GMHS Family Update
March 26, 2021



Students: Please view the Video Principal Report.

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In this issue ...
  • Principal's Update
  • Assessment
  • Ram Time
  • Senior Update
  • Save the Date
  • Student Update
  • Library Update
  • PTA Update
  • Future Center
  • Counseling
  • RN & COVID19 Update
  • Family Wellness/Assistance
  • Social Emotional/Mental Health
  • Technology Update
  • Athletic Update
Dear GMHS Students and Families,

We made it to Spring Break! We hope that you and your families have some time to relax and enjoy some quality time during the break.

As many of you know GMHS has been my home, passion and priority for the last 15 years.  I am a proud 1983 graduate, served at GMHS as an English teacher, assistant principal, and proud principal.  It is with mixed emotions that I announce that I will be retiring at the end of this school year.  I will forever cherish and be proud of the work and accomplishments we have achieved together.  I have had an amazing career in Jeffco Public Schools that started at Wheat Ridge High School 22 years ago where I served as an English as Second Language Tutor and English teacher.  The students, educators, parents, guardians and community members that I have been fortunate enough to get to know, serve, learn and grow from are what I will miss the most. 

The GMHS Community is strong and stable.  We have built amazing programs and opportunities for our students that are unmatched in most schools across the country!  I truly believe that our school is ready and prepared to continue growing and refining because of the people (staff, community, students) who will continue the work and act in the best interest of the school. 

For me, I am looking forward to some peace, quiet, spending time with my husband (34 years) and our new grandson who is due in July.  Thank you so much for your support, encouragement, love and prayers over the years.  I am truly grateful for the opportunity and trust you have instilled in my leadership.  Best wishes,  Colleen Owens

Next steps:  
  • April 5:  The principal position will be posted and run for two weeks.  
  • Friday, April 9: Staff meeting with our Community Superintendent, Eric Everding re: hiring process and asking for volunteers to serve on the hiring committee.
  • Monday, April 12:  PTA meeting (parent/guardians welcome to attend) with Community Superintendent, Eric Everding to discuss the hiring process and asking for volunteers interested in serving on the hiring committee. See PTA section below for details on how to access the virtual meeting.
  • Friday, April 16:  Staff meeting to select staff hiring committee members
  • Week of April 26:  Interviews
  • TBD: Finalist(s) Interview
  • April 30:  Tentative date to announce the new principal

Have a wonderful Spring Break!

Sincerely,

Colleen Owens
Principal

Hearing & Vision Screening
  • Due to the schedule adjustments this week, we were not able to conduct the Hearing & Vision Screening. So, we will try again.
  • Wed. April 7 and Thursday April 8
  • Through freshmen social studies classes. Students new to Jeffco will be contacted individually.
  • Remote students are invited to come to the school on either day. We are coordinating time in the afternoon on these days and will communication once we confirm times.
  • Questions? Contact Michelle Perdue, Health Aide (mperdue@jeffcoschools.us)
Assessment
Assessment Update: An email was sent to every student in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grade along with their Parents/ Guardians on Wednesday, March 24th with testing information. Students need to arrive to school no later than 7:45 AM on their testing date. Please refer to the email for the approximate time your student will be done testing.

  • SAT for Juniors: Tuesday, April 13, 2021
  • PSAT 10 for Sophomores: Wednesday, April 14, 2021
  • PSAT 8/9 for Freshman: Thursday, April 15, 2021

Asynchronous Week April 12th to 16th to accommodate the above testing schedule.
Ram Time
RAMTIME

Thursday 4/8 The Navy is coming to present during Ram Time (optional).
Senior Updates
SENIOR UPDATE:

PROM: We cannot have a dance, so instead we are having a sit down Senior Gala on the prom date of April 17, 2021 at The Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Tickets will be available from 3/17-4/9 on Jeffco Connect. This is a GMHS Senior ONLY event as part of our conditions of being allowed to have it. Public Health rules and regulations will be in effect and masks and IDs will be required to enter. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms, Ketchum at rketchum@jeffcoschools.us

GRADUATION: We are confirmed at Red Rocks pending any changes in the Denver Public Health Order. We are waiting to hear how many guests will be allowed to attend.
Class of 2021 Signs will be distributed at GMHS after Spring Break! More info to come once we know what day they will be done.
Save the Date

Congratulations for GMHS for winning the Food Drive Contest with 1000 items collected!
  • 3/29-4/02 Spring Break
  • 4/5 Begin 100% In Person Learning
  • 4/13, 14, 15 PSAT/SAT (asynchronous learning and bell schedule will be adjusted for assessments - See Assessment section above)
  • Sat. 4/17 Senior Gala @ Museum of Nature & Science
  • 4/29 Day Without Hate
  • 4/20 No School - Professional Development Day
  • 5/4-14 AP Testing
  • 5/21 (Fri) Graduation (still hoping for Red Rocks Amphitheatre!)
Day Without Hate - April 29th

The IDEA Club is sponsoring Day Without Hate this year!

T-Shirts and face masks are available to pre-order: Due by March 19th

Student Updates
Students:
A new elective is being offered this Fall. Social Justice Leadership.
This class is an introduction to social justice issues. See your grade level counselor if you would like to join. Check More Info Here
Friday In Person Teacher Office Hours - Starting in April
  • Students may meet in person with teachers for Office Hours on Friday April 9, 16, 23 and May 7, 14.
  • Please use the Friday Office Hour Sign-up form that will be available on our website beginning April 5th to schedule a time to meet in person with teachers on these dates. Walk ins are also welcome.
  • Office Hours Monday-Thursday 2:10-3:00 p.m. will continue virtually.
National Honor Society is offering lots of peer tutoring sessions.
This is a student-run organization offering a free service to other Rams. National Honor Society members are volunteering their time to help YOU because they want EVERYONE in RamNation to succeed!


Lockheed Martin Tutors available! Stay on top of your math and science by using this resource. Please be sure to keep the appointment you sign up for.
GMHS Library Update
Get ready for the 2021 Spring Break Reading Program:
  • March 26th - April 9th

  • PURPOSE: To build a culture of reading for enjoyment at GMHS and connect with others who also love to read, while helping build our library collection with updated young-adult books.
  • WHAT: The GMHS Spring Break Reading Program is reading, recording your minutes via a Google Form, and then celebrating with a breakfast and prizes if reaching goals. 
  • WHEN: students can start logging their minutes on Friday, March 26th. The form will close on Friday, April 9th at Noon. 
  • DONATE: We are constantly building our collection with current young-adult novels. If you'd like to donate books to our GMHS Library, please checkout or GMHS Library Amazon Wish List.  
  • Prizes: Additionally, our GMHS PTA is collecting prizes for our readers. Please consider sponsoring prizes that will be awarded to students who reach reading goals. Help PTA by signing up to donate prizes for students: Sign -Up Genius
  • More Information and Prizes 2021 GMHS Spring Break Reading Program




The GMHS library is up and running! Students can check out both physical and eBooks. Your student can place holds on physical books through the GMHS online catalog, and we'll pre-check them out to have the books available for their pickup at the circulation desk. 

Wendee Walter-Vezzetti, Digital Teacher-Librarian, wendee.vezzetti@jeffco.k12.co.us
PTA UPDATE
Next Virtual Meeting:
Monday, April 13
@ 6:20 p.m.

Reach out to Lisa Lord, PTA President to receive the meeting link. (jonlord@comcast.net).
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WANTED!
A Few Good Parent Volunteers!

PARENT RAMBASSADORS"
(Ask a GMHS Parent!)
We are GMHS parents who want to help other parents with their questions no matter how big or small because we’ve been there. Whether you are a new parent to GMHS or have been around awhile and have questions, we want to help. Please reach out to us! If we don’t know the answer to your question, we will find it!

SENIOR FRIDAYS
If you would like to help plan or make a donation to our next Senior Friday,
please contact: Tracy Gibbons gillibons@gmail.com
Future Center News

Seniors: 
Naviance DOES NOT alert us regarding college application submissions. Please check with Mrs. Griffin from the Future Center to ensure that your transcripts and all other school materials have been submitted for your college applications. Do this ASAP so you don't miss college application deadlines!
Email for Ms. Griffin lgriffin@jeffcoschools.us.  

Seniors!!
Have you been accepted into college?
Have you been awarded scholarships? 

Be sure to contact Mrs. Griffin or Mrs. Angcay
and share this information. 
We want to acknowledge your success!!
FAFSA & CAFSA
Last year, Colorado students received more than $1.5 billion in financial aid. To get your piece of the pie, you have to file the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or the CASFA, the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid if you are a Colorado ASSET student. Information & Application links here
My Colorado Journey connects job seekers and students to careers, education planning and support resources through a guided process that drives action and goal completion. Start your journey today!
Upcoming Scholarship Application Deadlines:

  • GMHS PTA scholarship application - March 26th
  • GMHS Performing Arts Scholarships- 3/26
  • Lakewood PAL Scholarship - 4/2

Email LInda Griffin for the applications to these scholarships or if you have any questions

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Colorado Virtual Career Fair  April 19-22
To register and see more information visit youthcareerfair.org
Counseling
Students talk with a Counselor During Lunch
  • Counselors are offering student drop in hours during lunch Monday-Friday.
  • Come ask questions and meet other students.

Parenting with a Life Coaching Mindset
Parents! Please, join us for the next Parenting with a Coaching Mindset Workshop:
Tuesday, April 6, from 12 -1pm, via Zoom
Wednesday, April 14 from 7-8pm via Zoom
Thursday, April 15, from 8-8:30am.

The coaching tool is Values. Our values and principles often compel us to action. Sometimes, however, we say we value something, but our actions don't align. The Values coaching tool will empower you to explore your values; the degree to which you are manifesting them, and how to express them in your relationships with your children.

If you would like to register for this workshop series, please email Culum Walsh your first and last name: info@humanbyhuman.com.


Culum Walsh local parenting expert is also offering a free 45 minute consultation to Green Mountain Families. Register here: Free Parent Consultation

RN Health Update
Nicole Collins RN, BSN 
Jeffco Public District Registered Nurse
Cell #: (720)618-8490
  

Are you concerned about the health and well-being of the young people in your life, especially regarding substance use? Click here to view this month's Drug Intervention Services newsletter, which has resources, webinars, and programs for you and your family.
Family Wellness & Assistance
Dear Green Mountain Families,
We are offering free supplemental food and hygiene products through the HUB @ Foothills Foodies located on the Foothills Elementary School campus!
We would like to invite ALL Foothills families that would benefit from free supplemental food to shop and choose a variety of non-perishable and fresh foods



It’s okay to ask for help and the Action Center is here to make it easier for you to access the services that you need. Action Center is now offering the 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month by providing groceries, mail services, & emergency clothing on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.


Check here for: Job & Career Opportunities
Social/Emotional & Mental Health Assistance
HELPFUL RESOURCES for Families/Parents/Students


The updated Mental Health and Wellness Hub features new resources and support each month based on a series of mental health and wellness themes

Technology Update
March Digital Citizenship Community Engagement -



Extra Tech tips:
Learn tips and trick for google calendar.

Does your family need a hot spot? Contact Julie Federico jfederic@jeffco.k12.co.us

Comcast Internet Essential low cost internet access
Athletic Update
Gymnastics, boys' soccer, and volleyball started competition last week! Keep an eye on our social media and MaxPreps for results and updates! You can watch all of them live and for free through the NFHS network.

SEASON D SPORTS REGISTRATION IS OPEN! REGISTER NOW ON OUR ATHLETIC WEBSITE!
  • Baseball
  • Girls' Golf
  • Boys' Lacrosse
  • Girls' Lacrosse
  • Girls' Soccer
  • Boys' Swimming
  • Girls' Tennis
  • Track and Field

You can find more information on our athletic website as well!

ATTENTION SENIORS PLAYING AT THE NEXT LEVEL: If you are a senior that is signing a letter of intent to play in college next year, please contact the athletic office (kkoontz@jeffcoschools.us).

We will have our last Signing Day Ceremony on April 14th and need to know by April 5th!

We're currently able to stream our events in the gym and stadiums live with our camera. Follow the details above to get FREE ACCESS to regular season games, play-offs are not included. Please note that this is a 3rd party running the program remotely and there may be glitches that we cannot control or fix.


MEDICAL CLEARANCE FOR CONCUSSIONS & COVID19 POSITIVE: In efforts to ensure our student-athletes are safe and healthy, please note that there is a Return to Play protocol for anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Many know there is a Return to Play protocol for those that have experienced concussions. This is something new that requires a Doctor's clearance to start, so if you have any questions, please contact our athletic trainer, Catherine Ortiz, at catherine.ortiz@jeffcoschools.us


Communication with GMHS
  • Main Office: 303-982-9500, Option 0
  • Attendance Line: Option 1
  • Counseling: Option 2
  • Athletics: Option 3
  • Financial: Option 4

Technology Questions:
  • Wendee Vezzetti, Digital Teacher Librarian
  • wwalter@jeffcoschools.us

Counselor Contact Information
  • Laura Oliver - 9th grade for 20-21
  • loliver@jeffcoschools.us
  • Alicia Kuehn - 10th grade for 20-21
  • akuehn@jeffcoschools.us
  • Erin Slaughter - 11th grade for 20-21
  • eslaught@jeffcoschools.us
  • Kim Angcay - 12th grade for 20-21
  • kaangcay@jeffcoschools.us
  • Dr. Lisa Langerman - School Psychologist
  • lschrade@jeffcoschools.us
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