SLHS GATOR GYMNASTICS STATE CHAMPIONS!!!

Congratulations to the SLHS gymnastic team as they just won the 4A state championship!  The team was amazing and had some season highs as both a team and as individuals.  Many of the individuals will now compete tomorrow in the individual state events being held at Thornton HS.

Great job ladies!!!  We are very proud of you.

Good Luck GATOR Gymnastics at STATE

Gator Nation,

Our girls gymnastic team was triumphant last weekend as they brought home a regional 1st place finish.  They will now take their efforts to the state competition that's being held on Friday October 31st and Nov. 1st at Thornton HS-  The first rounds starts Friday morning at 8:40am and will conclude on Saturday afternoon.  We are behind the Lady Gators and wishing them all the best as they work to bring home a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!

PS-  I wanted to also send accolades to the coaching staff as head Coach Kristen Larrington was voted coach of the year!

GOOD LUCK LADIES-

Fall Season is upon us

Good morning Gator Nation,

As falls sets in we prepare for some big upcoming events-  The fall season also represents the first 6 week grading process and provides both schools and families with a glimpse of learning and progression toward semester grades.  Please keep in touch with staff and administration when necessary to ensure we are providing a conducive environment for students to experience success.

SAFETY- SECURITY-
Parents-  Please help support the school by communicating to your students that during our school day from 7:00 to 2:30pm the only entrance to the building will be in the main doors.  We continue to have issues with students banging on side doors disrupting classes waiting for someone to let them in.  To provide the most secure and safest environment we continue to encourage all students and community to enter through the main entry doors during the school day.  THANK YOU-

IMPORTANT SURVEY-
Parents-  JEFFCO schools is working to improve our marketing, communication, and education of schools and programs in the district.  With Colorado being a choice option state, students have an opportunity to apply for choice into any school they choose.  This survey will provide the district with some important data to both improve the process and ensure we have high caliber programs available to students all across the JEFFCO area.  Here is the link- http://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/choice_survey/High.pdf

TRICK OR TREAT ST.-
SLHS will once again host our annual trick or treat street on Thursday October 30th from 5-8pm.  Clubs, sports, and programs here at SLHS will provide plenty of candy, fun, and a safe Halloween environment for kids to enjoy.  For more information please see our school website-  slhsgators.com

FALL PLAY-
Please come out and join our talented drama department as they present the Fall Play "Clockwork".  Performances will take place in the SLHS auditorium on October 16, 17, and 18th-  Each night's performance starts at 7:00pm-

ASPIRE TESTING- CANCELLED-  There's been multiple issues with the new ASPIRE testing to include the need to order tests in the Spring which wasnt completed therefore the ASPIRE testing will be cancelled.  However we ARE planning on providing a practice ACT exam to all sophomore students to help both the school and the student get an indicator on present performance levels and then a great indicator moving into their junior assessment.

Homecoming Week a HUGE SUCCESS

Thank you SLHS community for a tremendous homecoming week.  We had a lot of fun and introduced a new freshman class to the excting and eventful week called homecoming.  Every event went off without a hitch and the culminating event on Saturday night (Homecoming Dance) was one of the most attended events in recent years!  That says a lot about the school pride, committment, and unity that is felt within the student body!  We are GATOR STRONG!  

At the homecoming assembly I was challanged to the ALS ice bucket challengs and what an exciting time that was.  Before I did the challenge I had the student body help me decide whom I would pass the torch/challenge to next.  In the end the SCIENCE department is now working on a plan to take the challenge as well.  We raised over $400 in less than 5 minutes for my challenge!!!  What an amazing event and for a very worth cause.  

Thank you once again for allowing me to partner with you as we work in unity toward academic, athleics, and co curricular excellence- 

Jeff Pierson- 

Homecoming Week

Good morning Gator Community,

Our homecoming week is off to a tremendous start-  Our first annual bonfire took place on Monday night and was a huge hit-  We had tremendous attendance and the students really enjoyed the new atmosphere.  The night set the tone and provided some school spirit and momentum for the week.

Last night the annual Powder Puff football game was held once again at the NAAC.  The game was very competitive early on, but the seniors took over in the second half and ran away with the victory.  A big thanks to all the staff that helped make this event possible, but also to the community for the great attendance.  This has become a very enjoyable tradition for the Gator community and we appreciate all the support.

Remaining events-
Wednesday-  Movie in the Swamp-  7:30pm-  RIO-  (Weather pending)
Thursday- Crazy Hat day-  No big events-
Friday-  Class Color Day-  9th- White/10th- Green/ 11th Blue/  12th- TOGA-  Taste of homecoming and then the annual Homecoming Football game-  7:30 at the NAAC-
Saturday-  Homecoming Dance-  7:30-11:30-  "Return to Rio"

Real connections- How do we improve?

Hello Gator Community,

I often come to work and wonder what the outside world is like away from a school building and what others think about on their way to work.  I find myself not only thinking about my agenda or to do list, but about the amazing opportunities we have to impact students' lives everyday.  I encouraged our staff this year to first make the best first impression he or she could but to then follow that up with true connections.  Much of my research about high school students and not attending or liking school is evidenced in the following areas below-

- HS students don't feel cared for.
- HS students don't feel like teachers care whether they are in attendance or not.
- HS students feel like school starts way to early.
- Adults that think they are superior-
- Useless subjects
- Snippy or Unapproachable teachers-

We must continue working to break those barriers and encourage students to both attend and find ways to associate real world experience with their learning.  Providing an environment that's both relative and engaging becomes a priority for all educators.

I truly believe we can breakthrough these barriers and continue our work toward academic excellence.  I encourage parents to stay involved with your son or daughters learning in any capacity available.  Together we can work through the barriers that separate teenagers from really applying themselves.

Have a wonderful weekend Gator Community!

Welcome Back- Freshman Orientation

Hello SLHS Community,

I want to extend a huge welcome back to each of our Gators new and existing.  We had an amazing turn out for Freshmen Orientation today as its our largest incoming class in six years!  360+ freshmen packed the gym with our LINK leaders for a day of information, fun, fact finding, and of course acclimation to the high school life.   I am extremely proud of our upperclassmen and their leadership qualities.  Our freshmen are in great hands and will engage in highly effective conversation and plans to navigate this first year.

I look forward to welcoming all students back tomorrow as we kick off whats starting out as an INCREDIBLE year!

Pictures of the class of 2018 below-

Summer Vacation coming to a close

Hello Gators,

I cannot believe how fast this summer vacation flew by but we are edging closer and closer to the 2014-15 school year.  I am once again extremely excited to begin a new year and welcome a fresh class of Gators to the SWAMP!

Please go to our home website at slhsgators.com and make sure you've taken care of any honors, AP, and or advanced level course summer homework and ALL STUDENTS must complete the summer reading assignment.

Fall sports information is on our home page as well to include start dates and expectations for student athletes to try out for a sport.  SLHS will be hosting sports physicals at the school on July 31st from 6-9pm. A portion of the fee paid for each physical will go back to the school.

I trust each of you have enjoyed a very relaxing and exciting summer vacation!  Please enjoy these last few weeks and I look forward to seeing everyone on August 18th and 19th.

Jeff Pierson

The LAKE cleans up at State Awards Event

CONGRATULATIONS to the outstanding journalism work of the students at SLHS.  Our newspaper magazine "The Lake" swept the competition and the awards at a recent event-  SEE RESULTS BELOW-

Standley Lake's newspaper staff won 20 awards, including 11 first place awards, in the Colorado High School Press Association's Best of Colorado contest--the state's capstone contest for scholastic journalism. This makes Standley Lake by far the most award-winning high school newspaper in the state of Colorado this year. The leaders of CHSPA said this is the most awards that they can remember a school ever earning in a single year.

1st Place - Breaking News Coverage  - Jamey Burky, Cassidy Conlon, Chaye Gutierrez, Sarah Bennett, Jeremy Minnick, Kelsey Paquet, Ripley Ricketts, Morgan Rubendall, Jordan Gray 1st Place - News-Feature - Jamey Burky, Cassidy Conlon, Chaye Gutierrez, Sarah Bennett, Jeremy Minnick, Kelsey Paquet, Ripley Ricketts, Morgan Rubendall, Jordan Gray 1st Place - In-Depth News Coverage - Jamey Burky, Cassidy Conlon, Chaye Gutierrez, Sarah Bennett, Jeremy Minnick, Kelsey Paquet, Ripley Ricketts, Morgan Rubendall, Jordan Gray 1st Place - Lifestyle Coverage - Cassidy Conlon, Bethany Keupp, Sabrina Pacha, Morgan Rubendall, Shylah Ogle 1st Place - Personality Profile - Natasha McCone, Stephanie McDaniel, Chaye Gutierrez 1st Place - Photo/Graphic Illustration - Chaye Gutierrez 1st Place - Environmental Portrait - Chaye Gutierrez 1st Place - News-Feature Photo - Shylah Ogle 1st Place - Facing Pages Design - Esteban Arellano, Marcus Asmus, Megan Metzger-Seymour, Ty Millikin, Laurel Nordquist-Zukin, Alie Settje, Morgan Whitley 1st Place - Sports Action Photo - Tina Muscarelli 1st Place - Sports Column - Jeremy Minnick 2nd Place - Photo Essay - Chaye Gutierrez, Brittany Marks, Sabrina Pacha 2nd Place - Sports-Feature - Olivia Koontz, Tina Muscarelli, Laurel Nordquist-Zukin 2nd Place - Alternative Coverage Treatment - Chaye Gutierrez, Emma Marlow, Brittany Marks, Tina Muscarelli, Shylah Ogle 3rd Place - Staff Editorial 3rd Place - Commentary - Tina Muscarelli 3rd Place - Critical Review - Chaye Gutierrez, Cassidy Conlon, Jamey Burky, Emma Medley, Jeremy Minnick, Emma Staton 3rd Place - Lifestyle News-Feature Esteban Arellano, Marcus Asmus, Megan Metzger-Seymour, Ty Millikin, Laurel Nordquist-Zukin, Alie Settje, Morgan Whitley 3rd Place - Editorial Cartoon - Aina Azlan Honorable Mention - In-Depth Sports Coverage - Tina Muscarelli, Laurel Nordquist-Zukin, Olivia Koontz

FINALS Week and Graduation

Hello SLHS Community,

I cannot believe we are in the final week of classes and that seniors have begun their final exams.  It seems like yesterday I was creating this post to welcome everyone back from their summer vacation and so excited for yet another great year.  Well that year has come and gone, but with it so many memories!

Here is the schedule for this week-

Monday-  Block Day- Senior Finals
                Academic and Athletic Awards-  6:30pm-  Gym
Tuesday- Block Day- Senior Finals
Wednesday-  Regular 1-8/  SENIOR BBQ- Football Field
               Cap and Gown/Yearbook distribution-  1pm-
Thursday- Block Day- 9th-11th Finals (period 1,2,3)
                GRADUATION- 7pm at 1st Bank Center (MANDATORY practice 9am in gym)
Friday-  Block Day 9th-11th Finals (period 4,5,6)

Its a busy busy week and I know students are all getting that summer fever.  Finish strong!

Jeff Pierson

SENIORS Making one last Mark- DRESS LIKE JEFF DAY

Well as we inch closer and closer to saying good bye to the class of 2014.  Its a bitter sweet time for me as this is my first freshman class as a principal and now seeing them on their way to college is rewarding and very gratifying.  They've been a tremendous class and I've always said they would do great things.  Just a glimpse on how amazing this group is-  Last year's scholarship totals was around $2.4 million,  to date the class of 2014 is already at $4.2 million!!!  Nearly double that of last year!

So proud of these young men and women-  See the attached pictures as they wanted to DRESS LIKE JEFF today!

DAY WITHOUT HATE- April 25th 2014

SLHS Community,

Today we come together not only as a school, but a community, a city, a state, and a country to celebrate and recognize Day Without Hate-  This idea and event is taking place not only across schools in Colorado, but across this great nation.  Today represents a time for us all look deep within our hearts to forgive, tolerate, accept, understand, educate, but most importantly love.  SLHS has a variety of events, challenges, and projects for our school to be a part of.  I encourage each and everyone of you to do the same.  Look deep within yourselves and find a way to model what these amazing students are standing for today... .

DAY WITHOUT HATE- 2014-

Congratulations to FCCLA

Congratulations to the SLHS Family and Consumer Sciences club FCCLA as they participated at the state conference a few weeks back.  The end result was each and every participant from SLHS earning a GOLD medal!  A first in the history at SLHS.  In addition to the gold medals the we are sending nine participants to the national event in July to compete at the national level!  See the results below-

 Romaine Akapo-                          Gold Medal-                                     Interpersonal Communications
 Emma Marlow                              Gold Medal-                                     Career Investigation
 Breeana Groethendick                  Gold Medal-                                      Focus on Children
 Cira Gamboa                                Gold Medal-                                      Life Event Planning
 Alex Thorfinson                            Gold Medal-                                       Life Event Planning
 Savannah Hurtado                        Gold Medal-                                       Life Event Planning
 Caitlyn Baylie                               Gold Medal/National Qualifier             Chapter Service Project
 Bre Wakefield                              Gold Medal/National Qualifier             Chapter Service Project
 Julia Vasquez-                              Gold Medal/National Qualifier             Teach and Train
 Masa Velimiovic                           Gold Medal/National Qualifier             Fashion Design
 Star Bowden-                               Gold Medal/National Qualifier             Interior Design
 Kayla Romero                              Gold Medal/National Qualifier             Interior Design
 Lauren Bethel                               Gold Medal/National Qualifier             Entrepreneurship
 Ashlyn Bleimeyer                          Gold Medal/National Qualifier            Entrepreneurship
 Amber Harrison                            Gold Medal/National Qualifier            Entrepreneurship
 Delaney McCutcheon                  FCCLA State Office Selection Board
 Malissa Sloan-                             MENTOR ADVISOR AWARD
 Sam Hernandez-                         FRIENDS OF FCCLA AWARD

• This the third year in a row that SLHS has won the Colorado FCCLA Spirit Stick for collecting the most canned food and volunteering for the National Organization  No Kid Hungry Share Our Strength State the National Outreach Project to end childhood hunger.

Spring Storm in the SWAMP

Hello SLHS community,

Please join the SLHS booster organization and the community this Saturday from 10am to 2pm at Standley Lake HS for the FIRST ANNUAL Spring Storm in the SWAMP! There will be games, contests, food, face painting, home run derby's, prizes, business booths, and plenty of fun and excitement!  Help support SLHS programs and have a great time doing it with the entire family!!! 

The Past Does Not Define US- GATOR STRONG

The Past Does Not Define Us

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

SLHS Community,

I wanted to reach out and thank you for the outpouring of support, letters, food, encouragement, resources, but most of all thoughts/prayers this week as we endured a tragic event.  I cannot begin to express my gratitude and the love you give this school community each and every day.  While we are just a piece of the puzzle, you have made a difference in each of us and we will once again NOT let the past define us!  WE ARE GATOR STRONG-  The brand motto that our student body has adopted and really sends an important message to any and all that read it.  A united front, supportive, motivated, encouraged, and resilient.  That defines the Gator Nation!!  This week has once again tested the waters of each and every heart and soul at SLHS, but I can attest first hand that our school community will persevere through and forge ahead toward academic excellence.  Below is a photo of not just a school community or just people wearing Gator shirts, rather a family/nation of people that believe!!!