Backpacks are packed, classrooms are ready, and students are heading back to school in the Estes Park School District this week for the 2026-2027 school year. The process began with a staggered start today and continues through Monday, Aug. 17.
It is a bit of a “Who’s on first?” with the staggered start as sixth- and ninth-grade students returned today. All middle and high school students return tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Elementary students in grades 1 through 5 return Thursday, Aug. 13, while kindergarten students begin the year on a staggered schedule. Kindergarten students whose last names begin with A-H attend Thursday, Aug. 13, and students whose last names begin with I-Z attend Friday, Aug. 14.
The elementary school day begins at 8:10 a.m. Parents or guardians of students arriving after that time should park and sign their child in at the school office.
All kindergarten students will be in class together beginning Monday, Aug. 17.
Preschool students have their first day Tuesday, Aug. 18.
While the staggered schedule may leave outsiders — and more than a few adults — scratching their heads, rest assured the students have it figured out. Have no doubt.
Free breakfast and lunch continue
Students will again have access to breakfast and lunch at no charge throughout the school year.
The EPSD participates in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs under U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines and has opted into Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program.
Launched during the 2023-24 school year, the state program provides additional reimbursement to participating public school districts and other eligible school food authorities so they can serve meals at no charge to all students, including those who otherwise would pay full price.
For families already facing the high cost of groceries and other household expenses, the program can provide significant savings. State estimates indicate free school meals can save a family about $1,250 per child annually.
Universal meals also eliminate the need for families to keep money in student meal accounts and help prevent school lunch debt. Because every student can receive the same free meals, the program also removes some of the stigma traditionally associated with free and reduced-price meal programs.
Supporters of universal school meals also point to educational benefits. Consistent access to nutritious meals can reduce hunger during the school day and help students concentrate, learn and participate in class.
Colorado launched Healthy School Meals for All after voters approved the program in 2022. Participation is voluntary, and eligible school food authorities must opt into the program annually.
EPSD Cellphone, personal electronic devices, and food policies
Families should also be aware of school policies governing cellphones and other personal electronic devices.
In the high school, phones and backpacks are to be kept in lockers throughout the school day. The policy is unchanged from last year.
Middle school students will turn in their phones at the school office each morning and retrieve them at the end of the day.
At the elementary school, personal phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices should remain turned off and stored in backpacks during school hours.
The elementary school is also asking families not to send food treats for birthdays or classroom celebrations because of concerns about food allergies. Teachers will recognize birthdays and other occasions in non-food ways.
Students may bring a healthy snack and water bottle to class. Beverages other than water may be consumed in the cafeteria but not in classrooms, including coffee and specialty drinks brought to school in the morning.
Rotary provides new equipment for career and technical education program
The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club secured a $4,256 Rotary District Grant to purchase a Powermatic band saw for the school’s Skilled Trades and Technical Science program.
The new saw replaces an aging machine used by instructors Steve Schauf and Ted Appel to teach woodworking and construction skills.
A band saw uses a continuous-loop blade to make straight, curved, and intricate cuts in wood and other materials. The new professional-grade machine will allow students to tackle more advanced projects while gaining experience with equipment similar to what they may encounter in the workforce.
The grant is part of the Rotary club’s support for local education and workforce development and provides students interested in the skilled trades with additional hands-on training opportunities.
Freshman headed for the rocks
Estes Park High School freshmen will get an opportunity to trade the classroom for Colorado’s climbing terrain later this month.
The annual ninth-grade climbing trip with Kent Mountain Adventure Center is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31.
For the third consecutive year, the school is partnering with KMAC to give freshmen a rock-climbing experience that emphasizes team building and the district’s Global Outcomes of perseverance, collaboration, communication, and wellness.
Students will leave the high school by bus and participate in activities at climbing areas, including Performance Park in downtown Estes Park, Lily Mountain, and Jurassic Park near Lily Lake.
The trip is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 2:15 p.m.
Homecoming set for September
Students won’t have to wait long for one of the school year’s biggest traditions. Homecoming Week is scheduled for Sept. 14-19.
The Homecoming Parade and football game are planned for Friday, Sept. 18, with kickoff at 7 p.m. in Bobcat Stadium. The Bobcats will face Westminster’s Flatiron Academy.
The Homecoming Dance will follow on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 8 to 11 p.m.
Details about the parade and the traditional Homecoming bonfire are still to be announced.
You must be logged in to post a comment.