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
Seniors - Free Year of College Through ASCENT
Seniors - Student-Athlete Honor Cord Application
Elite Patriot Dance Team Tryouts
Join the GWHS PSAT and SAT Bootcamps!
Yearbook Orders
School Store and Coffee Bar Now Open
Monday and Friday Dress Days
Student Opportunities List
Support Student Journalism
P/SAT Donations
Donation Match for Teacher Appreciation
Support GWHS While You Shop at King Soopers/Kroger
"Counted Out" Movie Night
GWHS Landscaping Committee Updates
Weekly Athletics Update
Featured Highlight!
Click Here for This Week's Athletics Events
Click Here for GWHS's Bell Schedule
March 24 - 28
Spring Break
March 31
Cesar Chavez Day/No School
April 2
CMAS Science/All Grade 11 Students (Odd-Day Block Schedule for Grades 9, 10 and 12)
April 14
SAT/All Grade 11 Students (No School for Grades 9, 10 or 12)
April 15
PSAT 9/All Grade 9 Students and PSAT 10/All Grade 10 Students (No School for Grades 11 or 12)
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.
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.
Seniors - Student-Athlete Honor Cord Application
To be eligible for an Athletic Cord as a graduating senior, student-athletes must meet at least two of the following four criteria:
**Academic All-State First Team: The student-athlete must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher and letter in a varsity sport.
**Three-Sport Athlete: The student-athlete must have participated in three sports for at least two of their four years at GWHS.
**Athletic Leadership Team Membership: The student-athlete must be an active member of the Athletic Leadership Team and have attended at least 90% of the meetings.
**First Team All-State Selection: The student-athlete must have been selected to First Team All-State in their respective sport.
The Athletic Cord serves as a symbol of academic, athletic, and leadership excellence, highlighting the hard work, dedication, and discipline required to succeed in multiple areas. We encourage all eligible student-athletes to strive for this honor and proudly wear their cords at graduation as a testament to their achievements. To apply, click HERE. Applications must be received by Tuesday, March 25.
If you have any questions about the Athletic Cord criteria or your eligibility, please contact the Athletic Department at brendan_netherton@dpsk12.net.
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.
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.
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!
Student Opportunities List
Students and families, please click HERE to access different opportunities to get your students involved and ready for the next steps after high school. This document will include summer program, scholarships, jobs, internship/apprenticeships. It is updated weekly so be sure to bookmark it!
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.
P/SAT Donations
Each April, grade 9, 10 and 11 students are required to take the P/SAT (see above for more details). To support our students on their test day, we like to provide them with snacks and prizes! Click HERE if you would like to donate snacks, prizes, gift cards or make a cash donation. Donations can be dropped in the Main Office (with a note "Attention: Dr. Bolz") no later than Wednesday, April 9. Thank you for helping to make our testing days great experiences for our students!
Donation Match for Teacher Appreciation
Show your GWHS staff some love! The PTSO (Parent/Teacher/Student Organization) is raising money for end-of-year gifts for all staff—teachers, counselors, admin, and support—who make a difference in our students' 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 teacher appreciation. Let's show our gratitude to our amazing staff!
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.
"Counted Out" Movie Night
Come for a free community movie night featuring "Counted Out," a powerful film that highlights the importance of math in education and beyond. Engage in an inspiring discussion with guest speakers, curriculum experts, and local leaders. Plus, enjoy free popcorn and drinks, interactive booths, and opportunities to connect with local resources.
Dates and locations:
Thursday, March 13: Montbello High School at 6:00pm
Thursday, March 20: George Washington High School at 6:00pm
This event is free! Scan the QR code on the FLYER to RSVP and secure your spot.
GWHS Landscaping Committee Updates
** Student and Community Volunteer Days: Help beautify our campus! Mark your calendars to help on our next workdays on Saturdays, March 8 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 Tuesday, March 11 at 5:30pm at Tessa's Delicatessen on Colfax and Ivy. All parents, students, teachers/staff and GWHS friends are welcome! Help plan Go Green Day 2025!
**Go Green Day 2025: ...is Saturday, April 19, rain or shine! Please plan on coming - we need loads of volunteers! We will meet in the Community Garden. More details to come soon!
** 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.
Featured Highlight!
GWHS is extremely proud to announce its five National Merit Scholarship Program Semi-Finalists from the Class of 2025 have all become Finalists! GWHS boasts the second-most National Merit Semi-Finalists of any DPS high school. Our National Merit Semi-Finalists are (from left to right): Luca McMurray, Charles Camp, Kate Taylor, Caroline Mabey and Samuel Holland.
Students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT in October of their junior year. The 16,000 National Merit Semi-Finalists are the highest-scoring students in each state, representing less than one percent of each state's high school seniors. To become Finalists, students must fulfill additional requirements, including demonstrating high academic achievement in rigorous coursework, submitting an SAT or ACT score that confirms their PSAT/NMSQT score, and providing a resume of their extracurricular activities and volunteer work.
