Dear Families:

As many of you know we are beginning our superintendent search. The following is from Eric McMartin, our interim superintendent:

Superintendent Search Input Opportunities:

There are three scheduled in-person opportunities for students, staff, families, and community members to provide feedback in the superintendent search process which are outlined below.

3/6 - 3:15-4:15 UPES

3/7 - 3:45-4:45 MSMS/MSHS at the HS Media Center

3/9 - 3:15-4:15 MSES

There is also a survey which will provide folks with an opportunity to give feedback in the superintendent search process. The survey mirrors the opportunity people have if they choose to come to one of the in-person sessions as it asks the same questions that will be asked by the facilitator.

Link to Manitou Springs School District 14 Stakeholder Survey

Next Week is Read Across Manitou which coincides with Read Across America. We have so many exciting events planned.

Monday, February 27

Kick-off Assembly for Students

· We have a local children’s book author coming (uncle of a kindergarten student), as well as some presentations from some of our very own MSES staff and students. Our reading Bingo Challenge will come home that day.

Tuesday, February 28

Book Swap Day!

· Book drop bins will be available on the playground and at the front door entrance for students to donate their used books as they arrive at school and then we get to swap later!

Wednesday, March 1 (Late Start Day)

Cozy Up and Read

· Guest readers from around our community will be available to come read to classes

Thursday, March 2 – Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Dress as a Book Character (and bring the book that your character is in)

Friday, March 3

Buddy Class Reading Day

We look forward to an exciting week with your children!

Warmly,

Maria

Dear Parents/Guardians,

In April we will again administer state testing for our 3rd-11th graders.

In grades 3-8 students will take three tests each of math and English Language Arts, with an additional 3 tests of science for grades 5 and 8. In grades 9-11 students will take the SAT Suite of assessments, with an additional science assessment in grade 11.

We believe that these assessments help to monitor a student's academic growth and support our professional growth as well. If you have any questions about state testing please reach out to our child's school assessment coordinator: jsueppel@mssd14.org

• Mar 1: Late Start Wednesday (2 Hour Delay for Students)
• Mar 8: Late Start Wednesday (2 Hour Delay for Students)
• Mar 15: Late Start Wednesday (2 Hour Delay for Students)
• Mar 16: MSES Space Night! @ Space Foundation Discovery Center, 5-7pm
• Mar 22: Late Start Wednesday (2 Hour Delay for Students)
• Mar 24: Fitness Friday 7:30am-8:00am
• Mar 27-31: SCHOOL CLOSED - SPRING BREAK!
• Apr 5: Late Start Wednesday (2 Hour Delay for Students)
• Apr 6: 5th Grade Science Fair
• Apr 12: Late Start Wednesday (2 Hour Delay for Students)
• Apr 20: MSES Night of Excellence SPED Fundraising Event
• Apr 21: No School - Staff Work Day
• Apr 26: Late Start Wednesday (2 Hour Delay)
• Apr 28: Fitness Friday 7:30am-8:00am

Kindergarten students are finishing a domain about weather. This week, we focused on meteorology and how to stay safe in severe weather. Here are a few questions and activities to ask your expert:

• Take your grown-up(s) to a park or go out in your backyard and watch the clouds go by. What pictures can you find hiding in the clouds?

• After reading the story, “Thundercake”, tell your grown up how to figure out how far away a thunderstorm is.

• What are some ways you can keep yourself safe during severe weather?

We are also starting our study of personal narratives. Students will be generating their own lists of small moment stories that they want to write about. They are so excited to begin using dialogue, figurative language, and talking about experiences that they are excited to share! Ask your expert: What is the difference between a watermelon story and a seed story? A watermelon story is a story that is about a big experience that happened in their lives i.e. a vacation and a seed story is about a specific moment i.e. birthday party, spending the night at a friends' house.

We are finishing up our basketball unit this week. Next week we will be starting our stick and racket skills unit that will include floor hockey and tennis, maybe even some golf if we have time.... My hope is that all the units that we have completed this year and in years past is something that all the kids can keep with them in years to come. There are many teams and skill levels that elementary kids can play on in the spring....soccer, volleyball, golf and tennis instruction and baseball as well as many other activities... If you need some help finding something for your son or daughter you can call or send me an email and I can help you to locate different activities in the area... Some places to look into are the YMCA.....Colorado Springs Park and Rec....First Tee golf...Manitou Springs swimming pool...

Mr. N