In this issue:
Set Your Student's Communication Preferences
Updated Tardy Policy Effective February 10
Mandatory April Testing Schedule, Attendance Requirement for Prom, and Prizes!
2025 AP and IB Exam Schedule
Celebrating African American Heritage Month
Spring Sports Registration
Juniors - Optional SAT Essay Opt-In Window
Seniors - Free Year of College Through ASCENT
Elite Patriot Dance Team Tryouts
Boys and Girls Track and Field
Join the GWHS PSAT and SAT Bootcamps!
Yearbook Orders
2025-2026 Student Ambassador Signups
School Store Valentine's Candy Treat Baskets and Bags
School Store and Coffee Bar Now Open
Monday and Friday Dress Days
Awards Night - February 18
Black History Month Game Night
Support Student Journalism
Support GWHS While You Shop at King Soopers/Kroger
GWHS Landscaping Committee Updates
Weekly Athletics Update
Click Here for This Week's Athletics Events
Click Here for GWHS's Bell Schedule
February 14
Professional Development Day for Teachers/No School for Students
February 17
Presidents Day/No School
February 18
Awards Night
February 25
Culture Fest/Assembly Bell Schedule
Set Your Student's Communication Preferences
Denver Public Schools has transitioned to a new communications platform for all its external communications. In order to ensure your student is receiving important school-based communications (including the Weekly Roundup), be sure your student has opted-in through Student Portal. Instructions are HERE.
Updated Tardy Policy Effective February 10
Starting February 10, GWHS has implemented an updated tardy policy. Please review policy rationale and details HERE (in Spanish HERE).
ASSESSMENT – MANDATORY APRIL TESTING SCHEDULE, ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT FOR PROM, AND PRIZES!
All students in grades 9 through 11 are required by Colorado Department of Education to complete annual assessments for state and federal accountability. Our testing schedule is as follows:
On Wednesday, April 2, all grade 11 students are required to take CMAS Science. There will be a regular Wednesday odd-block day schedule for students in grades 9, 10 and 12.
On Monday, April 14, all grade 11 students are required to take the SAT. There will be no school for grades 9, 10 or 12.
On Tuesday, April 15, all grade 9 students are required to take PSAT 9, and all grade 10 students are required to take PSAT 10. There will be no school for grades 11 or 12.
Starting Tuesday, February 18, please note the following attendance and assessment participation requirements to attend Prom (please note the attendance requirement has been revised):
All grade 10 students who are invited by a grade 11 or 12 student to attend Prom must not have more than four (4) unexcused classes, and must attend the PSAT 10.
All grade 11 students must have no more than four (4) unexcused classes, and must attend CMAS Science and the SAT.
All grade 12 student must have no more than four (4) unexcused classes.
If you do not want your student to participate in these assessments, you must complete an opt-out through Parent Portal no later than February 28. Instructions are here in ENGLISH, SPANISH and ARABIC.
Because we are proud of the hard work our students put in to these assessments, we want to celebrate them with giveaways and food! On April 14 and 15, students who are testing should arrive early to enjoy a catered breakfast. Each testing room will have prizes to give away (gift cards, small toys and more!), and there will be prizes raffled off each day – attending your mandatory testing day is your automatic entry! Grand prizes in previous years have included a Nintendo Switch Lite, Beats Studio Pro headphones, a PlayStation 5, AirPods Max and a $250 GOAT gift certificate - we will announce this year's prizes soon! Mark your calendars now, and be sure not to miss your testing day!
2025 AP and IB Exam Schedule
Please review the 2025 AP and IB exam schedule HERE. Students who have a direct conflict between an AP and IB exam need to contact our AP Coordinator, Mrs. Hunter, in room 214, and our IB Coordinator, Mr. Hildner, in room 112 as soon as possible.
Celebrating African American Heritage Month
We are excited to announce that the 2025 African American Heritage Month theme is “African Americans and Labor," recognizing the invaluable contributions of Black workers, innovators, and leaders throughout history. Throughout February, we will highlight these contributions through school displays, daily announcements and social media features. We will also host special events to celebrate and honor African American culture, history, and achievements. Stay tuned for more details, and join us in learning, celebrating and honoring the rich legacy of African Americans in the workforce and beyond! Check out this CALENDAR of events to engage in the celebration.
Spring Sports Registration
2025 Spring Sports Registration is now open! Please follow the steps below to ensure your student is registered and ready to participate in our athletic programs.
Students at GWHS: If your student is currently enrolled at GWHS, registration is simple! Please complete the FamilyID 2024-25 Registration form HERE.
Students Without a Program: For students who are not currently enrolled in a program at GWHS, please complete the 2024-25 Student Without a Program Form using the link HERE.
Sports Physical Requirement: All student-athletes must have an updated sports physical on file to participate. Please use this FORM to complete the required physical examination. Once completed, upload the form to your FamilyID registration. Students will not be eligible to participate until their physical is submitted and approved.
We recommend completing all forms and physicals as soon as possible to avoid any delays in eligibility. If you have questions about the registration process or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our Athletic Office at 720.423.8607.
Juniors - Optional SAT Essay Opt-In Window
All juniors are automatically registered by Colorado Department of Education and required to take the SAT without Essay for free at GWHS on Monday, April 14. Juniors who want to add the optional Essay to their SAT registration may do so from Monday, February 3 through Monday, February 17. To add the Essay to your SAT registration, click HERE during the Essay registration window and complete the form. For more information about the optional Essay, click HERE.
Seniors - Free Year of College Through ASCENT
Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT) is a fifth-year high school program that allows students to attend college full-time for one year at no cost. Students accepted into the ASCENT program attend one of the participating ASCENT schools (MSU, ACC, CCA, CCD, EGTC, FRCC, PTC, and RRCC) beginning in the fall after their senior year of high school. The purpose of ASCENT is to create a streamlined path for students to earn college credits toward an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or industry certification, all while saving time and money. The DPS ASCENT team provides participating students with wrap-around advising services including academic, social-emotional, and financial support throughout their first year of college to support the critical transition from high school to college.
Questions or want to apply? Email (khari_wallace@dpsk12.net) or visit Mr. Wallace in room 112F. The application deadline is Saturday, March 1.
Elite Patriot Dance Team Tryouts
The Elite Patriot Dance Team tryouts are less than a month away! Tryouts will be held Monday, March 3 from 4:00 to 6:00pm in the GWHS Cafeteria. Be a part of our hip-hop team and create exciting moments with us. Build new skills and get the crowd hyped! Beginners and experienced GWHS students are welcome! Click this FLYER for more information, and for the QR Code to register. Questions? Contact Coach Jones.
Boys and Girls Track and Field
Track and Field season is here! The official first day of practice is Monday, February 24. As a reminder, all athletes must have a valid physical that does not expire until June 2025 to participate. Visit the GW Track and Field website (linked HERE, and on Schoology) for details about registration, practice times, meet schedules and coaches' information. Questions? Contact Mrs. Crawford in Room 112E.
Join the GWHS PSAT and SAT Bootcamps!
Are you preparing for the P/SAT? Looking for strategies, test-taking tips, and hands-on practice? Join GW’s P/SAT Bootcamps to boost your confidence and improve your scores! Bootcamps run Wednesday, February 5 through Saturday, April 5; click HERE for the bootcamp schedule. Questions? Contact Ms. McFarland.
Yearbook Orders
Be sure to purchase your yearbook early by clicking HERE. Order now before prices go up! All yearbooks must be ordered online; there will not be extras for sale in person.
2025-2026 Student Ambassador Signups
If you are interested in being a Student Ambassador for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year please click HERE and complete the form. Ambassadors will have a mandatory initial meeting (date TBD). To receive the 2.5 credits for being an Ambassador, students must complete the required 60 hours of school service.
School Store Valentine's Candy Treat Baskets and Bags
Come down to the school store and spread the love with friends or your loved ones with special Valentine's baskets and bags. Baskets and bags include candy, trinkets, and paper flowers in a design of your choosing. Small baskets are $2 and big baskets are $3. Get them while you can before the week is over!!
School Store and Coffee Bar Now Open
The School Store and Coffee Bar items are available for delivery during our open hours, which are Mondays (period 3 from 10:40 to 11:00am, and period 6 from 2:10 to 2:30pm), Tuesdays (period 2 from 9:40 to 10:00am), Wednesdays (period 3 from 10:30 to 11:00am), Thursdays (period 2 from 10:30 to 11:00am, and period 6 from 2:30 to 3:00pm) and Fridays (period 2 from 9:40 to 10:00am, period 3 from 10:40 to 11:00am, and period 6 from 2:10 to 2:30pm,). Scan the QR code, fill out your items in the form with your name and room number, and your items will be delivered to your classroom during the period of your choice! Please be prepared to pay with credit card or ApplePay when your delivery arrives, and confirm before you order that your teacher allows deliveries. Click HERE for the form and QR code.
Monday and Friday Dress Days
Every Monday this school year, wear your gear that represents your post-high school plans! This can be anything from a college hoodie to a mechanic's worksuit - just be creative and represent your goals! Every Friday this school year, wear your greenest GWHS gear to show your Patriot pride!
Awards Night February 18
Congratulations to all students who have earned the Honor Roll and Academic Achievement awards! Your dedication to excellence in education has truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of your accomplishments. If you are set to receive an award, you and your parent have received a confirmation email. Awards Night will be celebrated Tuesday, February 18, in the GWHS Auditorium from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Please arrive early, as check-in will begin at 5:15pm in the Main Lobby. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Black History Month Game Night
Think you know Black history? Put your knowledge to the test and discover something new when you join us for Black History Jeopardy on Tuesday, February 18 at 3:45pm in the GWHS Library! Get ready for lively debates, legendary Black excellence, and some serious bragging rights for our Jeopardy champions. Guiding the night’s excitement are MiDian Shofner, CEO of the Epitome of Black Excellence and Partnership, and Hashim Coates, legal aid for Representative Regina English—two dynamic voices bringing wisdom, wit, and high-energy competition to the game. Don’t just watch history—celebrate it, learn it, and OWN it. Click HERE for more info. Questions? Contact Ms. Crawford.
Support Student Journalism
Student Journalism needs your support to continue doing great work on behalf of GWHS. Donations will help support the school's newspaper, podcasts, G-news, and yearbook in gaining needed supplies and attending trainings and camps. You can support by scanning the QR code in this FLYER before Tuesday, March 4.
Support GWHS While You Shop at King Soopers/Kroger
Did you know you can support GWHS Patriots Care just by doing your regular grocery shopping? It's easy with the Kroger Community Rewards program! No cost to you, but lots of benefit to our school. Here's how to link your King Soopers/Kroger card to GWHS:
Create or sign in to your digital account: Visit www.kroger.com and create an account or sign in to your existing one.
Link your card:
Sign in to your digital account.
Search for JR498 (our organization code)
Select GWHS from the list and click "Save".
Shop and earn: Every time you shop at King Soopers/Kroger and use your linked card, you'll be helping our school earn a portion of Kroger's donation pool.
It's that simple! Support the Patriots with every swipe of your card. Thank you for your support.
GWHS Landscaping Committee Updates
** Student and Community Volunteer Days: Help beautify our campus! Mark your calendars to help on Saturdays, February 22 (from 12:00 to 2:00pm), March 8 (from 10:00am to 12:00pm and March 15 (from 10:00am to 12:00pm). Meet in the GWHS Community Garden up the hill from the South Parking Lot. In case of inclement weather, check our WEBSITE for cancellations.
**Next Committee Meeting: Join us TODAY, Tuesday, February 11 at 5:30pm at Tessa's Delicatessen on Colfax and Ivy. All parents, students, teachers/staff and GWHS friends are welcome!
** Buy a Brick: Dedicate a lasting gift to your 2025 graduate or loved one with a customized, engraved brick that will be installed at the north GWHS archway entrance path. Tree dedication plaques are available, too! All contributions benefit the GWHS campus through the GWHS Landscape Committee. Order yours today by clicking HERE!
**Questions? Email Barb DeSarro (bwdesarro@hotmail.com).
Weekly Athletics Update
Patriots excel in the classroom and on the field! Click HERE to read our weekly Athletics Update.
