Cresthill Cougar Courier
August 24th, 2026
September 28th, 2026
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
October 7th: School Accountability Meeting - 5:00-7:00
October 9th: End of First Quarter
October 12th-16th: Fall Break (School Closed)
October 19th: Beginning of 2nd Quarter
October 21st: Student Photo Retake Day (Photos taken during lunch periods)
October 23rd: Highlands Ranch High School Trunk or Treat Street
October 28th: Highlands Ranch High School Future Falcon Showcase
October 29th: Cresthill Sensory Friendly ONLY Trick or Treat Street - 5:00-7:00
October 30th: Halloween Dance - 2:45pm-4:00pm
Link To Join Our Public Calendar
TEAM AND CLASSROOM INFORMATION
NEW AND IMPORTANT
OCTOBER COUNT
Dear Cresthill Parents and Guardians,
Each October, every school in Colorado participates in what is known as October Count. This is an important time for our school and district because student enrollment and attendance during this window help determine the amount of funding we receive from the state to support our students and programs.
Our official October Count Day is Thursday, October 1st. Please do everything you can to ensure your student is at school on this important day.
Why does October Count matter?
The state of Colorado uses October Count enrollment information to determine funding for public schools. This funding supports the many resources and opportunities we provide for students, including high-quality instruction, support services, technology, activities, and extracurricular opportunities. Every student counts!
What can you do to help?
Please make every effort to have your child attend school each day during our October Count window, September 28–October 6. If your child must be absent due to illness or another unavoidable circumstance, please contact our front office right away so we can communicate what documentation, such as a doctor’s note, is needed.
Mrs. Julie Fairbairn, Attendance Receptionist
Attendance Line: 303-387-2802
303-387-2809
Thank you for your partnership and for helping us make every day count. Having your child at school supports not only their learning, but also the resources and opportunities we are able to provide for our entire Cresthill community.
We appreciate your continued support!
Warmly,
Dr. Francesca B. Pappalardo
Principal
Check out our funding website at www.dcsdk12.org/funding
Did you know that the Douglas County School District has a podcast? We found this episode especially informative. Check it out!
Link to Podcast: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/7ek8q7n5afeaqvti/033_Erin_Kane_MLO.mp3
On Aug. 25, the @DCSDK12 Board of Education voted to place a Mill Levy Override (MLO) option for taxpayers on the November ballot.
In this episode of the DCSD Notebook Podcast, Superintendent Erin Kane explains why district staff recommended the MLO, how DCSD measures transparency and return on investment, and the areas where additional funding could support students and schools, including:
• Attracting and retaining high-quality teachers and staff
• Supporting the increasing costs of school security
• Reducing waitlists for Career and Technical Education programs, including the trades
• Restoring student programming, such as elementary instrumental music
Listen to the episode to learn more about the proposal and the district’s perspective on its potential impact.
Wild Life In Area
As you know, living in the Highlands Ranch Area, it’s common to encounter native wildlife like deer, coyotes, raccoons, and hawks. Lately there have even been sightings of bear and bob cat. Sharing our neighborhood with these animals is part of what makes our community great, but keeping both humans and animals safe requires a few smart habits.
If you or your middle schooler spot wildlife nearby, keep these key rules in mind:
Keep Your Distance: Never approach a wild animal, no matter how calm or small it looks. A good rule of thumb: hold your thumb out at arm's length—if you can't cover the entire animal with your thumb, you're too close.
Never Feed Wild Animals: Feeding wildlife conditions them to lose their natural fear of humans, which creates dangerous situations for both pets and people.
Manage Food & Trash: Parents, ensure outdoor trash cans are securely latched, and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight to prevent attracting unwanted visitors.
Know What to Do in an Encounter: If you encounter a predator:
Do NOT run. Running triggers their chase instinct.
Stand tall, make yourself look as large as possible, wave your arms, and make noise.
Back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the animal.
Keep Pets Leashed: Dogs can startle wildlife or be seen as a threat. Always keep pets on a leash during walks on local trails.
By giving wildlife their space, we can enjoy seeing them while making sure our neighborhood stays safe for everyone!
ATHLETICS
EVENTS
CLUBS
Hey Cougars!
Are you interested in cheering and dancing at home sporting events? If so, the Cresthill Spirit Squad is the perfect place for you! Our season will run from October through March. Please see the attached flyer and QR Code for more information! Questions? Reach out to Mrs. Messmer at: ejmessmer@dcsdk12.org
DONATIONS
Help Support Our Health Room: Clothing Donations Needed!
Our school health room is currently looking for donations of new or gently used clothing to keep on hand for students who need a quick change during the school day (spills, accidents, or weather changes happen!).
We are seeking items in sizes suitable for middle schoolers (ages 10–14):
Bottoms: Elastic-waist shorts, sweatpants, or leggings (sizes Youth M–XL and Adult S–M)
Tops: T-shirts and hoodies/sweatshirts
New Items: Unopened packages of socks and underwear
Please ensure all gently used items are freshly washed and free of stains or holes. You can drop off any donations at the main office or have your student bring them to the health room.
Thank you so much for your support in keeping our students comfortable and ready to learn!
TRANSPORTATION
🚌 Bus Route Cancellations For September 28th-October 2nd: Route #5- cancelled
🚌 Bus Route Cancellations For October 5th-October 9th: Route #9- cancelled
DID YOU KNOW.....
GENERAL CRESTHILL INFO
Student Photo Reminders
If you need to order pictures or need assistance, please contact Dorian Studios @ mydorianstudio.com or 800-826-3535.
Our picture re-take day is scheduled for October 21st during lunch periods for anyone who did not like their first picture or missed the original picture day.
If you have already ordered photos and made the order before the school shipping deadline, they will be sent home by the end of this week.
HIGHLANDS RANCH HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS
HRHS Theater Department Presents.....
“The Curious Savage”
October 1st - 3rd at 7:00pm.
This is a 1950 comedic play by John Patrick about a wealthy widow who finds more kindness and honesty in a sanatorium than from her own greedy family.
Purchase tickets HERE.
Come out and support our talented Thespians!
HRHS Boys Basketball Fall Break Camp
HRHS Boys Basketball is excited to host a kids' basketball camp this fall break, starting October 12 and running through October 14. The camp will run from 10 am to 1 pm each day and will be run by our HRHS coaching staff and current players. The camp is open to any 4th- to 8th-grade boys. The cost is $75, and it can be paid through the MySchoolBucks link below. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Coach Bucholtz at abucholtz@dcsdk12.org
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZHVZS5TX305OUU_ZZ6C81LRCF8HR0I
Take A Tour At HRHS
It’s time to start looking ahead to high school! Tour registration is now open for Highlands Ranch High School. This is a great opportunity for you and your student to explore the campus, get a feel for the environment, ask questions about academics and extracurriculars, and meet key staff members. Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to register early to secure your preferred date and time.
Visit THIS LINK to view available time slots and sign up.
