WEST WILDCAT NEWS

As we prepare to administer our mid-year STAR assessment, we want to take a moment to share with you the importance of this assessment in your child's learning journey. STAR testing is not just another test—it's a valuable tool that helps us understand your child's strengths and areas for growth. It provides a snapshot of where they stand in relation to grade-level expectations and helps us track their progress over time, as they completed a beginning of year STAR assessment in August.

Assessments will take place during the week of December 9. Each student will complete one assessment in their math class and one in their language arts class. Please note that no special scheduling is required, as the assessments will be administered during their regular content classes.

Why is STAR testing important?

• A Snapshot of Progress: The STAR test offers a clear picture of your child's current learning, helping both students and teachers see how far they’ve come and what areas need more focus.

• A Tool for Teachers: The results of the STAR test help our teachers make informed decisions about how to best support your child. Whether it’s enrichment, intervention, or tailored instruction, the results guide our next steps in your child’s educational journey.

Why should your child do their best?

• Create an Accurate Snapshot: Doing their best ensures that the results accurately reflect where they are in their learning journey, which is essential for planning their next steps.

• Show Off What They Know: This is an opportunity for your child to demonstrate their strengths and the progress they’ve made.

• Help Their Teacher Help Them: The feedback from STAR testing enables teachers to make informed decisions that directly benefit your child’s education.

We encourage you to talk with your child about the STAR test, emphasizing the importance of doing their best so that we can support them in the most effective way possible. Together, we can use the results to guide their learning, focus on areas for improvement, and celebrate their strengths!

Thank you for your continued support in helping your child succeed!

Please see this link to view the presentation regarding WMS New Cell Phone guidelines.

The CCSD communications department put together a social media reel of our most recent Play Day!

The reel is up on our Facebook and Instagram:

https://www.facebook.com/CCSDK12

https://www.instagram.com/cherrycreekschools

The PTCO is excited to begin our series of showing YOU (our wonderful parents and guardians) examples of how your donations to the PTCO fundraising activities help better serve our students.

Ms. Raugutt's class used funds to get evidence-based platforms for kids to practice literacy, and purchase non-food incentives for achieving benchmarks towards their math goals!

Picture 1: The student is using Wordwall as a way to practice syllabication rules and spelling of words with the pattern VCCV/VCCY.

Picture 2: The student is working in ST Math. She reached her weekly minutes of 90, so she earned a reward of mini erasers that she chose and a certificate.

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

Garry Roseman

WMS PTCO President

Seven years ago, West Middle School began a partnership with Hero’s Puppy For Life.org to raise money for veterans suffering from PTSD. We use the money raised to purchase service dogs, one year of veterinary care, and service-dog training for the veterans and their animals. This year our goal is to raise $3500.

There are several ways you can support this goal.

1. Attend dine-out nights at Parry’s Pizza. Dates will be advertised in the coming weeks.
2. Attend any boy’s basketball HOME game and purchase concessions outside the main entrance to the gym.

The top collecting advisory class from each grade level will win a donut party and the top collecting class overall will also win a pizza party. Good luck Wildcats!!

We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone in our community who contributed to our recent CCHS Feeder Donation Drive. Your generosity and support have made an incredible difference, and we are truly grateful for your willingness to give. Every donation has helped us provide much-needed assistance to those in need, and it’s heartening to see how our community comes together to make a positive impact. Thank you Wildcats!

It is that time of year again to nominate incredible individuals for the 2024-2025 Golden Heart Awards!

This prestigious award is for any individual who has "opened their heart" to touch the life of a Cherry Creek School District student with special needs. This includes, but is not limited to, bus drivers, teachers, cafeteria workers, paraprofessionals, specials teachers (media, art, P.E., music), those in support positions, students, and community employers.

Attached is a letter detailing this award and a link to submit nominations. It is also available via the following link: 2024-2025 Golden Heart Nominations

Nominations are open now and will close on December 13th at 4 PM. We cannot accept late entries.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

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

As we approach the winter months and weather conditions may lead to late arrivals, please be sure to call the attendance line to report any changes to your child’s schedule. We appreciate your patience as we work through attendance calls as they come in, especially during snowy or inclement weather.

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!

The Food and Nutrition Services Department has moved to a new software program (MySchoolBucks) for all operations. All meals (breakfast and lunch) remain free for all students this year. Families are encouraged to complete a meal application to take advantage of other benefits offered to them and to support Title I funding in CCSD.

Go to https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/getmain?requestAction=home to make an account for your child. It's going to ask you to pick the school and ask for either your child’s student ID or their birthday. Once the account is created you will be able to add money to their account. Linq is deactivated for the district, any money that was left over from last year would have been transferred to their new account.

Monday 12/9:

Yearbook Club after school in room A212.

Math League after school in room B104.

Soccer Club after school with Mr. Clark & Mr. Temple - meet on the track.

7th & 8th Girls Basketball practice in the gyms.

Tuesday 12/10:

Unified Theatre Rehearsal afterschool in D127.

Minecraft Club after school in room D111.

Wildcat Orchestra Club after school in room D125.

Student Council after school in room C108.

7th & 8th Girls Basketball practice in the gyms.

Winter Band Concert at 6:30pm in the gym.

Wednesday 12/11:

Marvel Cinematic Universe Club in Counseling.

Strategic Games after school in room A112.

Robotics Club after school in D111.

Drama Audition Clinics after school in D127.

7th Girls Basketball Games @ Thunder Ridge from 4:30pm-7:00pm.

8th Girls Basketball Games @ WMS from 4:30pm-7:00pm.

Thursday 12/12:

Brain Bowl after school in room B205.

Unified Theatre Rehearsal afterschool in D127.

7th & 8th Girls Basketball practice in the gyms.

Winter Orchestra Concert at 6:30pm in the gym.

Friday 12/13:

No after school activities or late buses.

Monday 12/16:

NJHS after school in the design hub.

Yearbook Club after school in room A212.

Math League after school in room B104.

Soccer Club after school with Mr. Clark & Mr. Temple - meet on the track.

Drama Audition Clinics after school in D127.

7th Girls Basketball Games @ Falcon Creek from 4:30pm-7:00pm.

8th Girls Basketball Games @ WMS from 4:30pm-7:00pm.

Tuesday 12/17:

Jazz Band after school in room D126.

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

Unified Theatre Rehearsal afterschool in D127.

Minecraft Club after school in room D111.

Wildcat Orchestra Club after school in room D125.

Student Council after school in room C108.

6th & 8th Girls Basketball practice in the gyms.

Winter Choir Concert at 6:30pm in the gym.

Wednesday 12/18:

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.

Unified Theatre Performance after school in the design hub.

6th & 8th Girls Basketball practice in the gyms.

Thursday 12/19:

Brain Bowl after school in room B205.

Friday 12/20:

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 bellow 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.

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 basketball season is here, and we’re thrilled to have your 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls on our team 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 basketball fee for your grade.

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

Now that we have completed Boys Basketball season, please be sure that your player has returned their uniform to their coach. There will be a fee of $60 ($30 for jersey, $30 for shorts) added to your student's account in PowerSchool if their uniform has not been returned.

Please be sure the Boys Basketball fee for the season has been paid as well. You can find 6th & 7th grade Boys Basketball ($30) and 8th grade Boys Basketball ($60) in Revtrak. These fees help to offset the cost of Officials and transportation during the Boys Basketball Season.

Every Kid Sports, is a national nonprofit that helps children from income-restricted families cover the cost of their sports registration fees. We are currently accepting applications for kids wanting to play this winter and are hoping you can help us spread the word. Every Kid Sports supports all kids ages 4-18 who need help paying recreational sports registration fees, including high school, elementary school and middle school sports programs!

Applying is easy! Parents simply visit our website, fill out a short application, and upload a document verifying their enrollment in either Medicaid, SNAP, or WIC. If eligible, families can receive up to $150 per child, three times per year, to pay their sports registration fees. This could easily pay for the $90 school athletic registration fee and reduce the amount of scholarships schools are awarding. Families who are approved receive a Visa debit card for each child that has controls on it they use to pay. This protects the parents dignity eliminating the need to ask the school for financial aid.

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.

If you are willing or able, please donate the following items to Ms. Migliaccio or Ms. Genzer:

• Cereal Boxes
• Cracker Boxes
• Small Yogurt Containers (cleaned out please)

Thank you Wildcats!

Wildcat Unified Theatre - December 18

Join West Students as they let creativity rule and put the Spotlight on Ability in our first Unified Theatre performance. This student-written, student-led performance highlights brings students of varying abilities together to present Dreams of Gratitude: A Bedtime Adventure on December 18 at 6:30pm. Free Admission.

Auditions for the spring musical Something Rotten, Jr. will be January 8 and 9 after school in the drama room. Open to all grades. Actors and Tech needed.

• To sign up and access all needed materials, go to bit.ly/wmsdrama.

• Optional audition clinics will be held 12/11 and 12/16 after school

• Questions - Jen Brickley or Amelia James

• jbrickley@cherrycreekschools.org

• ajames14@cherrycreekschools.org

If you have any questions, please reach out to Jennifer Brickley

jbrickley@cherrycreekschools.org

bit.ly/wmsdrama for show and class info

Dear Parents and Families,

We hope you all had a wonderful and restful break. With the end of the semester quickly approaching, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some important tips to help students finish the semester on a positive note.

Since returning from fall break, students have been engaged in completing assignments, preparing for and taking tests, and working on projects. With all the hard work they have put in, we want to ensure they have the support and tools needed to finish the semester strong.

To wrap up the semester successfully, students should focus on these key aspects:

• Stay organized
• Keep track of deadlines
• Prioritize tasks
• Maintain consistent study habits
• Seek help from trusted adults when needed
• Take care of well-being by balancing academic responsibilities with rest and self-care

As we focus on supporting student success, we also want to share some news about our team. Our intern, Elise Konrad, has completed her final day of her internship at West Middle School. Elise is deeply grateful for the meaningful connections she built with students and will miss the staff tremendously. She feels honored to have been part of such a supportive and uplifting school community. As she moves forward, Elise will be joining the Douglas County School District to continue her journey as a middle school counselor.

As always, thank you for your continued support in helping our students be successful. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further support as we approach the end of the semester.

Thank you!

The WMS Counseling and Mental Health Team

As the semester comes to a close, we encourage you to remind your student to stay focused and finish strong. With final assignments, projects, and exams ahead, it’s important that they stay organized and committed to their work.

Here are 5 ways you can help your student prepare for finals:

1. Create a Study Schedule: Help your child plan study time and set goals for each session.
2. Encourage Breaks: Remind them to take regular breaks to stay focused.
3. Promote a Healthy Routine: Ensure they get enough sleep, eat well, and stay active.
4. Organize Study Materials: Help gather notes and resources to avoid last-minute stress.
5. Provide Emotional Support: Be there to listen and offer encouragement.

Additionally, remind your student of the importance of following teacher instructions the first time and upholding the core values of community, achievement, respect, and equity here at West Middle School. By maintaining positive behaviors, showing respect for others, and committing to their personal and academic growth, they will finish the semester with confidence.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

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.

Viral Videos Endangering Students

Videos on various social media outlets have been going around showing kids/teens mixing cough syrup and soda (they’re calling this mixture "purple drank," "sizzurp," and "dirty sprite”) as well as videos of kids/teens taking large quantities of Benadryl with the aim to hallucinate. Both these can have incredibly dangerous if not deadly consequences so please make sure these medications are in a secure location in your home.

Extra Clothes

Wet, snowy, slippery weather means falls in the snow! Sending an extra pair of socks or pants with your student to keep in their locker is a great idea - we just don’t have enough extra clothes in the clinic to provide a dry change every time. This is also a great idea for students who are menstruating and may need a change of pants every now and then!

**If your student has used clothes from the clinic in the past, we’d love it if you'd wash them and get them back to us so we have an emergency stash! Thank you!

Medications

We’re seeing an uptick in students carrying their own medications. Just a reminder that students are not allowed to carry medications - all medications must be stored in the clinic with orders from a healthcare provider. We are always happy to give doses of antibiotics, eye drops, or cough medicine if your student needs it during the day but we must have orders to do so.

Vaccine Letters:

Vaccine letters were sent out last week if your child is non-compliant per Colorado State guidelines. Please send in vaccine records or complete the non-medical exemption course as soon as possible and send in your certificate. Just a reminder, Tdap is required at age 11 - and is of particular importance right now with Pertussis (whooping cough) on the rise!

Respiratory Illnesses on the Rise:

We are seeing an increase in Pneumonia, Covid, Flu, and Pertussis. If your child has symptoms of illness, please consider keeping them home. District guidelines require a student to be 24 hours post-fever WITHOUT fever reducing medications before returning to school regardless of what illness a student has.

Gastrointestinal Illnesses on the Rise:

We are seeing an increase in students with diarrhea and/or vomiting. A student needs to be 24 hours with no diarrhea/vomiting before returning to school and again, with no fever-reducing medications.

Thanks to a grant from the PTCO, we are making some big changes in the West library. Now, all the books are grouped by genre.

Organizing books by category has been a request of many students. It makes it easier to find books that are of interest to readers since they are grouped together: historical fiction books are together, fantasy books are in one place, and romance and mystery each have their own spaces.

Make sure your students stop in to check out some new books (or old favorites) for the holiday break.

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.

Middle School and High School 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.

Students with a lost or damaged bus card should take action to replace it. Please ask your bus driver for information on how to replace a lost or damaged bus card for free. Bus riders who are repeatedly unable to provide identification will be referred to the appropriate dean or administrator at their school.

Creek Varsity Football will take on Legend High School in the 5A State Football Championship game Saturday, December 7th at 6pm at CSU's Stadium, Canvas Stadium, in Ft. Collins.

Middle School students should be accompanied by an adult, when attending CCHS football games.

Please use the link below to purchase tickets ahead of time.

Board of Education Meeting

December 9th, 2024

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Thunder Ridge Middle School

5250 S. Picadilly Street

Aurora, CO 80015

Special Education Advisory Committee

Topic: Transition Program Presentation

December 12th, 2024

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Student Achievement Resource Center

14188 E Briarwood Ave.

Centennial, CO 80112