Smoky Hill Buffaloes Newsletter

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we do more than remember a historic leader. We recommit ourselves to a philosophy that remains urgently relevant: equity for all humankind. Dr. King challenged our nation to move beyond ideals that sound good and toward actions that do good. He called on communities to ensure every person has access to opportunity, dignity, and belonging not someday, but now.

Smoky Hill Families,

I’m proud to share Smoky Hill High School’s four-year graduation results for the Class of 2025. Graduation is an important milestone, and these outcomes reflect the dedication of our students, the commitment of our staff, and the support of our families.

Overall 4-Year Graduation Rate (Class of 2025): 88.1%

By Gender

* Male: 85.6%

* Female: 91%

* Non-Binary: 100%

By Program

* Special Education: 79.3%

* Non-Special Education: 89.7%

* Gifted & Talented: 98.1%

* Non-Gifted & Talented: 87.1%

* Multilingual Language Learners: 76%

* Non-Multilingual Language Learners: 90.9%

By Economic Indicator

* Free & Reduced Lunch: 84%

* Non-Free & Reduced Lunch: 94%

By Race/Ethnicity

* Indigenous: 80%

* Asian: 93.3%

* Black/African American: 88.5%

* Hispanic/Latino: 82.8%

* White: 92.3%

* Multi-Racial: 89.3%

While we celebrate these accomplishments, we also understand the work ahead of us. Graduation rates help us identify where we are succeeding and where we must strengthen supports so that every student, regardless of background or program, crosses the finish line with a diploma and a pathway of purpose.

Thank you for being an essential part of our students’ success. We will continue to build on what’s working and stay focused on improving outcomes for ALL students.

With gratitude,

Dr. Andre Bala | Principal, Smoky Hill High School

Monday 1/19 No School

Tuesday 1/20 GREEN Day

Wednesday 1/21 RED Day + Advisory

Thursday 1/22 GREEN Day

Friday 1/23 RED Day + WISH Week Starts (wear your old WISH Week TShirts)

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.

Come learn more about the AVID college and career readiness elective program!

When: Thursday, January 29 from 5:30-6:15 pm

Where: Online via Teams

How: Register using the QR Code shown or click on this link: bit.ly/48VVr2q

Build confidence. Strengthen Habits. Own Your Future.

Wish Week Theme: Fire & Ice

Smoky Hill Student Government will be sponsoring Wish Week from Friday, January 23, to Saturday, January 31. We have a large number of events taking place support Make-A-Wish Colorado and celebrate our 2026 Wish Kid - Genevieve! Throughout Wish Week, Smoky Hill will be working with Make-A-Wish of Colorado to celebrate the wish of 14-year-old Genevieve. Genevieve is a 9th grade student at Smoky Hill! Her wish is to have a hot tub. Some of Genevieve’s favorite things are butterflies, purple, music, coloring and Frozen. Genevieve will be in attendance and celebrated at our Wish Week Pep Assembly on Friday, January 30.

Wish Week T-shirts Sold during lunches, in the Activities Office and online. Shirts are $15.

Make-A-Wish Online Donation Donations can be made directly to our Wish Week Fundraiser: Smoky Hill Wish Week Donation Page - Make-A-Wish

👓 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

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/

Thank you for your continued support of our donation drives! Your efforts make a meaningful difference for students across every corner of our district.

And THANK YOU to the CHERRY CREEK BOARD OF EDUCATION for supporting these initiatives!

Link to Website

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

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

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.

This January, SAMHSA will be kicking off the first national Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month - a time to raise awareness of the benefits and availability of evidence-based treatments for people with a substance use disorder (SUD). We know so many people view January as a time to take stock, reset and take steps toward healthier living, which makes it a great time to highlight resources and information on substance use disorder.

Substance use disorder does not discriminate. Let’s break the stigma and foster a community of support and understanding. Stigma around substance use disorders is one the biggest barriers to treatment and recovery. Treatment can change your life - it can help you regain control, improve your relationships and achieve your goals.

CDC Stigma Reduction

https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/stigma-reduction/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/stigma/index.html

Words Matter: Preferred Language For Talking About Addiction https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/addiction-science/words-matter-preferred-language-talking-about-addiction

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.

Smoky Hill High School Community,

Smoky Hill Community,

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.

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

1/9/26, 12/19/25, 12/12/25, 12/5/25, 11/28/25, 11/21/2025, 11/14/2025, 11/7/2025, 10/31/25, 10/24/25, 10/10/25, 10/3/25, 9/26/25, 9/19/25, 9/12/25, 9/5/25, 8/29/25