If you have any questions regarding New Student Orientation please use the following email to contact our Senior Leadership or the Faculty Advisors. Please allow for up to a 48 hour response time when sending an email. Thank you :)
Email: Susan Fletcher
We appreciate your communication and we look forward to hearing from you!
If you have not completed the Pre-check in form for New Student Orientation. Please click here!
If you have any questions that fall outside of New Student Orientation, please use the following contact information to reach out to a staff member that can provide you with the information you need! Thank you!
Phone Numbers:
Palmer High School Main Office: 719-328-5000
Attendance: 719-328-5013
Principal's Office: 719-328-5042
Email Addresses:
Principal | Krista Burke | krista.burke@d11.org
Assistant Principal | TBD
Assistant Principal | Dan Geiser | daniel.geiser@d11.org
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director | Matt Wilson | matthais.wilson@d11.org
Dean of Students | Felipe Ogas | felipe.ogas@d11.org
Dean of Students/Restorative Justice Coordinator | Laura Beth Waltz | laura.waltz@d11.org
Nurse | Lisa Van Dyk RN | lisa.vandyk@d11.org | District # 719-328-3569 | Palmer # 719- 328-5151
Orientation Questions:
Is New Student Orientation required to attend? Yes, New Student Orientation is required for all incoming 9th grade students. Here, they will be building long lasting relationships and learn a ton of information to help them be successful at Palmer High School.
What time does New Student Orientation begin and end? New Student Orientation begins promptly at 7:40am with doors opening at 7:20am for check-in. Please plan to arrive 5 minutes before 7:20am on August 12th. New Student Orientation ends at 3:10pm.
When do I need to complete the Pre-check in form by for New Student Orientation? Please have the Pre-Check-in form completed no later than 4pm on August 5th. Here is the link to the Google form.
Will School Buses pick up and drop off students from New Student Orientation? Yes, bus routes will run on a regular schedule as they would on a typical school day. Please be sure your student is registered with District 11 Transportation Services and in the Transportation Zone for Palmer High School to be able to ride the bus. Click the following link for more information: https://www.d11.org/transportation
Where should I drop off and pick up my student? For the start of New Student Orientation, please drop off your student(s) at the front entrance of Erps gym, located on 325 N Wahsatch Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. At the end of New Student Orientation, please pick up your student from our main building either on Weber Street, Boulder Street, or Nevada Avenue.
Can I attend New Student Orientation with my child? While we encourage as much parent and family participation as possible in a student's educational experience. New Student Orientation has only been designed for 9th grade students. Here they will build strong connections with their peers, Link Crew Leaders and staff at Palmer High School!
What is the schedule for New Student Orientation? To view the schedule for New Student Orientation please click here.
What will I (as a student) or my student be doing during New Student Orientation? Students will be placed in a Link Crew group of 10-12 other students led by a couple of our amazing Link Crew Leaders! In these groups, students will play icebreakers, team building games, have conversations, go on a scavenger hunt, ring the traditional PHS bell, participate in the Lunch Club Crawl and so much more!
Is there a cost for New Student Orientation? Should I give my student lunch money? There is absolutely no cost to attend New Student Orientation! Lunch will also be provided for students free of charge on August 12th! (Please send an email to Susan Fletcher if your student has dietary restrictions we should be aware of, thank you!).
What should I (as a student) or my student bring to New Student Orientation? Our Link Crew Leaders have made a comprehensive list of what 9th grade students should bring to New Student Orientation! Check it out here!
Can I or my student be in a Link Crew group of their choice or with their friends? Unfortunately, we are not able to take any requests or move students around to accommodate being with their friends. All student groups have been pre-formed and randomized to ensure all students meet as many people as possible!
Palmer High School Questions:
What is a Terror? A Terror is the official mascot of Palmer High School and is represented by a fierce Eagle! The name of our mascot is called Eaglebeak.
What are the school colors of Palmer High School? Brown (to represent the color of the mountains) and White (to represent the snow on the mountain tops).
What is Terror TRCSS? Terror TRCSS ("Tracks") is a semester long class that all 9th grade students take in some capacity during their first year at Palmer High School. For more information click here!
What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program? The IB program is world renowned academic framework that guides students to think critically and openly about the world around them. At Palmer High School all 9th and 10th grade core classes are a part of the IB Middle Years Program. If students want to continue with IB they can opt into IB courses during their 11th and 12th grade year as a part of the Diploma Program (DP) or Career Program (CP). Students not in the DP or CP programs can still select to take individual classes in different content areas through the IB Course Candidacy program. Click here for more information on the IB program.
What is the process to apply for the free/reduced lunch program for my student? District 11 requires all families each year to fill out an application to be reviewed for Free/Reduced lunch qualification. More information and the required application can be found here!
Is Palmer High School an open campus for lunch? Palmer High School does indeed have an 'open campus' for lunch. Students 9th - 12th grade can take advantage of the amazing food offerings throughout downtown Colorado Springs. However, Palmer High School Staff and Administration have a strict tardy policy when it comes to students being late from lunch. Additionally, we strongly recommend ALL 9th grade students remain on campus for lunch during their first year at Palmer High School.
Please note, all 9th grade students attending orientation will not be allowed to leave campus for lunch on August 16th (No exceptions). Food will be provided by the Link Crew Program free of charge.
Where can I buy Palmer High School gear? Apparel can be bought at our business office 'window' located inside Palmer High School or from the following websites:
Is there a school supply list for my student's classes? Yes! Click here to view the recommended school supply list for all 9th grade students. We would also recommend reaching out to your or your student's teachers to see if they need anything specific for their classes!
What is the attendance phone number/process? The attendance phone number is 719-328-5013. Front Office staff ask that all absences be called in advance to ensure students are accurately excused from their classes.
What is the Palmer High School cell phone policy? Palmer High School Staff and Administration strongly recommend all students refrain from cell phone use while in or outside of class. Specific policies and enforcement are left to individual teachers and their classroom management frameworks.
What will assignments and projects look like in my 9th Grade classes? Assignments and projects will be dependent on the individual teacher! However, a large number of teachers at PHS enjoy designing projects and assignments where you collaborate, build, create, discover and reflect on your learning.
Is there a block schedule at Palmer High School? Yes, in accordance with District 11 Administrative initiatives, Palmer High School will be operating on a block schedule for the 2024-2025 school year. To find the weekly schedule, click here.
What time and how long is lunch? Lunch during the week will be 42min long. This time includes passing periods. The specific time of lunch can be seen by scrolling down on the Orientation Schedule page. Click here if you want to be redirected.