WEST WILDCAT NEWS

Hello West Community,

Thank you for all of your continued support and communication in making West a vibrant, safe, and caring place for students to learn and grow. Community is at the heart of our core values and we want to share a couple upcoming events related to community.

Supporting Hero’s Puppies for Life – We are still looking for donations to help us reach our goal of $3500 this year - we are currently just over $2,000! In February, we will be honored to host a ceremony where two veterans with PTSD will be meeting their puppies for the first time. Thank you for all of you who have contributed and please go to this link to DONATE!

Parent-Teacher Conferences – On 1/27 you will receive an email from West to start signing up for parent teacher conferences. Conferences will be on: February 4th, February 27th, and March 6th! This is a great opportunity to connect with the teachers and staff here at West. Only sign up for one of the 3rd quarter conference dates, you do not need to sign up for all three. Please reach out with any questions.

STUDENT SAFETY - As we continue to focus on and address student safety, we will conduct our 2nd semester lockdown drill during the day on January 31st, 2025. We will send a communication on Tuesday with more information.

WMS SHOUTOUT - Superintendent Chris Smith visited WMS to discover what makes it so special to students—see what they had to say!

Have a great week!

WMS Exceptional Volunteer of the Year is Katie Rasmussen!

Thank you for everything you do, our community wouldn't be the same without you!

Congratulations to Libby Ellington, WMS Special Education Teacher, for being selected as the WMS Educator of the year!

WMS is beyond grateful to have you as an educator in our building! We are so proud of you!

Nine 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.

How can I support this project?

Hello Wildcat Families,

We are excited to announce that conference sign-up links for the Spring Semester 2025 conferences will be available soon! We will offer both in-person and virtual conference options. In-person conferences will be held on: February 4th 4pm-8pm, February 27th 4pm-8pm, and March 6th 8am-12pm. These will be held for each grade level, where you can meet one-on-one with your child’s teachers. Additionally, virtual conferences will be available on March 6th from 12:30pm-4pm via Microsoft Bookings, allowing you to meet with teachers online.

The links will be sent out on January 27th at 6:00 PM, so be sure to check your inbox. We look forward to connecting with you during these important conferences!

Thank you!

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

Welcome new incoming Wildcat families! The Wildcat Welcome Night will be an extremely informative opportunity to ready yourself for next year’s introduction to West Middle School. WMS PTCO will have a booth there to answer questions, help with Membership Toolkit account signup and ensure you get off to a fast start!

We continue our series of examples of how your donations to the PTCO fundraising activities help better serve our students. These are the reasons we give to the WMS PTCO, and we are so happy to be able to share the results of that generosity!

Ms. Hicks requested new books to continue West’s commitment to the overall district’s literacy plan. The overarching goal is to make literacy more approachable and we are ecstatic that we were able to assist in our students literary journey!

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

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 1/28:

Jazz Band after school in room D126.

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

Minecraft Club after school in room D111.

Wildcat Orchestra Club after school in room D125.

Student Council after school in room C108.

Co-Ed Wrestling Practice after school in the gyms.

Drama Rehearsal after school in the cafeteria.

Wednesday 1/29:

Marvel Cinematic Universe Club in Counseling.

Strategic Games after school in room A112.

Robotics Club after school in D111.

Co-Ed Wrestling Practice after school in the gyms.

Drama Rehearsal after school in the cafeteria.

Thursday 1/30:

Brain Bowl after school in room B205.

Girls Who Code after school in room D110.

Co-Ed Wrestling Practice after school in the gyms.

Cheer Club after school in the Deans Office.

Drama Rehearsal after school in the cafeteria.

Friday 1/31:

No after school activities or late buses.

NJHS after school in the Design Hub.

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 2/4:

Jazz Band after school in room D126.

Wildcat Orchestra Club after school in room D125.

Student Council after school in room C108.

Co-Ed Wrestling Practice after school in the gyms.

Drama Rehearsal after school in the cafeteria.

Wednesday 2/5:

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.

Thursday 2/6:

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 @ WMS - starts when other team arrives. (Usually between 4:30 and 5:00).

Drama Rehearsal after school in the cafeteria.

Friday 2/7:

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!

Hello Basketball Families!

We had a significant amount of past-due Basketball Participation Fees that have not yet been paid. A reminder email has been sent to those families. Thank you to those who promptly paid that fee. Please use the links to make your payment if you haven't already done so:

6th/7th Grade Basketball:

https://cherrycreek.revtrak.net/middle-schools/wms/wms-athletics/#/v/WMS-Girls-Bball---6th-7th

8th Grade Basketball:

https://cherrycreek.revtrak.net/middle-schools/wms/wms-athletics/#/v/WMS-Girls-Bball---8th-grade

Thank you for your prompt payments!

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.

• 1 liter bottles

Thank you, Wildcats!

--The Counseling Team

Dear West Families,

As we continue on into the third quarter, we want to take a moment to reflect on the core values that guide our community: Community, Achievement, Respect, and Equity. These values aren’t just words we talk about—they are the foundation of how we learn, grow, and interact with one another. When we live out these values, we create a school environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and ready to succeed.

With that in mind, we want to address two important reminders about our behavior. First, it’s crucial that we respect one another’s personal space and belongings. Touching or taking things that don’t belong to us—whether it’s a classmate’s backpack or other belongings—goes against our value of respect and can make others feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Second, spreading rumors about others is not only hurtful but also harms the sense of trust and equity we strive to build. Let’s remember that our words have power, and we should always use them to uplift and support one another. Together, we can continue to make our school a place where everyone thrives.

We appreciate your 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.

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.

Immunization Compliance Process

Colorado law (Board of Health rule 6 CCR 1009-2) requires all students attending Colorado schools and licensed childcares to be vaccinated against certain diseases, unless an exemption is filed. IIf your student had a non-medical immunization exemption on file during the previous school year, this exemption has now expired. Next, you will be contacted by the WMS clinic. Finally, WMS administration will follow up with you until you are compliant. Please partner with us to promote health and safety for all of our students.

Non-Medical Immunization Exemptions

This is an exemption based upon a religious belief whose teachings are opposed to immunizations or a personal belief that is opposed to immunizations.

If your student had a non-medical immunization exemption on file during the previous school year. This exemption has now expired. This is a reminder that if you are choosing to have your student be non-medically exempt from any school required immunizations, Colorado law requires a new exemption to be completed at the start of each school year. Please use this link, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/vaccine-exemptions, to get more information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment about the various ways you can update your student’s non-medical exemption of immunizations. Please inform Nurse Brenna if you plan on completing a non-medical exemption for your student. Non-medical exemptions must be dated on or after July 1, 2024, please provide completed exemptions to the WMS clinic.

Medical Exemption

This is an exemption that is available for students who have a medical condition that prevents them from receiving one or more school-required vaccines.

You are responsible for providing the signed Certificate of Medical Exemption to each school or child care you/your child attends.

A Certificate of Medical Exemption requires the signature of one of the following health care providers: licensed to practice in any state or territory of the United States: Advanced practice nurse (APN), Physician (Medical Doctor [MD] or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine [DO], Physician assistant (PA). A Certificate of Medical Exemption needs to be submitted only once, unless there is a change in the student’s school or personal information.

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.

PIN Meeting

January 28th, 2025

9:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Fremont Building

14603 E. Fremont Ave.

Centennial, CO 80112

Board of Education Meeting

February 10th, 2025

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Fox Ridge Middle School

26301 E. Arapahoe Parkway

Aurora, CO 80016