In this issue:

2026-2027 Early Bird Registration

Communicate with our School via Rooms

2025-2026 Student Absences Policy and Procedures

AP and IB Exam Schedule

Spring 2026 Final Exams

Prom Requirements and Updates

Juniors: Junior Night - College 101

Seniors: Spring Pep Rally Recognition and Athletic Honor Cords

Seniors: DSF Scholarship Application Now Open

Girls Summer Basketball Meeting

Summer School Registration

Student Opportunities List

Proctor an AP or IB Exam

Spring Dance Concert

Annual GWHS Grow Club Plant Sale

Show Your GWHS Staff Some Love!

Volunteers Needed for Prom Setup

Volunteers Needed for After Prom

After Prom Donations: Help Make "Midnight Rodeo" a Success

GWHS Landscape Committee Update

GWHS Food Pantry Usage

Spirit Wear

Weekly Athletics Update

Click Here for This Week's Athletics Events

Click Here for GWHS's Bell Schedule

May 1

Professional Learning Day/No School for Students

May 9

Prom

May 19

Last Day of Classes for Seniors (Required)

May 20 - 22

Spring 2026 Final Exams

May 21

Senior Checkout

May 25

Memorial Day/No School

May 26

Class of 2026 Graduation Exercises

May 27 - 28

Course Competency (by invitation only)

 

2026-2027 Early Bird Registration

Current GWHS families, get ready for online registration – save time by updating your student’s information for the 2026-2027 school year! By completing this process using your Parent Portal account, you can avoid paper forms and save time at the school during the fall return. To register online, primary legal guardians of current DPS students must have an active DPS Parent Portal account. Visit myportal.dpsk12.org to sign up, or to check that your account is active and ready before the window opens.

The “Early Bird” window is Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 22.

For more information on how to complete online registration, contact the Main Office or visit SchoolChoice for online registration guides. All SchoolChoice applicants must have an accepted seat before registering their student.  

 

Communicate with our School via Rooms

Denver Public Schools has transitioned to a communications platform called Thrillshare for all its communications, which works with the NEW, free DPS app! This means teachers, staff and coaches are now able to message (SMS or email) families directly, or through the DPS app! To facilitate the smoothest communication possible with our school and your student's teachers, be sure to follow these easy steps:

• Download the FREE Denver Public Schools (DPS) app (available from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store).

• Click "Rooms" at the center bottom of your screen.

• Enter your email or phone number that you provided when you registered your student for school in Parent Portal, and choose to sign in with a one-time access code.

• You will receive a one-time access code to the email or phone number you just entered.

You should now be connected with all Rooms to which your student has been added!

 

2025-2026 Student Absences Policy and Procedures

New for the 2025-2026 school year, all student absences will be reported using the online attendance tool in your Parent Portal. Instructions for how to enter a student absence notification through Parent Portal can be found here in ENGLISH, SPANISH and ARABIC. Please review the entire GWHS Attendance Policy HERE. The GWHS Attendance Policy contains important information regarding attendance requirements, interventions for chronic absenteeism, and more. Please note, any request for an early student dismissal after 3:00pm but before the end of the school day cannot be processed.

 

AP and IB Exam Schedule

Check the AP and IB exam schedule HERE for any conflicts between AP and IB exams. Keep in mind IB will not move exams except for medical emergency. Questions about IB exams? Contact IB Coordinator Mr. Hildner at thad_hildner@dpsk12.net. Questions about AP exams? Contact Dr. Bolz at joseph_bolz@dpsk12.net or AJ Romero at amanda_romero@dpsk12.net. 

 

Spring 2026 Final Exams

Please see the Spring 2026 Final Exam Schedule HERE. There is no late start for period 4 and 5 final exams on Thursday, May 21. Please note we not allow requests to modify final exam dates, except in extreme cases (student hospitalization, etc.).

Prom Requirements and Updates

If you are attending Prom, there is a Prom Attendance Form that must be completed in order to receive your ticket. Students will not be permitted into Prom without a physical ticket, and tickets will not be permitted without this form being completed showing you have met ALL of the requirements to attend. This form will be available after Spring Break. Copies can be found in the main office, Schoology, and HERE. 

Requirements to attend Prom:

** Attended mandatory class meeting

** Attend your primary test day for CMAS Science (grade 11 on Wednesday, April 8) and SAT (grade 11 on Monday, April 13), or PSAT 10 (grade 10 students invited to Prom on Tuesday, April 14)

** Meeting the 90% attendance rate beginning March 3

** Completed all years of ICAP in Student Portal

** Completed credit recovery courses (if applicable)

** Passing all spring semester courses as of May 4 (no exceptions or refunds on tickets)

** Fees have been paid in full

** Students must provide Prom ticket proof of purchase voucher from MySchoolBucks

Prom will be at the Denver Aquarium inside the ballroom near the lounge from 7:00 to 11:00pm (doors close at 9:00pm and there is no re-entry). Students will have access to the entire aquarium until 10:00pm. Prom attendees will be given a specific wristband upon entry; only those with that wristband will be admitted into the ballroom or allowed in the building after hours. Violation of this may result in a trespassing ticket. Parking is free with the parking code located on your ticket. Guest forms for GWHS students in grade 10 or guests outside of GWHS will be available after Spring Break and are due no later than Wednesday, May 6 by 2:30pm. Copies can be found in the main office, Schoology, and HERE. 

Denver Aquarium is offering a special discounted meal for Prom attendees, see the menu HERE. 

 

Juniors - Junior Night: College 101

All junior (Class of 2027) students and their families are invited to our upcoming Junior Night: The Road to College presentation on Tuesday, April 21 from 5:00 to 6:00pm, presented by the Future Center at GWHS. There will be two concurrent presentations to choose from, one in English and one in Spanish. The English presentation will take place in the Cafeteria and the Spanish presentation will be in the Community Room (room 110).  

During the presentation, we will be talking about different types of colleges, programs, tips and tricks, building a college list, admission requirements (testing, letters of recommendation, essays, resume, etc.), financial aid (for all students and parents in our community, regardless of legal status), scholarships, and more. We will be sure to leave some time at the end of the hour for questions. The presentation will overall focus on the basics of overall preparing for college. 

Please be sure to complete this brief RSVP form so we can ensure the space is large enough to comfortably accommodate all attendees. Junior students are strongly encouraged to attend, but not required.  

What: Junior Night: The Road to College (College 101)
When: Tuesday, April 21 from 5:00 to 6:00pm
Where: GWHS Cafeteria (English) & GWHS Community Room, Rm 110 (Spanish)  
RSVP form

Questions? Email Juan at jestrada@denverscholarship.org or stop by the Future Center.

Seniors - Spring Pep Rally Recognition and Athletic Honor Cords

Seniors, if you are planning to sign to play sports at the next level, we want to celebrate your accomplishment! Please complete this FORM so we can ensure you are properly recognized on Friday, April 24 during our Spring Sports Pep Assembly.
 
Second, if you believe you qualify for an Athletic Honor Cord, please submit your application using this FORM.

 

Seniors - DSF Scholarship Application Now Open

The DSF scholarship application is now open for graduating seniors! Don't wait - click HERE to create an account and submit your application. 

Annual award amounts based on full-time enrollment:

** 4-year college or university: $3,600 per year
** Community college: $1,700 per year
** Technical college: $1,700 per year

Eligibility requirements: 

DPS: Students must have attended a DPS high school for all four consecutive years unless they transferred from out of state or out of the country while still in high school.

GPA: Final cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted, whichever is higher) requirements: 
** 4-year college or university -- 2.75 GPA
** Community college -- 2.5 GPA
** Technical college -- 2.0 GPA

ENROLL: Full-time enrollment at one of our 30 college partners in Colorado 

FINANCIAL NEED: Students must have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $16,640 or less on the FAFSA or CASFA. Please note that $16,640 is 2.5x higher than the SAI cutoff to qualify for a federal Pell Grant! So be sure to check your SAI as the DSF scholarship does NOT require Pell eligibility 

COMPLETE: Submit a completed application no later than Friday, May 1 and complete all financial aid requirements at your college of choice before July 15.

RESIDENCY: Students must also meet their college's Colorado residency requirements for in-state tuition and state aid

Please note that the DSF scholarship does NOT require an essay! However, students must demonstrate that they have submitted at least two other scholarship applications. On the Future Center Schoology course, we maintain a very thorough scholarship database that is updated weekly (open the folder called "Scholarships" and then search through the "Weekly Scholarship Highlight" folder organized by week. 

Don't wait! Apply today! Click HERE for more information.

 

Girls Summer Basketball Meeting

Calling all girls, are you  interested in summer basketball? Join us on Wednesday, April 15 at 3:30pm in the Hall of Fame Room to learn more about upcoming opportunities, schedules, and team details. Questions? Email Coach Khari Wallace at khari_wallace@dpsk12.net or stop by Room 112F in the Success Center.

 

Summer School Registration

Sign up for summer school to get back on track to graduate. Click HERE for more info.

 

Student Opportunities List

Students, be sure to check this LIST regularly to discover some of the great opportunities available to you! These opportunities may include summer programs, scholarships, internships and much more. Participating in programs like these can help you build skills, explore careers, strengthen your college applications, and earn money or scholarships. Check back often as new opportunities are added throughout the year!

Proctor an AP or IB Exam

GWHS has over 600 students taking AP and IB exams from Tuesday, April 28 through Friday, May 22, and we need your help with proctoring! Sign up HERE to proctor an AP or IB exam. You may select any exam your student is NOT taking. Proctor training is easy, and your support is deeply appreciated! 

 

Spring Dance Concert

The GWHS Dance Department, under the direction of Ms. J. presents their Spring Dance Concert "Dance With Me!" on Friday, May1 at 7:00pm and Saturday, May 2 at 1:00pm in the GWHS Auditorium. This year's concert will include GWHS alumni dancers from graduating classes 2025, 2019 and 2013. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/students 5-18 and may be purchased at the door. Half-priced student tickets may be purchased from dance students or Ms. J. until Thursday, April 30. Cash only, please! Click HERE for more information.

 

Annual GWHS Grow Club Plant Sale

GWHS Grow Club students have been growing gorgeous veggie seedlings in the newly refurbished GWHS greenhouse, and they are now available for pre-sale. Please use this FORM to order your plants, and order quickly before items sell out! Plant pick-up will begin Monday, May 4 after school in the GWHS Greenhouse. Questions? Contact Lisa at lemerson8@msn.com.

 

Show Your GWHS Staff Some Love!

The PTSO is raising money for end-of-year gifts for all staff—teachers, counselors, admin, and support—who make a difference in our kids' lives. Plus, every $1 you donate gets DOUBLED thanks to a generous matching program! That means your $20 gift becomes $40 or your $100 becomes $200! All donations are tax-deductible and receipts can be obtained by emailing gwhs.patriotscare@gmail.com. Send your donation via Venmo @GWPC-Be-Inspired or Zelle using gwhs.patriotscare@gmail.com and note that it is for staff appreciation. Let's show our gratitude to our amazing staff!

 

Volunteers Needed for Prom Setup

Please volunteer to help set up for Prom on Saturday, May 9 at the Denver Aquarium beginning at 5:00pm. If you are interested in helping, please email Ms. Kristi at kristi_paukstis@dpsk12.net. 

 

Volunteers Needed for After Prom

Saddle up, GWHS! The After Prom "Midnight Rodeo" is coming to town Saturday, May 9, and we need your help to make it a legendary ride. This party is a FREE ticket to an unforgettable night for our students, but we can’t pull it off without our volunteer crew.

We’re looking for help during the day and night on Saturday, May 9, and for clean-up on the morning of Sunday, May 10. No experience? No problem! Underclassmen parents: This is the perfect "sneak peek" at the fun your kids will have as juniors and seniors. Double the fun: Sign up for one shift or multiple - and bring a friend! Sign up HERE - your help is greatly appreciated!

 

After Prom Donations: Help Make "Midnight Rodeo" a Success

To make this year's After Prom an unforgettable night for our students, we need your help! We are currently collecting donations for our "Midnight Rodeo" event on Saturday, May 9 and are looking for the following:

** Gift Cards: We are seeking $5–$15 gift cards to local favorites (coffee shops, fast food, etc.) to use as prizes throughout the night.

** Snacks: We need a variety of refreshments to keep the energy high.

** "Buy a Share" Items: Check the sign-up for opportunities to contribute toward larger event essentials.

Whether you can drop off a gift card, a box of snacks, or "buy a share" of a larger item, every contribution helps create a fantastic experience for the kids. Sign up to donate HERE. 

 

GWHS Landscape Committee Update

Get ready to get your hands dirty — it's GO GREEN DAY!
** Saturday, May 2 • 8:00am to 1:00pm
** GWHS Community Garden (up the hill from the South Parking Lot)
What’s happening:
** Dig, plant, and mulch — make the grounds glow!
** Meet friends, swap laughs, and build something awesome together
** Pizza lunch to reward your hard work
** Rain, snow, or shine — dress for the weather and comfy shoes. Bring gloves if you have them. Can’t wait to dig in!

Act today and become a part of GWHS's future! Leave a lasting legacy by purchasing a personalized tree plaque or brick dedication HERE! Your contribution not only honors your connection to GWHS but also supports the Landscape Committee in enhancing the beauty of our school's grounds.

Questions? Want to join or simply help? Contact Barb DeSarro at bwdesarro@hotmail.com.

 

GWHS Food Pantry Usage

The GWHS Food Pantry provides FREE food and hygiene items for students, faculty, and staff.

• When: Every Wednesday, 3:30pm

• Where: GWHS Sub Basement Room 003

• Bring: Your own reusable bags, if you have them

You will not be required to pay, put in volunteer hours, attend service, or participate in any type of program to receive food. The GWHS Food Pantry does not to engage in discrimination, in the provision of service against a person because of race, color, citizenship, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military, or status as a protected veteran. All clients will be treated with the utmost respect and courtesy. Questions? Contact gwhs.food.pantry@gmail.com.

 

Spirit Wear

Don't forget to purchase your Patriots spirit wear for the spring sports season! Click HERE to see all the amazing clothing and gear on offer. Show off your school pride!

 

Weekly Athletics Update

Patriots excel in the classroom and on the field! Click HERE to read our Weekly Athletics Update.