ThunderRidge Weekly Update
Happy Spring Break! This week was a joyful one at TR. Getting to be a small part of helping to concretely make peoples’ lives better was amazing. How you all showed up for the Ontiveros family (through the Caruso Family charities) and how our students and staff show up every day…I’m in awe. We are so lucky to get to dedicate ourselves to helping and growing others here at TR. A special thank you to our Student Government for your incredible work that makes all of this happen.
I also had the privilege of attending various musical performances this week in the evening, got to play a rousing game of Bingo with my colleague (and Activities Director) Ms. Yuhas, got to report on our progress as a school to our School Accountability Committee, and was so fortunate to join a group of parents and students in a hiring committee.
This morning I also learned that ThunderRidge took 1st and 3rd place in the Continental League Art Show for our students' work in Graphic Design and Photography. Congratulations to sophomore Andrew Denier (Graphic Design) and senior Lincoln Hynes (Photography) for their outstanding achievements!
The sense that, at TRHS, we can rise above the day to day stresses to create meaningful and impactful moments together (both large and small) makes me so proud. You may be reading this and thinking, “That wasn’t true for me! I think TR has a ton of work to do to create those moments for me.” That can also be true. Please continue to reach out in partnership to help us know how to make our school better.
One way you can get involved is to share your thoughts about future school calendars. How?
Survey responses are due the first Tuesday back after Spring Break (March 24th).
Despite all the good that comes with celebrating, learning, and working together, we also are probably all pretty tired right now. I hope that your Spring Break includes family time, solitude, rest, meaningful activities, and the building of important memories together.
When we return, there are so many key moments to anticipate: Sophomore and Senior projects will come due, PSAT/SAT/CMAS, AP & IB exams, awards ceremonies, banquets, graduation, and more. The homestretch is right around the corner!
Thank you for being awesome,
Enjoy your weekend!
Liz
March 13 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 16-20 - Spring Break
April 2-4 & 9-11 - Spring Musical: Mamma Mia
April 10 - Senior Boards
April 10 - 15 - Spring Testing
April 15 - IB Art & Film CreateFest
April 20-22 - CMAS/SAT/PSAT Make-Ups
April 24 - Professional Development Day - No studentsApril 24 - Prom - Chatfield Farms - 8:30-11:00p
Monday - Blue Day
Tuesday - Green Day
Wednesday - Blue Day
Thursday - Green DayFriday - ALL Day with PLC
Scholarship Opportunity
The Trailblazer Elementary School PTO is excited to once again offer a $750.00 scholarship to a deserving senior at ThunderRidge High School who also attended Trailblazer Elementary School.
Requirements for Scholarship
● Must have attended Trailblazer Elementary School for at least one (1) year
● Must be currently enrolled as a Senior at ThunderRidge High School
● Must be attending a college or university in Fall 2026
To apply for this scholarship
Please write a detailed essay that includes your favorite memory from Trailblazer Elementary School, or what impact having attended Trailblazer Elementary School had on you. Please also include information on your future college and career plans.
Submissions due by: April 15, 2026
We would like to present the Scholarship in person at our May 5, 2026 PTO meeting.Recipient will be notified prior to our May meeting date.
Please remit essay to:
Trailblazer Elementary School PTO
TrailblazerElementarySchoolPTO@gmail.com
This week, students in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at ThunderRidge High School are completing an important assessment in their language courses, the Internal Oral Exams (IOs). These assessments are a key component of the IB language curriculum and provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in another language.
Unlike traditional written exams, the Internal Oral focuses on authentic communication. During the assessment, students speak in their target language as they respond to prompts, analyze images or texts, and engage in a conversation with their teacher. This format allows students to demonstrate not only their vocabulary and grammar knowledge, but also their ability to think critically, express ideas clearly, and respond spontaneously in real time.
Our World Language teachers have spent many weeks preparing students for this moment through conversation practice, listening activities, and analysis of authentic materials. The dedication of both teachers and students is evident in the thoughtful discussions and impressive language skills that emerge during these oral exams.
We would like to thank our World Language teachers for their work in supporting students throughout this process, and we commend our IB students for their preparation and effort. These oral exams represent not only an academic milestone, but also a meaningful step toward becoming confident communicators in a global community.
TR Poms Egg My Yard
TR Poms is excited to announce our 5th Annual Egg My Yard Fundraiser and we would love your support in helping us make this our biggest year yet!
Our athletes will “egg” yards the night before Easter, filling them with treat-filled eggs for families in our community. It’s a fun way to celebrate while supporting hardworking student-athletes.
All funds raised go directly toward next season’s expenses, including training, travel, competitions, and team development.
If you are interested in participating, please see the attached flyer for details. You can sign up using this link or scan the QR code on the flyer attached.
Eggs will be hidden on April 4, 8:00-10:00pm
$25 for 25 eggs
$50 for 50 eggs
$75 for 75 eggs
Douglas County School District Community Fundraiser
Benefiting Douglas County Schools
Featured Games
- April 17–19: Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
- May 15–17: Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Special Event
There will be a special National Anthem performance by DCSD students on Saturday, April 18 at 6:10 PM (Rockies vs. Dodgers).
Ticket Information
- Price: Tickets start at $17
- Purchase: Available online only at www.rockies.com/dcsd
Camp Invention Volunteers Needed
Roxborough Intermediate is looking for high school students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade to volunteer this summer at Camp Invention from June 8th - 12th. Volunteers serve as camp counselors to K - 6 students attending this summer STEM Camp. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Allison Rothwell (arothwell@dcsdk12.org).
Children's Theater Camp
Join ThunderRidge High School's Youth Theater Camp
Monday, June 22rd - Friday, June 26th
9:00am - 4:00pm with a show on the evening of the 26th.
There will be an audition prior, more details coming soon.
Deadline to register is Friday April 24th. Scan the QR code or click here.
Stone Canyon Summer Camp
Looking for fun, engaging, unplugged summer activities for your child this summer? Consider Stone Canyon's Summer Camp programs! Join us for a summer of fun, adventure, and friendship. Find registration links and more information here: https://www.stonecanyonedge.org/summercamp.
Located in Larkspur, we offer week-long Overnight Camps for 9-15-year-old campers and 3-day Day Camps (including transportation to/from camp out of Castle Rock) for 6-9-year-old campers.
About Us
Principal: Liz Walhof
Mission Statement:
Empowering Grizzlies through curiosity, compassion, courage, community and service.
1991 West Wildcat Reserve Parkway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
303.387.2000
Facebook: ThunderRidge High School
X (formerly Twitter): @TRidgeGrizzlies