Smoky Hill Buffaloes Newsletter

Smoky Hill Community,

Thank you for making Wish Week amazing! Because of our students, staff, families, and community partners, the week was filled with energy, generosity, and true Smoky Hill pride. Wish Week is more than events and fundraising; it reflects who we are: a community that shows up for others with heart and purpose.

As we transition into February, we also recognize and honor Black History Month, a time that matters deeply at Smoky Hill High School and across our nation. Black history is not separate from American history. It is American history. It is the story of resilience and innovation, of struggle and progress, of leaders and everyday people whose contributions shaped our democracy, our arts, our economy, our schools, and our communities.

Thank you again for making Wish Week unforgettable, and thank you in advance for leaning into the purpose and meaning of Black History Month with the same spirit of unity.

WE ARE ONE HERD!

With gratitude,
Dr. Andre Bala

Monday 2/2 RED Day

Tuesday 2/3 GREEN Day

Wednesday 2/4 RED Day + Advisory + S.A.C. Mtg from 6-7:30 pm in Main Office Conference Room

Thursday 2/5 GREEN Day

Friday 2/6 RED Day

Thank you to everyone who supported last week’s 16th annual Wish Week. It was a wonderful week celebrating our Wish Kid, Genevieve and her family. We still have fundraising dollars coming in, but it appears that we will raise a record total of over $40,000 to help Make-A-Wish Colorado grant the wishes of children with life threatening illnesses. A break down of all money raised will appear in a future Herd News. Thank you to Jason Bowdre, Chris Tocco, David Decker, Laurinda McIntosh, Smoky Hill StuGo members and everyone who gave their time, energy and money to make it happen. Thank you for helping to teach our student body about the power of generosity and kindness.

Go Buffs!

Scott Cohen | Activities Director | Assistant to the Principal
Student Government Sponsor | Head Swimming Coach

National School Counseling Week 2026 (#NSCW26) is Feb. 2-6, 2026, and this year's theme is: School Counselors Amplify Student Success. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. A HUGE thank you to our counseling department: Bob, Chau, Jolei, Kat, Brooke, Gabi, Molly, Trina, Craig, Kelly, and Marquita!

SHHS school counselors will meet with 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students in February to discuss the course selection process for the next school year.

Click here for detailed information regarding the course selection process for next school year.

• Students must complete this process by Tuesday, February 17th.

The Course Registration Guide for the 26-27 school year is available on the Smoky Hill HS website. Information about registration, courses, and dates will be shared with students in the coming weeks via classroom presentations with counselors. Teachers will also be making course recommendations for students as well.

Smoky Hill 26-27 Course Registration Guide/Guía de Inscripción en Cursos 2026-27

Concurrent Enrollment: Earn high school credit and college credit at the same time. Courses are offered through local community colleges and taught at CCSD high schools by accredited, post-secondary teachers. Courses are free if the student completes the required paperwork including Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) and meets the prerequisites.

Dual Enrollment: Similar to Concurrent Enrollment. Families incur a small tuition cost to enroll. Courses offered through Metro State University of Denver and taught at CCSD high schools.

Some courses have prerequisites that must be met in order to enroll in class and be eligible to earn college credit. Student must do the following to earn college credit:

• Satisfy prerequisites
• Complete Student/ Parent Agreement
• Apply to the college
• Get a C or higher
• Be enrolled the entire term

For the course to be tuition free, the student must apply for COF (College Opportunity Fund) during the college application process.

We are writing to share important information about Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) Concurrent Enrollment (CE) and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses. Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, particular CE and DE courses will be weighted in Grade Point Average (GPA) calculations. Please note that this change is not retroactive and will apply only to courses taken in the 2026–2027 school year and beyond.

To be eligible for weighted GPA credit, CE and DE courses must meet two of the following three criteria:

• The course has a college readiness and/or college prerequisite as defined by the partnering postsecondary institution
• The course is a CCSD defined core academic class
• The course is a Guaranteed Transfer (GT) course as defined by the Colorado Department of Higher Education

This shift aligns CCSD with practices across other Denver Metro area school districts. It also reflects our district's ongoing commitment to ensuring that students have equitable opportunities as they pursue their pathway of purpose.

As always, we encourage students to work closely with their school counselor, current teachers, and families when selecting their high school courses. Course choices should support each student’s individual postsecondary goals whether that means earning a certificate, entering the workforce, attending college, joining the military, or exploring another pathway.

To help families and students make informed decisions, we recommend:

• Attend scheduled registration information meetings with your school counselor and teachers during registration time.
• Review your high school's current course guide and the CE and DE offerings that are available.
• Talk with teachers about how specific classes may support student interests and strengths.
• Exploring CCSD’s college and career readiness resources
• Examine Colorado’s Guaranteed Transfer course list

We are excited to continue supporting students as they discover and pursue their unique paths. Thank you for partnering with us in this vital work. For questions, comments, and/or concerns, please contact Mr. Chris Ritchie, CE Coordinator at 720-886-5491 or critchie@cherrycreekschools.org.

👓 EYE EXAMS & GLASSES COMING BACK TO SMOKY HILL HIGH SCHOOL!

Eye Love Care is bringing a full-service optometry clinic to our school on February 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th & 13th offering comprehensive eye exams and eyewear to all students. Their mission is simple: to ensure every child receives the vision care they need to succeed. If your child has insurance, it will be billed. If not, they’ll be fully covered through the No Vision Left Behind Program—no child will be left out.

✅ Why participate?

• Even if your child has already seen an eye doctor this year, they can still enroll.

• If glasses are lost or broken, Eye Love Care will replace them up to two times through the school regardless of insurance.

• Students can choose from over 150 stylish frames, with help from experienced staff to find the perfect fit.

• Glasses are delivered directly to the school with an optician for proper fitting—no extra appointments needed.

• Each student receives a folder with the optometrist’s report and, if applicable, a copy of their prescription.

🎓 Eye Love Care supports your child from Kindergarten through 12th grade. If glasses are lost or damaged during the school year or summer, simply email dylan@eyelovecare.com for a replacement. Glasses can be delivered to school or mailed home during breaks.

📋 Sign up today! (Click “Use Current Browser” when prompted.)

• English Intake Form https://pdf.ac/3uAJqP

• Spanish Intake Form https://pdf.ac/2re6Jf

📽️ Want to learn more about the No Vision Left Behind Program?

• Eye Love Care About Program Video English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8r1uu42iYc. Explains our Program!

• Programa Eye Love Care Acerca del Programa: https://vimeo.com/1028571888. Explica nuestro programa

Let’s make sure every student sees clearly and thrives in school!

Amanda Tam RN, BSN | School Nurse, Cherry Creek Schools | Smoky Hill High School

February 12 - 14 @ 7:00 pm - Smoky Hill Auditorium.

Tickets: Students $10 & Adults $12

More info: SHHSDRAMA.COM

Smoky Hill Community,

I’m excited to share that Floyd Smith has been selected as Smoky Hill High School’s 2026 Exceptional Volunteer Award winner.

Floyd is the definition of service: selfless, hard-working, and deeply dedicated to our community. Week after week, he shows up with a simple but powerful commitment: helping keep our campus clean through his regular litter pick-up. Because of his steady care and pride in our school, Smoky Hill High School is a better place for students, staff, and visitors every day.

Thank you, Floyd!

Congratulations to our more than 1,600 Smoky Hill students who were recognized for achieving an attendance rate of 100%, 90% or higher, or for improving their attendance by 10% or more during Semester 1. Way to go, Buffs!

Congratulations Andrew Rauluk! Andrew was honored for the engaging and interactive learning experiences he brings to his biology classroom. Thank you for bringing science to life for students at Smoky Hill.

Link to story here.

Science Teacher Maureen Elliott was nominated by for her incredible ability to make chemistry come alive. Through hands-on learning and real-life applications, she turns complex concepts into moments of discovery, helping students build confidence, curiosity, and a true understanding of science. Her patience, creativity, and dedication leave a lasting impact on her students and school community.

Please click on the link to read her story!

https://jea.org/news/faust-named-2025-h-l-hall-national-yearbook-adviser-of-the-year/

Wednesday, April 1 Graduation Performer Auditions 3:45 p.m.

Tuesday, April 7 A-L Mandatory Senior and Parent Meetings

Wednesday, April 8 M-Z 7:00 p.m. Auditorium

Wednesday, April 15 Cap and Gown Photos 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Activities Hall

Saturday, April 18 PROM and AFTER PROM

Friday, May 1 Senior Celebration Field Day

Friday, May 1 IB Recognition Program 8:30 a.m. Auditorium

Mon-Fri, May 4-8 Senior Final Exams

Tuesday, May 5 Underclassman Academic Achievement Recognition Night 6:00 p.m. Auditorium and Senior Awards 7:15 p.m. Auditorium

Friday, May 8 Senior Exit Assembly 2:15 p.m. West Gym (Shortened Class Schedule)

Monday, May 11 Senior Check-out

** Seniors must settle all fines and outstanding debts in the Bookkeeping Office in order to check-out and participate in Commencement. **

Tuesday, May 19 Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal 1:00 p.m. West Gym Cap and Gown distribution follows rehearsal

Thursday, May 21 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY 1:00 p.m. @ RITCHIE CENTER UNIVERSITY OF DENVER CAMPUS

Girls Basketball: Lady Buffs had a strong game and came out on top of Cherry Creek for the first time in a LONG TIME! After losing a close game to Eaglecrest Saturday, the Girls joining the boys this thursday and Friday vs CT and Mullen respectively. Girls are currently 11-3 and ranked #26 is 6A Colorado.

Boys Basketball: Two hard fought, well played games vs league opponents last week (Cherry Creek and Eaglecrest). This week, Cherokee Trail comes to The Hill. We also welcome our Piney Creek neighbors to take part in festivities happening for Wish Week. Come and Chuck-A-Duck to raise money for one of our own students! Basketball Then travels to Mullen on Friday to continue League play.

Boys and Girls Wrestling: Wrestlers put the Smackdown on Aurora Central last week. They won the Dual 65-18. This week they have Senior Night vs Vista Peak on Thursday the 19 in the West Gym. Centennial League Wrestling tournament is this saturday @ Arapahoe High School.

Last week, our Unified team took 2 teams to the 8 annual Colorado Adaptive Basketball tournament, our Green team went 3-1 and took 2 place and our White Team went 4-0 and took 3 place! These Ballers also take on CT wednesday at 4:15 in the West Gym.

Boys Girls Swim and Dive: Smoky Swimming beat Cherokee Trail 118 - 67 last week. Swimming Senior night is this Thursday the 29 when they host Overland! B League swimming is also here at Smoky Hill Saturday. Diving will be held at Cherokee Trail HS.

Clearance to Participate in Sports

February 16th - Boys Swimming and Boys Volleyball

Registration must be completed by Friday, February 13th in order to participate on the first official day of practice Monday, February 16th.

February 23rd - Baseball, Girls Golf, Boys/Girls Lacrosse, Girls Soccer, Girls Tennis, Track and Field

Registration must be completed by Friday, February 20th in order to participate on the first official day of practice Monday, February 23rd

Late registration for sports starting on February 23rd will begin at 6:00 PM on Monday, February 23rd.

Athletes will NOT be allowed to try out or practice until the following 4 items are completed.

1. Online Registration
2. Physical Form on file with school
1. (Must be signed by BOTH Athlete and Guardian)
3. Payment
4. Athlete must be cleared by the Athletic Office (email notification)

If you do not upload your physical and/or pay during registration, please complete these tasks at the Smoky Hill Athletics Office.

Physicals are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of the last exam.

When you register, be sure to use your student name exactly as it is in PowerSchool.

Is substance use affecting your life or the life of your child? You’re not alone. Help is available and recovery is possible. If you are looking for ways to help and support them, but are not sure where or how to begin, learn how to start the conversation: www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/starting-the-conversation-guide.pdf

Visit: https://ownpath.co/ to connect to behavioral health care

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

Effective treatment of substance use disorder can include medications, counseling and recovery support - this combination is a proven approach to recovery. You are not alone if you (or someone you know) is struggling with substance use disorder.

• https://findtreatment.gov/
• AllHealth Network: http://www.allhealthnetwork.org
• Sandstone: https://www.sandstonecare.com/

Start the Conversation and Find Resources

Is substance use affecting your life or the life of your child? You’re not alone. Help is available and recovery is possible. If you are looking for ways to help and support them, but are not sure where or how to begin, learn how to start the conversation: www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/starting-the-conversation-guide.pdf

Visit: https://ownpath.co/ to connect to behavioral health care

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

The counseling office has compiled a list of scholarship opportunities for SHHS seniors. This list is updated daily, and we strongly encourage students to review it frequently, check eligibility requirements, and apply as soon as possible.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16HA0B_F1HUe6shFj_3vQr0yetrLeU5ygpu-mjXQVlBg/edit?usp=sharing

Students who have questions or need assistance with applications are encouraged to contact their school counselor or attend our application workshops every Monday & Wednesday at 7:45 - 8:15 a.m. in the College and Career Center.

Dear Families,

Please take a moment to complete the confidential Student Benefit Form, which helps our district secure important funding for our schools.

Although all students receive free meals through the Healthy School Meals for All program, completing the form still matters. Every submission—regardless of eligibility—supports school programs, instructional resources, educators, and community services across the district.

Families who qualify may also receive valuable non-meal benefits, including reduced fees for AP, SAT, PSAT, IB, and ACT exams; discounts on school materials, sports, childcare, and before- and after-school programs; assistance with device repairs; college application fee waivers; access to summer enrichment programs; and Summer EBT benefits.

Even if you don’t think you qualify, completing the form still makes a difference.

➡ Complete the form online: www.myschoolapps.com

(If the link does not open, please type it directly into your browser.)

Questions or need help? Contact Indira Rojas Narvaez at

irojasnarvaez@cherrycreekschools.org or 720-886-7172.

Thank you for your time and partnership in supporting our students and schools.

With appreciation,

Kim Kilgore RD SNS | Director Food and Nutrition Services | Cherry Creek School District

Smoky Hill High School Community,

Beginning this semester, the north parking lot (located on E. Smoky Hill Rd.) will no longer be accessible for after-school student pickup. To ensure a safe and efficient dismissal process, all after-school student pickup will take place in the south parking lot (located on E. Buffalo Way).

We appreciate your partnership as we make this adjustment. Shifting pickup to one designated area will help us improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and support a smoother, safer experience for students, families, and staff.

Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility. We are grateful for your continued support as we work to keep our campus operations running safely and smoothly.

Warm regards,

Dr. Andre Bala | Principal, Smoky Hill High School

Smoky Hill Community,

We’re excited to share that the Smoky Hill STRIDE Clinic is now open for business in its new, permanent location in the school’s south parking lot! This on-campus clinic is a convenient resource for students, families, and community members.

The STRIDE Clinic provides accessible health services, including basic wellness visits, treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, preventive care (including immunizations, as available), and referrals for additional supports when needed.

To schedule an appointment, call 303-778-7433.

Thank you for supporting this important partnership as we continue working to keep our community healthy, supported, and ready to learn.

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)

Buffalo families and community. The Buffalo App is here.

Your one stop shop for all things Smoky Hill Activities and Athletics.

Download it today on the App Store and stay up to date with your favorite club/team.

View Online | Ver en español

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.

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

Bison Football is building the next generation of athletes the Bison Way through discipline, teamwork, and community. We’re looking for players ages 8U–13U ready to grow, compete, and represent with pride!

💥 Early Registration: $375 per player (prices go up soon!)

📧 bisonfootball21@gmail.com | 📱 Scan the QR code to sign up today!

“It’s not just football — it’s family, it’s purpose, it’s the Bison Way.”

Attendance:

• Club Sports:

  • Moving forward, absences for club sports will be excused when verification and documentation are provided by families at least one week (7 days) in advance of the competition date.

• College Visits:

  • All college visits will be excused with verification and documentation submitted at least 24 hours in advance.

• Vacations:

• Vacations will have the first three (3) days excused with appropriate documentation. Any vacation days beyond the initial three will not be excused. The 3 excused days are for the entire year, not each trip.

Acceptable Documentation:

• Team Roster
• Team Schedule
• Email from Coach
• Email confirmation from college being visited
• Vacations
• Email confirmation of trip

As previously communicated, all absences and tardies must be reported to the Attendance Clerk (via Talking Points), Rosita Tantao, or the Dean’s Office , as these are the only individuals who can excuse absences requiring verification and documentation.

Thank you again for your continued communication and support as we work together to uphold a system that best serves our students.

Address Change

If you have recently moved, or are planning to move over break, please ensure that you update your address in the Guardian tab on mycherrycreekschools.org, or provide Cherry Creek School District Admissions with your updated address if you are unsure if your new address is within our boundaries. Please reach out to Rosita Tantao at rtantao@cherrycreekschools.org if any support is needed.

In Partnership,

Rosita Tantao, Assistant Principal | Smoky Hill High School

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 (preferred),
• 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, or needed to leave early.
• 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 for daily absence.
• English: Attendance Voicemail- 720-886-5450
• Spanish Attendance Voicemail- 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:

• To update home or work phone numbers, please login to my.cherrycreek.org and make those changes on the Guardian Tile.
• 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 AND please send a Talking Points message. 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

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