WEST WILDCAT NEWS

Dear WMS Families,

This month has and will continue to provide many opportunities to showcase the strength of our WMS core value of Community. Although Tuesday’s Controlled Parent Pick-Up was challenging, the support from you - our WMS families, WMS staff, CCSD leadership, and our amazing WMS students, our community truly came together to ensure our students’ safety. Please know that we appreciate you, and we will continue to review and refine our processes to increase efficiency, while maintaining student safety. If you did not receive the district communications about the pick-up on Tuesday, please log into your my.cherrycreek parent forms to ensure that you have accurate contact information entered. You may also contact our WMS Main Office to support with any necessary changes.

Due to Tuesday’s events, we had to cancel parent-teacher conferences. Please know that early next week, we will reach out to the families that were scheduled for the 02/04 conferences to re-schedule for an open slot during the 02/27 or 03/06 conferences or another time during the school day this quarter.

Another opportunity to engage in our WMS community is our upcoming WMS School Accountability meeting this Tuesday, February 11, at 6:00 p.m. This meeting will be conducted virtually on Teams to provide easier access for our families. During this meeting, our Parent Accountability Committee will continue to share information about the role of School Accountability, and our WMS Administrative Team will provide important updates, including:
✔ Our progress on our Unified Improvement Plan (UIP) goals
✔ Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year

✔ The 2025-26 school budget

✔ Progress with our updated cell phone expectations

✔ Learnings from our Controlled Parent Pick-Up

This is a great opportunity to stay informed and engaged in our school’s direction. If you are unable to attend, minutes from this meeting will be posted on the WMS website under the Parents tab, then under Accountability Meeting tab. For more information about attending this virtual meeting, see the Accountability Meeting section below which also includes the agenda. Hope to see many of you there!

Finally, I am reaching out to ask for your support in reinforcing positive behaviors in our community. We recently received feedback from a few community members regarding instances of disrespectful behavior on Fridays after school out in the community, specifically at King Soopers and Panera. As a school, we take pride in our core values, and Respect is one of them. I ask that you take a moment to talk with your child about the importance of representing WMS positively, both on and off school grounds. Our community supports us, and we want to ensure we are showing the same respect in return.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our students' success.

With gratitude for this amazing community,

Mónica M. García

The All-Star Award was established to honor classified and professional technical employees who exemplify excellence in their roles, positively represent their employee groups, and contribute to the overall success of the Cherry Creek School District.

West Middle School is proud to recognize Tim Cave, one of our dedicated Special Education Paras, as a recipient of this prestigious award. Tim embodies the core value of relationships, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both students and colleagues. He serves as a mentor to his peers, modeling patience, thoughtful interactions, and a commitment to continuous improvement by actively seeking feedback from teachers, deans, and administrators.

Tim works tirelessly to understand and support the unique needs of our Special Education students—not only helping them achieve their academic goals but also encouraging their personal growth by nurturing their hobbies and interests. His dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment make him an invaluable member of our school community.

CCSD and WMS will celebrate Tim Cave at the4 CCSD All Star Award Banquet at the end of February!

This week, we celebrate and recognize the incredible impact our school counselors have on our students, staff, and community. Their dedication, compassion, and hard work help create a supportive and nurturing environment for all.

A special thank you to Ms. Carter, Mr. Cantrell, and Ms. Holstein for all that you do for our community, students, and staff. Your guidance and support make WMS a better place! We appreciate you! 💙✨

We invite you to join us for our next Virtual Accountability Meeting on February 11th starting at 6:00 PM. Accountability provides an avenue for parents to engage in discussion with the administration, and provide input on topics such as school programming and funding, and how and why decisions are being made at West.

To receive the meeting link, please RSVP in advance by emailing cwheeler@cherrycreekschools.org or calling 720-554-5180.

We look forward to your participation and appreciate your engagement in our school community!

Please visit the link(s) below for information and FAQs regarding the WMS New Cell Phone guidelines.

Spanish - Cell Phone Guidelines

English - Cell Phone Guidelines

Nine years ago, West Middle School began a partnership with Hero’s Puppy For Life to raise money for veterans suffering from PTSD. Through our communities efforts, we raised $2,362.10 out of our $3,500 goal. The money helped provide service dogs, one year of veterinary care, and service-dog training for veterans and their animals.

Thank you so much West Families for supporting this important organization! Take a look at one of the new puppies that will be helping a veteran!

If your child will be absent, please call the WMS Attendance Line to report the absence:

• For students with last names A-L, call 720-554-5110
• For students with last names M-Z, call 720-554-5111

Please note, if a student is marked as tardy or unexcused absent, automated phone calls will be sent at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM daily to notify families.

• If you believe there has been an error in your child’s attendance, or if you need assistance, please contact the WMS Attendance Clerk at 720-554-5109.

Thank you for your cooperation, Wildcats!

Welcome to 2nd Semester! Many students have new electives this Semester which have class fees. If your child has started an Art Class, Guitar Class, or Technology Class this semester, there is a small fee that can be paid through your Revtrak account. When you pay online, the teacher gets an email immediately, so they are aware of each payment that comes into their budget. These fees help pay for the high-quality supplies that are purchased for your student to use in class.

Many parents have already paid their students' class fees, which is greatly appreciated! Please also remember to check to see if you have any outstanding invoices in your PowerSchool account. These would be for "old" fees and need to be paid directly into PowerSchool.

Questions? Call the Bookkeeping Office at 720-554-5138.

Thank you!

Yearbook Club after school in A212.

Math League/Math Counts after school in B104.

Soccer Club after school on the field (will be indoor if there is inclement weather).

Co-Ed Wrestling Practice after school in the gyms.

Drama Rehearsal after school in the cafeteria.

Tuesday 2/11:

Jazz Band after school in room D126.

Just Do It - Young Business Leaders after school in B102.

Wildcat Orchestra Club after school in room D125.

Student Council after school in room C108.

Co-Ed Wrestling Meet @ Prairie Middle School, starting around 5pm.

Drama Rehearsal after school in the cafeteria.

WMS Virtual Accountability Meeting at 6pm, see section above for RSVP Information.

Wednesday 2/12:

Marvel Cinematic Universe Club in Counseling.

Strategic Games after school in room A112.

Robotics Club after school in D111.

Drama Rehearsal after school in the cafeteria.

Thursday 2/13:

Brain Bowl after school in room B205.

Cheer Club after school in the Dean's Office.

Co-Ed Wrestling Practice after school in the gyms.

Drama Rehearsal after school in the cafeteria.

Friday 2/14:

No after school activities or late buses.

No School - Presidents Day.

Tuesday 2/18:

No School - Teacher Work Day.

Wednesday 2/19:

Marvel Cinematic Universe Club in Counseling.
SAGA after school in room A214.

Strategic Games after school in room A112.

Robotics Club after school in D111.

Taylor Swift Literary Club after school in C102.

Co-Ed Wrestling Practice after school in the gyms.

Drama Rehearsal after school in the cafeteria.

Stringathon from 5pm-7pm at WMS.

Thursday 2/20:

Brain Bowl after school in room B205.

Girls Who Code after school in room D110.

Cheer Club after school in the Deans Office.

Co-Ed Wrestling Meet @ Sky Vista Middle School, starting around 5pm.

Drama Rehearsal after school in the cafeteria.

Friday 2/21:

No after school activities or late buses.

The Yearbook Club is hard at work making sure this year's memories are captured in the most special way! From classroom moments to sporting events, performances, and everything in between, we are dedicated to documenting every milestone and memory.

Don't miss out on getting your copy of this year’s yearbook! Order your yearbook by pressing the button below so that you and your student can relive all the unforgettable moments from the year.

Thank you for supporting the Yearbook Club – we can’t wait to share the finished product with you!

Are you looking for extra help with homework, studying, and/or class projects? West Middle School offers Homework Help/Study Hall! Please review the available options below, and reach out to your teachers for specific support, as needed - we’ve listed the teachers and room numbers for your convenience. Can’t wait to help you out!

Please note:

• Teachers highlighted in RED are Language Arts teachers.
• Teachers highlighted in GREEN are Math teachers.
• PURPLE highlighting indicates the teacher specializes in both Language Arts and Math.
• Teachers highlighted in BLUE are Science teachers.
• Teachers highlighted in ORANGE are Social Studies teachers.
• Teachers highlighted in YELLOW are Elective teachers.

We offer homework help at the following times:

1. Before School: 8:00am to 8:40am, Mondays - Fridays
2. After School: 3:50pm-4:40pm, Mondays - Thursdays; no after school activities on Fridays

• Expectations for Homework Help/Study Hall

• Use the restroom and fill your water before entering.

• Stay in the Commons.

• Bring a charged device.

• Sign in. Find a seat. 1 person per table.

• Keep your phones put away and off.

• Work on school work quietly until dismissal.

At the end of Homework Help/Study Hall… Push in your chair and take all your belongings.

Please see our athletics schedule below!

The Co-ed Wrestling season is here, and we’re thrilled to have your students representing West! Here are a couple of important reminders:

1. Please ensure that your athletics form is filled out. You can pick one up at the Dean's office or find it online under the athletics tab. Once completed, please email it to cwheeler@cherrycreekschools.org.

2. Don’t forget to log into West Middle School Revtrak to pay the wrestling fee for your grade.

Thank you, and let's have an amazing season!

West Middle School offers a variety of opportunities for students to engage in athletics, after school activities and clubs. We encourage all students to pursue their interests and passions through extracurricular activities. The more involved a student is within their school, the better they will achieve and feel connected.

Please be sure to talk with your student about staying after school and communicating with you about which club/activity and days your student plans on staying after to participate. After school activities run from 3:45 to 4:40 Monday – Thursday. Late buses are available for students who are already assigned to a bus, and depart at 4:45 PM. Those who do not take a bus and participate in an after school activity are expected to be picked up no later than 5:00 PM.

Students are encouraged to participate in clubs and activities that interest them. Research has shown that students who complement their academics with extracurricular experiences often enjoy school more and connect with their peers and teachers through more positive interactions. In addition, clubs and activities provide opportunities for students to express their creativity in a variety of ways. Students should listen to the announcements and check the building rotators for sign-up information, start dates, and times.

• Blue Glass Bottles
• Marbles or Glass "Pebbles"

Thank you, Wildcats!

A few of our talented art students at West Middle School have been recognized for their exceptional creativity and skill, earning prestigious awards for their outstanding work. Their incredible pieces have also been selected for display at a local gallery, giving them a special opportunity to showcase their artistry to the community. This achievement highlights their dedication and passion for the arts, and makes our school proud.

Please view the art below, and take an opportunity to go view this art in person. Opening ceremony is February 7th at 40 West Gallery.

• Click here for details about the Reception Date.
• Click here to view the talented students selected from WMS.
• Click here for view the special award for one of our Wildcats, Ryah Lawrence!

Gold Key - with a special award for best in Grade 8 in the State!

Honorable Mention

Honorable Mention

Honorable Mention

Mixed Media

Honorable Mention

GOT LEADERSHIP?

Middle School Leadership Day is coming up for 8th graders on March 5, 2025. MSLD is an event for interested 8th graders from Campus and West Middle Schools to participate in a fun-filled day where they learn about Student Senate and other leadership opportunities that they can be involved in at CCHS. Freshman from CCHS will be here during lunch on February 11th to give more details about this event. Watch this video made by current freshman students for more information! Scan the QR code to sign up due by February 26th.

7th graders, you also have the opportunity to be a leader!

Look out for WEB leader applications to be apart of for your 8th grade year.

WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) is a great extracurricular opportunity for 8th graders to show their leadership skills by volunteering for events like Wildcat Welcome Night and Buddy Days. WEB Leaders help 6th graders out on the first day of school, support future Wildcats, and much more. Look out for more information from your WEB sponsors Mr. Eyolfson and Ms. Appel coming soon.

We would like to take a moment to remind everyone that our students represent West Middle School not just when they are on campus, but in everything they do within our community. As a school, we are committed to the CARE values: Community, Achievement, Respect, and Equity. These values are at the heart of everything we do, and we encourage students to carry them with them wherever they go.

Whether attending local events, engaging with peers, or simply out and about, our students should always strive to demonstrate the principles of Community by supporting others, show their commitment to Achievement through hard work and perseverance, embody Respect for themselves and others, and stand for Equity by promoting fairness. By upholding these values, they are not only reflecting the pride we take in our school but also contributing positively to the world around them.

Thank you for helping reinforce these important values at home. We appreciate your continued support in guiding our students to be thoughtful, responsible, and respectful members of our community.

Transportation is required by CDE Regulations to account for all students on the bus and unauthorized passengers are not permitted. However, the Transportation Department recognizes that circumstances may arise, e.g. a family emergency, parents out of town, etc., when a student needs to ride home with another student on a one-time only basis. The student must get off at the assigned stop of the student they are riding with (no exceptions).

Make sure to fill out and turn in the linked Permission Slip to the Dean's office no later than 9:00 AM on the requested ride date. Forms can be printed and handed to the Dean's Assistant. Hard copies of the form can be picked up from the Dean's office if they are needed but must be picked up prior to the day they need to ride a different bus. No emails will be accepted. If there is an emergency, please call the main office at 720-554-5180.

What the WMS handbook says: The amount of sugar and caffeine in energy drinks can cause serious health problems for some students. **As a result, energy drinks are strictly prohibited at all times on school grounds.**

Children's Hospital's reasoning behind warning against energy drinks: High doses of caffeine may work together with the other ingredients in energy drinks to cause adverse reactions like sleep disturbances, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, anxiety, irritability and vomiting. They have also been reported to cause very serious problems such as seizures, cardiac events, and even death. If you’re looking for a boost of energy, don’t put your health at risk by reaching for an energy drink. Instead, concentrate on effective training, healthy eating and getting adequate rest.

Three simple steps to protect against three respiratory diseases from CDPHE

Respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), will spread at the same time this fall and winter. They can be severe, especially among people at higher risk. Take three simple steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our communities.

Step 1

Get all of your recommended vaccines, including flu and COVID-19, to prevent you and others you care about from getting really sick. Flu, COVID-19, and other routine vaccines can reduce the risk of serious illness, especially for those most at risk, including young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those who are pregnant. The sooner you get your vaccines, the sooner you will be protected and the sooner you can help protect others.

Step 2

Take everyday protective steps like covering coughs and sneezes (into a tissue), frequent handwashing, and staying home when you’re sick. When you are sick, take antiviral medications if prescribed by your doctor so you feel better, faster.

Step 3

Talk with your health care provider about your or your child’s risk for severe RSV, the potential benefits of RSV immunizations, and if the immunizations are covered by your insurance. Older adults are at greater risk for serious complications from RSV because our bodies weaken with age. Older adults with certain medical conditions may especially benefit from the RSV vaccine. An RSV immunization can also now help protect all babies younger than 8 months and other high-risk young children from the leading cause of hospitalization in the United States.

https://fluvaxcolorado.org/

WMS Clinic Process

Are you curious about the process when a student at WMS is not feeling well?

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to follow the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) How Sick is Too Sick? / (¿Qué tan enfermo es demasiado enfermo?)

For more detailed information on infectious disease, please go to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's website and read the Infectious Diseases in Child Care and School Settings guidelines.

Common symptoms of illness in students such as fever, diarrhea, and vomiting should be fully resolved for 24 hours (without the use of medication) before a student should return to school.

Give Kids a Smile is an event on February 17th to provide FREE dental hygiene services to local children and teens from under-served families. Please see attached flyer.

West Middle School Parents and Caregivers,

This semester the West Middle School administration has updated their Cell Phone Guidelines. We, the PTCO Executive Board, unanimously support these guidelines. As people, we understand the ways in which our phones affect our attention in our own lives. As parents and guardians, we want the best possible environment for our children to promote their happiness and productivity. Dr. Laurie Santos, Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science at Yale University recently said on Huberman Lab, “A thought pattern that is really good for happiness is presence. We know so much about these moments of mindfulness, about really paying attention to your sensory experiences and what that means for happiness. One of the biggest hacks you can use to get more presence is…to get rid of your cell phone.”

Though our kids' happiness is paramount, their productivity during school hours is also of utmost importance. Dr. Santos continued, “Evidence suggests that even the act of having your phone out is subtly stealing your attention from other people and from the tasks you are doing.” That suggestion of evidence is backed by studies. “Princeton has done studies on if you take a test while having your phone with you versus having it in the other room, you see double digit increases in your performance just by having your phone away from you.” Dr. Santos said.

We, as a board, would like to thank Principal Monica Garcia and the entire West Middle School administration for implementing the Updated Cell Phone Guidelines. Based on evidence and experience, we trust that the guidelines will provide a more present and effective environment for our children. It is also a great reminder to all of us about the drain our reliance on our devices puts on our social connection and productivity with others.

With the devastating fires in LA, it brings to light the need for communities to help one another in the face of challenging times. We encourage anyone that is able to show their support to the relief efforts to give what they can to the gift card drive detailed below.

This group is working closely with selected organizations to include: the Los Angeles Unified School District, the Pasadena Unified School District, Private School Village, and the Jewish Federation of L.A. This will ensure these cards go directly to families - of the Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas - who need them most.

John Meade Park - Cherry Hills Village, CO

Tuesday, February 4 - Thursday, February 6

7:30 - 9:00 a.m./2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

** Drive-thru drop-off or stay awhile and say hello!**

The WMS PTCO is currently putting together its volunteer lists for next year. We know your time is extremely valuable but it is also the largest gift you can give back to the West Middle School community. Attached are the details on how to get involved.

Please follow WMS PTCO on Facebook to hear the stories of how your donations are being put to use this school year.

Wade Nedved

Communications Chair

Please contact your grade level administrator for any questions.

6th: Kari Kusek - kkusek@cherrycreekschools.org

7th: Rachel Langberg - rlangberg@cherrycreekschools.org

8th: Mark Wackwitz - mwackwitz@cherrycreekschools.org

Office Manager: Caroline Rose Wheeler - cwheeler@cherrycreekschools.org

You can pay your student's fees by visiting the West Middle School Revtrak page or you may send your student with cash to the bookkeeper. Regrettably, we are unable to accept checks.

• Parent/ Guardians are now able to update Additional Contact info in their https://my.cherrycreekschools.org/ accounts by clicking on the Guardian Tile.

  
  

  Some things to keep in mind:

  • If a Household 1 Parent/Guardian has not completed Parent Forms, they will not have access to the Guardian Update tile.
  • Household 2 will only be able to access this tile if they have a 2nd household setup in PowerSchool. If they need to create a 2nd household, please see the Admissions section on the District Website. On the left menu, they will need to click on the link titled “Change/Update/Verify Address or Household Info."
  • Changes made through the update tile will be visible in PowerSchool within minutes.
  • Occasionally, parents will not see their students listed when logging into the Guardian Update tile. Refreshing the screen will correct this issue.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Please see the below message regarding the new CCSD Volunteer/Partner Process. If you are currently volunteering or plan to volunteer in the future, please complete the online volunteer form. It should only take a few minutes to complete. We want to thank you in advance and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school.

New Colorado legislation has prompted greater need to screen and document volunteers in our schools. Therefore, beginning January 2022, we must ensure that every volunteer completes a brief application to support activities in CCSD schools. This information will be automatically linked to the Raptor System. The good news is they only need to complete this form once per school year, and it will meet the requirement to volunteer in all CCSD buildings.

To access the form, please click on the following link: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/NzU0OmVuLVVT

Definitions

• Volunteers are guests who are supporting students, completing tasks, and under the immediate supervision and direction of District licensed personnel.

• Visitors are guests who are solely entering the building to conduct business such as participate in a meeting, eat lunch with their student, or attend a school sponsored activity.

The safety and security of our students and staff remains our top priority. Every person entering our buildings must have a District ID or a badge printed from the Raptor System.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Get your West Spirit Gear!

Store link: WMS Sideline Store

Remember, a portion of all proceeds return back to West Middle School to support our students -- so thank you Wildcat families!

Dear Families,

This email is to serve as an important reminder for students to carry their bus card when riding the bus. Students without a bus card will experience longer wait times on the bus and/or could be denied a ride home from school if they cannot be identified. Please see below for more specific details and information on how to replace your student’s bus card if necessary.

MORNING BUS ROUTES TO SCHOOL

All students will be provided a ride to school in the morning regardless of whether they have their bus card or student ID. If a student does not have their bus card, the student will be directed to the back of the line and the following process will take place:

1. Student will be asked to provide their student ID.
2. Bus driver will check student ID and manually load student in system.
3. If the student cannot be found in the system or the information contradicts the student ID or what the student is saying, the bus driver will call Dispatch.

AFTERNOON BUS ROUTES FROM SCHOOL

*Students must ride the bus home to which they are assigned.

In the afternoon, if a student does not have their bus card, the student will be directed to the back of the line and the following process will take place:

1. Student will be asked to provide their student ID.
2. Bus driver will check student ID and manually load student in system.
3. If the student cannot be found in the system or the information contradicts the student ID or what the student is saying, the bus driver will take the following action appropriate for primary and secondary level students.

• Bus driver will call security/administrator at the school to identify the student.
• If a school staff member is unable to identify student or respond in a timely manner, the student’s ride will be denied, and the student must contact a parent for a ride home.

Are you an 8th grader planning to attend Cherry Creek High School next year? Did you know that CCHS offers SIX world languages? Click on this link to see our informational flier with FAQs and QR codes for some pamphlets and videos.

Power Week is full of fun events to benefit Bags of Fun! Power Week is Feb 10-14th. Click the photo below to buy your Power Week Pass or Tickets to events

Board of Education Meeting

February 10th, 2025

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Fox Ridge Middle School

26301 E. Arapahoe Parkway

Aurora, CO 80016

Parents' Council

February 12th, 2025

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Fremont Building

14603 E Fremont Ave

Centennial, CO 80112

Special Education Advisory Committee

February 13th, 2025

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Student Achievement Resource Center

14188 E Briarwood Ave

Centennial, CO 80112

No School ~ All Schools

February 17th, 2025

Presidents Day

K-12 ~ No School ~ All Schools

February 18th, 2025

Teacher Work Day