PUEBLO, CO — Pueblo County School District 70 will begin the 2026–2027 school year as scheduled for most district schools while delaying the opening of Greenhorn Valley schools by one week following the Aspen Acres Fire.
The decision was made following consultation with local emergency management officials, fire command personnel and community partners to evaluate conditions across affected areas. While schools in Beulah, Pueblo West and Mesa are prepared to welcome students on their originally scheduled dates, additional time is needed in the Greenhorn Valley to support ongoing emergency response efforts, complete facility preparations and ensure students and staff can return safely.
"Our first responsibility is the safety and well-being of our students, staff and families," said Superintendent Bob Di Pietro. "While we know everyone is eager to begin a new school year, delaying the opening of our Greenhorn Valley schools by one week allows emergency responders to continue their work while giving our staff the time needed to prepare our campuses for a safe return. We appreciate the patience, flexibility and understanding of our families as we work together through this challenging time.”
2026–2027 School Start Schedule
All elementary students (PreK - 5) in Beulah, Pueblo West and Mesa schools will begin school on Monday, August 10.
Beulah School of Natural Sciences
- Monday, August 10: Transition Day for preschool students and incoming sixth-grade students.
- Tuesday, August 11: First day of school for middle and high schools
Pueblo West Schools and Mesa Schools
- Monday, August 10: Transition Day for preschool students and incoming sixth-grade and ninth-grade students.
Tuesday, August 11: First day of school for middle and high schools
Greenhorn Valley Schools -(Rye Elementary School, Craver Middle School and Rye High School)
- Monday, August 17: Transition Day for preschool students and incoming sixth-grade and ninth-grade students.
- Tuesday, August 18: First day of school for all students.
The one-week delay for Greenhorn Valley schools will provide district staff additional time to prepare school facilities while allowing emergency personnel to complete response operations in the area.
District 70 will continue working closely with emergency management officials and will communicate any additional updates directly with affected families should conditions change. Families are encouraged to monitor district communications, school messaging systems and the District 70 website for the latest information.