SCHS Monthly Newsletter
January 2024
Starting the New Year with Intention and Unity
Coffee and Chat: Increasing Partnership and Communication with Families
Friday, Jan 12, 2024, 07:30 AM
SCHS Library
This spring, school and department leaders are hosting a series of informal get togethers for families to increase connection and partnership. Although there are topics for each month, families are welcome to join as their schedules permit and talk about anything on their minds related to their students and our school community. Staff involved in each topic will be attend meetings to connect with families as well. We look forward to our time together with you!
- 12 Jan: welcome back/thank you for partnership and advanced course opportunities (7:30-8:15 am)
- 9 Feb: Career/Technical Education pathways/programs (2:15-3:15 pm)
- 8 March: all things graduation (2:15-3:15 pm)
- 12 April: family check in with all teachers available (7:30-8:15 am)
Growing in Leadership--Congratulations, Ms. Nicholson!
We are pleased to announce that Ms. Aly Nicholson interviewed and accepted an assistant principal position in December! Due to increased enrollment in our school, our zone superintendent, Dustin Horras, supported the conversion of a dean position into an assistant principal position.
Ms. Nicholson has been at Sand Creek High School for over ten years, initially as a Social Studies teacher, then transitioning to the Business Department and beginning her administration career as a Teacher Leader. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in Communications from Colorado State University and her Masters from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs.
"I love being a part of Creek Nation," shared Nicholson. "I want all students to have the best high school experience and I am dedicated to student success."
We are grateful for your service and leadership at Sand Creek, Ms Nicholson!
School Accountability Committee (SAC) Meeting: Preparing for Higher Education and Beyond
Thursday, Jan 18, 2024, 05:30 PM
SCHS Library
Please join the SAC to learn about SCHS AVID from staff and students as well as to find information on applying for financial aid in higher education from our own Student Success team. We look forward to seeing you there!
School Attendance: Vital for Student Success
School attendance is vital for student success so they have every opportunity to learn and grow. We have engaged in multiple conversations as a staff about increasing student attendance, in particular, the importance of students arriving on time as chronic absenteeism rose above 30% across the state of Colorado this past school year (reference: Chalkbeat, Oct 2023). Information from Attendance Works has guided previous action and conversation.
Getting into the habit of daily and timely attendance helps students and families:
● reduce stress
● make it easier to connect with friends and teachers
● support learning
Dean of Attendance, Mike Sory, will continue conversations with students who are unable to attend school regularly or arrive on time to classes. When necessary, consequences will be administered alongside support to encourage student attendance and engagement.
We pride ourselves in making our school environment a place where everyone can be safe, healthy, and learning. We will continue to do our best to listen and partner with you so that our students have a successful semester. Please reach out to Mr. Sory with individual support needs at michael.sory@d49.org.
Spring Testing Dates: Prepare to Show Greatness!💪
Spring testing dates are below. Students, you have demonstrated a tremendous amount of growth and tenacity in your classes and testing to date. We are confident you will do well this spring!
Juniors will take CMAS Science and the SAT.
4/17 SAT 11
4/18 CMAS11 (last names A-M), virtual learning via Schoology (N-Z)
4/19 CMAS11 (last names N-Z), virtual learning via Schoology (A-M)
Sophomores will take the PSAT10.
4/17 virtual learning via Schoology
4/18 PSAT10
4/19 virtual learning via Schoology
Freshmen will take the PSAT9.
4/17 virtual learning via Schoology
4/18 virtual learning via Schoology
4/19 PSAT9
*Students only attend school when they are testing and engage in school via Schoology otherwise. Most testing ends at about 11:00 am. Please be on the lookout for further communication from our School Assessment Coordinators for more information.
Sand Creek's Shining Stars
Staff members were the focus of nominators this month, so we are highlighting TWO teachers as Shining Stars!
Stephenie Clarke
A fellow staff member nominated Ms. Clarke. They appreciate how Ms. Clarke generat[es] lots of teaching ideas to help staff and supports cultural diversity and inclusivity in our community.
Kent McGowan
A student nominated Mr. McGowan. Here is what they had to say: [He] is a wonderful teacher who genuinely cares for each and every single one of his students and is always pushing for them to be the best versions of themselves. He makes history a very fun subject to learn and he's always willing to help any student struggling.