Smoky Hill Counseling Updates
January 2026
Hey Buffs!
Second semester is here! We hope that you had a wonderful break.
Upcoming Events
Morning and Lunchtime College Counseling Tuesday Workshops
- For: Juniors
Times: 7:45 - 8:15 am, 1st lunch and 2nd lunch (bring your lunch)
Where: College and Career Center
Cosmetology Open House
Are you interested in applying to the Cosmetology program next school year? If so, you must attend an open house at Colorado's Finest Salon and Spa Academy.
- When: January 15, 2026 at 4:30 pm OR February 09, 2026 5:30 pm
- Where: 300 W Chenango Ave. Englewood, CO 80110.
CCIC Open House
Are you interested in learning more about CCIC? Stop over at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus for their Open House to get a firsthand look at different programs that are being offered.
When: January 29, 2026 from 5:30-7:30pm
Where: 8000 South Chambers Road, centennial, CO 80112
Seniors: FAFSA Night
On Wednesday, February 4th the SHHS Counseling Department will be hosting a FREE workshop, with help from college financial aid professionals, to support students and parents with completing their FAFSA application. Click HERE to sign up and learn more.
Academics
CCIC and Pathways at Overland Application
Night School at Endeavor Academy
Registration for Night School is now open through January 16th for second semester. Night School is available for students who need Credit Recovery for a class that they previously failed, or for Grade Replacement for a class that they previously received a D in.
- Night School takes place on Monday and Wednesday nights from 4:45-6:45pm
- Night School costs $50. If students pass their night school class, they will have their fee refunded
- Semester 2 Course Offerings: Practical English/Grammar, Literature and Composition, Multicultural Literature, US History semester 1, American Government, Geometry semester 1, Algebra 1 semester 1, and Colorado Wildlife
- Reach out to your counselor for more information
PE Waivers
Students need 1.5 credits of PE to graduate. If students have participated in a sport through Smoky Hill, they are eligible to waive .5 credits of PE. Students can email their counselor for verification and to have these credits waived.
- Note, we can only waive a maximum of .5 credits of PE no matter how many sports students participate in.
Smoky Hill Make-up/Late Work Policy
Check out the Policy, here
College & Career Planning
Summer Enrichment Programs
Summer enrichment programs provide hands on educational opportunities to learn and grow in specific subjects, fields, and industry. Some of these programs are free while others may have a cost. See some local opportunities listed below:
College & Military Visits to Smoky HIll
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.
Who Can Attend?
Juniors and Seniors may attend visits during a class period. Students who attend in the College & Career Center may request a pass back to class afterward.
Freshmen and Sophomores are welcome to attend, but only during an off period.
Visit Details
Each session typically lasts 20–30 minutes.
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
Campus Visits
Campus Visits are a key step in your college or trade school journey. They help you experience the environment, meet people at the school, and discover where you feel most at home.
- Click HERE to learn more about campus visit opportunities in Colorado.
Scholarships
Interested in applying to scholarships? The Smoky Hill College & Career Center has put together a list of scholarships here. This is updated regularly, so be sure to keep checking back.
- The Retired Employees of Cherry Creek Schools (RECCS) Scholarship closes on February 20th. The three categories are Merit, Adversity, and Career-Tech. Apply here, or find the scholarship on our scholarship list.
FAFSA
SHHS Seniors: Are you going to a 4-year college, 2-year college or a trade school? The FAFSA application is now open. (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- What is the FAFSA? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that students complete to determine their eligibility for financial aid. This financial aid can include federal grants, work-study programs, and loans. Many states, colleges and trade schools also use the information from the FAFSA to award their own financial aid packages.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): Save on Out-of-State Tuition
Interested in attending out-of-state colleges at a significantly reduced tuition rate? Through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), partner schools agree to charge no more than 150% of their in-state tuition—a major cost savings for Colorado students exploring options across the West.
Explore WUE Schools & Savings
Use the WUE Tuition Savings Finder to see how much you can save and compare programs across states
Financial Literacy
Why is teaching financial literacy important? Financial literacy is essential for all students, regardless of their background or future career path. It equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of personal finance, make informed decisions, and achieve financial security. Below are hyperlinks to resources for parents:
Application Support
Counselors and Teachers are offering weekly sessions to help students with college applications, scholarship applications, and for support with apprenticeships, trade schools, or military pathways.
- When: Every Monday and Wednesday
- Time: 7:45-8:15 am
- Where: College and Career Center
Parent Technology Resources
Naviance
Naviance is a college and career planning platform that supports students in exploring their interests, researching colleges, tracking applications, and more. It also provides parents/guardians resources to support their students postsecondary planning.
PowerSchool and Schoology
PowerSchool and Schoology work together to store data about our students and to support their learning. Please click here for more information on how these forms of technology can help you and your student.