![In room 4101, Natalie Patterson ‘26, Ariana Magor ‘25 and Celina Salazar ‘25 create a poster in science teacher Kerry Reilly’s Chemistry Honors April 18. The three completed a worksheet and drawing to explain the implosion of a tank for their unit on gas laws. “At the start of class, we watched a video of the tank imploding,” Patterson said. “I think [making a drawing] is something new. I like more artsy activities.”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_5019-1200x900.jpeg)
![The girls varsity soccer team walk back to their bench during halftime April 1. The Jags played against the Castle View Sabercats at the Douglas County Stadium and scored 3-0 W. “It felt really good [to beat Castle View]. I feel like that was a big win for us because knowing that we came together to beat a pretty good team has definitely given us some leverage for this season,” attacking midfielder Grace Rossner ‘24 said.](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_4906-1-1200x1057.jpg)
![English teacher Colleen Lamb grades College Prep English assignments during period two Nov. 10. Lamb, who has been teaching for 27 years, decorates her classroom with posters and handmade college flags from her senior students. Everything I enjoy about English happens primarily in the classroom, Lamb said. So, thankfully, the college [I worked at] had a teaching program, and I was able to do my post-grad work for free while I was working [there].”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_1158-1200x900.jpeg)
Bored? Discover Five Things To Do in the Winter
Need something to do over winter break in Highlands Ranch? Explore this interactive “snap map” to find some winter-season activities.
December 14, 2019
Sometimes, there seems to be nothing to do in Douglas County during a cold day. Maybe you’ve exhausted all of your regular options: going to Starbucks, watching TV or TikToks all day, hanging out in the parking lot, etc. Here are five ideas for your next free winter day. Click around this interactive “snap map” to see what students at our school do for fun when the temperature drops.
1. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
Going up to the mountains to ski or snowboard on the weekends is a great way to spend the snowy days. Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone, Beaver Creek, and more places are great popular ski resorts. Breckenridge is 1 hour and 56 minutes away from Rock Canyon and a day ski pass would cost $112. Vail is 2 hours and 3 minutes away from our school and a day pass in vail was just changed from $175 to $209. From the school, Keystone is 2 hours and 9 minutes away. A ski pass costs $101 in keystone. All the drives are pretty long and the passes are very pricy, although the mountains and slopes are outstanding in Colorado and it’s an opportinuty that you shouldn’t miss. “I snowboard in Breckenridge because they have pretty good blues and greens and the powder is decent.” Bree Goodman ‘22 said. Directions to Breckenridge Ski Resort
2. Watch a Movie at AMC 24
Watch the new movies that just came out at your local theater. Watching your favorite movie, TV show, or Youtube channel is a good way to relax on a snowy day. Disney+ became the newest obsession after launching on November 12. It is filled with all of the majority of Disney’s original movies and t.v. shows. There are some exceptions that will be released in 2020, including “Black Panther”, “Avengers: Infinity War”, “Phineas and Ferb: The Movie”, “Love Simon”, and many other Disney favorites. “Sometimes I go to the movies when it snows, but most likely I watch Youtube,” Michael Anderson ‘22 said. Find a Movie Near You
3. Bake Treats for the Holiday Season
There is nothing better than spending a day to bake some of your favorite treats. The Pilsbury sugar cookies are a classic treat that are super simple to make and are very delicious, you get them at Target. There are also a lot of other alternatives that make for perfect holiday favorites including snickerdoodles, gingerbread men, rainbow cookies, or shortbread. Some easy recipes to follow for any holiday cookies can be found from Food Network, The Kitchn, or the Simply Recipes website. “I think baking definitely makes the holidays complete. I love making gingerbread houses and seasonal desserts, but my favorite are the Pillsbury cookies. Some of my friends don’t like them, but in my opinion they are the best” Darcy Kessler said. Directions to Lone Tree Target
4. Go Sledding With Your Friends
Any hills around Rock Canyon will make a great sledding day. Paintbrush Park has a massive hill and plenty of room for you and all your friends. The Lone Tree Golf Course has multiple hills, big and small. The snow keeps the golfers inside so the sledders can enjoy a fun snow day. Dove Valley Park also has a wide and huge hill with tons of space for everyone. After sledding, Dove Valley has benches, a small park, and a feild for all your outdoor winter activities. “Sledding was such a fun way to get outside on the snow day (Oct. 30),” Finley Pool ’21 said. “There was something very nostalgic about meeting up with my friends at the hill to pass time on a cold day.” Directions to Dove Valley Park
5. Go Shopping at Park Meadows Mall
When it’s too cold to walk around outside, shopping might keep you warm. The outlets may be too cold to walk around in, but Park Meadows Mall in Lone Tree is a great mall for shopping and food. Park Meadows is open from 10am-9pm every day except Sunday, which is from 10am-7pm. Since the Holiday season is here, Santa is already at the mall. You can take pictures with Santa all the way until Christmas eve Dec, 24. Not only are there many seasonal events at the mall, but everyone’s favorite stores are open for gift buying or shopping for yourself. “I go to the mall when it snows, some of my favorite stores are Urban Outfitters and Pacsun,” Runeem Abssi ‘21 said. Directions to Park Meadows Mall
