Smoky Hill IBPA
December 2025 Newsletter
Freshmen:
4th – Check In with Mentors during BOTH lunches in Activities Hall
Sophomores:
3th – Big Meeting #5 for Personal Project from 7:35 - 8:15am in Lecture Center
12th – Personal Project Supervisor Meeting #2 completed, Process Journal Check #2 (about 8-9 entries)
12th – Personal Project all Sem. 1 assignments due in ManageBac
Juniors:
12th – EE Examining Your Question Worksheet signed by supervisor & uploaded to Managebac
12th – EE Supervisor Meeting #1 and 1st Formal Reflection due in ManageBac
12th – CAS hours & reflections check
15th – EE Researcher’s Reflection Space check
Seniors:
10th – TOK Final Title Paper due for predicted grade
Final Exams: Dec. 16, 17, & 18
Final Exam Make-Up: Dec. 19
1. Learn How to Take Notes During Class
2. Use Spaced Repetition and Take Practice Tests
3. Manage Focus and Take Breaks
4. Prioritize High-Intensity Focus Sessions
5. Eliminate Distractions
6. Organize a Conducive Study Space
7. Create a Structured Study Schedule and Goals
8. Find a Study Buddy or Organize Study Groups
9. Master Task Prioritization and Time Management
10. The Importance of Rewarding and Taking Care of Yourself
Introducing Mrs. Bacan
Mrs. Bacan is the new IB Administrative Assistant. She comes to us from Michigan with over 10 years of experience in Education. "I am loving all that Colorado has to offer. I enjoy adventuring around new towns, trying new restaurants, shopping and sightseeing with my husband and two kids." She is excited to step into this new role and get to know more about the program, the students, and Smoky Hill!
Her contact information is abacan@cherrycreekschools.org or 720-886-5420
Fond Farewell to Ms. Fitzgerald
At the end of this semester, Ms. Kathleen Fitzgerald will be transitioning out of her role as the IB MYP Coordinator and into a full-time teaching position at Smoky Hill.
During her tenure, Ms. Fitzgerald provided consistent, high-impact leadership that strengthened the very foundation of our MYP. She tirelessly focused on building sustainable systems and ensuring that our teachers have the resources to teach effectively and that our students are challenged to learn at the highest levels.
Ms. Fitzgerald’s hard work, dedication, and passion for excellence have been instrumental in fostering a culture of academic rigor and inquiry within the MYP and across the school. We are immensely grateful for her commitment to our staff, students, and community.
In the meantime, we ask that you join us in thanking Ms. Fitzgerald for her service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Smoky Hill IB community over the past eight years. She has established a strong and solid foundation for the future of the program.
You can reach Ms. Fitzgerald at kfitzgerald2@cherrycreekschools.org
IB Council meets 3:40-4:15 pm room #1-31 every Wednesday.
This optional club plans events/hangouts/ fundraisers and connects/supports our IB students. For students who want to be involved please join us (no need to sign up just show up!).
If you have questions please email the current
IB Council President: Ariel Suoo
asuoo@cherrycreekschools.org
IB Council also has an Instagram for events
and reminders: @shhsibcouncil
IB Council Prime Minister:
Mrs. Melissa Roberts-Brysh
mrobertsbrysh@cherrycreekschools.org
Personal Project
The IBMYP personal project is a student-driven inquiry into an area of personal interest, culminating in a significant product and a detailed report. This long-term project encourages students to become principled, lifelong learners by providing them with the opportunity to explore a passion and reflect on their growth. Ultimately, the personal project showcases their ability to plan, create, and evaluate a meaningful piece of work independently
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our Personal Project Coordinators and Liaison:
Mr. Corrado
mcorrado2@cherrycreekschools.org
Mrs. Skowronski
kskowronski2@cherrycreekschools.org
Mrs. Kourey
akourey@cherrycreekschools.org
Personal Project Support is here for you!
Dates: Dec. 3 & 10
Time: 3:30pm - 5:00pm in Library
Questions? Ask Mr. Corrado (mcorrado2@cherrycreekschools.org)
Extended Essay
Extended Essay (EE) is an independent, self-directed research paper on a topic chosen by the student. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery, and creativity while engaging students in personal research. This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing of up to 4,000 words. This is completed during the student's senior year with the supervision of a teacher whom they select.
The coordinators meet with the IBDP Juniors once a month in their IB English 11 class (1st semester) and in their TOK class (2nd semester). Please refer to the Schoology class for Extended Essay and PowerSchool.
Coordinators
Mrs. Harmon
kharmon4@cherrycreekschools.org
Mrs. Keller
ckeller12@cherrycreekschools.org
CAS
IB Students are required to have Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experiences for and 18-month timeframe. This requires students to take part in a range of student service-learning experiences, activities, and projects. During the span of their junior and senior years, students must document CAS experiences in ManageBac.
The coordinators hold meetings at the beginning of the year to provide information about CAS to the students. They are always available via email or in their offices when not in class. Please refer to the Schoology class for Epic Volunteer and PowerSchool.
CAS Coordinators:
Ms. Sheil for Class of 2026
ksheil@cherrycreekschools.org
Mr. Hirschfeld for Class of 2027
chirschfeld@cherrycreekschools.org
