February 2024
Straight From the Superintendent
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.
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.
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.
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.*
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.
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.
