New superintendent for D11 welcomes 6th and 9th graders

Wednesday was the first day of school for one of the biggest districts in Colorado Springs. District 11 welcomed 6th and 9th graders Wednesday, while the rest of the students return Thursday.

Along with the students hopping off the bus for the first day, a new face joined the crowd. District 11 now has a new superintendent. Michael Thomas began his day by riding on the bus with students, to help them acclimate to the new schools.

“As a big kid myself, my alarm went off at four this morning and all I could think about was the excitement and the energy,” said Thomas.

Thomas got off the bus at Holmes Middle School to greet parents and students as they began their day.

“What I would tell my sixth-graders, or any student for that matter, is be yourself, stay committed and reach for the moon because if you miss, you’ll still land amongst the stars,” said Thomas.

Holmes Middle School Principal Rob Utter is just as excited to welcome students and parents back to school.

“Middle school is an amazing point where there are so many changes that happen in kids,” said Utter. “It’s going to be a fun year.”