culture.

The Back to School Spirit Assembly at MSHS was a fantastic kickoff to the year, with students and staff showing their school spirit through a colorful display. This fun event not only celebrated our collective spirit but also set a positive tone for a year filled with collaboration and growth. Students came together and sang the school song. It was a great way to end the assembly!

The Transportation Department aims to keep bus routes consistent for the upcoming school year. While additional stops may be added to accommodate new students, the overall route paths will remain unchanged.

Currently, the department is working with EDULOG, the transportation app, to finalize routes based on student locations. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.

For more information, visit the Transportation page on our website.

• Flexible Hours - 4 hours a day with the opportunity for additional hours
• District will pay for you to go to school for your School Bus Endorsement
• Summers and holidays off
• 10 Annual/Sick days per year
• Health and retirement benefits
• Opportunity to make a difference

• Safely transport students to and from school and school-related activities.
• Ensure the safety of all passengers by adhering to traffic laws and school district policies.
• Perform routine checks on the bus and report any maintenance issues.
• Maintain a clean and orderly bus interior.
• Foster a positive and respectful environment for students.

Requirements:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a School Bus Endorsement (or willingness to obtain).
• Clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and physical examination.
• Strong commitment to safety and student welfare.
• Availability for field trips, activities, and athletic events.

Apply Now:
Route/Activities Bus Driver:
https://www.applitrack.com/ManitouSprings14/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?AppliTrackJobId=201&FromAdmin=True

Why Work With Us?

• 12 Annual/Sick and 10 Vacation days per year
• Paid holidays
• Health and retirement benefits
• Supportive work environment
• Opportunities for growth and development

Job Responsibilities:

• Maintain the cleanliness and safety of school buildings and grounds.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks, including minor repairs, painting, and general upkeep.
• Assist with landscaping duties, such as mowing, trimming, and snow removal.
• Ensure that all areas are safe and ready for student and staff use.
• Support the set up and tear down of events and activities as needed.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Experience in custodial work, maintenance, or related field preferred.
• Ability to operate basic maintenance tools and equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work daytime and evening shifts as needed.

Apply Now:
Buildings and Grounds:
https://www.applitrack.com/ManitouSprings14/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Maintenance%2fCustodial

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 excited to announce the 1st Annual Manitou 5K Run and Walk, taking place on Saturday, October 5th! This community race was envisioned by a dedicated Manitou Springs Middle School parent on our District Accountability Committee to strengthen the partnership between the city, local businesses, and our school district. We hope to see many students (K-12), parents, and community members at the race.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, October 5
• Location: Starts and ends at Fields Park
• Time: 8 am - 10 am
• Cost: $38 for ages 15+ | $22 for ages 18 and under
• Inclusions: Free t-shirt designed by Manitou students
• Timing: Chip Timed by CCR Timing

All proceeds from the event will benefit Manitou Springs School District. It's a wonderful opportunity to get active, have fun, and support our schools.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/manitou5k.

Registration for the 1st Annual Manitou 5K is off to a fantastic start! We're making strides towards our $10,000 goal, but we need your help to reach it. Sign up today and join the fun—invite your family, friends, and neighbors to participate!

Choice enrollment remains open until at least September 30th (October Count) for the following grades: PK-3rd at Manitou Springs Elementary, PK-2nd at Ute Pass Elementary, and 6th grade at Manitou Springs Middle School. Individuals interested in exploring educational options within our district can visit our enrollment page at www.mssd14.org for detailed information on the enrollment process and to submit an application.

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