CMS Cougar Courier
4th Quarter 2021-22 School Year April 15, 2022
Important Dates:
- April 18, 19, 20, and 21 - Spirit Week
- April 20th - 8th Grade Legend Honor Roll Assembly
- April 22nd & 25th - No School
- April 27th - 8th Grade Summit & Horizon Honor Roll Assemblies
- May 6th & 13 - 6th grade field trips to CMS
- May 25th - Last day of school
SPIRIT WEEK- With prizes for the best dressed! April 18th - 21st
Monday - Hat Day
Tuesday - Squad day- groups of kids with the same theme
Wednesday - Anything but a backpack
Thursday - 80s
Defend the Den
LAST MOMENTS TO SIGN UP FOR CMS 7/8 BOYS TRACK!!!!!!
And....we're into the final home stretch with our CMS sport seasons. Boys track starts on Monday, April 18. If you have any interest in getting your son involved, we need to get them signed up ASAP. All registration information can be found on our CMS Athletics page. Please remember that NO UPDATED PHYSICAL = NO PARTICIPATION. If you have any questions please reach out to our Athletics Administrative Assistant, Stephanie Young, at stephanie.young@dcsdk12.org or (303) 387-2816. You can also reach out to our Athletic Director, Brad Wiidakas, at bpwiidakas@dcsdk12.org. Thanks again and GO COOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yearbooks are SOLD OUT!
Team Summit
In Social Studies class students will complete an essay on The Industrial Revolution as well as learn about Native American Removal - the Trail of Tears. Students will also receive a study guide to work on in class to prepare them for a final summative assessment they will take the following week.
Science classes next week will focus on gravitational attraction between celestial bodies.
In Language Arts, we are planning, writing, self-editing, revising, peer editing, self-editing, and revising again, our final essays for our class novel, Refugee. These will be due this Sunday. Next week we will begin learning about Anne Frank and reading the play, "The Diary of Anne Frank."
In Advanced Language Arts, we have completed reading The Book Thief and had a great final discussion on the novel on Monday. We are now planning our final essays on Liesel's coming of age and transformation over the course of the novel. These essays will be due on Wednesday next week.
And lastly, in Wellness this week we will be learning about STDs, HIV/AIDS, and how to prevent them. In the gym, we will be going outside for some cardiovascular exercise and going back to some of our previous units such as basketball, floor hockey, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee.
Team Horizon
Greetings Horizon parents and guardians!
We have Shakespeare in the Parking Lot on Monday. A Midsummer Night's Dream. Fun in the sun with the Bard!
We are in full swing for the 4th quarter... We have a lot going on, like tie-dye day on the 20th (if you haven't hit up MySchoolBucks.com there is a $5 fee for a t-shirt and bandana for every Horizon student to tie-dye), and we're working on some really fun aspects for class and don't forget, a final Honor Roll assembly for the kids on April 27th (the time will be sent out in another email, cool beans)! Woohoo!
In ELA 8 the students have just finished reading The Giver and we're working on a CER that is due on Monday night, we will then be jumping into some Civil Literature and shared inquiry. In Adv ELA the students have started to examine Civil War literature (a section of Frederick Douglass' Narrative) and will be conducting their first shared inquiry in the next weekish.
In Social Studies the students are looking at the causes of The Civil War and starting to discuss it. There was a very lively debate on Nat Turner, and the students had a great time in a Socratic Circle format!!!
In Science, the students are exploring how the Earth, Sun, and moon create seasons, equinoxes, and solstices. The student will then begin a planet research project with a creative component at the end of the unit (Pluto is still a planet in my mind. Always was, always will be).
In Wellness, the students are finishing up their nutrition unit (their healthy snack project was a resounding success, and delicious!) and then they will be finishing up their volleyball unit in the gym. Good times had by all!
We thank you for the time and support you give to us all. As this year quickly winds up we want to thank you for your students being here at Cresthill and on team Horizon. It has been a great year and we look forward to finishing strong!
Keep on, keepin' on!
Team Horizon
Linda Jardinico
Becky Lechuga
Andy Levine
Karen Petersen
Team Trekkers
Hello Trekker families! Here is your weekly Trekkers update! Have a great weekend!
In Wellness, students are finishing up our sexual health unit with discussions on external influences and specifically media influence, on sexual decision making. I would encourage you to have a conversation with your son or daughter about the conversations/discussions we had in class this week. In PE we got to end our week with a fun Fitness Easter Egg hunt!
In Social Studies, This week Trekkers identified economic, social, political, and cultural impacts by discussing the pros and cons of Globalization. We also learned how globalization affects companies and impacts people in different parts of the world.
In Language Arts this week, we read Chapters 7, 8 and 9 of The Outsiders and took an assessment. We will finish the book next week. Please see the document attached on this newsletter regarding "Outsiders Day". We are still looking for donations. Thank you in advance for helping support this fun event for your students.
In Science, next week we will begin cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Following that we will begin preparing for the frog dissection.
Team Legend
Science (Beal)
The biggest LAB day of the school year was this past Monday. Students had to come up with an idea for the FINAL LAB. Ask your kiddo what they are doing for their experiment. There is a folder check this Friday as well. I’m looking forward to experimenting all next week!
Social Studies (Griffiths)
Hello Legendary Parents! Reminder that our Honor Roll assembly will be April 20 at 7:45am. This week we are working on our Westward Expansion booklet. They are turning out really well!
Language Arts (Kelly)
Gen Ed: Our week will have CMAS TESTING in Science for one day. Other than that we shall continue to read and analyze our novel, and more Directed Reading, and continue with our Graphic Novel.
ADV: Our week will have CMAS TESTING. Other than that we shall continue with our research project and do some Directed Reading of an antiquarian poem. We shall also prepare to discuss and debate the following question:
Who is most to blame for the downfall of Macbeth?
Wellness (Wiidakas)
One of the most important pieces to this week was our massive assessment that occurred on Tuesday. Would be honored if you checked in with your son/daughter and got feedback on their grade. More importantly, have them show you their assessment and how they did. That reflection is essential to the midpoint of our Violence Prevention unit and to the growth of our group as a whole.
Team Navigators
In language arts this week, students continued their examination of identity by reading, writing, and communicating about Chapters 10-12 of The Outsiders. Students also engaged in a review of the parts of speech.
In Science we have begun to work hard to learn the structure and function of the Cardiovascular system.
In social studies we are seeking to answer the following question: what is globalization, and how does it affect people and places? We defined four important vocab words, answered questions from readings, and analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of globalization for the U.S. and other countries.
Wellness classes are continuing with their reproductive unit and have enjoyed learning how to play pickleball in the gym.
Team Explorers
This week in Language Arts we read and took active notes on chapters 6 - 7 of The Outsiders. We also took a vocabulary quiz and a ch. 6 - 7 comprehension quiz today. Make sure your student is thinking about how they will dress up for Outsiders Day on 5/13!
This week in Science we finished and presented our Cell Analogy Project/ Presentation where students showed an understanding of the cell organelles by comparing them to a common theme like a city or a castle. We also finished our microscope lab, where students observed different types of cells.
This week in Social Studies we began our final unit of study, Monsoon Asia. Our essential question is "How has the globalization of trade shaped Asia, and the world?" We started by looking at historical globalization through the Silk Road and then moved on to modern globalization by looking at case studies of shoe and clothing manufacturing in the modern era. We also prepped for the Summative Assessment on Monday and started our Monsoon Asia map lab.
This week in Wellness in our Reproductive Health Unit we finished our discussion on the male and female reproductive systems and started the lessons on STIs (sexually-transmitted infections). In the gym we have been having fun playing PickleBall.
Spirit Week
SPIRIT WEEK With prizes (gift certificates, phone time)
April 18, 19, 20, and 21
Monday - Hat Day
Tuesday - Squad day- groups of kids with the same theme
Wednesday - Anything but a backpack
Thursday - 80s
8th Grade Honor Roll Assemblies
Wednesday, April 20th from 7:45-8:30 AM - Team Legend
Wednesday, April 27th from 7:45-8:30 AM - Team Summit
Wednesday, April 27th from 8:35-9:20 AM - Team Horizon
The assemblies will be in person in the large gym at Cresthill. Please note that each student may have 2 guests attend the event.
Looking forward to the celebration!
From the Counseling Office
The Health, Prevention, and SEL team is welcoming you to attend a Vaping Prevention Information night on Wednesday April 27th, from 5:30-7:30 at Sierra Middle School. Here is a flyer with more information. This event is open to all members of the DCSD community, and is specifically geared towards parents, teachers, and trusted adults in the lives of youth..
Dinner is graciously donated by the Douglas County Healthy Youth Coalition starting at 5:30 pm. Our program will begin at 6pm, and includes an overview of youth vaping trends; effects on adolescent health; and tips for talking to youth and being a trusted adult. We will also have items and visuals on hand of common objects used to hide vaping materials.
Registration is required to account for the amount of food needed, and can be done here. If you have additional questions about this event you may contact Anne Connolly at aconnolly1@dcsdk12.org.
New Beginnings
Cresthill Community!
It’s that time of year again!! FOR ALL INCOMING 7th GRADERS AND/OR NEW 8TH GRADERS…. MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!! NEW BEGINNINGS for the 2022-23 school year will be on Monday, August 1st and Tuesday, August 2nd! You will have the opportunity to select either a morning or afternoon session. The morning session will be from 8:00am - 10:45am. The afternoon session will be from 12:00pm - 2:45pm. To receive the ‘Early Bird’ special rate of $65.00, please register on MySchoolBucks by Friday, April 15th. After 4/15, the registration for NEW BEGINNINGS will increase to $75.00.
We will also have an opportunity for parents to attend our Parent Connections session that will coincide with the morning and afternoon sessions on Tuesday, August 2nd. There will be no cost associated with the Parent Connection session.
To acquire additional information related to NEW BEGINNINGS, please go to our school website. We are very excited to have you join our Cresthill Family!!
Sincerely,
CMS Counseling Staff
The Outsiders Day - Donations Needed
One exciting opportunity ALL 7th grade students will have an opportunity to participate in is "Outsiders Day" On Friday, May 13th. All students will be encouraged to dress up like a "Soc" or "Greaser". We are currently beginning to build a "costume closet" to assist any students who are having challenges finding clothing or accessories to wear. Please email Mrs. Fields if you can donate any of the following items (most items CAN be found at a thrift store, but you may have something you'd like to donate in your closet!). IDEAS: Social Boy: pants, probably would be tan/khaki/grey, a shirt with a collar or a madras print shirt with collar, maybe a sweater over the collared shirt , or sweater worn tied over shoulders, football or sports ‘letter’ type jacket, rings, a clean-cut, ‘rich’ look, dress shoes if you have them (maybe slip on sneakers), maybe you would have old keys to a mustang or a nice sportscar….etc. Social Girls: skirt, possibly plaid print, conservative shirt or sweater, pearls, sweater tied over your shoulders, heels or little white socks with flat shoes, small earrings,….basically a ‘preppy’ look. Greaser Boys: Jeans, Converse-type sneakers or black boots, white or black t-shirt, maybe sleeves rolled up, jean jacket or cut off jean vest, black leather jacket, fake tattoos. Greaser Girls: This is a tough one since the Greaser Girls weren’t really featured in the novel, but my assumption would be: Dark skinny pants or jeans or capris, heels or Converse type-shoes, scarf tied around neck, makeup, big earrings, white t-shirt, jean jacket or jean vest, or black leather jacket, basically dressed in all black/white, looking tough. This link may provide you with additional ideas:
Monetary donations are also always accepted and we can help shop for this "costume closet". You can find the monetary donation option USING A COMPUTER (not cell phone) on myschoolbucks.com (under "School Store") or you can email Mrs. Fields directly for more information: emily.fields@dcsdk12.org. Thank you for your generosity and support as we try to leave a lasting impression with your student reading The Outsiders.
Stone Canyon Summer Camp
Hello DCSD Families,
Registration is now open for Stone Canyon Summer Camp! Both Overnight and Day Camps are accepting registrants.
Stone Canyon offers a wide variety of activities, and our dedicated staff is committed to ensuring your camper will learn new skills, make new friends, and be safe while at camp. Our goal is to create a community that will help campers become more confident and daring individuals, all while having the best time of their lives!
In the last year and a half, Stone Canyon has built a brand new ropes course and completed an expansion of our dining hall and kitchen. We are so excited for campers to experience them this summer. While we have made adjustments to our programming to follow national and local COVID mitigation guidelines, we aim to provide the same connection and adventure that make our summer camp special.
Session Dates
- Overnight Camp (Ages 9-15)
- Day Camp (Ages 6-9)
Cost
One week of Overnight Camp is $1,075, with a deposit of $325. One week of Day Camp is $435, with a deposit of $135.
COVID Mitigation Guidelines
Below is a summary of the guidelines we anticipate adhering to this summer. Guidelines and protocols are subject to change as we continue to monitor guidance from the CDC and state and local health departments.
- Increased cleaning: Stone Canyon will disinfect and clean all equipment and common spaces between camper use
- Pre-camp and daily health screenings: Staff and campers will pre-screen using a written record two weeks before camp. On arrival day and each subsequent day, campers will undergo a health screening.
- Required negative COVID test: All overnight campers are required to test for COVID 24-72 hours prior to their arrival at Stone Canyon, regardless of vaccination status (subject to change based on cases). An official print-out of the campers’ test results must be brought to check-in. Day campers are not required to test for COVID.
- Cohorts: At this time we are not anticipating keeping campers in cohort groups. Clubs, meal times, and camper’s choice activities will operate as they normally would.
- If we determine that cohorts are necessary, campers will remain with the same group of campers and counselors over the course of the week.
Register Early
If the week you are interested in is full, we encourage you to join the waitlist. We will contact you if a spot becomes available!
For additional information on Stone Canyon summer camps, please visit our website www.stonecanyonedge.org/summercamp.
Please reach out if you have any questions, and we hope to see you this summer!
Amy Paulsen
Summer Camp Coordinator
(303) 387-0725
HRHS Girls Volleyball
Travel Abroad to London, Paris and Italy July 2022
We are excited to offer a custom travel abroad experience for students to visit London, Paris, Florence, Venice & Rome, July 7-17, 2022. We will explore these cities through food, language, culture, art, museums, historical landmarks and so much more.
Want to find out all the details? We will be hosting a zoom information session on Monday, January 24 at 6pm. RSVP to https://bit.ly/3F9AGPE to receive the zoom link.
Can’t attend the meeting, contact trish.sangelo@arapahoe.edu to receive more information.
DISCOUNTED family fun opportunities
Donations Needed - 4th Quarter
Supporting Cresthill
Once logged into your King Soopers or City Market account go to: Savings and Rewards > King Soopers Community Rewards then you can search for Cresthill Middle School either by name or YJ180 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a loyalty card.
Box Tops for Education
No need to cut out box tops anymore. It’s digital!
Download the Box Tops Mobile App
Set up your Username and Password
Find your school: Type in Cresthill and click on Cresthill Middle School when it appears Click on the right arrow
Complete your Profile and you are done!
Now when you shop simply scan your store receipt and watch the donations that are made to our school!
American Furniture Warehouse
NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE
The Douglas County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, age, marital status, genetic information, or physical characteristics, disability or need for special education services in admissions, access to, treatment of, or employment in educational programs or activities. The School District’s Compliance Officer is Ted Knight, Assistant Superintendent, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, complianceofficer@dcsdk12.org, 303-387-0067. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public.