D60 planning programs for student with new schedule

Students and parents in Pueblo City Schools have a decision to make this upcoming school year when they will have one less day of school. With many parents at work all day F riday, Communications Manager Dalton Sprouse said the school district looked into ways to keep the students busy. “How we can leverage our current programs and funding to provide either activities or tutoring or things of that nature and meals for students on Fridays,” Sprouse said. One of those options is at the Pueblo City-County Libraries where they are welcoming students with different programs. Jon Walker is the library’s executive director. H e said they have options for kids of all ages including teen spaces and new technologies. “Some of it’s art based, some of it’s actually math or sort of science related,” Walker said. Walker also said they’ve adjusted for District 70 students who already have Fridays off so they are prepared for another change. “We might adjust some of our programs so that they’re more F riday focused if that’s the day that we see more traffic,” Walker said. Another concern from some families is the food provided. The district already offers free breakfast and lunch for students. It’s something they are looking to expand to Fridays as well. “Eight of our schools are packing backpacks full of meals that they send home with students so that they have some meals over the weekend,” Sprouse said. The Pueblo YMCA also has a program for D70 students and plans to expand that for dD60 students. The El Pueblo Museum announced plans to expanding their Hands On History after school program on Fridays as well.