Hawk Highlights
March 29 2023
From our Assistant Principal
Friends and Families of the Hollys,
Students and staff have returned from Spring Break ready to finish the year strong! It has been fun to speak with students and hear all of the fun that was had over the break, from Hawk’s Nest to staycation, to traveling. We are in the “home stretch” of the school year, but there is still a lot of learning ahead. I look forward to seeing you all at Skate City or our district PASS meeting at Overland High School this evening at 6 PM!
As we look toward April, we have CMAS testing for our 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students at Holly Hills. Please be sure that students get a full night's sleep each night and eat a good breakfast each day. We want students to demonstrate all that they have learned this school year and you can help us get their day off to a great start! Attendance is also incredibly important every day, but especially during testing. We have a narrow window to complete all tests and when students are late or absent, it makes it difficult to catch them up. That being said, if they are sick, please call and excuse their absence. 3rd grade will begin testing on April 10th and complete testing on April 21st. 4th grade will begin testing on April 3rd and complete testing on April 12th. 5th grade will begin testing on April 3rd and complete testing on April 21st. If you have any questions, please contact me, at rromero12@cherrycreekschools.org. There is more information about CMAS on the page following this letter, including what CMAS is used for and directions for parent exemption.
We have many fun events planned for the coming weeks and months, please keep an eye out for communication from the school and your student’s teacher for more information specific to your student.
Your partner in education,
Robert Romero
Assistant Principal
Field Day is coming!
From The Hollys PTCO
For parents of students attending West Middle School next year
An early welcome to those of you who will be sending your students to West Middle School. We wanted to reach out to let you know that we are now looking for volunteers for the 2023-24 school year. Volunteering is one of the best ways to learn about where your students will spend their school days!
For those new to our WMS community, the PTCO raises funds that allow for extra staff and supplies at WMS. We also coordinate volunteer efforts across the school, organize appreciation events for teachers, provide funding for teachers’ supplemental material requests and help pay for field trips. We also plan and coordinate grade-specific wellness and community-building events for our students.
Below are some of the positions we’re looking to fill. Please reach out to us to let us know if you have any questions or would like additional information.
Executive level positions (PTCO board members):
- President Elect – Shadows the PTCO President for the 2023-24 school year; take on the task of President for the 2024-2025 school year.
- Treasurer & Treasurer Elect – we have an immediate need for a Treasurer. Treasurer-elect shadows the Treasurer for the 2023-24 school year to then take on the task of Treasurer for the 2024-2025 school year.
- Secretary – record notes from each of the Executive Board meetings (~ once per month) as well as from the General PTCO meetings.
Other volunteer positions:
- Back-to-School Night (1 position): Obtains dates and plans activities with school administration for back-to-school nights at the beginning of the school year.
- Character Development Day (1 to 3 positions): Works with the Assistant Principal to research and hire Keynote Speakers/Programs for grade-wide assemblies during school hours. These speakers cover “hot topics” within the youth world today. Some examples include SOS, depression, anxiety, drugs/alcohol abuse, bullying as well as character building that instills kindness, empathy, and/or compassion within the school community. Ideally this committee would be comprised of one volunteer representing each grade.
- Check-In (2 positions + 2 shadows): Determines what PTCO-run and school-run check-in activities will take place and manages the check-in flow. Works with Volunteer Coordinator to staff check-in.
- Directory (1 position): Coordinates creation of the student directory. This includes sponsorship sales, printing, sales, and distribution of the student directory at the beginning of the year.
- Family Giving (2 positions): Works with the Fundraising Chair to coordinate and implement a “direct ask” fundraising campaign.
- Grade Level Parties (1 Chair and up to 3 positions each grade level): Oversees and works with Student Council and a Faculty representative, as well as all three grade level committees to help plan and facilitate all class parties for each grade. Works within the provided budget, assists with planning party themes, and coordinates parent and teacher volunteers.
- Health and Wellness (3 + positions): Plans, organizes and creates The Wellness @ West Event(s) throughout the school year. These events cater to parents, students & faculty. Topics can include (but are not limited to): social media awareness, legal pitfalls for teens, drug/alcohol abuse, physical and mental health and how to achieve mindfulness. Works with WMS Counselors, Social Worker & Psychologist to meet current needs of the community. Could partner with PIN representative and/or Character Development representative.
- Library Volunteer (1 position): Works with Librarian(s) to determine volunteer staffing needs and then coordinate volunteers for library, as well as coordinating volunteers for Book Fairs.
- Slating Chair/Volunteer Coordinator (1 position to help existing chair): Works with Executive Board to nominate all officers, representatives, and committee members and chairs for the following year as specified in the by-laws. Works with various PTCO committee members to obtain volunteers for various committees. Ensures that slated volunteers are notified of positions to which they have been elected.
- Community Building Chair: (2 positions, 2 shadows): Plans events such as WestFest or school dance (Welcome back to school party). Communicates dates to incoming and current families, solicit volunteers, and works with WMS staff to establish space requirements and activities.
- West Tours (2 positions): Works with the Counseling Office to provide tours to potential families on an as needed basis. Works with Slating/Volunteer Coordinator to solicit and train parents to guide school tours.
- Wildcat Challenge Fundraiser (3 positions; Chair is already filled for 2023-24): Plans and implements the fundraiser, involving volunteer coordination, organization of promotional materials, and coordination with teachers, faculty, and students.