Trinidad Middle School sustains state academic gains, community impact grows
Trinidad Middle School earned the state performance rating on the Colorado Measures of Academic Success for the third consecutive year, and school leaders held a full school assembly on November 25 to honor students and staff for improved results. The sustained improvement signals progress for local education, and underscores broader community needs around equity, health, and long term investment.
Trinidad Middle School reached the state performance level on the Colorado Measures of Academic Success in 2025 for the third consecutive year, a result celebrated by administrators and students at a full school assembly on November 25. School leadership organized the event to recognize staff and students for the measurable gains attributed to targeted instructional strategies and interventions implemented over recent years.
The rating marks an important milestone for Trinidad and Las Animas County, where educational outcomes are closely tied to local economic and health indicators. School leaders framed the sustained rating as evidence that focused classroom practices, supports for struggling learners, and staff commitment are producing results. Principal Deana Pachelli publicly praised the work of teachers and students following the announcement, and the assembly served as a visible moment of local pride.
Sustained academic improvement at the middle school level has implications beyond test scores. Research links higher educational attainment to better long term health outcomes, lower rates of chronic disease, and greater economic resilience. For a rural county that faces challenges including limited healthcare access, poverty, and workforce shortages, gains in school performance can contribute to healthier life trajectories and stronger community stability.
That said, the school and district face ongoing structural challenges. Maintaining and expanding interventions will require sustained funding, stable teacher staffing, accessible mental health services, and coordinated social supports. County health and human services, local clinics, and school administrators will need to align resources to address the social determinants that influence learning, including housing stability, early childhood access, nutrition, and broadband connectivity for homework and remote learning.
Community leaders note that celebrating progress must be paired with policy commitments that protect gains for students who are most vulnerable. Continued investment in evidence based instruction, wraparound services, and partnerships between schools and health providers will be essential to translate test score improvements into lasting social and health equity for Trinidad families.
