Date: September 20, 2024
Location: Doherty High School & Garry Berry Stadium
Time: Homecoming Assembly at 10:35 AM, Auto Show at 9:30 AM, Street Party at 5:00 PM, Football Game Kickoff at 7:00 PM
The Colorado Springs School District 11 and Doherty High School are thrilled to announce a day of spectacular celebrations on September 20, 2024, marking the 50th Anniversary of Doherty High School with a vibrant lineup of events that promise excitement and nostalgia for all. Join us as we celebrate five decades of excellence with a Homecoming Assembly, our 23rd Annual Auto Show, and an unforgettable football game against Rampart High School.
Here’s what’s on the agenda:
Homecoming Assembly
Time: 10:35 AM
Location: Doherty Gym
Start your day by reliving the school spirit and excitement at our Homecoming Assembly. It's a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and celebrate our rich history.
23rd Annual Auto Show
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Doherty High School Southwest Lot
Browse an impressive collection of classic and contemporary vehicles. This cherished tradition highlights our community’s love for cars and craftsmanship.
Street Party
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: In front of Garry Berry Stadium
Get the party started with a lively street festival featuring delicious food trucks, engaging games, and fun activities for everyone. Bring your family and friends to soak up the vibrant pre-game atmosphere.
Football Game Against Rampart High School
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Garry Berry Stadium
Cheer on the Doherty Spartans as they face off against Rampart High School in a thrilling football matchup. The Navy JROTC will kick off the evening with a spectacular pre-game production, followed by a high-energy halftime show featuring the Doherty Marching Band and the crowning of this year’s Homecoming King and Queen.
Fireworks Display
A dazzling fireworks show will light up the night sky at halftime, adding a magical touch to our 50th Anniversary celebration.
This milestone event is a chance for alumni, students, and community members to come together and celebrate the spirit of Doherty High School. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of our history and make memories that will last a lifetime.
For more information, please contact Kerstin Gokey at kerstin.gokey@d11.org.
GO SPARTANS!
Let's make September 20th a day to remember!
Colorado Springs, CO—September 11, 2024 — District 11 (D11) Colorado Springs Schools hosted the Green Summit, a districtwide symposium on sustainability for students in grades 4-12. Held on September 10 at Wasson Academic Campus, the Green Summit successfully engaged young minds to understand and advance their school-wide sustainability goals and contribute to the district’s overarching objectives.
Hosted in partnership with energy leader Schneider Electric, the Green Summit included educational sessions focused on leadership, waste diversion, and green careers. The agenda featured a keynote speaker who is a thought leader in sustainability, an engaging city utility message, and insightful district leadership communication. Events were designed to accommodate both younger and older students through two distinct tracks. This structured approach ensured that every student, regardless of age, could deeply engage with the material and gain valuable insights.
The primary aim of the Green Summit was to equip students with the knowledge and motivation they need to become sustainability champions within their own schools. By empowering students to take action, the event sought to create a ripple effect, influencing the broader student body and supporting D11’s sustainability goals.
"We hope that the D11 Green Summit ignited a passion for responsible practices and careers in STEAM among our students," said Michael Gaal, Superintendent of Schools. “By educating and empowering our youth, we are investing in a greener future for all."
District 11 Colorado Springs Schools and Schneider Electric are committed to leading by example in sustainability and energy efficiency. Their collaborative efforts ensure that the next generation is not only aware of but also actively engaged in creating sustainable solutions. This event underscores their dedication to fostering a greener future and highlights their role as leaders in the field.
In addition to collaborating on Green Summit, D11 and Schneider Electric are finalizing details on a district modernization project that would impact over 50 of D11’s schools. The project would include a combination of classroom improvements and energy efficiency upgrades that are expected to save taxpayers $50 million over the lifetime of the project and bolster D11 as the most energy cost-efficient school district in El Paso County.
This partnership aligns with District 11’s initiatives to build connected communities and enrich student learning through real-world experiences. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Schneider to provide transformative, one-of-a-kind opportunities that empower our students to activate their learning,” said Gaal.
About District 11 Colorado Springs Schools
Colorado Springs School District 11 has enjoyed a distinguished legacy of providing excellent education to the greatest number of students in our region. Today, we have 58 schools and alternative educational opportunities to provide each student with a unique and exceptional educational experience.
For more information about the Green Summit or to learn how you can support sustainability initiatives in schools, contact Beth Austin at beth.austin@d11.org.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a global leader in energy management and automation. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Schneider Electric provides integrated solutions to make energy safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable.
D11 is excited to announce the first-ever Student-Focused Green Summit, in partnership with Schneider Electric. The event will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the RJ Wasson Academic Campus bringing together students, educators, and local community leaders to address critical environmental challenges and explore innovative solutions to promote sustainability. As the city is sharing its state of the city address, students from D11 are engaged in a thoughtfully planned symposium on preparing for the future with a sustainable focus.
This groundbreaking summit aims to empower students to take active roles in shaping a sustainable future, providing a platform for young leaders to collaborate with experts and local organizations. The event will feature a variety of interactive workshops and hands-on activities centered around themes such as climate action, waste reduction, renewable energy, and community-driven environmental initiatives.
“At D11, we believe that students are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also change-makers today,” said John Berdon, Energy & Sustainability Manager at D11, “This summit is a unique opportunity for our students to engage with sustainability issues that directly impact their lives and communities. By collaborating with local partners, we can inspire meaningful change together.”
Event Highlights Include:
- Workshops: Led by experts from Schneider Electric, Colorado Springs Utilities, Fountain Creek Watershed District, Drive Clean Colorado, USAFA/STEM Outreach/Legacy, CSU Cooperative Extension, Concrete Couch, Shutter and Strum, Waste Connections, UCCS, and Colorado College, students will participate in sessions focused on local sustainability challenges, green technologies, and the role of youth leadership in environmental advocacy.
- Keynote Speaker: LynAnn Weaver, Healthcare Elevation, is a leading advocate for leadership development and will deliver an inspiring address on the importance of youth leadership development and engagement in the global fight against climate change.
“We are thrilled to partner with D11on this important initiative,” Pamela Weinstein, from Schneider Electric “The collaboration between our organization and the students is a testament to the power of local action in addressing global challenges.”
The summit is limited to 150 students, educators, and members of the community who are passionate about environmental sustainability. Participants will leave with new ideas, resources, and a network of support to help them implement sustainable practices in their schools and neighborhoods, plus a college student mentor to help guide efforts,
| Schneider Electric | Event Sponsor, keynote, lunch, tee shirts, swag, student notebook |
Colorado Springs Utilities
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Fountain Creek Watershed District
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Drive Clean Colorado
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USAFA/STEM Outreach/Legacy
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CSU Cooperative Extension
| Composting |
Concrete Couch
| Art projects with recycled materials
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Shutter and Strum
| Art Projects with recycled materials |
Waste Connections
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UCCS
| Student Mentors – students will meet throughout the school years to assist with project development and implementation |
Colorado College
| Student Mentors – students will meet throughout the school years to assist with project development and implementation |
Event Details:
Date: September 10, 2024
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Location: Roy J Wasson Academic Campus 2115 Afton Dr Colorado Springs
The Colorado Springs School District 11 is pleased to invite the community to the first town hall meeting for the Palmer High School renovation project. The event will take place on Monday, September 9th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the library at Palmer High School.
This town hall is a key component of our community engagement plan, aimed at gathering valuable input and feedback as we embark on this exciting renovation. The meeting will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the project, share their thoughts, and learn more about the plans and timeline.
Palmer High School, a historic landmark in Colorado Springs, is set to undergo a transformation that honors its legacy while preparing it for the future. This renovation will enhance the school’s facilities and ensure it continues to serve as a vibrant educational hub for years to come.
Attendees will hear from representatives of our design team, including RTA Architects, NES Inc., and Perkins Eastman. This experienced team brings a blend of local insight and national expertise to the project, ensuring a well-rounded approach to the renovation.
We encourage all community members to attend and participate in this important discussion. Your feedback is crucial to shaping the future of Palmer High School and ensuring that the renovation meets the needs and aspirations of our community.
For more information, to stay updated on the renovation project, and to view the schedule of future engagement opportunities, please visit our website at https://www.d11.org/palmerrenovations/home.
Colorado Springs, CO – The Colorado Springs School District 11 is excited to announce the launch of the community engagement process for the Palmer High School renovation project. This pivotal initiative begins with the release of our first survey, designed to gather valuable input from our community. The survey will be open until September 20th.
Palmer High School, a cornerstone of Colorado Springs with its rich history and tradition, is embarking on a renovation that will honor its legacy while preparing it for the future. This project is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the school’s impact and ensuring it continues to serve as a vibrant educational hub.
Our design team for this renovation includes RTA Architects and NES Inc., both esteemed local firms with over 40 years of experience in Colorado Springs, bringing profound local insight. They are complemented by Perkins Eastman, which contributes national and specialized expertise in educational design and planning. This combination of local and national perspectives ensures a well-rounded and informed approach to the renovation.
The survey marks the beginning of our comprehensive engagement plan, which will also include workshops, town hall meetings, and focus groups. We are pleased to invite you to our first town hall, which will be held at Palmer High School on September 9th from 5-7 PM. This event will provide an opportunity for the community to discuss the renovation and share their input directly.
A steering committee of representative stakeholders will work closely with the design team throughout the renovation, ensuring that the project remains aligned with the community’s goals and values.
We invite everyone to participate and share their insights. Your feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Palmer High School. To take the survey and stay updated on the project, please visit our website or use the QR code below.
Survey Link: https://tinyurl.com/PalmerHSSurvey
Together, let’s create a future for Palmer High School that celebrates its past and embraces new possibilities.
Links to videos:
Palmer High School Senior Back to School Go Pro Video
As The Colorado Springs School District 11 students embark on a new school year, the district proudly announces its participation in the University of Virginia Partnership for Leaders in Education (UVA-PLE), joining the 21st cohort of this transformative initiative. This partnership is a multi-year engagement that combines executive education with thought leadership to drive significant improvements in student outcomes. It uniquely harnesses the expertise of both the Darden School of Business and the School of Education and Human Development, reflecting the cross-functional, multi-disciplinary approach necessary to tackle the complex challenges facing public education today.
Through UVA-PLE, District 11 reinforces its commitment to high-quality instruction by investing in our instructors and leaders who are passionate about identifying innovative solutions to support our teachers and students. This initiative is another way that D11 is investing in our educators, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to lead with excellence and make a meaningful impact on student success.
“We are thrilled to partner with the University of Virginia in this groundbreaking effort to elevate educational leadership in District 11,” said Michael Gaal, Superintendent of Colorado Springs School District 11. “This collaboration is about more than just improving leadership; it’s about fostering a culture of excellence that directly impacts our students' success. By working with experts from both the Darden School of Business and the School of Education and Human Development, we are equipping our leaders with the skills and insights they need to drive meaningful change in our classrooms. Our ultimate goal is to ensure every student in District 11 not only finds their excellence but also achieves it, through innovative strategies and dedicated support.”
District 11 is one of 17 districts across 10 states participating in the Summer 2024-Spring 2026 UVA-PLE cohort, including six other districts in Colorado. This initiative focuses on addressing enduring disparities in achievement, particularly those exacerbated by the pandemic, and helping districts make substantial gains in academic performance.
For more information, contact Jessica Wise, Executive Director of Engagement.
About District 11
The Colorado Springs School District 11 is reshaping public education, focusing on excellence, choice, and engagement to propel student achievement. With a commitment to high-quality instruction and educational opportunity, the district has expanded the vision of public education from K-12 to PreK-14, featuring 26 preschool sites and the D11 Promise, ensuring access to college for every high school graduate. Enhancing access to choice and programs that meet the unique needs of each family and student, District 11 values a parent's right to select their child's educational path and guarantees quality at every school type, from traditional schools and charters to innovation zones, online platforms, or homeschooling. The district recognizes its strength in community support, actively promoting parent partnerships and providing students with expanded opportunities through robust community collaborations. Experience the revitalization of public education with The Colorado Springs School District 11, truly giving education back to the public and ensuring our students find excellence through experience.
About the University of Virginia Partnership for Leaders in Education (UVA-PLE):
The UVA-PLE Core Partnership is the only remaining research-proven effort in the country supporting educators through leadership development, capacity building, and collective problem-solving. This unique initiative brings together the nationally recognized capabilities of UVA's Darden School of Business and the School of Education and Human Development, providing education leaders with the tools they need to create and sustain transformational change within their school systems.
Colorado Springs, CO – August 22, 2024 – The Colorado Springs School District 11 and Penrose Elementary are thrilled to invite you to a special event today, August 22, at 1 PM, where our enthusiastic 3rd graders will dive into the world of construction and safety improvements happening at their school. This exciting opportunity will showcase how Penrose Elementary is enhancing its safety and security measures, creating a more inviting yet secure environment for our students.
The eagerly anticipated upgrades focus on creating safe and welcoming entrances while maintaining the highest security standards. After navigating through some challenges with abatement questions, we are profoundly grateful to our dedicated partners who have supported us throughout this process, proving what a great community collaboration can achieve.
This event is part of District 11’s broader commitment to improving educational environments and investing in our schools without burdening taxpayers. The district is channeling $100 million into William J. Palmer High School, alongside $30 million for extensive HVAC and safety enhancements across multiple schools, including Penrose Elementary.
Our construction partner, Adolphson and Peterson, will lead the 3rd graders through a fun and informative tour of the construction site. Equipped with 50 hard hats, the students will be divided into groups to learn about various trades and the unique aspects of this particular project. This initiative aligns with District 11’s "Expose, Explore, Experience" career education program, which aims to introduce elementary students to real-world career possibilities through engaging, hands-on learning.
Join us in celebrating this milestone and see firsthand how we integrate career and future planning into education to inspire and prepare our students. This event underscores District 11’s commitment to providing excellence in every experience, and we are excited to share this special day with our community.
Event Details:
- Date: August 22, 2024
- Time: 1 PM
- Location: Penrose Elementary School, Colorado Springs School District 11