D11 Discovery Day Connects Preschool Families to Hands-On Learning and Community Resources (Photo)Colorado Springs SD 11 - 04/28/26 9:29 AM
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:
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Connect with D11 Early Childhood educators and staff
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Learn about preschool programs and enrollment opportunities
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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
AH.CARLSON@d11.org" style="text-decoration:none;">SARAH.CARLSON@d11.org
719-520-2538
Colorado Springs SD 11 - 04/23/26 8:37 AM
COLORADO SPRINGS — Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) and Hillside Connection (HC) are proud to celebrate a second year of partnership bringing quality basketball play to underserved elementary students across the district this spring. This collaboration is designed to increase access to organized sports and mentorship strengthening school and community pride which elevates the overall well-being of youth in the community.
Building on Hillside Connections proven Hoopster League model of accessible, community centered sports programming, the D11 Hoopster Basketball League will provide students with an opportunity to learn, compete, and grow, regardless of financial barriers. Rooted in the belief that all kids deserve access to quality sports and enrichment programs.
This spring, eight (8) District 11 elementary schools will return for the league’s second season, helping continue the momentum built last year. More than 115+ fourth and fifth grade boys and girls attended school-based tryouts, and 96+ student athletes were selected to represent their schools. The league aims to foster teamwork, confidence empowering youth on and off the court.
The D11 Basketball League will feature divisional live play at North Middle School from 9am - 3pm on Saturdays April 18th – May 2nd. The season will conclude with “Championship Saturday” on May 9th, bringing families, staff, and neighbors together to honor the athletes and their hard work. The full schedule can be found here on the Hillside Connection website.
Thanks to generous private and philanthropic support, league incentives include jersey tops and shorts for participants, Nike basketball shoes, certified officials, coach compensation, workshops with Positive Coaching and more. The league is donation based, with scholarships available for any kid in need.
“The Hoopster League ensures that opportunity is not determined by circumstance. Every child deserves a chance to play, to grow, and to be seen and this league creates a space where that becomes a reality for kids from all walks of life building school and community pride.” ~ Terrell Brown, Founder, Hillside Connection.
“The North Vikings are excited and proud to host the D11 Hoopsters League in its second season. Hillside Connection does amazing work for youth in Colorado Springs; not only athletically, but academically and socially as they experience competition, connection, and challenge. We are thankful and blessed that both our current and future students have the opportunity to engage in Hillside events.” -Stephanie Leasure, Principal North Middle School.
To prepare coaches and volunteers for the season, Hillside Connection hosted a Coach Development Workshop in partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance and Coaching Legend Dan McKiernan on Saturday, April 4th at Loyal Coffee.
CSD11 2025 Spring Hoopster Basketball League – The league has grown form 5 schools to 8 schools
stephanie.leasure@d11.org
Harrison Dist. 2 - 04/27/26 6:30 PM
Today, a student was found in possession of a firearm on campus at the end of the day after the situation was reported to school administration. Our School Resource Officer responded immediately, and the student was arrested and charged. The matter is now being handled by law enforcement.
We are grateful this was reported right away, allowing for a quick response. The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority, and we value our strong partnership with our SRO and local law enforcement.
We encourage anyone who sees or hears a safety concern to report it immediately. Quick action helps us maintain a safe and secure learning environment.
D2 Chief Communications Officer
cobrien@hsd2.org
(719) 579-2310 office | (719) 660-2033 mobile
Columbia Bank - 04/22/26 11:10 AM
TACOMA, Wash., April 22, 2026 — Columbia Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System (Nasdaq: COLB), today announced it has been recognized by Crisil Coalition Greenwich with two regional Best Bank Awards for excellence in middle market banking. More than 500 banks worldwide were evaluated across small business and middle market categories, with only 47 banks receiving honors.
Crisil Coalition Greenwich recognized Columbia Bank in the following middle market banking categories for the U.S. West region:
- Best Bank – Satisfaction in Cash Management for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)
- Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)
Source: Coalition Greenwich Voice of Client - 2025 U.S. Commercial Banking Study
Best Bank Awards are based on extensive client feedback. The 2026 middle market recognitions draw from more than 11,000 interviews with U.S.-based businesses generating $10 million to $500 million in annual sales.
“Columbia Bank’s recognition by Crisil Coalition Greenwich as a 2026 Best Bank is especially meaningful since it’s the result of customer testimonials. It reflects the priority we place on supporting middle market companies, as well as the dedication and expertise our bankers bring to the table every day for our customers,” said Tory Nixon, Columbia Bank President. “It’s a privilege to support so many outstanding middle market enterprises across the West, and we will continue to earn their trust and confidence.”
Additional 2026 Accolades
The Coalition Greenwich awards add to a growing list of honors Columbia Bank has received this year, including:
- Forbes: America’s Best Banks
- Global Finance: Best Bank for Small and Midsize Enterprises, West
- Global Finance: Best Trade Finance Partner, West
About Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank is the largest bank headquartered in the Northwest and one of the largest banks headquartered in the West with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Columbia Bank combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management. Columbia Bank is a subsidiary of Tacoma, Washington-based Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB).