Smoky Hill Buffaloes Newsletter

Smoky Hill Community,

What a week! I’m extremely proud of the energy and excellence our students and staff continue to bring to Smoky Hill High School on stage, in competition, and in the ways we support one another every day.

First, congratulations to our entire Performing Arts Department for an outstanding production of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. The talent, effort, and teamwork that went into that performance were impressive, and it was a great reminder of how powerful the arts are in building confidence, creativity, and community.

Second, I want to congratulate our Cheer and Dance Teams for demonstrating excellence on the national stage. Special congratulations to our Dance Team for qualifying for Finals in Hip Hop and finishing 13th in the nation, an incredible accomplishment! Our Cheer Team also made us proud by qualifying for the Semi-Finals in the Game Day competition.

Finally, I want to send a huge shoutout to our 22 FBLA students who qualified for state. Your leadership, focus, and drive are opening doors for your futures and setting a strong example of what it means to be a Buff!

This week, we’re cheering on our DECA students as they compete at the Colorado DECA State Conference. We know you will make us proud. Good luck to you all!

As we move through this month, we also want to recognize and honor the many meaningful observances happening within our community. To our students and families observing Ramadan, Lunar New Year, and Lent, we see you, we respect the significance of this time, and we are grateful for the traditions and perspectives you bring to Smoky Hill.

Thank you for continuing to make Smoky Hill a place where students can thrive and where we celebrate achievement while staying grounded in a strong sense of belonging. Let’s keep building on this momentum together and have a great upcoming week!

With gratitude,

Dr. Andre Bala

Smoky Hill Community,

Restroom loitering has become a problem at our school and at many schools across the country. It creates unsafe conditions, increases the likelihood of vaping, conflict, and vandalism, and prevents students who need to use the restroom from doing so quickly and comfortably. Bathroom loitering is when a student is in a restroom without using it for its intended purpose, including lingering, gathering with others, socializing, entering and exiting repeatedly, or remaining in the area for an extended period of time. This behavior will no longer be tolerated at Smoky Hill High School.

What will change starting March 2:

Beginning March 2, Smoky Hill High School will take immediate action when students are found loitering in restrooms:

* Security Specialists will actively monitor students entering restrooms throughout the school day.

* Security Specialists will escort any student(s) who are loitering to a Dean, Assistant Principal, or the Principal.

* The Dean, Assistant Principal, or Principal will impose an immediate disciplinary consequence at that time.

* The student's parent/guardian will be notified of the restroom loitering offense and the disciplinary consequence(s).

Why we are doing this:

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.

Thank you for your partnership as we strengthen expectations and keep Smoky Hill a safe and supportive place for all students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Andre Bala

Principal, Smoky Hill High School

Monday 2/23 GREEN Day + Nick Brooks Author Visit during 1G & 2G + 1st Day of Spring Sports

Tuesday 2/24 RED Day

Wednesday 2/25 GREEN Day + Advisory + District Voices of Color 6-7:30 pm

Thursday 2/26 RED Day + Boys Swimming vs OHS @ 5:00 pm in SH Pool

Friday 2/27 GREEN Day + BSU 1st Annual Cookout in Activities @ 5:30 pm.

Saturday 2/28 Girls Soccer vs. Highlands Ranch @ 12:00 pm @ Highlands Ranch HS

Friday, February 27th is Cookout Day!

Please join us this Friday for the 1st annual Black History Month Cookout hosted by the Smoky Hill Black Student Union in the Activities Hallway. Doors will open at 5:30 P.M., and there will be food (BBQ), music, and games. It will cost $5 dollars to enter (which also purchases tickets that can be used for food and games). This event is only open to Smoky Hill HS students.

Lastly, to support our efforts, cookout t-shirts will be available for student purchase. T-shirts are just $15 and are a great way to show support of BSU and help celebrate Black History Month as the proud Smoky community we are all a part of.

Please let Mr. Bradley know your questions or concerns about how you can support our BSU students and be a part of our Black History Month celebrations!

Ramadan Meal Sign-up Link and Ramadan Service Menu

Cherry Creek Reads is coming up! This year's theme is "Read Together, Shine Together" based on the book All the Stars in the Sky written by Art Coulson with illustrations by Winona Nelson. This contemplative exploration of community, individualism, and responsibility—accentuated with traditional beadwork in the art—is a moving invitation to consider an indigenous perspective of one’s place in the world and how we all light up our sky, together. Get ready for Cherry Creek Reads on March 9-13!

Congratulations and THANK YOU to:

• Director - Jadyn Diaz,
• Technical Director - Tim Brown,
• Orchestra Director - Christopher Norwood and
• Vocal Director/Accompanist - Darren Wirth.

Mason Hendricks, Naimah Alaniz, Lilli Baker, Onyx, Ross and Michael Kruschwitz starred in the show, along with a large cast & crew of hard working students. Amazing job by all involved. Thank you to all the staff that attended a performance. This was Tim Brown’s final Smoky Hill production. Bravo on a brilliant career and impacting hundreds of students!

It has over 3,200 views in one week on YouTube. Thank you to the coaches and sponsors of the 54 different teams and clubs who all made entire event happen.

2026 Smoky Hill Lip Dub

Good luck to Smoky Hill DECA at the Colorado DECA State Conference. Almost 100 DECA students from Smoky Hill have qualified to compete in Colorado Springs, at the Broadmoor. The event starts on Saturday, February 21, and runs until Tuesday, February 24. Congratulations to DECA sponsors BJ Kingsbaker and David Decker on the success of their DECA program.

Congratulations to sponsor David Decker and the success of his FBLA Students at the district competition. 22 Smoky Hill students have qualified for FBLA State. Great job to all that competed!

Congratulations to Smoky Hill High School Girls Swimming Head Coach Scott Cohen, who was named the 2025–26 Centennial League Coach of the Year after leading the Water Buffaloes to a record-breaking Centennial “A” League Championship!

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is pleased to announce the selection of seventeen outstanding mentees and eleven committed mentors for the 2026 CTE for All Mentorship Program.

Congratulations to Amy Cleveland who has been selected as one of seventeen outstanding mentees for the 2026 CTE for All Mentorship Program! We are so excited for you!

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!

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

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

Good luck to our Girls Swimming & Diving team at the 5A State Championship at VMAC this Tuesday and Wednesday.

• Lyla Bailey (Diving),
• Caroline Kaiser (50 Free & 100 Back),
• Eve Niemann (100 Breaststroke),
• Mya Noffsinger (200 IM & 100 Back),
• Sophie Noffsinger (200 Free & 100 Fly),
• Porter Sicheri (100 Back),
• Greta Smolenski (100 Free),
• Mia Waleski (Diving) and
• Cameryn Walkup (200 Free & 500 Free)

have qualified to compete for the #9 ranked Water Buffaloes at the State Championship.

Good luck to our Boys and Girls Wrestling team at the 5A State Wrestling Championship at Ball Arena this Thursday through Saturday. Jojo Galvan (138), Maria Pascual Francisco (110), Tagg Charity (126) and Mackenzie Johnson (145) will compete for the Buffaloes.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

mcraft@cherrycreekschools.org | 720-886-5508

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.

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.

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

Secure your Spot!

Smoky Hill Students,

I need your help protecting one of the most basic things we all rely on every day: clean, working bathrooms.

Over the past several weeks, multiple bathrooms have been closed due to flooding and serious plumbing concerns caused by clogged toilets and drains. When bathrooms are damaged or out of service, it impacts everyone: students, staff, and our ability to keep the building running smoothly.

Here’s the expectation moving forward:

-Only human waste and toilet paper go in the toilet. Nothing else. Ever.

-Feminine products must be placed in trash cans and NEVER flushed.

-Our toilets are sensor-operated and flush automatically. There is no need to force a flush.

-Do not kick the flush buttons. Kicking them breaks the toilets and shuts down the bathrooms.

-Bathrooms are not hangout spaces. Students are not permitted to loiter in restrooms.

-Vaping and smoking are strictly prohibited in bathrooms (and anywhere on campus) and will result in disciplinary action.

-Inform SHHS Security Specialists when bathroom products run out. We will replace them as soon as possible.

Smoky Hill is a shared space, and taking care of it is a shared responsibility. Most of our students do the right thing every day. For anyone choosing otherwise, it stops now!

Let’s keep bathrooms open, clean, and available for everyone.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Dr. Andre Bala

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

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)

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.

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 – 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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