ThunderRidge Weekly Update

Happy Friday, Grizzly families!

What a week it’s been! Please see Mr. Smith’s update below to check out this week’s athletics news and celebrations, and click on the TRHS Clubs and Activities link below for ways your student can plug in and get involved if they’ve not done so already. ThunderRidge was just named one of America's Healthiest Schools, recognizing our initiative for Staff Wellness. Congratulations to all who made this happen - especially Ms. Roybal and Ms. Guyer!

Parents, guardians, and supporters of our Seniors: We have secured a graduation date and time. Yay! We will be hosting our commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 21st at 1:00pm at the University of Denver. Mark your calendars!

TRHS students and staff again led the district and region in our summer reading program. Our staff and student summer reading earned our library $1,000 in prize money! As you can see from the picture above, our librarian, Ms. Sjoland, is so excited and is already using the money to order more books for our students.

This Wednesday, our first semester course, graduation, and testing fees got loaded into MySchoolBucks. These Board Approved fees help teachers purchase the consumables they need for various courses (e.g. metal, wood, art supplies, ingredients for catering classes, etc) and the school to put down deposits for items like standardized tests and graduation.

We had our first semester lockdown drill this Thursday. In general, our staff and students did very well. Our law enforcement partners are so helpful during these, and we look forward to continuing to partner with them. If student ever want to clarify the expectations of lockdowns with you, here they are: get behind a locked door, turn off lights, sit on the floor out of sight of windows, and be silent until released from the lockdown by law enforcement (in person). If they ever have a guest teacher or are working with someone who is unaware of this, students are always welcome to share those expectations. Safety belongs to all of us!

We had our first Responsive Scheduling experience on Thursday. As I mentioned last week, I know this is an adjustment for many of our students. We appreciate your forbearance and your encouragement as we implement this process for a more structured and safe Grizzly Hour. We’re going to revisit this responsive plan quarterly - tracking attendance, grades, and other indicators of success to see what adjustments may be needed.

Since we have no school on Monday, please remind your students to go online and pick the teachers they want to see on Tuesday (9/8) during Grizzly Hour anytime this weekend. Also, please remember that Friday (9/11) is a PLC late start Blue day, not a late start All day. See the schedule here.

Thanks to all the parents, guardians, and community members who attended our School Accountability Committee meeting on Thursday afternoon. Any TRHS parent/guardian who is interested in learning more about TRHS is welcome to come. Mark your calendars! 9/30, 11/11, 1/13, 2/3, 3/10, 4/7 are our SAC meeting dates this year. All meetings are from 4:30-6:30PM in the TRHS Post-Grad room in the library.

Thanks, also, to Ms. Vande Vusse and the parents who attended our Senior Project Parent meeting on Wednesday. Didn’t get to attend? See the presentation here.

Want to get more involved?

TRHS's School Accountability Committee (SAC) has opened applications for a student representative to sit on this committee that focuses on learning more about TRHS, how it runs, and asking/answering questions with Ms. Walhof. If your student is interested, please have them check out the application here.

DCSD is seeking parents, staff, and community members with a variety of backgrounds and expertise to serve on the Equity Advisory Council (EAC). If you are a TRHS parent/guardian or a TRHS student interested in applying to attend the monthly EAC meetings, please complete the Equity Advisory Council Application.

DCSD is also now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Leaders for Douglas County Schools Class. Leaders for Douglas County Schools (LDCS) is a program designed to give Douglas County School District parents/guardians and community members the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of our district's mission, operations and strategic priorities. Applications are due 9/11 and membership is determined by a lottery system on September 14th. If you have any questions, please email Alison Rausch arausch@dcsdk12.org.

You may have been seeing social media posts or getting texts about the MLO that the DCSD School Board put on the ballot for November. If you want more info, you are welcome to explore this resource to get details.

As we share opportunities to get involved at both TR and DCSD, please know that we see and appreciate the amazing support you already provide. Every family has different rhythms, and your dedication to your student—in whatever form it takes—is exactly what matters most.

I’m so grateful to be a part of the TRHS learning community!

:) Liz

September 7 - Labor Day - No School

September 9 - NHS Induction Ceremony

September 17 - Picture re-takes - Atrium - 9:00am -2:00pm

September 21 - Professional Development Day - No Students

September 24-25 - ThunderRidge Theatre presents The Little Prince

September 25 - Homecoming Carnival at Stone Mountain Elementary

October 1 - Homecoming Game

October 2 - Field Day

October 3 - Homecoming Dance - TR Commons & Gym - 8:30-10:30pm

October 6 - Orchestra Concert - Auditorium - 7:00pm

October 7 - PSAT/NMSQT Testing - Modified bell schedule

October 7 - Choir Concert - Auditorium - 7:00pm

October 8 - Fall Parent / Teacher Conferences

October 9 - End of 1st Quarter

October 12-16 - Fall Break

October 27 - Trick or Treat Street

Monday - Labor Day - No School

Tuesday - Green Day

Wednesday - Blue Day

Thursday - Green Day

Friday - Blue Day with PLC

Classes begin at 8:35am on PLC days.

If your student needs to arrive at school prior to that time, they may go to the Library or Commons until class begins. Breakfast will be available in the Commons.

Click here for the latest edition of The TR Grizz Weekly!

Check back here each Friday for our athletics newsletter with celebrations, the schedule for the upcoming week, and results from the week prior.

Join the Grizzly Family!

Dates & Times:
The following Mondays, 5:00 - 7:00pm

• September 14, 28
• October 19
• November 2, 16, 30

For all incoming freshmen & returning players.

No experience necessary, all are welcome!

For questions & to sign up, email bgraese@dcsdk12.org
A QR code is provided on the flyer next to the contact text for direct scanning.

This year, school staff are working to teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. We are using a program called SOS, Signs of Suicide. The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help.

SOS has been used by thousands of schools for over 20 years. Studies have shown that it effectively teaches students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students’ self-reported suicide attempts.

Through the program, students learn:

• that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help
• how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend
• to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, & Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend who they can turn to at school for help

On September 8th and 10th, 11th grade students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend.

At the end of class, students will complete an exit slip which asks whether they would like to talk to an adult about any concerns. School staff will conduct brief meetings with any student asking to talk.

Resources:

SOS for Parents & Caregivers

www.mindwise.org/parents - Includes information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s participation in this program please contact their school counselor. If you would like to opt your student out of this lesson please click here.

Sincerely,

Ashley Odekirk, School Counselor

On Wednesday, October 7th, all 11th grade students will be taking the Practice SAT - National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT-NMSQT).

Below are some details regarding the test, test day, and ways to prepare:

- All 11th grade students are automatically enrolled in the test, families do not need to register them.

- The test, intended for 11th graders, will be on Wednesday, October 7th from 7:50am-10:30am.

- There will be no classes the morning of the test. After testing, there will be a half day with classes for all students. You can find the schedule for the day here.

- The cost of the test is $15 and will be placed on the students' fees in MySchool Bucks.

- If you would like to opt your 11th grade student out of this practice test please fill out this form.

- If your students would like to prepare for the PSAT-NMSQT, they can go to College Board's website and use their test preparation material or access test prep through another online source such as Khan Academy

- On test day, students should bring: several writing utensils. Optional: Water, snack, & calculator. Students should also bring their school materials for all class periods (1-7) that will take place in the afternoon.

Field Day is fast approaching and Money Madness is on!

Donate to your student's class and you'll do more than help them win this year’s Field Day; you’re investing in the moments they’ll treasure for years to come. Every dollar raised goes towards funding things like their senior gift, senior bbq, Last Blast, Prom, and other class events.

Donations are being accepted until 10pm on Thursday, October 1st.

Results will be revealed at Field Day on October 2nd.

Click the appropriate link below to make your donation today!

Class of 2030 Freshmen

Class of 2029 Sophomores

Class of 2028 Juniors

Class of 2027 Seniors

TRHS is starting a chapter of the national history honor society, Rho Kappa. This is open to juniors and seniors with a minimum unweighted GPA in social studies of 3.0 and overall GPA of 3.0 who have completed 4 semesters of social studies and intend to complete at least 6 semesters.

Interested? Please attend either meeting (just one): Tuesday, September 15, 2026 @ 7:15 am in C212 OR Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 7:15 in C212.

Questions? Please email Ms. Basile (abasile1@dcsdk12.org).

ThunderRidge High School is looking for community members and professionals who are willing to share their knowledge and experience by serving as Senior Project Mentors.

As a mentor, you will guide a student through the learning process, provide feedback and encouragement, and help them develop their skills and knowledge in their chosen area of study. Mentors also help verify the student’s effort and participation in the physical product or fieldwork component of the project.

Because much of the product and fieldwork takes place outside of the classroom, mentors play an important role in helping students stay accountable and documenting their learning. Serving as a mentor does require a time commitment, including regular communication with the student throughout the project.

Interested in becoming a mentor? Start by completing the Mentor Sign-Up Form. After submitting the interest form, you will receive a follow-up email with a district volunteer application. This application must be completed and returned before you can officially serve as a mentor.

Thank you for helping our students explore their interests, develop new skills, and take their learning beyond the classroom!

ThunderRidge High School is looking for community members to serve as judges for our Senior Boards on Friday, April 9, 2027, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Senior Board judges will have the opportunity to listen to and evaluate our seniors as they showcase their learning through their oral presentations, portfolios, and project products. This is a wonderful opportunity to see our students at their very best as they share the knowledge, skills, and personal growth they have developed throughout their Senior Project experience.

No special expertise is required—just a willingness to encourage students and provide thoughtful feedback. Training and lunch will be provided on Senior Board Day.

We invite community members to join us in celebrating our seniors and helping make this culminating experience a meaningful one. Come be part of the day as our seniors prepare for their time to shine!

Interested in volunteering? Sign up here!

Submit your senior photo by October 9th.

Senior ads are due November 9th. These are optional, but are a fun way to celebrate your student.

This past week in the counseling office, TRHS Counselors saw over 80 students for academic planning, social emotional support, and post secondary planning.

We were so excited to see so many parents here for senior parent night! If you missed the event, you can access the presentation with all the information here. Please reach out to your student’s counselor with any questions.

The college application season is approaching, and counselors are working to ensure that our seniors are feeling prepared and confident. To that end, seniors will attend the following meetings to get the help they need:

• Meet with our post grad specialist, Mrs. Szilagyi, to help complete tasks in Naviance (our post secondary software), that will enable students to submit applications, send transcripts, and letters of rec. Mrs. Szilagy was available this past Tuesday and Thursday, and again next Wednesday, all day in the library. Students are expected to attend during their off period.

• Schedule their senior meeting with their counselor, where we begin to create their senior post secondary plan and provide them with the resources they need.

Be sure to sign up for a college visit!

College representatives from across the country visit TRHS to meet with students in small groups. These sessions give students a chance to learn about academic programs, campus life, and financial aid, while also practicing communication skills, showing interest to admissions officers, and finding the right college “fit.” To sign up for a college visit, log on to Naviance, click on “colleges”, “research colleges”, then “college visits”.

Mindful Minute:

Feeling stressed? Take a minute to be mindful.

Sit in a chair, in a relaxed, upright and dignified posture with your feet planted on the ground.

Then closing your eyes, bring your focus to the breath. Continue to breathe normally in and out and do this for a few breaths.

Once you feel comfortable that you have a sense of your breath begin the 1 minute, setting a timer if that helps.

Mentally count each out breath. Breathe in, breathe out, count 1. Breathe in, breathe out, count 2, etc.

Take note of how you feel!

What is the MiddleMiddle Years Programme (MYP)?

• For those new to the MYP IB Programme, students participate in years 1-3 at Ranchview Middle School.

• When they come to ThunderRidge, we focus on the essential learning skills in year 4, 9th grade.

• In year 5, 10th grade, all students complete the Personal Project.

• This month (September), we will introduce the Personal Project in Advisement.

What is the Personal Project? MYP students in their final year explore an area of personal interest over an extended period. It provides them the opportunity to consolidate their learning and develop important skills they’ll need in both further education and life beyond the classroom. It also helps them develop confidence to become principled, lifelong learners.

• The Personal Project is a required long-term passion project completed by all sophomore students at TRHS.

• Students will choose something of interest they want to learn more about, make a plan, and then execute it.

• Can be community oriented, personal, or academic

• A chance to enrich your life, learn a skill, or experience something new

Where can I learn more about the TRHS Personal Project?

• TRHS Personal Project Website

What is the timeline?

• Planning (Sept. - Oct.)

• Execution (Nov. - December)

• Reflection (Jan - March)

Which aspects of the Personal Project Guide will students complete this month?

• Page 8: Identifying your own interests activity

• Page 9: Prepare & do Elevator Pitch

• Page 10: SMART Goal Worksheet

• Conference #1 with Advisement Teacher

The AFW rewards program is coming to a close. Let's rally to help maximize our final reward!

Purchase online at AFW.com, at any store, or by phone at 800-992-7997.

Invite others to participate. Friends and family can help too!

Mention ThunderRidge when you shop at American Furniture Warehouse, and a 2% donation on any purchase or 4% on Beautyrest or Serta mattresses will come back to the school.

October 4th at Clement Park

Sign up to volunteer | National Kidney Foundation

ThunderRidge is proud to offer a wide variety of clubs and activities! Click the bar above for a full list including meeting times, days and locations.

Principal: Liz Walhof

Mission Statement:

Empowering Grizzlies through curiosity, compassion, courage, community and service.

trhs.dcsdk12.org

1991 West Wildcat Reserve Parkway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
303.387.2000

Instagram: @thunderridgehs

Facebook: ThunderRidge High School