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
Beulah School of Natural Sciences
Monday, August 10: Transition Day - incoming sixth-grade and ninth grade students and
all elementary students begin
Tuesday, August 11: First day of school for all other students.
Pueblo West Schools and Mesa Schools
Monday, August 10: : Transition Day - incoming sixth-grade and ninth grade students
and all elementary students begin
Tuesday, August 11: First day of school for all other students.
Greenhorn Valley Schools -(Rye Elementary School, Craver Middle School and Rye High School)
Monday, August 17: : Transition Day - incoming sixth-grade and ninth grade students
and all elementary students begin
Tuesday, August 18: First day of school for all other 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.