WEST WILDCAT NEWS
August 15th, 2025
Hello Wildcats,
What an exciting first week we’ve had! The energy, smiles, and enthusiasm from our students, staff, and families have set such a positive tone for the year ahead. It has been a joy to see the school come alive with learning and to watch students reconnect with friends, and get to know their new teachers.
I also want to share my appreciation for the wonderful turnout at Back to School Night. It was such a pleasure to meet so many of you, receive such warm welcomes, and begin getting to know the incredible West community.
We encourage all parents and guardians to read our bi-weekly newsletter, as we will use it to share upcoming events, important information, and to celebrate the wonderful things happening at West.
Finally, thank you for your patience and heightened awareness as we’ve practiced adhering to our new drop-off and pick-up locations. Your cooperation is making a real difference in ensuring the highest level of safety for our students who ride the bus and for all who travel to and from school each day.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Principal Burkett
We’re excited to launch Cups & Conversations with our principal, Aspen Burkett! This is a welcoming opportunity for families to connect, share ideas, and ask questions while enjoying a cup of tea or lemonade together. Our first gathering will be held on Monday, August 25th at 5:00 PM, just one hour before our PTCO meeting at 6:00 PM. We hope this will encourage more parent and community involvement in our PTCO and help strengthen the partnership between home and school. We look forward to seeing you there!
Welcome Back, Wildcats!
The Security Team is excited to see everyone for another safe and successful school year. As we get started, please remember these important safety procedures:
- Please bring a valid photo ID when checking out a student.
- Please be on the approved emergency contact list if you are checking out a student who is not your own. If you are not on the list, an authorized parent/guardian must call 720-554-5174 to speak with a Security Specialist, who will verify your identity and note the verbal approval.
- If you plan on having a consistent person that is not yourself pick up your child, please update the Guardian Tile on you my.cherrycreek. If you need to know how to do this, please check out our FAQ's.
- Use the intercom system at the main entrance to enter the building. Please do not follow someone in without checking in yourself. For safety and access control, every visitor must stop and use the intercom.
- For student safety and building security, please be prepared to answer verification questions to gain access into the building.
Thank you for helping keep our school safe!
Our safety team has observed a growing concern during drop-off and pick-up times last year. Vehicles parked along the curb of the Southeast parking lot driveway (by the tennis courts) are creating a significant safety hazard. The congestion is forcing both parents and school buses to cross the double yellow line into oncoming traffic in order to pass—creating an extremely dangerous situation for everyone.
To alleviate this back-up and ensure our school buses are able to safely reach their designated pick-up locations, we will have a new flow for traffic for this 2025-2026 school year.
What does this mean for you?
We kindly ask that you follow the map and instructions below.
Please see the map below for guidance on where to drop-off/pick-up:
6th and 7th Grade: “East Loop”
- East side of the building, enter by going Southbound on Holly Street, circle through the loop, exit by going South Bound on Holly Street
Do NOT turn into this loop from Northbound Holly Street
8th Grade: “Main Entrance”
Enter at the light on Greenridge Road, past the west side of the tennis courts, circle through “staff parking lot”, exit through the light onto Holly Street
Please remember to drop off your child, and then continue moving forward. If you need to park, please use the parking lot, as the drop off and pick up should be seamless.
*WMS Community is encouraged to use the Greenwood Community Church Parking lot, and have their students use the crosswalk (highlighted in pink)*
*Anything marked in red is a “no park zone”*
We appreciate your support in ensuring a safe pick-up and drop-off experience for everyone in our WMS community.
If you have any questions, please contact the WMS Main Office at 720-554-5160.
Parents'/Guardians' guide for the first week of middle school
The first week of middle school marks a significant transition for both students and parents/guardians. Here's what parents/guardians can expect and how they can best support their middle schoolers:
1. Navigating the new environment…or returning to a familiar one
- Be Prepared: Middle school is a bigger, more complex environment. Encourage healthy risk-taking such as raising a hand in class, introducing themselves to someone new or trying a new sport or activity after school.
- Establish Routines: Help your child develop routines for packing their backpack, completing homework, and preparing for the next day.
- Encourage Independence: Foster self-advocacy by encouraging your child to address questions and concerns with teachers directly and seek out support from trusted adults when needed.
2. Academics and organization
- Organization is Key: Middle school requires strong organizational skills. Help your child implement a system for managing assignments, notes, and materials, using binders, folders, or planners.
- Monitor Progress: Check PowerSchool/Schoology or communicate with teachers regularly to stay informed about your child's academic progress and upcoming tests and assignments.
- Support Homework Habits: Provide a quiet, distraction-free study space. Talk about homework expectations and check in regularly to make sure assignments are being completed.
- Encourage Reading: Regular reading – 20 minutes daily is suggested – can significantly impact academic success.
3. Social and emotional adjustments
- Listen Actively: Middle school can be socially and emotionally challenging. Encourage open communication and be available to listen without judgment when your child wants to talk about their day or feelings.
- Promote Involvement: Encourage your child to join clubs, sports, or other activities to build friendships and feel more connected to the school community.
- Address Concerns: If you notice signs of anxiety, bullying, or other social difficulties, discuss them with your child and don't hesitate to reach out to teachers or counselors for support.
- Maintain Routines & Support Healthy Habits: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats nutritious meals, and engages in regular physical activity. This helps them manage stress and maintain focus.
4. Parents'/Guardians' well-being
- Manage Your Own Anxiety: Children are sensitive to their parents'/guardians' emotions. Work on managing your own anxieties about this new phase in your child’s development.
- Seek Support: Remember that you don't have to navigate this alone. Connect with other parents/guardians, join parent/guardian groups, or seek professional counseling if needed.
Remember, middle school is a time of growth and change for both children and parents/guardians. By being supportive, organized, and communicative, you can help your child thrive during this exciting and challenging period!
RIDING THE BUS
Transportation is required by CDE Regulations to account for all students on the bus and unauthorized passengers are not permitted. However, the Transportation Department recognizes that circumstances may arise, e.g. a family emergency, parents out of town, etc., when a student needs to ride home with another student on a one-time only basis. The student must get off at the assigned stop of the student they are riding with (no exceptions).
Make sure to fill out and turn in the linked Permission Slip to the Campus Admins office no later than 9:00 AM on the requested ride date. Forms can be printed and handed to the Campus Admins Assistant. Hard copies of the form can be picked up from the Campus Admins office if they are needed but must be picked up prior to the day they need to ride a different bus. No emails will be accepted. If there is an emergency, please call the Campus Admins office at 720-554-5155.
From the Clinic:
Medications at WMS
Students are not allowed to carry any medication on their person at school, with the exception of a student with a self-carry agreement who is able to do so determined by the physician, parents/guardians, and school nurse.
Prescription medication (including epi pens and inhalers) may only be given at school if it is brought to the clinic in its original container, accompanied by a “Consent for Prescription/Homeopathic Medication at School” form or specific condition action plan. The required forms must be signed by both the student’s physician and parent/guardian and are available online and in the clinic. Consent for prescription medication forms and action plans expire twelve months after the date the medical provider signed. See CCSD Board Policy JLCD and CCSD Board Policy JLCC for more information.
Permission to receive over the counter medication is completed in the PowerSchool Parent Forms in my.cherrycreekschools.org, and must be renewed annually.
Over the counter medication available in the WMS clinic includes...
Antibiotic ointment or cream
Anti-itch cream (diphenhydramine)
Saline eye drops/Wash
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Antihistamine (Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Cough Medication (guaifenesin and/or dextromethorphan) - only if provided by parent/guardian
How sick is too sick?
If your student is seen in the WMS clinic and is too sick to remain at school you will be notified by WMS Clinic Staff.
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to follow the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) How Sick is Too Sick? / (¿Qué tan enfermo es demasiado enfermo?)
Common symptoms of illness in students such as fever, diarrhea, and vomiting should be fully resolved for 24 hours (without the use of medication) before a student should return to school.
For more detailed information on infectious disease, please go to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's website and read the Infectious Diseases in Child Care and School Settings guidelines.
Immunizations
Colorado law requires students who attend school to be vaccinated against many of the diseases vaccines can protect against, unless a Certificate of Exemption is filed. For more information, visit https://cdphe.colorado.gov/immunization-policy-and-board-health-rules. Before a student’s first day of school, families are responsible for providing an up-to-date immunization record, an in-process plan, or a Certificate of Exemption to each school the student attends. An in-process plan is written by your student’s immunizing provider and shows that your student is following the ACIP schedule to catch up on missing dose(s) of one or more school-required vaccines.
If your student cannot get vaccines for medical reasons, you must submit a Certificate of Medical Exemption to your school. If you choose not to have your student vaccinated for nonmedical reasons, you must submit a Certificate of Nonmedical Exemption to your school. Nonmedical exemptions must be submitted on an annual basis. Find more information about exemptions at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/exemptions-to-school-required-vaccines.
Immunization Clinics
Arapahoe County Public Health (ACPH) immunization clinics are up and running!
ACPH offers low or no-cost vaccinations to children covered by Medicaid as well as those who are under or uninsured. Please call 303-734-5445 to schedule an appointment.
Aurora Clinic: 15400 E 14th Place (Chambers and Colfax), appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Englewood Clinic: 4857 S Broadway (Belleview and Broadway), appointments on Mondays and Wednesdays
Vaccine questions: For specific questions regarding routine vaccines, immunizations schedules, routine immunization clinics or for assistance translating an overseas immunization record please contact the ACPH immunization department at immunizations@arapahoegov.com.
Insert attached Shots for Tots and Teens Flyer
STRIDE School-Based Community Health Centers
CCSD has partnered with STRIDE Community Health to establish three standalone, school-based community health centers (SBCHCs) at Horizon Community Middle School, Overland High/Prairie Middle school campus, and Smoky Hill High School. These STRIDE SBCHCs will offer students, their families, the community, and staff more comprehensive and equitable primary clinic healthcare options.
If your child will be absent, please call the WMS Attendance Line to report the absence:
- For students with last names A-L, call 720-554-5110
- For students with last names M-Z, call 720-554-5111
As we approach the winter months and weather conditions may lead to late arrivals, please be sure to call the attendance line to report any changes to your child’s schedule. We appreciate your patience as we work through attendance calls as they come in, especially during snowy or inclement weather.
Please note, if a student is marked as tardy or unexcused absent, automated phone calls will be sent at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM daily to notify families.
- If you believe there has been an error in your child’s attendance, or if you need assistance, please contact the WMS Attendance Clerk at 720-554-5109.
Thank you for your cooperation, Wildcats!
Wildcat Drama
Attention ALL students interested in being a part of Wildcat Drama! We will have our information meeting on Tuesday, August 26 in the Cafeteria. From 3:45-4:45, we will have student information specifically about the Fall Play and Unified Theatre. Then from 5:00-6:00, we will have a family info meeting and ice cream social and talk about all of your theatre opportunities for the year! We hope to see you there!
Any questions? Check our Website bit.ly/wmsdrama or email Mrs. Brickley jbrickley@cherrycreekschools.org
Calling all writers, photographers, and graphics designers…Yearbook Club needs your skills! Join us on Mondays after school in A212! Members will receive training and assignments to cover various school activities, take photos, conduct interviews, write stories, and digitally design pages. Your skills will carry you into yearbook at West next year or into yearbook club at your high school. Let’s go!
📚 Yearbooks for Sale ! 📚
The Yearbook Club is working to make sure this year's memories are captured in the most special way! From classroom moments to sporting events, performances, and everything in between, we are dedicated to documenting every milestone and memory.
Don't miss out on getting your copy of this year’s yearbook! Order your yearbook by pressing the button below so that you and your student can relive all the unforgettable moments from the year.
Not sure if you’ve already ordered a yearbook?
Email our yearbook sponsor, Caroline Rose Wheeler, to double-check!
REMINDER: NO CELL PHONES!
Phone are to be OFF and OUT OF SIGHT from the time you enter the building, until 3:45pm.
Students who need to communicate a message to their parents during the day will be directed to send an email or use an office phone.
Parents who need to communicate with their student(s) are encouraged to send an email or leave a message with Security (720-554-5174) or the Main Office (720-554-5160).
Please refer to the student handbook for any questions regarding Electronic Devices.
