In this issue:
Communicate with our School via Rooms
2025-2026 Student Absences Policy and Procedures
2025-2026 Cell Phone Policy
AP Exam Registration
IB Exam Registration
Spooky Spirit Week
Juniors and Seniors - Seal of Biliteracy
Yearbooks
School Store "Patriots' Snack'n Print" Now Open
Patriot Players Battle Big Brother in Fall Play: "1984"
Fall Parent Mixer and Fundraiser THIS SATURDAY - RSVP TODAY!
BESS Survey
HKCS Survey
Healthy Choices, Bright Futures
Support Girls Basketball at Chipotle
IB Information Night
GWHS Landscape Committee Updates
Support the GWHS Food Pantry
GWHS Food Pantry Usage
Winter Sports Registration Now Open
Spirit Wear
Weekly Athletics Update
Click Here for This Week's Athletics Events
Click Here for GWHS's Bell Schedule
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.
2025-2026 Cell Phone Policy
Please review the GWHS cell phone policy for the 2025-2026 school HERE. “BELL TO BELL, NO CELL.” This means cellular devices may NOT be used during instructional time, including in classrooms, hallways, and bathrooms. Devices must be in the classroom storage holder or put away, as determined by the teacher.
AP Exam Registration
AP students, as a reminder, if you are taking an AP exam in May 2026 you must pay for your AP exam(s) HERE. Each exam is $103; a $10 per exam late fee begins Friday, October 24 and all AP exams must be paid for by Friday, November 7. After you have paid for your AP exam(s), you must also place your exam order by joining your AP Classroom for each AP exam you plan to take HERE. Unless you have completed both steps for each AP exam you plan to take, your AP exam registration is incomplete. Questions? Click HERE for the AP exam registration process and some FAQs.
IB Exam Registration
Please choose the appropriate link below to register your student for IB Exams in May. The deadline for registration is Monday, November 3. If you are unsure of which link to register with, please reach out to Thad_Hildner@dpsk12.net with any questions.
IB Diploma Senior Registration Form
IB Diploma Junior Registration Form
IB Course Student Registration Form
Spooky Spirit Week
Join in our Spooky Spirit Week fun next week!
Monday, October 27: Monster Monday
Tuesday, October 28: Thrasher Tuesday
Wednesday, October 29: Witches and Wizards Wednesday
Thursday, October 30: Trick or Twin Thursday
Enjoy your Free Friday off!
Juniors and Seniors - Seal of Biliteracy
The DPS Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious award for students in grades 11 and 12, recognizing proficiency in two or more languages. It enhances college and job applications by showcasing biliteracy skills on transcripts, resumes, and in interviews. Bilingual graduates benefit from increased job opportunities, higher earning potential, and stronger community connections. Best of all, it’s FREE, and all DPS students, regardless of the language, are eligible to apply. You can earn the seal in the following languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Mandarin Chinese. Click HERE for more information.
DPS students can earn the Colorado Diploma Endorsement for Biliteracy, too!
Complete all graduation requirements
Demonstrate proficiency in English. Students must complete one of the following: SAT 470, AP English 3 or IB English 4
Earn an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in all High School English Language Arts courses
Demonstrate proficiency in additional language(s). Students must complete one of the options above.
Complete your APPLICATION by Monday, December 1! Questions? Email (khari_wallace@dpsk12.net) or visit Mr. Wallace in Success Center Room 112F.
Yearbooks
Yearbooks are now available through March 20, 2026. Senior portraits and baby dedications are due no later than January 3, 2026. Please click HERE for ordering information.
School Store "Patriots' Snack'n Print" Now Open
The school store has a new name! We will soon post a sign for the "Patriots' Snack 'N Print." Hours are posted on the store door and are subject to change. We are happy when you come to our store, but please remember that it is also a class. Please treat the space and people in it with the same respect you would give if you were visiting someone else's class as an invited guest. Help us keep the store open and a welcoming place for everyone.
In addition to our normal snacks and coffee, we currently have earrings created by Leslie Acker of the GWHS faculty for cancer awareness. Proceeds will go to the Susan G Komen Foundation and other cancer research institutions. Earrings are $3 each. We also now offer custom print services including T-shirts, stickers, banners, signs and more. Please consider us for your custom printing jobs.
Patriot Players Battle Big Brother in Fall Play: "1984"
The fall play is arriving on stage! Join the Patriot Players Wednesday, October 22 through Saturday, October 25 for a theatrical experience: George Orwell's "1984." This dystopian classic offers a grim warning and chilling drama. Adults are $15 and students are $10. Reserve now; seating is limited! Click HERE for a QR code or click HERE for a link to purchase your tickets today.
As a reminder, we are double cast. The Ministry of Truth Cast will perform on Wednesday, October 22 and Friday, October 24 at 7:00pm, and Saturday, October 25 at 1:00pm. The Ministry of Love Cast will perform on Thursday, October 23 and Saturday, October 25 at 7:00pm. Additionally, the Ministry of Love will be doing a matinee Wednesday, October 22 during school at 1:00pm. All shows are on stage in the Nancy Priest Auditorium at GWHS. Contact derek_nason@dpsk12.net if you want to attend the in-school matinee; we can make it work! Again, reserve tickets now as seating is limited.
Fall Parent Mixer and Fundraiser THIS SATURDAY - RSVP TODAY!
Please join the GWHS PTSO (Parent Teacher Student Organization) for our annual fall mixer and fundraiser on Saturday, October 25 from 5:30 to 8:30pm at The Monclair Civic Building (The Molkery). It will be a fun event - get to know other GWHS families, learn more about how to support our amazing school, and enjoy some yummy drinks and snacks! Free to attend. Adults only, please. Click HERE for more information and to RSVP.
BESS Survey
This school year, all Denver Public School students will complete universal behavioral and emotional health screening using the Behavior and Emotional Screening System (BESS). This is an online tool that takes approximately five minutes to complete and consists of 28 questions for the student to answer. During school registration, parents and guardians had an opportunity to opt their child out of completing the Student Self-Report Form of the BESS.
GWHS will be facilitating students in completion of their Student Self-Report Form of the BESS Monday, October 20 through Friday, October 24 (with make-ups the following week).
Parents/guardians have the right, upon request, to review the items on the BESS. This is completed through a phone call, video call, or in-person meeting with their child’s school. Due to copyright, school teams are not able to send a copy of the questions home prior to screening. If parents/guardians would like to confirm or revoke their opt-out decision, please do so by calling our Main Office.
HKCS Survey
The Healthy Kids Colorado Survey ("HKCS") will be held at GWHS on Wednesday, November 19 or Thursday, November 20. Questions will take less than one class period to complete. Responses to the HKCS are anonymous and serve to inform the State of Colorado on programs and policies that help youth thrive. Additional information regarding HKCS may be found in this LETTER.
Students are not required to take the HKCS. To opt-out your student, please complete this FORM. If you wish to give your student permission to participate, no action is needed. Questions? Please refer to the HKCS FAQs.
Healthy Choices, Bright Futures
Healthy Choices, Bright Futures is coming to Bruce Randolph School on Tuesday, October 21 from 5:30 to 7:00pm. Families will hear a powerful story from a mom about fentanyl awareness, learn tools to talk about prevention at home, and connect with community resources. Dinner, childcare, and interpretation provided. Families may be eligible to receive gift cards. More information about the event and additional resources can be found on the FACE website or in this FLYER. Click HERE to RSVP.
Support Girls Basketball at Chipotle
Join us for a girls basketball fundraiser night at Chipotle on Wednesday, October 23, from 5:00 to 9:00pm! Grab your favorite burrito, bowl, or tacos and help support the Lady Patriots as they prepare for the upcoming season. Simply mention "George Washington Girls Basketball" or show the event FLYER when you order at Chipotle. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to the team.
IB Information Night
GWHS's IB Information Night is Wednesday, November 12, from 5:30 to 7:30pm in the GWHS Cafeteria. If you are a GWHS family of a ninth or tenth grader, come gather information and get your questions answered about the IB from our principal, the IB Coordinator, and a panel of GWHS IB seniors. We look forward to sharing the benefits of our IB Program with you!
GWHS Landscape Committee Updates
Our first committee meeting kicked off the new school year with much enthusiasm! We can’t wait to dive into all the amazing plans ahead. Stay tuned—the date for our next meeting will be announced soon!
Get ready to enjoy the crisp fall air while sprucing up the GWHS flower beds! Join us this Saturday, October 25, at 1:00pm 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 see you there!
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.
Support the GWHS Food Pantry
In conjunction with our generous donors and in partnership with Food Bank of the Rockies, the GWHS Food Panty continues to provide weekly access to nutritious food for community members experiencing food insecurity. We are currently serving over 90 families each week.
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.
Winter Sports Registration Now Open
Patriots, it’s time to gear up for the Winter Season! Winter sports offered include:
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Girls Wrestling
Boys Wrestling
Girls Swim and Dive
Click HERE to register. All athletes must have an up-to-date physical! Only Page 4 of the CHSAA Physical Form needs to be uploaded to your registration.
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.
