Manitou Springs Middle School
Dec 19, 2023
Dear Families,
The middle school staff has many reasons to be thankful. Our students are wonderful, and we get to teach and learn in the most beautiful setting. Teachers are proud of our students' hard work and all of the learning that has taken place this semester. We look forward to having more fun and living out our core values of Relationships, Opportunity, and Deep learning in 2024. Students, we can't wait to see you again on Monday, January 8th! On behalf of all staff, we wish your family a happy Winter Break.
Sincerely,
Dustin Cady
Principal
719-685-2099
Calendar Updates 🗓
Calendar Dates
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
MSMS Food Celebration
MSMS Spanish students finished the semester with a food celebration on Monday. Thank you to all students and families who made and brought food to share.
Orchestra Rehearsal in Middle School Lobby
7th Grade Life Science
In 7th grade Life Science students are studying the Great Plains Ecosystem. Today, they are applying their expertise and knowledge from earlier in the semester by organizing component cards into trophic levels and energy pyramids. Students will then do research on species to add to the deck for a better overall view of how our beautiful home ecosystem works.
Info Night!
MSMS Breakfast Procedure
All students have access to free breakfast this school year. Starting 2nd semester, the following procedures will be followed by students and staff for morning breakfast routine:
7:45 a.m. - Exterior Commons door will be opened for those coming in to eat. If students are not eating, they are expected to wait outside at their grade level doors.
8:00 a.m. - Exterior Commons & the food line doors will be shut. Breakfast service ends and students make their way to their exterior grade level doors.
8:05 a.m. - Students will be expected to be in class, having completed their breakfast. No breakfast food shall be eaten in class.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
MSMS Administration
Dangers of Hookahs
This week SWAT members continued to do morning announcements for staff and students. The messages relayed were about the dangers of using Hookahs and tobacco/nicotine use affecting athletic performance.
There is also a new resource available to help young people quit vaping. It is called "This is quitting".
"This is Quittin"g is a free and anonymous text messaging program from Truth Initiative designed to help young people quit vaping. The first-of-its-kind quit program incorporates messages from other young people like them who have attempted to, or successfully quit, e-cigarettes. Our messages show the real side of quitting, both the good and the bad, to help young people feel motivated, inspired and supported throughout their quitting process. We also send young people evidence-based tips and strategies to quit and stay quit. This is Quitting is tailored based on age (within 13 to 24 years old) and product usage to give teens and young adults appropriate recommendations about quitting.
How it works
To enroll in This is Quitting, teens and young adults text DITCHVAPE to 88709. The first messages they receive will ask for their age and product usage so that they are able to receive relevant messages. Users receive one age-appropriate message per day tailored to their enrollment date or quit date, which can be set and reset via text message.
Order your yearbook today!
Create a Student Ad!
Check out the QR code or pictures to go to the website!
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?
Thanks to our PAC for the sweet treats!!
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
Basketball Winter League
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.
Junior Advisory Board
District Wellness Events
Mustang Tech Tips, Tech the Halls!
Holiday Havoc: Unwrapping the Reasons Why Hackers Target Your Cyber Cheer
As we embrace the festive spirit during the holiday season, it's crucial to acknowledge that cyber threats are not taking a break. In fact, hackers often view this time of joy as an opportune moment to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Today, we delve into the reasons why hackers are particularly active during the holidays and provide essential cybersecurity tips to ensure a secure online celebration.
- Increased Online Activity: The holiday season witnesses a surge in online activities, from shopping for gifts to sharing greetings and making travel arrangements. Hackers capitalize on the heightened digital traffic, aiming to catch individuals off guard during their increased online engagement.
- Elevated Financial Transactions: With the rush of holiday shopping, cybercriminals see an abundance of financial transactions. They deploy various tactics, such as phishing scams and fake websites, to harvest sensitive financial information. Vigilance is paramount when making online purchases to thwart these malicious attempts.
Exploiting Distractions: The holiday season is often filled with distractions, from planning gatherings to coordinating travel arrangements. Hackers take advantage of this distraction, as individuals may be less vigilant about their online security during this busy period. Stay alert and maintain a keen eye on cybersecurity practices even amid the holiday bustle.
Targeting Travel Plans: Travel plans and itineraries shared online become prime targets for hackers. Revealing too much information about your holiday travels can make you susceptible to physical and digital threats. Exercise caution when sharing travel details on social media platforms to avoid becoming a target for both online and offline crimes.
Leveraging Seasonal Themes: Cybercriminals often design phishing schemes and malware attacks around holiday-themed lures. Whether it's a seemingly harmless e-card or a fake promotion, these tactics aim to exploit the festive nature of the season. Exercise skepticism and verify the authenticity of emails and links, especially if they align with holiday themes.
As we celebrate the holidays, let's be mindful of the heightened cyber risks that accompany the festive season. Understanding why hackers target these joyful moments empowers us to take proactive measures. By incorporating cybersecurity best practices into our holiday preparations, we can unwrap the gift of online safety and ensure a season filled with joy, free from digital disturbances. Stay cyber-aware, stay secure, and have a happy and safe holiday season!