November is National Career Development Month, and I am excited to bring this celebration to Challenge School! This month provides an opportunity for our school community to think about future goals, explore interests, and learn more about the many pathways available to students.

To celebrate:

November 18

National Career Day 

Students are invited to dress as a career of their choice

November 23

College Monday

Students and staff are encouraged to wear college or high school gear to show their school pride and future aspirations

I look forward to celebrating with you!

I am meeting with 8th graders individually throughout the month of November for a brief check-in to get to know them, discuss their high school plans, and learn how I can best support them as they prepare for the transition to high school.

Hi, 8th Grade Families!

I have created a High School Guide to help students and families navigate the transition to high school and stay informed about important opportunities, deadlines, and events throughout the year.

Please be sure to revisit the guide regularly, as dates, information, and resources will continue to be updated as new details become available.

We hope this guide serves as a helpful resource as you begin planning for the exciting journey to high school!

To view the guide, click the button above or at this link.

MyCAP is in full swing! 

During the first two weeks of November, I will be delivering MyCAP lessons to all 6th-8th grade Connections classes.

MyCAP (My Career and Academic Plan) is a statewide graduation requirement that starts in 6th grade and follows students throughout high school. These lessons provide valuable opportunities for students to explore college and career pathways, identify their interests and strengths, and learn about programs and experiences they can pursue in middle and high school to prepare for their future goals. For more information on MyCAP, visit the MyCAP page.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and because kindness is one of our core PACK values, we look forward to using this month as an opportunity to strengthen our culture of acceptance, inclusion, and belonging. 

Staff, students, and families are welcome to show their support by wearing a "One Pack" t-shirt or by simply wearing gray on October 21 as a symbol of unity, kindness, inclusion, and acceptance.

Thank you for helping us bring our core PACK values to life. We can't wait to come together and celebrate kindness, inclusion, and acceptance on Unity Day!

Our first activity to kick off Bullying Prevention Month is “Paw Prints for Kindness.” Every student will complete a wolf paw print featuring four ways they can spread kindness within our school community. These paw prints will be displayed in the main hallway, creating a visual reminder of how Challenge School is coming together to promote kindness, unity, inclusion, and acceptance. We hope this display inspires students, staff, and families while highlighting our shared commitment to making Challenge a welcoming place where every wolf belongs. 

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and because kindness is one of our core PACK values, we look forward to using this month as an opportunity to strengthen our culture of acceptance, inclusion, and belonging. 

Join us in celebrating Unity Day by purchasing and wearing a "One Pack" t-shirt for just $12 on October 21!

Every shirt purchased helps support our PTCO, school initiatives, Teacher Assistants, and additional school resources, making a positive impact across our Challenge School community.

To order a shirt, scan the QR code or visit this link.

Don't wait! The online store closes on October 5.

Purchasing a shirt is completely optional. Staff, students, and families are welcome to show their support by simply wearing gray on October 21 as a symbol of unity, kindness, inclusion, and acceptance.

Thank you for helping us bring our core PACK values to life. We can't wait to come together and celebrate kindness, inclusion, and acceptance on Unity Day!

Cherry Creek School District conducts universal social and emotional (SEL) screening to support student wellbeing. This upcoming survey helps students report their social-emotional progress and guides staff in responses to areas of need.

Screening Dates:

• Fall: Week of September 28, 2026

• Spring: February 2 - March 6, 2027

Important Information:

• Additional FAQ: Available at this site, including the survey questions.

• Community Meetings - these meetings are optional times to learn more about the SEL screener

  • Thursday 9/11 at Noon  Click here to participate

  • Monday 9/15 at 5pm Click here to participate

  • Tuesday 9/16 at 12:30pm Click here to participate

  • Contact SELScreener@cherrycreekschools.org for interpretation  

• Follow-up: School staff will contact families if significant needs are identified

Participation and Exemption

We encourage participation because student responses help us understand strengths and support needs across our school. Families who do not want their student to participate may submit an exemption. You can opt your student out through your My.CherryCreek account. Select Guardian Updates tile, find your student and click on the Exemptions tab, then toggle to “opt out” for the SEL Screener.

Thank you for partnering with us to create a school community where every student feels known, valued, supported, and connected. We appreciate your help in reinforcing that students’ voices matter and that caring adults are available to support them.

The Challenge School Mental Health Team will be delivering Signs of Suicide lessons to 6-8th graders the week of September 21 in Science classes. Fifth graders will not be included, as the curriculum is not designed for their grade level and is not developmentally appropriate for them. This program is delivered to all 6-12th grade students in CCSD. Signs of Suicide is a research-based program to provide students with skills to help themselves or peers in need of mental health support. For more information and family resources, please visit: https://mindwise.org/parents/.  

If you would like to opt your student out of receiving the SOS curriculum, please email Shea Caballero at scaballero@cherrycreekschools.org.  

The resources shared with students are:

A state-wide, 24/7 support service for children and adults, Colorado Crisis Services https://coloradocrisisservices.org/, 1-844-493-8255, or Text “TALK” to 38255. 

Resources available specific to non-crisis, Challenge school related concerns

A way to report a concern or threat in a safe, anonymous way, to help someone who is struggling or hurting, Safe2Tell, https://safe2tell.org/ and/or 1-877-542-7233.

Additional resources here

Sungate Kids is a nonprofit child advocacy organization that provides abuse prevention education in schools, helping elementary students learn about personal boundaries, body safety, and how to identify trusted adults. As part of Cherry Creek School District's ongoing partnership with Sungate Kids, their team will be visiting Challenge School on September 22 to provide this educational program for our 3rd and 4th grade students. If you would like to opt your student out of participating in this presentation, please email Shea Caballero at scaballero@cherrycreekschools.org.

Students will attend a special Immersion information session during Mini Course on Monday, September 21, where they will meet their Immersion teacher, learn more about their course, and receive important course details.

Families will be able to submit payment for Immersion through MySchoolBucks beginning September 21. All payments are due by September 30. Additional information, including payment instructions and course details, will be sent home after students attend their information session.

We can't wait for students to take part in another exciting, hands-on Immersion experience this fall!

I am partnering with University of Colorado at Denver again to bring their amazing middle school precollegiate program to our 7th and 8th grade first generation students. See the attached flyer for more information.

If you would like your student(s) to attend the information session on Tuesday, September 8, please complete this interest form by September 7.

Applications due September 18! 

Email me directly if you would like more information.