ThunderRidge Weekly Update
Happy Halloween weekend!
I hope you all have a festive holiday. Our staff celebrated by wearing 90's themed costumes today. As you can see in the picture, the admin team dressed as Blockbuster employees. We had a lot of great participation among the departments - you can see the photos below.
I always hold my breath a little when we have any event like Halloween, where students are going about in the dark in masks (and, heaven forbid, simulated weapons) as I never want to see anyone get hurt. Be safe and take good care this weekend.
Speaking of this weekend, please remember that we also gain an hour on Sunday due to Daylight Savings. Hopefully all of the teenagers (and adults!) will enjoy an extra hour of sleep!
On another note, we had a beautiful Trick or Treat Street this Tuesday. It was so well attended and my heart could hardly manage the level of cuteness I saw with all the kids, grandkids, neighbors, and friends who attended in costume. This event makes me incredibly proud of everyone who gives of their own time to create a safe and magical event for our community.
Registration is currently open for the North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition (NACLO). This is something one of our language clubs, led by TRHS Junior David Provan, participated in for the first time last year. In the competition, students are given challenging sets of language data and language puzzles to solve, with the chance to win prizes and international recognition. Your student doesn’t need to be in a world language class at TRHS to participate. Questions? Please contact club sponsor, Madam Eggleston, ASAP at reggleston@dcsdk12.org or go visit her in Room E103.
For my colleagues and me, classroom formal observations are in full swing. This means your students may mention seeing those of us on the admin team in their classrooms. If your students ask you why there are sometimes administrators present during class, you are welcome to let them know that an important part of our job is observing teachers in order to partner with and coach them on their craft.
Sadly, I have some tough news to share. I was embarrassed at the behavior from some of our students at our last football game. A small, but loud, group of Grizzlies was using downright hair-raising language. I was approached by parents and coaches after the game - and throughout the week - to share how shocked and disappointed they were as well. We’ve been talking with our students about it and I am confident we will see better behavior at tonight’s game at Echo Park. We want our students to be loud and proud while also representing us well and following CHSAA guidelines (see Mr. Smith’s update below).
Remember to fill out your ballots this weekend and to encourage any students who have registered to vote to do the same. Your voices matter! If you’re still looking to inform yourself about the MLO DCSD put on the ballot, or anything about school funding in DCSD, you can get factual information here. I’ll be at a watch party on Tuesday night - biting my nails - to see how everything shakes down!
Hugs,
Liz
AN Department - Happy Gilmore
Art Department - Bob Ross
Counseling - 90's SNL Cast
English Department - Reading Rainbow
Library - Wayne's World
Main Office - League of Their Own
Math Department - Jurassic Park
Social Studies Department - 90's Grunge
SPED Department - Men In Black
SSN Department - The Sandlot
We are pleased to announce that Maddie Jett has been chosen as our TRHS staff member of the month for October. Her ability to engage her students is seamless and a true strength.
We are proud of you. Congratulations, Ms. Jett!
Thursday, November 5
6:30-8:00pm
Legacy Campus
10035 Peoria St.
Lone Tree, CO 80134
Welcome to all K–12 students and families!
The CTE Career Path Expo will highlight the wide range of Postsecondary Readiness opportunities offered at each Douglas County School District (DCSD) high school and available to students across the district.
Featured programs include:
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Concurrent Enrollment
Work-Based Learning
Hear from students and teachers as they share how these programs help prepare students for future success.
Please RSVP: bit.ly/CTE-career-expo-2026
Questions? Contact Leslee Herre at lherre@dcsdk12.org.
Sponsored by: Douglas County School District's Postsecondary Readiness program, the District Accountability Committee, and the Foundation for Douglas County Schools.
Kick off your holiday season with a timeless classic!
The talented students of ThunderRidge Theatre invite you to journey back to Victorian London with their production of A Christmas Carol.
Follow the transformative story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter miser who is forced to confront his past, present, and future on one fateful Christmas Eve.
This is a festive theatrical experience the whole family will enjoy.
November 12 - 14 // 7:00pm // Auditorium
As October comes to an end, communities around the world celebrate a variety of festivals and traditions that honor ancestors, remember loved ones, and explore the relationship between life, death, and cultural identity.
While Halloween is widely celebrated in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Ireland, many other cultures have their own meaningful celebrations during this time of year. This week, we invite our IB community to explore these fascinating traditions and discover how celebrations connect people across cultures.
Global Traditions Spotlight
Mexico – Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Celebrated on November 1 and 2, Día de los Muertos is a vibrant Mexican tradition honoring loved ones who have passed away. Families create colorful altars called ofrendas, decorate with marigolds, share traditional foods, and display photographs to remember family members and friends.
Ireland – The Origins of Halloween
Halloween has historical roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in Ireland and other Celtic regions. People believed that the boundary between the living and the spirit world became thinner during this time. Bonfires, costumes, and traditional foods were part of the celebrations.
Japan – Obon Festival
Although Obon is generally celebrated in July or August, this Japanese Buddhist tradition shares similarities with other celebrations honoring ancestors. Families welcome the spirits of their ancestors, visit graves, light lanterns, and participate in traditional dances.
Guatemala – Giant Kite Festival
Every November 1, communities in Guatemala celebrate the Giant Kite Festival, particularly in Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango. Families create enormous, colorful kites to honor the deceased and celebrate their connection with loved ones.
Philippines – Undas (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day)
On November 1 and 2, Filipino families gather in cemeteries to remember deceased relatives. They clean and decorate graves, light candles, offer flowers, pray, and share meals together.
As you celebrate Halloween this year, regardless of your reason or connection with the day, have a safe and enjoyable holiday!!