Straight from the Superintendent
Dear Manitou Springs Staff and Families,
I have fielded a few inquiries regarding how we will handle a scenario in which ICE agents visit our district. Please know that Manitou Springs School District is committed to ensuring a safe environment where every student can learn and be safe. We believe every student, regardless of immigration status, is entitled to a free public education. Importantly, a student’s immigration status remains confidential and is protected under federal laws, including FERPA.
Our protocols safeguard student records rigorously. Records will only be shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when legally mandated by a judicial order, and parents or guardians will be notified unless a court order prohibits disclosure. ICE agents are not permitted to enter our buildings without a valid judicial warrant signed by a federal judge, and students will only be released to individuals authorized in writing by their parents or guardians.
Our administrators and security personnel are establishing procedures for handling any immigration-related inquiries. These steps will include verifying the legality of requests and involving the appropriate District leadership. We will approach these matters with the same care as we do when coordinating with local law enforcement, ensuring our students’ safety.
Thank you for your trust as we work together to maintain a secure environment for all learners.
Sincerely,
Superintendent of Schools
Manitou Springs School District 14
Manitou Springs Middle School
MSMS leadership students successfully completed a school-wide gratitude campaign as part of their Sources of Strength program at the end of January! Together, students and staff shared heartfelt notes of gratitude, which came together to form a beautiful mural featuring the message: "A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats – Waves of Gratitude." Thank you for fostering a positive and uplifting school climate!
Manitou Springs High School
MSHS highlighted more than 70 students that received positive office referrals, nominated by staff for Quarter 2! These students are shining examples of what it means to truly embody their core values of Relationships, Deep Learning, and Opportunity. What a great way to recognize students for doing the right thing. Keep up the good work, students!
Ute Pass Elementary School
Did you know that Ute Pass offers 6 different after school classes? Classes started last week and will run for 12 weeks. They include Origami, Bracelet Making, learning Japanese, a Nature Club, a course to improve coordination and confidence and Cookie Monsters, a class utilizing math and reading skills to bake a variety of cookies. What a great opportunity for our students!
Manitou Springs Elementary School
MSES fifth graders went to the Pikes Peak Center to watch the Olympic themed Philharmonic concert. Ms. Kara Winger - FOUR time Olympic Athlete and Javelin Thrower - was the emcee. She talked about the values it takes to not only be an Olympian, but how those values apply across all areas of our life! Students all came home with 2 free tickets to the Philharmonic AND the Olympic Museum!
Experience the Manitou Advantage
Spread the word about the incredible opportunities at Manitou Springs School District! The Choice Window is open. If you know a family that is looking for their next school, be sure to tell them about our strong relationships, enriching programs, and our close-knit community! Whether they're a new family or looking for a change, now is the time to join a district where students thrive, are academically challenged and where they can make lasting connections.
For more information, visit the "Enrollment" section on our website.
Z Pass Bus Program
We are excited to announce that our district has implemented the Z Pass program for all regular bus routes. This innovative system is designed to enhance student safety and improve our transportation tracking capabilities.
The Z Pass program allows students to scan their badges when boarding and exiting from school buses. This will enable our schools to monitor student movements more effectively.
If you have any questions or concerns about the Z Pass program, please feel free to reach out to Dale Fuchs, Manitou Springs School District Transportation Director at dfuchs@mssd14.org or 719-685-2231.
Thank you for your support as we implement this important initiative to enhance our students' safety.
Interested in working at MSSD14?
Do you know someone ready to make a difference in a positive learning environment? We are looking for individuals focused on students, people and organizational success. Explore our employment opportunities on our website or contact our Human Resources Specialist, Erika Warren, at ewarren@mssd14.org for more information.
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
