School District 49 first in the area to go back to school for the 2023-2024 academic year
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.(KRDO) -- Although the calendar shows that it's still mid-summer, that season is officially over for students, faculty, and staff in School District 49.
Superintendent Peter Hilts said that the district has traditionally been the first in the Pikes Peak region to resume classes.
"We're still somewhat of an outlier as far as that goes," he said Wednesday while attending the opening of Stetson Hills Elementary School. "Our school schedule is more family-friendly because it includes a two-week fall break and a two-week spring break. We continue to grow and I think this will be our best year ever."
D-49, as well as other local schools, are spreading out their re-openings over several days; this week, D-49 students are returning on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Sand Creek High School, along with Stetson Hills Elementary, were among the D49 schools welcoming students Wednesday.
Amy Sanchez-Martinez, the principal at Sand Creek, said that the school is putting the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic behind them.
“We had to work very intentionally to rebuild connections as a community," she explained. "People were accustomed to being on their own, and we definitely saw that when we came back from the pandemic. It took some time, and it still is taking time. But everyone here is doing a great job."
Many students hugged each other as they reunited with old classmates, and looked forward to making new friends -- but others are taking a more no-nonsense approach.
"I don't really like school," said Eric Torres-Cortes. "I’m just here to work hard, get my stuff done, graduate with a 4.0, and then go to college.”
Maribeth Calderon became emotional as she dropped off her daughter, who's a senior this year.
"It makes me cry," she admitted. "It’s really their last year, their senior year. I remember each one of the back-to-school days."
Some parents expressed mixed emotions about sending their kids off to school.
"When my son starts school, I get sad because I know it’s another year and he gets older, and I’ll really miss him during the day," said Leslie Shelley.
"I’m excited," Amanda Lindgren confessed. "I mean, I’m going to miss my daughter when she’s not at home, but she’s going to have a blast. So, that’s what matters."
As for some of the kids?
"What makes me nervous about the first day of school is the fact that it is the first day," said third-grader Kaasen Shelley.
Isabelle Medina is starting Kindergarten and said that recess is her favorite time.
"I like to play and run around," she said.
Another sign of summer ending in D49 is planning for Homecoming later this month at Sand Creek -- a tradition that generally has been celebrated in October.
