Mustang Tales
August 26, 2022 Vol 3. Issue 41
Message from Principal Masone
Dear Families:
What a terrific week we have had at MSES this week. We have had so much fun learning about one another and about our school. Third grade learned all about cartography while kindergartners tracked down the gingerbread man as they explored our century old building.
We are thrilled to hold our PAC (Parent Action Committee) meeting in person. This meeting is an opportunity to meet other parents and learn how you can support events and activities at MSES. Our first meeting will be held Wednesday, August 31st, at 10:15am in the MSES Commons. Join us!
We will host an Open House September 15th, 5pm-6pm. This will be an opportunity for you to visit your child's classroom and hear more about your child's day. We will begin in the auditorium promptly at 5:00pm.
Safety is a priority at MSES. Anytime you enter the building, please be prepared to provide your identification. We will issue a name tag immediately for all adults after scanning your driver's license. Even if you are a returning adult, we will ask you every time for your identification so that you can obtain a visitor name tag. If an MSES staff member sees you without a visitor badge, they will redirect you back to the front office to check in. Thank you for your understanding as we keep your children safe.
Next Wednesday, August 31th, is our first Late Start Wednesday. All grades except for preschool begin at 10:00am; preschool does not participate in Late Start Wednesdays. Bus services run at their current time and exactly two hours later for a 10:00am arrival time.
Homecoming is a special event in Manitou Springs. Leading up to homecoming and during homecoming, we wear our school colors, green and gold. If you want Manitou Springs spirit wear, please see our online store below.
Check out the cool pictures below from our first week of school!
Warmly,
Maria
Important Dates
- Aug 29: Preschool Open House
- Aug 31: First Day for Preschool
- Aug 31: Parent Action Committee meeting - 10:15am
- Aug 31: Late Start/2 Hour Delay (school starts at 10:00am for K-5)
- Sep 5: No School: Labor Day
- Sep 14: Late Start/2 Hour Delay (school starts at 10:00am for K-5)
- Sept 15: Open House, 5-6pm, grades 1-5
- Sep 21: Late Start/2 Hour Delay (school starts at 10:00am for K-5)
- Sep 23-24: 5th Grade Camp Shady Brook trip!
- Sep 28: Late Start/2 Hour Delay (school starts at 10:00am for K-5)
- Sep 30: Homecoming Parade 1:00pm
MSES in Pictures
Counselor's Corner
Hello Mustang Families,
I’m so excited to be with students and continue to develop our social-emotional skills together. In my role as the school counselor I am responsible for supporting students and families throughout their education here at MSES. Counselors are an integral part of academic achievement addressing the student as a whole person with various supports in their academic, social-emotional, and career goals.
The MSES counseling program implements individual counseling services, needs based group counseling, classroom social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons, community mental health referrals, and resources for parents and staff.
Much like last year, students in first through fifth grade will receive SEL lessons from the SecondStep Digital Curriculum every other week in their classrooms with the School Counselor, Ms. Root. Topics covered in this curriculum include: growth mindset, emotion management, empathy, kindness, bullying and problem solving. Additionally, supplementary lessons on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and career exploration are taught as well. First, second and third grade will begin the year learning about emotion management while fourth and fifth graders begin with the bullying unit. To see the full scope and sequence of the SecondStep Digital Curriculum visit www.secondstep.org.
Please reach out to me anytime by email, aroot@mssd14.org, or phone, (719) 685-2160, with any concerns or questions this year. I look forward to connecting with you!
Ashley Root, MA, LPCC
School Counselor
Manitou Springs Elementary School.
CMAS State Testing
- Our school's percentage of students who have met or exceeded expectations in reading has increased over the last three years, even with the pandemic!
- Our reading scores surpassed the state's average in all grade levels assessed, more than 10%!
- We have made some impactful changes at MSES that support this growth. We have implemented language rich engagement strategies along with Write Tools writing strategies. We have added an instructional coach, a thoughtful intervention model, while our talented group of educators remain committed to educating the whole child. Watch us grow!
- Review our CMAS scores here.
IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE
Hello to all of you who transport kids to and from school!
Please remember to be a kind driver. The speed limits are lower in school zones so we can keep our small friends safe. I realize that pickups and dropoffs are hectic, but there is nothing more important than the wellbeing of the students. Our security team, in partnership with the Manitou Springs Police Department, will be working to monitor school zones, cross walks, and intersections near the school. We are personally asking for your help to drive slowly, be patient, and be extra aware of pedestrians. Safety is everyone's responsibility.
Thank you!
Officer Strider
School Resource Officer,
Janie Anderson
Director of Safety and Security
Meet Our New Security Guard!
MSES Spirit Wear Store is LIVE!
MSES Employment Opportunities
Lunch Menus
Wichita Parking Lot Open 7:30am-8:05am
Late Start Wednesdays
This upcoming school year we will offer childcare support on Late Start Wednesdays for families in need. Due to limited resources and staff, this will be available only to those that cannot find alternative childcare options. If you require childcare on Late Start Wednesdays, please complete this form as childcare does require administrative approval.
Late Start Wednesdays:
August 31
September 14
September 21
September 28
October 5
October 26
November 2
November 9
November 16
December 7
District Calendar 2022-2023
MSES Preschool Info:
The Manitou Springs Preschool Program is now accepting applications for children between the ages of 3-5 years old who reside in Manitou Springs. Our program's foundation is built on relationships and social emotional development through play. We are an inclusive program that serves all students and have tuition-free options. You can apply on the district website.
Strong relationships build healthy brains ready for deep learning.
Champions After School Childcare
Partners for Healthy Choices
Parent Action Committee
Manitou Springs Elementary School
Maria Masone, Principal
Jennifer Sueppel, Assistant Principal
Email: mmasone@mssd14.org
Website: mse.mssd14.org
Location: 110 Pawnee Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO, USA
Phone: 719-685-2195
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Manitou-Springs-Elementary-212896538758987/