FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: D11 Announces Coronado Will Not Play Thursday’s Game Against Lutheran - 10/12/26

D11 Announces Coronado Will Not Play Thursday’s Game Against Lutheran

After several weeks of careful consideration and consultation with our community, School District 11 has decided that Coronado High School will not play its scheduled football game against Lutheran High School on Thursday evening.

Our athletic programs should reflect respect, dignity, and a commitment to equal and fair play. Allegations of racism have been raised in connection with Lutheran’s football program. Those remain allegations, and D11 is not making a determination about them.

D11 asked both Lutheran High School and CHSAA for a strong, unequivocal statement denouncing racism. Neither organization has provided the district with the statement requested. In the absence of the requested statements, we do not believe proceeding with Thursday’s game is consistent with those expectations.

Media inquiries: This release is the district’s statement on this decision. D11 will not conduct interviews or provide additional comment. Please direct any media inquiries to Jessica Wise, Senior Executive Director of Engagement, at jessica.wise@d11.org or 719-640-2883. Coronado High School staff and coaches are not media contacts for this matter. Questions about Lutheran High School’s response or CHSAA’s position should be directed to those organizations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - D11 Discovery Day Connects PreSchool Families To Hands-On Learning And Community Resources - 10/06/26

Colorado Springs, CO

Thursday, October 8 - 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 PreK Peak Experience, a vibrant, hands-on event designed to spark curiosity and connect families with resources across the community.

Taking place on Thursday, October 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Wasson Academic Campus (2115 Afton Way), this free, vibrant 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 invites preschoolers and their families to explore, create, and discover the joy of learning together,” said Sarah Carlson. “We want families across our community to see how a spark of curiosity today can open a world of possibilities for their child in D11.”

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: A PreK Peak Experience

When: Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

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

Cost: Free/open to current D11 Preschoolers

Public and media invited to attend.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - D11 Eighth Graders To Transform Downtown Colorado Springs During Second Annual Chalktober (Photo) - 09/29/26

D11 art teacher and muralist Lisa Roman will join students for a celebration of creativity, community and engaged learning

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — September 24, 2026 — Downtown Colorado Springs is about to become a canvas for creativity as Colorado Springs School District 11 presents its second annual Eighth Grade Peak Experience: Chalktober.

On Thursday, October 1 and Friday, October 2, D11 eighth-grade students will transform downtown sidewalks into vibrant works of chalk art inspired by this year’s theme, “Freedom to Thrive.” Through their artwork, students will explore what freedom, opportunity and thriving mean to them while bringing their ideas to life in the heart of their community.

Students will be chalking in front of the Pioneers Museum from 9:30am-12:30pm on Thursday and in Acacia Park from 9:30am-12:30pm on Friday. Drop by and see them in action!

Community members are invited to admire the artwork again during the Colorado Springs First Friday Art Walk, an evening to experience the completed pieces alongside the many galleries, exhibits, shops and restaurants that make downtown Colorado Springs a destination for arts and culture.

“Creative careers become more imaginable when young people have a chance to develop their creative voice and share their work with the community,” said Michelle Winchell, Director of Creative Economy for Downtown Partnership. “Chalktober gives these young artists a place in Downtown’s First Friday art scene, and we hope the experience helps them see the possibilities for creating here in the future.”

WHAT: D11’s Second Annual Eighth Grade Peak Experience: Chalktober in partnership with First Friday kicking off Arts Month in the Pikes Peak region
WHEN: Thursday, October 1 and Friday, October 2 ALL DAY
WHERE: The Pioneers Museum and Acacia Park
THEME: “Freedom to Thrive”
SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST: Lisa Roman, muralist and D11 art teacher
COST: Free and open to the community

Local Muralist Brings Real-World Artistic Experience to Chalktober

This year, D11 is excited to welcome muralist and current D11 art teacher Lisa Roman as Chalktober’s special guest artist. Before joining D11, Roman created lasting works of art in New York and had opportunities to work with artists including Fifth Harmony and Camila Cabello.

During Chalktober, Roman will share her professional experience and help students explore how public art can bring people together, strengthen a sense of place and help a community thrive. Her participation will give students the opportunity to learn directly from a working artist while imagining how their own creativity can make an impact beyond the classroom. She will be working with students on Friday, October 2nd at Acacia Park from 9:30am - 12:30pm. 

Chalktober is part of D11’s districtwide Peak Experiences, which provide students at every grade level with immersive, standards-connected learning opportunities. Through exploration, creativity and collaboration, students build confidence, strengthen their agency and discover new possibilities for their futures.

D11 invites students, families, alumni and community members to experience Chalktober, celebrate the creativity of its eighth graders and see firsthand how the district is bringing learning to life throughout Colorado Springs.

For more information about Chalktober and D11 Peak Experiences, visit: https://www.d11.org/academics/curriculum-instruction/peak-experience

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 09/25/26

2026 Southern Colorado College Fair Returns to Coronado High School

Colorado Springs, CO — The highly anticipated 2026 Southern Colorado College Fair is just around the corner, bringing the largest gathering of colleges and universities in the region to one place for one night only.

With more than 100 colleges from Colorado and across the country participating, this once-a-year, free event is a can’t-miss opportunity for high school students and their families. All Colorado Springs High School Seniors are invited!

Event Details

• Date: Monday, September 28, 2026
• Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
• Location: Coronado High School, 1590 West Fillmore Street, Colorado Springs

Students will have the chance to connect directly with college admissions representatives to learn more about:

• College life and campus culture
• Admissions requirements and deadlines
• Available majors and academic programs
• Scholarships and financial aid opportunities

Organized by the dedicated Palmer High School Counseling Team, the Southern Colorado College Fair has become one of the most important annual events in the region for helping students take their next step toward higher education.

We encourage local media to help spread the word and cover this inspiring event that could shape the futures of countless students.

Galileo And Joint Initiatives Open Food Pantry And Community Garden For Families (Photo) - 09/21/26

Colorado Springs School District 11 and Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families invite members of the media to visit Galileo Middle School on Friday, September 25, to see a new food pantry and community garden serving local families.

The resources represent the continued growth of the partnership between Galileo and Joint Initiatives and the shared vision of making the school a broader hub of support for students, families and the surrounding community.

The welcoming, market-style pantry offers fresh produce, bread and other household food staples. The Ascend community garden provides an additional resource for families and supports the partnership’s focus on access, connection and community well-being.

Representatives from Galileo, District 11 and Joint Initiatives will be available to provide a tour and discuss how the partnership has developed and how families can access these resources.

WHEN:
Friday, September 25, 2026
Noon

WHERE:
Galileo Middle School
1600 N. Union Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

• Galileo Middle School representatives

• Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families representatives

• Colorado Springs School District 11 representatives

VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES:

• Fully stocked, market-style food pantry

• Fresh produce and household food staples

• Ascend community garden

• Tour of the family resources available on the Galileo campus

Galileo And Joint Initiatives Open Food Pantry And Community Garden For Families (Photo) - 09/18/26

Colorado Springs School District 11 and Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families invite members of the media to visit Galileo Middle School on Friday, September 25, to see a new food pantry and community garden serving local families.

The resources represent the continued growth of the partnership between Galileo and Joint Initiatives and the shared vision of making the school a broader hub of support for students, families and the surrounding community.

The welcoming, market-style pantry offers fresh produce, bread and other household food staples. The Ascend community garden provides an additional resource for families and supports the partnership’s focus on access, connection and community well-being.

Representatives from Galileo, District 11 and Joint Initiatives will be available to provide a tour and discuss how the partnership has developed and how families can access these resources.

WHEN:

Friday, September 25, 2026
Noon

WHERE:

Galileo Middle School
1600 N. Union Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

• Galileo Middle School representatives

• Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families representatives

• Colorado Springs School District 11 representatives

VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES:

• Fully stocked, market-style food pantry

• Fresh produce and household food staples

• Ascend community garden

• Tour of the family resources available on the Galileo campus