North Middle School Students Unleash “The Monster Within” In An Immersive Art Experience Inspired By Meow Wolf And North Alumnus Artist Patrick Shearn (Photo) -05/16/25

Colorado Springs, CO — May 2025 — Inside the Viking Black Box at North Middle School, monsters come alive—but not the kind you'd expect. These are the internal monsters we all carry: reflections of identity, curiosity, emotion, and transformation. This year-long immersive art experience, titled “The Monster Within,” was envisioned, designed, and built entirely by North’s Advanced 8th Grade Drama and Design students.

Inspired by a field trip to Meow Wolf Denver, this co-curricular, CTE-supported project brings together art, drama, and storytelling in a jaw-dropping, student-created installation that invites visitors to step into a world of imagination and introspection.

The students’ journey deepened in March with a visit to the Psycullescence exhibit at the Galleries of Contemporary Art (GOCA) at UCCS—where they met Patrick Shearn, the internationally acclaimed immersive artist behind the exhibit and a proud North Middle School alumnus. Shearn led students through an exploration of his work and process, sharing how public art can reflect the inner landscape of emotion and experience. His influence and encouragement sparked new depth and direction in the students’ work.

“The theme ‘The Monster Within’ was inspired by curiosity about how the internal systems of fictional monsters could represent different parts of our personalities,” said Cole Bennett, North’s Design teacher. “Every project in this room took meticulous dedication. Students defined their own goals, alternated leadership, and brought their ideas to life through months of hard work.”

“We began with our feeder elementary’s art theme, ‘Let the Wild Rumpus Begin,’ and our students elevated that concept into something uniquely middle school,” said Amanda Gaden, Drama teacher. “They explored identity, vulnerability, creativity, and voice—and built an immersive world around it. These kids are pure magic.”

What makes this project extraordinary isn’t just the final product—it’s the pathway thinking, the collaboration, and the creative risk-taking that went into every inch of the Viking Black Box Theater. From concept to execution, the installation is a student-led achievement that reflects the power of arts integration, project-based learning, and student agency.

Students applied to be part of this advanced course, worked across disciplines, and engaged with professionals in the arts community. Their work stands as a bold example of what’s possible when we trust students to lead, create, and express freely.

You’re Invited to Experience “The Monster Within” -you do not want to miss this opportunity to visit in person! School ends Friday, May 23rd. 

What: A walk-in, immersive art installation created by North Middle School students
Where: Viking Black Box Theater, North Middle School
When: Open for visits—schedule a time today!
Who: Advanced 8th Grade Drama & Design Students
Why: Because this isn’t just art—it’s expression, identity, and the future of learning

To schedule a visit, interview students or staff, or request photos or media access, please contact Amanda Gaden at amanda.gaden@d11.org or 719-328-5755.

Palmer High School To Break Ground On Historic Renovation -05/12/25

Honor the legacy. Empower the future.

Colorado Springs, CO — May 7, 2025 — Colorado Springs School District 11 invites members of the media and community to a monumental moment in the city’s history: the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of William J. Palmer High School, the city’s oldest and most iconic high school.

When: Monday, May 12 at 3:15 p.m.
Where: Palmer High School Courtyard (Enter from Boulder Street)

This historic investment will transform Palmer into a future-ready learning environment while honoring its deep legacy in the heart of downtown. The renovation includes a full restoration of the school’s historic core and the construction of a new Academic Wing — designed to support student agency, interdisciplinary learning, and the globally minded International Baccalaureate philosophy that defines the Palmer experience.

“This is more than a renovation,” said Superintendent Michael Gaal. “It’s a re-commitment to public education at the center of our city — and to every student who walks through these doors with a dream and a future worth investing in.”

The design team, composed of RTA Architects and NES Inc. (both local firms with more than 40 years of experience in Colorado Springs) and national education design leader Perkins Eastman, has spent the last year gathering input from students, families, educators, alumni, and community members to bring a shared vision to life.

This event will include remarks from District and City leadership, ceremonial ground-breaking, and opportunities for interviews and photography.

Additional Key Dates:

• Construction Begins: Summer 2025
   

• Phase One Completion: Summer 2028
   

About Palmer High School:
Founded in 1874, William J. Palmer High School is the flagship high school of Colorado Springs School District 11. Located in downtown Colorado Springs, it serves a richly diverse student body and proudly offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme.

Honoring 40 Years Of Excellence: Rotary Champions Pikes Peak Celebrates Scholar-Athletes At Annual Awards Banquet -05/08/25

Colorado Springs, CO — The 40th Annual Rotary Champions Pikes Peak Awards Ceremony will take place Monday, May 12, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Ed Robson Arena, honoring the most accomplished high school scholar-athletes in the Pikes Peak Region.

Founded in 1985 by the Garden of the Gods Rotary Club, the Rotary Champions Program was created to spotlight students who lead with integrity and excel in athletics, academics, leadership, and community service. In the face of negativity surrounding youth at the time, this program aimed to shift the narrative—and 40 years later, it continues to uplift and reward excellence in our next generation of leaders.

This year’s ceremony will feature special guest Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, who will present the prestigious $10,000 scholarships to the overall Male and Female Champions—selected from a field of more than 300 nominees across 44 high schools.

Returning as Masters of Ceremonies are Jessica Mendoza, Sports Director at KKTV, and Jesse Kurtz, Executive Producer of the Mountain West Network—two beloved voices in regional athletics.

What to Expect:

• Presentation of 27 sport-specific Medallion Awards
   

• Spirit of Champions Award, honoring resilience through adversity
   

• Ian Weikel Champion of Service Award, recognizing community impact and honoring a local hero
   

• Two $10,000 Scholarships to the top Male and Female scholar-athletes
   

Since its founding, the Rotary Champions Program has honored over 11,000 student-athletes and awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships. Former honorees have gone on to serve in the military, education, medicine, engineering, professional sports, and public service.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Ed Robson Arena, Colorado College
Admission: Open to press and public (limited seating – RSVP recommended)

Join us to celebrate the very best of youth leadership, service, and achievement in Southern Colorado.

District 11 To Break Ground On Colorado Springs School Of Technology: A New Era For Career-Focused Education -05/01/25

Colorado Springs, CO — On Monday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m., Colorado Springs School District 11 will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the Colorado Springs School of Technology (CSST)—a bold new public high school designed to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow through immersive, real-world learning experiences.

Located at 3650 N. Nevada Avenue, CSST is set to open in August 2025, welcoming its first cohort of 9th and 10th grade students. The school will be co-located within the Kevin O’Neil Cybersecurity and Research Center, placing students in direct proximity to cutting-edge work in industry, government, and higher education.

As a D11 STEM Innovation Zone school, CSST is focused on the future—offering career-connected pathways in cybersecurity, aerospace, entrepreneurship, and leadership, all grounded in a strong foundation of ethics and character. Students will engage in hands-on, project-based learning supported by deep partnerships with industry and higher education. And through a dynamic humanities curriculum, students will be challenged to think critically, lead ethically, and understand the social impact of the technologies they create.

The groundbreaking event will feature remarks from CSST and District leaders, networking opportunities with community partners, and a celebration of the region’s growing investment in innovative public education. The event is open to the public and media.

Event Details:
Monday, May 5, 2025
2:00 p.m.
3650 N. Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

www.csrockets.org

About the Colorado Springs School of Technology
CSST is a new kind of high school—one that breaks down the walls between the classroom and the real world. Through immersive learning, cutting-edge curriculum, and a deep focus on ethical leadership, CSST prepares students to thrive in fast-growing, high-impact fields. With support from partners including the National Cybersecurity Center, UCCS, Space ISAC, Exponential Impact, Catalyst Campus, and the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, CSST is a launchpad for students who want to lead the future.

MEDIA ADVISORY - HUNDREDS OF D11 STUDENTS COMPETE IN REGION'S LARGEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ROBOTICS COMPETITION -05/01/25

Colorado Springs, CO – May 5, 2025

WHAT:
Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) proudly hosted the largest elementary robotics competition in the Pikes Peak Region on Saturday, May 3. More than 360 students from 17 elementary schools participated, showcasing their skills in engineering, coding, teamwork, and creativity using VEX 123 and VEX GO robotics kits. Themed “Ocean Science Exploration,” the event marked D11’s third annual elementary robotics competition.

WHEN:
Saturday, May 3, 2025

• Division 1 (Kindergarten–1st Grade): 8:00 – 10:30 AM
   

• Division 2 (2nd–3rd Grade): 11:00 AM – 1:45 PM
   

• Division 3 (4th–5th Grade): 2:30 – 5:00 PM
   

WHERE:
Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus
2115 Afton Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

WHY IT MATTERS:
This event celebrates D11’s growing investment in STEM education, now reaching over 470 students across 20 elementary schools through its robotics program—powered by Federal Title IV funding. It fosters early exposure to industry-relevant skills and hands-on learning, with strong community support.

QUOTE:
“This event was a fantastic demonstration of what young minds can accomplish when given the tools and support to innovate,” said Duane Roberson, Director of D11 Career and Technical Education. 

MEDIA ADVISORY: Sabin Middle School Celebrates 50 Years Of Excellence And Community -04/29/25

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2025

Sabin Middle School Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence and Community

What:
Sabin Middle School’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

When:
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
9:15 AM – 3:30 PM

Where:
Sabin Middle School
3605 N. Carefree Circle
Colorado Springs, CO 80917

Details:
Sabin Middle School, in Colorado Springs School District 11, is proud to celebrate 50 years of learning, leadership, and community! The day-long event will honor the school’s history, alumni, students, staff, and its incredible journey since opening in 1975.

The celebration will feature:

• Performances by the Sabin Band, Choir, and Orchestra
   

• Living history displays and self-guided decade tours through the building
   

• A BBQ lunch available for $5 (adults)
   

• Food trucks, including Monsters Mini Donuts, Colorado Concessions, and Little Bear Sloppy Joes and Ice Cream
   

• Games and music in the courtyard
   

• Special acknowledgments for six retiring Sabin staff members
   

• The opening of the original Sabin Time Capsule and the placement of a new one
   

Community Partners Supporting the Celebration:

• Rocky Mountain Calvary Church
   

• Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD)
   

• Monsters Mini Donuts
   

• Colorado Concessions
   

• Little Bear Sloppy Joes and Ice Cream
   

Media are invited to attend, capture the festivities, and celebrate this major milestone alongside current students, alumni, former principals, and the broader D11 community.

Highlighted Event Schedule:

• 9:00–9:15 AM: Formal Welcome and Kickoff
   

• 9:15–10:15 AM: Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Showcase
   

• 11:15 AM–1:30 PM: Open House Tours & “Lunch with a Principal”
   

• 2:30 PM: Time Capsule Opening
   

• 3:00 PM: Staff Retirement Ceremony
   

Contact for Media Inquiries:
Christina Clayton, Sabin Middle School Principal
Colorado Springs School District 11
christina.clayton@d11.org
719-328-7002

Or

Heidi Gomez, Sabin Library Tech Educator

heidi.gomez@d11.org

719-328-7024

Day Correction: MEDIA ADVISORY - District 11 5th Graders To Launch Rockets In New Peak Experience Powered By Industry Partners -04/28/25

WHAT:

Every 5th grader in Colorado Springs School District 11 is taking part in an exciting hands-on learning experience — building and launching their own Cosmic Ray rockets! After weeks of studying the forces of flight, rocketry fundamentals, and STEM careers, students will culminate their learning with live rocket launches.

WHEN:   Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time:      10:45 a.m.

WHERE:  Memorial Park — Rose Bowl area
1605 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80910

WHO:

• District 11 5th grade students

• Engineers and rocket enthusiasts from Lockheed Martin, UCCS, Estes Rockets, and COSROCS (Colorado Springs Rocket Society)

• Superintendent Michael Gaal

• COSROCS President David Virga

• Community partners and supporters

WHY:
This rocket launch is part of District 11’s Peak Experiences — real-world learning opportunities that engage students beyond the classroom. Through this system-wide initiative, students gain hands-on experience with STEM concepts while exploring future career pathways in aerospace, engineering, and technology.

Special thanks to Lockheed Martin, UCCS, Estes Rockets, and COSROCS for partnering with D11 to make this unforgettable experience possible!

VISUALS/INTERVIEWS:

• Students launching rockets

• Engineers assisting at launch pads

• Superintendent Gaal and COSROCS representatives available for interviews

• High-energy, interactive STEM learning moments

MEDIA ADVISORY: D11 To Host Preschool Open House And Announce Major New Low-Cost Extended Care Option -04/28/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2025

D11 to Host Preschool Open House and Announce Major New Low-Cost Extended Care Option

Background:
D11 Preschool programs are free for eligible families and are proven to build strong academic, social, and emotional foundations. This announcement is critical as El Paso County has implemented a CCCAP (Colorado Child Care Assistance Program) enrollment freeze, making D11’s preschool's free and low-cost offerings even more important for local families.

What:
D11 Preschool Open House and Launch of Low-Cost Extended Care for 4-Year-Olds

When:
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 3:00–4:00 p.m.

Where:
Keller Elementary School
3730 Montebello Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Details:
Colorado Springs School District 11 invites families and the media to a special Preschool Open House, highlighting D11’s always-free, high-quality preschool programs.
At the event, D11 and the Department of Early Childhood Education will announce the launch of very low-cost extended after-school care for 4-year-olds starting in August 2025—a major step forward in removing barriers to early learning.

Families will meet teachers, tour classrooms, and learn more about half-day and full-day options, convenient locations, and scholarship support.

District 11 5th Graders To Launch Rockets In New Peak Experience, Powered By Industry Partners -04/24/25

Colorado Springs, CO — April 16, 2025 — Every 5th grade student in District 11 is about to launch—literally.

In the latest Peak Experience, a signature real-world learning opportunity in D11, students across the district have spent the last several weeks immersed in the forces of flight, the fundamentals of rocketry, and the STEM careers that make space exploration possible. Their hard work will culminate in the launch of student-built Cosmic Ray rockets at Memorial Park, April 28–May 1, thanks to a powerful partnership with Lockheed Martin, UCCS, Estes Rockets, and COSROCS (the Colorado Springs Rocket Society).

The public and press are invited to witness the district-wide launch event:
April 30 at 10:45 a.m.
Memorial Park – Rose Bowl area

The curriculum for this system-wide experience is grounded in the 5E model of instruction—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate—ensuring that every student not only builds a rocket, but builds deep conceptual understanding. Leading up to launch, students study the physical science behind rocket flight, measure and analyze data, and explore career pathways in aerospace, engineering, and technology.

“This is what Peak Experiences are all about—getting kids out of their desks and into meaningful, memorable moments that mirror the real world,” said Superintendent Michael Gaal. “We’re grateful to our partners for bringing rocket science to life for every D11 5th grader.”

On launch days, engineers and rocket enthusiasts from Lockheed Martin, UCCS, and COSROCS will serve as official launch coordinators, supporting students in safe rocket launches while sharing insights into the careers that await them.

“As an organization with a core focus on STEM engagement, Colorado Springs Rocket Society is thrilled to be a partner in D11's rocketry Peak Experience,” said COSROCS President David Virga. “We are bringing our full 144 launch pad capability and over thirty years of rocketry expertise to ensure a safe, educational, and exciting experience for the students.”

Whether calculating trajectory, launching a rocket, or collecting flight data, every student will take on an active role in the experience—fueling curiosity and confidence for their future.

Check out this video to learn more!

https://youtu.be/dLSZM06Y8RY

Astronauts And The Space Foundation Bring The Wonders Of Space To District 11 Students -04/23/25

For immediate release:

Colorado Springs, CO – Colorado Springs School District 11 students will have the opportunity of a lifetime as astronauts and educators from the renowned Space Foundation touch down for a series of inspiring, space-themed events at three D11 schools this spring. As a lead-up to National Space Day on May 3, these visits are designed to ignite student curiosity and excitement for space science and exploration.

Students at Edison Elementary School, Jack Swigert Middle School, and Wilson Elementary School will interact directly with astronauts and participate in interactive lessons facilitated by Space Education Specialists. Assemblies, Q&A sessions, and hands-on activities will give students a front-row seat to the science, innovation, and imagination that fuel space exploration.

Event Schedule:

April 23, 2025 – Edison Elementary School
3125 N. Hancock Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

• 9:00 AM – All-school astronaut assembly
   

• 9:35 AM – Astronaut Q&A for grades 1–5
   

• 10:02 AM – Space learning activity with 4th & 5th grades
   

April 24, 2025 – Jack Swigert Middle School
4220 E. Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

• 1:00 PM – All-school astronaut assembly
   

• 1:40 PM – Astronaut Q&A for grades 6 & 7
   

• 2:05 PM – Space learning activities for 7th grade
   

May 2, 2025 – Wilson Elementary School
1409 De Reamer Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80915

• 9:00 AM – All-school astronaut assembly
   

• 9:35 AM – Astronaut Q&A for grades 1–5
   

• 10:02 AM – Space learning activity with 4th & 5th grades
   

These events underscore District 11’s ongoing commitment to providing all students immersive, real-world learning opportunities. The partnership with the Space Foundation brings STEM education to life while inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

“This is more than just a school assembly—it’s a launchpad for imagination and discovery,” said Lauren Mason, D11 Director of Partnerships. “We’re thrilled to offer our students a chance to meet real astronauts and explore the future of space.”

Media coverage is encouraged.