WEST WILDCAT NEWS
May 11, 2023
SAYING FAREWELL
Bryan Terry
Greetings West Community,
It is with mixed emotions that I announce that I have accepted the position of Assistant Principal at Black Forest Hills Elementary School for the 2023-24 school year. I have decided to make the move to this elementary school because it will allow me to spend more time with my own kids who are both in elementary school. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to serve the West community this year. All I have learned, the staff and students I was able to get to know, and the relationships I was able to make with all of our stakeholders will be something I will take with me to my new position. I want to thank you all for allowing me to serve the West community this year!
Sincerely,
Bryan Terry
Assistant Principal
West Middle School
(720) 554-5122
Brittany Pacheco
Wildcat Families,
It is with a mix of emotions that I share with you that I have accepted an Assistant Principal position at Columbia Middle School in the Aurora Public School district for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. While I’m looking forward to the next steps in my leadership journey, it has been a privilege to be a part of the amazing West community as the Dean and Athletics/Activities Director. I will always be thankful for the impact that the West students, families, and staff have made in my continued growth as a leader and will take this with me in the next stage of my journey. I end with sharing my immense gratitude and appreciation for having the opportunity to serve in the West community this year - Go Wildcats!
Sincerely,
Brittany Pacheco
Dean of Students/AD
Tim Wimsatt
Wildcat Community,
I hope this email finds each of you well.
I write this with mixed emotions, but wanted to share with you that I will not be returning to West Middle School for the 2023-24 school year. Recently, I have been presented with a tremendous opportunity from the Colorado Golf Association to become their Director of Education and Grants. This role will work to develop leadership training/curriculum for the CGA's various youth programming efforts here in the Denver metro area and throughout the entire state of Colorado, as well as develop community partnerships with schools and local organizations to provide grant opportunities to grow the post-secondary educational opportunities for students involved in those programs.
Although this is outside the traditional education realm, it provides a chance to work directly with students and other stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds to grow young people's confidence, soft skills and leadership, as well as create educational access and opportunities for students through the game of golf, which are both passions of mine. It is exciting having the chance to forge new relationships and utilize previous relationships to continue making an impact on young people through this new endeavor.
I have and will continue to appreciate my time here at West and plan to finish out the school year supporting our staff and students as strongly as possible. It has truly been a privilege to be part of this school community.
Sincerely,
Tim Wimsatt
Campus Administrator/8th Grade Dean of Students
West Middle School
WMS PTCO
PTCO Volunteer Opportunities!
We have just a few more positions to fill on our slate for next school year. Please take a look below and contact Erika at volunteer@westptco.com with any questions or if you’re interested in hearing more about the position(s)!
Wildcat Challenge Fundraising Chair: This is a great role for someone who is a good organizer. This chairperson does not actually have to raise $, it is more about planning and implementing our fall fundraiser. The position involves volunteer coordination, organization of promotional materials, coordination with teachers, faculty, and students. This role starts in May and meets a couple of times over the summer but is complete after the Wildcat Challenge (usually September). We have some volunteers lined up to help – we now just need a lead organizer to start planning.
Grade Level Party Chair: 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. We have chairs lined up for each grade level, we now just need a chair to help facilitate across the three grades.
Community Building chair (ideally 2 positions and 2 shadows to take over next year): Plans events such as WestFest or a ‘Welcome back to school party’. Communicates dates to incoming and current families, solicits volunteers, and works with WMS staff to establish space requirements and activities.
Family Giving (2 positions) : Works with the Fundraising Chair to coordinate and implement a “direct ask” fundraising campaign. This role is a springtime focused effort and is only needed if we do not raise enough funds at the beginning of the year and during Wildcat Challenge.
Thank you!!
PTCO Teachers Appreciation Week Update
We are so grateful for all the work that Kristina Stack and Rachel Kelley put into making Teacher Appreciation week so wonderful for the entire WMS staff last week! Thank you all for the contributions you sent in to make the week full of snacks and yummy treats as well! We would love to continue to shower our teachers with love through the end of the school year, so please consider writing a note to send in with your child (or send an email to your child's teachers) to show how appreciative you are for all they do. Your child could write a note too! It is a simple gesture that can mean so much to our amazing teachers!! Thank you so much!
WMS END OF YEAR INFO!
Dismissal and Bus Info.
Please be aware that the last day our school will have the late buses available will be Wednesday, May 24,2023. Thursday, May 25th dismissal will be at regular time (3:45pm) and there will be no after school activities. The last day for scheduled events for 8th grade will be on May 25th. Lastly, Friday, May 26th dismissal will be at 12:00pm.
8th Grade Guest Speaker Feedback
On May 2, WMS 8th graders attended a character development assembly featuring Ethan Fisher. Please take a few minutes to talk with your student about the presentation. We would appreciate your feedback on the presentation in the form linked below. Thank you in advance for taking the time to share this feedback as we consider future presentations for our Wildcats.
Recognition Nights 2022-2023
Grade Level End Of Year Parties
The Student Council and PTCO are excited to announce that the end of year grade level party theme for all grades will be BEACH party!
We are thrilled to host a party for each grade level to celebrate all the hard work students have put into the school year and give students a chance to get together with their peers!
Be sure to mark your calendars!
The 8th grade party will be on Friday, May 12th from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Can’t wait to see everyone there!
Did I already purchase a 22/23 yearbook?
Hello 8th Grade Families:
The 8th Grade Panoramic Class Picture has been rescheduled due to inclement weather. The picture will be taken on Tuesday, May 16th during 1st period. This is the ONLY time the picture will be taken of the whole class. All ordering is online at my8thgradeclasspicture.com
The order deadline is May 14th.
WMS UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, 5/15 :
7th Grade Recognition Night @ Greenwood Church 6:30-8pm
(Event is by invitation only)
Tuesday, 5/16:
Jazz Band- D126 3:50-4:40pm-Last Meeting for 22/23
Art Club- D121 3:50-4:40pm-Last Meeting for 22/23
Spring Choir Concert- North Gym 6:30-8pm
Wednesday, 5/17:
Student Council - A207 3:50-4:40pm-Last Meeting for 22/23
SAGA- A214 3:50-4:40pm-Last Meeting for 22/23
Spring Band Concert Part 1- North Gym 6:30-8pm
Thursday, 5/18:
Spring Band Concert Part 2- North Gym 6:30-8pm
Friday, 5/19: NO LATE BUSES
Monday, 5/22:
8th Grade Recognition Night @ Cherry Creek High School 6:30-8pm
In the Fine Arts Theatre (Event is by invitation only)
Tuesday, 5/23:
8th Grade Boondocks Field Trip 9:00-1:30pm
Wednesday, 5/24:Last Day for Late Buses
CCHS Graduation Ceremony @ Stutler Bowl 8-10am
Thursday, 5/25: NO LATE BUSES
7th Grade Trip- Palos Verdes Park 9:00-12:30pm
8th Grade Trip- Fort Logan Cemetery 9:20-1:40pm
8th Grade Clap out 3:45pm
NO AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Friday, 5/26: NO LATE BUSES
Last Day of School- Dismissal @ 12:00pm
NO AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
MAY IS BETTER SPEACH AND HEARING MONTH
Fun Facts for YOU to Learn!
Children and adults who stutter are no more likely to have psychological or emotional problems than children and adults who do not.
The smallest bone in the body is the stirrup, which is located in the ear
Derrick Coleman, from the Seattle Seahawks, is the first legally deaf offensive NFL player.
Teachers are most at risk for developing a voice disorder. Make sure to stay properly hydrated throughout the day!
Nearly 7% of Americans have some form of language impairment. Approximately 1 million Americans suffer from aphasia (a type of language impairment).
Sitting in front of a speaker at a rock concert can expose you to 120 decibels, which may damage your hearing in only 7.5 minutes!
Many famous people overcame speech and articulation disorders including Thomas Jefferson, Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, Winston Churchill, and Elton John.
CDC data have shown that approximately 1 to 3 per 1,000 children have hearing loss. Other studies show rates from 2 to 5 per 1,000.
ATHLETICS
As Athletics come to a close this year, we want to share our immense appreciation and gratitude for all of our student athletes, coaches, and families that have made this an amazing year! Thank you for the ongoing support and flexibility as we navigated the Spring sports; we look forward to utlizing our brand new gym floors in the upcoming year. Go Wildcats!
Girls On The Run
From the Counselors
What is our role?
On different days over the past two weeks, Counseling and WEB Leaders teamed up to host all of our incoming 5th graders for an hour of fun activities, tours and comradery with lots of smiles and cheering each other on. We started in the Design Hub with a welcome message from our Principal, Monica Garcia and a few words from Counseling about finishing the 5th grade on a positive note. By the fourth day of opening remarks, I found myself honing in on the importance of being a positive role model for others. It’s an often referenced term, but one that really boils down to character and the belief in “doing what is right, even when no one is watching.” So much of the negativity we see after the fact, is recorded and shared on social media which also has the potential to traumatize (and at the least desensitize) young viewers with images of hate, jealousy, rage, retaliation, etc. The more people who experience this through social media viewership, the more normalized the behavior can be perceived—and this is a problem. Our awareness of the impacts of social media on young teens has been gaining more traction and CCSD Middle School Counselors recently visited with Dr. Annie Margaret of the ATLAS Institute at CU Boulder. She has been researching practices and tools that serve to counteract the negative impact of social media on our mental health. Here’s a link with video to learn more: Improve Teen Self-Esteem. As parents, as educators and as students we wear many hats and fill many roles. Sometimes it’s as a non-stop chauffer to after school activities, sometimes as a sounding board to a frustrated colleague or as a support to a friend. There are also many wonderful communities online for survivorship, fellowship and sharing knowledge. With or roles so intertwined between our online and in-person communities, what role will we play today in the life of our children, students, friends and colleagues…because we are all watching.
--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/WMS DEANS
From the Deans
In these final two weeks of school, we encourage families to continue working with students on reinforcing our school rules and expectations and to encourage your student to finish strong!
These final days are filled with exciting opportunities for both student celebrations and learning, and we want to ensure each student has an opportunity to participate fully with their classmates to finish out the 2022-23 school year.
As always, please reach out to your grade level Dean with any questions, and let's close out this year on a positive note!
Thank you!
WMS CLINIC CORNER
From the Clinic
As we prepare for next school year, please read the following.
- If your student has medication in the clinic, please work with Nurse Brenna to ensure the medication is picked up before the end of the school year.
- If your student is eligible and participating in extended school year Nurse Brenna will provide the staff with any doctor's orders and individualized healthcare plans but parents will be responsible for supplying medication to their ESY location.
- It is best practice for doctor's order to be updated at the beginning of every school year. Please follow this link to access blank copies of Colorado asthma and allergy actions plan, seizure action plan, and consent to give prescription medication form. https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/Health
- If your student receives any immunizations over the summer, please email an updated immunization record to Nurse Brenna at bgraves@cherrycreekschools.org
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
Summer Reading Program
WMS is excited to announce their summer reading program! Please see the West Middle School website for more information.https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/Page/115
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.
My student did not receive a Ride 360 RFID (bus card), how do I get one? My student has lost their Ride 360 RFID (bus card), how do I get a replacment?
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:
If you have questions about the replacement form for parents, please contact Brittany Legesse, our Card Coordinator, at this link: Brittany Legesse
CHERRY CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
Freshman Basketball Tryouts
Incoming Freshman!
Join us May 15th in the CCHS South Gym for boys basketball tryouts! Please arrive by 5:45pm for registration. See you all there!
James Hartsfield
Head Coach
CCHS Lunch with Principal Silva
Hello 8th grade parents.
I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Bonnie List, I along with Lori Hayutin run Principal's Lunch for Cherry Creek High School. Principals lunch is a meeting that is usually once a month on traditionally a Wednesday from 11:30am- 1:00pm. During this time the Principal Ryan Silva fills us in on what is going on at the school or anything that pertains to Creek. He also talks about testing schedules and dates of events on the school calendar. We then have the opportunity to ask him questions. It is a great way to know what is going on at the school and if you have any concerns to be heard.
On May 17th at 11:30 in the IC classroom, we are inviting you to join us at this meeting. We will be discussing what is going on for the end of the year and events for next year. We will also be saying goodbye to Lori who has a senior who as graduating and I will be introducing my new partner Corrine Gearhart. Coming to Creek can be overwhelming for anyone, so we are going to give you guys a tour around the campus, so make sure you bring those walking shoes. Additionally, the book store is offering a discount for those who wish to purchase Creek clothing for their children or themselves.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at Bonbonsel@gmail.com I look forward to seeing all of you at this meeting or the first meeting when school starts.
Thank you,
Bonnie Erdheim List
646-345-3313
CCSD Summer Sports Camps
Cherry Creek High School offers several activity and athletic camps for youth and incoming 9th graders in the summer. The following link will take you to all of the district options that are available. These camps are typically run by the staff at the high school, so you can be assured the instructors are properly trained and prepared for the camps. These camps also give the students a chance to meet their future schoolmates before they get to high school. Please contact us with any questions.
Click here to see all of the activities and athletics camps information!
Registration for the 2023 CCHS Football season is OPEN!!!
We will be sending out the links for 2023 registration and details in the coming weeks.
The Summer Program will begin June 5th and continue 8 weeks, with week 9 being an off week.
This is subject to change and we will keep the website (https://www.cherrycreekfootball.org) updated as well as provide further detail as it is available.
There are two options for payments this year -
Single Payment or Installment Plan
The link for either option is
CCHS Soccer Events for All Middle School Students and Incoming Freshman
Preseason
2023 Summer Kick-Arounds
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
*4-6pm Village Greens Fields
Incoming 9th-12th graders are welcome. No charge, no sign-up, no coaches. Kick-Arounds are run by the captains. Get in shape, have some fun, and show up when you can make it.
2023 Conditioning and Technical Skill Soccer Camp
Monday July 31-August 4th- Greenwood Village Fields
*Cherry Creek High School Soccer Coaches are conducting a preseason soccer camp the week before tryouts, July31-August 4th, 4-6 pm at the Greenwood Village Park Fields. This camp is open to incoming 9th-12 graders and includes conditioning, teaching individual drills, and fundamentals. This camp is optional but Highly Encouraged. There is a fee to participate. Register at Mile High Sports Camps.
Tryouts Fall 2023
August 7-11, 2023
4-5:30pm
Greenwood Village Fields
*Registration through the CCHS Athletics department is required to play any sport
Please visit our website for lots of information
For All Middle School Students 6-8 grades
Middle School Soccer and Incoming Freshman Camp
May 30-June 2
10am-12pm
Please visit https://www.milehighsportscamp to Register. There is a fee to participate
Free Middle School Soccer Clinic for 6-8th graders
May 17, 2023
4-5:30 pm
Greenwood Village Fields
Attention 8th graders! The Cherry Creek Field Hockey team wants YOU!
Field Hockey is a Fall Sport and is NO CUT for the CCHS C team! It’s a great way to meet new people, get involved, and play an awesome sport – no experience necessary!
- Please join us at Cherry Creek High School for a FIELD HOCKEY information night on Thursday, May 4th at 6pm in Shillinglaw.
- See the attached FLYER for more details regarding the information night, and other important dates, such as spring and summer camps.
- Also, please click HERE to join our information & distribution list!
We can’t wait for you to join us! GO CREEK FIELD HOCKEY!!!
Cherry Creek Summer Camp
Dear Middle School Students and Parents,
We would like to invite you to participate in the Cherry Creek HS Summer Performing Arts Camp. It is for rising 7th-9th grade band, choir, orchestra, and theater students. The camps are taught by the performing arts faculty at Cherry Creek HS. The camp will be filled with activities, workshops, and rehearsals culminating in a performance at the end of the week. The camp is June 5-9. Prior experience is required for band and orchestra. No prior experience needed for choir and theater. Please see attached flyer for more information. You can register at the website below for CCHS Acting, Band, Choir, Musical Theater, Orchestra, & Technical Theater. Students are welcome to participate in up to 2 camps – one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Morning camps: Acting, Band, Choir
Afternoon camps: Musical Theater, Orchestra, Technical Theater
milehighsportscamps.com
Please reach out with any questions!
Band: Tim Libby, tlibby@cherrycreekschools.org
Choir: Sarah Branton, sbranton@cherrycreekschools.org
Orchestra: Jennifer Poole, jpoole2@cherrycreekschools.org
Theater: Alex Burkart, aburkart@cherrycreekschools.org
CHERRY CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
Indigenous Graduate Celebration
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Legacy Stadium @ Cherokee Trail High School
26101 E ARAPAHOE RD
AURORA, CO 80016
CCHS Graduation Ceremony
May 24, 2023
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Stutler Bowl
9300 E Union Ave,
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Map Launch
#1: Map Launch – Check out our new updated map which highlights recent bond improvements made at your school and across the district! Many of the bond improvement projects outlined in our 2020 bond measure have been or are close to be successfully completed. Click to learn more and see what’s new at your school: www.cherrycreekschools.org/MappingOurFuture.
Back To School Information
Are you new to Cherry Creek Schools? Have you moved in the last 6 months? Take action now to make sure you’re ready for the 2023-24 school year!
1. New families! NOW is the time to enroll your child for the 2023-24 school year! We recommend new parents enroll as soon as possible to make sure you’re all set for next school year. Click here: https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/Page/13998 to enroll your student(s) today!
2. Have you moved? If so, click here:https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/Page/13767 to ensure an updated address is on file for your student(s).
3. If you’ve been contacted by your school’s registrar, please follow up with them as it could be about important enrollment information for next year.
If you have not recently moved and are currently enrolled and returning to CCSD in the fall, no action is required at this time.
Preschool Enrichment
Parents can now register for an optional, fee-based childcare program providing a quality experience for the other half of the Pre-Kindergarten day! These programs operate Monday-Thursday, 8:00-2:45. Lunch is included! Learn more https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/Page/14038