Happy Friday!

Shoutout to our Unified athletes on their fantastic win this week against Denver North! They played their hearts out and so well they even made it on the Denver9 News this week!

Another shoutout to our BSA, Ladies First, and staff sponsors Ms. Pettit, Mr. Davis, and Mr. Brewington for their incredible work organizing the MLK Jr. Assembly today. It was a powerful and inspiring assembly!

Don't forget, no school on Monday, January 19th in observance of MLK Jr. Day. We will see you back at school on Tuesday, January 20th!

Have a great and safe weekend!

- Principal Terita Walker

2025-26 School Year Calendar

January 19 School Closed - MLK Jr. Day

January 21 Class Fair (3 pm)

January 28 Level 4 Performance

February 3 Arranging Projects Night (5:30 - 7:30 pm)

February 4 Athletic Signing Day

February 4 Girls and Women in Sports Day

February 5-7 All State Choir

February 6 Pep Rally (8:30 am)

February 10 Junior College Night (6 pm)

February 12 Level 2 Performance (7 pm)

February 14 Val-o-grams (8:30 am)

February 16 School Closed - President's Day

February 18 Sustainable Fashion Show (6:30 pm)

February 21-24 DECA State Competition

February 24 Health Fair

February 25 Level 3 Performance (7 pm)

February 27 No Classes - Professional Development

Dates above are subject to change. Please find our most up to date calendar with all East events here. 

Additional Events:

Youth on Record, an organization dedicated to empowering young people through music and creative media. We have a bunch of FREE program offerings for young musicians!

• Creative Enrichment Classes for middle and high school students. Classes next session include Beatmaking, Songwriting, and Piano Lab.

• Studio Bookings young musicians can book out space in our Youth Media Studio for recording, mixing, band rehearsals, songwriting sessions, and jam sessions

• Drop-in Fridays - Youth and Families are welcome to drop in on Fridays for tours, studio access, and a regular schedule of events and activations including First Friday Open Mic!

Here is our registration link. Once registered, artists and their families will have access to our scheduling system. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, and we hope to connect with you soon.

FREE Afterschool Meals for Youth All Year

Support Group for Parents of Asian Students with Disabilities

Monthly Know Your Rights and Safety Planning with Servicios de la Raza

Free Museum Days in Denver (Kids 18 and under always free at History Colorado, and Clifford Still Museum)

Free Walk-in Health Clinic at Center for African American Health

We Don't Waste Mobile Food Market Weekly Calendar

Free Eviction and Legal Resources

Another familiar face on Denver7 News this week!

We are incredibly proud to see our very own Physical Education teacher, Andrew Wimbs spotlighted on the news to showcase his work not only as a teacher here at East, but as a college football referee in his spare time. Be sure to check out Denver 7's local news section to hear his story!

We are proud to announce that East High School has been named a GOLD School on the College Board’s 2025 AP School Honor Roll!

Earning GOLD recognition reflects our strong commitment to a college-going culture and academic excellence. This honor is made possible because:

- 79% of our students take at least one AP course before graduation.

- More than 50% of our student body earns college credit by scoring a 3 or higher on an AP exam.

- 31% of our students take five or more AP courses during their time at East.

This achievement highlights the dedication of our students, staff, and families. Nice job, Angels!

Dear East High School Families,

On behalf of the EHS Nursing Office, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous contributions of feminine hygiene supplies. Your kindness and support ensure that our students have the resources they need to feel comfortable and cared for during the school day.

These supplies will make a significant difference in the lives of many students, and we are deeply appreciative of your continued commitment to the well-being of our community.

Thank you once again for your generosity. It is because of families like yours that we are able to create a supportive and inclusive environment at East High School.

Warm regards,

Nurse Fun

East High School Nursing Office

Cold and Flu Season is Here!

As the cold and flu season is in full swing, we encourage all students and families to take extra precautions to stay healthy. For tips on preventing illness, handling symptoms, and other health-related information, please visit the Health Clinic/Nursing Office section on the East High School website.   https://east.dpsk12.org/nurses-office/

Stay safe and healthy!

It's that time of year! Choice of Studies is upon us which is the opportunity for students to select their courses for next academic year and ensure they are on track to graduate. Below you will find information about the different opportunities available to your student to learn more about course offerings and the selection process.  Students will work with their teachers and counselor to identify correct courses that match both their academic interests and graduation requirements.  

Class Fair: Wednesday, January 21st during Enrichment (3:00 - 3:50 pm)

Students will have the opportunity during Enrichment to meet with different departments to ask questions about specific courses and get guidance on the best selection for the student. At the Class Fair, teachers can answer questions about courses and will provide their course syllabi for students to review prior to choosing their classes for next school year. Planning documents will be passed out to students earlier in the day on the 21st. Students will then be expected to complete the planning document during the Class Fair.

Choice of Studies Selection Process: 

During the student’s English class, they will meet one-on-one with their counselor to review their progress toward graduation and pick their courses for the 26/27 academic school year. Student's choices will be communicated out to families for a final check before schedules are built. Schedules are built May - August.

Below is a breakdown of when the different grades will meet with their counselors:

9th Grade: Week of 1/26 - 1/30

10th Grade: Week of 2/9 - 2/13

11th Grade: Week of 3/2 - 3/6

All parents will receive an attendance notice on Friday, January 16th from the district that will highlight their students' average daily attendance. A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the time enrolled in school for any reason: excused, unexcused or suspended. This is the state and federal definition of chronic absenteeism. It is important that guardians are proactively updated about their student’s access to education. Included below is district guidance on how to support your child's attendance.  

Attendance Link

Positive Rewards for Attendance:

Our attendance team has begun a campaign to effectively reward students who have attendance above 90%.  We are selecting students at random who have exhibited positive attendance behaviors and are giving away tickets to games, dances, and gift cards. Please reinforce good attendance habits. Attendance matters and we want to make sure students know we appreciate their efforts. 

ACCESS

ACCESS testing for students in a designated ELD class will take place January 28-29th. Please make sure to have a fully charged school Chromebook on testing days! This test is required, and students who miss the test will be required to make up the test by February 12th. 

iReady

iReady mid-year testing for any student who is currently on a READ plan will take place during students’ English classes on January 21st and 22nd. The student's English teacher will ask that your students to go to the library to participate in the test. This test is required for any student on a READ plan. 

Spring Testing Dates for PSAT/SAT & CMAS and Opt Out Option and Instructions 

SAT - April 14th (Students classified as Juniors)

CMAS - April 15th (Students classified as Juniors)

PSAT 10 - April 16th (Students classified as Sophomores)

PSAT 9 - April 17th (Students classified as Freshmen)

While we encourage all students to participate in state testing, parents and legal guardians of Denver Public Schools students may excuse their child from the assessments listed below.

State assessments like CMAS and PSAT|SAT provide important insights into student progress across Colorado. The data helps families, schools and the community understand if students are meeting academic goals and are prepared for college and careers.

For more information on the importance of state testing, please see The Role of State Assessments in Increasing Academic Achievement document. You can also visit the DPS State Assessments website or contact your school’s leadership team.

To excuse your student: Follow the instructions linked below

2026 Updated Parent Opt Out

If you still wish to exempt your student, use the instructions above to fill out the application. The application will be open through February, giving families time to decide and schools time to plan for spring testing.

Looking to earn college credit? Take a CLEP test at East!

Step 1: Look at CLEP Subjects

Read the subject descriptions, complete the practice questions and determine how much/if you need to study.

Step 2: Determine a College’s CLEP Credit Policy

If the college’s policy is not posted via College Board, then check the individual school’s website for more information

Step 3: Email anna_armitage@dpsk12.net to sign up for testing on February 4th

Your CLEP test will be free (typically $90) if you register for and take it at East!

Step 4: Prepare for Test Day

Complete free online practice with CollegeBoard and/or use Modern States full course resources to prepare

*** Contact anna_armitage@dpsk12.net with any questions and/or stop by to see her in 324. If you would like to also earn high school credit for passing a CLEP exam, discuss this possibility with your counselor.

Foil your dinner plans and stop by the Chipotle at 2500 E Colfax Ave in Denver for our AVID fundraiser on Wednesday, January 21st from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. To ensure your support goes directly to our East AVID program,  just show them this flyer or mention the fundraiser at checkout and they'll donate 25% of the proceeds to the cause! Thank you for your support!

For the month of January, all choir classes will be working in small groups creating A Cappella arrangements of songs of their choice. The best projects from each class will be showcased in a free evening performance in the East Foyer. All different types of Art from our Visual Art Department will also be showcased during this event. This is a unique and fun performance opportunity for our students--we hope you will join us!

Parents of senior athletes, National Signing Day is Wednesday, February 4th. If your senior has committed or plans on committing to play their sport in college, please have them see Tee MacDonald (theresa_macdonald@dpsk12.net) in room 100 or Michelle Brown (michelle_brown1@dpsk12.net) ASAP. We are asking that all information be submitted by January 24th. If you have any questions please see Tee or Michelle.

If your student ordered a Letterman jacket last semester, please have them come to room 100 to pick it up.

Stay up to date on all Athletic events by visiting the Athletics calendar!

Hello Basketball Fans!  We are excited for the upcoming event on Wednesday 1/21/26, featuring Denver East Basketball vs Denver South Basketball.  This event will include:

4:30 pm -  JV Girls and JV Boys

6:00 pm -  Varsity Girls

7:30 pm -  Varsity Boys

Location:  Denver South High School

Similar to previous games, we expect that this event will “sell-out.”  A limited number of tickets will be available for general admission purchase through the gofan ticketing link. Tickets will only be sold online and tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.

Student Tickets

Student lottery opens on Friday 1/16/26 @ 2:30pm

Student lottery closes on Tuesday 1/20/26 @ 9:00am

Communication will be sent to students regarding ticket status by Tuesday afternoon.

Each school has created a process for their current students to enter a lottery whereby 250 students (from each school) will receive free entry to the event. If a student does not receive a free ticket, the student will need to purchase a ticket via gofan to the event. Student-athlete stickers and cash will not be accepted at the door.

Please enter the lottery through the form below:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Yj64cdjv6tdU8I2hwFi8ixcU8ZJGl-TEmcwTzKgFz0Y/edit 

General Admission

General Admission will open at 5:00 pm on Tuesday 1/20/26

For all other spectators, a limited number of tickets will be available for purchase online, on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets can be purchased via gofan ticketing link.

The opportunity to purchase a ticket for this event will begin on Tuesday 1/20/26 at 5:00 pm.  Once the allotment of tickets has been sold, the opportunity will close. We expect this to happen quickly.  

For all spectators, bags are discouraged and subject to search. Denver Public Schools encourages spectators to not bring bags to the event(s).

Thank you for your continued support!

Is your student athlete committed to play at the next level? Our annual Signing Day will be held on February 4th. Please have your student fill out this Google form by January 24th with their information about what school they will be attending next Fall and details about their athletic journey. Please see Tee McDonald, our Activities Director, or Michelle Brown, our Assistant Athletic director if you have any questions!

The Future Angels Cheer Clinic: Basketball Edition will happen on February 3rd! There will be practices held before the performance at the game on January 26th, 29th and February 2nd from 5 pm - 7 pm. The registration fee is $70 which includes a t-shirt, bow, and two game tickets. Registration closes on January 23rd.

Register Here!

The East Angels Dance Team will be hosting another Mini Angels dance clinic and performance later this month. Come dance with current East Angels dancers and coaches. Learn a full dance routine and perform at our Nationals Sendoff! This event is available to ages 4-12, cost is $65 per dancer ($55 for returning Mini Angels) which includes a t-shirt, poms, dance clinic, and event entry. The dance clinic will be on January 27th at East High School from 6 - 7 pm. The performance will be on January 30th at EADT National Sendoff in the East Gym.

Register Here!

Boys Volleyball Info 

Preseason open gyms and weight training to help players prepare for the season have begun. Our next open gym will be this Friday, January 16, right after school from 3:45–5:45 PM.

Additionally, beginning Wednesday, January 14th we will be offering strength and conditioning sessions with Stacia Miller, East’s Strength and Conditioning Coach. These sessions will take place Mondays and Wednesdays after school. Players should meet at 3:45 PM outside the weight room. We strongly encourage participation for anyone who is able, as this makes a significant difference in physical readiness once the season begins.

Girls Swim & Dive Senior Night 

1/21 @ Carla Madison vs George Washington

Wrestling Senior Night

1/22 @ East vs South and Northfield 

The DPS Community Hubs will be hosting Citizenship Workshops starting January 2026 on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays. Both English and Bilingual classes will be offered. In these workshops, you'll learn about the requirements and process to become a U.S. citizen, prepare for the U.S. Civics and History exam for citizenship, and practice English skills needed for the interview. For more information, please contact Edgar Medina at edgar_medina@dpsk12.net or 720-424-3711. You can also complete the form by scanning the QR code above or visiting this link.

Families, we invite you to visit our Presentations & Slides page on the Senior Site! You’ll find helpful resources, including a recorded session for students interested in applying to colleges abroad, with guidance on application timelines and international requirements.

We’ve also added scholarship presentation slides where we shared opportunities for students who identify as Latino, so please encourage your student to explore and apply! As always, reach out to the Counseling Team if you have any questions or need support.

Last but, not least, the Senior Hub is updated and ready to go! Check it out on the East Website.

Be sure you take a look at the events happening below to stay up to date on all things related to our Counseling Department!

If your student is interested in courses and career options in CTE (Career and Technical Education), CEC Early College will be enrolling students through the School Choice process this year. For more information on classes and programs at CEC Early College, click here. For instructions on how to apply, click here. School Choice Round 1 is open December 2nd -January 20th. It is highly recommended that you complete the School Choice application during this window for the best chance at being enrolled at CEC part-time. Questions? Have your student reach out to their counselor.

Attention Senior Families,

Buy your senior recognition ad in the yearbook before the deadline, January 30th! Current prices are: 

1/4 Page - $155.00

1/8 Page - $115.00

For the past three years, McAuliffe International School has hosted a Tutoring Club for students at McAuliffe who need some extra support with homework. We invite high school students to tutor McAuliffe students who participate in the Tutoring Club. Tutoring Club started on Wednesday, January 14th from 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm and will be held every Wednesday. Each session is not mandatory and high school students can come when they have the time available. At the end of the semester they will get a certificate with all of the service hours completed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Cecilia Pablo, the McAuliffe Community Engagement Liaison by emailing cecil_pablo-martinez@dpsk12.net.

✨ This week's staff appreciation goes out to Whitney McCormick (pictured second from the right) — one of our fantastic School Psychologists!✨

Let’s show her some love and support by helping fulfill her wishlist.

Here is a link to her wishlist:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2NUN5V884NPYE?ref_=wl_share

Are you interested in getting involved at East? The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) a volunteer-led organization where parents, educators, students, and community members work together to make East the best it can be. If you are interested in joining, please fill out this form.

Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen would like to invite you to a webinar to learn more about the FY 2027 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. 

As you may know, the CPF process allows Members of Congress to directly advocate for how funding will be directed to eligible community projects through the annual appropriations process. While guidance has not yet been released by the House Appropriations Committee, we are working to help stakeholders prepare for a potentially tight submission process. 

These webinars will be an opportunity to learn about the CPF process, eligibility requirements from previous years, answer questions, and connect about how to develop a competitive project. 

Webinar Dates:

January 22: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM/MT 

Registration: LINK

If you plan to attend the Webinar, please fill out the registration form above to receive Zoom details. If you do not fill out the form, you will not receive Zoom details. 

If you’re not able to make the Webinar but would like to be kept informed about the FY27 Process, please fill out this form: LINK. You can also find a one-pager with more information on the CPF process attached.

All Webinar attendees will receive updates about the FY27 CPF process.  

Please reach out to Ryan Passas (ryan.passas@mail.house.gov) and Hannah Mullen (hannah.mullen@mail.house.gov) for any questions on the webinars or CPF process. Thank you!

Meeting Topic: “The Power of Connection: How Adults & Teens Can Navigate Substance Use Risks Together” In collaboration with: RISE ABOVE Colorado

 - Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
 - Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
 - Location: Evie Dennis Campus Student Union (Building One) | 4800 Telluride St, Denver, CO 80249

Healthy Choices, Bright Futures – Free Family Workshops!

Join us for Healthy Choices, Bright Futures, a free workshop for DPS families focused on preventing substance use and learning how to talk with kids about fentanyl safety.

Jan. 26 on Zoom

All attendees will be entered into a drawing for a giveaway bundle.

Registration Link Here

Welcome New Americans!

The Ready for American Hospitality (RAH), a 4-week immersive service learning program for refugees and Frits Knoebel students at DU, begins this month! Mentees will learn US workplace norms, food preparation and handling, practice workplace English, U.S. customer service, and cultural exchange. Mentors will gain managerial experience, cross-cultural communication, comprehensive employment practices, and servant leadership skills. The benefits for RAH grads are a RAH certificate, employment support, cost of living incentives, and connections in the DU network. The winter 2026 cohort begins 1/26 and runs through 2/24 at the Joy Burns Center. Please contact the Program Manager, Jessi Kalambayi at 303-871-3726 or jessi.kalambayi@du.edu with any questions!

To sign up for Coffee with the Principal, please visit this link! Please use the live link to sign up for the next session. All sessions will be hosted from 7:15 - 8:15 am in the Social Room on the second floor of East.

The dates for each session are below:

• 02/05/2026

• 03/05/2026

• 04/09/2026

• 05/07/2026

The Spirit Store is open for the school year and its operating hours are daily during the lunch break. The Spirit Store is run by volunteers and will be closed if a volunteer is not available. If you would like to confirm store hours, volunteer, or ask questions, please contact spiritstore@eastangelfoundation.org. All Spirit Store proceeds support the East Angel Foundation. For more on EAF, visit the EAF Website. Make sure you follow the Spirit Store on Instagram - @denvereastspiritstore.

Thank you for your support!