Happy Friday!

What an amazing week we've had! 

This week we honored our counseling department during Counselor Appreciation Week for all of their dedication to our school community. If you haven't said thank you to your counselor yet, students, make sure you stop by!

We also had a great Women in Sports lunch and Athletic Signing Day event. We had 22 students sign to play at the collegiate level - something we are truly proud of!

And shoutout to our arts departments for their successful Voices and Art Show and the Level 4 theatre performance. 

Please remember that, unfortunately, the MORP Dance is cancelled tomorrow, 2/7. 

As always, stay safe and have a fantastic weekend!

- Principal Terita Walker

2025-26 School Year Calendar

February 5-7 All State Choir

February 6 Pep Rally (8:30 am)

February 11 Italy Trip Parent Meeting (6:30 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. 

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

Free Day Events in Colorado

After receiving feedback about the student parking lot gate closure and assessing the situation, we have decided to keep the gate closed until we observe improved behavior from our student population. In an attempt to gauge the traffic flow after the initial closing of the gate, we reopened the gate earlier this week and, unfortunately, still saw the same illegal traffic movement on Josephine Street. This raises a safety concern to East High School students as well as the surrounding community. We understand the challenges this may pose, however, safety will always be our top priority.

To alleviate afternoon traffic, we encourage students to stay for the Enrichment period, a time for students to receive additional academic and school support, or consider taking a left out of the parking lot onto E 16th Street as most of the traffic happens when students turn right out of the lot.

We appreciate your continued understanding and support and will keep you informed about this matter moving forward.

Last week, 44 AVID students attended the AVID Leadership Conference with the Denver Nuggets. Students participated in competitive Kahoot games against other schools, showcasing their financial literacy knowledge. They also listened to inspiring stories from AVID alumni about their journeys to their current careers and connected with college representatives during a college fair. Students built community with one another over dinner, where they had an entire restaurant to themselves. The evening concluded with the Nuggets vs. Nets game, which was the first professional sporting event for some of our students.  Shoutout to our amazing AVID teachers, Ms. Osgood, Mr. Engleman, Mx. Bobb, Mr. Almon and our AVID counselor Mrs. Hyosaka for taking our students to this awesome event!

Our very own nurse, Brian Fun, has been nominated to be recognized for his commitment to the nursing profession. The FOUR nurses with the most votes will be honored with exclusive on-court recognitions pre-game, including: Game Ball Presentation (Top Nurse – 1 winner) and Pre-Game Nurse Recognition (3 winners)! Each winner will receive 2 game tickets, Clove shoes and a pair of Fabletics scrubs! 

PLUS, the TOP 30 nurses and their families will be invited to participate in a Warm-Up Watchers experience, giving them special access to watch the Denver Nuggets warm up on the court before the game. Tickets must be purchased through the official link to participate in this experience. The game is on March 25, 2026.

The nurse winners are decided through an online vote, ending on 2/19/26.

>> VOTE FOR A NURSE FUN HERE!

Let's show Nurse Fun how much we appreciate him for all that he does for our students and the community at large!

Please help support the East High School Unified Community by purchasing your Easter and Mother's Day Chocolates from See's Candies!

https://www.yumraising.com/store/spring-2026-east-high-school-unified-abdd/Bribri77245

**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!

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

Upcoming games to check out!

2/11 Dance Team Senior Night (halftime - girls varsity game scheduled to start at 7 pm)

2/13 Boys Basketball Senior Night (before gametime) 5:30 pm 

2/13 Girls Basketball Senior Night (before gametime) 7 pm

2/13 Cheer Senior Night (halftime - Boys Basketball game)

Denver East Girls Lacrosse is holding tryouts the week of February 23rd, and all experience levels are welcome! Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to lacrosse, we’ve got you covered! We’ll even provide a stick so you can give it a try.

We’re also actively looking for goalies, and all goalie gear will be provided for anyone interested.

Have questions or want to learn more? Email us at eastangelslax@gmail.com or visit eastangelslax.com. Come check it out—we’d love to have you!

Spring Registration is Open!

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

MORP has been cancelled. Refunds will be given next week. Thank you for your understanding.

Legacy stoles: If your student is an East Legacy (parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle - no siblings) you can purchase a Legacy from room 100. There is a form that needs to be filled out. The deadline to order is February 20th.

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!

✨ This week's staff appreciation goes out to Denise Misrac — one of our fantastic English teachers!✨

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/3J3C1BTAS1CT8?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:

• 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!