ThunderRidge Weekly Update
Happy Friday, TRHS Families and Community!
Now that we’ve rounded the corner into the spring semester, much of our focus and energy is devoted to preparing for next year.
The Class 2030 will be registering for classes here next Wednesday. We invite parents and guardians of rising 9th graders to join us for our 8th Grade Parent Information Night on Wednesday evening if you also want to learn all the things that your students heard during the day. Read more below.
Next year, DCSD schools at all levels will be doing late start PLC days on Fridays (not just high schools). Details will go out in email to those who have elementary and middle school students. We’ll share details about what it means for us in terms of transportation later this year.
We anticipate a small change to start times for us and for Ranch View Middle School next year due to the addition of 6th graders to the middle school. To diminish traffic congestion at drop off and pick up, we will likely be adjusting our schedule by 10 minutes (to start at 7:50 and then end at 3PM) while Ranch View will likely be starting 5-10 minutes earlier. We hope this flexibility will make drop off and pick up easier for all concerned.
We only have 10 spaces left for student volunteers to help with our district reunification training on February 13th. This does give students 10 hours of community service, so please encourage your students to sign up today.
As promised last week, I got clarification from the district on student cell phone use during lockdowns/emergencies. Good news! We confirmed that students will be able to send parents a quick message as soon as their room is cleared. We know cell phones were supposed to be entirely off and away once upon a time during emergencies, so we are pleased that this change will help families stay in touch as soon as it is safe to do so.
In TR specific news this week, the picture of me looking horrified is from our Senior Night for wrestling - when I was certain one of our opponents was going to have his shoulder pop right out of his socket during a match. Wrestlers and parents - you have all my love and admiration! That is one tough sport. I’m heading to see Steel Magnolias tonight at 7PM in our auditorium. I’ve heard such great things about it - and will have my tissues ready!
Lastly, if your family has recently moved to Colorado, loves your experience with a DCSD school (ThunderRidge or other), and would be willing to share your experience, the district would love to chat with you! Feel free to email me (ejwalhof@dcsdk12.org) or the principal in question and we’ll get you connected with the right people.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Liz
Steel Magnolias largely unfolds in Truvy's Beauty Salon where the women regularly gather to share gossip, advice, and emotional support. The central character is Shelby, a young woman with diabetes who is determined to live life on her own terms. Despite her mother M'Lynn's fears for her health, Shelby marries and later decides to have a child—an extremely risky choice because of her illness.
The plot balances humor and heartbreak highlighting themes of friendship, resilience, family and strength found in community, showing how laughter and love can coexist even in the face of profound loss.
Thursday, January 15 - Saturday, January 17 at 7:00pm
Purchase tickets here.
Adults: $13.00
Senior or Military: $12.00
Student: $11.00
Bundt Cakes + Grizzly Gives = The Sweetest Fundraiser Ever!
As we prepare for Grizzly Gives Week 2026, we have decided to continue our Valentine’s Day Bundt cake fundraiser! We will be selling miniature Bundt cakes for $7.00 each. These cakes will be delivered to students or staff during seminar on Thursday, February 12th, 2026.
We are offering chocolate chip, gluten free chocolate chip, red velvet, and confetti cake.
All cakes need to be preordered so the sale ends Feb 5th. Let your student or staff member know you are thinking of them! You can even purchase extra for the family.
We would like to raise as much money as possible for the Ontiveros family! Your purchase of a bundt cake is greatly appreciated! If you have any questions please contact our Student Government sponsor, Thomas Sullivan, Thomas.sullivan@dcsdk12.org. Last year we sold over 700 cakes!
Today (1/16) is the last chance to purchase your permit!
If you purchased a permit at the beginning of the school year, you do NOT need to purchase one now. This is for those that did not purchase one at the beginning of the year.
Juniors and Seniors - there are a limited number of parking permits available for purchase on a first come, first serve basis through January 16, 2026. If you will be getting your driver's license at any time during the spring semester, now is the time to purchase your permit.
To purchase, scan the QR code, or visit myschoolbucks to complete the application and pay.
It is best to complete the application on a computer or laptop rather than the mobile app to minimize any issues. Please have your vehicle's year, make, model and color handy when applying.
All student fees must be paid in order to receive the permit. Permits can be picked up at the main security kiosk after January 20th.
Please contact the finance office at trhsfinance@dcsdk12.org with any questions.
As we move further into the semester, many of our IB Diploma Programme students are actively engaged in Internal Assessments (IAs) across their courses. This week, we want to spotlight what IAs are, why they matter, and how students can navigate both the benefits and challenges they present.
Internal Assessments are major, subject-specific assignments completed during the IB course and graded by teachers using IB criteria. Samples are then externally moderated by the IB to ensure consistency. IAs typically account for 20–30% of a student’s final IB score, making them a critical component of each course.
IAs are designed to develop skills that go well beyond exam preparation, including:
Independent Inquiry: Students explore topics of personal interest within each subject area.
Authentic Learning: Many IAs involve experiments, investigations, performances, or real-world applications.
Skill Building: Research, writing, data analysis, reflection, and time management are all emphasized.
Reduced Exam Pressure: Since IAs contribute to final scores, they help balance the weight of high-stakes exams.
While valuable, IAs can be demanding and do have challenges associated with them:
Time Management: Students often juggle multiple IAs at the same time.
Long-Term Planning: IAs require sustained effort over weeks or months.
Understanding Criteria: Success depends on clearly meeting IB assessment descriptors.
Academic Integrity: Proper citation and original work are essential.
These challenges are intentional as IAs are meant to stretch students academically and help them grow as independent learners.
Internal Assessments are a challenging but rewarding part of the IB Diploma Programme. They represent the kind of deep thinking, perseverance, and independence that define ThunderRidge IB students and prepare them for success beyond high school.
This past week in the Counseling office, TRHS Counselors saw 255 students to assist with academic planning, social emotional support, and post secondary planning. Counselors have been busy working on updating students’ support plans, identifying academic pathways and options, and getting ready to host junior meetings to solidify post secondary plans for our juniors.
Sophomores can now apply to be a TRHS Peer Counselor!
Do you want to make a positive impact on your school? Become a Peer Counselor! Applications are now available on the counseling page on the TRHS website, or check out the flyers around school and click on the QR code to apply!
TRHS Career Exploration series is back this semester!
This series provides students the chance to hear about careers in a broad variety of industries around our area. Every Tuesday we host a different career speaker who shares with us about their job, their career journey, the skills and interests needed, and much more. Upcoming speakers include:
January 20 - Military: Career Pathways with the Navy
This presentation will walk students through realistic timelines and pathways for different Navy careers, from entry to specialized job training schools. It will highlight opportunities in aviation, engineering, medical, nuclear, and special operations, while also showcasing high-quality career options and Navy-specific incentives.
January 27 - Music: Sponsorship Sales in Music Industry
AEG Presents is a global leader in live music and entertainment, helping artists grow their careers while creating unforgettable concerts and festivals. They work behind the scenes on major events like Coachella and promote tours for some of the biggest names in music, connecting artists with fans around the world. Careers at AEG Presents combine creativity, business, and event production for students interested in music, entertainment, and live events.
Girls Who Code is now accepting applications
Girls Who Code is now accepting applications for our free, virtual 2026 Pathways summer program!
Pathways is a summer program for high school girls and non-binary students, including rising 9th graders, graduating seniors, and returning participants. Students will explore technology, build purpose-driven tech-for-good projects, and connect with a supportive global community—no coding experience required.
Across seven flexible weeks this summer, students learn at their own pace through engaging video tutorials, hands-on projects, and Tech Spotlights featuring women and non-binary professionals in the field. They also gain mentorship through Partner Events, connect with peers on Girls Who Code’s Discord community, and earn certificates for every course they complete.
About Us
Principal: Liz Walhof
Mission Statement:
Empowering Grizzlies through curiosity, compassion, courage, community and service.
1991 West Wildcat Reserve Parkway, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
303.387.2000
Facebook: ThunderRidge High School
X (formerly Twitter): @TRidgeGrizzlies