Principal's Weekly Message

Dear Horizon Community Families,

We have one more week until Fall Break, which means the end of the first quarter of instruction. As we finalize grades, please ensure that your student is working with their teachers next week. Grades in all classes start fresh after break.

Reflecting on our start of the year, we have a lot to celebrate! Instructionally, our teachers have created highly engaging learning environments, collaboration among teacher teams is organized and consistent, we are getting more and more clear on our priority academic standards, timely assessment and intervention/extension is in place, and we continue to deepen and refine our systems of support for all learners. Behaviorally, the new bell schedule has made a drastic improvement to our hallways. Minga has enhanced tardy management and related communication, and, an extremely exciting data point is that we have reduced out of school suspensions by 70+% compared to this time last year. Continuing to prioritize learning and systems of support is paying off! 

As you and your students reflect on their starts to the year, please remember that we have a large Leadership Team here to assist. Below is contact information for team members from each grade-level, as well as our Restorative Practices Coordinator. Also, please refer to our Student Links page on our website where students can submit appointment requests for counselors and our restorative team and also complete incident reports for the Deans’ Office.

Finally, we have many upcoming community engagement opportunities…

1. Walk for Sudan is on Sunday. See below for more information.
2. Our next restaurant fundraiser night is on Tuesday at Chipotle. Learn more here.
3. On Friday, October 23rd, from 1-5pm, we are hosting our annual Mega Boutique. Families can come to HCMS and “shop” for items (clothing, household supplies, etc.) for free. Click here to learn more.
4. HCMS is hosting a Donation Drive to support CCSD Resource Pantries across the district. Along with other schools in our feeder area, we will collect individually packaged snacks, shelf-stable items, and toiletries through October. If you'd like to make a monetary donation, please use this link. To purchase items from our Amazon Wishlist, click here. Donation Drives are one of many ways we support students through our strategic plan, which focuses on literacy, whole wellbeing, and disproportionality. Visit CherryCreekSchools.org/DonationDrive for more information.

Thank you!

Brad

Dr. Brad Weinhold

Principal

Horizon Community Middle School

720-886-6101 (office)

720-767-2352 (cell)

bweinhold@cherrycreekschools.org

Walk for Sudan

On Sunday, October 4th, we will be participating in an incredible event. Please join us at Campus Middle School & Cherry Creek State Park for Walk for Sudan. This is an opportunity to unify families, students, businesses, and neighbors across Colorado to support clean water, education, and humanitarian relief in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan. Here is the schedule:

• 1-2pm: Sudanese Market & Welcome Presentation
• 2-3pm: 5K Walk at Cherry Creek State Park
• 3-3:30pm: Closing Presentation

Athletics & Activities

We are excited for all students to participate in our sport offerings of track, basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. Please visit our Athletics Page for registration information and season schedules, and please direct any questions to Mr. Jason Harper, Athletic Director, at jharper7@cherrycreekschools.org. Interested in checking out our clubs? Visit our Activities Page and Activities Flyer and contact our Activities Director, Mrs. Kerri Benzel at kbenzel@cherrycreekschools.org with questions.

Leadership Team Contacts

Restorative Practices Coordinator: Nerjes Swade (nswade@cherrycreekschools.org)

6th Grade

Administrator: Ashlea Skiles (askiles@cherrycreekschools.org)

Counselor: Danno Rude (drude@cherrycreekschools.org) 

Dean: Kyla Dyer (kdyer@cherrycreekschools.org) 

Mental Health: Natalia Brehm (nbrehm@cherrycreekschools.org) & Dr. Kate Cristy (kcristy@cherrycreekschools.org)

7th Grade

Administrator: Stephanie Stiegelmar (sstiegelmar2@cherrycreekschools.org)

Counselor: Daisha Levy (dlevy@cherrycreekschools.org) 

Dean: Matt Woolly (mwoolly@cherrycreekschools.org) 

Mental Health: Bre Faish (bfaish@cherrycreekschools.org)

8th Grade

Administrator: Clare Dardis (cdardis@cherrycreekschools.org)

Counselor: Shayn Walker (swalker7@cherrycrekschools.org) 

Dean: Dr. Aaron Guggenheim (aguggenheim@cherrycreekschools.org) 

Mental Health: Shelby Thomas (sthomas48@cherrycreekschools.org)

Grief and Loss Support for Students

Horizon Community Middle School has partnered with Judi’s House to provide a 10-week series of small group meetings for students who have experienced a significant loss. The Judi’s House staff are experts in childhood grief and bereavement, and you can learn more about their services on their website, judishouse.org.

If your student has lost an important person in their life and you feel that they may benefit from support, please accept this invitation for your student to participate in a group facilitated by Judi’s House staff. This group will meet at school once per week for 1 hour for 10 weeks. The small group meetings will focus on normalizing grief responses, developing coping skills, connecting with adult and peer support and creating a safe space to process and share grief. Our Mental Health & Counseling Teams collaborate closely with teachers to highlight the value of this group and to help ensure student attendance on a weekly basis. Students who participate have reported positive experiences and feelings of support by the facilitators from Judi’s House as well as the other student participants.

If you are interested in having your student participate in the next session, please complete the 2 links below in the language of your choosing. If you have any questions, please contact HCMS Social Worker Shelby Thomas (sthomas48@cherrycreekschools.org, 720-886-6271) at your earliest convenience.

English Forms

• Intake: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JHCommunityApplicationEnglish
• Disclosure Statement/Consent Form: https://app.formdr.com/practice/NTIwNg==/form/qPLsQWTMc_GoGqExTJX4MZDsQNpofiaR

Spanish Forms

• Intake: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JHCommunityApplicationSpanish
• Disclosure Statement/Consent Form: https://app.formdr.com/practice/NTIwNg==/form/rExE1sSivJc4HNlkZfwKQaJcw9Lu2zIJ

Dear Horizon Community Families,

On Wednesday, September 30^th we will host Peek at the PACK. This is an opportunity for family members to observe instruction inside the walls of HCMS and provide us with feedback. We welcome all families to join for this experience. The approximate time is from 8:15am – 12:00pm, and families can choose to observe their own student or not. Want to join? RSVP here! 

Fall 2026 Star reports (for recent reading and math assessments) can now be accessed through PowerSchool. While current grades can be viewed on a newer version, called myPowerHub, families can still access the “Old PowerSchool” tile to find “Document Library.” This is where Star reports are housed. We also handed out paper reports for students at conferences last week and we will be distributing remaining reports to students soon.

Lastly, good luck to our track athletes competing at the CCSD Middle School Track Meet tomorrow! Our next sport, 7th and 8th grade boys’ basketball, starts on Monday. Student athletes who want to join just need to head to the gym after school.

Thank you!

Brad

Dr. Brad Weinhold

Principal

Horizon Community Middle School

720-886-6101 (office)

720-767-2352 (cell)

bweinhold@cherrycreekschools.org

Skate City - Tuesday Night

Skate City is hosting a fundraising event for HCMS on Tuesday, September 29th. Click here to learn more. 

Walk for Sudan

On Sunday, October 4th, we will be participating in an incredible event. Please join us at Campus Middle School & Cherry Creek State Park for Walk for Sudan. This is an opportunity to unify families, students, businesses, and neighbors across Colorado to support clean water, education, and humanitarian relief in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan. Here is the schedule:

• 1-2pm: Sudanese Market & Welcome Presentation
• 2-3pm: 5K Walk at Cherry Creek State Park
• 3-3:30pm: Closing Presentation

Athletics & Activities

We are excited for all students to participate in our sport offerings of track, basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. Please visit our Athletics Page for registration information and season schedules, and please direct any questions to Mr. Jason Harper, Athletic Director, at jharper7@cherrycreekschools.org. Interested in checking out our clubs? Visit our Activities Page and Activities Flyer and contact our Activities Director, Mrs. Kerri Benzel at kbenzel@cherrycreekschools.org with questions.

Dear Horizon Community Families,

Today we wrapped up our largest fundraising event of the year with our Color Games. Thank you for your support for our hard-working teachers & staff!

HCMS will administer the FALL Panorama screener survey on Wednesday, Sept 16^th. This will be a great opportunity to gain valuable perspectives from our students, as we strive to hear their voices and improve their experiences based on their feedback. 8^th grade students/families can support us by having students fully charge their computers at home the night before, while 7^th and 6^th grade students will charge computers in school carts overnight. HCMS Fall Panorama make-ups will happen on Thursday, Sept 17^th.

Our first round of Parent-teacher Conferences are next Thursday night! Feel free to drop in to the gyms any time between 4:15-7:30pm. If a line is long, you are welcome to jump to another teacher and come back. Also, these conferences are typically 5-10 minutes long. If you’d like to schedule a longer conversation or meeting with a teacher at another time, please reach out to them directly. And, in addition to attending conferences, please stop by the area where we will be presenting information about our school performance framework and state rating. We’ll also have copies of recent assessment results and we’ll be available to assist in interpreting your child’s scores. 

And speaking of state rating, I unfortunately have to share that we dropped to what is called an Improvement Plan. We have been at the highest rating level, Performance, for the past two years (Improvement Plan is the second highest). In middle schools, the CMAS is the assessment that makes up the state rating. This is one of the reasons that it matters so much. While many of our students scored exceptionally well, overall we decreased in achievement and growth. The good news is that we have tremendous plans in place, and an incredible staff as well. I am confident that with your support, we’ll get back to the Performance level very soon. Want to hear about our plans? Find us on Thursday night.

Reminder - There is no school next Friday as we have a staff professional development day.

Thank you!

Brad

Dr. Brad Weinhold

Principal

Horizon Community Middle School

720-886-6101 (office)

720-767-2352 (cell)

bweinhold@cherrycreekschools.org

Clubs at HCMS

Don’t miss out on the chance for your student to join a club! Check out our Activities Flyer to learn more.

Whole School Dance - September 23rd

All students in good standing with behavior and grades are invited to our whole-school dance after school on Wednesday, September 23rd. Learn more here.

Military Child of the Year

A national organization called Operation Homefront is seeking nominations for their Military Child of the Year award. This recognizes outstanding young people ages 13 to 18 for their scholarship, volunteerism, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria while facing the challenges of military family life. Learn more and apply here.  

CCSD Long Range Planning Committee

The Cherry Creek School District is currently seeking community members to serve on the Long-Range Facility Planning Committee (LRPC). This volunteer committee plays an important role in helping the district plan for the future by reviewing topics such as school capacity, facility renovations, new construction, attendance boundaries, and other long-range planning issues. Committee members work alongside district staff to evaluate needs and provide recommendations to the Board of Education. Click here to apply.

HCMS Deans’ Office

Interested in learning more about our Deans’ Office? Click here.

HCMS Counseling Office

Interested in learning more about our Counseling Office? Click here. 

HCMS Restorative Practices

Interested in learning more about Restorative Practices at HCMS? Click here. 

Technology Tools

PowerSchool, Schoology, and Talking Points are technology tools used on a regular basis at HCMS, and it is very important that families and students access and navigate these continuously. Click here to learn more.   

Facebook Page

In addition to sharing information on our website and through email, we also post important school information on our Facebook Page. Join our Facebook group here.

Reading Support at Home

All HCMS students will continue to have access to Lexia PowerUp, an online resource proven to support students with reading and literacy. Lexia enables students to make multiple years of growth in a single academic year, focusing support in three areas: grammar, word study, and comprehension. We recommend that students use Lexia three or more times each week for at least 20 minutes. To access, please visit the Lexia tile in your student’s my.cherrycreekschools.org account. 

Athletics & Activities

We are excited for all students to participate in our sport offerings of track, basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. Please visit our Athletics Page for registration information and season schedules, and please direct any questions to Mr. Jason Harper, Athletic Director, at jharper7@cherrycreekschools.org. Our first season, track, starts on Thursday, August 20^th!

Interested in checking out our clubs? Visit our Activities Page and contact our Activities Director, Mrs. Kerri Benzel at kbenzel@cherrycreekschools.org with questions.

Peek at the PACK

On Wednesday, September 30^th we will host Peek at the PACK. This is an opportunity for family members to observe instruction inside the walls of HCMS and provide us with feedback. We welcome all families to join for this day. The approximate time is from 8:00am – 12:00pm. Please save the date if you are able to attend.

Dear Horizon Community Families,

Today we wrapped up our largest fundraising event of the year with our Color Games. Thank you for your support for our hard-working teachers & staff!

HCMS will administer the FALL Panorama screener survey on Wednesday, Sept 16^th. This will be a great opportunity to gain valuable perspectives from our students, as we strive to hear their voices and improve their experiences based on their feedback. 8^th grade students/families can support us by having students fully charge their computers at home the night before, while 7^th and 6^th grade students will charge computers in school carts overnight. HCMS Fall Panorama make-ups will happen on Thursday, Sept 17^th.

Our first round of Parent-teacher Conferences are next Thursday night! Feel free to drop in to the gyms any time between 4:15-7:30pm. If a line is long, you are welcome to jump to another teacher and come back. Also, these conferences are typically 5-10 minutes long. If you’d like to schedule a longer conversation or meeting with a teacher at another time, please reach out to them directly. And, in addition to attending conferences, please stop by the area where we will be presenting information about our school performance framework and state rating. We’ll also have copies of recent assessment results and we’ll be available to assist in interpreting your child’s scores. 

And speaking of state rating, I unfortunately have to share that we dropped to what is called an Improvement Plan. We have been at the highest rating level, Performance, for the past two years (Improvement Plan is the second highest). In middle schools, the CMAS is the assessment that makes up the state rating. This is one of the reasons that it matters so much. While many of our students scored exceptionally well, overall we decreased in achievement and growth. The good news is that we have tremendous plans in place, and an incredible staff as well. I am confident that with your support, we’ll get back to the Performance level very soon. Want to hear about our plans? Find us on Thursday night.

Reminder - There is no school next Friday as we have a staff professional development day.

Thank you!

Brad

Dr. Brad Weinhold

Principal

Horizon Community Middle School

720-886-6101 (office)

720-767-2352 (cell)

bweinhold@cherrycreekschools.org

Clubs at HCMS

Don’t miss out on the chance for your student to join a club! Check out our Activities Flyer to learn more.

Whole School Dance - September 23rd

All students in good standing with behavior and grades are invited to our whole-school dance after school on Wednesday, September 23rd. Learn more here.

Military Child of the Year

A national organization called Operation Homefront is seeking nominations for their Military Child of the Year award. This recognizes outstanding young people ages 13 to 18 for their scholarship, volunteerism, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria while facing the challenges of military family life. Learn more and apply here.  

CCSD Long Range Planning Committee

The Cherry Creek School District is currently seeking community members to serve on the Long-Range Facility Planning Committee (LRPC). This volunteer committee plays an important role in helping the district plan for the future by reviewing topics such as school capacity, facility renovations, new construction, attendance boundaries, and other long-range planning issues. Committee members work alongside district staff to evaluate needs and provide recommendations to the Board of Education. Click here to apply.

HCMS Deans’ Office

Interested in learning more about our Deans’ Office? Click here.

HCMS Counseling Office

Interested in learning more about our Counseling Office? Click here. 

HCMS Restorative Practices

Interested in learning more about Restorative Practices at HCMS? Click here. 

Technology Tools

PowerSchool, Schoology, and Talking Points are technology tools used on a regular basis at HCMS, and it is very important that families and students access and navigate these continuously. Click here to learn more.   

Facebook Page

In addition to sharing information on our website and through email, we also post important school information on our Facebook Page. Join our Facebook group here.

Reading Support at Home

All HCMS students will continue to have access to Lexia PowerUp, an online resource proven to support students with reading and literacy. Lexia enables students to make multiple years of growth in a single academic year, focusing support in three areas: grammar, word study, and comprehension. We recommend that students use Lexia three or more times each week for at least 20 minutes. To access, please visit the Lexia tile in your student’s my.cherrycreekschools.org account. 

Athletics & Activities

We are excited for all students to participate in our sport offerings of track, basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. Please visit our Athletics Page for registration information and season schedules, and please direct any questions to Mr. Jason Harper, Athletic Director, at jharper7@cherrycreekschools.org. Our first season, track, starts on Thursday, August 20^th!

Interested in checking out our clubs? Visit our Activities Page and contact our Activities Director, Mrs. Kerri Benzel at kbenzel@cherrycreekschools.org with questions.

Peek at the PACK

On Wednesday, September 30^th we will host Peek at the PACK. This is an opportunity for family members to observe instruction inside the walls of HCMS and provide us with feedback. We welcome all families to join for this day. The approximate time is from 8:00am – 12:00pm. Please save the date if you are able to attend.

Dear Horizon Community Families,

This week we started ACC (Academic Core Connections), which is a 30 minute class Tuesday - Thursday where students engage in additional academic support. Students are selected for different ACC cycles (each lasting three weeks) based on performance on standardized tests and classroom assessments. We are using Minga to assist with the rapid placement of students, and we acknowledge that this first week resulted in some attendance inaccuracy. Thank you for your patience as we continue forward with this critical aspect of our student support model.

This week we have also been having lots of fun and raising funds for our Color Games next week. See below for additional information.

Is your student interested in joining a club at HCMS? Check out this Activities Flyer that shows our clubs, sponsors, and days/locations of meetings.

And in the sports world, we had two track meets this week. Congrats to our student athletes for your performances. Keep up the good work!

Lastly, we will be having a whole school dance on Wednesday, September 23rd. This will occur after school, from 3:45pm - 4:40pm, and admission is $2. Students will have needed to display positive behavior and attendance this year in order to attend, and buses will depart at 4:45pm as usual. Students who do not ride a bus should be picked up at 4:45pm.

Thank you, and have a great long weekend!

Brad

Dr. Brad Weinhold

Principal

Horizon Community Middle School

720-886-6101 (office)

720-767-2352 (cell)

bweinhold@cherrycreekschools.org

APEX Color Games

Our largest fundraising event of the year, Color Games, is here!

The facts…

For the next week, team members from the company APEX will be at HCMS hyping up our students and facilitating fundraising efforts. Funds will support teacher grants for their classrooms, so your donations will go right to supporting your students!

The main event is on Friday, September 11th, where students will have grade-level games (75-minute sessions). This will include field activities and lots of throwing of color packets!

As students increase their number of shares (identifying people they’ll ask to donate) and actual donations, they’ll be eligible for prizes. There will also be daily challenges, raffles, and lunchtime games.

We could use some parent volunteers for September 11th. Please sign up here.

Students have received individualized access codes to use at MyApexEvent.com for donations.

Please see this letter to learn more!

Questions? Please email June at jmarcel@apexleadershipco.com.

Upper Lot Morning Drop Off

If you drop your student off in the upper lot in the morning, please help us by pulling all the way up before dropping off your student (near the tennis court), avoiding turning left when leaving the lot, and being patient and kind!

HCMS Deans’ Office

Interested in learning more about our Deans’ Office? Click here.

HCMS Counseling Office

Interested in learning more about our Counseling Office? Click here. 

HCMS Restorative Practices

Interested in learning more about Restorative Practices at HCMS? Click here. 

Middle School Success Night

In addition to Back to School Night, this year we will host an evening event for families of 6^th grade students and any additional students who are new to HCMS. Learn more here! The purposes will include supporting families in accessing critical online learning platforms (PowerSchool, Schoology, Talking Points, Lexia, etc.) and learn about the extensive systems of support offered at HCMS. Please plan to join us on Thursday, September 10^th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.  

Technology Tools

PowerSchool, Schoology, and Talking Points are technology tools used on a regular basis at HCMS, and it is very important that families and students access and navigate these continuously. Click here to learn more.   

Facebook Page

In addition to sharing information on our website and through email, we also post important school information on our Facebook Page. Join our Facebook group here.

Reading Support at Home

All HCMS students will continue to have access to Lexia PowerUp, an online resource proven to support students with reading and literacy. Lexia enables students to make multiple years of growth in a single academic year, focusing support in three areas: grammar, word study, and comprehension. We recommend that students use Lexia three or more times each week for at least 20 minutes. To access, please visit the Lexia tile in your student’s my.cherrycreekschools.org account. 

Athletics & Activities

We are excited for all students to participate in our sport offerings of track, basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. Please visit our Athletics Page for registration information and season schedules, and please direct any questions to Mr. Jason Harper, Athletic Director, at jharper7@cherrycreekschools.org. Our first season, track, starts on Thursday, August 20^th!

Interested in checking out our clubs? Visit our Activities Page and contact our Activities Director, Mrs. Kerri Benzel at kbenzel@cherrycreekschools.org with questions.

Peek at the PACK

On Wednesday, September 30^th we will host Peek at the PACK. This is an opportunity for family members to observe instruction inside the walls of HCMS and provide us with feedback. We welcome all families to join for this day. The approximate time is from 8:00am – 12:00pm. Please save the date if you are able to attend.

Dear Horizon Community Families,

Have you heard about Minga and wondered what it is?

With Minga, we can:

• Monitor hall passes and student movement to help keep students safe and accountable.
• Award Husky Bucks instantly and digitally for positive behavior and achievements.
• Track tardies and related consequences consistently and immediately.
• Send families a weekly summary email showing time out of class, passes used, Husky Bucks earned, and any assigned consequences.

Did you see your first Minga summary email on Saturday? We hope it provided helpful insight into your student's school day.  If the report indicated a large amount of time out of class, please know we are working with students to remember to end their passes when getting back to class. 

Starting next Tuesday, we will also use Minga to assign students to academic intervention support or academic extension opportunities during ACC so we can better meet the needs of every learner.

Students can redeem Husky Bucks each Friday at the Husky Buck Market in the cafeteria. We welcome donations of snacks, school supplies, and small prizes to help stock the market!

Thank you for partnering with us as we continue using Minga to recognize student success, strengthen communication, and support student learning.

Also, please remember to check your spam/junk email folders, as teachers have been sending welcome emails and some (mine included) have initially landed there. And don’t forget to set up/check TalkingPoints - we use it a lot! 

Thank you!

Brad

Dr. Brad Weinhold

Principal

Horizon Community Middle School

720-886-6101 (office)

720-767-2352 (cell)

bweinhold@cherrycreekschools.org

Student Photos - Monday

Student pictures will occur on Monday, August 31st. These photos will be on student ID cards and in the yearbook. Picture day information and online ordering are now available by visiting mydorian.com and searching for our school's name, Horizon Community Middle School. Your online order can be placed before and up to two (2) days after picture day. 

Upper Lot Morning Drop Off

If you drop your student off in the upper lot in the morning, please help us by pulling all the way up before dropping off your student (near the tennis court), avoiding turning left when leaving the lot, and being patient and kind!

6th Grade Families - Lunch Lines

The key to shorter lunch lines is students moving through efficiently. Please help your students memorize their ID number and practice being ready to type it in quickly. 

HCMS Spirit Gear

Here are some options for fresh, new HCMS Spirit Gear!

Color Games Fundraiser

Please see this letter which advertises our major fundraiser event of the year, the Color Games!

HCMS Deans’ Office

Interested in learning more about our Deans’ Office? Click here.

HCMS Counseling Office

Interested in learning more about our Counseling Office? Click here. 

HCMS Restorative Practices

Interested in learning more about Restorative Practices at HCMS? Click here. 

Middle School Success Night

In addition to Back to School Night, this year we will host an evening event for families of 6^th grade students and any additional students who are new to HCMS. Learn more here! The purposes will include supporting families in accessing critical online learning platforms (PowerSchool, Schoology, Talking Points, Lexia, etc.) and learn about the extensive systems of support offered at HCMS. Please plan to join us on Thursday, September 10^th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.  

Technology Tools

PowerSchool, Schoology, and Talking Points are technology tools used on a regular basis at HCMS, and it is very important that families and students access and navigate these continuously. Click here to learn more.   

Facebook Page

In addition to sharing information on our website and through email, we also post important school information on our Facebook Page. Join our Facebook group here.

Reading Support at Home

All HCMS students will continue to have access to Lexia PowerUp, an online resource proven to support students with reading and literacy. Lexia enables students to make multiple years of growth in a single academic year, focusing support in three areas: grammar, word study, and comprehension. We recommend that students use Lexia three or more times each week for at least 20 minutes. To access, please visit the Lexia tile in your student’s my.cherrycreekschools.org account. 

Athletics & Activities

We are excited for all students to participate in our sport offerings of track, basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. Please visit our Athletics Page for registration information and season schedules, and please direct any questions to Mr. Jason Harper, Athletic Director, at jharper7@cherrycreekschools.org. Our first season, track, starts on Thursday, August 20^th!

Interested in checking out our clubs? Visit our Activities Page and contact our Activities Director, Mrs. Kerri Benzel at kbenzel@cherrycreekschools.org with questions.

PTCO - Officers Needed

We will have some open PTCO positions, including president, co-treasurer, and secretary. Typical responsibilities include networking with local restaurants and businesses to create fundraising nights (Skate City, Chipotle, etc.), supporting one large fundraising event for the year (Color Games this year), reviewing teacher grant applications and allocating funds to HCMS staff members, and organizing Teacher Appreciation Week activities. We meet virtually each month, the individual workload is very minimal, and this is a great way to support our students, staff, and community! Interested in learning more? Click here and please contact hcms.ptco@gmail.com.

Peek at the PACK

On Wednesday, September 30^th we will host Peek at the PACK. This is an opportunity for family members to observe instruction inside the walls of HCMS and provide us with feedback. We welcome all families to join for this day. The approximate time is from 8:00am – 12:00pm. Please save the date if you are able to attend.

August 21, 2026

Dear Horizon Community Families,

It has been so great being back in school with our students! Thank you for supporting them, and us, as we have settled back into what we do best - teach! At our staff welcome meeting last week I shared how proud I am to lead our school and how much I believe in our students and staff. Being back in classrooms this week has even further solidified for me just how amazing it is to be a part of HCMS.

On Monday, August 24, the PowerSchool Parent Portal is getting a significant refresh. Parents and guardians will log in to find MyPowerHub, PowerSchool's modernized parent experience: a cleaner design, better navigation, and improved mobile view. Grades, attendance, schedules, assignments, and Parent Forms are all still there, just easier to find. The instructions can be viewed here.  

Please remember to check your spam/junk folders, as teachers have been sending welcome emails and some (mine included) have initially landed there. And don’t forget to set up/check TalkingPoints - we use it a lot! 

Lastly, if your student(s) are like mine/me today, we’re tired! I hope you have a great weekend of rest as we gear up for week 2.

That’s it for today - thank you!

Brad

Dr. Brad Weinhold

Principal

Horizon Community Middle School

720-886-6101 (office)

720-767-2352 (cell)

bweinhold@cherrycreekschools.org

Upper Lot Morning Drop Off

If you drop your student off in the upper lot in the morning, please help us by pulling all the way up before dropping off your student (near the tennis court), avoiding turning left when leaving the lot, and being patient and kind!

6th Grade Families - Lunch Lines

The key to shorter lunch lines is students moving through efficiently. Please help your students memorize their ID number and practice being ready to type it in quickly. 

HCMS Spirit Gear

Here are some options for fresh, new HCMS Spirit Gear!

Color Games Fundraiser

Please see this letter which advertises our major fundraiser event of the year, the Color Games!

HCMS Deans’ Office

Interested in learning more about our Deans’ Office? Click here.

HCMS Restorative Practices

Interested in learning more about Restorative Practices at HCMS? Click here. 

Middle School Success Night

In addition to Back to School Night, this year we will host an evening event for families of 6^th grade students and any additional students who are new to HCMS. The purposes will include supporting families in accessing critical online learning platforms (PowerSchool, Schoology, Talking Points, Lexia, etc.) and learn about the extensive systems of support offered at HCMS. Please plan to join us on Thursday, September 10^th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.  

Technology Tools

PowerSchool, Schoology, and Talking Points are technology tools used on a regular basis at HCMS, and it is very important that families and students access and navigate these continuously. Click here to learn more.   

Facebook Page

In addition to sharing information on our website and through email, we also post important school information on our Facebook Page. Join our Facebook group here.

Reading Support at Home

All HCMS students will continue to have access to Lexia PowerUp, an online resource proven to support students with reading and literacy. Lexia enables students to make multiple years of growth in a single academic year, focusing support in three areas: grammar, word study, and comprehension. We recommend that students use Lexia three or more times each week for at least 20 minutes. To access, please visit the Lexia tile in your student’s my.cherrycreekschools.org account. 

Athletics & Activities

We are excited for all students to participate in our sport offerings of track, basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. Please visit our Athletics Page for registration information and season schedules, and please direct any questions to Mr. Jason Harper, Athletic Director, at jharper7@cherrycreekschools.org. Our first season, track, starts on Thursday, August 20^th!

Interested in checking out our clubs? Visit our Activities Page and contact our Activities Director, Mrs. Kerri Benzel at kbenzel@cherrycreekschools.org with questions.

PTCO - Officers Needed

We will have some open PTCO positions, including president, co-treasurer, and secretary. Typical responsibilities include networking with local restaurants and businesses to create fundraising nights (Skate City, Chipotle, etc.), supporting one large fundraising event for the year (Color Games this year), reviewing teacher grant applications and allocating funds to HCMS staff members, and organizing Teacher Appreciation Week activities. We meet virtually each month, the individual workload is very minimal, and this is a great way to support our students, staff, and community! Interested in learning more? Click here and please contact hcms.ptco@gmail.com.

Peek at the PACK

On Wednesday, September 30^th we will host Peek at the PACK. This is an opportunity for family members to observe instruction inside the walls of HCMS and provide us with feedback. We welcome all families to join for this day. The approximate time is from 8:00am – 12:00pm. Please save the date if you are able to attend.

If you were not able to attend Back to School Night, student schedules can now be viewed in PowerSchool (through my.cherrycreek). Please know that counselors will only be able to accommodate schedule corrections (e.g., wrong number of classes) but not schedule changes (e.g., change elective class to be with friends).

Check out this Back to School Resource Fair (tomorrow) hosted at Prairie Middle School!

Interested in learning more about our Deans’ Office? Click here.

Interested in learning more about Restorative Practices at HCMS? Click here. 

Please see this letter which advertises our major fundraiser event of the year, the Color Games!

Our first sport, track, starts on Thursday. Please encourage your student to join!

Squeeze water bottles that can squirt water have continued to become a distraction to the learning environment. While we do encourage students to bring a water bottle each day, please send your student with a different type.

All students are welcome to enjoy breakfast from 8:30am - 8:40am each day. We ask that if students are interested in breakfast, they arrive by 8:30am. We would like to minimize food being consumed in classes, and arriving early with enough time to eat in the cafeteria will help with this!

Lastly, here are some options for fresh, new HCMS Spirit Gear! 

Please see below for important information as we kick off the school year.

Thank you!

Brad

Dr. Brad Weinhold

Principal

Horizon Community Middle School

720-886-6101 (office)

720-767-2352 (cell)

bweinhold@cherrycreekschools.org

Main Gym Enhancements

We are so excited for students to return to a newly finished floor in the main gym. The color is bright, the finish is clean, and the court lines and center logo look awesome! We also have a new curtain to divide the gym for PE classes!  

Check-in Procedures & Back to School Hub

Each year, all HCMS families are required to complete Parent Forms by visiting my.cherrycreekschools.org and accessing the PowerSchool tile. For students returning to Horizon Community Middle School, or for incoming 6^th grade students who attended a Cherry Creek elementary school, completing Parent Forms is the only registration requirement before school begins. Parent Forms are now available, and we encourage you to complete this step as soon as possible. This step is required in order for students to be able to attend classes in August. All families should also visit the CCSD Back to School Hub, which includes information pertaining to Food & Nutrition, Technology, and Transportation. Please contact our Registrar, Mrs. Terry Altman, at taltman3@cherrycreekschools.org or call 720-886-6240 with questions.

Important Dates

Monday, August 17^th – First day of school for 7^th & 8^th Grade students (6^th at home)

Tuesday, August 18^th – First day of school for 6^th Grade students and 6^th Grade WEB Orientation Day (7^th & 8^th at home)

Wednesday, August 19^th – All students attend HCMS

Students will not need academic school supplies on their first day of school, as this will be more of an orientation and welcome day (for all grade levels). Students will need to be prepared to engage academically beginning on Wednesday, August 19^th. Please see additional information below regarding school supplies.

6th Grade WEB Orientation Day

Our WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) Orientation Day is designed to assist incoming 6^th graders with their transition to middle school. This will occur on Tuesday, August 18^th during the first day of school. The day begins at 8:50am. This will be a great opportunity for students to engage in fun activities, meet new friends, and learn from 8^th Grade WEB Leaders. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle and dress comfortably as the day will be active. WEB Orientation Day is for students to independently experience getting to know their new school, as 7^th and 8^th grade students will not be in attendance. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Donavon McDowell at dmcdowell2@cherrycreekschools.org.

Middle School Success Night

In addition to Back to School Night, this year we will host an evening event for families of 6^th grade students and any additional students who are new to HCMS. The purposes will include supporting families in accessing critical online learning platforms (PowerSchool, Schoology, Talking Points, Lexia, etc.) and learn about the extensive systems of support offered at HCMS. Please plan to join us on Thursday, September 10^th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.  

26-27 Bell Schedule

As we have examined ways to continue to improve as a school, we have adopted a new bell schedule for this year. Highlights include moving from 51 minutes to 60 minutes for core classes, creating additional sections of electives classes, and building longer periods of time for most teachers to collaborate together. Elective classes will be 45 minutes long and Advisory/ACC will move to 30 minutes. Check out the new schedule here.

New Staff Members

We are so excited to welcome our new staff members to HCMS! Please click here to meet new educators in our community.

New PBIS, Hall Pass, and Tardy Management System

This year, our school will be using Minga, a student management platform designed to improve communication, accountability, and school culture. Minga will help streamline several important school processes, including digital hall passes, PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) recognition, attendance monitoring, and tardy management. By using Minga, students will be able to request and carry digital passes on their devices, reducing classroom disruptions and helping staff ensure students are where they need to be during the school day. The platform will also allow us to recognize and reward positive student behaviors through our PBIS program, encouraging a positive and supportive school environment. Students will then be able to ‘cash in’ on their positive points at the Husky Buck Market on Fridays. In addition, Minga provides efficient tools for tracking attendance and tardies, allowing staff to identify patterns early and provide support when needed. If your student is tardy, families will be notified through Minga about consequences. Overall, Minga will help us enhance school safety, improve organization, promote student responsibility, and create a more positive learning environment for all students.

Computer Plans

Again this year we will be storing computers at HCMS each evening for 6^th and 7^th grade students. Computers will be housed in the 8^th period classes of students, and each morning students will pick them up before heading to their 1^st period class. Students will carry their computers throughout the school day. Given that our doors open at 8:40am and school starts at 8:50am, there will be ample time each morning for this process to occur. Also, 6^th and 7^th grade students will be permitted to sign out their computers for completing assignments and projects at home on an “as needed” basis. If interested, they will work closely with their teachers to sign out a computer. As we are preparing our 8^th graders for high school, they will not be required to keep their computers at school. If you have any questions about our computer plan, please contact Ms. Dee Hallman, Instructional Support Administrator, at nhallman2@cherrycreekschools.org.

Technology Tools

PowerSchool, Schoology, and Talking Points are technology tools used on a regular basis at HCMS, and it is very important that families and students access and navigate these continuously. Click here to learn more.   

Facebook Page

In addition to sharing information on our website and through email, we also post important school information on our Facebook Page. Join our Facebook group here.

Reading Support at Home

All HCMS students will continue to have access to Lexia PowerUp, an online resource proven to support students with reading and literacy. Lexia enables students to make multiple years of growth in a single academic year, focusing support in three areas: grammar, word study, and comprehension. We recommend that students use Lexia three or more times each week for at least 20 minutes. To access, please visit the Lexia tile in your student’s my.cherrycreekschools.org account. 

School Supplies

Our teachers have compiled a list of school supplies to support student learning each day. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s teachers. If you need any assistance with any supplies, please contact our Family & Community Liaison, Mrs. Jhohana Avila Romero at javilaromero@cherrycreekschools.org.

Lockers

While the vast majority of HCMS students do not use lockers, students are able to use lockers if they choose. If a student is interested in using a locker, their parent/guardian should complete this Locker Request Form. Upon completion of the form, students will be contacted by our Security Team during the first week of school with their locker assignment.

Grading

At HCMS, we believe that grades should represent a demonstration of learning and growth. Grades should not be a reflection of student behaviors. Gradebooks are used as a tool to communicate student progress towards understanding of subject-specific skills. Please check out this HCMS Grading Video to learn more, and please ask your student’s teachers specific questions about grading and their gradebooks. Grades in middle school are assigned on a quarterly basis and reset at the beginning of the next quarter (after fall, winter, and spring break).

Cell Phone Plan

In response to the numerous distractions to the learning environment that cell phones can cause, we will continue to follow our cell phone plan. Unless teachers have communicated to students that phones can be used for an instructional purpose, they should not be out in class. If students use phones when not allowed, they will be given a bag in which they will lock their phone and then deliver it to the Deans’ Office. Phones can be picked up at the end of the day by students (for the first violation) and parents (for any subsequent violations). 

Also, to support high levels of student engagement at HCMS, we ask that families do not text or call their students during class time. Students are allowed to communicate with families during their passing periods and while at lunch. Just like in pre-cell phone days, families can call our school during the day, and we will find your student if you need to speak with them urgently.

Athletics & Activities

We are excited for all students to participate in our sport offerings of track, basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. Please visit our Athletics Page for registration information and season schedules, and please direct any questions to Mr. Jason Harper, Athletic Director, at jharper7@cherrycreekschools.org. Our first season, track, starts on Thursday, August 20^th!

Interested in checking out our clubs? Visit our Activities Page and contact our Activities Director, Mrs. Kerri Benzel at kbenzel@cherrycreekschools.org with questions.

Family & Community Liaison

If you are in need of any assistance as a family member in our community, please contact our Family & Community Liaison, Mrs. Jhohana Avila Romero at javilaromero@cherrycreekschools.org. Ella puede ayudarles en Español.

Husky Community Market

The Husky Community Market is here to assist families by providing non-perishable food, some household items, and school supplies. If you are interested, contact Jhohana Avila Romero at javilaromero@cherrycreekschools.org or 720-886-6139 to schedule a time to pick up some items.

Family Engagement

Please visit our Family Engagement Page to learn about ways to engage at HCMS. We welcome and encourage all families to participate in all aspects of the schooling experience of their children.

August 11, 2026

Dear Horizon Community Families,

Welcome to the 26-27 school year! We are so excited to see everyone at Back to School Night on Thursday! See below for additional information. We are also excited to share that we’ll be starting the year with a huge fundraising event, as we’ll be engaged in the Color Games again this year. The event will run from August 31st - September 11th, and more information will be coming soon. 

Below are several important details related to the beginning of the school year. Please check out our School Website for additional information, and reach out to me or our grade-level administrators with any questions

6^th Grade: Ashlea Skiles (askiles@cherrycreekschools.org)

7^th Grade: Stephanie Stiegelmar (sstiegelmar2@cherrycreekschools.org)

8^th Grade: Clare Dardis (cdardis@cherrycreekschools.org)

Thank you!

Brad

Dr. Brad Weinhold

Principal

Horizon Community Middle School

720-886-6101 (office)

720-767-2352 (cell)

bweinhold@cherrycreekschools.org

Main Gym Enhancements

We are so excited for students to return to a newly finished floor in the main gym. The color is bright, the finish is clean, and the court lines and center logo look awesome! We also have a new curtain to divide the gym for PE classes!  

Check-in Procedures & Back to School Hub

Each year, all HCMS families are required to complete Parent Forms by visiting my.cherrycreekschools.org and accessing the PowerSchool tile. For students returning to Horizon Community Middle School, or for incoming 6^th grade students who attended a Cherry Creek elementary school, completing Parent Forms is the only registration requirement before school begins. Parent Forms are now available, and we encourage you to complete this step as soon as possible. This step is required in order for students to be able to attend classes in August. All families should also visit the CCSD Back to School Hub, which includes information pertaining to Food & Nutrition, Technology, and Transportation. Please contact our Registrar, Mrs. Terry Altman, at taltman3@cherrycreekschools.org or call 720-886-6240 with questions.

Important Dates

Thursday, August 13^th – Back to School Night (5:00pm – 7:00pm)

Monday, August 17^th – First day of school for 7^th & 8^th Grade students (6^th at home)

Tuesday, August 18^th – First day of school for 6^th Grade students and 6^th Grade WEB Orientation Day (7^th & 8^th at home)

Wednesday, August 19^th – All students attend HCMS

Students will not need academic school supplies on their first day of school, as this will be more of an orientation and welcome day (for all grade levels). Students will need to be prepared to engage academically beginning on Wednesday, August 19^th. Please see additional information below regarding school supplies.

Back to School Night

We are excited to welcome you to our annual Back To School Night on Thursday, August 13^th from 5:00pm – 7:00pm! This is a great opportunity for students and their families to:

Get class schedules Reminder: (Add bullets in BB doc. not in Google doc.)

Meet teachers and staff

Learn about various clubs and activities

Find resources for family involvement and support

To add to the fun, there will be food trucks on-site with delicious options available for purchase. Food trucks will be Wheels on Fire Pizza, Fanwich, and Kona Ice.

6th Grade WEB Orientation Day

Our WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) Orientation Day is designed to assist incoming 6^th graders with their transition to middle school. This will occur on Tuesday, August 18^th during the first day of school. The day begins at 8:50am. This will be a great opportunity for students to engage in fun activities, meet new friends, and learn from 8^th Grade WEB Leaders. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle and dress comfortably as the day will be active. WEB Orientation Day is for students to independently experience getting to know their new school, as 7^th and 8^th grade students will not be in attendance. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Donavon McDowell at dmcdowell2@cherrycreekschools.org.

Middle School Success Night

In addition to Back to School Night, this year we will host an evening event for families of 6^th grade students and any additional students who are new to HCMS. The purposes will include supporting families in accessing critical online learning platforms (PowerSchool, Schoology, Talking Points, Lexia, etc.) and learn about the extensive systems of support offered at HCMS. Please plan to join us on Thursday, September 10^th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.  

26-27 Bell Schedule

As we have examined ways to continue to improve as a school, we have adopted a new bell schedule for this year. Highlights include moving from 51 minutes to 60 minutes for core classes, creating additional sections of electives classes, and building longer periods of time for most teachers to collaborate together. Elective classes will be 45 minutes long and Advisory/ACC will move to 30 minutes. Check out the new schedule here.

New Staff Members

We are so excited to welcome our new staff members to HCMS! Please click here to meet new educators in our community.

New PBIS, Hall Pass, and Tardy Management System

This year, our school will be using Minga, a student management platform designed to improve communication, accountability, and school culture. Minga will help streamline several important school processes, including digital hall passes, PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) recognition, attendance monitoring, and tardy management. By using Minga, students will be able to request and carry digital passes on their devices, reducing classroom disruptions and helping staff ensure students are where they need to be during the school day. The platform will also allow us to recognize and reward positive student behaviors through our PBIS program, encouraging a positive and supportive school environment. Students will then be able to ‘cash in’ on their positive points at the Husky Buck Market on Fridays. In addition, Minga provides efficient tools for tracking attendance and tardies, allowing staff to identify patterns early and provide support when needed. If your student is tardy, families will be notified through Minga about consequences. Overall, Minga will help us enhance school safety, improve organization, promote student responsibility, and create a more positive learning environment for all students.

Computer Plans

Again this year we will be storing computers at HCMS each evening for 6^th and 7^th grade students. Computers will be housed in the 8^th period classes of students, and each morning students will pick them up before heading to their 1^st period class. Students will carry their computers throughout the school day. Given that our doors open at 8:40am and school starts at 8:50am, there will be ample time each morning for this process to occur. Also, 6^th and 7^th grade students will be permitted to sign out their computers for completing assignments and projects at home on an “as needed” basis. If interested, they will work closely with their teachers to sign out a computer. As we are preparing our 8^th graders for high school, they will not be required to keep their computers at school. If you have any questions about our computer plan, please contact Ms. Dee Hallman, Instructional Support Administrator, at nhallman2@cherrycreekschools.org.

Technology Tools

PowerSchool, Schoology, and Talking Points are technology tools used on a regular basis at HCMS, and it is very important that families and students access and navigate these continuously. Click here to learn more.   

Facebook Page

In addition to sharing information on our website and through email, we also post important school information on our Facebook Page. Join our Facebook group here.

Reading Support at Home

All HCMS students will continue to have access to Lexia PowerUp, an online resource proven to support students with reading and literacy. Lexia enables students to make multiple years of growth in a single academic year, focusing support in three areas: grammar, word study, and comprehension. We recommend that students use Lexia three or more times each week for at least 20 minutes. To access, please visit the Lexia tile in your student’s my.cherrycreekschools.org account. 

School Supplies

Our teachers have compiled a list of school supplies to support student learning each day. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s teachers. If you need any assistance with any supplies, please contact our Family & Community Liaison, Mrs. Jhohana Avila Romero at javilaromero@cherrycreekschools.org.

Lockers

While the vast majority of HCMS students do not use lockers, students are able to use lockers if they choose. If a student is interested in using a locker, their parent/guardian should complete this Locker Request Form. Upon completion of the form, students will be contacted by our Security Team during the first week of school with their locker assignment.

Grading

At HCMS, we believe that grades should represent a demonstration of learning and growth. Grades should not be a reflection of student behaviors. Gradebooks are used as a tool to communicate student progress towards understanding of subject-specific skills. Please check out this HCMS Grading Video to learn more, and please ask your student’s teachers specific questions about grading and their gradebooks. Grades in middle school are assigned on a quarterly basis and reset at the beginning of the next quarter (after fall, winter, and spring break).

Cell Phone Plan

In response to the numerous distractions to the learning environment that cell phones can cause, we will continue to follow our cell phone plan. Unless teachers have communicated to students that phones can be used for an instructional purpose, they should not be out in class. If students use phones when not allowed, they will be given a bag in which they will lock their phone and then deliver it to the Deans’ Office. Phones can be picked up at the end of the day by students (for the first violation) and parents (for any subsequent violations). 

Also, to support high levels of student engagement at HCMS, we ask that families do not text or call their students during class time. Students are allowed to communicate with families during their passing periods and while at lunch. Just like in pre-cell phone days, families can call our school during the day, and we will find your student if you need to speak with them urgently.

Athletics & Activities

We are excited for all students to participate in our sport offerings of track, basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. Please visit our Athletics Page for registration information and season schedules, and please direct any questions to Mr. Jason Harper, Athletic Director, at jharper7@cherrycreekschools.org. Our first season, track, starts on Thursday, August 20^th!

Interested in checking out our clubs? Visit our Activities Page and contact our Activities Director, Mrs. Kerri Benzel at kbenzel@cherrycreekschools.org with questions.

Dear Horizon Community Families,

Welcome to the 26-27 school year! I am very excited to be starting my sixth year as principal, and this year I’ll also be a proud parent of two HCMS students (Izzie - 8^th and Addie - 6^th). I look forward to another great year serving our students, staff, and community as we continue to embrace our vision of Learning: Every Day for Every One!, our mission statement: We are an authentic, empowered community that believes in opportunity for all, and our PACK Commitments of Perseverance, Achievement, Connectedness, and Kindness. 

Below are several important details related to the beginning of the school year. Please check out our School Website for additional information, and reach out to me or our grade-level administrators with any questions

6^th Grade: Ashlea Skiles (askiles@cherrycreekschools.org)

7^th Grade: Stephanie Stiegelmar (sstiegelmar2@cherrycreekschools.org)

8^th Grade: Clare Dardis (cdardis@cherrycreekschools.org)

Thank you!

Brad

Dr. Brad Weinhold

Principal

Horizon Community Middle School

720-886-6101 (office)

720-767-2352 (cell)

bweinhold@cherrycreekschools.org

Hiring - HCMS

We are currently hiring for an administrative assistant to support our Deans’ Office. If interested, please click here to apply.

Job Fair - CCSD

The Cherry Creek School District would like to invite you to the upcoming CCSD Support Our Students Job Fair, a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with hiring teams and explore meaningful roles that support students every day. This job fair is focused on filling critical positions for the upcoming school year, including Severe Needs Para-Educators, Before & After School Program Staff, Bus Drivers, Custodians, and more! The event will be open-house style, and you are welcome to arrive at any time during the event hours. Hiring teams may conduct screening interviews during the event depending on availability and hiring needs.

Logistics: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Prairie Middle School (12600 E Jewell Ave, Aurora CO 80012)

Register here.

Main Gym Enhancements

We are so excited for students to return to a newly finished floor in the main gym. The color is bright, the finish is clean, and the court lines and center logo look awesome! We also have a new curtain to divide the gym for PE classes!  

Check-in Procedures & Back to School Hub

Each year, all HCMS families are required to complete Parent Forms by visiting my.cherrycreekschools.org and accessing the PowerSchool tile. For students returning to Horizon Community Middle School, or for incoming 6^th grade students who attended a Cherry Creek elementary school, completing Parent Forms is the only registration requirement before school begins. Parent Forms are now available, and we encourage you to complete this step as soon as possible. This step is required in order for students to be able to attend classes in August. All families should also visit the CCSD Back to School Hub, which includes information pertaining to Food & Nutrition, Technology, and Transportation. Please contact our Registrar, Mrs. Terry Altman, at taltman3@cherrycreekschools.org or call 720-886-6240 with questions.

Important Dates

Thursday, August 13^th – Back to School Night (5:00pm – 7:00pm)

Monday, August 17^th – First day of school for 7^th & 8^th Grade students (6^th at home)

Tuesday, August 18^th – First day of school for 6^th Grade students and 6^th Grade WEB Orientation Day (7^th & 8^th at home)

Wednesday, August 19^th – All students attend HCMS

Students will not need academic school supplies on their first day of school, as this will be more of an orientation and welcome day (for all grade levels). Students will need to be prepared to engage academically beginning on Wednesday, August 19^th. Please see additional information below regarding school supplies.