Monarch Messenger

November 21, 2025
From Doan's Desk...
As we enter the holiday season, I wanted to send a message to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving Break. We have a lot to be thankful for as a school community. We are more than halfway done with the completion of our two year bond project. The upgrades to our career & technical education classrooms, athletics areas, and general aesthetics of the school are all greatly appreciated. We are thankful for the support of the Monarch Booster Club and their recent Booster Bash. We know that all the giving and resources that will come from that event to our various activities and athletics will be a huge benefit.
In general, we are thankful for the amazing community of students, parents, and staff. Monarch really is a special place where we get to see on a daily basis some incredible work and outcomes for our students.
Thank you to everyone and Sko Yotes!
Greg Doan
Principal
FOLLOW US!
INSTAGRAM: @mohiyotes @mohimayhem
FACEBOOK: MoHi.Skoyotes
Football Team Advances to the Quarterfinals in the Playoffs!
Congratulations to the Monarch football team on their 14-7 win over undefeated Riverdale Ridge!
Monarch now moves on to the quarterfinal round of the State Playoffs. The game will be on Nov. 22 at Montrose at 1:00pm.
Ticket prices will be $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for students.
No passes will be honored other than CHSAA passes.
Event Information
Congrats to Monarch students and varsity field hockey captains Lyla Jolly and Courtney Windt!
Lyla was named to 2nd team All Conference and Courtney was named to 1st team All State and All Conference.
The 1st team all state consists of only the top 15 athletes in the entire state, so this is quite an honor and accomplishment for Court. Together as captains these girls led their team to an impressive 12-4-1 record this season, and made it to the quarterfinals of playoffs in only our 2nd year as a varsity team.
Additionally, every single varsity athlete from Monarch qualified for the All-State ACADEMIC award, which is given to juniors and seniors on varsity with a 3.6+ GPA.
Big news about Mohi Media!
The Mix magazine was named a Pacemaker Winner by the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) for last year's magazines! This is the highest honor in the nation for a scholastic journalism program and the high school equivalent to the Pulitzer Prize and national championship. This is the second time in three years that The Mix has won the Pacemaker!
Additionally, The Mix was named a national finalist in 10 different categories by the NSPA, three times more awards than all other Colorado high schools combined. These awards are unprecedented at the national level!
If you see these students, congratulate them:
Ben Lehman
Abbey Elalouf
Julia Abair
Chloe Blair
Lily Brodsky
Paige Duff
Lydia Greves
Opal Grimes
Bri Richwine
Salma Schalhamer
Fox Therond
Aine Egbert
Rachel Larsen
Dillon Lewis
Abby Prescott
Congratulations to our DECA Students!
Please join me in congratulating the DECA students listed below for their outstanding performance at the District One competition. They earned top scores to secure their place at the state conference. Nearly 30% of our participants took home a win, giving Monarch the highest winning percentage of all schools in attendance!
Apparel and Accessories Marketing - Rhys Ayendale
Business Finance (a Monarch category sweep!) - Yoona Oh, London Small
Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making - Rachel Mills and Ahalya Nowakowski
Business Services Marketing - Charlie Roberts, Sarah Welch
Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making (a Monarch category sweep!) Cate Barreca and Jamie Parris, Brody Buggle and Will Holland, Paloma Mellish and Maya Wilson, Peyton Weller and Emi Zarske
Entrepreneurship - Aubrey Warrener, Caroline Katzin, Morgan Becker
Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making - Blake Bergeson and Levi Johnson, Mitch O'Rourke and Wes Hinckley, Aubrey Lamarque and Kingston Rieb
Financial Services Team Decision Making - Blake Lehrer and Owen Bramladge
Food Marketing Series - Owen Mitchell, Sophia Moen
Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling - Liam Huang, Elise Barnes, JJ Weemhoff
Hospitality Services Team Decision Making - Emory Brasington and Lizzie Thrash, Lydia Greves and Avery Kennedy, Max Jacobs and Colin and VanWolferen, Tristan Barrett and Skye McGarry
Hotel and Lodging Management Series - Elly Paradis, Brady Sommer
Marketing Management Team Decision Making - Sydney Jones and Callie Krommenhoek
Principles of Entrepreneurship - David Chan, Mia Berman
Principles of Finance - Charlie Hill and James Gardner
Principles of Hospitality and Tourism - Preston Van Der Jagt
Principles of Marketing - Skyler Holmberg, Maria Johnson, Noa Williams
Professional Selling - Gina Gale, Liam Huang
Quick Serve Restaurant Management Series - Oscar Thorsland, Reilly Sousa
Restaurant Food Service Management - Caleb Wills
Retail Merchandising - Bailey Adams, Sienna Wright, Lydia Whalen
Sports and Entertainment Marketing - Kylee Hartmann
Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making - Zeke Durfee and Kayla Everding, Lorelai Ahn-O'Connor and Elle Killian
Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making - Kate Alaniz and Greta Johnson, Braden Ballard and Evan Dunning, Haley Crain and Sidney Miller, Maxine Case and Ainsley MacMillan, Abbie Lehman and Ellie Ruppel
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fall Semester Final Exam Schedule
Attendance is taken for periods designated for “review” and “exam”
Buses will run normal pick up and departure times all week.
MHS remains a closed campus during this important week of final exams.
ALL requests to adjust a student’s exam schedule must be approved by the principal by sending an email to gregory.doan@bvsd.org. Please take care of these arrangements prior to exam week.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Open Enrollment Open House
We would like to invite you to come to our Open Enrollment Open House on Tuesday, December 2nd starting at 6:00pm. We want to show off and spread the good word at all the amazing opportunities happening at Monarch.
New Venture Challenge (HSNVC) - powered by FirstBank
Are you ready to inspire the next generation of changemakers? Registration is now open for the CU New Venture Challenge (HSNVC) - powered by FirstBank.
The HSNVC is specifically designed to bring entrepreneurial learning and innovative mindsets to high school students across Colorado, with a particular focus on rural, underserved, and 1st generation students. This one-of-a-kind program offers:
- $25,000+ in scholarships to CU Boulder
- Hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and innovation
- Development of critical real-world problem-solving, strategic, and leadership skills
Whether students in your community dream of starting a business, solving world challenges, or excelling in their future vocations - this challenge equips them with the tools, confidence, and mindset to succeed.
This year, we’re expanding our reach across the state, with a particular focus on Boulder and Front Range communities. We’re excited to connect with people in your network, and are looking to identify:
- Students or teams who might be excited to participate
- Educators, administrators, or extracurricular leaders who may be open to integrating this into their programming
The initial registration is easy and all you need is a basic preliminary idea to sign up. It’s open now until Jan 31, 2026. Participants then have until March 25, 2026 to more fully develop the idea and prepare their competition materials (2-page executive summary + 4-minute video pitch).
Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of innovators and create pathways to higher education and workforce success. Thank you for your support in shaping Colorado’s future leaders!
Curious what last year looked like? Check out this article: Reflections on a Banner Year: HSNVC 2025 Sparks Statewide Innovation
Boulder Ballet- Support Monarch with The Nutcracker!
Boulder Ballet and the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra are delighted to once again present The Nutcracker, a beloved tradition where twinkling music, vibrant dance, and heartwarming magic unite, enchanting audiences of every generation. Boulder Performances are at Macky Auditorium, Nov. 28-30.
As a way to support Boulder Ballet dancers and also give back to our local schools using a unique school code for Monarch, MHS. If families purchase tickets and enter our school’s code at checkout, schools will receive 5% of ticket sales, up to $2,000.
All ticket purchases are through the Boulder Philharmonic’s website: https://bcop-internet.choicecrm.net/dist/#/events/event_ids.208,209,210. Codes need to be entered at check out where it says, “Have a coupon code?” Enter the code and hit submit before making a payment.
The Monarch code is MHS.
STUDENTS: Lost your ID? Did your ID quit working?
Please click on the button below and complete the google form.
CHECK YOUR STUDENT EMAIL!!! We will email you when your ID is ready for pick up.
Need a student ID holder?
Pick up a clear plastic ID holder in the front office.
COUNSELING
COLLEGE VISITS
Juniors and Seniors, sign up now in Naviance! Counseling will send you a pass to come down to the Post Grad center, or other location noted on the pass, to join the visit.
*This meeting will be virtual! Please come to the counseling office and we will have the college rep set-up on a monitor, ready to speak with students.
Questions? Ask Ellie Pemberton or your counselor.
COUNSELING STAFF
- Student Last Names A-D Aimee Dana
- Student Last Names E-Ld Ben Holloway
- Student Last Names Le-Rn Autumn Coppejans
- Student Last Names Ro-Z Jill Benisch
- Counseling Assistant Ellie Pemberton
GRAD +
Free College Credits for BVSD Students!
Want to earn college credits and BVSD graduation credits next semester or next year? Many FRCC courses are Guaranteed Transfer to four-year Colorado colleges.
What Courses are Available to Me?
Check out District Select (BVSD students only) or Campus Select courses today!
How to Start:
Email kelly.isom@bvsd.org to schedule a registration meeting.
For more information or support, please connect with our Grad Plus Site Lead kelly.isom@bvsd.org
Exciting Update for CU Monarch’s High School ACCESS Students!
We’re thrilled to announce that CU Monarch’s High School ACCESS students now receive an earlier enrollment appointment—a full month before other non degree students! This new benefit gives you priority consideration for classes and more time to plan your CU Boulder courses around your high school schedule.
Spring 2026 Registration Opens: December 1, 2025
The Spring 2026 application is now open! Review the steps on the HS ACCESS Apply and Enroll page. Be sure to take advantage of this early enrollment window and the opportunity to potentially receive BVSD district assistance through the College Before Graduation program.
Looking for additional financial support?
Explore scholarship opportunities for High School ACCESS students on their financial support page.
Please reach out to hsaccess@colorado.edu if you have any questions or would like to schedule an advising appointment.
Check out THIS LINK to read more about our partnership with the CU ACCESS Team
For more information or support, please connect with our Grad Plus Site Lead kelly.isom@bvsd.org
ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS
Looking for a club to join?
Did you know that Monarch has over 70 active clubs for students to get involved in? Please click on the link below to read about all of the clubs that MOHI has to offer.
ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS STAFF
All questions regarding activities, athletics, or required registration forms should be directed to-
- Katie Nicholas, Athletic Department Assistant
- Dr. Cara Maronek, Activities Director
- Eric Gustafson, Athletic Director
MONARCH BOOSTER CLUB
Want to see your Student's Activities featured in the Booster Brief? Parent Reps Needed!
Volunteers aka Parent Reps can submit highlights with pictures to Monarchboosterclub@gmail.com by Monday morning at 8am. Then our newsletter volunteer, Rob Kalkofen, will generate the newsletter and get it over to the Monarch admin team to send out!
Become a Booster Club Member Today!
Your support directly impacts YOUR student's experience. For just $50 per family per year (REGARDLESS of # of activities or students), you're fueling student passions across the board. In order for your student's activity to be eligible to apply for a grant, 30% of their roster needs to be a Booster Club Member.
2025-26 Booster Club Meetings
- 1/14/26
- 2/11/26
- 3/11/26
- 4/8/26
All meetings, except for the Booster Bash, will begin at 7:00pm and will be held in the MOHI Perk Cafe at Monarch High School.
MOHI STUDENT MEDIA
THE MIX
Monarch's national award-winning newsmagazine comes out every six weeks.
CLICK THE MAGAZINE COVER TO READ THE LATEST ISSUE!
KYOT
This weekly broadcast showcases stories that matter throughout the Monarch community.
In today's episode, we feature some unique personalities in our school, from our campus security to a student with incredible talents. Plus, our Sportsball guys take on their next sport.
MOHI STUDENT SOCIAL MEDIA
This student-run Instagram account highlights every Monarch event and breaks news important to our community. It's a must-follow.
BVSD NEWS
Boulder Valley Regional Spelling Bee officials - volunteers needed
Parents and community members, we are looking for volunteers for this year's BVSD Regional Spelling Bee which will take place on March 7th in the New Vista High auditorium.
Volunteer Roles and duties include: On the day of the spelling bee, organizers are needed to do everything from checking in spellers, setting up the stage and physical event space, and receiving appeals and communicating them to the officials, to answering questions from parents, spellers and audience members. We cannot do this work without our amazing volunteers! Please fill out this interest form if you are interested.
Organizadores del concurso regional de ortografía de Boulder Valley: se necesitan voluntarios
Padres y miembros de la comunidad, estamos buscando voluntarios para el Concurso Regional de Ortografía del BVSD de este año, que tendrá lugar el 7 de marzo en el auditorio de la Preparatoria New Vista.
Las funciones y responsabilidades de los voluntarios incluyen: El día del concurso de ortografía, se necesitan organizadores para todo: desde registrar a los participantes, preparar el escenario y el espacio físico del evento, recibir las apelaciones y comunicarlas a los jueces, hasta responder las preguntas de padres, participantes y el público. ¡No podríamos hacer este trabajo sin nuestros increíbles voluntarios! Por favor, complete este formulario si está interesado.
Health Insurance Resources for BVSD families
BVSD Health Services is sharing the following information for families who may be in need of health insurance or would like to explore their options, knowing that preventive and supportive services provided through this coverage helps keep students healthy and ready to learn.
Open Enrollment for health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado is happening now through January 15, 2026. This is the time when individuals and families can find affordable health coverage for the coming year.
We’ve included helpful flyers with information about both Connect for Health Colorado and OmniSalud, a program that offers health insurance options for Coloradans regardless of immigration status.
Families who would like support can contact the Boulder County Enrollment Center for free assistance with Connect for Health Colorado, OmniSalud, Health First Colorado (Medicaid), and CHP+. The Enrollment Center provides confidential, unbiased guidance in English and Spanish, and in other languages through an interpreter.
To schedule an appointment with a Health Coverage Guide, visit boco.org/HealthCoverage, call 303-441-4530, or email HealthCoverage@BoulderCounty.gov.
Questions? Contact Joanna Harrison(joanna.harrison@bvsd.org), Resource Nurse
Recursos de seguro médico para las familias de BVSD
BVSD Servicios de Salud está compartiendo la siguiente información para las familias que puedan necesitar seguro médico o que deseen explorar sus opciones.
La Inscripción Abierta para la cobertura médica a través de Connect for Health Colorado está disponible ahora hasta el 15 de enero de 2026. Este es el momento del año en que las personas y las familias pueden revisar los planes y encontrar una cobertura asequible para el próximo año.
Hemos incluido folletos con información sobre Connect for Health Colorado y OmniSalud, un programa que ofrece opciones de seguro médico para los habitantes de Colorado sin importar su estatus migratorio.
Las familias que deseen recibir apoyo pueden comunicarse con el Centro de Inscripción del Condado de Boulder para obtener ayuda gratuita con Connect for Health Colorado, OmniSalud, Health First Colorado (Medicaid) y CHP+. El Centro de Inscripción ofrece orientación confidencial e imparcial en inglés y español, además de otros idiomas a través de un intérprete.
Para programar una cita con un Guía de Cobertura Médica, visite boco.org/HealthCoverage, llame al 303-441-4530, o envíe un correo electrónico a HealthCoverage@BoulderCounty.gov.
Preguntas? Contact Joanna Harrison (joanna.harrison@bvsd.org), Resource Nurse. Se habla español
HELPFUL LINKS
Not receiving communications from Monarch?
MOHI Manual del estudiante (Español) *pronto viene*
Request a Letter of Recommendation
Learning Ally Login Information for students:
LEARNING ALLY is now available for all MHS students and staff to access. This audio tool provides human-read texts for most novels and textbooks.
Student sign-in instructions: Go to https://learningally.org/
Monarch High School provides an inclusive community to help students realize their passions, potential, and responsibilities as kind and educated global citizens.
Website: https://moh.bvsd.org/
Location: 329 Campus Drive, Louisville, CO, USA
Phone: 720-561-4200
Instagram: @mohiyotes @mohimayhem
Facebook: MoHi.Skoyotes
To use the translation feature on our newsletter (as well as other ADA features) look to the right side of the newsletter, click on the Translate button and choose your desired language. If you are viewing the newsletter from a mobile device, tap on the stick person image on the bottom right of your screen to access these features.
