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Buff Newsletter

This Week at the Hill

Buff Newsletter This Week at the Hill
BuffNewsletterThis Week at the Hill

Message from Dr. Bala Message from Dr. Bala

Dear Smoky Hill Community,


What an incredible start we’ve had to the new school year! From the energy in our classrooms to the excitement at our back-to-school events, it has been inspiring to see our students, staff, and families come together with such enthusiasm and pride in being Buffs. We are truly off to a strong beginning, and it sets a great tone for the year ahead. Recently, Smoky Hill High School was recognized as one of the Best High Schools in America by U.S. News & World Report for the 2025-2026 school year. This is a testament to your support, and we share this honor with you.


As we head into the long weekend, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the hard work, support, and spirit that make Smoky Hill such a special place. May your Labor Day weekend be filled with rest, celebration, and time with loved ones.


We look forward to continuing this amazing journey together.


ONE HERD


With gratitude,

Dr. Andre Bala

Principal

Upcoming Event at SHHS Upcoming Event at SHHS

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Parent Information Network

PIN (Parent Information Network) Presentation: Boost Your Brain Health! Join us Sept 2, 9:15–11 AM at 14603 E. Fremont Ave for tips from Kim Bevill on improving memory, reducing stress, and helping your family thrive. Details & recording: PINccsd.orgLinks or QR codes for sign-ups or tickets.

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Adult ESL Classes

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

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Parent Academy

Join us for Parent Academy at Smoky Hill High School on Tuesday, September 9th, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. This event is a great opportunity for parents to gain insights into the U.S. education system and learn more about the Cherry Creek School District.

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Special Olympics 2025 Hall of Fame Luncheon

Please join us for a celebration of unstoppable joy as we induct this year's awardees!!

November 4th, 2025

11am-1pm

Important Updates and Announcements Important Updates and Announcements

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Attendance

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,
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • English: Attendance Voicemail- 720-886-5450
    • Spanish Attendance VoicemailVoicemail- 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:

  • Please inform us of changes in home or work phone numbers.
  • 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. 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

Minga

We are excited to share that Smoky Hill High School will begin using Minga, a digital student management and engagement platform, to enhance campus safety, streamline daily operations, and support a more connected and accountable school environment.


Minga is a secure digital platform that provides students with a virtual ID card, allows for hall pass tracking, and improves event and club communication. It’s designed to reduce classroom disruptions, support our staff in knowing where students are during the school day, and provide students with easier access to school resources and information.


How will Smoky Hill use Minga?

  • Digital IDs: Students will use their phones to access their school ID, which they’ll scan to enter after school events. (Your student will need a physical I.D. for the school day.)

  • Hall Passes: Teachers will issue digital hall passes, giving staff real-time information about students who are outside the classroom.

  • Accountability & Safety: By having accurate and immediate visibility, Smoky Hill can better support student safety, reduce hallway wandering, clear bathrooms and respond quickly to concerns within the building.

  • Engagement: Minga will also be used to highlight school events, announcements, and student celebrations to build a stronger sense of community. Minga will also support tickets for homecoming and prom.


Why are we implementing Minga?

Our goal is to create a safe, structured, and engaging environment for all students. Minga helps ensure that students are where they need to be, when they need to be there, while also increasing student responsibility and supporting positive behavior. It also reduces the need for paper passes and provides consistent communication across campus.


What should families know?

  • Students will receive Minga training and login instructions at school.

  • Minga is FERPA compliant.

  • Students and staff are expected to use Minga as the hall pass system and violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action(s).


We appreciate your partnership as we continue to innovate ways to make Smoky Hill a safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking school.


For more information visit https://minga.io/

From Morgan Craft, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist From Morgan Craft, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

Adolescent Substance Use Prevention, Intervention, Resources & Education (ASPIRE) Team

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.


September is National Recovery Month! For more information, please visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/recovery


Local organizations for Youth interested in recovery: Young People in Recovery - Arapahoe Chapter Full Circle - Centennial and Denver locations


The More You Know… Vaping isn’t just harmless flavored vapor—most vape products contain high levels of nicotine, THC, or other harmful substances. If your teen is vaping, it’s important to talk to them about the risks to their health and developing brain. High-THC products, especially dabs and concentrates, can contain up to 90% THC. This increases the risk for mental health challenges like anxiety, paranoia, and even psychosis in vulnerable teens. Alcohol remains the most commonly used drug among teenagers. Parents play a critical role in modeling responsible behavior and setting clear expectations Commonly misused medications include stimulants (like Adderall) and sedatives (like Xanax). Keep prescriptions locked up and dispose of unused medications properly. If you suspect your teen is using substances or struggling with their mental health, seeking professional help can make all the difference. Reach out to your doctor, school or a professional agency.


Want more information? Contact:

Morgan Craft, LCSW, LAC Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist mcraft@cherrycreekschools.org 720-886-5508

Smoky Hill Athletics & Activities App Smoky Hill Athletics & Activities App

https://qrco.de/smokyhill
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Exciting News! Smoky Hill has recently launched the BUFF APP, available in all stores now! The goal is to provide a "One Stop Shop" for Smoky Hill Athletics/Activities, news articles, social media and school events! This is for all staff, coaches, families, fans and community supporters.

https://qrco.de/smokyhill

Celebrations and Highlights Celebrations and Highlights

Dr. Bala and Bri'Ana Woods showing our Buffs how to twin correctly!

Dr. Bala and Bri'Ana Woods Showing Buff how to twin the right way.
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