D11 ANNOUNCES NO-COST MEALS FOR ALL STUDENTS IN 2026-27 (Photo) - 08/18/26

Colorado Springs School District 11 Food and Nutrition Services will provide lunch—and breakfast at schools that serve it—at no cost to all students during the 2026–27 school year. Participating schools will offer these meals through the Community Eligibility Provision of the National School Lunch Program, regardless of household income.

Well-nourished students are better prepared to learn and succeed. Families should still submit household income information when requested, as it helps District 11 secure important state and federal funding for meals, after-school activities and other student programs. Qualifying families may also receive Summer EBT benefits and discounts on school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities and more.

For additional information, please contact Colorado Springs School District 11 Food and Nutrition Services.

Colorado Springs School District 11 Study Finds Double-Digit ELA And Math Gains Associated With Deeper Learning Instructional Model - 08/03/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., August 3rd, 2026

Colorado Springs School District 11 Study Finds Double-Digit ELA and Math Gains Associated with Deeper Learning Instructional Model

Students taught by teachers verified in a student-led instructional model outperformed matched peers.

Colorado Springs School District 11 today announced results from a pilot study showing that students taught by teachers verified in the D11 AIM Framework, powered by Instructional Empowerment’s Model of Instruction for Deeper Learning® scored significantly higher in both English Language Arts and mathematics than matched comparison students in the same grade level and with the same curriculum.

The study was conducted in partnership with Instructional Empowerment's Applied Research Center using District 11’s assessment data from school year 2025-2026. It found that students of verified teachers scored 22.44 points higher on the STAR assessment in ELA and 18.24 points higher in Mathematics. The sample included 357 students across 18 ELA teacher-grade clusters and 449 students across 20 math teacher-grade clusters. The study used a rigorous analytic approach that accounted for students’ prior achievement, demographic characteristics (including race and ethnicity, gender, free or reduced-price lunch eligibility, disability status, gifted status, and English learner status), and the clustering of students within classrooms. A nationally certified What Works Clearinghouse reviewer conducted the analysis.

Verification in the instructional model required teachers to demonstrate the model's pedagogical competencies and provide evidence that students were developing agency skills, including collaboration, critical thinking, and self-direction. Comparison teachers may have participated in related professional development but were not yet verified in the model.

“When an instructional approach produces results this quickly and clearly, our responsibility is to bring that opportunity to every classroom,” said Michael Gaal, superintendent of Colorado Springs School District 11. “For the past three years, D11 has been building a shared model of instruction grounded in what students need to thrive. Our partnership with Instructional Empowerment accelerated and deepened that work, leading to the D11 AIM Framework we are now implementing across the system so every student has access to rigorous learning, meaningful collaboration, and greater ownership of their education.”

“We were grateful to partner with District 11 on this research study, one of the first of its kind to isolate the effect of the pedagogical competencies with rigorous verification on achievement,” said Michael Toth, Founder and CEO of Instructional Empowerment. “This is further evidence that when teachers develop deeper learning pedagogical skills and students develop the agency skills to engage in rigorous academic discourse and lead their own learning, achievement follows.” 

The findings add to a growing body of research on the Model of Instruction for Deeper Learning, which has previously been associated with achievement increases, improved attendance, and reduced teacher burnout. The full study will be published soon in Instructional Empowerment's research library. 

About Colorado Springs School District 11

Colorado Springs School District 11 is the public school district at the heart of Colorado Springs. Through a diverse portfolio of neighborhood, magnet, alternative, online, and charter schools, D11 is reshaping public education around three priorities: high-quality instruction, modern learning environments, and real-world opportunities. From preschool through postsecondary pathways, the district works to provide a school for every child and a plan for every future. Learn more at D11.org.

About Instructional Empowerment

Instructional Empowerment partners with schools and districts nationwide to implement rigorous Tier 1 instruction that ensures deeper learning for all students. The organization's Applied Research Center conducts ongoing research on instructional effectiveness, school improvement, and educator practice. Learn more at InstructionalEmpowerment.com.

Media Contact:

Jessica Wise, Colorado Springs School District 11

Jessica.wise@d11.org; 719-640-2883

DISTRICT 11 CELEBRATES GRAND REOPENING OF JENKINS MIDDLE SCHOOL - 08/03/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Ribbon cutting, student welcome and community tours planned for August 12

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Colorado Springs School District 11 will celebrate a new chapter for Jenkins Middle School with a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 12, marking the return of all sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students to the Jenkins campus.

District leaders, Board of Education members, community partners and honored guests will join Jenkins students, families and staff to officially open the school. The ribbon will be cut at 8:15 a.m., followed by students entering the newly transformed building for the first day of the 2026–27 school year.

Guests will then gather in the new media center for a formal presentation and remarks celebrating the people and partnerships that made the project possible. Following the program, attendees and members of the media will be invited to tour the new academic wing, media center and other improved spaces throughout the school.

The project provides Jenkins students with modern, engaging learning environments designed to support collaboration, creativity and academic success for years to come.

Event Details

What: Jenkins Middle School Grand Ribbon Cutting
When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 8:15 a.m.
Where: Jenkins Middle School
Schedule: Ribbon cutting and student welcome, followed by a formal program and tours

Members of the media are invited to attend.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - News Release (Photo) - 07/21/26

Backpack Bash Returns August 1

Annual event expected to welcome 3,000 attendees, distribute approximately 2,500 backpacks, and feature nearly 40 community organizations

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. 

Families from across the Pikes Peak region are invited to kick off the new school year at Backpack Bash 2026, a free celebration that brings together dozens of local organizations to support students and families as they prepare for the year ahead.

What: Backpack Bash 2026

When: Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Where: Mitchell High School
1205 Potter Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Who: Approximately 3,000 attendees, nearly 40 organizations, and approximately 2,500 backpacks for preregistered students

Hosted by the Backpack Bash Coalition, the event has grown into one of Colorado Springs' largest back-to-school celebrations, bringing together schools, nonprofits, churches, businesses, and volunteers in support of local students and families.

The coalition is a collaborative effort of local schools, faith communities, nonprofits, businesses, and civic organizations committed to helping every student begin the school year feeling supported. Together, they create a welcoming space where families can discover programs, services, and opportunities that extend well beyond the first day of school.

Approximately 2,500 preregistered students will receive free backpacks during the event while families enjoy games, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with organizations offering programs and services that strengthen children and families.

"This annual event exemplifies the collective spirit of D11 and reflects Mitchell High School’s vision of uniting our southeast community through trust, partnership, and shared investment in student success. By bringing people together in support of a common purpose, it reinforces our commitment to providing a first-class educational experience and ensuring that every student and family benefits from the strength of a connected and caring community." 

Event Highlights

• Approximately 2,500 free backpacks for preregistered students

• Nearly 40 organizations offering resources and services for families

• Family-friendly games, activities, and entertainment

• Opportunities to connect with programs and services that support students throughout the school year

Media Opportunities

Members of the media are invited to attend Backpack Bash. Visual opportunities include backpack distribution, family activities, volunteer engagement, and interactions between community partners and local families. Event organizers, participating organizations, volunteers, and attendees will be available for interviews throughout the morning.