Smoky Hill IBPA
September 2026 Newsletter
Freshmen:
10 – Check In with Mentors during BOTH lunches in Activities Hall
11 – Junior Induction Ceremony; 2:00 – 3:30pm in Auditorium
Sophomores:
11 – Personal Project Proposal/Criteria is due – approve needs to be complete
11 – Junior Induction Ceremony; 2:00 – 3:30pm in Auditorium
18 – Criteria Ai / Process Journal #1* / Criterion Aii due/ Process Journal #2* (check #1) Due (ManageBac)
23 – Big Meeting #2 for Personal Project from 7:35 – 8:15am in Lecture Center
Juniors:
1 & 3 – IB Exam Information Night for parents and students from 6:30pm – 7:30pm in Lecture Center (only need to attend one of the nights)
4 – CAS forms due to Mrs. Sheil
4 – EE Contract due to Library in the IB Basket
11 – EE Submission of ONE annotated subject guide with completed reflection questions
11 – Junior Induction Ceremony; 2:00 – 3:30pm in Auditorium
24 – EE Sources 1-3; annotated and notes taken in NoodleTools; Informal Reflection Space check in ManageBac
25 – CAS Proposal for Big Project due in ManageBac
Seniors:
1 - Final EE Due in ManageBac by 11:55PM
1 & 3 – IB Exam Information Night for parents and students from 6:30pm – 7:30pm in Lecture Center. (Only need to attend one of the nights.)
4 – CAS forms due to Mr. Hirschfeld
11 – Junior Induction Ceremony; 2:00 – 3:30pm in Auditorium
11 – EE Viva Voce have scheduled
30 - Reflection Meeting - Finished Viva Voce meeting by 4pm - 7:35am - 8:15am
Mrs. Emily Heinrich
Hello, Smoky Hill community! My name is Emily Heinrich, and I am thrilled to join Smoky Hill High School as the Instructional Support Administrator and MYP Coordinator. I bring more than 20 years of experience in education, including teaching math and science and serving as an instructional coach, digital learning coach, and IB MYP coordinator. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about supporting teachers, building meaningful relationships, and creating learning environments where every student feels known, challenged, and supported.
Outside of school, my husband and I are new empty nesters. We have two sons who reside in Colorado Springs with our furry granddogs. In my spare time, I enjoy fishing, reading, crafting, thrifting, and spending time near the water. I am excited to become part of the Smoky Hill community and look forward to getting to know our students, families, and staff. Go Buffs!
Communicators
We express ourselves condently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate e ectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
"The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives."
Tony Robbins
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
Know an incoming 9th grade student that could benefit from the MYP/IB Program, or one that would be a good fit? Encourage them to apply now!
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
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: Jacob Xu
IB Council also has an Instagram for events
and reminders: @shhsibcouncil
IB Council Prime Minister:
Mrs. Melissa Roberts-Brysh
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.
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:
Mr. Hirschfeld for Class of 2027
chirschfeld@cherrycreekschools.org
Ms. Sheil for Class of 2028
