Renaissance Senior Newsletter

Senior Sunrise for Renaissance Secondary School Class of 2026! The beginning of so many “lasts.” Watching the Class of 2026 welcome the day together felt like the perfect reminder that these next months are about savoring every moment, leaning on friendships built here, and stepping into all that comes next with curiosity and courage! We are CREW!

To inspire more Coloradans to continue their education, all public colleges and universities in Colorado and several private institutions will allow students to apply for free from Oct. 7-9 as part of Colorado Free Application Days. Don't miss out on this FREE opportunity to apply for Colorado schools!

Learn More

Seniors—it’s time to get ready for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the form that determines your eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans for college or trade school. Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify, many schools and scholarship programs require a completed FAFSA.

Families can begin applying online at studentaid.gov. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible—funds are often limited!

This is your time to shine and show off your unique style! We love seeing the creativity and personality in senior portraits. While we keep the guidelines minimal, there are a few important rules that must be followed—please see the link below with full portrait submission requirements!

📸📸Portrait Submission Details 📸📸

Portrait submissions are DUE no later than 4:30 pm on Thursday, October 23, 2025 - no exceptions. Click HERE to upload your Senior Picture. You will be asked for a code to verify your information that will be sent directly to you from Jostens after you enter your name and email address.

Do you still need a senior photo for the yearbook? Local photographer Jodi Crawford is generously offering free mini photo sessions for Renaissance seniors.

📍 Location: Dawson’s Butte Open Space & Trail

📅 Date: Saturday, September 21

⏰ Starting at 5:00 pm

Each session includes:

• A 15-minute photoshoot

• 5–10 digital photos

• Option to bring a prop, pet, instrument, or other special item

• One outfit

👉 To sign up, please contact Jodi directly at jodicrawfordphotography@gmail.com.

A huge thank you to Jodi and her family for supporting our seniors and our school community!

Your senior is about to take flight — mark this amazing milestone with a Senior Tribute Ad in the yearbook! It’s the perfect way to honor their journey, share memories, and show them how proud you are.

These special ads are just for the Class of 2026 — don’t miss your chance to brag on your Class of 2026 Grad! 👉 Click HERE and scroll to “Yearbook Ads” to get started.

• 📅 Early Bird Deadline: Sunday, November 9, 2025
  
• 📅 Final Deadline: Saturday, January 24, 2026

✨ All ads must be submitted digitally — no printed or hard copy ads, please. Let’s celebrate your senior in a big way — their story deserves a page in history!

At Renaissance, we’re proud to graduate students who don’t just succeed academically — they make a difference. Every senior is required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service before graduation. These hours must be submitted by the March 24, 2026.

Wondering if you're on track?
Students and families can check service hours by following this path on Parent/Student Portal:

• Click the three horizontal lines on the top left
• Select “More”
• Select “Assessments”

Service Hours Accepted:

Service hours must be unpaid and performed for nonprofit organizations, including churches and schools. To qualify, the service must be voluntary and not completed as a requirement for a badge, rank advancement, class credit, or any other obligation.

Service Hours NOT Accepted:

Service performed for for-profit businesses, friends, neighbors, or family members does not qualify. Additionally, hours completed to fulfill another obligation—such as requirements for scouting, class credit, or other organizations—will not be counted.

Organizations that frequently offer service opportunities:

• Aging Resources of Douglas County
  
• Douglas County Libraries
  
• Douglas County Open Space
  
• Help and Hope Center Volunteer Application
  
• Volunteer Castle Rock
  
• Wellspring Community
  

Service Hours can be reported to Renaissance using this form, which requires the signature of the student, parent, and service supervisor. Completed forms should be returned to the front office or emailed to our Registrar, Tiffany Reckseen at treckseen1@dcsdk12.org.

Looking for other volunteer opportunities? DCSD is hosting a free Community Nonprofit Showcase. Meet local nonprofits and learn about opportunities for your club or team to volunteer and give back. Questions? Contact Amy Pfister at apfister@dcsdk12.org.

Consider a WUE participating school and save big on tuition!

Did you know that several Western U.S. states have partnered to offer significant tuition savings at some of their colleges and universities to students in other western states?

Learn More: Save On Tuition | Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

FALL

• Senior Family Information Night: September 9
  
• Homecoming Week: September 22-26
  

• Homecoming Cournament - Friday, September 26
• Homecoming Dance - Saturday, September 27
• Senior Pictures Due for Yearbook: October 23
  
• Senior Tribute Yearbook Ads: Early Bird Pricing deadline - Sunday, November 9, 2025. Final Deadline - Saturday, January 24, 2026
• Colorado Free Application Days: October 7-9, 2025 - Apply to public colleges and universities in Colorado for free during this free application window!
• Fall Break: October 13-17

• Spring Break: March 16-20, 2026
• Service Hours Due: March 24, 2026
  
• Prom: May 2, 2026
• Capstone Presentations & Capstone Community Night: April 24, 2026
• Senior Voyage: May 2026
• Class of 2026 Graduation: Saturday, May 16 at 10am - Phillip S. Miller Ampitheater