COMMUNITY

 
  
                   
   

CHERRY CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

             
                   
    For information about Cherry Creek Schools, visit www.cherrycreekschools.org.

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For questions or concerns about Cherry Creek Schools, contact Abbe Smith, Director of Communications, at 720-554-4475.

To receive Cherry Creek Schools' Community eNewsletter, go to www.cherrycreekschools.org, hover over the Community tab at the top, and select Connect with Us. Scroll down to Newsletter and Subscribe.

             
                   
   

July 2020 

Important Updates About the 2020-21 School Year


In preparation for the 2020-21 school year, the Cherry Creek School District is creating detailed plans for multiple educational scenarios based on recommendations from local health experts regarding the potential impact of COVID-19. Those plans are evolving as conditions and public health requirements change. Currently, the district has four options -
Online Learning K-12, Blended Learning (Grades 6-12), In-Person Learning (PreK-5) and POST COVID-19 – which prioritize academic excellence and the health and safety of our students, staff and community. Get more information on these plans, as well as future updates, on the CCSD Planning Forward website at https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/domain/5266 

 

Summer Reading 2020


“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.”
– author Mason Cooley CCSD students can explore worlds old and new by visiting the CCSD Summer Reading 2020 siteIt's a free, online reading resource filled with appealing, age-appropriate ebooks and audiobooks that students can access almost anywhere, anytime. It was put together by the CCSD Library Leadership Team with support from the Cherry Creek Schools FoundationCherry Creek Schools Foundation.

 

Important Information About Budget Challenges


The state of Colorado is looking to cut $3.4 billion from its budget. That will result in unprecedented, catastrophic cuts to K-12 education and will threaten the ability of Cherry Creek Schools to deliver excellence for every student, every day. In the letter to the community on our website
Superintendent Dr. Scott Siegfried explains what’s at stake and what the district is doing to ensure our students get the education they deserve and the future they envision.

             
   

June 2020 

Planning for the 2020-2021 School Year


CCSD Superintendent Dr. Scott Siegfried has shared initial information about planning for the 2020-2021 school year. You can read excerpts from his message below and also visit the website: 
https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/Page/12356.

“In preparation for next year - my greatest hope would be to have school as normal, but hope is not a strategy and I don’t believe that is reality. The truth is, we don’t know exactly what the future holds. My job is to lead this district in planning for multiple scenarios in preparation for whatever decision is made.

As I contemplate different approaches, I think first about the health and safety of our 55,000 kids, our 9,000 employees and ultimately the homes they return to every day. The fact is, when 65,000 people come together in close proximity for up to eight hours per day, they share germs and then come home to you. So, given the critical nature of education and the context in which we function, I will take guidance from the governor, the Colorado Department of Education, and the Tri-County Health Department in our planning. Finally, regardless of the approach, we must be prepared to provide a robust, meaningful education where students are accountable for new learning.”

Summer Reading Program


Join us in encouraging our students to read all summer long! The CCSD library staff is excited to share Summer Reading 2020 and have our students take a whirlwind trip to worlds both familiar and undiscovered through the pages of books. For details visit: 
https://sites.google.com/cherrycreekschools.org/ccsd-summer-reading/home.

 

Summer school options


CCSD will be offering modified, online summer school options for grade replacement and credit retrieval, as well as for original credit and acceleration.  See our website for session dates, tuition costs and registration information. 

 

Remote registration


The CCSD Admissions Office is accepting new student registrations and change of address requests remotely, via email or FAX at 720-554-4558.

 

Preschool registration


Remote registration is also available for CCSD’s high-quality, affordable preschool program, which is offered at 24 sites across the district! With a scientifically based, early childhood curriculum, CCSD Preschool is a great way to give your child a strong start!

 

Emergency relief fund


The Cherry Creek Schools Foundation has established the Cherry Creek Schools Emergency Relief Fund to aid our students, families and local communities during this crisis. 
             
   

March 2020 

Get Ready for Cherry Creek Reads


Get ready for Cherry Creek Reads - a districtwide celebration of reading with the theme “Read Together, Change Lives Together!” Our featured book is Because, an inspirational story by Mo Willems, a New York Times bestselling author. "Because" takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, with the realization of how one small event can change a life forever and make one wonder…. What’s my "because?"

 

CCSD to Host 2nd Annual HBCU, HSI and TSI College Fair

 

High school students and parents can meet with representatives from Historically Black Colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions and Tribal Serving Institutions and learn about admissions requirements and scholarship opportunities during the Second Annual HBCU, HSI and TSI College Fair, which will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m., on Tues., March 3, at Overland High School.

             
   

February 2020 

Tour the CCIC and Learn About the Future of CCSD

Tour the new, state-of-the-art Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) and hear from Superintendent Dr. Scott Siegfried about the future of Cherry Creek Schools at one of two upcoming community events. There will be an evening reception at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12 and a breakfast reception at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25. To RSVP, please visit http://bit.ly/CCSD_Community or call 720-554-4475.

Mapping Our Future

Mapping Our Future is a new digital tool to share information about our community’s schools: their diversity, their successes and how your tax dollars are being spent to prepare the next generation of leaders. This interactive map is part of the Cherry Creek School District’s commitment to transparency and keeping our community informed. Visit cherrycreekschools.org/MappingOurFuture and start exploring!

Legislative Updates Available on CCSD Website

You can now visit the Legislative Updates page at https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/domain/5188 to get information on proposed legislation before the Colorado General Assembly that could have an impact on public schools and your child’s education. In an effort to be transparent and to keep you informed, we will post updates to the page throughout the legislative session and will include updates in our Parent Connection and Employee Connection newsletters. Use the resources on the page to get more information on issues, to track bill status or to contact state lawmakers who represent the Cherry Creek School District. 

CCSD Food and Nutrition Services Department Wins Accolades

The CCSD Food and Nutrition Department recently underwent an administrative review by the Colorado Department of Education’s Office of School Nutrition. The review, which is conducted every three years, encompassed visits to eight schools across the district and resulted in praise and commendations regarding everything from menu design to food procurement. That’s no small feat for a department that includes more than 60 full-service kitchens and that last year served about 3.2 million lunches and about 1 million breakfasts. 

Get Discounted Colorado Avalanche Tickets

Cheer on the Colorado Avalanche as they take on the Washington Capitals at 7 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 13. Purchase tickets through the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation at http://avalanche.teamkse.com/CCSD_213/ using code AVSCHERRYCREEK2.

             
   

January 2020 

Calling All CCSD High School Students - CCSD Career & Job Fair

 All CCSD high school students are invited to the CCSD Career & Job Fair from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thurs., Jan. 30, 2020, at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus. Explore different career pathways, meet with local businesses, participate in informative breakout sessions. Start building your future success now!

Donate Band and Orchestra Instruments

Do you have any band or orchestra instruments that are no longer being used? Would you like to put them to good use? Then donate them to the Cherry Creek Schools Instrumental Music Program! You can help student musicians pursue their passion for music and the district will provide you with a gift letter for tax purposes. Contact Paul Cribari, CCSD Instructional Coordinator of Performing Arts, pcribari@cherrycreekschools.org, if you have an instrument to donate.

Get Discounted Colorado Mammoth Tickets

Cheer on the Colorado Mammoth vs. the Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 25th. Purchase tickets through the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation and a portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the school of your choice. To purchase, visit https://mammoth.teamkse.com/ccsd1920/ and use code MAMCCSD.

             
   

December 2019 

Get Discounted Denver Nuggets Tickets

Voters in the Cherry Creek School District showed their support for innovation and excellence when they passed the district’s bond and budget question in 2016.  That decision is paying off in concrete ways across the district’s It's time for some holiday hoops! The Cherry Creek Schools Foundation has partnered with the Denver Nuggets who will provide discounted tickets to their game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, Dec. 18th! For every ticket purchased $5 will return to CCSD classrooms. Purchase your tickets at http://unbouncepages.com/creek1920/ using promo code NUGCHERRYCREEK. 

CCSD Choirs and Bands Share the Spirit of the Season

The Campus Select Choir and the Overland Trebelaires will be featured on Channel 7’s Harmony for the Holidays next month, while the Thunder Ridge Middle School Amabilia Choir and Sky Vista Middle School 8th Grade Band will be featured on Fox31’s holiday special! Air dates and times haven’t been announced yet but as soon as they are, the information will be shared on the Cherry Creek Schools Facebook page. Happy Holidays!

             
   

November 2019 

5th Annual STEAM-A-Palooza is Nov. 9

STEAM-A-Palooza provides hands-on learning experiences to students and their families. Join us at Grandview High School as we celebrate the 5th annual STEAM-A-Palooza on Sat., Nov. 9. Come see how Cherry Creek students have been empowered by innovation and learning. Visit the showcase of student projects, participate in interactive activities, explore career fields with our community sponsors, and enter free giveaways. Visit http://www.steamapaloozaccsd.com/ for more information.

 

Call for Nominations for Legacy Wall of Fame

The Cherry Creek School District is seeking nominations of exemplary individuals and groups who have left a lasting legacy in their dedication and commitment to excellence in the district for induction into the Legacy Stadium Educational Leadership Wall of Fame. Nomination deadline is Nov. 15. More information can be found on the CCSD website.

             
   

October 2019

What CCSD Students Want You to Know about Suicide Prevention

 

Students from every high school in the Cherry Creek School District came together to produce an extraordinary video, which was released in September. Please watch it and use it to start conversations about suicide prevention with the people you love. The link is below with the letter from Dr. Siegfried.

The Cardboard Challenge is Coming!

 

The 7th Annual Cardboard Challenge, a celebration of creativity, will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, at Smoky Hill High School. This free event, sponsored by the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation, is open to ALL CCSD students and gives them the opportunity to create and build using cardboard, recycled materials and their imagination.

             
   

September 2019

Veterans/Active Military Appreciation Football

The Cherry Creek School District is proud to recognize our nation’s heroes at the Annual Veterans and Active Military Appreciation Football Game, coming up on Saturday, September 7, at Legacy Stadium, located at 26101 E. Arapahoe Road, Aurora, 80016. Veterans, active duty military personnel and their families will be treated to dinner at 4 p.m., followed by Smoky Hill vs. Rangeview football game at 6 p.m. The event is free to veterans, active duty military personnel and their family members.

 

Cherry Creek Future Forward

 

Cherry Creek Schools is moving “Future Forward” with its new strategic plan. The plan, which launched with the 2019-2020 school year, focuses on instructional, workforce and operational excellence to continue the district’s dedication to excellence. Learn more on the Cherry Creek Schools’ website.

 

Important Dates

  • September 2 – Labor Day, no school

  • October 14-18 – Fall Break

  • December 23-January 6, 2020 – Winter Break

             
   

August 2019

Cherry Creek Innovation Campus Opens

The start of the 2019-2020 school year marks the opening of the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus, a state-of-the-art college and career readiness facility that will give high school students from across the Cherry Creek School District a head start on rewarding, in-demand careers. CCIS will offer students curriculum rooted in real-world skills and the opportunity to earn trade certifications in fields ranging from aviation to computer sciences to health care. The student learning experience will mimic state-of-the-art work environments, with a focus on putting learners in an industry-based culture and climate. Students, parents and community members will also have the opportunity to tour CCIC this fall.

Important Dates for 2019-2020 School Year

 

All Cherry Creek Schools are now on a traditional calendar! The first day and last day of school is the same for all schools, as are the fall, winter and spring break dates:

  • August 12 – First day of school

  • October 14-18 – Fall Break

  • December 23-January 6, 2020 – Winter Break

  • March 16-20, 2020 – Spring Break

  • May 22, 2020 – Last day of school

             
   

 

             
   

Weather Delays and Closures

Winter weather will be here before we know it!  When extreme weather hits, Cherry Creek Schools officials decide whether to close, delay or hold school as scheduled, based on the safety of students and staff.

If classes are going to be delayed or cancelled, the information is posted on the district’s website, www.cherrycreekschools.org, sent to families via Blackboard Connect phone calls, and sent to local media outlets.  Families can also call the district’s Weather Hotline at 720-554-4701.