Principal's Page

Welcome to Manitou Springs High School, home of the Mustangs! My name is Anna Conrad and I am humbled to partner with our community as the Interim Principal for the 2022-2023 school year. We are deeply committed to our core values of relationships, deep learning, and opportunity. Everyday, I am overjoyed by the countless moments in which I observe these values: teachers excitedly asking students about their art show or soccer game, students leveraging advanced lab equipment to pursue their own inquiries, hundreds of 6th-12th grade students performing a trilingual song in front of our community during World Language and Culture Night, and the student body roaring as one mustang herd during assemblies, and so many more.

As a high school of approximately 500 students, we are dedicated to ensuring that we work with every student and family to ensure individual success both in and out of the classroom as we prepare students for their unique post-secondary pathway. Manitou Springs High School offers comprehensive visual arts, performing arts, physical education, computer technology, special education, career and technology education, concurrent enrollment, Advanced Placement courses, and gifted/talented instruction. Furthermore, we encourage students to get involved beyond the classroom by pursuing their choice of many enriching athletics and activities. We are committed to both a Whole Child and Whole Adult culture so that we can all be at our best as we pursue our goals.

As the Interim Principal, I am thrilled to continue our vibrant work with students, families, and staff members as we grow together at MSHS. My personal core values of leadership, learning, and love align closely with those of the district, and I find great inspiration in working with our numerous stakeholders. Building on our legacy, I am excited to continue to serve MSHS as we collaboratively enhance our culture, data-driven instruction, leadership, and communication. Together, we are Mustang Strong!

I grew up near Winter Park, Colorado, in a mountain community similar to Manitou Springs and attended Middle Park High School, which regularly competes against MSHS! I then attended Whitman College, where I majored in English Literature and minored in Studio Art. Additionally, I played Varsity Volleyball; studied abroad in Florence, Italy; and graduated summa cum laude. After graduating, I worked as an English and AVID teacher and Varsity Volleyball coach at Harrison High School from 2013-2021. During that time, I also served as the AVID Coordinator for four years and the Instructional Coach for two years. Furthermore, I earned my Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado Denver and completed the Educational Leadership and Policies Program at the University of Denver.

In the 2021-22 school year, I had the privilege of serving as the Assistant Principal at Manitou Springs High School. I am immensely thankful for our MSHS team and am excited to transition to the Interim Principal position this year! Teaching and learning are an essential component of my identity and I am thrilled to continue to pursue both in my new role.

Outside of work, I love to read, travel, and be active outside (everything from backpacking to Nordic skiing to gardening). I also volunteer as a Site Director for Minds Matter Colorado, a college access non-profit that partners with first generation students to pursue their college dreams. Additionally, I continue to mentor youth as a club volleyball coach. Across all of these pursuits, I am incredibly grateful to be a part of the Manitou Springs and greater Colorado community.

Anna Conrad, Interim Principal
[email protected]