Posted October 4, 2021
Update from Principal Thomas
Dear Denver South Students and Families,
Thank you for a safe and spirited homecoming week! It was great to see so many of our students participate in our events and hope for responsible engagement as we continue our homecoming festivities.
As a reminder for students and families, your mental health is incredibly important. The following resources can help support in times of crisis: Linked here are resources
Last spring, we were able to celebrate the most recent Leadership Lamp honorees in fun, surprising ways. Our very own principal Thomas was one of the recipients of the LAMP award. The LAMP Award is the most distinguished award honoring the district’s Shared Core Values champions who model the way for DPS.·Congrats principal Thomas! We are proud of you!.
Have a great weekend!
You can access current and past communications, as well as other important information on our website.
Go Ravens!
We are Denver South!
Sincerely,
Bobby Thomas
Principal, South High School
Upcoming Dates for 2021-2022 School Year:
October 7 Lifetouch picture retakes 8:00am-4:00pm
October 13 PSAT 8/9 for all 9th graders and PSAT/NMSQT for all 10th and 11th grade. No School for 12th grade students.
October 15 No School for Students!
New This Week!
Virtual Conferences will be held Thursday, October 14th from 4-8pm and Friday, October 15th from 8am-12pm.
We are dedicating conferences to students with grades C or below. There will be a follow up email with step by step directions on how to sign up.
If your students’ grades do not fall in this category, we encourage you to reach out to their counselor or individual teachers.
Free RTD Passes for Denver Public School Students!
Youth between the ages of 13 – 18 who attend Denver Public Schools (DPS) and have a MY Denver Card can sign up for On MY Way! This is a youth transportation program provided by Denver’s Office of Children’s Affairs in which students can receive monthly RTD passes through their phones from October 1 – December 31, 2021.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 13 – 18
Attending School: Denver Public Schools
Other: Must have a MY Denver Card (visit https://denvergov.org/mydenvercard) and a smartphone to access the mobile tickets.
THREE STEPS TO SIGN-UP
We are so excited to announce our next international travel adventure for SHS students which will take place over spring break of 2023: France & Spain!
We are hosting an online meeting so families can learn more from the comfort of their homes. Please use the highlighted link at the bottom of this email to register for the meeting, even if you can’t make it. Thank you! For security reasons, you must register for the meeting in order to receive the online meeting link.
Why this opportunity now?
Something for students to look forward to
A chance for students to reconnect to a world that feels distant and remote right now
Spread payments over a longer period of time, making the opportunity much more affordable
Access to a $200 enrollment scholarship & Risk-Free Enrollment Period (we’ll discuss these at the meeting)
Allow students to step out of their comfort zones, grow their social skills, make connections to their studies, bridge cultural gaps, and take part in an experience that will set them apart when applying to college and their future careers
There has been a ton of interest among the students, but unfortunately, we can only offer a limited number of spots. These spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and have traditionally filled up quickly. We’ve been talking about this experience at school if you would like to ask your student for more details, as well.
Meeting Details & Registration (must register to receive meeting link):
bit.ly/3omN364
We look forward to seeing you there and filling you in!
Travel Opportunities to Japan 2023!
Ms.Larson, Mr.Williams, and Ms.Mason are thrilled to share a travel opportunity for your student- a trip to JAPAN in 2023! Learn more about this exciting opportunity at an information session on October 5th where we’ll discuss:
What we’ll see and do
Travel logistics
How to earn high school/college credit
Affordable payment options
We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP here!
P.S. Can’t make the meeting but want more information, RSVP using this link and select “No but send info.”
South Athletics –
The Boys Soccer team has been having a successful season. They are currently 9-1 overall and still on the hunt for the DPL title and state playoff berth
Volleyball currently holds a record of 10-2. In the most recent 5A CHSAA Rankings, volleyball cracked the top 10 which is a huge accomplishment.
Softball has had a tough season, but they are finally finding their groove riding a two game winning streak.
Cross Country has been crushing it! The girls and boys teams recently took home some hardware! The most recent comes from the Runs Roost Invitational which both girls and boys placed first!
Boys Tennis completed an undefeated season in league play with their 4-3 win over East! This brings the DPL title home to South for the first time in decades! The team takes their talents to regionals next week with hopes of bringing home more hardware.
Football – After losing their first game of the season football has been on a roll riding a 4 game win streak into our homecoming game tonight vs Gateway at 6pm. We hope to see you there!
Boys Golf recently finished their season. The varsity showed well finishing third in league and JV team first overall! Congrats to Benson Spoor for qualifying for the 4a state championships. He will compete at City Park next week.
Gymnastics is having a great year with the largest team we have had in over a decade! In our most recent league meet, the squad recorded their best score we have had in many years!
Career Mentors
Looking to make a deep and meaningful impact on the life of a DPS middle or high school student?
DPS is looking for career mentors for the 21-22 school year. Mentors will meet with their student 2x/month (combination of in-person + virtually, though primarily the latter) to help them prepare for their post-secondary + career path.
We’re especially looking for BIPOC and Spanish-speaking mentors but ALL are welcome and encouraged to apply!
Application link is here. Apply by Friday, October 8th.
PTSA
Thank you to all of the South staff, students, and volunteers who made Homecoming week great! Our next PTSA meeting is next Thursday, October 7 at 6:30 pm at Campus Lounge. See the agenda here. Everyone is welcome!
Link your King Soopers card.
Join the PTSA! Membership gives you the ability to vote on important budget initiatives and stay updated about what we’re working on.
Recurring Information
As mentioned previously, we are currently experiencing a statewide shortage of substitute teachers. We are actively looking for community members to join our team. If you are looking for an opportunity to earn some money and give back to our school, we have openings for:
Substitute/Guest Teachers: If you have a sub license, or ability to obtain one, and are interested in being a daily substitute teacher, please reach out to Beth Strickland at elizabeth_strickland@dpsk12.org. You can also visit our district site for more information.
Crossing Guards: If you are looking for just a few hours per day, consider becoming a crossing guard. You can find more information linked here.
Attendance Policy: Please click here to review the Denver South Attendance Policy.
Early Pickup: Students will not be released from school without a note signed by a parent/guardian. If you need to pick your student up early, please first stop in the Main Office and our office staff will call your student to the office.
If your student needs to be released from school and you are unable to
retrieve them, please send a SIGNED note to the Main Office with your student on the day of early release.
Low-cost SAT Prep Course at DU for South juniors/seniors
Do you need to take the SAT but can’t afford to spend $1000+ on prep classes?
We’ve got you covered. Click here to learn more about low-cost SAT Prep courses at DU.
BESS Information & Parent Survey
As part of our effort to support the Whole Child, our school is implementing a universal social and emotional screening for students. Please complete the questionnaire by 10/22.
Health and Safety Reminder:
Please remember to come to school each day with an approved mask (no gaiters). A well-fitting mask that goes over the mouth and nose is required for everyone to enter the building. If you are unable to provide your own mask, just ask at the front door or main office. As a reminder, all teachers will also have masks available in their classrooms. At this time, parents and families are not allowed in the building unless an appointment has been previously scheduled.
Ravens Spirit Store
Click here to access the spirit store!
Giving Grocery
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL GIVING GROCERY!
For More information click here!