COLORADO SPRINGS DISTRICT 11 CELEBRATES STUDENT WINNERS OF THE WEARED11 SCHOOL SPIRIT CONTEST

A joyful District 11 celebration honoring student creativity and school spirit

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The Colorado Springs School District 11 invites media to join a warm and uplifting celebration honoring the student winners of the WeAreD11 School Spirit Student Contest.

This district-wide competition invited students from every D11 school to submit creative videos showcasing what makes their school experience special, from performing on stage and competing in sports, to leading clubs, creating art, their diverse learning opportunities, and expressing what they love about their community. Students formed teams of three to four, collaborated with peers, and put their creativity and school pride on full display. Every submission was reviewed by school principals before being published on WeAreD11.org, where the broader community could engage with, share, and champion their students.

At the celebration event, District 11 will recognize winning teams and honor the winners with the prizes, celebrating those that helped bring this contest to life and create a conversation across the District on what it is to be part of D11. This is an opportunity to see District 11 not through policy or budgets, but through the faces of students who are proud of their schools and their stories. Cameras and coverage are warmly welcomed.

What: WeAreD11 Student Contest Winner Announcement Celebration

Who: District 11 leadership, the winning schools' principal, and winning student teams.

When: Tuesday, May 6, 2026 5:30 PM

Where: Administration Building 1115 N. El Paso Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUERXvCom_uue4wvro1kReg 

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 4th 2026

Students at New Summit Charter Academy Raise Over $1,000 for Local Nonprofit Through Philanthropy Project

Colorado Springs, CO — Students in the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program at New Summit Charter Academy are turning lessons into action, raising more than $1,000 for a local nonprofit, Safe Place for Pets.

As part of a four-week philanthropy unit, 4th-, 5th-, and 6th-grade TAG students explored the meaning of giving back and learned how individuals—even children —can make a meaningful impact in their communities. The unit was supported by Project Heart, a foundation of OtterCares, which helps students bring philanthropic ideas to life.

Through their “Lucky Egg” fundraiser, students raised $596.25. After successfully applying for and receiving approval for a matching grant of up to $500 from OtterCares, the total donation reached $1,096.25.

“This project helped students see that their ideas and efforts can create real change,” said Mrs. Downs. “They weren’t just learning about philanthropy—they were actively practicing it.”

A representative from Safe Place for Pets will visit New Summit Charter Academy to accept the donation and meet with students. The check presentation is scheduled for:

    Friday, May 8th at 2:15 p.m.
    Location: Atrium, New Summit Charter Academy

In addition to fundraising, students have been documenting their philanthropy journey through photos and videos, highlighting the collaborative and creative spirit of the TAG program. These materials will be used to share the story of student-driven impact with the broader community.

Safe Place for Pets, a Colorado Springs-based nonprofit, supports pet owners facing end-of-life challenges by helping ensure their pets are cared for and, when necessary, rehomed.

Media are invited to attend the check presentation and speak with students and staff about the project.

Media Contact:
Nikki Reichert
Marketing and Communications
New Summit Charter Academy
719-749-4012
nikki.reichert@newsummitcharter.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Colorado Springs, CO — May 1, 2026 — Just six months after opening its doors, Step Springs is already transforming lives in Colorado Springs. The peer‑driven residential recovery program for men is helping residents move from addiction‑driven homelessness to sobriety, stability, and full‑time employment.

What Step Springs makes possible:

• From 34 felonies to employed and recently promoted to a manager position.
• From living in a car for two years to six months sober and employed.
• From panhandler outside a convenience store to full time employee at that store.

Step’s program builds real transformation through sobriety, work, accountability, and community. Before Step Springs opened, men were living in shelters, encampments, cars, and coming out of jail homeless – all while trying to navigate addiction alone. Step Springs offers a different path: a safe, structured environment led by men in long‑term recovery who have walked the same road.

Step Springs has:

• Served 127 men
• More than 75% have secured full-time, tax-paying jobs in under 45 days
• 39 men have progressed to Phases II, III, & IV of the program by hitting key recovery goals & stability milestones

The organization is on track to serve 160 men in its first year and 800 men within its first five years, reflecting both the scale of community need and the strength of Step’s proven model.

“Before Step Springs, my car was the only place I had left,” one resident shared. “I wasn’t choosing to live that way. I just didn’t see a way out.”

Residents like him are not alone. Many arrive after months or years in tents, vehicles, shelters, or temporary spaces. Step Springs provides the structure, accountability, and community needed to rebuild. Through daily routines, employment support, and peer coaching, men move from survival to stability to long‑term independence.

Because Step Springs is supported through private donations and takes no government funding, there is no cost to enter the program, removing financial barriers for any man ready and willing to pursue sobriety and stability.

Robert is one of the many success stories. He walked through the doors on opening day and celebrated six months sober this week.

About Step Springs

Step Springs is a 50-bed men’s residential peer recovery program built on the core principles of sobriety, work, accountability, and community. Modeled after Step Denver’s unique method and proven solution, Step Springs provides robust addiction recovery, life skills, and employment support to help men with nowhere else to turn rebuild their lives.