ThunderRidge Weekly Update

September 21 - Professional Development Day - No Students

September 24-25 - ThunderRidge Theatre presents The Little Prince - Auditorium - 7:00pm

September 25 - Homecoming Carnival - Stone Mountain Elementary - 4:15-5:15pm

October 1 - Official Count Day

October 1 - Homecoming Football Game - Canvas Stadium - 7:00pm

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 - more information to come

October 9 - End of 1st Quarter

October 12-16 - Fall Break

October 27 - Trick or Treat Street - 6:00-7:30pm

November 4 - Academic/IB Showcase - more information to come

Monday - Professional Development Day - No Students

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.

Calling all wrestlers: there will be an informational meeting for both boys and girls wrestling on Tuesday, September 22nd, at 3:10 in the Team Room.

Follow a young prince as he travels from planet to planet, discovering the meaning of friendship, love, and what truly matters. Filled with imagination, humor, and heart, this timeless story reminds us to see the world with wonder. Come dream with us and discover what is truly essential!

Tickets are on sale now

Reserve your seats and join us for an unforgettable night under the stars!

As we move into the fall, we want to highlight a critical date for our district: Thursday, October 1, 2026. Student count day is the official date each fall when Colorado school districts record their enrollment numbers, which the state then uses to calculate per-pupil funding for the year.

The state determines our funding based on three factors around this date: your student's active enrollment, their scheduled instructional time, and their daily attendance. To ensure our funding is accurate, the state evaluates attendance specifically on October 1st and during the standard two-week window encompassing the week before and the week after Count Day.

How you can help support our schools:

• Make Attendance a Priority: Please make every effort to ensure your student is present and engaged in their learning on Thursday, October 1st.

• Keep the Momentum: Consistent attendance throughout the entire two-week window surrounding Count Day is strongly encouraged to ensure accurate state reporting.

• Communicate Absences: We understand illnesses and emergencies happen. If your child is sick, please notify our attendance office right away. Proper documentation allows us to navigate state exceptions if a student must miss the exact count date.

Purchase your Homecoming Bundle here.

The cost for the bundle is $30 which inlcudes admission to all the events for the week (except the football game), including the dance, Kona Ice at the block party, and a Rally Towel at the football game!

Purchase your dance, and single event tickets here.

Dance tickets are $25, and single event tickets are $5.

Buy your HoCo Bundle

Purchase your Homecoming Bundle here.

The cost for the bundle is $30 which inlcudes admission to all the events for the week (except the football game), including the dance, Kona Ice at the block party, and a Rally Towel at the football game!

Purchase your dance, and single event tickets here.

Dance tickets are $25, and single event tickets are $5.

Homecoming Events Schedule

Friday, 9/25: Carnival

4:15pm – 5:15pm at Stone Mountain Elementary
Theme: Slumber party!

Saturday, 9/26: Pickleball

11:00am - 1:00pm at Southpark Pickleball Complex
Theme: Dress for the wrong occasion!

Monday, 9/28: Powderpuff

6:30pm at Canvas Credit Union Stadium

Theme: Country Club vs. Country

Tuesday, 9/29: Block Party

5:30pm in C-Lot
Theme: Dress Your Age!

(Frosh = Babies, Sophs = Toddlers, Jrs = Adults, Srs = Senior Citizens)

Wednesday, 9/30: Ruff N' Tuff: Featuring the Broncos Jamboree!
6:30pm in the Big Gym
Theme: Broncos Day!

Thursday, 10/1: Football Game & Royalty

Football game at 7:00 PM at Canvas Credit Union Stadium

Royalty announced during halftime

Theme: 'Merica Out!

Friday, 10/2: Field Day!
Wear your Field Day shirts!

Saturday, 10/3: Hoco Dance

8:30pm – 10:30pm in the Commons & Gym
Theme: Meet me in Rio! (Featuring poker tables in the Commons and dance in the gym!)

(No heels, please. Wedges are ok.)

• Restaurant: Twisted Sugar
• Code: No code listed

• Restaurant: Chick-fil-A
• Code: TRHOCO

• Restaurant: Chipotle
• Code: L3VF8G4

• Restaurant: Raising Cane's
• Code: RCFUND96

• Restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings
• Code: No code listed

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

For the 5th year in a row, our ThunderRidge summer readers have won the Douglas County Libraries Summer Reading Contest, bringing home another $500 prize!

A huge shoutout to all of the students who participated! Thank you to our teachers and staff for promoting and encouraging summer reading. Way to go, ThunderRidge!

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 MySchoolBucks.

- 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.

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!

All seniors should attend the Senior Class Assembly on Tuesday, September 22nd during Seminar. Students should report to Seminar first and will be dismissed to the gym. Herff Jones will be presenting information on how to order your cap and gown, along with graduation announcements and other memorabilia.

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 200 students for academic planning, social emotional support, and post secondary planning. Counselors have been busy meeting with each senior to finalize their plans for after high school, whether they are applying to college, the military, a trade school, or searching for a job.

The college application season is here! Students who are applying to college should have met with our post grad secretary, Mrs. Szilagyi, who is helping students set up their common app account and showing them how to request transcripts, test scores, and any necessary letters of recommendation. Next, seniors meet with their counselors to finalize their plans. If students still need to set up a meeting, they can do so by clicking here.

Seniors should be working on their college applications now, including writing their personal statement and requesting letters of recommendation, if needed. Parents, we are here to support you with this process as well, as you are your students’ support at home. Please reach out to your student’s counselor with any questions!

Sign up for a college rep visit!

For any student who would like to meet in a small group with an admissions counselor from various colleges, sign up in Naviance, go to colleges, research colleges, and college visits to sign up. Upcoming visits include reps from: University of Missouri, University of Oregon, University of Denver, Creighton University, Louisiana State University, Texas Tech, University of Alabama, University of Tennessee, and many more!

A Life-Changing Scholarship Opportunity

The Daniels Scholarship Program is one of the most comprehensive and generous college scholarships in the country. It helps make college possible for high-achieving, values-driven students in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, offering a full ride at partner schools or up to $25,000 per year at any accredited college in the United States.

We’re looking for students with strong character, leadership potential, and a heart for giving back. Daniels Scholars work hard, dream big, serve others, and take pride in their communities and country. Sound like you or someone you know? Learn more and apply online from September 1 to October 15.

Douglas County Youth Congress

Douglas County high school students, your voice matters!

Registration is now open for the 2026 Douglas County Youth Congress. Students in grades 9 through 12 are invited to share their ideas, experiences and solutions with elected officials and community leaders at the Colorado State Capitol.

Thursday, Oct. 8

Colorado State Capitol

Transportation departs from Legacy Campus in Lone Tree at 7:30 a.m.

Lunch is provided

This year, students will offer their perspectives on topics such as E-Bikes and Community Safety, Online Bullying and Digital Wellness, and Physical School Security.

Learn more and register: https://www.douglasco.gov/youth-initiatives/youth-congress/

Questions? Contact YouthInitiative@douglasco.gov or 303-814-5327.

Parent Forum: From Managing to Empowering

Join us for an empowering workshop with Rocky Heights Middle School parent and Certified Family Coach Livi Maldonado!

Date: Tuesday, October 20th

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: Rocky Heights Middle School

Speaker: Livi Maldonado (Certified Family Coach, Founder of Family Dynamics)

What You’ll Learn: Get practical tools to help your family reinforce expectations and reduce everyday conflict around:

📱 Tech boundaries

📅 Organization

🎓 Building student independence

Learn how to shift from constant managing to coaching your student toward long-term success!

🎟️ RSVP here

Mindful minute:

Many people use the "5 R’s of mindfulness" to help them stay mindful throughout the day:

Recognize what's happening inside and around you.

Respond thoughtfully, instead of reacting automatically.

Relax your mind and body to reduce stress.

Reflect on your feelings and experiences.

Reframe challenges as chances to learn and grow.

These simple tips can help students manage stress, increase focus, self awareness and and empathy, leading to improved health and happiness!

This week marked a major milestone for the ThunderRidge High School IB Diploma Programme as our IB Juniors took their first official steps into one of the core pillars of the IB experience!

On Tuesday, September 15th, Ms. Holland introduced the Class of 2028 to Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). While the IB Diploma Programme pushes students academically, CAS ensures that education extends beyond textbooks through personal growth, physical well-being, and meaningful community involvement.

CAS is a holistic framework designed to encourage students to pursue personal passions, build resilience, and develop a genuine sense of civic responsibility. It is built around three distinct pillars:

• Creativity: Exploring creative expression, design, and innovative project planning. This includes everything from learning a new instrument or drafting creative writing to graphic design and event coordination.

• Activity: Engaging in physical activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Whether playing on a Grizzly team, training for a race, or taking up rock climbing, personal wellness and physical growth are central.

• Service: Contributing to authentic, unpaid community needs. Students step up to mentor younger peers, support local charities, launch environmental projects, or organize community food drives.

CAS moves past simple hour-counting. Instead, students complete a balanced journey of sustained experiences, engage in reflective thinking, and complete a collaborative CAS Project over their junior and senior years. Through this process, students demonstrate growth across key outcomes, including leadership, global engagement, collaboration, and ethical decision-making.

If you don't want to cook for dinner after a three-day weekend, support DECA and eat at Chipotle instead!

25% of event sales get donated back.

Tuesday, September 22 from 4-8pm

2209 W. Wildcat Reserve Pkwy Unit E1A

Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Order online for pickup using code TLKVP3N or show this flyer in restaurant

For online orders to count towards the fundraiser, they must be placed for pickup only from the

restaurant location of, and during the hours of, the fundraiser. Delivery orders and gift cards do

not qualify. $150 minimum event sales required to receive any donation.

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