Austin, a seventh grader, was getting bored at home during COVID, so he decided to join the intramural sports program at his school, Cache La Poudre Middle School.

“I was able to meet people from different grade-levels and build new friendships,” says Austin, who participated in whiffle ball and basketball summer camp. 

It was easy making new friends, Austin said, because everyone wanted to connect after being stuck at home during the pandemic. Being with people again and playing sports was his favorite part of the experience.

Irish Elementary bilingual volunteer Nancy Hazelrigg inspires students

On most school days, you’ll find Nancy Hazelrigg spending her afternoons at Irish Elementary School. You may see her helping teachers and staff by organizing offices, classrooms and student materials. She may be working with students, playing educational games with them, practicing reading and writing or assisting them with homework or scholastic book orders.

 “There is nothing better you can do than help kids be good students and learn to be good citizens,” says the dedicated Poudre School District volunteer about why she shows up at Irish every day.

Traut Elementary namesake, Evelyn Traut, remembered

Former founding Principal of Traut Elementary School Art Dillon fondly remembers Evelyn Traut, the school’s namesake, through memories of tours of her garden, brunch at her home and, most recently, a picnic last July for the school’s retired teachers.

“Miss Evelyn has been an inspiring example through the numerous ways she stayed active and invested in others through her life,” Dillon says, reflecting on his friend, who died at 95 in December 2021. “At Traut, Evelyn was a much-loved, regular member of the community. She came often to read to the students. ”Traut’s’ visits, Dillon says, were a highlight for students, who flocked to the devoted PSD educator.

Student-athletes foster sense of belonging in PSD

Supported by coaches, friends and their school communities, PSD student-athletes show that there’s much more to playing a sport than winning a game, match or meet. It’s about building a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves. Watch a recap of PSD athletics on Poudre School District’s YouTube channel.

Working together, Superintendent Kingsley learns about PSD staff and their jobs

Look out for Superintendent Brian Kingsley as he digs in and gets to work with PSD employees. Stay tuned for the first episode in the series featuring Prima Vera, a bus driver here in PSD. Watch the video series teaser on PSD’s YouTube channel.

Coats and Boots program and business partners team up to get winter clothing to students

A kindergartner recently walked up to a Poudre School District teacher nervously wringing her hands. The teacher waited eagerly to hear what she had to say. “Thank you for the boots,” said the young student quietly. “I wore them yesterday and they are really cozy. ”In a year unlike any other, businesses and organizations continue to step up to help PSD kids, including the North Fort Collins Business Association, which has set out to keep kids warm this year, rising above obstacles like supply chain issues. Read more at psdschools.org/news. 

For the latest on COVID-19 protocols, visit the PSD 2021-22 Health and Safety webpage.