Kicking off the school year together with Welcome Back Bash 2026

On Saturday, Aug. 8, hundreds of DSST students and families gathered at DSST: Montview for an afternoon of fun, connection and celebration at our 2026 Welcome Back Bash. With backpacks, school supplies, live entertainment, community resources and plenty of sweet treats, the event was a joyful way to kick off the 2026-27 school year.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights from the day!

A community ready for a new school year

Families from across the DSST network came together to reconnect with friends, meet school staff, and celebrate the start of another year of learning. From the moment guests arrived, the energy was high and the excitement was contagious.

Whether students were racing through obstacle courses, challenging friends to giant Chess, showing off their skills at inflatable sports challenges, or getting their faces painted, there was no shortage of activities to enjoy.

Music, performances, and DSST spirit

The Welcome Back Bash soundtrack was in good hands thanks to DJ Fave and emcee Q, who kept the excitement going throughout the event.

Guests also enjoyed a beautiful performance by Flamenco Denver and a live set from a student band from DSST: Green Valley Ranch, showcasing the incredible talent that exists throughout our community.

Backpacks and supplies for a strong start

One of the most exciting moments of the day was seeing students pick up free backpacks filled with school essentials to help them begin the school year feeling prepared and confident.

Sweet treats and smiling faces

From Kona Ice and cotton candy to fresh churros, guests enjoyed a variety of treats throughout the afternoon. Long lines and big smiles made it clear that the sweet treats were a fan favorite.

Community partners making a difference

More than 15 community organizations joined the celebration, connecting families with valuable resources and services. We are especially grateful to Colorado Access and Campos Foundation for their generous sponsorship and partnership in helping make this event possible.

Families also had opportunities to learn about local programs, connect with their schools and enter giveaways through the Family Advisory Network (FAN).

Thank you for celebrating with us

A special thank you to our staff, volunteers, performers, community partners, and families who helped make this year's Welcome Back Bash such a success. Events like these remind us that DSST is more than a network of schools. We are a community that comes together to support students and families every step of the way.

We can't wait to see everyone back in our schools and classrooms. Here's to an incredible 2026-27 school year!