Education | Colorado Springs Gazette

Colorado College sends 508 graduates into the world

For the past four years, Colorado College has been like a toolbox for Rafael Alonso-Arenas. The Mexico City native now has the final instrument in hand to help him build his future. "This diploma tells me I'm equipped with all the tools to succeed," he said. "I'm ready." Alonso-Arenas, the first in his family to complete college, was one of...

Bates Elementary School students, others say farewell

In 1957, a gallon of gas cost 24 cents, Elvis Presley bought a Tennessee mansion and named it Graceland, Martin Luther King Jr. led a nationwide movement to end racial discrimination and Katharine Lee Bates Elementary School opened in Colorado Springs. From the beginning, Bates was special. "It was truly a neighborhood school with so many...

Columbia U. seeks to alter whites-only bequest

NEW YORK (AP) — Columbia University is seeking to change the terms of a 93-year-old trust earmarked for white students from Iowa. The Lydia C. Roberts Graduate Fellowship stipulates that money be given only to "a person of the Caucasian race" from Iowa. Roberts left Columbia most of her $509,000 estate when she died in 1920 and created the...

Breakfast after the bell signed into law in Colo.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) — Some Colorado schools will be required to provide breakfast to students after the first bell of the day starting next school year. Lawmakers passed the proposal this year. Gov. John Hickenlooper signed it into law Wednesday in the cafeteria of a Commerce City elementary school, surrounded by students. It requires...

Colorado teen could be tried as adult for school bomb

BOULDER - A teen accused of bringing an explosive device to his Lafayette high school could be charged as an adult. The teen is scheduled for a juvenile detention hearing on Wednesday. He hasn't been identified because he is a juvenile. Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett told the Daily Camera (http://bit.ly/10nAaXw ) prosecutors...

Charges unlikely in accidental school shooting

AURORA, Colo. (AP) — Police say a high school employee who accidentally shot a student in the leg likely won't face criminal charges. The Aurora Sentinel reports that the unnamed employee at Rangeview High School has been placed on administrative leave (http://bit.ly/12yBMMZ ). Police and school officials haven't released the employee's...

Police: Aurora high school employee shoots student

AURORA, Colo. (AP) — Aurora police say an employee at Rangeview High School accidentally shot a student in the leg in a campus parking lot after school hours. Police spokesman Frank Fania says the employee, who is not a teacher, accidentally shot the student when he was moving a gun to the glove box of his vehicle shortly before 4:30 p.m....

Wasson High School prom one to remember

Like most of life's better parties, proms are a celebration of change, of endings and of new beginnings. Some, more than others. For juniors and seniors at Roy J. Wasson High School, which closes for good this month, the final prom - held Saturday night downtown at The Mining Exchange - was a glittery, giddy segue into what will be an...

Pikes Peak region teachers struggle to keep classroom rules ahead of technology

Students are allowed to step outside the classroom to take a personal call at Falcon Virtual Academy, an eastern plains school that combines online and on-campus learning. On the other side of the mountain, students at the Cripple Creek-Victor Junior/Senior High School face disciplinary consequences if they use their cellphones during class....

Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia tells Pikes Peak Community College grads 'Call your mother'

For the first time in seven years, Lt. Governor Joseph Garcia had a homecoming of sorts at Pikes Peak Community College. But it was also a farewell to a few hundred graduates. Garcia, who was president of the college from 2001 to 2006, delivered Saturday's commencement address to 377 graduates at New Life Church. Since leaving the college,...

Crowd bids tearful farewell to Colorado Springs elementary school

Teachers, students, alumni and neighbors gathered Friday to say goodbye to an old friend - the 65-year-old Lincoln Elementary School, which will close May 20. It was a two, or maybe even three hanky event. Some in the audience shed tears and reached for tissues as the grade schoolers sang: 'It's the memories that see us through. ' There was...

Imagination lands Teller County students in national competition

DIVIDE Donna Frick's gifted and talented kids have gone wild. Now, they're being rewarded for their animal antics. A pantomimed skit about an enchanted pet shop has earned three fourth graders and one fifth grader at Summit Elementary School in Divide a trip to Destination Imagination's global finals. The worldwide educational program,...

2013 third-grade reading scores

Peter Hilts picked as D-49 chief education officer

The Classical Academy's former high school principal and current director of academic services will begin contract negotiations with Falcon School District 49 to become its chief education officer. The D-49 Board of Education on Thursday unanimously selected Peter Hilts, who now supervises seven principals and other leaders at the charter...

Republicans to back Obama's student loan plan

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are willing to give President Barack Obama a rare win, the chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee said Thursday in outlining a deal that would let college students avoid a costly hike on their student loans. Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., told The Associated Press that his GOP-led panel would support...