PRIDE IN THE PRESENT. 

SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE. 

THE BUFFALO WAY!

September 17, 2018


Congratulations to the Denver Broncos for their win against the Oakland Raiders! Even life-long Raiders fan, principal Chuck Puga, celebrated the  awesome win! 

(Just kidding! He lost a bet! Thanks, Ryan Vaughn, for making this moment happen!)

GO 
BRONCOS!


Superintendent's Letter Regarding Suicide Prevention:
 
Dear families,
 
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and I'd like to take the occasion to reach out to you with important information about an issue that impacts our entire community.
 
Suicide is preventable. Research tells us that acknowledging and talking about suicide reduces rather than increases dangerous thoughts and behaviors. This is a critical conversation for the Cherry Creek School District community, and it's one we can't shy away from having.
 
We know that when young people have a sense of belonging at school and are connected to supportive networks of peers, teachers and administrators, they are more likely to have a positive experience at school and in life. We strive to ensure all students feel safe, supported and valued at school. Safety is an everyday practice in our district.
 
That's why we have support systems and resources in place for students who are struggling with depression or mental health issues. Our social workers, school psychologists and counselors draw on best practices to ensure students of all ages are equipped with healthy ways to deal with difficult feelings. This year, we again increased mental health staff in our schools. We also have full-time nurses at every school. Additionally, programs like Signs of Suicide and Sources of Strength empower students with the tools they need to recognize warning signs and to take action by reporting such behavior.
 
You can find information and resources regarding our programs on our Suicide Prevention page on the district website.
 
It is also critical that adults recognize signs of suicide, feel equipped to discuss the topic and know how to help kids in crisis. Warning signs include:
  • Suicidal threats in the form of direct statements, indirect statements or notes and plans,
  • Prior suicidal behavior,
  • Making final arrangements (e.g., giving away important belongings, etc.),
  • Preoccupation with death,
  • Changes in behavior, appearance, thoughts and/or feelings. 
This is important work, and we can't do it alone. As parents, as guardians, as peers and as community members, you play a critical role in our efforts. You are the eyes and ears of Cherry Creek Schools, and your involvement can make a difference. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with our Safe2Tell line and the resources available through Colorado Crisis Services to make sure you know who to call to report concerns.
 
Most importantly, talk to the young people in your life. Let them know that they are an important part of your family and the community. Let them know they have a network of support, care and love. Carry the message that while difficult times in life are inevitable, suicide is not. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of every single one of our students.
 
Sincerely,
 
Scott A. Siegfried, Ph.D.
Superintendent

UPCOMING:
SPORTS:  

SPORTS SCHEDULES:

Mon. 9/17 
Golf Regionals @ Legacy Ridge G.C. 9:00 AM 
Tennis @ Overland 3:45 PM 
Field Hockey @ Cheyenne Mtn. 5:30 PM 
Volleyball vs Cherokee Trail 6:45 PM 

Thur. 9/20 
Tennis vs Mullen 3:45 PM 
Softball vs Cherokee Trail 4:30 PM
Volleyball @ Arapahoe 6:45 PM 

Fri. 9/21 
Tennis @ GW Tournament 

Sat. 9/22 
Tennis @ GW Tournament 
Cross Country @ Veile Lake, Boulder 8:00 AM 
Field Hockey vs Arapahoe (Legacy Stadium) 10:00 AM 
Soccer vs Rampart 11:00 AM 

Boys' Golf  is playing their regional tournament today at Legacy Ridge golf course. Chris Kennedy is leading the Buffs as he is attempting to qualify for the state tournament for the 4th time in his high school career. Softball is 11-5 heading into league play. Amrajie Bass, Izzy Giroux, and Yasmine Ybarra have paced the Buffs at the plate while Delaney Farnsworth has taken the pitching lead for the Buffs. The team opens league play at home versus Cherokee Trail on Thursday. Boys' Tennis The boys continue league play today at Overland. Giovanni Thompson (2 singles) and the #1 doubles team of James Frantz and Alex Theel pace the team. Tennis is busy this week with 2 duels and a tournament at George Washington Friday and Saturday. Football The Buffs are off to a 4-0 start. They have outscored their opponents 125-6 this year. Kamari Lewis-Stallworth has run the offense and thrown for 8 TDs, three to Alec Pinkowski. Obie Sanni has led the way on the ground with the 8 rushing TDs. David Hoage, Chase Lyons, K'Hari Upshaw, and Vincent King have been formidable on defense. Micah Williams added two interceptions in the homecoming game. The team is back in action Saturday night at Stutler Bowl. Boys' Soccer has a welcome break after a grueling schedule the past few weeks. They have a chance to heal and recharge as they prepare to take on Rampart this Saturday in the swamp. Pablo Sisneros and Garrett Smetana have played well for the Buffs this year. Volleyball  The Buffs are now 4-5 as they head into league play. The team has been paced by the solid play of Haley Brinson and Ruth Love. You can see the girls tonight at home. Cheer The cheers were amazing this weekend both at the homecoming assembly and at the game. This strong group is led by Carmen Nelsch, the only senior on the squad. Gymnastics Mabry Robinson and Aaliyah Jamison are leaders for the district gymnastics team at Overland. They are consistently top finishers in their events for one of the top teams in the state. Cross Country The harriers had the week off and continue to improve. They head up to Boulder this Saturday as they begin to peak for league and regionals. Poms put in a great performance at the homecoming game and assembly. You can see them perform again this week at volleyball Monday night and at the football game Saturday night. Field Hockey The young field hockey team continues to improve and play hard. Avery Bailey keeps battling in goal the each day and the close knit team gets better. 

NFHS Network 
All games and matches in the West gym will be streamed live on the NFHS Network, as well as games in our district stadiums as well and many other venues.  Click HERE.  

Follow @SmokySports on Twitter!

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BUY YOUR YEARBOOK:
Prices increase on November 1. Click HERE to go to Revtrak.
News from Smoky Hill:
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SMOKY HILL CHAMBER CLUB:
On Thursday, September 6th, students in the Smoky Hill Chamber Club performed at 5280's Top Docs Celebration at the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. This year, 347 doctors in 95 specialties were nominated by their peers for this honor, and RMHC hosted the physicians for this year's celebration. The Smoky Hill Chamber Club meets twice weekly to develop the special skills required of playing chamber music, and aims to provide service to their community through performance.
 
Student names in the picture from left to right: Christopher Weidner, Brooke Schutte, Julia Jackson, Alison Brand, Max Lane, Abdiel Gooding, Elise Poulin

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SOURCES OF STRENGTH:
Sources of Strength is a peer led positive culture program being rolled out here at Smoky Hill High School. The Sources vision is that many strengths are more powerful than one, and our united goal is to activate and mobilize these strengths in ways that positively change individuals and communities. Our goal at Smoky Hill is to use the common language of the Sources of Strength program in order to unite all the great things we do here, and continue to promote a positive culture change for the betterment of our community. Each month we will be rolling out an initiative to you.

September: "Positive Friends"
We want to encourage all students to participate in the events of Homecoming next week.
Student Tips:
1. Participate in the many events planned for next week!
  1. The Homecoming Dance is a great time to spend with your positive friends!
  2. Extreme Fest (Wednesday) will feature a "Positive Friends" photo booth!
  3. Dress up with your positive friends all of homecoming week!
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PARENT INFORMATION NETWORK (PIN):

Does seeing your child on a computer or tablet make you a bit crazy? Would you like to learn how devices can be customized to your child's learning style?

Parents, school administrators and community members are welcome and encouraged to attend PIN's presentations. Presentations are FREE! No need to RSVP. Oct. presentations will be at: NEW LOCATION: 14603 E. Fremont Avenue, Centennial, CO 80112 (just south of Arapahoe Rd., off of Jordan Rd.)

Click HERE for a print friendly version.
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READINESS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR SCHOOLS (REMS):

Click HERE for a print-friendly version.

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PTCO NEWS:
SHHS PTCO would like to thank everyone who purchased food/drinks from the PTCO booth at Extreme Fest.    Also, Thank You to Chik Fil a  for donating gift cards for a drawing with 100% of funds going to Make a Wish . 100% of the funds went to Make A Wish. We would also like to thank the parents who volunteered and/or donated food for the Homecoming Dance. It was a huge success because of you. Thank you!!!!
Next PTCO Meeting: Thursday, September 20th
at 6:30 pm, Room 48.