Manitou Springs Middle School
Nov 3rd, 2023
Dear Families,
We had a fun week of teaching and learning at Manitou Springs Middle School! Our team is excited to finish the next two weeks strong before students get a well-deserved Thanksgiving Break. One event students are looking forward to is the fall dance on Thursday, November 16th, from 3:30 to 5:00. Also, please check out the Holiday Auction sponsored by our 6-12 Parent Action Committee! All proceeds will fund projects that support teachers and students, such as teacher mini-grants and student trips.
Here is a link to the Holiday Auction: https://manitou-6-12-pac.betterworld.org/auctions/2023-holiday-auction
Sincerely,
Mr. Cady
Principal
719-685-2099
Calendar Updates 🗓
Q1 Honor Roll
Spooky Scary Middle Schoolers
SOARing to keep things clean!
SWAT Gets a grant!
Manitou Springs Middle School received the Tobacco Free Mini Grant and will receive $4000 from the El Paso County Department of Public Health. The funds will be used to continue the SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) Team's efforts to promote a tobacco/nicotine free campus.
Students from Ms. Allen's 7th grade health class learned a lot about the harms of tobacco/nicotine and drug use. The El Paso County Department of Public Health were guest speakers at her class and brought in props to show what tobacco and nicotine use can do to their bodies. They learn how tobacco companies are targeting them by making the flavored products that teenagers would like and getting the teenagers addicted to these products.
In addition, the MSMS SWAT team consisting of 7th and 8th graders have begun to do student morning announcements sharing information on various topics regarding vaping, tobacco/nicotine use and ways to quit vaping. They had their first meeting this month and conducted a review of our current signage regarding a Tobacco-Free Campus. They identified areas on our campus that we could use more signage.
The SWAT Team will meet once or twice a month and continue to learn information and do activities to promote the message!
Leadership & Sources of Strength
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.
Pig Lung Demonstration (7th Grade Health Class)
Homework got you stumped?
Glow in the Dark Dance
NEW - 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
School Policies - 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:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gGKs8L3jcVZqYIHo_XXONFoEPY-c9q9G32653d3asys/edit
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
Manitou Springs Youth Theater
BE IN A PLAY!
Be an actor !!! The Manitou Springs youth theater, under the direction of Ms. Robin Coryell, is producing the play "THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER" BASED on the award winning novel by Barbara Robinson. It is about a rowdy family of kids who sign up to be in the annual Christmas pageant because there are free refreshments served. They wreak havoc, with the usual pageant group, and hilarity ensues! But at the final pageant, much beauty and a touching ending happens.
FREE tuition for MANITOU KIDS ONLY Robin is offering kids age 6-16 to be in this show, Dec 12.
PLEASE ENROLL BY CALLING 914-602-8166
WHEN: NOV 9 (FIRST REHEARSAL)
WHERE; MANITOU ART CENTER 513 MANITOU AVE
FEE FOR MANITOU FAMILIES: FREE PLEASE CALL FIRST TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE
REHEARSALS: TUE AND THURS FROM 4:30 6:30
Paws to Read at Manitou Springs Library
Junior Advisory Board
District Wellness Events
Mustang Tech Tips, a cornucopia of tech goodness!
Make Your Accounts Safer with Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Multi-Factor Authentication, commonly known as 2FA or 2-step verification, is a security measure that adds an extra layer of protection. It combines two or more of the following authentication factors:
- Something You Know: Typically a password or PIN.
- Something You Have: A physical device like a smartphone or token that generates temporary codes.
- Something You Are: Biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition.
By necessitating multiple factors, MFA greatly enhances security, making it more difficult for attackers to compromise accounts.
Why MFA Is Essential?
- Heightened Security: MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, as it requires multiple authentication elements.
- Protection from Password Attacks: MFA mitigates common password attacks, making it harder for cybercriminals to succeed.
- Securing Personal and Financial Information: It's vital for safeguarding personal information, financial accounts, and online assets against identity theft and fraud.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many industries and organizations are legally obligated to implement MFA to ensure data privacy and security.
- Ease of Implementation: MFA is user-friendly and easy to set up, offered by most online services.
- User-Friendly Experience: MFA can be convenient for users, with methods like biometrics or mobile app-based authenticators.
- Reduced Account Takeovers: MFA makes account takeovers less likely, enhancing overall security.
In summary, Multi-Factor Authentication is a straightforward yet highly effective method for improving online security. By adding an extra layer of defense, MFA reduces the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and identity theft. It's a crucial tool in the fight against cyber threats, protecting our digital identities and assets.