September 15, 2025
SCHOOL NEWS
PHONE VAPE CASES
We are currently seeing Vape phone cases that can be used for Vaping. Please take a closer look at your child’s phone case and be sure that no phones with vape cases come into school.
MORNING DROP OFF PROCEDURE
As a reminder, once students are dropped off on campus in the mornings, they will not be allowed to leave campus prior to the start of school (such as leaving to walk to 7-Eleven). Parents please communicate the importance of this policy with your students for their safety and the security of all of our students and staff. If your child wants to purchase something from 7-Eleven please be sure to stop with them prior to dropping them off.
CLASS OF 2026 PARENTS AND STUDENTS:
Thursday, September 18, at 6:00 pm is our first senior/parent meeting in the Commons. This is an informative meeting to discuss Graduation, diploma name verification and a representative from Jostens will share information on ordering regalia, announcements and class rings. All seniors and at least one parent are expected to attend. Please contact Mrs. Leoni (aleoni@jajags.com) with questions. If you are unable to attend, materials will be available for pick up next week in the main office.
PICTURE RETAKES
Picture retakes are this week on Thursday, September 18th, in the morning. Students will be called out of class for their photo. If your student still needs their picture taken, please be sure they are present on September 18th! Proofs for student portraits were sent home with students on Friday and today (Monday) or you can log into https://my.lifetouch.com/ to view your student’s proof.
FALL SUPER TESTING DAY: Thursday, October 16, 8:30am to 11:30am
All 10th & 11th grade students will be taking the PSAT/ NMSQT exam. The PSAT/NMSQT is a preliminary SAT/National Merit qualifying exam. It serves as practice for the SAT and provides a way to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program for college scholarship, and offers opportunities to connect with colleges and explore careers. THERE WILL BE NO SCHOOL FOR 7, 8, 9 & 12 GRADE STUDENTS. 10TH & 11TH GRADE STUDENTS WILL BE RELEASED AT THE COMPLETION OF THE EXAM.
PANORAMA SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL) STUDENT SURVEY - SEPTEMBER 24
One tool we will utilize this year to ensure that all students feel supported as individuals will be the Panorama Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Student Survey. As a school we will provide time on September 24th during the school day for students to complete this survey. Click HERE for more information, including survey questions, SEL competencies and an opt out link should your wish for your child not to participate.
UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS
Are you interested in applying to a Cal State school? If so, their college application is quite challenging and outside of the Common App. Please consider attending their information session.
Cal State Apply Information Sessions: Wednesday, September 17 at 6pm | Miller Library - Castle Rock, 100 S Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO 80104
Coming to JA:
University of Colorado Boulder, Thursday, September 18
Western Colorado University, Gunnison, CO, Tuesday, September 30
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, Wednesday, October 1
JEFFCO PERFORMING ARTS COLLEGE NIGHT
Have you considered pursuing music, theatre, or dance in college? Are you wondering how to nail the application and audition process, or even earn arts scholarships? Meet representatives from the top performing arts programs in Colorado and have all your questions answered.
Tuesday, September 23 @ 6pm, Jeffco Ed Center (1829 Denver W Dr. Golden, CO 80401)
FREE AUTISM PARENTING SUMMIT - October 10-13
Learn how to help your child THRIVE! From the comfort of your home, navigate the challenges of the autism spectrum and learn how you can give a child the best start in life from our panel of experts. The Summit connects autism experts with special needs families, offering effective strategies on key topics to support your child. Click HERE for more information and to register.
JEFFCO PARENT ACADEMY
Designed specifically for parents and guardians of middle and high school students in Jeffco. As students navigate the complex challenges of adolescence, this academy will provide you with the tools to prevent, identify and respond to issues related to mental health, substance abuse, relationships and online behavior. This event is for parents/guardians only. Childcare will be provided by high school volunteers on a first-come, first-served basis for children ages 3 and older who are fully potty-trained.
Location: Arvada West High School (11595 Allendale Dr., Arvada, CO 80004) Please enter through the north entrance off the north parking lot.
5:30 p.m.: Doors open and resource tables are available.
6–8 p.m.: Presentations in the auditorium
8–9 p.m.: Interactive activities, resource tables and a Q&A session
September 17:
Social Media
Online Safety
Mental Health
Self-Harm Awareness
Suicide Prevention
Learn more and RSVP for these informative and important sessions to help our students thrive. Strong partnerships between families, school and community are vital to support safer and more supportive learning environments for all students. We are grateful for the Arvada Police Department for bringing this student safety education event to our community!
CURRENT 7TH GRADE STUDENTS/PARENTS–8TH GRADE WASHINGTON DC/NEW YORK- SPRING 2027
Current 7th graders and parents interested in the spring 2027 8th grade educational trip to DC & NY. We will have a virtual (zoom) meeting on Wednesday, September 24 at 6pm. Please RSVP via this link. RSVP. Don’t miss out on this amazing educational opportunity. Please contact Mrs. Porreco at mporreco@jajags.com with any questions.
PUERTO RICO-SPRING 2026
Attention Freshman and Sophomore Families! Wednesday, October 1 at 7pm in the Secondary Library we will have an interest and informational meeting for the April 2026 Puerto Rico Science Exploration trip. This is your chance to get ALL of the information! If you are already registered to go on the trip, please encourage your friends to attend this meeting! We will be experiencing many exciting things, from rainforests and coral reefs to waterfalls and old forts!
PEAKING OF PERU - WE ARE GOING TO PERU IN SPRING OF 2027!
The cultural immersion-travel experience in Peru: Lima- Cuzco - Machu Picchu- Puno- Titicaca lake in March 2027 for JA students will be an amazing adventure that you’ll remember for the rest of your life—and we don’t want you to miss out! We are hosting the first 2025 IN PERSON meeting about this trip on Thursday, Sep.18 at 6:00 pm in Room 134 . You will learn about all the details, including what we’ll see and do, hands-on learning activities, academic opportunities, trip costs, and how to secure a spot at our informational meeting. Any questions please contact Sra Bocanegra at nbocanegra@jajags.com The easiest way to enroll to the in person meeting is online through this link: https://rsvp.eftours.com/43ju79b
ATHLETICS
JH GIRLS BASKETBALL AND SOCCER TRYOUTS
JH Girls Basketball Tryouts will be Thursday, November 6th and Friday, November 7th from 3:45pm to 5pm. We are asking you to attend at least one of these dates.
We are currently working towards a solid date for the JH girls soccer tryouts. Once we have a set date, we will announce.
SPORTING EVENT PASSES AND TICKETS - PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Student digital season passes will be offered this year in place of the activity pass. Student passes will be $20 and will need to be purchased each season. Season passes will only work for regular season home games, not away games, nor home playoff games.
Punch passes will be sold this year instead of family passes. The following is a breakdown of the savings you will receive by buying the punch passes. Punch passes will transfer from season to season for the 25/26 school year. Any punches not used at the end of the school year will not be refunded or transferred to next school year. Punch passes can be shared with friends and family. Punch passes are good for all regular season home games.
10 Punch Pass - $67.50
Save $0.25 per ticket/$2.50 total
20 Punch Pass - $130
Save $0.50 per ticket/$10 total
40 Punch Pass - $250
Save $0.75 per ticket/$30 total
Digital tickets will be required for entry to all home volleyball and soccer (on our turf field) games. Individual tickets can be purchased for students/seniors for $5 and adults for $7.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We need volunteers to help us run all of our home games. Volunteering at any of our athletic events grants free admission into that evening's games. Please contact Mrs. Chichirico in the Athletics office for more information.