UPDATE: TUESDAY 12/17/2024 7:25 p.m. (MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — Manitou Springs School District 14 (D14) provided an update on the substance found on Tuesday that caused the evacuation of Manitou Springs Elementary School (MSES). According to the district, on Tuesday morning, a visible powder was discovered in the auditorium at MSES, where 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students were present. Some reported symptoms like coughing and burning eyes. According to the Manitou Springs Fire Department, symptoms resolved once students and staff were removed from the area. D14 said the school was evacuated as a precaution, and students and staff were relocated to Manitou Springs High School, where the district said its reunification plan was successfully implemented. Families were asked to pick up their children from the high school. The Manitou Springs Fire Department (MSFD) and the El Paso County Hazmat team conducted a thorough investigation of the substance and its potential effects. According to the district, the Hazmat team determined that no hazardous substance was present in the auditorium. The area has been cleared for cleaning, and a deep cleaning will be performed as an additional precaution. The district said the auditorium will remain closed and unused until the cleaning process is complete. Manitou Springs Elementary School will resume its normal class schedule on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Both MSFD and the El Paso County Hazmat team have determined that the building is safe. MSES families are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider if they have any immediate health concerns related to Tuesday's incident. "The district thanks all families, staff, and emergency responders for their patience and cooperation as we worked to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff," said D14. TUESDAY 12/17/2024 11:55 a.m. Manitou Springs Elementary School was evacuated on Tuesday morning, Dec. 17 after an "unknown substance" was found in the school's gym, according to Cassandra Hessel, Public Information Officer for the City of Manitou Springs. According to the City, the Manitou Springs Fire Department (MSFD) was originally called for an "inhalation incident of unknown cause," on Tuesday, and the Manitou Springs Police Department (MSPD) also responded to assist. "MSFD confirms all students were evaluated with none needing to be transported for further evaluation," according to a press release from the City. The El Paso County Hazmat Team also responded to investigate the incident and to assist in identifying the substance. Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Lilia OnstottCourtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Lilia OnstottCourtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Lilia OnstottCourtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Lilia Onstott Students and staff were taken to Manitou Springs High School, where parents are currently reuniting with their children. According to Allison Scott, Communications Specialist for Manitou Springs School District 14 (MSSD14), "Manitou Springs Elementary School parents are asked to pick up their children as soon as possible," and listed the following information: Arrival Instructions: Pull into the high school parking lot, [located at 401 El Monte Place], and follow the drive-through lanes. Stay in Your Vehicle: A staff member will provide you with a form to complete. Once the form is returned, a staff member will bring your child to your vehicle. Student Locations: PK–2nd Grade: Auxiliary Gym (Jack Willie Gym) 3rd–5th Grade: Main Gym The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as updates become available. FOX21 News has a crew on the way to the scene and will provide updates to this article once we get them.