Mann Middle School Students Explore Identity, History, And What It Means To Be American Through Award-Winning Program - 04/30/26

Students at Mann Middle School are bringing history to life through a powerful, immersive learning experience made possible by two prestigious awards: the Anne Frank Fonds Award from the National Council of Teachers of English and the Inspiring Creativity Educator Grant from the Colorado Springs School District 11 Foundation.

At the center of this work is the graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, which students studied with approval from the district curriculum department. The grants ensured that every 7th grade student at Mann received their own copy of the book, along with creative tools including graphic novel templates, sketching supplies, and access to dynamic, hands-on learning experiences.

Through this unit, students engaged deeply with themes of identity, justice, and citizenship. They analyzed multiple perspectives within the memoir and explored how those viewpoints shape our understanding of what it means to be American. As a culminating project, students authored essays comparing perspectives in the text, with top submissions recognized through a school-wide essay contest.

To extend learning beyond the classroom, students will participate in a special artifact exhibition in partnership with the History Colorado Center, featuring portable exhibits that connect directly to the historical events explored in the memoir. The experience also includes guest speakers who bring additional context and personal insight to the topic.

Media Invitation:
Local media are invited to attend and cover the student artifact exhibition:

Event: Student Artifact Exhibition
Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
Time: 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Location: Mann Middle School Library, Colorado Springs

Media will have the opportunity to photograph and film the exhibition, as well as interview student essay finalists about their learning and reflections.

This experience reflects District 11’s commitment to creating meaningful, student-centered learning opportunities that build empathy, critical thinking, and real-world connections—preparing students to be informed, engaged citizens.

North Middle School Students Unveil Meow Wolf Inspired Immersive Art Experience Exploring “The Unconscious Mind” (Photo) - 04/29/26

Colorado Springs School District 11 proudly presents the fourth annual immersive art installation at North Middle School, a powerful, student-created experience titled “Unconscious Mind.”

This one-of-a-kind installation is the result of a yearlong collaboration between Advanced Drama, led by Amanda Gaden, and Advanced Design, led by Cole Bennett. Together, students have combined performance, visual art, and spatial design to create an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to step beyond the surface of conscious thought.

The creative process begins each fall with a field study to Meow Wolf Denver, where students experience large-scale immersive storytelling firsthand. Inspired by that visit, students spend the school year conceptualizing, designing, and building every element of their own original installation, from initial themes and narrative development to set construction and audience experience.

“Unconscious Mind” challenges audiences to consider the hidden dimensions of human experience:

What are the corners of the mind that light doesn’t reach? Who are we when we dream? What fears and motivations lie beneath the surface?

Through immersive environments and student-driven storytelling, the installation pushes visitors to explore these questions in a deeply engaging and thought-provoking way.

The annual installation has become a signature creative experience at North Middle School, showcasing the power of interdisciplinary learning and student voice. By blending the performing arts with design students gain hands-on experience in collaboration, creative problem-solving, and artistic expression.

Community members and media are invited to attend the opening reception:

Date: Friday, May 1, 2026

Time: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Location: North Middle School, Colorado Springs

Private tours and class visits are also available by request. 

To schedule a visit, please contact:

Amanda.Gaden@d11.org or Cole.Bennett@d11.org 

This immersive exhibition reflects District 11’s commitment to providing meaningful, student-centered learning experiences that inspire creativity, deepen critical thinking, and empower students to explore complex ideas through the arts.

Media Contact:

Cole Bennett 

CTE Art Teacher

North Middle School

COLE.BENNETT@d11.org

719-328-2455 

D11 Discovery Day Connects Preschool Families To Hands-On Learning And Community Resources (Photo) - 04/28/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

D11 Discovery Day Connects Preschool Families to Hands-On Learning and Community Resources 

Colorado Springs, CO

May 1, 2026 - Event Date

Colorado Springs School District 11, in partnership with its Early Childhood Education and Pathways programs, is proud to host D11 Discovery Day, a vibrant, hands-on event designed to spark curiosity and connect families with resources across the community.

Taking place on Friday, May 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Wasson Academic Campus (2115 Afton Way), this free, public event will transform the campus into an interactive learning experience for young children and their families.

At the heart of Discovery Day is collaboration. D11 is bringing together a wide range of community partners who are committed to supporting children and families in meaningful ways. Participating organizations include i9 Youth Sports, Pikes Peak Library District, Educating Children of Color, El Paso County Public Health, Girl Scouts of Colorado, and local first responders including Colorado Springs Fire Department, Colorado Springs Police Department, and area EMT teams. Families can also enjoy interactive experiences from a local petting zoo and a special appearance by Dennis the Emu, a crowd favorite!

Each partner will host booths featuring engaging, hands-on activities designed to promote early learning, creativity, and exploration. From literacy and health resources to physical activity and imaginative play, every experience is built to support the development of young learners in a fun and welcoming environment.

Adding to the experience, D11’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Culinary Arts students will showcase their skills through a student-run food truck, offering fresh, delicious treats for attendees. This real-world learning opportunity highlights how D11 pathways extend beyond the classroom, empowering students with career-ready skills while serving their community.

Families attending Discovery Day will also have the opportunity to:

• Connect with D11 Early Childhood educators and staff

• Learn about preschool programs and enrollment opportunities

• Explore the wide range of educational pathways available to D11 students

“Discovery Day is all about creating joyful, meaningful learning experiences for young children and their families across the community while helping families connect with the opportunities available in D11,” said Sarah Carlson.

By bringing together Early Childhood and Pathways programs alongside trusted community partners, and showcasing student-led innovation, D11 continues to demonstrate its commitment to strong starts for every student and clear pathways for future success.

Event Details:

What: D11 Discovery Day

When: Friday, May 1, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where: Wasson Academic Campus, 2115 Afton Way, Colorado Springs

Cost: Free and open to the public

Public and media invited to attend.

Media Contact:

Sarah Carlson

Director, Early Childhood

SARAH.CARLSON@d11.org

719-520-2538 

D11 And Hillside Connection's Spring Hoopster Basketball League - 04/23/26

D11 Fifth Graders Raise And Release Trout Through Hands-On Conservation Program - 04/20/26

Colorado Springs, Colo. Fifth grade students at Howbert Elementary School, a D11 Outdoor Education school on the West Side, are turning classroom learning into real-world impact through a partnership with Colorado Trout Unlimited and its Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program.

This hands-on environmental education program allows students to raise trout from eggs to fry while learning about ecosystems, conservation, and water stewardship. Since late October 2025, Howbert students, led by teacher Mrs. Green, have cared for their trout, building responsibility, scientific understanding, and a connection to the natural world.

The experience will culminate in a meaningful release event, where students will return the fish to a state-approved habitat.

Event Details:
Date: April 27, 2026
Time: 10:15 a.m.
Location: Manitou Springs Memorial Park

Students will release the trout into Fountain Creek, bringing their months of learning full circle in a real-world outdoor setting.

As an Outdoor Education school, Howbert Elementary emphasizes experiential, place-based learning that connects students to Colorado’s environment. Opportunities like Trout in the Classroom highlight how Colorado Springs School District 11 provides a diverse portfolio of schools and programs, ensuring families can find unique, engaging educational experiences that meet the needs and interests of every student.

“This is what learning looks like at Howbert,” said Mrs. Green. “Students aren’t just studying science, they’re experiencing it, taking ownership, and understanding their role in protecting our environment.”

Media are welcome to attend.

Sabin Middle School Robotics Team Advances To World Championship (Photo) - 04/13/26

Colorado Springs students earn global stage opportunity after standout season

Colorado Springs, CO: 

Three students from Sabin Middle School are taking their talents to the world stage.

The Sabin VEX V5 Robotics team, Da Vincis 2.0, has qualified for the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship, one of the largest and most prestigious robotics competitions in the world. The event, hosted by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, will take place April 25–27, 2026, at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Missouri.

Out of hundreds of teams, Da Vincis 2.0 earned their spot by competing at the Colorado State Robotics Tournament in late February. They will join 588 middle school teams from 55 countries, representing the best young engineers and innovators from around the globe.

The team is made up of three Sabin eighth graders: Declan Martin, Riley Snyder, and Jaxon Wright.

Since the season began in August, the team has competed in multiple tournaments, earning an impressive 15 awards along the way. Their success reflects months of dedication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

“This isn’t just about building a robot,” said Head Coach, Susan Forget. “These students are learning how to think critically, communicate effectively, and work as a team—skills that will carry them far beyond the competition.”

Through the VEX V5 Robotics program, students take on the full engineering design process. They design and build their robot, write code, maintain a detailed engineering notebook, present their work to judges, and compete in a fast-paced, strategic game challenge. This year’s challenge, Push Back, requires teams to think creatively and adapt quickly under pressure.

As they prepare for the world stage, the Sabin team is not only representing their school, but also the innovation and talent found across Colorado Springs.

https://youtu.be/bn-5cwbFI98?si=N-MDpZaCbwywQHJ- 

https://www.tiktok.com/@weared11/video/7597118956872142092 

Media Opportunity

Members of Da Vincis 2.0 and their coach are available for interviews, demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes looks at their robot and preparation for the world championship.

Colorado Springs’ Original High School Marks 150 Years: Media Invited Inside Palmer For Behind-the-Scenes Press Day - 04/10/26

Press Day scheduled for April 11 as Palmer prepares for community-wide open house on April 25

Colorado Springs, Colo.

Palmer High School, the city’s original high school and one of Colorado Springs’ most historic institutions, will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a community open house on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Palmer High School, 301 N. Nevada Ave.

Ahead of the celebration, local media are invited to attend a Press Day on Saturday, April 11 at 9:30 a.m., during the Palmer High School Alumni Association’s volunteer work day preparing the building and exhibits for the event.

Reporters and photographers are asked to meet organizers at the Nevada & Platte entrance (the “Front Nine”).

Available for interviews will be:

• Krista Burke, Principal of Palmer High School
• Susan Fletcher, Palmer High School teacher and President of the Palmer High School Alumni Association
• Darnell Robinson, Senior Class President and student lead for the Palmer 150 Committee

Media will also have the opportunity to capture behind-the-scenes preparation, historical artifacts, and footage inside the school as alumni volunteers prepare exhibits and displays ahead of the anniversary celebration.

A Community Open House Celebrating 150 Years of Palmer

The Palmer High School 150th Celebration & Community Open House will invite alumni, students, and the broader Colorado Springs community to explore the school’s long history through a series of exhibit “pods” highlighting different eras, activities, and traditions from across Palmer’s legacy.

Guests can expect:

• Alumni Museum tours showcasing historic Palmer artifacts and archives
• A guestbook photo station where alumni and community members can document their connection to Palmer

• Displays created by alumni, student groups, and school organizations
• Yearbooks available for purchase for those looking to replace a lost copy
• Link Crew students stationed throughout the building to guide visitors and answer questions about the current student experience

Event organizers have also invited the architects involved in Palmer’s ongoing renovation project to attend and speak with community members about the future of the historic campus.

Visitors should plan to enter through the foyer on the Nevada Avenue side of the school, with accessible parking and entry available on the Weber Street side.

Community Participation Still Needed

Organizers say the event is designed to be built by the Palmer community itself and are encouraging alumni, teachers, and organizations to get involved.

The Palmer Alumni Association is currently seeking:

Volunteers to assist with event setup, logistics, and welcoming guests.

Clubs, teams, and activities — past and present — to host exhibit pods representing their part of Palmer’s history.

Community members interested in volunteering or hosting an exhibit can learn more and sign up online.

Event Details

Palmer High School 150th Celebration & Community Open House
Saturday, April 25
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Palmer High School
301 N. Nevada Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO

Entrance: Foyer (Nevada Avenue side)
Accessible entry and parking are available on Weber Street.

Media Contact

Kaleigh O'Donnell, Class of 2010
 CSHS–PHS Alumni Association Board Member
 Event Coordinator

 Direct: 719-271-4620
 Office: 719-635-8803 ext. 4