Manitou Springs School District

08/26/2026

💚💛 The newest edition of Rooted & Rising is here! 🐎📖

Our Fall 2026 issue celebrates the people, programs, experiences, and progress that make the Manitou Advantage so special. Inside, you’ll find stories from across D14, including:

🏗️ Bond 4C improvements taking shape across our schools
🍎 A spotlight on our incredible Nutrition Services team
📚 Student learning and experiences from each of our four schools
🌱 The people and programs supporting every student
🎓 A look at the traditions, opportunities, and accomplishments that make the MSHS senior experience so meaningful
💚 And much more!

Rooted & Rising is about sharing the stories behind our schools—the relationships we build, the deep learning happening every day, and the opportunities that help our students thrive.

📖 Click the link below to read the Fall 2026 edition of Rooted & Rising and Experience the Manitou Advantage!

https://online.fliphtml5.com/kynfav/ADA-Version-Fall-2026-Rooted-and-Rising/

08/22/2026

And just like that, the 2026–2027 school year is underway! 🐎📚

There’s nothing better than seeing our schools filled with students again! From first-day smiles and reconnecting with friends to meeting new teachers and settling into classrooms, yesterday was a great reminder of what makes D14 such a special place.

This is just the beginning of a year filled with Relationships, Deep Learning, and Opportunity, and we can’t wait to see where it takes our Mustangs.

🎥 Take a look at some of the moments from our first day of school across D14!

Welcome back, Mustangs—we’re so glad you’re here! 💚💛

https://youtu.be/3_9aMNKim_4

Manitou Springs School District 14's first day of school for the 20...

08/21/2026

🐎✨ Mustang Spotlight: Kolt Woofter ✨🐎

Congratulations to Kolt Woofter, recipient of a Mustang Spotlight Award for his outstanding dedication, professionalism, and commitment to Manitou Springs School District 14!

A proud Manitou Springs High School alumnus, Kolt returned to serve the district that helped shape him and has been an invaluable member of our team since 2021. Most recently, he played an instrumental role in implementing our new accounting software, dedicating countless hours to learning the system, supporting staff, troubleshooting challenges, and helping ensure a successful transition.

Kolt approaches his work with curiosity, positivity, and a genuine willingness to help others. His commitment to continuous improvement and exceptional service exemplifies our core values of Relationships, Deep Learning, and Opportunities.

We are grateful to have a Mustang who chose to come home and continue making a difference in our schools and community. 💚💛

Congratulations, Kolt, and thank you for all you do!

08/20/2026

💚💛 The energy is back in our buildings, and we are ready for a new school year!

Over the past two weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to welcome our newest D14 staff members during orientation, followed by the return of our entire staff this week. Our schools have been filled with connection, collaboration, preparation, and plenty of excitement for the year ahead. 🐎

And tomorrow, the most important piece returns—our students! 🎉

We can’t wait to see our classrooms, hallways, stages, fields, and learning spaces come alive again. Here’s to a year filled with Deep Learning, meaningful Opportunities, and strong Relationships as we continue to Experience the Manitou Advantage together.

Welcome back, Mustangs! Let’s make it a great year! 💚💛

08/11/2026

With the first day of school just around the corner, our summer bond projects are beginning to wrap up and our buildings are getting ready to welcome staff and students back! 🏗️✨

Paint, lighting, and carpet projects are nearing completion, restroom renovations are moving into the finishing stages with fixtures being installed, and our new secure entries are taking shape with walls nearly complete and ready for paint.

After a busy summer of construction, it’s exciting to see these spaces coming together! We can’t wait for our staff and students to return over the next two weeks and experience the improvements happening throughout D14. 🐎💚💛

08/06/2026

💚📚 Learning doesn't stop for summer in Manitou! ☀️💛

Students from Manitou Springs Elementary and Ute Pass Elementary have been enjoying reconnecting with school through our JumpStart Summer Program! Each day, students strengthen their reading, writing, and math skills through engaging lessons, games, group activities, and fun challenges as they prepare for the new school year.

One of the highlights has been the at-home reading challenge, where students earn toppings for an end-of-program ice cream sundae by reading each night. Most importantly, it's been wonderful to see students learning, growing, and reconnecting with both new and familiar friends. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another great school year! 🐎📖🍦



Manitou Springs Elementary School
Ute Pass Elementary School

08/05/2026

The MSSD14 Board of Education will meet for their Retreat tonight, August 5th, at 4:30pm in the SILC Conference Room.

To access board docs, https://go.boarddocs.com/co/mssd14/Board.nsf/Public
To watch the meeting, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83693589169

08/04/2026

We're excited to cheer on MSHS senior Hayden Dorsey as he begins his golf season! Check out the shared Gazette article to learn more about his impressive offseason and his pursuit of a state championship. 🐎💛

One of Hayden Dorsey’s goals this season is to capture a state championship. His offseason workload shows he’s serious.

The Manitou Springs senior boys golfer has played in 10 Colorado PGA Junior Golf Tour tournaments since April and placed top 20 or better in all but one.

In his recent competition, the Mizuno COPGA Jr. Match Play tournament at Bella Ridge Golf Club in Johnstown, Dorsey won and called the victory “important.”

🔗 Read more: https://gazette.com/2026/08/03/manitou-springs-boys-golfer-hayden-dorsey-aims-for-throne-in-senior-season/

07/31/2026

Due to construction, phones at Manitou Springs School District 14 may be down on Friday, July 31.

07/27/2026

💚💛 Summer construction is making incredible progress across Manitou Springs School District 14! 🏗️🐎

Here's a look at what's happening around D14:

🏃 Track Project: Asphalt has now been laid, bringing us one step closer to a finished track that will serve our students and community for years to come.

🏫 Manitou Springs High School: Drywall is going up in both the new front office and secure entry, as well as in the commons secure entry, transforming these spaces as we continue enhancing campus safety and functionality.

🚻 Elementary Schools: Tile installation is underway in the renovated restrooms at both Manitou Springs Elementary and Ute Pass Elementary, bringing these updated spaces one step closer to completion.

🏀 Jack Willie Gym: The brand-new gym floor is complete! We can't wait to see our Mustangs back on the court this fall.

Thank you to our community for your continued support of the Bond 4C projects. Every milestone brings us closer to creating safer, more welcoming, and more functional learning environments for our students and staff. Stay tuned for more updates as the work continues! 💚💛