News
![A kindergarten girl holding a book]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774386800/hsd2org/ibkfqsgu5lqjqksxv5b3/MES_FeaturedNews-Kinder26.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774386800/hsd2org/ibkfqsgu5lqjqksxv5b3/MES_FeaturedNews-Kinder26.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774386800/hsd2org/ibkfqsgu5lqjqksxv5b3/MES_FeaturedNews-Kinder26.jpg","width":800}])
At Monterey Elementary, our littlest Mustangs begin each day feeling welcomed, known, and valued. As our kindergarteners enter the building, they are greeted by name by caring adults—including Principal Tunson—who offer high-fives, warm smiles, and a positive start to the day.
![Assistant Principal, Renee Dahl, accepts a rose from a student as Principal Erika Tunson speaks at an assembly]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769063651/hsd2org/oisea2388tppchu8libr/MES-FeaturedNews-KRDORenee.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769063651/hsd2org/oisea2388tppchu8libr/MES-FeaturedNews-KRDORenee.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769063651/hsd2org/oisea2388tppchu8libr/MES-FeaturedNews-KRDORenee.jpg","width":800}])
Renee Dahl won the 2026 Colorado Outstanding Assistant Principal Award for her work at Monterey Elementary School. According to the Colorado Association of School Executives, Dahl has done a tremendous job improving the school's status since she started in 2020, when the school was in turnaround status.
![D2 Insider Cover shows video camera & clapperboard]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755008678/hsd2org/yelogotr6mz5hcaao8gu/D2-FeaturedNews-D2Insider.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755008678/hsd2org/yelogotr6mz5hcaao8gu/D2-FeaturedNews-D2Insider.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755008678/hsd2org/yelogotr6mz5hcaao8gu/D2-FeaturedNews-D2Insider.jpg","width":800}])
From hands-on STEM learning and competitions, to collaborating with city planners, speaking up in front of large crowds to make a difference, and bringing home major awards - March 2026 was truly a special time in D2.
![Renee Dahl, Monterey Assistant Principal, holding her 2026 Colorado Outstanding Assistant Principal glass award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769066163/hsd2org/duxogie6cheal3qxzimx/D2-FeaturedNews-ReneeDahl2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769066163/hsd2org/duxogie6cheal3qxzimx/D2-FeaturedNews-ReneeDahl2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769066163/hsd2org/duxogie6cheal3qxzimx/D2-FeaturedNews-ReneeDahl2.jpg","width":800}])
Updated with Video. Monterey Elementary Assistant Principal Renee Dahl has been selected as the 2026 Colorado Outstanding Assistant Principal.
![Principal Erika Tunson and Principal Jenny Courtier]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749857855/hsd2org/afzrvuetq4ro8l7nynmb/BESMES-FeaturedNews-PrincipalsFox21.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749857855/hsd2org/afzrvuetq4ro8l7nynmb/BESMES-FeaturedNews-PrincipalsFox21.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749857855/hsd2org/afzrvuetq4ro8l7nynmb/BESMES-FeaturedNews-PrincipalsFox21.jpg","width":800}])
Loving Living Local celebrated by inviting Erika Tunson from Monterey Elementary and Jenny Courtier from Bricker Elementary to promote their leadership and courage.
![Superintendent Dr. Birhanzel, AASA Winner, welcomed back by staff in a celebratory lineup outside the D2 admin building]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741909551/hsd2org/j6zzpkcjmrbh6lswqzrk/D2-FeaturedNews-WendyAASAWinner.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741909551/hsd2org/j6zzpkcjmrbh6lswqzrk/D2-FeaturedNews-WendyAASAWinner.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741909551/hsd2org/j6zzpkcjmrbh6lswqzrk/D2-FeaturedNews-WendyAASAWinner.jpg","width":800}])
Harrison School District 2 Superintendent Wendy Birhanzel was recently recognized with the 2025 Women in School Leadership Award from the American School Superintendents Association.
![CSU Pueblo & PPSC Logos]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1729873137/hsd2org/nl3ly805gsfgvpxmiork/D2-News-AdmissionPromise.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1729873137/hsd2org/nl3ly805gsfgvpxmiork/D2-News-AdmissionPromise.jpg","width":512}])
Graduates from Harrison HS, Sierra HS, Career Readiness Academy, and Aspire Online Academy will have the opportunity for direct admission into CSU-Pueblo and PPSC.
![Sierra High School Football Field]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1728077084/hsd2org/gj00aw9fgu2kn5usop0y/D2-News-Bond.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1728077084/hsd2org/gj00aw9fgu2kn5usop0y/D2-News-Bond.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1728077084/hsd2org/gj00aw9fgu2kn5usop0y/D2-News-Bond.jpg","width":800}])
We’ve bonded together as a community with your support to provide school improvements so our students can thrive.
![Shovels in dirt at Bentley Commons]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706820018/hsd2org/aykomvbx4e5b8yhztjgp/MES-News-BentleyCommons.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706820018/hsd2org/aykomvbx4e5b8yhztjgp/MES-News-BentleyCommons.jpg","width":400}])
Principal Tunson shared her thoughts on how this development will impact families and future teachers.