It is with great pride and excitement that we recognize Ms. Sarah Mong as West Middle School’s Educator of the Year! Ms. Mong has positively impacted the lives of our students and staff for the last 17 years! Her commitment to serving our community is apparent in just a few of the comments from her nominations for Educator of the Year.

• “Ms. Mong is consistently exceptionally kind, patient and capable. She coordinates with all team members to ensure that students’ needs are met, their IEPs are followed, and students feel safe and prepared to learn at WMS.”

• “Ms. Mong starts by building strong relationships with students and families, and invests time and care into each family she works with as if they were her own.”

• “Ms. Mong works tirelessly to ensure that all students at West are connected and that all students have an equitable learning experience at our school.”

• “Ms. Mong ensures students in crisis have a calm, caring, and trusted adult to support them in navigating their social emotional needs.”

• “Whether it is 9:00 p.m. on a weeknight or a Saturday afternoon, Ms. Mong does not hesitate to provide whatever support our students and staff need.”

• “Ms. Mong is a model of thoroughness and preparedness. Her professionalism, organization, and attention to detail are an exemplar for others in her position in the school setting.”

• “Ms. Mong helps students see their assets and is constantly celebrating the work they do based on their individual strengths. She brings a warmth and passion to her job that is admirable.”

Ms. Mong goes above and beyond each and every day in fulfilling her responsibilities as our school social worker. Sarah is also involved in a number of different clubs, groups and committees that help to support the success and mental health of our students. Sarah is a WEB coordinator, a member of our Sunshine and PBIS committees, she serves on our equity leadership team, sponsors two affinity groups, and is a member of CCSD’s mental health equity team. Ms. Mong’s hard work and dedication to our community has been instrumental in the success of so many WMS students. We thank you, Ms. Mong, for everything you have done and continue to do for all of us at West Middle School! We are proud to honor you as our Educator of the Year!

January is School Board Recognition Month, and West Middle School would like to acknowledge the commitment, contributions and support of our members of the Board of Education: Kelly Bates, Janice McDonald, Angela Garland, Anne Egan, and Kristin Allan. West would like to give special thanks to Anne Egan for her invaluable support as the School Board Member who represents the West Middle School community!

In honor of the board members and as part of School Board Recognition Month, the district – in partnership with the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation – is hosting a donation drive to support food pantries located in nine CCSD schools, which serve dozens of families in need each month. The drive will be conducted by high school feeder areas starting this month and will continue through the spring and fall. Get more information about the drive and how you can help here.

February 7th from 9:30-11:00am

CATCH Global Foundation in partnership with the PTCO at West Middle School is providing a webinar to educate parents and caregivers on the dangers of the youth vaping epidemic. Join us on February 7th from 9:30-11:00am to arm yourself with an important tool in this battle—knowledge—and with this information, you are becoming a vital part of the solution.

This will be a hybrid webinar offered in person at WMS and virtually (whatever is best for your schedule): Click here to join the meeting

As the U.S. Surgeon General has stated, the problem of youth vaping has risen to the status of a national epidemic. In other words, we are in a crisis, and it is imperative that we act quickly to stop the problem from spiraling further out of control. E-cigarettes were developed as a safer alternative to combustible cigarettes, but they have quickly become an on-ramp for nicotine addiction for young people. The CDC has warned that e-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women, or non-smoking adults.

Marcella Bianco, the Director of Community Relations for CATCH Global Foundation will be our guest speaker (in Nashville, TN). The mission at CATCH is to empower school communities to cultivate whole child wellness as a lever for student success and social equity. Our SRO, Rodney Valenzuela, will also join us, so he can answer any questions as well.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this informative webinar!

Monday, 1/30:

CCHS registration forms completed (remember to get all signatures!)

Math Counts C209 3:50-4:40pm

Tuesday, 1/31:

Jazz Band D126 3:50-4:40pm

Wildcat Orchestra D125 3:50-4:40pm

Girls Basketball

6th Grade at Campus MS

**games begin after buses finish regular routes and travel players to location

Wednesday, 2/01:

Brain Bowl - B205 3:50-4:40pm

Marvel Universe Club Commons - 3:50-4:40pm

Robotics - D111 3:50-4:40pm

Strategic Games - B202 3:50-4:40pm

Student Council - A207 3:50-4:40pm

Wrestling First Practice North Gym 3:50-4:40pm

Thursday, 2/2: No After school activities; NO LATE BUSES

Parent Teacher Conferences 4-8pm

Friday, 2/3: NO LATE BUSES

CCHS pre-registration at WMS during 2nd period class (input of choices into PowerSchool for 9th grade)

Monday, 2/6:

Math Counts C209 3:50-4:40pm

Library Advisory Club Design Hub 3:50-4:40pm

Tuesday, 2/7:

Art Club D121 3:50-4:40pm

Wildcat Orchestra D125 3:50-4:40pm

Jazz Band D126 3:50-4:40pm

WMS PTCO General Meeting Commons 9:30am

Wednesday, 2/8:

Brain Bowl - B205 3:50-4:40pm

Marvel Universe Club Commons - 3:50-4:40pm

Robotics - D111 3:50-4:40pm

SAGA - A214 3:50-4:40pm

Strategic Games - B202 3:50-4:40pm

Student Council - A207 3:50-4:40pm

Wrestling Meet @ Liberty MS

**event will begin after buses finish regular routes and travel players to location

Thursday, 2/9:

Girls Who Code - D110 3:50-4:40pm

Yearbook Club - A208 3:50-4:40pm

Wildcat Welcome Night for 5th -> 6th Grade 6-7:30pm

Friday, 2/10: NO LATE BUSES

CCHS pre-registration make up session at WMS during ACCESS class

Wrestling begins next Wednesday, February 1st. Wrestling is open to both boys and girls at all grades. Wrestlers are taught skills by knowledgeable coaches. This sport builds self-confidence and challenges the individual athlete to improve his or her skills throughout the season for the overall benefit of the team. The fee to join wrestling is $60, which can be paid using Revtrak

Please reach out to Coach Vigil, rvigil@cherrycreekschools.org, or Coach Koban, mkoban@cherrycreekschools.org, for more information.

We look forward to your student joining the team - Go Wildcats!

West Middle School offers a variety of opportunities for students to engage in athletics, after school activities and clubs. We encourage all students to pursue their interests and passions through extracurricular activities. The more involved a student is within their school, the better they will achieve and feel connected.

Please, be sure to talk with your student about staying after school and communicating with you about which club/activity and days that he/she plan on staying after to participate. After school activities run from 3:45 to 4:40 Monday – Thursday.

Students are encouraged to participate in clubs and activities that interest them. Research has shown that students who compliment their academics with extracurricular experiences often enjoy school more and connect with their peers and teachers through more positive interactions. In addition, clubs and activities provide opportunities for students to express their creativity in a variety of ways. Students should listen to the announcements for sign-up information, start dates, and times.

Please access this link for information on the variety of clubs that are offered at West Middle School.

SAVE THE DATE: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Online Registration Opens for the Spring Season of Heart and Sole! Eligible to all 6th – 8th grade girls.

What is Heart & Sole?

Heart & Sole is the middle school version of Girls on the Run, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping girls stay out of the “Girl Box” – a place where girls are valued more for their outward appearance than their character inside. We are working to reduce at-risk behaviors such as substance abuse, eating disorders, teen pregnancy, and poor nutrition. Girls will be inspired to a lifetime of self-respect and a healthy lifestyle through an innovative program that combines training for a 3.1-mile run/walk race with a fun, health education lesson plan. This program promotes individual achievement and self –confidence. Go to www.girlsontherunrockies.org to learn more about this program.

Stay tuned for registration information including practice days and times!

If you have any questions, please contact Coach Emily at (303) 552-8868 or esolomon373@gmail.com or Coach Watt at jwatt4@cherrycreekschools.org

Art Club will be every other Tuesday, beginning January 17th. On the opposite Tuesday, please come and enjoy a nice space to do homework. For more information, please contact Cindy Migliaccio, cmigliaccio@cherrycreekschools.org.

Help close the gender gap in technology by joining Girls Who Code. Girls Who Code is meant to inspire, educate, and equip girls with computing skills they will need to pursue 21st century opportunities. Girls who code promotes a sisterhood of supportive peers and ALL are welcome to join. Learn to code your own game, website, animation or learn to code a robot. Students can be beginner or advanced coders. https://girlswhocode.com/

Please join Ms. Lovato every Thursday, beginning January 26th. For more information, please contact Michelle Lovato, mlovato4@cherrycreekschools.org.

Homework Club

Would your child benefit from some extra support with their homework? This is the club for them! We will meet every other Tuesday, beginning September 13th, to support students with homework as well as learn valuable organization skills to succeed in their academics. Space is limited - only 30 seats are available so sign up soon!

For further information or questions, please contact Mrs. Migliaccio. cmigliaccio@cherrycreekschools.org

Science Homework Help

Does your child want to stay organized? Do they need a place to finish their homework with a Science teacher there to help? If the answer is yes, please have them come to B202 on Thursdays, beginning September 1st for support. Plus, there will be snacks!

For further information or questions, please contact Mr Winterhalter. bwinterhalter@cherrycreekschools.org

We are quickly approaching the time of year where Cherry Creek High School will be here to register students for 9th grade. Additional parent nights are right around the corner, too! Please put the following CCHS registration and information dates on your calendar so you don’t miss a beat!

Jan 30: CCHS registration forms completed (remember to get all signatures!)

Feb 3: CCHS pre-registration at WMS during 2nd period class (input of choices into PowerSchool for 9th grade)

Feb 10: CCHS pre-registration make up session at WMS during ACCESS class

Current 6th and 7th Grade Registration:

Registration is coming up for current 6th and 7th graders at WMS for next school year! Students will need to look at the electives offered for their grade level and decide what they want to take. The course guide can be found here.

Our 6th and 7th grade counselors will present to students during ACCESS classes on February 2nd with information on how to input class choices into PowerSchool.

6th and 7th grade students will have from February 2nd-February 10th to complete their selections.

Please visit our Family Resource Center for all information on registering for classes.

Watch our Registration video for instructions to pick your student's electives on PowerSchool.

Want to know more about specific electives? See our elective course videos here.

Current 8th Grade Registration:

Current 8th Grade students have received their registration forms. Forms need to be signed by parents and returned to their period 2 class by January 30th.

Please contact your student’s grade level School Counselor if you need assistance with registration or have any questions.

Social media platforms are part of many of our students' lives. Using social media may be an exceptional way to stay connected and access information. Though social media may come with its benefits, it is also important to support your student in the proper use of social media.

Please take some time to remind your student of the proper ways in which to use social media platforms. This may include setting parental controls to monitor your student’s social media accounts, setting proper time limits for your student at home, and creating an open dialogue for your student to come to you with any concerns.

Thank you Wildcat families and please reach out to your grade-level Dean with any questions!

Bug Watch - January is showing a decline in Flu rates!

• The tips and resources below will help you learn about actions you can take to protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs. Information gathered from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
  
• Avoid close contact.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick.
  
• If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
  
• Cover your mouth and nose.
  
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.
  
• Clean your hands.
  
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  
• Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
  
• Practice other good health habits.
  
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
  

Immunizations

• If your child has received any immunizations in the last 6 months, please send an updated immunization record to the WMS clinic.
• Records may be delivered as a physical copy or emailed to Nurse Brenna at bgraves@cherrycreekschools.org
• The best way to reduce your risk of the seasonal flu and COVID-19 and their potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated.
• Updated COVID-19 Boosters are Recommended
• CDC recommends one updated (bivalent) booster dose:
  
• For everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose.
  
• For children aged 6 months–4 years who completed the Moderna primary series and if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose.
  
• CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.

Allergens

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires the major food allergens to be listed, in plain English, on food labels. The top food allergens include:

• peanut
• tree nuts
• soy
• wheat
• egg
• cow’s milk
• fish
• shellfish

Under the law, food manufacturers are now required to include sesame on food labels and dietary supplements. They must list sesame in plain language as a potential allergen.

How do you read a label for sesame allergy?

If you are diagnosed with an allergy to sesame, it’s important to stay vigilant. Avoid products that contain sesame ingredients or products that may contain traces of sesame.

Some ingredients to watch for:

• benne, bene seed, benniseed
• gingilly, gingilly oil
• sesamol, sesamolina, sesamum indicum
• sim
• tahini
• til
• vegetable oil
• natural flavoring
• spice
• seasoning

Have used books to donate?

West is now a CCSD Book Bin Partner!

Drop off any used books in our big blue bin located on the east side of the school.

Dream Books Co. collects these books and redistributes and recycles these books to our community. This keeps books out of landfills and puts them in the hands of readers!

Our West Middle School Library needs help shelving books and with other tasks. At this time only one volunteer per week is needed. Volunteers may come in any day, M-F, between 2:15-3:45. There is one slot per week on the sign up. Even though the slots are all on Mondays, you can come any day that particular week between 2:15-3:45. Please just enter a comment saying which day of the week you will be coming.

All Cherry Creek School District volunteers must complete a brief application to support activities in CCSD schools. This information will be automatically linked to the Raptor System. This must only be done once per school year. Here is the link to the form: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/NzU0OmVuLVVT

Please contact Fiona Mechem, WMS Library Liaison, with any questions.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Please see the below message regarding the new CCSD Volunteer/Partner Process. If you are currently volunteering or plan to volunteer in the future, please complete the online volunteer form. It should only take a few minutes to complete. We want to thank you in advance and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school.

New Colorado legislation has prompted greater need to screen and document volunteers in our schools. Therefore, beginning January 2022, we must ensure that every volunteer completes a brief application to support activities in CCSD schools. This information will be automatically linked to the Raptor System. The good news is they only need to complete this form once per school year, and it will meet the requirement to volunteer in all CCSD buildings.

To access the form, please click on the following link: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/NzU0OmVuLVVT

Definitions

• Volunteers are guests who are supporting students, completing tasks, and under the immediate supervision and direction of District licensed personnel.

• Visitors are guests who are solely entering the building to conduct business such as participate in a meeting, eat lunch with their student, or attend a school sponsored activity.

The safety and security of our students and staff remains our top priority. Every person entering our buildings must have a District ID or a badge printed from the Raptor System.

Thank you again for your continued support.

25% OFF all Sideline Store purchases with code SPIRIT for an entire month! Ends Feb 13th.

Remember, a portion of all proceeds return back to West Middle School to support our students -- so thank you Wildcat families!

Store link: WMS Sideline Store

Buses depart CCSD middle schools at approximately 3:50pm and run their regularly scheduled routes. After completing the route, the team buses will return to the middle school to travel athletes to the other location. Games may begin as early as 4:45pm, however factors such as traffic and distance to the other school, will frequently push the start time to 5-5:15pm.

If your student has lost their card and needs a replacement card, or if your family is new to the district, parents may fill out a Ride 360 Card Replacement form here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUIak8f7odd_WaZopU5dWT-Lbpu39-twA1eLpxIuMeFVoivw/viewform?usp=sf_link

If you have questions about the replacement form for parents, please contact Brittany Legesse, our Card Coordinator, at this link: Brittany Legesse

Hello 8th grade parents and guardians!

We are quickly approaching the time of year where Cherry Creek High School will be here to register students for 9th grade. Additional parent nights are right around the corner, too! Please put the following CCHS registration and information dates on your calendar so you don’t miss a beat!

Jan 30: CCHS registration forms completed (remember to get all signatures!)

Feb 3: CCHS pre-registration at WMS during 2nd period class (input of choices into PowerSchool for 9th grade)

Feb 10: CCHS pre-registration make up session at WMS during ACCESS class

Will you be a Cherry Creek High School student next year? Did you know we offer 6 different world languages? Click on this link to see our flyer for more information, FAQs and QR codes for some pamphlets and videos.

Any 8th graders that will be attending Cherry Creek High School next year and are interested in possibly taking AP US History as a freshman will need to take the placement test. Testing will occur at West Middle School during the school day on February 9th. Students should have received information about the class and the test from their US History teacher and will need to sign up with their teacher prior to taking the test. Questions about the test or class can be sent to Mike Kraft, Cherry Creek High School Social Studies Coordinator, at mkraft2@cherrycreekschools.org.

Cherry Creek School District is implementing a NEW School Choice application system and updated policies. This new application system will be used for all choice applications, including Non-Resident and Intra-District Transfer requests. Parents will be able to submit a School Choice application for the 2023-2024 school year starting January 2, 2023. This date is for residents and non-residents of the school district.

The first lottery run will be done in early February and will include district residents, non-resident employees’ children, and students that are currently enrolled as a non-resident or on a 1-year Intra-District transfer. Parents will be notified of the decisions by February 15th. All other applications and those submitted after February 1st will be included in bi-weekly lottery runs starting in late February.

Students who are accepted to a choice school will be accepted to the highest-grade level for that school, provided they meet the continuing enrollment criteria. Additional details about School Choice and the continuing enrollment criteria can be found in the School Choice Transfers section of the Admissions website: https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/domain/1145.

Feb 2, 2023

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Virtual

Feb. 7, 2023

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Click here for the PIN Website

Fremont Building

14603 E FREMONT AVE

CENTENNIAL, CO 80112

Feb. 8, 2023

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Parents' Council Website

• Meet and greet: 9:00AM - 9:30AM
• Formal meeting: 9:30AM - 11:00AM

Fremont Building

14603 E FREMONT AVE

CENTENNIAL, CO 80112

Feb. 9, 2023

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Click here for the Special Education Advisory Committee Website

Fremont Building

14603 E Fremont Ave

Centennial, CO 80112

Feb. 13, 2023

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Horizon Middle School

3981 S. Reservoir Road

Aurora, CO 80013

Feb. 15, 2023

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Click here for more information about the District P.A.S.S. meeting.

Smoky Hill High School

16100 East Smoky Hill Road

Aurora, CO 80015