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Attendance: 720-554-5110

5151 South Holly Street
Greenwood Village, CO 80121
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Skip Navigation LinksWest Middle School > About Us > Principal's Message
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Principal's Message
Welcome to the 2011-12 school year!  The 2011-12 academic year promises to be a landmark year in West’s already rich history.  Our preparations are now complete for
our new year.  Our entire staff is excited to learn, laugh, and grow with your children, as our year is certain to be full of learning, exploration, new friends, and rich experiences.  Now that the renovation is fully complete, we are pleased to transition into our new school year without the drastic change and transition associated with such a huge undertaking.  We welcomed 134 of our incoming sixth grade students during our PAW class that was held during the first week of August.  PAW (Preparing for Achievement at West) provides incoming students an opportunity to get some early practice at being a middle school student.  Participants learned their
way around our building, met many staff members, practiced opening lockers, completed learning style inventories, and made many new friends.  This transition opportunity is of particular importance, especially since the West feeder area brings in students from eight different elementary schools. 

This year West welcomes several new staff members for this year. Sherri Dennstedt and Bryan Winterhalter join our staff teaching 8th grade Science.  Courtney Baugher joins our staff teaching 7th grade Science and Social Studies.  Matt Thompson will join our staff in the Technology department.  Russell Mushet joins our staff in the Special Education department.  Jon Saliman returns to West as an 8th grade Language Arts teacher.  Virginia Niles joins the leadership team as our Coordinator of Student Achievement and Dean of Students.  We also welcome Kathy Clark as our new Registrar.  In addition to these new faces, Ms. Joy Nelson will return to the classroom teaching 6th grade Language Arts and Social Studies. 

I speak for the entire leadership team when I express how excited we are to bring in such talented and enthusiastic teachers to complement our wonderful teaching staff.  We are excited to work to inspire your children to make their mark on the world.  As always, we work to focus on what matters most, and that’s inspiring our students to learn and grow as young adults and future leaders. 

One of the great hallmarks of the West Middle School community is its great spirit of service and volunteerism.  This tremendous partnership is one of our greatest assets.  Enjoy the middle school experience and get involved with one of our many groups.  We have a very active PTCO that supports the school through fundraising activities, coordinating volunteers, and working to promote positive school relationships with our community members.  The West Accountability Committee also meets monthly to participate in the school accountability and accreditation process for Cherry Creek Schools and for the Colorado Department of Education.  Many parents also attend and participate in our Principal Coffees during the year.  Here we meet in a more informal setting to discuss current issues and coming events at West.  

During the 2011-12 school year, our students will have the opportunities to learn and grow as we prepare them for a challenging future with emphasis on 21st Century skills.  Our teaching staff is committed to a rigorous curriculum focusing on the development of critical thinking skills necessary for students’ success in the global arena.  Our Positive Behavior Support motto of C.A.R.E. stands for Citizenship, Achievement, Respect and Equity, and we work to promote these essential tenets each and
every day to ensure that our school is a safe, comfortable, and caring environment for everyone.  I look forward to getting to know you better throughout the year and am excited about the many opportunities for our students and the community to come together to make each student’s middle school experience a rich and memorable one. 

Parents please visit often and volunteer whenever possible!  Become involved in activities and athletics that connect you to your school in positive ways and make this
a year to remember.

Warmest Regards,

David Strohfus
Principal
West Middle School
Copyright © Cherry Creek School District #5, 4700 S. Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 | 303-773-1184
Cherry Creek School District No. 5 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admission to its programs, services or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district’s activities and programs. The Cherry Creek School District No. 5 also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated compliance officer: District Compliance Officer or directly to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Region VIII, Federal Office Building 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite #310, Denver, CO 80204.