WEST WILDCAT NEWS

Dear West Middle School Families,

As we continue to prioritize our core values of community and achievement, I'm writing to share an important update to our cell phone rule that will take effect when we return from winter break on January 7, 2025.

New Cell Phone Guidelines:

- Cell phones must be powered off and stored out of sight in lockers or backpacks upon entry to the building.

- Phones will remain off and out of sight until 3:45 PM, when the school day concludes.

- This rule applies to all areas of the school, including classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, recess areas, and bathrooms.

Why This Change?

Our decision stems from a deep commitment to two fundamental values:

1. Building Stronger Community Connections

• Research shows that excessive phone use, especially in school, can contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and even depression. By limiting phone access during the school day, we're encouraging students to:
• Engage directly with peers and teachers
• Develop meaningful in-person communication skills
• Create genuine, supportive relationships

2. Maximizing Academic Achievement

• Research consistently shows that digital interruptions significantly impact learning. By limiting phone access, we aim to:
• Improve student focus and concentration
• Reduce academic distractions
• Create a more immersive learning environment

Practical Considerations:

• Students needing to contact parents can do so using a classroom or office phone
• Parents can always reach students by calling the school directly at 720-554-5180

Implementation and Support:

We're committed to helping students and families understand the underlying principles of this change and adjust to the new expectations. Over the next four weeks, you and your student can expect to receive communication about:

• Additional resources to review about the impact of cell phones on learning

• Information about specific implementation steps, including corrective actions if violations occur

• FAQs for students and parents

Our WMS staff is prepared to support students in adapting to this new approach.

We appreciate your partnership in creating a more connected, focused learning environment.

Warmly,

Monica M. Garcia

Principal

West Middle School

During our joint meeting with the Accountability Committee last week at WMS, we were able to share summaries of some of the grants that we were able to approve for this Fall due to our community’s generous giving. Here is one example of how our student body will benefit from our fundraising efforts.

We have supplied PE/Health with Polaris Heart Rate Monitors. These devices will be used to monitor student performance and allow students to set personal fitness goals. The monitors will be implemented within our PE curriculum to engage students in the learning process and improve student achievement through their own personalized technology based fitness plan. Students will track their own fitness by setting goals. They track real-time data and will send students/parents an email with the data including time spent in different heart rate zones.

Follow us on Facebook for more examples of how your giving will help enhance our students’ experience this year at WMS!

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.

In the month of November, Cherry Creek Feeder schools will be collecting donations to support school resource pantries throughout CCSD. Please see the flyer below for more details.

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!!

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.

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.

Monday 11/25:

Yearbook Club after school in room A212.

Math League after school in room B104.

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

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

Tuesday 11/26:

No after school activities or late buses.

Wednesday 11/27:

No School - Thanksgiving Break.

Thursday 11/28:

No School - Thanksgiving Break.

Friday 11/29:

No School - Thanksgiving Break.

Monday 12/2:

Information meeting for Something Rotten the Musical after school in D127.

Yearbook Club after school in room A212.

Math League after school in room B104.

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

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

Tuesday 12/3:

Unified Drama Rehearsal after school in room D127.

Jazz Band after school in room D126.

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

Minecraft Club after school in room D111.

Wildcat Orchestra Club after school in room D125.

Student Council after school in room C108.

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

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

Wednesday 12/4:

Marvel Cinematic Universe Club in Counseling.

SAGA Club after school in room A214.

Strategic Games after school in room A112.

Robotics Club after school in D111.

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

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

Thursday 12/5:

Unified Drama Rehearsal after school in room D127.

Brain Bowl after school in room B205.

STEMblazers in room D110.

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

Spelling Bee Competition starting at 4:00pm

Friday 12/6:

No after school activities or late buses.

Please see our athletics schedule below!

The basketball season is here, and we’re thrilled to have your 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 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
• Small cleaned out yogurt or condiment containers
• Magazines

Thank you Wildcats!

Through the Looking Glass - November 21 and 22

Go Through the Looking Glass with Alice in this adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic Wonderland tale.

Tickets are available online or at the door.

$8.00 (WMS students are free with ID and must be accompanied by an adult)

6:30pm - November 21st and 22nd

FREE student show after school Thursday, November 21. Students can stay after school to see the play and support their friends and then take the late bus home!

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.

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

jbrickley@cherrycreekschools.org

bit.ly/wmsdrama for show and class info

The 8th grade class will be visiting the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) on Tuesday, December 3rd. Students will be led on tours by current CCIC students to learn about the transformative educational experiences for high school students in 10th through 12th grades throughout the Cherry Creek School District.

The CCIC offers seven in demand and growing career Pathways. Curriculum for each Pathway is rooted in real-world skills, with a focus on putting learners in an industry-based culture and climate. Courses in each Pathway are designed to be successive by building upon the professional skills and knowledge gained in prerequisite courses.

The Pathways are:

• Aerospace Manufacturing
• Business Services
• Criminal Justice
• Health & Wellness
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Infrastructure Engineering
• IT & STEAM
• Transportation

Video: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/UJM-ozZynfE?playlist=UJM-ozZynfE&autoplay=1&iv_load_policy=3&loop=1&start=

CBS Story: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/iRsXnnykIo8?playlist=iRsXnnykIo8&autoplay=1&iv_load_policy=3&loop=1&start=

Website: https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/ccic

Dear WMS Families,

As the calendar fills up with activities, assignments, and celebrations, it's important to pause and reflect on the values that make our school community strong: Community, Achievement, Respect, and Equity. These guiding principles remind us to support one another, strive for our best, and treat everyone with kindness and fairness. Whether it's working together on group projects, preparing for tests, or participating in school events, let’s continue to foster a sense of belonging and teamwork that uplifts everyone.

This busy time of year can bring challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to grow. By staying focused on Achievement, we can set meaningful goals and celebrate the progress we make, big or small. By practicing Respect and Equity, we can ensure that every student feels valued and included. Together, let’s make this time of year not just productive, but positive and inspiring for all. Continue to remind your students of the expectations we have for them and we appreciate all you do to support our WMS community.

-Ms. Kusek and Ms. Lia

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.

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. Keeping medication in the clinic keeps everyone safe!

Vaccine Letters:

Vaccine letters will be coming out this 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. We are re-organizing all the books so they are grouped by genre.

Grouping books by category has been a request of many students. It helps them find the books they like faster and more easily. Also, studies show that circulation rates often increase. We are hoping to have everything complete by mid-December.

We have several celebrations to share on how our students, teachers, and communities are using our library resources at higher levels this year compared to 23-24!

District-Wide:

• Print circulation has increased 4% (180,038 checkouts & 173,071 at this point last year)

• eBook circulation has increased by 18% (26,811 checkouts & 22,737 at this point last year)

Database usage has increased by 69% (182,204 searches & 56,225 at this point last year)

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.

Cherry Creek Cross Country team is excited to host our first-ever community 5k on Thanksgiving Day. Proceeds will benefit the Cherry Creek XC team. We are also asking participants to bring a non-perishable food item or unopened personal hygiene to support the Cherry Creek School District's November donation drive. Learn more about specific donation requests here.

Registration is $25 and includes a t-shirt and hot chocolate or coffee after the race. Sign up today!

Registration is open for the TurCreek Trot 5K! This year's event will take place on November 28, 2024 at Village Greens Park, 9501 E Union Ave, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.

We're excited to see participants of all levels on Thanksgiving morning. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join in the fun, too!

No School ~ All Schools ~ Thanksgiving Break

November 27th - 29th

Board of Education Meeting

December 9th, 2024

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Thunder Ridge Middle School

5250 S. Picadilly Street

Aurora, CO 80015