Arapahoe

High

School

Dear Arapahoe Parents,

 

We have just wrapped up an event-filled month of November, which gave us many things to pause and give thanks for. A November highlight for us was a visit by some of our American Veterans. On Friday, November 13th, they spent time with freshman US History students in the Forum. They shared their individual experiences and some of the sacrifices they made while serving our great nation. We are appreciative of their time. I would also like to say thank you to our wonderfully supportive PTO for the

delicious pumpkin bread provided to the entire Arapahoe Faculty and Staff. You do so many things that make Arapahoe an even better place to work!

 

This issue of the Drum Beat contains highlights and important communication for both the months of December and January. Key elements include performance dates for our music programs and other extracurricular and co-curricular activities. You will also find information on semester one final exams and grades as well as on semester two schedules. As always, please contact us if you have any specific questions. In the athletic section of this Drum Beat, we have shared with you the outstanding academic

and athletic accomplishments of our fall sports athletes.

 

Our annual Toys for Tots drive is underway. Our goal is 1,000 toys for the children at Gilpin Montessori Elementary School in Denver as well as for the Denver Indian Center. If you can still bring in toys, we will take them! Our delivery date to Gilpin is Wednesday, December 16th. The annual wrapping party will take place Monday, December 7th right after school in the AHS Cafeteria.

 

As we wind down the semester, strong academic preparation of our students remains important. We will induct our newest National Honor Society members on Monday, December 7th at 6:00 p.m. in the AHS Theatre. Our daily attendance rate is holding strong at nearly 94.46%, and at the time of this publication,

189 of our students have perfect attendance. They have not missed even one single class period! Our Link Crew will be hosting our annual Cramfest on Wednesday, December 9th at 2:30 p.m. in the AHS Library. This is an opportunity for all freshmen to get tips and learn how to prepare for final exams here at Arapahoe. They learn from our upper classmen what to expect, how to prepare, and how to study for their individual classes.

 

January will bring many exciting events: the start of a new academic semester (the last one for our seniors), many exciting winter sports contests, the annual Winter Assembly featuring the always impressive Arapahoe Faculty Dance, the Arapahoe Winter Dance, and many other adventures that each day brings while working with your wonderful students!

 

I want to say a huge and heart-felt THANK YOU to the Arapahoe Community for your support in helping us along our healing journey since the tragic events on December 13, 2013. Though it has been a difficult and long road in many ways, we have made tremendous progress as a faculty and student body. December is certain to stir tough memories, emotions, and feelings. The Deliberate Acts of Love and Kindness Campaign headed up by our Arapahoe Student Council is a wonderful way for us all to

remember the importance of sharing kindness and of showing gratitude. We have learned these are some of the very best ways to continue down the positive path in our healing and in life! Please know that the Arapahoe counseling team is available for students at any time.

 

I hope you all spend the time over winter break sharing quality time with friends and family. Thank you for your support and confidence in the Arapahoe staff. We truly love and appreciate all members of the Arapahoe community.

 

Sincerely,

Natalie Pramenko
Principal