Smoky Hill IBPA
March 2026 Newsletter
Important March Dates
Freshmen:
31st - Check In with Mentors during BOTH lunches in Activities Hall
Sophomores:
6th - Final Upload of Personal Project Report to ManageBac due
Juniors:
6th - EE Auraria Library Field Trip
31st - Mandatory IB Exams Meeting 7:45 - 8:10 AM in the Lecture Center
Seniors:
11th - Mandatory Senior CAS meeting 7:30 - 8:15 AM in the Lecture Center
NO SCHOOL
Into the mind of the IB Student
Your main IB support role is..
Important Personal Project Information
Making Changes
What is the same:
- You will STILL save your paper as a pdf.
- You will save it as firstintiallast name_FinalDraft (KSkowronski_FinalDraft).
- It is still due by March 6 at 11:59pm. You will still upload in ManageBac.
What is different:
- Where you go in ManageBac to upload the paper.
- Here is a link to a video of where to go: how to upload final draft in ManageBac.
How to Upload:
- Log into ManageBac.
- On the main page click on Project Deadlines, Personal Project (time says 11:55 but it is due by 11:59pm!!)
- This takes you to where you will upload the document (dropbox). Choose your file and upload.
- If you do NOT see the project deadlines, scroll down on that main page to the calendar. You'll see a link on March 6th and it'll take you to the dropbox.
PLEASE do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Do not forget to go to the help sessions tomorrow (2/26) or next Tuesday/Thursday (3/3 or 3/5) after school in the library!!
Walkthrough
IB Learner Profile of the Month
Risk-Takers
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
"If you are not willing to risk the unusual,
you will have to settle for the ordinary."
– Jim Rohn
IB DP Internal Assessment Timelines
Updated Policies
Families,
Thank you to all of our IB community members (staff, students, and families) for their feedback on the updated IB policies. We have taken your feedback and have finalized the policies.
You are encouraged to review the policies, as these are in effect as of February 2026.
- IB Academic Integrity Policy (Next review January 2028)
- IB Access and Admissions Policy (Next review February 2028)
- IB Assessment Policy (Next review March 2028)
- IB Complaint and Concern Process (Reviewed contingent BOE policy updates)
- IB Inclusion Policy (Next review April 2028)
- IB Language Policy (Next review January 2027)
They are also available on the Smoky Hill Website's International Baccalaureate page, on the right side.
Mr. Chris Ritchie
critchie@cherrycreekschools.org
Refer a Friend
Know an 8th grade student that could benefit from the MYP/IB Program, or one that would be a good fit? Encourage them to apply now!
We Need Pictures!
Have any pictures from the MYP or DP events? Does your child have any pictures with their IB friends?
Submit them to Mrs. Bacan for a chance to be featured in our recruitment and event flyers!
abacan@cherrycreekschools.org
Smoky Hill High School Middle Years & Diploma IB Programs
IB Council
IB Council meets 3:40-4:15 pm room #1-31 every Wednesday.
This optional club plans events/hangouts/ fundraisers and connects/supports our IB students. For students who want to be involved please join us (no need to sign up just show up!).
If you have questions please email the current
IB Council President: Ariel Suoo
asuoo@cherrycreekschools.org
IB Council also has an Instagram for events
and reminders: @shhsibcouncil
IB Council Prime Minister:
Mrs. Melissa Roberts-Brysh
mrobertsbrysh@cherrycreekschools.org
Personal Project - Extended Essay - CAS
Personal Project
The IBMYP personal project is a student-driven inquiry into an area of personal interest, culminating in a significant product and a detailed report. This long-term project encourages students to become principled, lifelong learners by providing them with the opportunity to explore a passion and reflect on their growth. Ultimately, the personal project showcases their ability to plan, create, and evaluate a meaningful piece of work independently
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our Personal Project Coordinators and Liaison:
Mr. Corrado
mcorrado2@cherrycreekschools.org
Mrs. Skowronski
kskowronski2@cherrycreekschools.org
Mrs. Kourey
akourey@cherrycreekschools.org
Extended Essay
Extended Essay (EE) is an independent, self-directed research paper on a topic chosen by the student. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery, and creativity while engaging students in personal research. This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing of up to 4,000 words. This is completed during the student's senior year with the supervision of a teacher whom they select.
The coordinators meet with the IBDP Juniors once a month in their IB English 11 class (1st semester) and in their TOK class (2nd semester). Please refer to the Schoology class for Extended Essay and PowerSchool.
FIELD TRIP: There is a research trip planned for March 6 to the Auraria Campus Library.
Coordinators
Mrs. Harmon
kharmon4@cherrycreekschools.org
Mrs. Keller
ckeller12@cherrycreekschools.org
CAS
IB Students are required to have Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experiences for and 18-month timeframe. This requires students to take part in a range of student service-learning experiences, activities, and projects. During the span of their junior and senior years, students must document CAS experiences in ManageBac.
The coordinators hold meetings at the beginning of the year to provide information about CAS to the students. They are always available via email or in their offices when not in class. Please refer to the Schoology class for Epic Volunteer and PowerSchool.
CAS Coordinators:
Ms. Sheil for Class of 2026
ksheil@cherrycreekschools.org
Mr. Hirschfeld for Class of 2027
chirschfeld@cherrycreekschools.org
Looking Ahead to April
Important Dates to Remember
Freshmen:
21st - IB MYP Personal Project Showcase from 6pm - 7pm (5-6pm setup) in Activities Hall
21st - IB MYP Personal Project Recognition Ceremony from 7pm – 8:30pm in Auditorium
Sophomores:
Early April – Receive Personal Project scores
21st - IB MYP Personal Project Showcase from 6pm - 7pm (5-6pm setup) in Activities Hall
21st - IB MYP Personal Project Recognition Ceremony from 7pm – 8:30pm in Auditorium
Juniors:
4th - EE Researcher’s Reflection Space check in ManageBac
24th - EE COMPLETE EE first draft uploaded to ManageBac
28th –30th – IB Exams 7am to 5pm throughout the building
Seniors:
1st - Mandatory IB Senior Exams and Senior Ceremony Meeting 7:45 - 8:10am in the Lecture Center
17th - CAS hours and reflections entered in ManageBac are DUE & Senior summary uploaded
28th –30th – IB Exams 7am to 5pm throughout the building