In this issue:

Communicate with our School via Rooms

2025-2026 Student Absences Policy and Procedures

The "Big Three" and Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness

AP and IB Exam Schedule

Elite Patriot Dance Team Tryouts

Live SAT/ACT Prep Courses

Yearbooks

GWHS Landscape Committee Updates

GWHS Food Pantry Usage

Spirit Wear

Weekly Athletics Update

Click Here for This Week's Athletics Events

Click Here for GWHS's Bell Schedule

February 16

Presidents Day/No School

February 27

Professional Development Day/No School for Students

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.

 

The "Big Three" and Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness

Colorado Department of Education, with the direction of and guidance from the Colorado Legislature and State Board of Education, is developing updated expectations for post-high school success, These three Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness indicators will ultimately lead to shifting graduation requirements, starting with the Class of 2029, in order to ensure every graduate of a Colorado public school is prepared for further education and/or workforce success. Read more HERE.

 

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. 

Elite Patriot Dance Team Tryouts

The Elite Patriot Dance Team is holding tryouts and we’re looking for new dancers of ALL skill levels! Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, if you’re motivated, open to learning, and excited to be part of a community — we want to see you.

*Tryout Dates: Tuesday, January 20 and Wednesday, January 21

* Time: 3:45 to 6:00pm

* Location: GWHS Cafeteria

This is more than a dance team. It’s leadership, performance, competition, and family. GWHS students — come try out and bring the energy! Click HERE for more information.

 

Live SAT/ACT Prep Courses

Campus Prep is pleased to share an opportunity for students to enroll in a high-quality, affordable SAT and ACT prep course this winter. Students who complete the SAT course often see score increases of 200+ points, while ACT students often improve by 4+ points. Courses include:

* 27-hour comprehensive live online prep course

* 3 proctored practice exams

* Begins in February and runs for 7 weeks

* Taught live by a 99th percentile instructor, with real-time student interaction

* Cost: $155-$175

Campus Prep has offered SAT programs at the University of Denver for the past 7 years and has served as the official SAT provider for the Boulder Valley School District. View schedules and apply HERE. Questions? Please email admin@campusprep.org or call (877) 805-2521.

 

Yearbooks

Yearbooks are now available through Friday, March 20. Please click HERE for ordering information.

GWHS Landscape Committee Updates

* Come on by for our next meeting at Tessa Delicatessen (Colfax and Ivy St.) on Tuesday, February 3 at 6:00pm! Help us hash out some amazing plans ahead including our popular Go Green Day in the spring! 

* Join us for "Digging and Doughnuts" on Saturday, February 28! Come savor delicious donuts while lending a hand to beautify our grounds! Meet us in the GWHS Community Garden, located just up the hill from the South Parking Lot. In case of bad weather, be sure to check our WEBSITE for any cancellations. We can’t wait to dig in with you!

* 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 GW 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

With holidays coming up far too quickly, don't forget to purchase your Patriots spirit wear! 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.