Pueblo School District 60

For the second consecutive year, the district is helping incoming freshmen get a head start on high school success through its Summer Bridge program, at Centennial High School - Design and Innovation Academy.

Throughout June, 120 students are gaining valuable insight into the academic and social aspects of high school while building connections with fellow future freshmen, under the guidance of Principal Alexis Knox Miller, student engagement coordinators. and educators.

At the invitation of student engagement coordinators, Native American singer and historian Sam Gallegos visited participants, sharing a powerful message of being “united, not divided” through song, dance, and interactive activities that highlighted the connectedness of all people.

Students who successfully complete the Summer Bridge program earn one-half of a high school credit.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT PROFILE
Pueblo Central High Class of 1959 awarded three $4,000 scholarships to members of the Class of 2026 with a 3.9 or higher GPA.

Jordan Alfonso is enrolled at Colorado Mesa University as a nursing student. She was a multi-sport athlete, received a Superintendent's Writing Award, and was active in DECA, HOSA, FBLA, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Junior Achievement.

Maya Benitez is enrolled at the UCCS as a psychology major. She was active in volleyball and softball, DECA, National Honor Society, Spanish Club and Newman Club.

Elyssa Kus is a nursing student at Colorado State University. At Central, she was enrolled in seven college-level courses, served as secretary of Student Council, and was active in HOSA, Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Newman Club.

Classroom instruction is at its best when learning connects to the world beyond the classroom.

At Pueblo South High School, Ms. Rosa’s Spanish 2 final had Colts exploring the rich history of Spanish-speaking nations in the FIFA World Cup.

Students researched countries across the Americas, examining World Cup achievements, players, and cultural significance. They brought their learning to life by creating a trading card, team jersey, or social media campaign inspired by their research.

“With the World Cup hosted in three countries for the first time, students had fun learning more about the tournament while gaining a deeper understanding of the Americas and their history in the World Cup,” said Ms. Rosa, a native of Brazil and lifelong supporter of Brazil’s national team.

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐋𝐓𝐖 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Highland Park Elementary STEM Magnet School and Pueblo South Park Elementary Parents have been recognized as national 2025-26 Project Lead The Way Distinguished Schools.

While Highland Park has previously earned this honor, this marks the first time South Park has received the recognition, which places the two schools among a select group of elementary schools recognized for their ongoing commitment to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in career-connected learning through PLTW Launch, an elementary STEM curriculum.

Karlie Zabukovic, STEM Teacher on Special Assignment, served both schools, which are led by principals Crystal Gallegos (Highland Park) and Morganlee Kempf (South Park.)

Student artistic expression is a vital part of the D60 mission, and one way we celebrate creative ambition is by showcasing student artwork in the Board of Education meeting room.

Two new pieces, purchased by the office of Superintendent Dr. Barbara Kimzey, now grace the walls: “𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳” by Pueblo South High School student Cedric D. and “𝘜𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘈𝘳𝘵” by Pueblo East "Eagle Empire" student Juanito G.

We thank these talented young artists for sharing their creativity and invite the community to stop by the board chambers to view their work, along with the many other outstanding student pieces on display.

SPORTS ROUNDUP
FOOTBALL
Pueblo South High School Class of 2026 member Jake P. has been selected to participate in the 70th Annual Colorado High School Coaches Association All-State Football Game at the University of Northern Colorado.

BASEBALL
Pueblo Central High SENIORS
Jordan A.
Bryan M.
Jayce I.
Brogan G.
Drue G. (manager)

Centennial High School - Design and Innovation Academy SENIORS
Robert G.
Chaz B.
Alex N.
Landen L.
Malykai W.
Isaac T.
Bryson B.
Christian G.

LOCAL BASEBALL SCHEDULE
Tuesday, June 16
3, 5:30 p.m.: Central hosts South
4, 6:30 p.m. Pueblo East "Eagle Empire" vs. County at Hobbs
3, 5:30 p.m. Centennial JV at Rye
4, 6:30 p..m South JV vs. La Veta at Andenucio
4, 6:30 p.m. East JV vs. Crowley County at Andenucio

Wednesday, June 17
3:30, 5 p.m. Centennial at Rye

Thursday, June 18
3, 5:30 p.m. Central JV hosts McClave

TRACK AND FIELD
CENTENNIAL SENIORS
Sebastian C.
Isaak G.
Steven M.
Cierra M.
Imanol M.
Ian R.

Curious K-6 students spent the first week of summer break at Fountain International Magnet School, taking part in Camp Invention.

Camp Invention engages students in collaborative, imaginative and high-energy STEM learning activities designed to solve real-world problems.

Nicole Soto served as camp director, with district educators and high school mentors overseeing the lessons: Fur-ensics (solving mysteries with forensic science), Make Waves (entrepreneurship and physics), Space Morphers (terraforming planets), and The Infringers (protecting intellectual property).

The district was able to provide scholarships for 18 Gifted and Talented students to take part in the Camp.

The district has enjoyed a long partnership with the Colorado State Fair Fiesta Committee, which annually awards scholarships and opportunities for community engagement to young women of Hispanic descent.

In the 59th annual scholarship pageant – slated for June 20 at Colorado State University Pueblo -- more than $15,000 in scholarships will be awarded.

With Pueblo East "Eagle Empire" graduate Ysabelle Rosales the reigning queen, the district will be represented by these college-bound members of the Class of 2026:

Isabella Belen Rios, Pueblo South High School (to attend Colorado State University Pueblo)

Mia Charmaine Almeda, South (to attend Pueblo Community College)

Isabelle Olivia Cordova, South (to attend PCC)

Rayanna Irene Duran, South (to attend PCC)

Amaya Lee Holmes, East (to attend Louisiana State University)

Samantha Violete Alzate, East (to attend CSUP)

Haylie Urias Gonzales, East (to attend CSUP)

Stephanie Calzadillas Rojo, Pueblo Central High (to attend CSUP)

The work of keeping our students Present, Powerful and Empowered by Reading doesn't stop for summer break!

Over the past two days, our building leaders have been busy preparing for the upcoming school year through the district's first Summer Leadership Institute.

Facilitated by Superintendent Dr. Barbara Kimzey, with support from her Leadership Team, the Institute focused on district priorities and their connection to school improvement plans. Sessions centered on strengthening cross-curricular literacy instruction and expanding effective supports and interventions related to social-emotional wellness and student behavior.

To build on the momentum of a successful 2025–26 school year, the Institute kicked off with a video highlighting the many accomplishments achieved through collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision for student success.

Read more here: https://shorturl.at/q8Cb8

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT PROFILE
Violet Obley, Pueblo Central High, will study Game Design at Grand Canyon University with a goal of creating storytelling video games.

She received the GCU Rising Scholarship, a GCU Direct Presidential Scholarship, a GCU Lope Life Housing Scholarship, and the Ruthie M. Horton “For Love of Learning” Scholarship.

“High school taught me resilience, empathy, and perseverance,” Violet said. “Through every challenge, I grew into someone others could depend on while staying committed to my education and goals.

"Opportunities like Upward Bound and Pueblo Youth Council helped me discover my passion for serving others and showed me that leadership is rooted in kindness and uplifting those around you. Central helped shape not just my future, but the values that I will carry with me into the future."