Signals 2011-12 AUG-Sept - Cherry Creek School District

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R E C O G N I Z E D S C H O O L O F
E X C E L L E N C E
U . S . D E P A R T M E N T O F
E D U C A T I O N Signals
S P E C I A L
P O I N T S O F
I N T E R E S T :
� Administrative
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
Schedule Change 3
AVID Corner 6
IB Corner 7
Activities &
Athletics
Counseling Corner
& Library News
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9
Post Grad 10
PTCO 11
Performing Arts 14
Calendar of
events
Duties
� Important Schedule
Change Info for
Tuesday, Septem-
ber 20th
� Southwest Airlines-
Smoky Hill Thanks-
giving Share Basket
� Yearbook Info
� Fitness Festival
� Teacher of the
Year—Nomination
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SMOKY
V O L U M E 3 7 , I S S U E 1
From the Principal MR. RANDY KARR
Welcome to an exciting
new school year on “the
Hill.” A very special welcome
is extended to all
freshmen and new students
entering Smoky Hill
for the first time.
Congratulations to the
Smoky Hill community, the
High School Challenge Index
again ranks Smoky Hill
among the best high
schools in the nation. Jay
Matthews and the Washington
Post rankings measure
how effectively a
school prepares its students
for college.
Special congratulations are
extended to our most recent
graduating class – The
Class of 2011. More than
96% of our graduates have
been accepted for fall enrollment
at colleges and
universities across the
country. Approximately $8
million in scholarship money
has been offered to the
Class of 2011, including two
National Merit Finalists, 55
IB diploma candidates and
31 AP Scholars with Distinction.
While previous successes
provide a strong foundation
on which to build, we
look to this year to be filled
with it’s own achievements.
A recent study of
high school transcripts found
that “the single most important
factor in determining
college success is the academic
challenge of courses
taken in high school.” Smoky
Hill students continue to pursue
a rigorous course of study
as evidenced by the large
number of students currently
enrolled in Honors, MYP, AP
and IB Diploma classes. With
the vision of “Every Student,
College Ready” our faculty
continues to collaboratively
pursue an instructional
framework that aligns content
standards and methods
of teaching and assessment
with the needs of the 21 st
century.
A special note to our freshmen
and their parents: your
permanent record in high
school will start with your
first semester grades. I encourage
you to be diligent in
completing all assignments,
attending and engaging in all
classes, working closely with
your teachers, using the resources
available in the building,
and preparing fully for
NEED HELP?
HILL HIGH SCHOOL
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1
tests and exams. By adopting
these simple but effective
strategies, you can ensure
your academic success.
I hope all parents will access
PowerSchool, a valuable tool
for monitoring your student’s
progress. Please contact our
PowerSchool helpline at 720-
886-5622 or email shhpowerschool@cherrycreekschools
.org if you need assistance
logging onto this great resource.
Time spent in concert
with your teenager will
pay great dividends by helping
them set goals and developing
the work ethic needed
to accomplish them.
This promises to be another
great year at Smoky Hill High
School. I encourage all of our
students to challenge themselves
both inside and outside
the classroom. Each
student has much to gain
from and also to contribute
to Smoky Hill. I look forward
to the excitement and rewards
that the 2011-2012
school year is sure to hold.
Randy Karr, Principal 720-886-5403
Karen Adler, Assistant Principal 720-886-5424
Jean Griego-Incitti, Assistant Principal 720-886-5441
Floyd Cobb, Assistant Principal 720-886-5412
Scott Cohen, Activities Director 720-886-5550
Don Nelson, Athletic Director 720-886-5551

Randy Karr
P R I N C I P A L
Department Supervision:
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
CTE
EPIC/MODEL UN
LIBRARY
SOCIAL STUDIES
Responsible for:
Administrative Team
Faculty Awards
Faculty Handbook
Instructional Steering
Keys
North Central Yearly Accreditation
Professional Learning Community
Telephones
Staff Development
Walk Throughs
Floyd Cobb
A S S I S T A N T P R I N C I P A L
Department Supervision:
DEANS/DISCIPLINE
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
SERVICES
WORLD LANGUAGES
Responsible for:
Attendance
CARE Cadre/Equity Team
Child Abuse/Neglect Procedures
Duplications
Freshmen Interventions
Freshmen Orientation-
Simulated Day
ISMP
Parent Info Night for Freshmen and
New Students – August
School Safety
Security/Parking
Smoky Hill Academy
Student Grievances
Student Handbook
Student Services
Student Transfers and School of
Choice
TCAP Testing Liaison
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Jean Griego-Incitti
A S S I S T A N T P R I N C I P A L
Department Supervision:
COUNSELING
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE -
MYP/DP
MATH
SCIENCE
Responsible for:
Bookkeeping
Building Budget
Concurrent Enrollment
Facilities Rentals
Incentive Plan (SAIP)/105%
Incoming Freshman/Parent Info Night -
January
Master Schedule
NCAA Clearinghouse
On-line Courses
PLAN/EXPLORE Testing Liaison
Pre-registration
PowerSchool
Registrar/Transcripts/Records
Student Check-in
Staffing
Karen Adler
A S S I S T A N T P R I N C I P A L
Department Supervision:
ELA
ENGLISH/READING
VISUAL ARTS
Responsible for:
Accountability/UIP
Back-to-School Night
ACT Testing Liaison
AVID
CELA Liaison
Compliance Officer 504
Evaluation System
New Teacher
Orientation/Mentors
RTI
Signals Newsletter
Staff Development
Technology Committee
Walk Throughs
Scott Cohen
ACTIVITY DIRECTOR
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL
Department Supervision:
PERFORMING ARTS
Responsible for:
Activities Budget
Awards Night
Class Meetings
Council of Clubs
Fall Craft Fair
Field Trips
Graduation
Heard News
LINK
Marquee (Main)
Senior Parent Nights
Student Activities
Student Advisory Board
Student Announcements
Student Government
Student Recognition
Summer Commencement
World Awareness Week
Don Nelson
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR/
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL
Department Supervision:
COACHING STAFF
P.E./HEALTH
Responsible for:
Athletic Budget
Athletic Facilities
Athletic Field Trips
Athletic Leadership Council
Building
Capital Reserve
Coaches Evaluations
Custodial/Maintenance/Grounds
Food Services
Marquee (Athletics)
Parent Teacher Conferences
TCAP Makeups
Transportation
Work Orders

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ATTENTION:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
On Tuesday, September 20, Smoky Hill will join the other five CCSD high schools in administering the
EXPLORE test to all 9 th grade students and the PLAN test to all 10 th grade students. Junior and senior
students will need to attend that day as events are planned for them also. The schedule for Tuesday,
September 20 is shown below.
The EXPLORE and PLAN tests are part of a testing system from ACT that begins with EXPLORE and ends
with ACT. All tests in the testing system assess students in the areas of English, reading, math and sci-
ence. The scores and information from these tests are used for education and career planning, assess-
ment, instructional support and program evaluation.
As a school community, we must all work together and provide the most ideal testing environment. A
great deal depends upon the commitment of students, teachers and the parent community. Faculty
and staff are working diligently to prepare students for testing. As parents, you can help us by sup-
porting students during the time they spend testing. Students must be encouraged to eat well, sleep
well, and to take these tests seriously.
We appreciate your partnership as we strive to provide students with the skills that are important for
success both during and after high school. If you have any questions regarding the EXPLORE or PLAN
tests, please call Jean Griego-Incitti, Assistant Principal, at 720-886-5441.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
7:10 – 10:27 a.m. 9 th Grade EXPLORE test (assigned rooms)
10 th Grade PLAN test (assigned rooms)
11 th Grade PRACTICE ACT (assigned rooms)
12 th Grade Assembly (Auditorium)
10:34 a.m. – 12:48 p.m. Period 3R (normal lunch schedule)
12:55 – 2:30 p.m. Period 4R
Schedule Change Information!
PLEASE READ!

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AVID’s Mission is
to close the
achievement gap
by preparing all
students for
college readiness
and success in a
global society.
AVID Scholarship
Fundraiser
If you eat food, please consider this opportunity to support your Smoky Hill AVID
program. SHHS AVID will be selling, the King Soopers “reloadable” card, which
supports our AVID Scholarship Fund. The King Soopers “reloadable” card does
not cost extra to purchase, and the scholarship fund receives 5% of the total
sales. Once you make your initial purchase from Smoky Hill AVID, you will be able
to reload your card at any King Soopers store.
Please stop by ASC and pick up a $25 card, or call 720-886-5424, or e-mail Cindy
Meis at cmeis@cherrycreekschools.org to place your order. It’s as easy as that!
Thank you for your support of the AVID program at Smoky Hill.
AVID Elective Teachers 2011-12
AVID is looking forward to a great year.
Below is the contact information for your student’s
AVID teacher.
GRADE ELECTIVE TEACHERS OFFICE/EXT. AVID PERIOD
AVID CORNER
AVID
CLASSROOM
9th Brian Manley I-803/65543 4R I-318
9th Laura Buddington II-321/65614 3R II-313
10th Gerry McCullar II-405/65655 3R I-417
10th Kim Wermers II-405/65596 4R I-417
11th Tamara Gaffney II-320/65659 3R II-704
12th Scott Henry II-217/65577 3R II-113
12th Laurie Infantino I-113/65451 4G I-10

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V O L U M E 3 7 , I S S U E 1
Mandatory Parent Meeting
Please mark your calendars for the MANDATORY IB parent meeting on Tuesday, September 27th,
from 7:00—8:00 p.m. in the Smoky Hill Auditorium. IB Diploma coordinator, Patricia Wetmore, MYP
coordinator, Alisa Wills-Keely, and Counseling coordinator, Michelle Kleve will be presenting important
information regarding how to maximize your child’s college preparatory experience in the IB
program at Smoky Hill. The Smoky Hill IB Parent Association (SHIBPA) will also be present to discuss
volunteer opportunities.
Exam Results Class of 2011
Congratulations to the Class of 2011 and their teachers who prepared them for their May exams.
This year, 82% of our diploma eligible seniors passed their exams compared to the 80% for IB
schools worldwide! (May 2011 statistics) Our average score was 30, far beyond the 24 points
needed to earn the diploma. The IB faculty and I agree; the Class of 2011 has continued the tradi-
tion of excellence set forth by the classes preceding them!
Extended Essay Workshop
IB CORNER
Our Extended Essay workshop, held on the Auraria Campus, provided the opportunity
for 77 seniors from Smoky Hill to work on their Extended Essays and emerge with a
strong first draft before the start of school. Seniors who participated in last year’s
workshop reported a significant reduction of stress having their EE nearly completed
before the first day of school! Special thanks to workshop organizers: Nick Droege and Perry Weissman;
and writing coaches: Mike Ady, Kellie Ady, Tom Fitzgerald, Emily Kellogg and Laurie Infantino.
Royal Arch Climb
As per tradition, our annual senior kick-off was held up in Boulder at the majestic Chautauqua Park. The
Royal Arch trail is a three-mile round trip starting at 5,170 feet with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. Fifty
-three seniors joined our IB Coordinator, IB Counselors and IB Senior Faculty members for the climb. We
spent the morning of August 9 th climbing in teams, encouraging one another when the trail became es-
pecially tough, and learning that although reaching the summit is the ultimate goal, one can still gain in-
valuable experience from the journey. What a great metaphor for their senior year in IB!

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Academic/Activity
Letter Applications
Available Now
ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS
The primary goal of an Academic/Activity letter is to reward students for academic/activity success in a
manner similar to a letter awarded to a varsity athlete. The letter should represent a significant contribu-
tion to the school. Students must accumulate a total of ten points evenly distributed in two categories –
academics and activities. To be awarded points for academic and activities, a student must be an active
participant. Students will only be given points for true participation.
Any student interested in pursuing this letter should come to the Activities Office to pick up an application
form. Applications are due by Monday, April 30.
Smoky Hill Female Swimmers Win Team
Smoky Hill’s Girls’ Swimming and Diving team was awarded the Gold Medal in the National Interscholastic
Swimming Coaches Association of America’s “Team Scholar Award.” Smoky Hill’s Girls’ varsity swimming &
diving team ended the year with a combined grade point average of 3.946 g.p.a. – fourth highest team
grade point average in the United States. Way to go Water Buffaloes!
Mark your Calendars!
The 28 th Annual
SMOKY HILL CRAFT FAIR
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Over 240 crafters will display their wares
at this respected craft show.
See you there!
GRADUATION CORNER
Order Your Graduation Announcements!
Class Recognition of Colorado will be available to
take your
graduation announcement order
during lunches on
September 9th and 10th.
GRADUATION CEREMONY
Thursday, May 24, 2012
12:00 p.m.
Ritchie Center, University of Denver

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Welcome back! The counseling department looks forward to another great year working with all of our
Smoky Hill students. Parents, please note the new alphabetical distribution when contacting your child’s
counselor:
A-Co DiMatteo
Cp-Ho Rudolph
Hp-Ne Quintana
Nf-R Visocky
S-Z Bowker
A-H IB Kleve
I-Sm IB Kennedy
Sn-Z IB Visocky
COUNSELING CORNER
Seniors: Save the Date. September 20 th , 2011 is College Readiness Day. All seniors will be attending
a presentation in the auditorium while other students are testing for the Explore, PLAN and practice
ACT.
The counseling department encourages all students to get involved with school. One of the key factors
of having a successful high school experience, achieving balance, and planning for your future is getting
involved in clubs, organizations, athletics, and your community. Take advantage of the opportunities
coming your way. Make a difference.
LIBRARY NEWS
� The Library has a fresh, new look! Come by and see our new carpet and cozy reading areas.
Students are welcome to use a study carol during their off periods for quite studying or
browse a book or magazine. Parents are invited to drop by during Back to School Night,
Sept 1st.
� We are pleased to offer several new databases! As always, students can access databases
from home, using the SHHS passwords. The username is always “smokyhill;” the password
is always “buffs”. Click HERE to go directly to the SHHS databases. New databases include:
o JSTOR—high-level academic database with academic journals in all disciplines
o American History in Context--Gale
o World History in Context--Gale
o Biography in Context--Gale
o Students can also continue to access content in ABC Clio, Encyclopedia Britannica,
EBSCO, Culture Grams, and Teen Health and Wellness, Opposing Viewpoints in Context,
Global Issues in Context, Science in Context databases.
� Students with library obligations will receive notices through their CreekM@il accounts.
Please remember to check your email for courtesy reminders and other important information!

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Online test preparation for the ACT and SAT is available on Family Connection by Naviance. This test prep program was
created by Method Test Prep, a leader in online test preparation courses. It provides an easy and efficient way to do a full
test prep curriculum or to target specific areas that students may need to work on. For example, many students struggle
with the pace of the Reading section of the ACT and score lower on this section than others. If that is the case, a student
may want to practice specific reading questions, and read up on this site that will help a student better pace themselves.
Students can use it at any time. http://connection.naviance.com/smokyhill
Calendar of Events
ACT – go to www.actstudent.org to register
Test Dates Registration Deadline Late Deadline
September 10, 2011 August 12, 2011 August 26, 2011
October 22, 2011 September 16, 2011 September 30, 2011
December 10, 2011 November 4, 2011 November 18, 2011
February 11, 2012 January 13, 2012 January 20, 2012
April 14, 2012 March 9, 2012 March 23, 2012
June 9, 2012 May 4, 2012 May 18, 2012
SAT REASONING TEST & SAT SUBJECT TESTS - go to www.sat.collegeboard.org/register
Test Dates Registration Deadline Late Deadline
October 1, 2011 September 9, 2011 September 21, 2011
November 5, 2011 October 7 2011 October 21, 2011
December 3, 2011 November 8, 2011 November 20, 2011
January 28, 2012 December 30, 2011 January 13, 2012
March 10, 2012 February 10, 2012 February 24, 2012
May 5, 2012 April 6, 2012 April 20, 2012
June 2, 2012 May 8, 2012 May 22, 2012
PSAT: (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
The PSAT is the only way for juniors to qualify for National Merit status. It is also great practice for other standardized
college entrance exams.
Test Date Registration
Saturday, October 15, 2011 September 6, 2011 in Post Grad
7:30 a.m. in Activities Hall 25.00 cash, check or credit card
Bring No. 2 pencils and approved calculator.
(NO REGISTRATION ON THE DAY OF THE TEST)
AP Exams:
Test Date Registration
May 7 – 25, 2012 http://www.totalregistration.net/AP/60452
Available on September 19th, 2011
POST GRAD
(PSAT/SAT Preparation Seminar will be held at Smoky Hill on September 21 & September 22, 2011 from 3:15-5:45pm. $89
seminar fee includes: 5 hour test prep seminar, a comprehensive study guide and 6 practice tests per subject. Register at
www.zaps.com or call toll free 877-927-8378.)

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P A G E 13
Special Offer
Visit these or any of the 72 U.S. cities served by Southwest Airlines
while helping the Smoky Hill Thanksgiving SHARE Basket Project
feed about 350 hungry families.
Once again, Smoky Hill’s good friends at Southwest Airlines have donated two round-trip tickets to
the PTCO, good for travel between any two cities within the Southwest Airlines system before
Sept. 1, 2012. These passes have no restrictions or blackout dates and have a total value of $800.
Name (print)
Office phone
Home phone
Office e-mail
Personal e-mail
Both tickets will go to the highest bidder.
The bidding deadline is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011.
One entry per person.
Please complete this form and place it in the red box in the main office.
The winner will be notified by phone or e-mail.
The starting bid is $200. Best of luck.
————————————————————————————————————————————
Bid________________ Signature________________________________

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September
Smoky Hill High School
Performing Arts Department
Welcomes you to the
2011-2012 school year!
1-2 ………………………….. West Side Story Workshops
6-8 ............................. West Side Story Auditions
13 ............................... Night of Stars Auditions
21-22 .......................... Murder Mystery Auditions
24................................ Arapahoe HS Marching Band Invitational
October
1.................................. Pomona HS Marching Band Invitational
6-7 .............................. Night of Stars (SHHS Auditorium 7:15 p.m.)
18 ............................... Orchestra Concert (SHHS Auditorium 7:15 p.m.)
19 ............................... Choir Concert (SHHS Auditorium 7:15 p.m.)
There are many exciting events planned for the new school year!
Mark these dates on your calendar
and look out for information on upcoming performances.
Questions?
Call 720-886-5456
COMING THIS FALL TO SHHS
November 17th, 18th, & 19th
All students are invited to attend the following:
Workshops – September 1st and 2nd
Auditions – September 6th— 8th.
For more information call 720-886-5456

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Join the team from Smoky Hill High School
Saturday, September 10, 2011
11th Annual First American State Bank Fitness Festival
Kaiser Permanente 5K RUN/WALK or 1K FITNESS WALK
On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m./Races start at 8:30 a.m.
After-Party and Food sampling from the following FABULOUS area restaurants:
Cool River Café-Zink-II Foraioo-Jason’s Deli-Noodles & Company-Mad Green’s-Morton’s-Pasquini’s Pizzeria-
Starbuck’s-Yanni’s-Yia Yia’s-Yogurtini
Go Green *Save Time* Register Online!
DRIVER’S EDUCATION
(www.fasbfitnessfestival.com)
Register early for the best rates!
Driver’s Education classes will be offered during the school year. The schedule of classes, information and
registration form will be available on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, at the following
website: www.cherrycreekschools.org/AthleticsActivities/DriversEd.

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Interested in Accountability?
The Smoky Hill Accountability Committee reviews the school’s programs and offers feedback
to help improve their effectiveness. We look at achievement, the functioning of specific
academic areas, safety issues, and support programs.
We typically meet the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Main Office
Conference Room.
Call Jean Solis, committee chairperson, with questions: 303.680.5253. No RSVP or expertise
necessary – only an interest in our community’s children!
All are welcome!
SHHS Accountability Meeting Schedule
Meetings are held from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Main Office Conference Room.
September 7, 2011
October 5, 2011
November 2, 2011
No Meeting in December
January 4, 2012
February 1, 2012
March 7, 2012
April 4, 2012

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REMINDER REMINDER REMINDER
SMOKY HILL HIGH SCHOOL
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
WHERE: Activities entrance (use activity doors, south parking lot)
WHEN: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 4:00—7:30 p.m.
WHY: An opportunity to personally check on your student’s academic progress, meet with teachers,
counselors, and/ or deans, and strengthen your partnership with Smoky Hill.
HOW: Check PowerSchool prior to conferences in order to be informed of your student’s attendance
and academic progress. Print the report and use it as a resource to determine which of
the teachers you would like to conference with.
IMPORTANT PARENT MEETING
PRACTICE ACT TEST RESULTS
Thursday, September 29, 2011
from
6:30 – 8:00 P.M.
in the SHHS Auditorium
On Tuesday, September 20, 2011, all juniors will have taken the practice ACT test.
Please accompany your student to receive an analysis of the score and ACT study tips.
What a great way to get a head start on the preparation for this important exam!
Calendar of Events
September Description Time
Thursday, September 1 Class Meetings – Sophomores & Freshmen
Thursday, September 1 Back to School Night 6:30 p.m.
Friday, September 2 Class Meetings – Seniors & Juniors
Monday, September 5 Labor Day-No School
Saturday, September 10 Fitness Festival 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 20 PLAN/EXPLORE/Practice ACT 7:10 a.m.
Tuesday, September 20 Senior Class Photo – East Gym 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, September 22 Improv Show – Cafeteria 7:15 p.m.
Friday, September 23 Non-student Contact Day