Pueblo D60 Back to School Bash returns with 3,000 free backpacks
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Pueblo D60's Back to School Bash is back Thursday, and if last year is any guide, thousands of families will show up.
The event is at Dutch Clark Stadium on Aug. 6. Gates open at 5 p.m. for vaccines and other services. Everyone else gets in at 6 p.m.
Last year's inaugural event drew more than 3,000 people. Xavier Madrid coordinates events for the D60 superintendent's office. He said the turnout caught organizers off guard.
"We were expecting maybe 500 people, and we had over 3,000 people," he said.
The district bought 3,000 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to give away for free. D60 spokesperson Dalton Sprouse wants families to know they are available.
"We purchased, from the district, 3,000 backpacks stuffed with supplies, so come on out, get that," Sprouse said.
Think of it as a fair mixed with a pep rally. Free haircuts, vaccines, and dental screenings will be available. Food trucks will be on site, with food available for purchase. Face painting, giveaways, and prize drawings round out the night. Prizes include season passes to athletic events, autographed footballs, and Bluetooth speakers.
Every D60 school will have a booth. Families can enroll in the district on the spot. Community partners will also be there to answer questions and share resources.
D60 Superintendent Dr. Barbara Kimzey highlighted what is new in the district this year.
"Our high schools have reimagined their career technical education. We've got drones flying. AP courses," Kimzey said.
She summed up what the district offers families in straightforward terms.
"If you want it. D60 has it," Kimzey said.
The district is also launching a new all-day free preschool program this year. A new pre-collegiate middle school is also opening, designed to give students a head start before high school. Stephanie Markert is the principal of Hyde Park Elementary Pre-Collegiate.
"Academically, we're talking accelerated courses so that at the end of 8th grade they can start doing freshman classes," Markert said.
D60 director of magnet schools Drew Hirshon said the goal is preparing students for the world they will actually enter.
"We've been in the 21st century for a long time. Right? So it really is truly about giving our students those success skills," Hirshon said.
The new school year begins Tuesday, Aug. 18.
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