Manitou Springs Middle School
Dec 1st, 2023
Dear Families,
I want to shout out our fantastic music programs at Manitou Springs Middle School. Students in our band, choir, and orchestra programs have been working hard all semester to prepare for next week's concerts. Thank you Mr. Weimer and Ms. Steen for your outstanding teaching and leadership of these students!
Additionally, I want to shout out all of the players in our boy's basketball program for a fantastic season! The A Team is in the championship game this afternoon, at Vanguard, at 4:00 PM. We hope to have a lot of fans show up to support our team.
Next week is a regular school week with a Late Start Wednesday. We will continue to engage in the best teaching and learning leading up to Winter Break. Let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or celebrations.
Sincerely,
Dustin Cady
Principal
719-685-2099
Calendar Updates 🗓
Calendar Dates
December 1st - Boys Basketball A Team Championship Game, Manitou @ Vanguard, 4:00 PM
December 4th - Girls Basketball Tryouts
December 6th - Late Start Wednesday, 10:05 School Start
December 12th - Orchestra Concert, 6:30 PM
December 13th - Band Concert, 6:30 PM
December 14th - Choir Concert, 6:30 PM
December 19th - Last Day of School, End of Quarter 2
January 8th - Students Return, Girls Basketball vs. Thomas MaClaren, 2nd Semester Report Cards Sent Home
January 10th - Late Start Wednesday, 10:05 School Start, Girls Basketball @ CSCS
January 15th - No School Monday, No Wednesday Late Start This Week
January 16th - Girls Basketball vs. RMCA
January 17th - Girls Basketball @ Peyton
January 24th - Late Start Wednesday, 10:05 School Start, Girls Basketball @ Banning Lewis
January 26th - Girls Basketball vs. Atlas Prep
January 27th - Girls Basketball vs. James Irwin
January 29th - Girls Basketball @ Monument Academy
January 31st - Girls Basketball vs. CSCA
February 2nd - Girls Basketball vs. Vanguard
February 5th - Wrestling Starts, Girls Basketball @ Ellicot
February 9th - Staff Work Day, No Students
Students of the week
Congrats to Walden, Nadia, JT and Lyric!
Lockdown Drill Information
Dear Parent(s) or Guardian(s),
The safety and welfare of our students and staff are our highest priority at Manitou Springs School District. On Monday, December 4th, Manitou Springs High School, Manitou Springs Middle School, and the SILC Building will practice a school wide lockdown drill. We practice safety drills throughout the year to help our staff and students know what to do in an emergency.
Our school has worked closely with local authorities to develop and implement safety procedures. These practice drills allow us to evaluate our emergency operation plans and improve our response skills.
Please talk with your child, if you deem it appropriate, about the upcoming drill. Our goal, while practicing important safety procedures, is to be sure all students feel safe.
Our school district uses the Standard Response Protocol for emergency protocols. Please watch this video for more information.
If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Janie Anderson, Director of Security: janderson@mssd14.org.
Sincerely,
Dustin Cady, MSMS Principal
Anna Conrad, MSHS Principal
Janie Anderson, Director of Security
Drop Off and Pick Up Procedure Reminder for MSHS/SILC area
As a reminder when dropping off your students in the morning, please drive all the way through the drop off lane to the next available spot after the crosswalk to drop off or picking up your student. Some problems that we are seeing:
Some parents are stopping as they turn left by the Mustang Plaza and students are getting out of the car running across the parking lot instead of using the crosswalk.
Some parents are stopping right before the crosswalk to let their students out and stopping in the crosswalk to let their students get out.
MSMS Sources of Strength
Our current MSMS Sources of Strength campaign focuses on the power of gratitude. At our last staff meeting Sources of Strength Peer Leaders from Mrs. Leskee & Mr. Bethke's Leadership Class came and presented to teachers & staff. They focused on Gratitude and how practicing daily gratitude boosts your own outlook and the outlook of those around you. You'll notice a display in the hallway soon that shows our work together. Shout out to the Leadership students who organized the presentation and came in early to present: Rhiley, Emma, Sophia, Felix & Izabella."
Advanced Art
Our 7th and 8th Advanced Art class has been busy creating and showcasing their work in art class. These students were tasked to create challenging art projects in a variety of mediums over the course of the semester. Rosemary (8th grade) and Emelia (7th Grade) have artwork pictured here, and have their displays set up to show off their creations. These two talented artists also feature their artist statements which explain their goals, process, and meaning behind their work. We would love for you to come and check out the amazing MSMS work on display in the SILC building.
Rosemary
Emelia
MSMS SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco)
Digital artwork at MSMS
Fitness Cafe
Manny comes to help!
Manny came to visit during drop off Friday morning, to support our 6-12 PAC holiday silent auction
MSMS FTC Robotics goes to the Gobble Squabble!
FTC teams 11561 and 24940 attend 3rd Annual MITEE Gobble Squabble, joining in celebration of technology, engineering & entrepreneurial projects.
Careers in construction
Students from Mr. Bethke's Career in Construction class are interviewed by a local news station about their experience in the class. The students attended the ribbon cutting for the Home Build project completion.
MSMS Girls Basketball 2023
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Just a reminder that Girls Basketball tryouts will be Monday 12/4/2023 and Tuesday 12/8/2023
at 3:30PM in the MSMS gym. Athletes need a pass to practice in order to try out. If you have
any questions, see the front office of the middle school for details. Please make sure athletes
come to tryouts with appropriate clothing and shoes in order to participate. Athletes need to
have athletic shoes and athletic clothing (preferably shorts and t-shirt). If athletes show up with
clothes that aren’t appropriate, they will be able to watch but may not participate.
Tryouts will include a variety of drills as well as some team play. We select teams based on
different factors including skill, work ethic, sportsmanship, and coachability. We also take grades
and behavior in school into account when selecting athletes for different teams. Teams are not
selected based on grade level.
A Team - Most competitive team that will compete for a championship. Playing time is not
guaranteed, but we do try to get people as much playing time as possible. We are trying to get
this team ready for the next level of play which is high school.
B Team - Very competitive team that plays for the best record in the league. This team also
doesn't have guaranteed equal playing time, but we do try to make it as equal as possible. The
goal for this team is to prepare them for the A team.
C Team - Competitive. Designed to teach skills and game concepts. This team will give as close
to equal playing time as possible. The goal for this team is to prepare them for the B team.
We will have a parent information meeting Friday 12/10/2021. The meeting will be in the
commons of the middle school at 5PM. Please join the SportsYou app beforehand if possible.
We will discuss expectations for this upcoming season and answer any questions you may
have.
As the season progresses, we will communicate basketball information through the SportsYou
app. The code to join MSMS Girls Basketball on he SportsYou app is 97V9YQAC. Athletes
may join but I would recommend parents/guardians joining as well. The season schedule will
also be posted on this app.
Coaches for this season:
- A Team
Cory Urban - B Team
Tim Barrette - C Team
How to Tell If Your Child Is Vaping
Order your yearbook today!
MS Choir Winter Concert
STEAM Night 2024
Manitou Springs Parking Enforcement
The City of Manitou Springs Parking Enforcement Unit recently painted the guardrail yellow on the north side of the street from Manitou Springs Middle School up to Manitou Springs High School with the intent of making this a no parking zone.
We explained to the Director of Parking Enforcement that we use that area for overflow parking for students during the school day as well as spectators for events held at Manitou Springs Middle School and Manitou Springs High School.
MSSD14 Security Director has been assured by the Director of Parking Enforcement that we will be allowed to continue to use this area as overflow parking and that there will be no citations issued to people parked in this area.
Homework got you stumped?
Parent Action Committee
MSSD14 Excused Absence Policy
Dear Families and Students,
The staff in Manitou Springs School District are excited to welcome you to a new school year filled with opportunities to learn and engage!
In the spring of 2023, the Manitou Springs Board of Education passed a new policy regarding excused absences. This policy will change how the district honors parental excusals.
We know that students who attend school do better academically and emotionally, and we will continue to support you in your student’s success. We also want to support our staff in reducing the load that chronic absences add to their plates. Please see your student’s handbook for further information.
Getting into the habit of daily attendance is more important than ever. It helps to:
- Reduce stress!
- Make it easier to connect with friends and teachers.
- Support learning.
Reaching you for support in attendance is more important than ever. It helps to:
- Make sure to call every time your child is absent or tardy.
- Please be sure we have your correct: address, phone number and email.
We are working to make our school environment a place where everyone can be safe, healthy, and learning. We will do our best to listen and partner with you so that our children have a successful year. Do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Kolleen Johnson
Manitou Middle School Parent & Student Guide
Please review our Student & Parent Guide for important school policies and procedures. It is located on our school website under the Parents/Students tab. Here is a link to the document:
Middle School Scholarships
Did you know that scholarships are available for all grade levels? There are scholarships that you can apply for in middle school. Check out this website: Scholarships for Middle School Students
Employment Opportunities
Community Events
17th Annual Educating Children of Color Summit
Registration is now open for the 17th Annual Educating Children of Color Summit to be held at Colorado College on 1-13-24. The Summit theme is Everybody Welcome-the Life and Legacy of Fannie Mae Duncan. There are more than 30 breakout sessions for adults and 45 for youth.
The Summit is free for students, college students and parents. The cost for professionals is $35. ECOC is trying WHOVA as the registration platform for the first time. Please register and spread the word! https://www.educatingchildrenofcolor.org/ecoc-summit-registration
We will be awarding $91,000 in scholarships at the Summit! Scholarship applications are also being accepted. You must attend the Summit to win a scholarship.
Paws to Read at Manitou Springs Library
Junior Advisory Board
District Wellness Events
Mustang Tech Tips, It's joyful and triumphant
Tech-Savvy Holiday Tips: Navigating the Festive Season with Ease
The holiday season is upon us, and while we're busy spreading cheer and spending time with loved ones, it's essential to keep our tech game strong. From capturing memorable moments to ensuring smooth virtual celebrations, here are some tech tips to help you make the most of the festive season.
- Backup Before the Festivities Begin:
Before you start snapping those holiday photos and videos, take a moment to ensure your devices are backed up. Use cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud to safeguard your memories in case of unexpected mishaps. This way, you won't lose any precious moments captured during the holiday festivities.
- Secure Your Virtual Celebrations:
If you're planning virtual gatherings with friends and family, prioritize online security. Use platforms with robust encryption, create unique meeting IDs and passwords, and avoid sharing sensitive information during virtual celebrations. It's the season of joy, not the time for unwanted virtual guests!
- Keep Devices Charged for the Long Haul:
The last thing you want during holiday travels or gatherings is a dead phone or tablet. Make sure to charge your devices fully before heading out, and consider investing in a portable charger or power bank to stay connected throughout the day. A charged device is a festive device!
- Set Up a Tech-Free Zone:
While technology enhances our celebrations, it's essential to balance it with quality time. Designate a tech-free zone or time during holiday gatherings to encourage face-to-face interactions and meaningful connections. It's a great way to embrace the true spirit of the season.
- Create a Digital Wish List:
Make gift-giving easier for your loved ones by creating a digital wish list. Use apps or online platforms that allow you to curate and share your desired items. This not only takes the guesswork out of gifting but also ensures you receive something you genuinely want and need.
- Explore Virtual Reality (VR) for Festive Fun:
If you're missing out on in-person celebrations, consider using virtual reality to bridge the gap. VR platforms offer immersive experiences that can make you feel closer to your loved ones, even if you're miles apart. Explore virtual holiday parties or events to add a unique twist to your celebrations.
- Mindful Social Media Use:
While it's tempting to share every moment of the season on social media, practice mindful use. Take breaks from constant posting to fully enjoy the present moment. Remember, the best memories are often made when we're fully present with our friends and family.
This holiday season, let technology enhance rather than detract from your festive experience. Whether you're virtually connecting with loved ones or capturing precious moments, these tech tips will help you navigate the season with ease. Wishing you a joyous and tech-savvy holiday season!