5
sustainability management plan: manitou springs school district
introduction
Manitou Springs School District 14 has been a pioneer
in public education for the past few decades. Not only
is the school system leading the way in outstanding
relationships with students, parents and the community,
it is also rated as one of the most academically rigorous
educational systems in the state. Our students are
involved in a myriad of educational opportunities like
engineering, art, dance, music, mathematics, Foreign
Language, debate, poetry, science, and Language Arts.
Children are receiving a 21st Century “whole-new-child”
education that emphasizes reading, writing, speaking,
and mathematics as well as creativity, teamwork,
problem solving, and critical thinking. Manitou is also
leading the way in providing multiple opportunities
for students, staff, parents and community members
to participate in a plethora of healthy choices. We
have conservation clubs, leadership clubs, wellness
committees, and a mission to be good stewards of our
environment—after all, we do sit at the foot of Pike’s Peak.
MSSD 14 is committed to a sustainable energy plan that
rests on two key concepts: stewardship and curriculum.
We believe that we can take immediate steps to become
better stewards of our resources—solar energy projects,
recycling programs, and “adopt a park” campaigns
are currently in progress. Most important, however, is
our belief in educating our young citizens to replicate
these practices for multiple generations. Education/
curriculum is the key to the success of any long-term
sustainable energy plan. Frankly, energy conservation
will not occur unless future generations understand
the ramifications of poor energy policy and embrace
conservation and stewardship as a life style. Thank you
for participating in the development and design of this
plan—the health and wellness of our current and future
citizens depends on how well we teach our children today.
Edward D. Longfield - Superintendent
Manitou Springs School District 14