School spotlight: Rocky Mountain Prep Fifth Grader Reads 1 Million Words in Two Weeks

Kiruvel Girmachew, a Denver fifth grader at Rocky Mountain Prep Creekside Elementary Charter School, would spend his entire school day reading if he could.

“When I read, it kind of feels like I am watching a movie in my mind and I just slip out of reality,” Girmachew explained. “I’m like that kinda guy when everyone’s playing I’m just sitting reading – even if I don’t have a book I’ll just go on my tablet.”

But he says his passion to read actually started rather reluctantly. “In the summer, my mom forced me to read because she didn’t want me on electronics.”

Once he found his favorite book, there was no stopping the super reader. 

We’re so inspired to celebrate National Literacy Month with Kiruvel and Rocky Mountain Prep!

Watch the interview on CBS News Colorado.

DPS Graduation Rates: Progress Worth Celebrating, Work Worth Continuing

Graduation rates across Denver Public Schools (DPS) are rising, reflecting collective effort and momentum. More young people are crossing the stage, diplomas in hand, ready to take their next steps.  For the fourth consecutive year, DPS has set a new high mark for four-year graduation rates. The Class of 2025’s four-year graduation rate rose by 2 percentage points, reaching an all-time high of 81.9%.  The five-year graduation rate increased by 0.8% to 83.7%, and the six-year graduation rate improved by

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