Guided math is in full swing in Mrs. Braithwaite's first grade!  They have been working on this goal since day one and they finally reached their goal of doing all 4 rotations.  These first graders in her class are pros at subitizing, tally marks, math apps on the ipads, and recognizing numbers and counting to 20.  First grade rocks and so do these smart firsties!

Ms. David's third grade students have been learning about addition and regrouping this week. They learned a song and came up with their own hand gestures to help them remember the steps of completing a regrouping problem. Later, they will learn other parts of the song to help with other regrouping problems. Check out the video of the song on our facebook page Cherry Creek Elementary. Way to make learning fun, Ms. David!

Yesterday's WIG assembly featured several teachers strutting down the red carpet wearing hilarious wigs. But this assembly was really about introducing this year's wildly important goals for the whole school. The first WIG is for the entire school to collectively move up 1,800 reading levels. The second WIG is for all students to be in their classroom by 9:00 90% of the time. This will take extra help from parents to make sure that kids get out the door on time. The rewards for reaching the reading WIG is that the kids will have a water party at the end of the year.

Students in Mrs. Call's class made synergy bracelets to learn about Habit #6: Synergize. Students picked two colors for their bracelet--one to represent themselves, and one to represent everyone else. They learned to weave the two colors together to remind them that we're "better together."

Mrs. Gast's students entered the Reading Cafe last week. Students enjoyed mood lighting, silver platters filled with snacks and a variety of reading material. Students ate snacks while looking through multiple genres of books and discussed books that they already love! We LOVE reading!!

What does it mean to be "BIG" at Cherry Creek? That's the question Mr. Duncan asked when he came to visit every classroom this week. He read the book "Think BIG" to every class and talked about what this means for the kids. 

Being BIG means being your best self, being responsible, being helpful and kind. You don't get an award for being BIG, but you get a good feeling inside. When Mr. Duncan asked the students what it means to be BIG at Cherry Creek, some said:

"Helping friends at recess."

"Eating healthy things."

"Being nice."

Thank you for coming to our Back to School Night! The teachers put in so much time preparing to greet the new faces coming into their classrooms. We hope you felt welcome and comfortable. The faculty and staff at Cherry Creek truly feel that this is a wonderful place to be, and we hope you do too. See you tomorrow for day one!

Fifth grade students have worked hard to set up shop at this years "mini society". Some stores were selling time to play video games, face painting, candy, toys, pokemon cards, and so much more! Once the stores close, the fifth graders will have an auction using the money they've earned. 

It's always bitter-sweet to experience changes in who will be here at Cherry Creek year after year. We celebrate those who have reached retirement and congratulate those who will be moving on to other jobs or life adventures, but they will all be sorely missed. Some teachers will also be switching grade levels next year. On the bright side, we get to welcome some new faces to the Cherry Creek family! Here's the run-down of what's changing:

Teachers retiring:

Mrs. Mack, Mrs. Ernst, Mrs. Faux, Mrs. Beyal