Happy Friday!

Thank you to our students, teachers, and staff who attended school today and were flexible as we navigated the day. We also want to extend our support for the teachers, staff, students, and families who are in the community advocating for all people across the nation. While today looked different in many ways, we are appreciative of all of those who assisted in making the day run as smoothly as possible.

Next week is MORP Spirit Week so be sure to check out the daily themes below in the Activities section. The week will conclude with a pep rally and the MORP dance - we can't wait to see you all there!

Several other events are happening next week so, be sure to keep an eye on the calendar to stay up to date on all things East. 

As always, stay safe and have a fantastic weekend!

- Principal Terita Walker

2025-26 School Year Calendar

February 3 Voices and Art Show (5:30 - 7:30 pm)

February 4 Lockdown Drill

February 4 Athletic Signing Day (1:30 pm)

February 4 Girls and Women in Sports Day

February 5-7 All State Choir

February 7 MORP Dance (8 - 10:30 pm)

February 6 Pep Rally (8:30 am)

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

Dear Staff and Parents,

On Wednesday, February 4th, we will be practicing a LOCKDOWN drill. A lockdown occurs when someone poses an immediate threat to the lives and safety of students, staff and visitors inside our school or on our school campus.  

During a lockdown, students, staff, and visitors must take decisive and immediate action to find safety from the threat and create time barriers that allow first responders to stabilize the situation. Unlike drilling for less rapidly evolving emergencies, action must be taken quickly and smoothly, with coordination and purpose. Therefore, it is critical to practice and train the appropriate responses in order to gain confidence and understand how to safeguard students, staff and visitors during such an event.

We will initially move to lockdown and then transition to a hold. Transitioning to a hold after lockdown will be done to simulate what we would do once a lockdown situation is determined to be safe. A hold is to maintain a safe environment when there is an emergency or activity taking place in the hallway or area outside of the classroom.

While I know it may cause anxiety for us to contemplate such a scenario, it is important that we train ourselves how to properly respond rather than react. We want to gain confidence and understanding of the situation and the tools and technology we use during this type of event so we become emergency prepared rather than being emergency scared. During these drills we will NOT use any type of simulated gunfire, smoke or role players. We will simply provide instruction, practice, and learn how to respond by going through the actions we want to duplicate during a crisis. 

During the Lockdown drill, we will be supported by DPS Department of Climate and Safety, and our School Resource Officers who will assist us in checking doors and classrooms and coaching us through the process.  This is important as all of them will have a part in responding to help. Each drill should take approximately 30 minutes as we practice all aspects of our emergency procedure. 

At the conclusion of the drill, our building Safety Team will debrief the drill to discuss lessons learned and provide us with strategies to improve our response. We invite all staff and students to provide feedback and ask questions about the process so that we can continuously improve our practice. 

Thank you for participating with us in this important training event so that we can help keep our school and our community of students, staff, and visitors safe. As always, thank you for your support. 

Sincerely,

Terita Walker

East Principal 

Attention Senior Families,

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

1/4 Page - $155.00

1/8 Page - $115.00

**Make up Testing Begins Monday April 20th at 8:20 in the Library**

- From April 14th - 17th East High School students will participate in SAT, PSAT, and CMAS Science tests as required by the state of Colorado. 

- This is a chance for students and their families to get feedback on student progress and college readiness. 

- All 11th grade students taking the SAT free of charge have the opportunity to send their scores to colleges to be considered for admissions decisions.

- Parents or guardians who would like to decline their student’s College Board approved testing accommodations for the April administration of the SAT or PSAT should email our Site Assessment Leader Jessica Perkins at jperkin@dpsk12.net by March 13th. Any requests made after that date may not be guaranteed because accommodations are built into the digital testing format. 

- These test scores affect East High School’s ratings on the state of Colorado’s School Performance Framework.

- The guardian of a Denver Public Schools student, can request to excuse their child from participating in the state assessments. If you wish to opt your child out, follow the directions at:

Parent Opt Out Instructions English

Parent Opt Out Instructions Spanish

- Please note: only opt your child out of the specific test(s) you do not wish them to take. For example, if you do not want your student to take the CMAS test only but DO want them to take the SAT, then you will only choose CMAS. If you choose all tests, then their P/SAT registration will also be removed. 

- The deadline for opting out is February 27th. After this date any opt out requests need to be in writing and directed to mark_saucedo@dpsk12.net. 

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.

Our very own teacher, Davon Johnson, is having his film, “Cinema”, presented at the 31st Annual Black History Month Film Festival. The film will be shown on Saturday, February 14th, from 2 pm - 4 pm at the Pauline Robinson Branch Library located at 5575 E 33rd Ave, Denver, CO 80207. We hope you’ll come out and 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!

February 2nd - 6th: MORP SPIRIT WEEK

Monday: What do you meme?

Tuesday: Country v Country Club

Wednesday: Performative Day

Thursday: Anything but a Backpack

Friday: Crazy Red & White

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February 4th: Girls & Women in Sports luncheon - the link for students to sign up is in their Schoology email

February 4th: National Signing Day - for athletes that have committed to play in college. This event will take place at 1:30 pm in the Calloway Gym.

February 6th: MORP Pep Rally

February 7th: 150th Winter Formal (MORP) 8 - 10:30 pm

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Parents of seniors, please check your email for an update from Tee MacDonald!

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

Upcoming games to check out!

2/6 Ice Hockey Senior Night v. Castleview @ Big Bear Ice Arena 7:30 pm

Spring Registration is Open!

https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/25-26-spring-sports-denver-east

Are you a local business looking to give back and get involved? We want to team up with YOU! By partnering with our school, you'll have the chance to support our students, engage with the community, and help create unforgettable experiences. Whether it's sponsoring events, offering mentorship, or providing resources, your business can make a big impact. 

If you are interested in partnering with East High School, please reach out to Michelle Moore (michelle_moore@dpsk12.net) for more information.

9th grade students who have Arens, Pendleton, Hiday, and Hill for English are hoping to attend a live performance of Romeo and Juliet to bring their classroom learning to life and deepen their understanding of the classic Shakespeare drama. If you’re interested in supporting this memorable experience, please consider checking out our DonorsChoose project by clicking this link. Thank you!

Our Women of Kolour Empowerment (WOKE) Student Group will be hosting a game night during Black History Month on February 18th at 4:00 PM in the Social Room at East. Get ready for a night full of laughter, challenges, and friendly competition to celebrate black history. Bring your A-game and your squad! If you have any questions about the event, please contact janeh.batson@gmail.com, michelle_moore@dpsk12.net, or 855610@dpsk12.net.

Our Latino Students United (LSU) student club has created an opportunity for students, specifically those who may have transferred to East or are new and missed the standard soccer season. If interested in playing, feel free to register for League LSU! To qualify, you must be a current student at East, attend the club regularly on Wednesdays during lunch (Room 210), show respect and play fair, have a responsibility in providing assistance, and keep the court clean. Team selection will happen on February 28th.

American Driving Academy has taught hundreds of Denver East students over the years; however, with the new law starting January 1st of next year, they would like to make driver's education more affordable and accessible to Denver East students. Starting January 1st, 2027, everyone under the age of 18 will have to take a driver's education course to get a permit. Currently, only 15-year-olds have to take a course. American Driving Academy wants to make it as little a financial burden as possible and give students an easy way to find driver's education information.

The average online 30-hour course from local schools here in Colorado charges $75. American Driving Academy would like to offer it to Denver East students for $29.85. They would also like to offer students discounted prices on their in-person and driving lesson packages.

To sign up, please visit bookings.americandrivingacademy.com/East. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call 303-623-1404.

DPS Community Hubs is now offering in-person Spanish/English Basic Mobile Device Skills training at both our Central and Near NE Community Hubs (80216 and 80207). They have small (5 -7 members) classes taught on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9 am with childcare available. Topics available include basic smartphone, Google apps, and Internet usage. To be eligible for the course, you must be a DPS parent or a Denver resident. For more information, call 720-424-3711 or visit this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NqKns3TsXzZD5IRkD2d8UOGGl8gR31TNyh6Z-TFM-uY/viewform?edit_requested=true

The La Raza Youth Leadership Institute is excited to invite high school students to apply for a meaningful leadership experience this spring semester. Applications for the Spring 2026 La Raza Youth Leadership Program are now open! 

The La Raza Youth Leadership Program offers Chicanx/Latinx high school students (grades 9–12) the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills through an engaging and transformative experience. Participants will explore topics including policy, history, art and culture, mental health, and leadership development. 

Our mission is to empower Chicanx/Latinx youth to reach their full educational and leadership potential, while cultivating a desire to give back to their community. The program is rooted in the values of social justice, quality education, human rights, environmental justice, and the advancement of the Latinx community. 

The program will meet in person every Tuesday from 5:30 – 7:30 pm, beginning February 10th through May 5th, with the possibility of a few Saturday events along the way. We encourage participants to attend consistently so they can get the most out of the experience. Sessions will take place in Denver, and the location will be shared with families once students are accepted into the program.

The application deadline is February 1st at 11:45 pm. Applicants will receive an update after the deadline. If accepted, families are invited to attend a Parent/Youth Welcome & Orientation on Saturday, February 7th. The application can be found here: La Raza Youth Leadership Program Spring 2026 – Fill out form  or in our linktr.ee.

For any questions, please call (303) 285-3710 or email miriamjd@serviciosdelaraza.org. 

Boys & Girls Club: Metro Denver

Basketball Registration is now open and free for all members!

All sports are included in your monthly Club members. Here is a list of the available clubs to join: 

- 6-9 CO-ED

- 10-11 BOYS

- 10-12 GIRLS

- 12-14 BOYS

- 13-18 GIRLS

- 15-18 BOYS

To register, visit www.bgcdenvermch.my.site.com to complete the sports registration form in MyClubHub. For questions on how to join a team, stop by the front desk and speak with a staff member.

The Northeast Early College (NEC) 18-21 Transition Program will be hosting an in-person Resource Night on February 24th from 5:30 pm - 7 pm. The in-person event will take place at NEC which is located at 11200 E 45th Ave, Denver, CO 80239. They will also be hosting a virtual Resource Night on March 5th from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm via this link: meet.google.com/urb-vpbh-kiz. You are invited to come and meet several different agencies that NEC utilizes including DVR, SWAP, IN!, RMHS, Project Search, Community Hub, Wonderyears and more!

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated

The 2026 Mu Omega Omega Scholarships application is now open! There are several scholarships available for you to apply for. The requirements are that you must have a 2.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale, a completed application, transcript, resume, and one letter of recommendation. The deadline to submit your application is March 1, 2026. You can submit your application to the following link: https://www.akamuomegaomega.org/scholarships-grants

If you have any questions, please contact Principal Terita Walker!

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 Andy Bucher — one of our fantastic English teachers!✨

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

Here is a link to his wishlist:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3V6VJN9UE40RJ?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.

COFFEEAST FUND

East HS PTSA will now be hosting an ongoing coffee fundraiser that will replenish our faculty's coffee station. This includes:

- K Cups (coffee and tea)

- Tea Bags

- Sweeteners

- Creamers

- 12oz Coffee Cups

- Coffee Lids

- Coffee Stirrers

- Coffee Sleeves

If interested in donating, check out this link!

Teacher Appreciation Week Fundraising (5/4 - 5/8)

Where we feed, caffeinate, and pamper our 200 teachers anyway we can! We will be reaching out to local vendors and creating gift bags using your donations to really show our educators that we care.

If interested in contributing, check out this link!

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!