Message from Head of School, Kati Melton
Welcome New Cherry Hills Christian Family,
I want to extend a warm welcome to you as a new CHC family. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do, and our community will be a better place because you will be a part of it.
For over 39 years, God has blessed Cherry Hills Christian School with a mission to educate the whole child – heart, soul, mind, and strength. Now, more than ever, we are committed to preparing students to live fully for God in a rapidly changing world. We believe God created every child as His divine masterpiece, capable as learners and uniquely gifted for His purpose.
This year CHC faculty, staff, and Board of Education are reading Beyond Biblical Integration by Roger C.S. Erdvig which provides a framework for biblical immersion and an authentic approach to achieving our school’s mission and vision. This book study is taking us on a deep dive into helping our students “think, desire and act in ways that are consistent with God’s thoughts, desires and actions as revealed through scripture” (Erdvig, 10). We are examining ways to cultivate an environment that fosters our Portrait of a Graduate where students are developing alive hearts, anchored souls, academically prepared minds, and abiding strength.
As Erdvig explains in his book, “In our lifetime, this mission has never been more necessary or more challenging” (XV). Thank you for entrusting your children to our care. We are humbled and grateful for your partnership as we shape our school to raise up and equip the next generation of exceptional Christian leaders into the world.
We are excited your family will be joining CHC soon!
With Joy,
Kati Melton
Head of School
Welcome!
Below you will find all of the information needed to get started and informed about being a CHC family! Consider this your one-stop-shop for preparing for your first day at CHC. From orientation to school supplies, take your time to work through this information so you are fully prepared to hit the ground running. Please reach out with any questions along the way.
Start of School Details
| NEW PARENT ORIENTATION | Preschool – Grade 8 Tuesday, August 6, 5:00 – 7:30 pm This orientation for new parents provides valuable information. Parents with students in Preschool-Grade 8 will receive campus-access security badges, learn about our online learning management system (Canvas), get answers to questions, and meet other new parents. There will be a breakout session for Preschool families. *Childcare will not be provided during this event, and Preschool – Grade 5 students do not attend. RSVP HERE NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT + PARENT ORIENTATION Incoming Grade 6 and New Grades 7 & 8 Tuesday, August 6, 5:00-7:30 pm To successfully lay the foundation for a meaningful school year, we host our mandatory Lead Like a Lion New Student + Parent Orientation. ALL incoming Grade 6 students, NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL Grade 7 and 8 students, and parents must attend. Parents will begin in the New Parent Orientation and will connect with their child’s Life Group at the conclusion of the Parent Orientation. Our time together will include reviewing our school culture, ROAR behavior expectations, dress code, and cell phone policy. Families will meet teachers, the school counselor, and administrators. Other activities will include fellowship with Life Groups and prayer. Parents will learn more about Middle School events and parent volunteer opportunities. We will conclude the evening praying over our students and the school year ahead. RSVP HERE |
| NEW FAMILY WORSHIP & WELCOME Sunday, August 11, 9 am Join us at 9 am for worship at Cherry Hills Community Church. Afterward, we will head over to the east side of the school campus on the patio for donuts and coffee. This is a wonderful opportunity for new CHC families to meet other families. Please RSVP by August 7 with the total number of guests attending. RSVP HERE |
| MEET & GREET | Preschool – Grade 8 Wednesday, August 14 Meet & Greet offers a one-stop place to get ready for school. *This is a mandatory event for all CHC families. Meet & Greet Time Slots 8:30 – 10:00 am Last Name: A – F + Grade 8 Families 10:15 – 11:45 am Last Name: G – L 12:00 – 1:30 pm Last Name: M – S 1:45 – 3:15 pm Last Name: T – Z Student Pictures Taken Parent Badges & Raptor Registration Carpool Card Pick-up Fully T-Shirt Pick-Up (Preschool-Grade 8) Classroom Visits Parent Connect & Volunteering Information Taher Hot Lunch Samples Spiritual Life + Meet the Counselors Before/After Care Information Middle School Check-In and Schedules Middle School Locker Help |
School Start & End Times
PRESCHOOL START
Morning Drop-Off
8:00-8:20 am (M-F)
Please note that Preschool does not have a Late Start on Tuesdays.
PRESCHOOL DISMISSAL
Half-Day Preschool – 12:15 pm
Full-Day Preschool – 3:00 pm
K-8 SCHOOL START
Morning Drop-Off
8:00-8:20 am (M,W,Th,F)
Late Start Tuesday Drop-Off
9:00-9:20 am
K-8 DISMISSAL
Afternoon Carpool Begins at 3:25 pm
*School ends at 3:20 so by the time everyone gets in their carpool rooms number start getting called at 3:25
Start of School Checklist
STEP 1: SET UP YOUR PARENT CANVAS ACCOUNT
CHC Students manage their learning on the Canvas Learning Management System. To establish your parent account and pair with your children, please email schoolhelp@chclions.org and ask for a pairing code for Canvas. You will receive full instructions and support on establishing your parent account and an invitation to learn more about supporting your child with it.
STEP 2: COMPLETE MAGNUS HEALTH AGREEMENT
Cherry Hills Christian School uses Magnus Health, a simple, secure, web-based software for collecting and managing student health information and online forms and documents. We appreciate partnering with you to ensure a safe and healthy environment at CHC. During the school year, please adhere to all CDC guidelines concerning contagious illnesses. Refer to this link for information on school exclusion due to illness.
In early July, Magnus Health will send a notification requesting your attention. Several requirements will need to be completed before the start of school. Please note that if you have a student at another school that utilizes Magnus, you will have different login credentials.
Reach out to the School Nurse, Marissa Mullins, with any questions.
STEP 3: REVIEW AND SUBMIT HANDBOOK & POLICY FORMS
Cherry Hills Christian seeks to establish a strong partnership with parents as we work together to provide an excellent learning environment for students. To provide clarity and ensure expectations are clearly communicated as we begin a new school year, parents will receive a notification through Magnus with CHC’s Parent Student Handbook, Code of Conduct and Dress Code Policy. Please carefully review these documents and affirm in Magnus that you and your child have read, understand, and agree to the policies. For your convenience the Parent-Student Handbook is also linked below.
STEP 4: PURCHASE SCHOOL SUPPLIES | K – GRADE 8
CHC has made it easier than ever for parents to order supplies for their Lower School and Middle School students.
STEP 5: SHOP FOR DRESS CODE CLOTHING | K – GRADE 8
Cherry Hills Christian School students and families shop for school-required clothing from CHC’s preferred clothing vendors, Educational Outfitters, French Toast, and spirit gear from Squad Locker.
- EMBROIDERY GUIDELINES & APPROVED VENDORS
- Sweatshirts and sweaters must be purchased pre-branded from CHC approved vendors; French Toast and Educational Outfitters. Blank polos can only be embroidered at Educational Outfitters. CHC will not release logos for embroidery.
- IMPORTANT REMINDERS
- Parents should ensure clothing lengths are clearly and obviously in compliance. The CHC Administration has the authority to make the final decision regarding the appropriate length of clothing items.
- Females’ skirts/skorts must be worn at fingertip length or longer. Athletic skorts from Athleta and Lululemon must be at least 15” long.
- Males’ shorts must be no higher than 4 inches above the knee and may not be rolled up.
- Friday spirit wear branded t-shirts are provided for all CHC students.
STEP 6: REVIEW K – GRADE 8 STUDENT CLASS PLACEMENT
Your child’s class placement and schedule are available on FACTS. To access and review your student’s teacher and schedule, log into your FACTS account (formerly known as RenWeb).
Use District Code: CHCS-CO to log in. If needed, please click “Forgot Username and/or Password” to reset your log in information. From the home page, click on Student Information > Schedules.
STEP 7: SCHOOL LUNCH
We are excited about our new commercial kitchen and lunch program coming this fall. More details are coming soon!
STEP 8: COMPLETE STUDENT PROFILE
It is our desire to genuinely know and love each one of our students. We encourage parents of students in grades K-8 to download and complete a profile form to inform the student’s teachers about specific academic, spiritual and social goals. The student’s Homeroom teacher will collect this profile.
STEP 9: KNOW CHC’S CELL PHONE POLICY
Student cell phones pose a significant distraction at school and are not permitted on campus. To enforce this policy, it is required that a student’s cell phone is in a parent’s possession during school hours. If a student has a special after-school circumstance, parents may complete the Student After-School Cell Phone Request Form. The approval is at the sole discretion of CHC. The Form must be turned in no later than the day before the date(s) requested.
For example, a student is being picked up after school by someone other than their parent, not going directly home, and needs access to their phone for the evening.
If the after-school cell phone request is approved, a student must turn in their powered-off cell phone at the front desk immediately upon arriving at school and then pick up the cell phone after school on their way to afternoon carpool. Students are not allowed to turn on their cell phone until they are in the car and/or off-campus.
STEP 10: DOWNLOAD ALL-SCHOOL CALENDAR
For key dates, download the calendar, or visit our website to import information into your own digital calendar. We encourage CHC Parents to visit our events page regularly because we are always adding fun new events.
STEP 11: LEARN ABOUT BEFORE & AFTER-SCHOOL CARE
Cherry Hills Christian School offers students in Preschool through age 13 a quality, affordable School-Age Care Program. Our program is designed to meet our families’ scheduling needs and to provide them the peace of mind of knowing that their students are engaged in constructive enrichment activities promoting physical, emotional and intellectual development. Please review program details, and enroll today!
STEP 12: SUBMIT VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
CHC has the most incredible parent volunteers helping with lunch, field trips, special events, missions, and more. Our RAPTOR safety program will help us ensure that all volunteers entering the building are properly screened. Before you can volunteer during the 2024-25 school year, please complete this easy volunteer application.
STEP 13: REVIEW CARPOOL PROCEDURES
Please carefully review the important details below for K-8 families:
Returning CHC families, please note that your number and carline color may have changed. It is strongly suggested that parents don’t arrive until 3:20 pm or later. If you arrive at 3:30 or 3:35 pm, your wait will be much shorter.
Carpool cards may be picked up at the front desk.
If a Middle School student has parent permission to walk or ride a bike home, or walk to Valor, the Authorization to Leave Campus permission form must be submitted through Magnus. Otherwise, all students should be picked up through carpool.
Lower School Information
CHAPEL
Wednesdays
Kindergarten | 9:20-9:40 am
Grades 1-3 | 8:25 – 8:55 am
Grades 4-5 | 10:15-10:45 am
We would love to have you join us for our weekly Chapel. Miss Lisa creates a unique experience for students, teachers, and families to encounter Jesus and cultivate a heart that loves God and loves others.
For questions, reach out to Carey Bailey, cbailey@chclions.org
PARENTS IN PRAYER
Thursdays, Pavilion 1
8:10 – 8:30 am
Join us for a short yet powerful time of prayer with other parents. For questions, reach out to Carey Bailey, cbailey@chclions.org
Middle School Information
SPIRITUAL LIFE | Life Groups & Chapel
Life Groups & Chapel
Fridays | 8:45 – 9:30 am | Room 170
At Cherry Hills Christian Chapel is an intentional weekly pause for our community to gather and experience God. We teach the relevance of God’s Word so that we can learn more about His character and we praise Him through song. We desire to create a unique experience for students, teachers, and families to encounter Jesus and cultivate a heart that loves God and loves others.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Psalm 119:105
MISSIONS & OUTREACH
Service to others is a vital and core component of the Middle School. Students in Grades 6-8 participate in service projects near and far throughout the academic year. Among them:
Missions Week
This is one of the most highly anticipated weeks of the school year! Missions Week excursions challenge students to reach outside their comfort zones in care and service to others. Students in Grade 6 travel to inner-city Denver. Students in Grades 7 and 8 are invited to travel out of state, where they have worked in previous years on a Native American reservation in South Dakota and for an orphanage in New Mexico.
Service Projects
These quarterly, off-campus excursions allow students to perform acts of service for one of CHC’s 24 ministry/community partners in metro Denver. Middle School students also have the opportunity to participate in three yearly food drives benefiting local food banks.
Christmas Outreach
Students also look forward to this wonderful time of the year — and to our annual dodgeball tournament and other fun and games resulting in support for Musana, CHC’s sister school in Uganda.
ATHLETICS
REGISTER NOW FOR FALL SPORTS!
- Co-Ed Competitive Cross Country
- Co-Ed Competitive Golf
- Co-Ed Tennis
- Girls’ Competitive Volleyball