WEST WILDCAT NEWS
December 14, 2023
ADMIN MESSAGE
AP Mark Wackwitz
I can’t believe we are already to the last West Weekly News of 2023. Our students, staff, and sense of community have grown throughout this quarter and semester. There have been some amazing learning opportunities for our students and staff and we are excited for that to continue into 2nd semester.
Some experiences to highlight from our Electives and Clubs include two fall plays (The Thief of Time and Game of Tiaras), music concerts continuing this week, and our health classes completing a great CPR and First Aid unit. Math classes across all grades have been diving into our new OUR curriculum and we have been seeing great growth at all levels. Sixth grade students have been experiencing lessons on “Habits of a Scholar” led by Ms. King and all of the 6th grade teachers and developing skills around research. In seventh grade, the Balloon Density Project in science was a real ‘lift’, students in Social Studies are about to start writing letters to elected officials (which resulted in a few letters back to students from those officials last year), and students continue to develop their writing practices by analyzing and using multiple sources. Eight grade science students are learning about the phases and impact of the moon on Earth, students in Social Studies have been learning about the Bill of Rights, and had a team-building experience in November.
As we continue to provide meaningful learning experiences for students, we also are focused on our sense of community and belonging. We are anticipating our 2nd community building day at the end of next week to help our students build more connections to fellow students and other adults throughout West. Our work with the Speak Up at School framework is vital to continue to build a strong school community where each and every student can feel safe and welcome in the West Community.
***Note – 2nd semester schedules will be available in Powerschool on 1/8/23 and 2nd quarter grades will be sent on 1/12/23***
Thank you all for your partnership this year and have a great Winter Break!
Speak Up at School
At West, we all help to make our school environment safe and welcoming for each student—and we won’t let moments of bigotry pass silently. When someone uses language that is derogatory, stereotypical or expresses prejudicial views, expect our community to interrupt, question, and educate individuals using that kind of language or behaviors. Together, we can and we will Speak Up at School. Consider asking your child, "What do you know about Speak Up at School?" If you're up to it, you can even practice with them, too! For more information, check out Speak Up at School.
Family member: Let's practice you interrupting someone who says something offensive.
Student: “Stop. There’s no place for that (word, action) at West.
Family member: Let's practice you questioning someone who says something offensive.
Student: “Why would you think that’s acceptable language and/or behavior?”
Family member: Let's practice you educating someone who says something offensive.
Student: “Do you know the history of that word/phrase? Let me tell you more..."
Password Changes
Due to cybersecurity incidents targeting school districts, the Cherry Creek School District is taking proactive steps to keep the data of our staff and students safe. All Middle and High School students must change their password (no longer using student ID). Using a stronger password makes it much harder to gain access to the account. Most students have already taken this step but if your student has not, please work with them to make this change. Keeping devices updated with the latest operating system patches will also help with security. Updating computers is as easy as typing the word “update” into the search bar and installing any recommended system and security updates.
Golden Heart Nominations 23-24
It is time to nominate for the 2023-2024 Golden Heart Awards!
This prestigious award is for any individual who has "opened their heart" to touch the life of a Cherry Creek School District student with special needs. This includes, but is not limited to, bus drivers, teachers, cafeteria workers, paraprofessionals, specials teachers (media, art, P.E., music), those in support positions, students, and community employers.
Each person who receives this award has gone "above and beyond" to support students with special needs who attend Cherry Creek Schools.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINATIONS:
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO TELL A STORY OR GIVE A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF HOW THE NOMINEE WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND what would be expected of any individual in their position or job. Nominations will not be considered without this information. This information needs to be specific and detailed.
ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15th, at the close of the business day (4 pm). Each person or family may nominate one individual for the award; however, you may not nominate a member of your own family. Nominations for an entire team cannot be accepted. The number of nominations submitted for each person does not affect the likelihood a person will be chosen as a Golden Heart winner. Winners must be in good standing with the district AND are chosen by an independent reading committee.
THIS ELECTRONIC NOMINATION FORM SHOULD TAKE ABOUT 15-30 MINUTES TO COMPLETE AND MUST BE COMPLETED IN ONE SITTING. Incomplete nominations will not be accepted. We cannot accept entries turned in past Friday, December 15th at 4 pm.
Winners will be announced in Spring 2024 and Golden Heart Award recipients will be honored at the Golden Heart Award dinner on April 11, 2024. Cherry Creek Schools Special Education Advisory Committee
WMS PTCO
PTCO Grant Dollars At Work
The board is proud to start sharing examples of the returns on the grant dollars that were allocated for the school this year. Check out our Facebook Page to get even more updates https://www.facebook.com/westptco?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Craig Westwood with the new Yamaha Harmony Director for our WMS bands
YEARBOOK
Click on the flyer to be taken to the payment center for yearbooks.
HOMEWORK HELP
Are you looking for extra help with homework, studying, and/or class projects? West Middle School offers HW Help! Please review the available options below, and reach out to your teachers for specific support, as needed. We’ve listed the teachers and room numbers for your convenience. Can’t wait to help you out!
WMS UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, 12/18:
Art Club D121- 3:45-4:45 PM
Brain Bowl B205 - 3:45-4:45 PM
NJHS A112- 3:45-4:45 PM
Mary Poppins Auditions D127 - 3:45-4:45 PM
Tuesday, 12/19:
Minecraft D111 - 3:45-4:40 PM
Marvel Club Counseling Office - 4:00-4:45 PM
Jazz Band D126 - 3:45-4:45 PM
Wildcat Orchestra D125- 3:50-4:45 PM
Spelling Bee in the Commons - 3:45 PM until completion
Mary Poppins Auditions D127 - 3:45-4:45 PM
Winter Choir concert in the South Gym - 6:30-8 PM
Wednesday, 12/20:
Strategic Games B202- 3:45-4:45 PM
Yearbook A112 - 4:00-4:40 PM
Robotics D111- 3:45-4:45 PM
SAGA A214- 3:45-4:45 PM
Girls Basketball:
7th Grade WMS v. Falcon Creek @ FCM (Last game of the season)
8th Grade WMS v. Falcon Creek @ WMS
Thursday, 12/21:
Yearbook A112 - 4:00-4:40 PM
Friday, 12/22: (No late buses)
Last day before Winter Break.
Winter Break, 12/25-1/8/24
No School! Enjoy your break 😉
Monday, 1/8/24:
In-Service day, No students on Campus
Tuesday, 1/9/24:
Minecraft D111 - 3:45-4:40 PM
Marvel Club Counseling Office - 4:00-4:45 PM
Jazz Band D126 - 3:45-4:45 PM
Wildcat Orchestra D125- 3:50-4:45 PM
NJHS A112 - 3:45-4:45 PM
Girls Basketball:
6th Grade Practices begin after school in the Gym
Wednesday, 1/10/24:
Yearbook A112 - 4:00-4:40 PM
Strategic Games B202- 3:45-4:45 PM
Robotics D111- 3:45-4:45 PM
SAGA A214- 3:45-4:45 PM
Thursday, 1/11/24:
Yearbook A112 - 4:00-4:40 PM
Girls Basketball:
8th Grade WMS v. Campus @ WMS
Friday, 1/12/24 (No late buses):
WMS ATHLETICS
For questions regarding basketball game details, such as arrival time, team rotations and more, please email the coaches.
Ms. Carter:
ecarter3@cherrycreekschools.org
Ms. Nahorniak:
enahorniak@cherrycreekschools.org
Mr. Worden:
pworden@cherrycreekschools.org
Nurse Brenna:
WMS ACTIVITIES
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 your student plans on staying after to participate. After school activities run from 3:45 to 4:40 Monday – Thursday. Late buses are available for students who are already assigned to a bus, and depart at 4:45 PM. Those who do not take a bus and participate in an after school activity are expected to be picked up no later than 5:00 PM.
Students are encouraged to participate in clubs and activities that interest them. Research has shown that students who complement 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 and check the building rotators for sign-up information, start dates, and times.
Please see our website for the list of available clubs.
Future Wildcat Production
Spring Musical - Mary Poppins, Jr.
Mary Poppins soars into West Middle School this spring.
Auditions - December 18 and 19
Performances - April 25 and 26
Download the Stack Team App or go to Stack Team App online and Search 'Wildcat Drama' for more info.
Spelling Bee
Please see our updated Spelling Bee Club meeting dates and competition.
From the Counselor's:
As the first semester is wrapping up here at West MS and students are setting their sights on future endeavors down the road, Counselors have been actively planning for a busy registration season on the horizon. This includes registration outreach to our feeder elementary schools (we will be starting the week of 1/15!) and planning for Cherry Creek HS Counselors to be here on 1/18. Wasn’t August here just yesterday! Below is a quick snapshot of some important dates with more information to come soon:
For 8th Graders:
1/18 -9 AM-10 AM CCHS Counselor Presentation and distribution of registration materials
1/23 8th Graders Tour CCHS
- 9:40 AM Depart WMS
- 11:55 AM Return WMS
- 12 PM Combined lunch back at WMS
*Jan 23rd is also the 8th grade Information Night at CCHS: 6-7:30 PM (Fine Arts Theatre)
2/2 WMS 8th graders input High School class choices into PowerSchool
- 2:11 PM-2:41 PM (ACCESS Time)
2/6 AP US History Test in Commons
- 12:30 PM-2:30 PM
Please reach out to your Counselor if you have any questions!
--The Counseling Team
CCSD and Hazel Health
Cherry Creek School District has partnered with Hazel Health to provide access to quality mental health care services for all students, at no cost to families. Hazel Health supports schools by providing culturally responsive tele-health care that addresses students’ mental health needs. Hazel connects students with experienced therapists to help them cope and develop skills to manage their mental health. Therapy sessions with Hazel Health are a safe space and are private and confidential. Families can refer their students directly through the Hazel Health website or contact West Middle School’s counseling/mental health team to receive help with the referral.
For more information, see Hazel Health’s website: https://www.hazel.co/Ms. Kusek
Ms. Bradshaw
From the Deans:
Dear West Parents and Families,
As we approach the end of the quarter and the much-anticipated Winter Break, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible journey our students have embarked on so far. It's been a semester filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences.
But before we dive into the time off, let's come together for one final push to finish the quarter strong! As partners in your child's education, we believe that a strong finish sets the tone for a successful start to the new year. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Stay Engaged: Encourage your child to stay engaged in class discussions, complete assignments, and actively participate in extracurricular activities. A positive and participatory attitude in the classroom can make a significant difference in their overall understanding of the material.
- Review and Reinforce: Take some time to review your child's progress in each subject. Are there any concepts that need extra attention? Consider setting aside some time for a brief review session or seeking additional support from teachers if necessary. Check out our Homework Help session times!
- Set Realistic Goals: Work with your child to set achievable goals for the remaining weeks of the quarter. Whether it's improving a specific grade, completing assignments ahead of schedule, or actively participating in class, having clear goals can motivate them to put in the extra effort.
- Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate your child's accomplishments, both big and small. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation, making them more likely to stay focused and dedicated to their studies.
- Communication is Key: Keep the lines of communication open with teachers and school staff. If you have any concerns or questions about your child's progress, don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to support both you and your child in achieving academic success.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to your child's education. Here's to a strong finish and a well-deserved Winter Break filled with rest and relaxation!
Riding the Bus
Transportation is required by CDE Regulations to account for all students on the bus and unauthorized passengers are not permitted. However, the Transportation Department recognizes that circumstances may arise, e.g. a family emergency, parents out of town, etc., when a student needs to ride home with another student on a one-time only basis. The student must get off at the assigned stop of the student they are riding with (no exceptions).
Make sure to fill out and turn in the linked Permission Slip to the Dean's office no later than 9:00 AM on the requested ride date. Forms can be printed and handed in to the Dean's Assistant or emailed directly to her at egertz@cherrycreekschools.org. Hard copies of the form can also be picked up from the Dean's office if they are needed.
WMS CLINIC CORNER
From the Clinic:
Medication Safety here at WMS
To keep our students safe, it is against the student handbook for students to carry any form of medication with them during the school day unless they have a self-carry contract on file for emergency medications such as epi-pens or inhalers. This includes all over-the-counter medication.
The clinic has standing orders and is stocked with Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec, Benadryl), anti-itch cream (diphenhydramine), anti-biotic ointment or cream, and saline eye drops. If your student requires a daily medication, a dose above the typical dose for their age, or a medication outside of the previously listed, a consent to give medication form is required. These forms can be picked up from the WMS clinic.
If you have questions about medication, contact Nurse Brenna at 720-554-5117.
Health updates - If during the school year, your student experiences an injury or illness (Flu, COVID, injury requiring crutches, concussion, etc.) please notify Nurse Brenna. The clinic can support your student by removing health-related barriers in the classroom.
Winter Health and Safety Tips for Kids from Children's Hospital Colorado
Don't forget sunscreen, even on overcast days, especially up in the mountains!
Hydration is just as important during the winter as it is during any other season. Have kids drink water before, during, and after activities.
If your child will be outside in the cold for a long period of time ensure they wear appropriate layers, including a base layer, an insulated middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. If the temperature is below zero degrees Fahrenheit kids should stay inside.
During the winter months, some people experience lower moods as a result of less sunshine, fewer outdoor activities, and colder temperatures. To help avoid this, make sure kids are staying active and spend time outdoors when safe. It is important to let light into your home whenever possible and support mental health with good nutrition.
Preventing winter activity injuries. Sledding, skiing, and snowboarding can lead to concussions and other head injuries, fractures, and sprains. Fortunately, many of these injuries can be prevented with the right knowledge and preparation. Find a safe place to sled free of obstacles, make sure you have the correct equipment for all activities and wear a helmet.
Comfort Dental Care Day
On December 23, all Comfort Dental locations will offer FREE dental care to those needing care in their community from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon to give everyone access to quality dental care they deserve. https://comfortdental.com/care-day/
Period Partner Project
As you may know, Cherry Creek School District middle & high schools were recently equipped with menstrual pads and dispensers in all female and gender-neutral restrooms. This free resource aligns directly with our 5 Core Values. If you have a student who uses the female or gender-neutral restrooms, we ask that you please talk to them about this resource.
Want to learn more about this project? Visit the Period Partner Project webpage.
WMS LIBRARY
Latest from the Library
What to read over the Break?
Check out SORA for ebooks, audiobooks and magazines!
https://soraapp.com/library/cherrycreekco
As we head into our winter break, don’t forget to check out our Digital Library of 23,000 ebooks and audiobooks. More titles are being added all the time!
With a couple clicks, it’s easy to check out an ebook or audiobook.
Traveling? Don’t worry about lugging a book or misplacing it – digital titles automatically return at the end of the lending period!
Want to read along while you listen to a book? There are plenty of read-along books with narration.
Even if you have overdue books or bills at your school library, you may still check out from Sora.
Download ebooks and audiobooks to your devices 24/7/365. Each person may check out 5 titles at a time and place your own holds. Magazines have unlimited checkouts.
How does it work?
Download the free Sora app from your devices App store or visit the SORA by Overdrive website in any browser, https://soraapp.com/library/cherrycreekco.
Your login information is your student or staff my.cherrycreek login and password. The first time you login to SORA, search for your school’s name; or district-wide staff and teachers may use “Cherry Creek Schools District Library.”
For instructions, watch the video, https://tinyurl.com/ybwt77dm or visit the website, https://help.soraapp.com/en-us/home.htm
For assistance, contact your school’s Library Staff, or email distlib@cherrycreekschools.org. Happy reading and listening!
Sincerely,
Amy Bittmann-Hicks
WMS Library Clerk
abittmann@cherrycreekschools.org
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!WMS VOLUNTEERS
Update to CCSD Volunteer/Partner Process
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.
WMS SIDELINE STORE
Get your West Spirit Gear!
Store link: WMS Sideline Store
Remember, a portion of all proceeds return back to West Middle School to support our students -- so thank you Wildcat families!
WMS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I add a person to my student's contacts?
Parent/ Guardians are now able to update Additional Contact info in their https://my.cherrycreekschools.org/ accounts by clicking on the Guardian Tile.
Some things to keep in mind:
- If a Household 1 Parent/Guardian has not completed Parent Forms, they will not have access to the Guardian Update tile.
- Household 2 will only be able to access this tile if they have a 2nd household setup in PowerSchool. If they need to create a 2nd household, please see the Admissions section on the District Website. On the left menu, they will need to click on the link titled “Change/Update/Verify Address or Household Info."
- Changes made through the update tile will be visible in PowerSchool within minutes.
- Occasionally, parents will not see their students listed when logging into the Guardian Update tile. Refreshing the screen will correct this issue.
2023-2024 School Bus RFDI Cards
Information and Expectations
Effective the 2023-2024 school year, the Transportation Department will be implementing the following RFID process:
Middle Schools
· RFID Card lanyards will be delivered to the students by the Bus Driver during the first week of school.
· Students missing cards will be recorded by the Bus Driver, and/or requested by the schools and tracked by the Operations office.
· All requests for new cards will be maintained on an internal spreadsheet and created first come first serve.
· The Operations office will create new cards as soon as possible during the first weeks of school, eventually to be a daily request, printed and returned to the Bus Driver for delivery to the student.
Request for New or Missing RFID Cards
The WMS Counseling Assistant may submit a request for a New or Missing RFID Card by completing an online RFID Card Request Form or your students can ask their bus driver for a replacement card.
· All requested RFID Cards will be completed in the order in which they have been received.
Missing or Refusal to Use School Bus RFID Cards
Cherry Creek Board of Education Policy EEA States: To implement the Colorado Department of Education’s requirement for a roster of students transported, electronic ridership cards shall be issued to all students riding on District buses, and said cards must be on each student’s person when riding District buses. Issued RFDI cards and replacements are tracked at the transportation office. With the current technology, each card costs the district $2.00 to replace. It is very important to make all efforts to keep the cards safe and in working condition. It is also crucial to note that once a replacement card has been issued, previous cards will have been deactivated for security reasons. No student will have access to more than one active RFDI card at any time.
Consequences
Students with a missing card or students refusing to use their card will be tracked on a semester basis. The following offenses will be tracked during the first semester period of August 14th through December 31st and second semester January 1st through May 24th.
1st Offense- For the first lost/refusal card, the student will be issued a new card without consequences.
2nd Offense - For the second lost/refusal card, the student will be issued a new card and their parent/guardian will be notified. The student will receive a warning that if they lose/refuse to show their card again, they will be suspended from the bus for up to 1-3 days.
3rd Offense – For the third lost/refusal card, the student will be issued a new card and their parent/guardian will be notified. The student will receive a suspension from the bus for up to 1-3 days.
*Bus suspensions will be issued into effect as of Monday, October 23, 2023.
*All bus suspensions will take place on scheduled school days.
Recommendations
1. Students are encouraged to keep their cards in a safe place.
2. Parents are encouraged to help their students keep track of their cards.
3. Drivers are encouraged to remind students to scan their cards when boarding and exiting the bus.
4. Students who arrive at a bus stop but do not have an RFID Card will be transported to school and documented by the bus driver.
5. Students are to arrive at their assigned bus stop (5) minutes prior to the scheduled bus stop.
6. Ride 360 App – is available to be downloaded by all parents/guardians and provides a GPS location of your student on the bus.
a. The time listed on the Ride 360 App reflect the departure time from their location
b. Elementary and Middle School parents are asked to be home to receive their students at dismissal time of the school they are attending
STAR TESTING
Star Assessments
In Cherry Creek, we employ Star assessments for universal screening and diagnosing students' readiness for their next learning steps. This enables us to tailor our instructional approaches to better meet the individual needs of each student. West students will take Star assessments in the fall, winter, and spring.
What are Star Assessments?
Star Assessments are short tests designed to provide teachers with personalized learning data for each student. These assessments are computer-adaptive, which means they adjust in difficulty based on the student's answers. This adaptability helps us gather the most precise data about your child's skills and knowledge, all while minimizing the amount of time spent testing (typically about one-third of the time required by other assessments).
Students will take a Star test in math and reading. These assessments help our teachers gain insights into what your child already knows and what they are ready to learn next. It allows us to monitor student growth and identify those who may need additional support. We want to emphasize that these assessments are not just about numbers and scores; they are about helping your child succeed. Renaissance Star Assessments play a crucial role in our commitment to providing a well-rounded, personalized education to every student in our district.
When will I see my child’s results?
All students will receive their Star Reading results in February. We encourage you to engage with your child's teacher to discuss the results of the assessments taken at our spring conferences. Your partnership and involvement in your child's education are highly valued and greatly contribute to their success.
Bags of Fun
CCHS Power Week will take place February 12th-16th 2024 and is quickly approaching! We are so excited to support the Bags of Fun organization again this year and have ambitious fundraising goals. If you or your business are interested in being a corporate sponsor for our 2024 Power Week, please click the link below:
Check out this video to get more information about Bags of Fun from our Bruins themselves.
More events and opportunities to support coming soon!
Athletic Events at District Stadiums
High School Athletic Fans,
As we close out the last few weeks of the football regular season, and head into playoffs, we would like to remind fans of the CCSD stadiums rules.
First, there are limited number tickets available for each game. We highly encourage you to buy your tickets in advance via GoFan and arrive early. Gates open at 6:00 pm.
Rules for All Spectators
- 8th grade students and below must be accompanied by a guardian
- Highschool students (including guests) must show a current school issued student ID
- No student backpacks or bags (a clear bag policy is coming for 2024/25 school year for parents, fans and spectators)
- No outside food/drink
- No water bottles
- No weapons (regardless of conceal/open carry license)
- No propane heaters
- No entry after halftime
- No re-entry
- No refunds will be issued unless the event is canceled
We thank you for your cooperation and look forward to your support at upcoming events.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
CHERRY CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
Board of Education Meeting
Jan. 8, 2024
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location
West Middle School
5151 S. Holly Street
Greenwood Village, CO 80112
Special Education Advisory Committee
Jan. 11, 2024
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location
Student Achievement Resource Center
14188 E BRIARWOOD AVE
CENTENNIAL, CO 80112
We need bus drivers!
Do you know someone who could drive a bus for CCSD? We are looking for great folks in the community who want to make a difference for students by becoming bus drivers for CCSD! We offer competitive pay, paid training, and great benefits. Learn more here. (https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/Page/2931)
FOOD AND NUTRITION INFO 2023-24
Meals and Snack Choices
All students in Cherry Creek School District will have access to free healthy, nutritious school meals beginning in the 2023-24 school year thanks to the Healthy School Meals for All program approved by Colorado voters.
Our District is very excited to participate in the program! Here is some additional information and a few important reminders about what this means for our schools and families.
● Please fill out the new combined Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals/Family Economic Data Survey. While meals will be provided for free to all Cherry Creek students through Healthy School Meals for All, it's important for us to continue gathering this information to receive full access to available federal funds that support nutritional programs at your school. Please complete this form during registration for the 2023-24 school year. By providing this information, you will help our district access all available funds to cover the cost of meals and other nutritional programs for students. Plus, families who fill out the form may qualify to receive discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utility support and more!
● All household income information provided through this form is strictly confidential and protected by law. Only one form is required for all children in the household. Immigration, migrant, citizenship or refugee status is not required when completing the form.
All a la carte items we sell, must meet strict USDA guidelines called “Smart Snacks”. Smart Snacks have limits on sugar, sodium, calories and fat. For more information about USDA Smart Snacks, visit this link. Students must have money on their account to buy Smart Snacks and seconds, they cannot go into the negative.
We encourage parents to choose what is best for their students when making choices about purchasing Smart Snacks. Some parents choose to talk to their children about what snacks they are allowed to buy and which ones they are not. Other parents allow their children to make their own choices. And some parents place restrictions on their students' accounts based on how much they can spend on snacks. Restrictions can be placed on your student’s account through your login with Linq Connect. If you have not used your account, you can create one here.
A la carte menus are available at every school in the lunch line and online through the district Food and Nutrition Services site. To visit our website, click here and then click on A La Carte to view the choices at Elementary, Middle School and High School.
Please feel free to reach out to our office directly for any questions at 720-886-7173 or email Shannon Thompson, Assistant Director at sthompson2@cherrycreekschools.org This institution is an equal opportunity provider.