Cresthill Cougar Courier
August 24th, 2026
September 14th, 2026
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
September 21st: Teacher Professional Development (No School For Students)
September 22nd: HRHS Spirit Parade for Students (AM Assembly Schedule)
September 22nd-26th: HRHS Homecoming Week/CMS Dress Up Week (More Details To Come)
October 7th: School Accountability Meeting - 5:00-7:00
October 9th: End of First Quarter
October 12th-16th: Fall Break (School Closed)
October 19th: Beginning of 2nd Quarter
October 21st: Student Photo Retake Day (Photos taken during lunch periods)
October 23rd: Highlands Ranch High School Trunk or Treat Street
October 28th: Highlands Ranch High School Future Falcon Showcase
October 30th: Cresthill Sensory Friendly Trick or Treat Street - 5:00-7:00
Team/Classroom Information
Grading and Reporting Practices at CMS
If you are unsure of the grading and reporting practices of Cresthill -- and, for example, why it looks like your student has a 3 out of 100 for a grade in a class! -- check out the video and presentation below. You will get clarification on what you and your child will see in their Infinite Campus gradebook and understand a lot better why and how we grade as a Standards-Based Grading school.
Check this out:
- Grading Practices at CMS & Infinite Campus Gradebook Clarifications
- Grading at Cresthill (CMS Website)
- Standards-Based Grading Presentation
If you have any questions, please let us know or reach out directly to our Professional Learning Specialist, Mr. Wakefield, at mdwakefield@dcsdk12.org.
New and Important
Help Showcase What Makes DCSD Great! Share Your Positive Experiences!
We know how much pride you take in supporting your individual school, and we’d love your help in sharing that enthusiasm with future DCSD families.
Online platforms like Niche.com and GreatSchools.org are where many families look when choosing a school community. By leaving a review about your positive school experiences, you can help showcase the great work happening in our DCSD schools and highlight the dedication of our DCSD staff, students and families.
Here’s how you can help:
Visit Niche.com or GreatSchools.org
Search for your school’s name.
Click “Write a Review” and share what makes your school special (programs, teachers, community spirit or events that stand out).
Your words make a difference! Honest, positive reviews help strengthen our district reputation and attract more families to our wonderful district!
Student Photo Reminders
If you need to order pictures or need assistance, please contact Dorian Studios @ mydorianstudio.com or 800-826-3535.
Our picture make up day is scheduled for October 21st during lunch periods for anyone who did not like their first picture or missed the original picture day.
If you have already ordered photos and made the order before the school shipping deadline, they will be sent home by the end of this week.
Athletics
- 6th and 7th Grade Girls Volleyball
- 7th and 8th Grade Coed Flag Football
TRYOUTS AND TEAM PLACEMENT
Tryouts and team placement begin on the first day of practice, Monday, September 14. However, our coaches begin paying attention from the moment athletes arrive. Skill is important, but it is only one part of the process. Coaches will also look for effort, energy, attitude, coachability, and a willingness to be part of something bigger than themselves.
SPORTS PHYSICALS
Every athlete must have a current sports physical on file with the school before participating in warm-ups, drills, tryouts, practices, or any other physical activity. Athletes without an updated physical may attend and listen to the coaches, but they will not be allowed to physically participate.
If you have questions, please visit the CMS Athletics webpage or contact our Athletics and Activities Secretary, Stephanie Young, at syoung13@dcsdk12.org or our AD Joe Wahl @jwahl1@dcsdk12.org
Please do not wait to take care of this. A missing or expired physical will delay your student-athlete’s ability to fully participate in practices and tryouts.
Registration Links:
- 8th COED Flag Football- https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZHVZS5TX305OUU_ZZ6AII8KYM5Q7MD
- 6th/7th Girls Volleyball-https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZHVZS5TX305OUU_ZZ6AII9UF92LZFO
COME SUPPORT OUR ATHLETES!
Student Council
Student Involvement
Hey Cougars!
Are you interested in cheering and dancing at home sporting events? If so, the Cresthill Spirit Squad is the perfect place for you! Our season will run from October through March. Please see the attached flyer and QR Code for more information! Questions? Reach out to Mrs. Messmer at: ejmessmer@dcsdk12.org
Transportation Information
🚌 Bus Route Cancellations For September 21st-September 25th: Route #3 - cancelled
🚌 Bus Route Cancellations For September 28th-October 2nd: Route #5- cancelled
"Did You Know"
General Cresthill Information
Highlands Ranch Highschool Happenings
Take A Tour At HRHS
It’s time to start looking ahead to high school! Tour registration is now open for Highlands Ranch High School. This is a great opportunity for you and your student to explore the campus, get a feel for the environment, ask questions about academics and extracurriculars, and meet key staff members. Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to register early to secure your preferred date and time.
Visit THIS LINK to view available time slots and sign up.
Douglas County Information
The Board of Education is considering a potential Mill Levy Override (MLO) for the November ballot. Take a look at the information below for more details.
Check out our funding website at www.dcsdk12.org/funding