Buff Newsletter

First, I would like to express my gratitude for making Homecoming Week such a joyous success! From the spirited dress-up days and hallway decorations to the parade, football game, and dance, your energy and pride were on full display. I’m grateful to our students for their enthusiasm and leadership, to our staff for their guidance and hard work, to our families and alumni for their unwavering support, and to the many volunteers who contributed their time and effort. You exemplified what it means to be Buffs—welcoming, spirited, and united. As we head into the new school week, I’m excited for the learning, growth, and connections ahead. Let’s carry this positive momentum into our classrooms and activities—showing up ready to learn, supporting one another, and continuing the traditions that make Smoky Hill special. Thank you again for all you do for our school. Here’s to a great week ahead! With gratitude, Dr. Andre Bala Principal

Monday 9/22 RED DAY + Restorative Practices Night (5 - 6:30 pm)

Tuesday 9/23 GREEN DAY

Wednesday 9/24 RED DAY + Advisory

Thursday 9/25 GREEN DAY + Parent Teacher Conference Night (4 - 7 pm)

Friday 9/26 Red Day

Want to learn about what Restorative Practices looks and feels like at Smoky Hill?

Want to see how Restorative Practices impacted our last school year?

Come join us on Monday, September 22nd from 5:00 - 6:00 pm for some food and conversation!

Light refreshments, babysitters and interpreters will be provided. Please click here to RSVP.

For questions, please reach out to Bri Woods, Campus Administrator and Restorative Practice Coordinator - bwoods13@cherrycreekschools.org.

Cherry Creek School District conducts universal social and emotional (SEL) screening to support student wellbeing. This upcoming survey helps students report their social-emotional progress and guides staff in responses to areas of need.

Smoky Hill HS Fall Screening Date:

• Wednesday September 24 during Advisory

Important Information:

• Additional Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Available at this site, including the survey questions.
• Results: Available upon request after Fall break.
• Follow-up: School staff will contact families if significant needs are identified
• Questions: Contact Diana Rarich, SEL Coordinator, at SELScreener@cherrycreekschools.org

Opt-Out Option: Click here to indicate that you don't want your child to participate.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting your student's wellbeing.

When: Thursday, September 25, 2025

Time: 4 pm - 7 pm

Location: Smoky Hill HS EAST and WEST Gyms | 16100 E Smoky Hill Rd, Aurora CO 80015

This is a great opportunity for an in-person discussion with your student(s)' teachers. You'll learn about your child(ren)'s strengths and areas for growth. Ask your student for their schedule. PowerSchool will also be available for you to access your student’s schedule. If you have any questions, please call 720-886-5447.

A new school year is here! We bet you’re already full of pride.

Give the gift of a yearbook to make their big moments even more special. Order their 2026 yearbook today! RESERVE A COPY

Yearbooks are sold on a first-come basis and while supplies last.

What is Star?

Guidance on how to read the Star Student Report is available here and is also translated.

Translated versions of the directions below can be found here

For questions specific to the report, please have them speak with their student’s teacher.

For questions about missing reports (for students who took the Star assessments), please have them email assessment@cherrycreekschools.org

Student Government did a fantastic job planning for this year's Buffchella Homecoming celebrations! Follow Smoky Hill on Instagram for glimpse into our great week of fun.

In the month of August, Ellen had:

• .840 batting avg,
• .750 on base percentage
• 1.000 Fielding percentage

It's that time of year again 😁 On September 24 and 25, Culinary Essentials 1 students' collaboration, design, and execution skills will be highlighted for an in school Cupcake Wars Competition! Just like in the show, students will have to incorporate secret ingredients into their cupcakes and predict how it will impact their final product. No veggies were chosen as secret ingredients this year. We'll share the winning cupcakes next week!

We will be administering the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and the PSAT/NMSQT to our 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students on Wednesday October 8. This assessment is an important step in preparing for college admissions, scholarships, and future opportunities. For juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT is also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

To help students feel confident and perform their best, we encourage juniors to take advantage of free preparation resources:

• Learn more about the PSAT/NMSQT and why it matters: College Board – PSAT/NMSQT Overview
• Access FREE personalized, high-quality practice: Khan Academy – SAT & PSAT Prep

Naviance is a web-based college and career planning platform that supports SHHS students in exploring their interests, researching colleges and scholarships, and preparing for life after high school. It also provides parents/guardians with access to resources that help them stay informed and actively support their student’s postsecondary planning.

Parents/guardians no longer need a separate username or password to access Naviance. Simply log in to my.cherrycreekschools.org, search for the Naviance Parent tile, and click to be directed to the parent view of your student’s Naviance account. If you have more than one student, you will be able to toggle between accounts.

If you previously used a Naviance Parent login, please disregard it and use this new, simplified access method instead.

Exploring campuses is a key step in your college or trade school journey. It’s not just about touring buildings—it’s about experiencing the environment, meeting the people, and discovering where you feel most at home.

While many families choose to visit during summer or school breaks, there’s also great value in visiting while classes are in session. Doing so allows you to get a true sense of the energy, community, and day-to-day life on campus. Both options can help you decide which schools may be the best fit for you.

To help you get started, we’ve included links to campus visit opportunities at colleges and universities across Colorado. You can also Click here for tips on how to get the most out of each visit.

Wishing you the best as you explore your options.

Between September and May, Smoky Hill will host more than 150 colleges, universities, and military recruiters on campus. These visits are a valuable opportunity for students to learn more about postsecondary options and connect directly with admissions representatives and/or recruiters.

Who Can Attend?

• Juniors and Seniors may attend visits during a class period. Students who attend the College and Career Center (CCC) may request a pass back to class afterward. Students should check with their teachers before missing class to attend a visit, and then sign in on the appropriate attendance sheet when they come to the CCC.

• Freshmen and Sophomores are welcome to attend, but only during an off period.

Visit Details

• Each session typically lasts 20–30 minutes.

• The weekly schedule is emailed every Friday by Ms. Marquita Millard, College & Career Specialist.

• New visits are added daily, so check the schedule often for the most up-to-date information.

📅 Click here for the updated list of upcoming visits: College & Military Visit Schedule

The Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) Fall Open House is coming up next week! Come explore CCSD’s state-of-the-art facility and learn about our globally-recognized high school program.

Date: Tuesday, September 30

Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm - Drop-in Format

Location: 8000 S. Chambers Road, Centennial, 80112

Who Should Attend:

What to Expect:

• Explore the facility: All hands-on CCIC learning spaces will be open! Some highlights to see:

• Auto & Aviation Bays showcasing cars & planes
• Pilot simulator lab
• Construction Bay where students build homes for Habitat for Humanity
• Computer Labs featuring CCIC’s robot dog
• Health-care simulation spaces
• High-tech manufacturing and product design labs
• Meet & Greet: Connect with CCIC teachers and student ambassadors
• CCIC 2.0 Showcase: Meet teachers leading CCIC’s new programs and participate in hands-on learning opportunities
• Concurrent/Dual Enrollment: Learn about college credit opportunities
• Work-Based Learning: Real-world opportunities for high school students
• Future Educator Program: CCSD’s apprenticeship program for students interested in exploring careers in education.

About CCIC:

Celebrating its seventh year, the CCIC stands as a premier Career & Technical Education (CTE) center where excellence in education meets innovation in industry. CCIC is for CCSD high school students in grades 10-12. Our curriculum focuses on practical skills and industry certifications across diverse fields such as computer sciences, aviation, and health and wellness. The CCIC bridges the gap between high school education, higher learning, and high-demand careers, to allow students to pursue their Pathway of Purpose.

For more information, please visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/recovery

The More You Know…

• Alcohol: Still The Most Common

Despite the rise of new substances, alcohol remains the most commonly used drug among teenagers. Social events, peer pressure, and easy access can make drinking seem like a normal part of teen life. However, alcohol use can impair judgment, memory, and emotional regulation, especially in developing brains. Parents play a critical role in modeling responsible behavior and setting clear expectations

• Prescription Drug Misuse

Teens may misuse prescription drugs to cope with stress, stay awake for studying, or try to relax. Commonly misused medications include stimulants (like Adderall) and sedatives (like Xanax). Keep prescriptions locked up and dispose of unused medications properly. Start a conversation with your child about why prescription medications should never be shared or used without a doctor’s direction.

Did you know Cherry Creek School District has an Adolescent Substance Use Prevention, Intervention, Resources & Education (ASPIRE) Team of school health professionals that supports students and school communities with substance use prevention, intervention and education? If you feel your child is in need of support, reach out to your school for more information.

Morgan Craft, LCSW, LAC | Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

mcraft@cherrycreekschools.org | 720-886-5508

Requirements to get out of FAST:

• October 8th at 4pm is the deadline cut off for grades. Any Ds or Fs will result in staying in FAST for 2nd quarter.
• Students must have an 85% daily attendance rate to get out of FAST.
• Students who have been out of school suspended will return for 2nd quarter.

October 1, 2025: Deadline to register for the exam in AP Classroom and/or to submit Free/Reduced Lunch documentation for a fee reduction.

October 31, 2025: Main registration and payment deadline. After this date, a $40 late fee will be applied to each exam, bringing the cost to $140.

March 1, 2026: Last date for any cancellations, less the cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued after this date.

AP Exams: May 4-8 & May 11-15, 2025 (Smoky Hill's AP & IB Exam Schedule)

Call 2 Action (our Smoky Hill activism class) is here to announce the reopening of Buff's Pantry!

As a class, we have aimed to make a difference in our Smoky Hill community, and we decided to do this by creating a safe space where students can receive the food and hygiene products they need on a weekly basis. We offer multiple types of food, whether it’s canned/boxed or just quick snacks, hygiene products, baby products (diapers/wipes), and clothes/shoes. We receive donations from SECOR, the local community, students, and our CCSD district Food Pantry Liaisons. Last year, we were able to serve 70 families in total. Our goal is to limit food insecurity and strengthen our school holistically.

Weekly, as students scan the QR codes that are placed in every classroom and around the school and we receive orders in the Google Form, Call 2 Action students will create individualized bags for each student. They will then deliver them to the counseling office. Students will be called to the counseling office to pick up their bags. Our hope is to reduce any shame that comes with needing support by keeping this process as anonymous as possible.

Here is the Buff's Pantry Google form link for you to fill out with your needs:

https://forms.gle/NoraXVqzbxUYT4B8A

Check us out on the news!!

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/aurora-smoky-hill-high-school-social-justice-class-buffs-food-pantry/

If you wish to donate:

We are in need of the following items if you have any spare stock in your home or wish to purchase items from our list:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2O6R74E3W2244?ref_=wl_share

Also, you can have your student drop these off at the main office or bring them to Mrs. Ogide's room (1-11). We will also be running donation drives throughout the year. Stay tuned!

How our staff is supporting your student at school:

Call 2 Action asked our staff to help support our Buff's Pantry by spreading awareness with the QR code tents that were placed in their mailboxes. This is for them to extend to a student to scan if they confide in them about a need in their life. Our wish is that through the connections they foster with your students, the better we can serve Smoky.

Adult ESL Classes – Free for parents in the Cherry Creek School District!

For questions or more information, please call the Learning Source at 720-291-1345 or email marilyn@thelearningsource.org

Please join us for a celebration of unstoppable joy as we induct this year's awardees!!

November 4th, 2025

11am-1pm

The safety and well-being of our students is of high priority. As such, the accurate monitoring of attendance is imperative to be able to account for students at all times. Please follow the procedures below.

• Send a text message through the Talking Points app,
• Step 1 - Open Talking Point and select New Message
• Step 2 - Scroll to the bottom of the list and select Smoky Hill High School (under School Admins)
• Step 3 - Include this information in your message: STUDENT'S NAME, the DATE and TIMES of the absence, the REASON your student is missing class.
• If any of the above information is missing or indecipherable, your student's attendance may not be updated.
• Call the Attendance Voicemail line prior to 2:00 p.m. on the day of the absence.
• English: Attendance Voicemail- 720-886-5450
• Spanish Attendance VoicemailVoicemail- 720-886-5455
• When leaving a voicemail message on the attendance line, please include the following:
• STUDENT'S NAME (please SPELL OUT the LAST NAME)
• YOUR NAME and PHONE NUMBER
• the DATE and TIMES of the absence
• the REASON your student is missing class

NOTE:

• Please inform us of changes in home or work phone numbers.
• Absences that are not excused within 48 hours will require a Dean’s approval for changing an absence to “Excused.” ONLY 48 HOURS TO EXCUSE AN ABSENCE.
• If your student needs to be dismissed early from class, have him/her bring a note written by a parent or guardian to the Attendance Office prior to the start of the school day. This is to help reduce disruptions in the classroom.
• Students who leave without following the above procedure may be marked “Unexcused.”
• In the event that a student becomes ill at school and needs to go home, he/she must either:
• Report to the clinic.
• The nurse will phone a parent/guardian and obtain permission.
• Have a parent/guardian call and give permission to the Main Office at the time the student is leaving.

Responses to Absences:

• Missing only four (4) days or 17 class periods a quarter classifies your student as Chronically Absent by the State of Colorado.
• Students who have unexcused absences will receive consequences that include, but are not limited to:
• Academic Re-engagement(s)
• Family Meeting(s)
• Being Placed on Attendance Support Plans
• Guardian Shadows
• Loss of privilege(s)
• Medical Note Requirement
• Truancy Court Referral

Minga is a secure digital platform that provides students with a virtual ID card, allows for hall pass tracking, and improves event and club communication. It’s designed to reduce classroom disruptions, support our staff in knowing where students are during the school day, and provide students with easier access to school resources and information.

How is Smoky Hill using Minga?

• Digital IDs: Students will use their phones to access their school ID, which they’ll scan to enter after school events. (Your student will need a physical I.D. for the school day.)

• Hall Passes: Teachers will issue digital hall passes, giving staff real-time information about students who are outside the classroom.

• Accountability & Safety: By having accurate and immediate visibility, Smoky Hill can better support student safety, reduce hallway wandering, clear bathrooms and respond quickly to concerns within the building.

• Engagement: Minga will also be used to highlight school events, announcements, and student celebrations to build a stronger sense of community. Minga will also support tickets for homecoming and prom.
  
  

Why are we implementing Minga?

What should families know?

• Students receive Minga training and login instructions at school.

• Minga is FERPA compliant.

• Students and staff are expected to use Minga as the hall pass system and violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action(s).

For more information visit https://minga.io/

9/12/25, 9/5/25, 8/29/25