Smoky Hill Buffaloes Newsletter
This Week at the Hill

Message from the Principal, Dr. Andre Bala
Smoky Hill Community,
As we close out February and enter March, I want to celebrate an outstanding Black History Month at Smoky Hill; one that reflected both joy and purpose. Our Black History Spirit Week brought great energy to the building, and the 1st Annual Black Student Union Cookout was a powerful highlight, building community, celebrating culture, and creating the kind of inclusive school experience every student deserves. Thank you to our BSU student leaders, sponsors, and everyone who participated to help make it a success!
I also want to congratulate Smoky Hill DECA on a remarkable showing at the Colorado DECA State Conference. We are proud to celebrate the 5 DECA Colorado State Champions and 46 students who qualified for the International DECA Conference in April. That level of excellence doesn’t happen by accident, as our students, advisors, and volunteers put in hours of hard work...and the work paid off!
Athletics continues to make Smoky Hill proud as well. Congratulations to our Girls Basketball Team on a historic season, including hosting a home playoff game for the first time since 2012, a major milestone for our program. Additionally, hats off to our wrestling program for a top-three finisher at the Colorado State Wrestling Tournament, our first one since 2019!
Finally, congratulations to our students who represented Smoky Hill by competing in the drone competition at the Technology Student Association State Championships. With 20 students competing, every single competitor advanced to the semifinals, and 12 earned spots in the finals, one of our strongest showings to date!
2025-2026 School Goal: This week, we are seeking to eclipse last semester's Panorama SEL student survey completion rate percentage (70%) and see growth in students' sense of belonging at Smoky Hill. Please encourage your student to complete their survey, which can be accessed in Schoology if they haven't done so already.
Smoky Hill continues to shine because our students keep showing what’s possible through leadership, commitment, and pride in who they are and what they represent. Thank you for being part of a community that makes moments like these the standard.
With gratitude,
Dr. Andre Bala
Restoom Loitering
Dear Smoky Hill Community,
As we approach the end of the third quarter, excitement is already building among our students for the upcoming Spring Break. It’s a special time filled with joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
However, I would like to take a moment to address a growing concern at Smoky Hill: restroom loitering. Restroom loitering is when a student is in a restroom without using it for its intended purpose, including lingering, gathering with others, socializing, or remaining in the area for an extended period of time. This has become a problem at our school and at many schools across the country. At Smoky Hill, this has led to unsafe conditions, increased the likelihood of vaping, conflict, and vandalism, and has prevented students who need to use the restroom from doing so quickly and comfortably.
I want to be clear: Restroom loitering is not permitted and will no longer be tolerated at Smoky Hill High School. Any student found loitering in the restroom will be in direct violation of school rules and CCSD Board Policy JICDA (Student Conduct and Discipline Code, section I-5 ).
Beginning March 2, Smoky Hill High School will take immediate disciplinary action when students are found loitering in restrooms, including suspension.
Our restrooms must remain safe, clean, and accessible for every student, every period, every day. This stance is not about punishment for its own sake. It’s about protecting students’ well-being, ensuring a respectful environment, and making sure restrooms serve their intended purpose: a quick, private, and secure space for students to attend to basic biological needs.
Parents, I encourage you to have a conversation with your student about this communication and proper restroom behaviors. I also urge our students who struggle in making thoughtful, healthy choices to seek support from the school mental health team (School Counselors, Social Workers, School Psychiatrists, and Substance Abuse Specialist).
Thank you for your partnership as we strengthen expectations and keep Smoky Hill a safe and supportive place for all students.
Dr. Andre Bala
Principal, Smoky Hill High School
Upcoming Events
Monday 3/2 RED Day
Tuesday 3/3 GREEN Day + Spring Choir Concert @ 7:15 pm in Auditorium
Wednesday 3/4 RED Day + Advisory + School Accountability Committee Meeting 6-7:30 pm in Main Office
Thursday 3/5 GREEN Day + College Fair @ Eaglecrest HS from 6:30-8 pm
Friday 3/6 RED Day
Saturday 3/7 Spring Craft Fair from 9 am - 3 pm
Celebrating School Social Work Week
School Social Work Week is marked every first full week of March to celebrate school social workers across the nation and appreciate their work in helping students achieve academic success. Did you know social work began in U.S. schools over 110 years ago by visiting teachers? School social workers are professionals within the social work field that work with teachers, parents, and school administrators. They help students deal with mental health and behavioral challenges and provide academic and classroom support. A huge THANK YOU to Ruby, Katie and Morgan for all the work you do with the Smoky Hill community. You rock!!
Links from flyer above
SAVE THE DATES!
Cherry Creek Reads Goes Galactic!
Join us for a special Cherry Creek Reads Family Night in a planetarium! Step inside the inflatable StarLab dome and explore the night sky together. Discover constellations, hear stories of the stars, and celebrate the power of books to take us anywhere — even beyond our world.
Bring the whole family for an evening of reading, wonder, and cosmic adventure!
Date: March 10 at 6:00-7:30
Location: Eaglecrest High School Library
Learn more and RSVP at: http://tinyurl.com/CCSDReadsStarLab
March 9–13, 2026
Cherry Creek Reads Week is just around the corner, and we are excited to once again celebrate our districtwide love of reading with this year’s theme:
✨ Read Together, Shine Together! ✨
Our PreK–12 “One Book” for 2026 is All the Stars in the Sky by Art Coulson and illustrated by Winona Nelson—a beautiful story that highlights belonging, community, intergenerational wisdom, and the Cherokee concept of gadugi (working together for the good of all).
The Big Three for CCSD Reads Week
To keep things simple and aligned across the district, remember our core participation goals:
1️⃣ One Book
Engage your students and staff with our shared title, All the Stars in the Sky.
2️⃣ 75 Minutes of Reading
“Turning pages in CCSD for 75 years!”
Encourage staff and students to set aside 75 minutes of dedicated reading during the week.
3️⃣ Currently Reading / Just Finished Reading Signs
Promote reading culture and visibility across your school using the printable signs found on our website.
Resources to Support Your Planning
Everything you need—additional lesson ideas, promotional materials, activity menus, printable templates, and planning guides—is located on our CCSD Reads website:
🔗 https://sites.google.com/cherrycreekschools.org/cherrycreekreads2026/home
Thank you for helping bring Cherry Creek Reads to life in your school community.
Together, we help our district shine a little brighter.
Celebrations and Highlights
Nick Brooks' Author Visit
Our library was packed on Monday as students had the incredible opportunity to hear from author and filmmaker Nick Brooks. He shared insights into his journey, what inspires his work, and the heart behind his storytelling. Students learned about the writing process—especially the importance of crafting a strong “hook” and uncovering the “heart” of a story—along with practical steps for moving from an initial idea to an outline and finally to a finished piece of writing. They were especially fascinated to learn about his involvement with Grand Theft Auto and The Mandalorian!
Be sure to check out the short presentation that introduced Nick to our students—we’re so grateful for the inspiration he brought to our school community!
SHHS Shines at Technology Student Association’s (TSA) State Championships 2026
Smoky Hill had an exceptional weekend at the TSA State Championships. Twenty students attended this year’s competition, and every competitor advanced to the semifinals. Twelve students went on to earn spots in the finals, marking one of our strongest showings to date.
DECA Celebrations
Congratulations to BJ Kingsbaker and David Decker on the remarkable success of the Smoky Hill DECA program at the State DECA Conference!
Smoky Hill win 5 DECA Colorado State Championships! 46 students qualified for the International DECA Conference in April.
State Champion - Carter Jensen/Andrew Wedow - Hospitality Team
State Champion - Chloe Gigandet Peters - Apparel and Accessories
State Champion - Felix Finan - Automotive Services
State Champion - Didskilya Teka/Anna Austin/Adrian Mendoza - Chapter of Excellence
State Champion - Andrew Sullivan - Professional Selling
State Runner Up - Yassine Assougdam - Hotel and Lodging
State Runner Up - Adam Strand/Vaib Thummalapenta/Keegan Kranz - Independent Business Plan
State Runner Up - Wada Temesgen - Principles of Business Management
3rd Place - Joey Brunton Greer - Food Service Marketing
3rd Place - Amir Manza/Hamza Mohamed - Business Growth Plan
3rd Place - Yodahe Teka/Andrew Sullivan/Daniel Naylor - Independent Business Plan
3rd Place - Henry Kaale/Keshav Talanki - Entrepreneurship Team
3rd Place - Didskilya Teka - Retail Service
3rd Place - Sydney Nguyen/Joey Nguyen/Olivia Ngo - Integrated Marketing Campaign Product
National Qualifier - Riley Follweiler - Food Service Marketing
National Qualifier - Ty Nibbee/Alex Saindon/Max Goodrich - Financial Operation Research
National Qualifier - Vaib Thummalapenta/Adam Strand - Business Law Ethics Team
National Qualifier - Lyla Bailey - Entrepreneurship
National Qualifier - Rachel Kim/Ariel Suoo - Buying Merchandising Team
National Qualifier - Liam O’Donnell/Matthew O’Donnell/Yassine Assougdam - Independent Business Plan
National Qualifier - Jayden Ryu - Sports and Entertainment
National Qualifier - Ella Nichelson/Aniah Gulick - Travel Team
National Qualifier - Jude Daroui/Yusif Gaboush/Alfred Vasquez - International Business Plan
National Qualifier - Nobel Woldu/Madelynn Lee - Integrated Marketing Product
National Qualifier - Daniel Naylor - Personal Financial Literacy
Amazing! Way to go Buffs!!
Important Dates for Seniors Class of 2026
Wednesday, April 1 Graduation Performer Auditions 3:45 p.m.
Monday, April 6 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
The 2026 Smoky Hill Yearbook is almost here!
Yearbook distribution is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, during Advisory classes. As of today, there are only 75 yearbooks left to purchase. Make sure your student doesn't miss out! Pre-order your yearbook today! https://yearbookordercenter.com/job/7623
From The Athletic Director, Mr. David Benedict
Smoky Hill Football Parent Meeting—Calling all Incoming Freshman!
Smoky Hill Football will host an informational parent meeting for all levels, including incoming freshman families on Tuesday, March 25 at 6:30 PM in the Smoky Hill High School cafeteria. Any student interested in participating in football should have a parent or family member attend to learn more about the program, expectations, and opportunities. We look forward to meeting you—Go Buffs!
Exciting news! Save the Date!
We officially have a date for our 1st annual Smoky Hill Stampede Scramble (Golf Fundraiser) @ Meadow Hills Golf Course on Thursday May 28th, 2026.
Be the first to sign up for a fun day of golf, food, and prizes.
This event directly supports our Smoky Hill student-athletes by helping fund equipment, uniforms, travel, facility improvements, and program enhancements across all 27 sports. With a 52-year-old building and facilities, some programs need a little bit of a face lift. We are offering multiple levels of sponsorship and donation opportunities, making it easy for businesses and individuals to contribute at a level that is meaningful for them. Every gift, large or small, makes a difference. Please pass this information along to friends, families, and businesses. It would be a great time to get a team together with other Smoky Hill staff. If you want to assist with the event, let myself and Dawn know as we are building task list!
https://the-smoky-hill-stampede-scramble.perfectgolfevent.com/
All donations are tax-deductible, and sponsors will be recognized on our event website, social media, displayed during the tournament, and acknowledged throughout the day of the event. It’s a great opportunity to support our students while also gaining visibility within our Smoky Hill community.
Sponsorship Information
Dear Sponsorship Families of Smoky Hill High School,
Smoky Hill Athletics have collaborated this year to bring a fun and interactive event to raise funds and promote community collaboration in 2026. This year, Smoky Hill High School will host their 1st Annual Smoky Hill Athletics Golf Tournament, which we are calling, The Smoky Hill Stampede Scramble. This exciting event will take place at Meadow Hills Golf Course on Thursday, May 28th. Smoky Hill Athletics is seeking local businesses to sponsor our event and program. In return, we would be honored to become a local promoter of your business. Each donation is tax deductible and if requested, the appropriate documentation will be sent to you for your records. The sponsorship levels available are listed below for the upcoming golf tournament.
TITLE SPONSOR (LEADER OF THE HERD) - $5,000
● Special recognition at event, Logo on Golf Tournament website homepage and any other literature at event
● Opportunity to Speak at awards luncheon
● 8 player registration fee, cart fee & range balls, lunch for 8 players and 4 raffle tickets each (32 total)
● Opportunity to put marketing materials in the Swag Bag
● Advertisement on the Jumbotron at Smoky Hill high school home games (Gymnasium and both district stadiums), and Football program during 2026-27 school year.
● Individual Hole Sign Marker and Pin Flag
● Free admission for 2 to all Smoky Hill home games (all sports) for 2026-27 school year
LUNCH SPONSOR - $3,500
● Covers cost of lunch for all golfers
● Special recognition at event, Logo on Golf Tournament Website homepage and any other literature at event
● Opportunity to Speak at awards luncheon
● 4 Player Registration fee, cart fees & range balls, lunch for 4 players and 4 raffle tickets each (16)
● Opportunity to put marketing materials in the Swag Bag
● Advertisement on the Jumbotron at Smoky Hill high school home games (Gymnasium and both district stadiums) during 2026-27 school year.
● Individual Hole Sign Marker
SWAG BAG SPONSOR - $2,500
● Company Logo and information on the front of the Swag Bag given to every golfer the day of the event
● Opportunity to put marketing materials in the Swag Bag
● 4 Player Registration fee, cart fees & range balls, lunch for 4 players and 4 raffle tickets each (16 )
● Opportunity to put marketing materials in the Swag Bag
● Advertisement on the Jumbotron at Smoky Hill high school home games (Gymnasium and both district stadiums) during 2026-27 school year.
● Individual Hole Sign Marker
PLATINUM BUFFALO BUSINESS SPONSOR - $2,000
● Special recognition at event, Logo on Golf Tournament Website homepage and any other literature at event
● Opportunity to Speak at awards luncheon
● 4 Player Registration fee, cart fees & range balls, lunch for 4 players and 4 raffle tickets each (16)
● Advertisement on the Jumbotron at Smoky Hill high school home games (Gymnasium and both district stadiums) during 2026-27 school year
● Opportunity to put marketing materials in the Swag Bag
GOLF CART BANNER AND SCORECARD SPONSOR - $2,000
● Special recognition at event, Logo on Golf Tournament Website homepage and any other literature at event
● Logo and information on Golf Cart and Scorecards
● 4 Player Registration fee, cart fees & range balls, lunch for 4 players and 4 raffle tickets each (16)
● Advertisement on the Jumbotron at Smoky Hill high school home games (Gymnasium and both district stadiums) during 2026-27 school year
● Individual Hole Sign Marker
GOLD BUFFALO BUSINESS SPONSOR - $1,500
● Special recognition at event, Logo on Golf Tournament Website homepage and any other literature at event
● 4 Player Registration fee, cart fees & range balls, lunch for 4 players and 4 raffle tickets each (16)
● Advertisement on the Jumbotron at Smoky Hill high school home games (Gymnasium and both district stadiums) during 2026-27 school year
● Individual Hole Sign Marker
MEN’S LONGEST DRIVE SPONSOR - $1,500
● Special recognition at event, Logo on Golf Tournament Website homepage and any other literature at event
● Custom signage on the Men’s Longest Drive contest hole
● 4 Player Registration fee, cart fees & range balls, lunch for 4 players and 4 raffle tickets each (16)
● Advertisement on the Jumbotron at Smoky Hill high school home games (Gymnasium and both district stadiums) during 2026-27 school year
LADIE’S LONGEST DRIVE CONTEST SPONSOR - $1,500
● Special recognition at event, Logo on Golf Tournament Website homepage and any other literature at event
● Custom signage on the Ladie’s Longest Drive contest hole
● 4 Player Registration fee, cart fees & range balls, lunch for 4 players and 4 raffle tickets each (16)
● Advertisement on the Jumbotron at Smoky Hill high school home games (Gymnasium and both district stadiums) during 2026-27 school year
HOLE IN ONE SPONSOR - $1,500
● Special recognition at event, Logo on Golf Tournament Website homepage and any other literature at event
● 4 Player Registration fee, cart fees & range balls, lunch for 4 players and 4 raffle tickets each (16)
● Advertisement on the Jumbotron at Smoky Hill high school home games (Gymnasium and both district stadiums) during 2026-27 school year
● Custom signage at the Sign In Table and at awards luncheon
CLOSEST TO THE PIN SPONSOR - $1,500
● Special recognition at event, Logo on Golf Tournament Website homepage and any other literature at event
● Custom signage on the Closest to the Pin contest hole
● 4 Player Registration fee, cart fees & range balls, lunch for 4 players and 4 raffle tickets each (16)
● Advertisement on the Jumbotron at Smoky Hill high school home games (Gymnasium and both district stadiums) during 2026-27 school year
● Opportunity to set up a table/canopy at same Tee box
SILVER BUFFALO BUSINESS SPONSOR - $1,000
● Special recognition at event, Logo on Golf Tournament Website homepage and any other literature at event
● 4 Player Registration fee, cart fees & range balls, lunch for 4 players and 4 raffle tickets each (16)
● Advertisement on the Jumbotron at Smoky Hill high school home games (Gymnasium and both district stadiums) during 2026-27 school year Hole Sponsor
● Company Logo/ information on a Sponsorship sign at a Tee box
● Opportunity to set up a table/canopy at same Tee box
SPONSOR AN ATHLETE - $400
● Covers 1 Smoky Hill athlete’s registration fee for upcoming school year ● Individual registration fee, cart fee & range balls, and lunch ● Name/company placed on Individual Hole sign Marker
RAFFLE PRIZE SPONSOR
● Donation specific to the purchase of raffle items
● Recognition depending on amount donated or items donated
If you are unable to monetarily support our programs, we would also love your support in the following ways:
● Merchandise for our raffle prizes
● Merchandise for our giveaway swag bags
● Discount cards or coupons for our participants
● Service coupons for our raffle prizes
If you would like to only participate in our tournament please register as a participant .
FOURSOME - $600
● A group of 4 golfers
● registration, green fees, cart fees, range balls
● lunch for 4 and 4 raffle tickets each
INDIVIDUAL GOLFER - $150
● Will be paired with other individuals on the day of the tournament.
● includes, green fee, cart fee, range balls, lunch and 4 raffle tickets.
All packages are available for purchase on our website at or by scanning the QR code.
From Our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
Happy February, students and families! We hope this semester is off to a great start. Please find helpful tips & information related to Teen Substance Use below.
The More You Know…
Substance Use & Academic Performance
Substance use impacts attention, memory, and concentration—all essential for academic success. Teens who use regularly may struggle with homework, test performance, and staying motivated. Over time, school disengagement can lead to absenteeism and even dropping out. Supporting your teen in staying substance-free also supports their academic future.
Impact on Motivation
Substances like cannabis can lower a teen’s drive to engage in school, sports, or hobbies. This drop in motivation might show up as disengagement, frequent absences, or lack of enthusiasm. While some teens may claim substances help them “relax,” they may actually be avoiding responsibilities or uncomfortable emotions. Understanding these shifts helps you better support your teen.
Substance Use & Risky Behavior
Teens under the influence are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like unprotected sex, reckless driving, or confrontational behavior. These decisions can have long-term consequences for health, relationships, and legal standing. Helping your teen understand how substances affect judgment and impulse control is a key part of prevention.
Recognizing Cannabis Use
Cannabis use among teens is increasingly common and can be difficult to detect—especially with products like edibles and vape pens. Look for signs such as red or glassy eyes, frequent use of eye drops, dry mouth, unusual giggling or sluggishness, and strong or sweet herbal smells on clothes or in rooms. Behavioral shifts like forgetfulness, lack of motivation, or increased appetite (“the munchies”) can also be clues. If you notice these patterns, gently check in with your teen and keep communication open.
Substances and Mental Health
Teens often use substances to manage emotional distress without realizing the long-term impact. While drugs and alcohol might seem to provide temporary relief, they can worsen conditions like depression and anxiety over time. Substance use can also mask symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment harder. Encourage your teen to talk about their feelings and normalize seeking help for mental health
Mood Swings & Withdrawal
Not all mood swings are “just being a teen.” Irritability, fatigue, anxiety, and depression can be signs of withdrawal from substances like nicotine, cannabis, or alcohol. These symptoms can mimic mental health conditions, so it’s important to consider substance use as a possible factor. A compassionate conversation can open the door to deeper understanding and support.
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
From Our Counseling Department
SHHS Juniors
On April 15, all SHHS juniors will take the SAT at school for FREE. To help you prepare, Khan Academy offers free, personalized SAT prep in partnership with the College Board. You can access practice questions, full-length exams, and customized study plans at www.khanacademy.org/sat.
While many colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies, some institutions still require SAT or ACT scores for admission. In addition, certain scholarship programs—such as the Daniels Fund—may require official test scores as part of the application process.
If you are planning to take an additional SAT (other than the FREE April test), upcoming test dates and registration information can be found on the College Board website. For information about the ACT, including registration and test dates, please visit the ACT website.
Please note that there is a fee to register for the SAT or ACT. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch are eligible for a fee waiver. If you believe you qualify, please get in touch with your counselor to request one.
RISE 5280 is excited to announce our SPRING 2026 HBCU Tour!!!
From March 16th - March 20th, 2026, we will be taking students from various high schools from multiple states to tour 6 HBCU's:
- Winston Salem University
- North Carolina A&T
- Hampton University
- Norfolk State University
- Howard University
- Morgan State University
- Including: The National Museum of African American History and Culture and Sycamore & Oak
Scholarship Opportunities for SHHS Seniors
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.
Explore Construction Management
The 2026 Construction Management Summer Institute will be held June 2 – 6 on the CSU Campus.
Apply now at this link. The priority application deadline is March 15.
This five-day four-night on-campus program is for up to 26 high school students aged 15-18 who are interested in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). Each day participants engage with professionals representing AEC industries as well as college mentors to work on building confidence and developing an understanding of construction management and related careers while having fun exploring construction related topics and activities!
This program is intended for students who are curious about the field but may not yet see themselves in this industry. We will explore beginner construction concepts, materials, and equipment, but also themes of confidence, empowerment, and creating an industry that is welcoming to all in a supportive environment where newcomers are encouraged.
REPEATED INFORMATION
After School Student Pickup-South Parking Lot
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
AP/IB Important Dates and Deadlines
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)
Buff Pantry
As a class, we have aimed to make a difference in our Smoky Hill community, and we decided to do this by creating a safe space where students can receive the food and hygiene products they need on a weekly basis. We offer multiple types of food, whether it’s canned/boxed or just quick snacks, hygiene products, baby products (diapers/wipes), and clothes/shoes. We receive donations from SECOR, the local community, students, and our CCSD district Food Pantry Liaisons. Last year, we were able to serve 70 families in total. Our goal is to limit food insecurity and strengthen our school holistically.
If you are in need: Here is the Buff's Pantry Google form link for you to fill out with your needs:https://forms.gle/NoraXVqzbxUYT4B8A
If you wish to donate: We are in need of the following items if you have any spare stock in your home or wish to purchase items from our list:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2O6R74E3W2244?ref_=wl_share
Also, you can have your student drop these off at the main office or bring them to Mrs. Ogide's room (1-11). We will also be running donation drives throughout the year. Stay tuned!
Download the Buffalo App!
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.
Adult ESL Classes
🐃 Join the Herd Bison Football 2026 Registration is OPEN! 🏈
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 and Address Change Reminders
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
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 (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.cherrycreekschools.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