Trailblazing Toward What’s Next

At Summit School District, we’re not just preparing students for graduation—we’re preparing them for the lives they’ll lead beyond it.
 

That’s why next week, Oct. 6–10, is all about looking forward. Across all grade levels, students will take part in What’s Next Week, a districtwide celebration of career exploration, postsecondary planning, and Future-Ready thinking.
 

For the first time, What’s Next includes PK–5 students with mini-lessons, a career fair passport, and spirit day activities. We’re thrilled to expand this opportunity to every learner. 
 

These events are part of our growing work in Career-Connected Learning (CCL)—a central component of the Future-Ready Pathways. Whether students plan to pursue a four-year degree, a professional certification, or go directly into the workforce, our mission remains the same: to ensure they graduate with clarity, confidence, and readiness.

What’s Next Week:

Monday, Oct. 6

Quad C & Quad C After Dark
SHS Library | 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Seniors can get support with college applications.
Snacks included!

Tuesday, Oct. 7

What’s Next Fair: Internship, Apprenticeship & Military Fair (Grades 6–12)
SHS | 10:00 AM–1:30 PM
Students will meet professionals from a wide range of industries—computer science, healthcare, engineering, natural resources, hospitality, veterinary science, cosmetology, trades, and more. These conversations open doors and spark ideas about what’s possible.
 

What’s Next Fair & SHS Tour (Grade 5)
Arrive at SHS by 12:00 PM | Buses funded by SHS
Elementary students will:

• Tour SHS
• Meet professionals from a range of industries
• Use their What’s Next Passports to explore how careers impact the world

Quad C & Quad C After Dark

8:00 AM–7:00 PM.
College application support for seniors.
 

Colorado Free Application Day Begins
Apply to any Colorado college for FREE — with support available in the library.
 

FAFSA & CASFA Completion Night (for Families)
SHS Library | 6:00 PM
Representatives from the Colorado Department of Higher Ed support families with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA).
 

PK–12 Spirit Day:
“The Future is So Bright” – wear your brightest colors!
 

Wednesday, Oct. 8

College Funding Workshop – Open to All Families
SHS | 6:00–7:30 PM
Presented by the College Funding Coach®, this free workshop (“Little-Known Secrets of Paying for College”) gives families actionable strategies to reduce the cost of higher education.
All grade levels welcome | Spanish translation provided
Reserve your seat here
 

Quad C & Quad C After Dark  
8:00 AM–7:00 PM.
 

Colorado Free Application Day Continues
 

Thursday, Oct. 9

ASVAB Testing (Grades 10–12, Optional)
Students can explore military careers and discover strengths through the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.

Quad C & Quad C After Dark
8:00 AM–7:00 PM.
 

Final Day of CO. Free Application Days
 

Friday, Oct. 10

Spirit Day: Dress for Your Future! (PK–12)
From astronauts and engineers to chefs and EMTs—students are encouraged to dress as their future career or postsecondary plan.
 

These events reflect our work towards career-connected learning—a commitment that ensures students are not only learning in the classroom but also building real-world skills, exploring their interests, and preparing for meaningful futures.
 

Some students may choose to attend college. Others will enter apprenticeships, certificate programs, or service opportunities. All students deserve every option to be open to them and to be seen, supported, and equipped with the tools they need to thrive.
 

That’s what the Future-Ready Pathways are all about: helping students turn curiosity into direction, and direction into purpose.
 

Our students are Trailblazers of Tomorrow—curious, courageous, globally aware, and ready to build their future with heart and determination. Thanks to events like What’s Next Week and the ongoing development of career-connected learning in Summit, they’re not just preparing for the future—they’re shaping it.

 Dr. Tony Byrd
 Superintendent, SSD