The Yeti Campus- Springs Studio and Pikes Peak Early College

8th grade is moving on up to high school at Springs Studio. Onward and upward!

A big thank you to Dr. Susan Howell and the UCCS Anthropology Team for teaching 6th grade about Forensic Anthropology and Crime Scene Investigation. Students used their forensic knowledge to create crime scene dioramas and utilize their investigative skills.

What an amazing time PPEC & SSAE graduates, family, friends, and staff had on Friday. 🎓 Take a look. 

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Congratulations to the Class of 2026 seniors from Pikes Peak Early College and Springs Studio for Academic Excellence! We are so proud of all you have accomplished and can’t wait to celebrate you.

PPEC seniors graduate at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 15, and SSAE seniors graduate at 11:30 a.m. Be sure to watch the livestream on the District 49 Media YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/District49Media

This week saw a new class of National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society inductees take their pledge to uphold the pillars of high scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Congratulations to our newest members, and Thank You to our current members who made the night's honors special for all.

HPP Update. Congratulations to Peggy Dean on her outstanding win at the High School Showcase! This premier USA Wrestling event brings together the best high school wrestlers in the country, providing a platform to showcase their talents while opening doors for college recruitment and scholarship opportunities.
Peggy’s achievement is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to her hard work, dedication, and competitive spirit. We are proud to celebrate this success and look forward to what’s ahead!

Today we celebrated more than accomplishments—we celebrated perseverance, growth, and the incredible journey of the Pikes Peak Early College Class of 2026.

“This is a big deal… you set a goal, stayed with it, and made it to this point. You earned this,” shared Principal Vladislav "Mr. Izzy" Izboinikov, capturing the heart of what makes this class so remarkable.

Student speaker Nikkos Clift challenged his classmates to step boldly into what’s next: “Care less about what other people think, be happy, and go spread a little whimsy. The world sure could use a bit.”

From earning college credits and industry certifications to completing associate degrees while still in high school, these students didn’t just meet expectations—they redefined them.

Today’s capping ceremony was a powerful reminder that no one reaches this moment alone, and that behind every graduate is a story of support, resilience, and determination.

The finish line is in sight. On May 15, the Class of 2026 will walk the stage and receive their diplomas at The City Hub—a moment years in the making.

PPEC is beyond proud of these students—not just for what they’ve achieved, but for who they’ve become. The future is theirs, and it’s bright!

(Thank you to the Falcon Education Foundation for providing the food for the celebration.)

Sunrise, reflection, and a room full of futures in the making

This morning’s Senior Breakfast wasn’t just a celebration—it was a pause. A moment to look around, take it all in, and recognize how far the Springs Studio for Academic Excellence Class of 2026 has come.

The morning began with a stunning a ca****la quartet performance of the National Anthem by the Johnson family, setting a powerful and heartfelt tone that carried throughout the entire event.

A highlight of the morning was the keynote address from Mr. Mike Masino, whose daily work guiding students toward their futures was reflected in his message—encouraging seniors to step forward with confidence, purpose, and a clear vision for life beyond high school.

From first-day nerves to this final stretch, these students have built something meaningful—pushing through challenges, discovering who they are, and shaping where they’re headed next. As Principal Amanda Pethtel shared, they’ve “embraced their journey and recognized their potential,” a truth that was felt in every corner of the room.

The morning honored more than achievements—it honored growth. Students stood to be recognized for academic excellence, college coursework, career pathways, and service. But the most powerful moments came quietly, during the capping ceremony—when gratitude took center stage, and seniors recognized the people who helped carry them to this point.

There’s something special about this stage of life—standing at the edge of what’s familiar and what’s next. And if today proved anything, it’s that this class is ready.

The next chapter begins soon—these graduates will walk the stage and receive their diplomas on May 15 at The City Hub.

The future is calling—and the Class of 2026 is ready to answer!

(Thank you to the Falcon Education Foundation for providing the food for the celebration.)

SSAE & PPEC High School students had an incredible opportunity to visit the UCCS Healthcare Simulation Learning Center! During the 2-hour tour, students explored a variety of healthcare careers and took part in hands-on learning stations, including caregiver skills and classroom-based career exploration. A highlight of the visit was the actor simulation, where students designed real-world healthcare scenarios and then watched their peers step into those roles.
Experiences like this help bring future career pathways to life!