Cherry Creek Elevation is the CCSD 6-12 online school. Classes will be delivered in an online platform with synchronous and asynchronous (both live and recorded) coursework to support student learning and provide a hands-on, real-world learning opportunity.  

Are the teachers teaching at Elevation Cherry Creek School District teachers?

Teachers at Cherry Creek Elevation include an array of highly qualified and talented educators who have served in the Cherry Creek School District and beyond.  

Will students take school pictures at Cherry Creek Elevation?

Students enrolled at Elevation will have an opportunity to take school pictures.  Information regarding picture day will be sent via email near the beginning of the school year.

How will online students and families receive communication from our Elevation teachers, school, and district?

Families will continue to receive communication from their teachers, school, and district as usual (e.g., via telephone, email, Blackboard Connect messages, etc.).  In addition, Cherry Creek Elevation sends a weekly newsletter via email to keep students and families up-to-date. Students and families are also encouraged to reach out to their teachers, school, and the Cherry Creek Elevation administration with any questions or concerns.

Who do I contact for Cherry Creek Elevation?

Cherry Creek Elevation students and families are encouraged to contact us with any questions or concerns.  Teachers and administrators will also be available by telephone or via virtual meetings, as needed. 

Does my student need to select between A and B days or will they be learning Tuesday- Friday?  What is expected of my student?

• Students are required to attend each of their virtual classes following their A/B schedule for synchronous learning. Virtual Classes will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 
• All students are encouraged to work on their asynchronous assignments Monday through Friday.  Monday, Thursday, and Friday will be a full day of asynchronous learning, unless attending Brick Day. 

What is Brick Day and when does my student attend?

• Brick day is an in-person,  face to face learning opportunity that will take place at the Cherry Creek Elevation Campus. 
• High School students meet on Thursdays and Middle School students meet on Fridays. 
• During Brick Day, students will have the opportunity to work with their teachers and classmates.

On what platform will the synchronous and asynchronous learning take place?

• At Cherry Creek Elevation, students will have the opportunity to work on Canvas, our school's Learning Management System (LMS). 
• Student weekly assignments and progress will be posted on Canvas beginning Tuesday morning at 8AM.  

When does my student actually need to log in?

• All students are encouraged to login Monday through Friday to either participate in synchronous learning (virtual classes) or to complete assignments through asynchronous learning.
• All assignments for the week need to be submitted by Monday at 11:59pm MST.

Are students expected to participate in synchronous instruction without breaks? What if my student needs a break during this time?

• The synchronous schedule will include time for students to virtually learn and interact with their teacher and classmates. 
• Synchronous learning time will include a combination of whole group instruction, interactive lessons and activities, and time for independent learning/reflection time. 
• Similar to In-Person 6-12 education schedules, teachers will build in time for breaks, movement activities, and small group activities based on the needs of their classroom of students.  

Will asynchronous learning also be in front of a computer every day and does it have to be completed on the indicated times on the daily schedule?

• Asynchronous learning takes place without real-time interaction. This would look like students having a week to complete their lessons, but within that week students are progressing at their own pace. 
• The asynchronous times and subjects indicated on the pacing guide are recommendations.  Students and families may follow an asynchronous schedule that works best for the needs of their student.

Does everyone have to do the online synchronous learning at the scheduled time, or will it be recorded so they can do it later, and will it still count for attendance? What happens if a student cannot attend a synchronous session?

• Students are to attend all of their virtual classes following their A/B schedule. During synchronous learning, students will have the opportunity to participate and interact in live learning sessions with their classroom teacher and classmates.
• If a student cannot attend either synchronous session for a class during the week, they will be counted absent.  However, they will have the opportunity to make up the work for that session. 

What curriculum will be used for Cherry Creek Elevation? 

Cherry Creek Elevation uses teacher created courses that align to 6-12 Colorado Academic Standards.

What elective classes will be offered at Cherry Creek Elevation?  When will I find out my student’s schedule?  Will students need to purchase any additional items for elective classes?

• Cherry Creek Elevation offers elective classes in world languages, physical education, health, and practical and fine arts. Check out the ELV Course Guide for detailed information.
• Additional items or school supplies needed will be communicated by the teacher.

What will the class size will be and when will it be determined?

Just like your neighborhood school, teachers are assigned approximately 5 sections with up to 25 -30 students in each section.

Other than scheduled office hours, will there be other opportunities for 1:1 with the teacher?

Teachers will have scheduled office hours four days a week (Monday - Friday, with the exception of Brick Days).  Students and families are welcome and encouraged to schedule time to meet with your teacher, as needed. The Zoom link to Instructional Support can be found on the the Home Page to each course. 

Will students enrolled at Cherry Creek Elevation have a school supply list?

Basic school supplies (e.g., lined paper, notebook, pencils, pens, crayons, scissors, glue, etc.) are recommended.  Most projects and learning opportunities can be completed with these basic supplies or technology built into the coursework.  A list of additional supplies will be provided by the classroom teacher. Printers are not required, but are recommended.

Will students have the opportunity to be tested for GT this year?

Please refer to the Cherry Creek School District Gifted and Talented Services website for detailed information about GT assessments.

My student was identified last year for the gifted talent pool. Will those additional services be provided through our home school or through Cherry Creek Elevation? 

Students who are formally identified as Gifted or have been placed on the official gifted talent pool will continue to receive support and enrichment opportunities. 

How will students take state assessments at Cherry Creek Elevation?

Cherry Creek Elevation will follow the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) requirements for state assessments in an online setting.  Information will be sent to families when available.

Will families who sign up for the Cherry Creek Elevation receive computers? What kind of computer is necessary to do the work?

All students will receive a student device as part of the CCSD 1:1 device program. Families who choose online learning should have reliable access to the internet.  

Online courses for Cherry Creek Elevation require the use of a computer. The district provided laptops will meet your needs. Chromebooks, tablets, and smartphones do not have the capacity to meet the technical needs of our software applications. 

What is the technology systems orientation and is it required?  Where do I go to take it?

Before students begin their courses for Cherry Creek Elevation, they are required to take a Technology Systems Orientation. This course will help students learn how to access and use the technologies needed to complete their courses. Access to this orientation will begin on the first day of school and will be shared with students through Canvas. 

Who should I contact regarding technical questions/difficulties?  

Cherry Creek Elevation has a tech support team who will provide support for students, parents, and staff. You may contact them at elevationsupport@cherrycreekschools.org.  The tech team will typically respond to support requests within 48 hours.  During times of increased volume at the beginning of the school year it may take longer. 

How will the teachers support my student through culturally responsive education?

CCSD teachers are dedicated toward inclusive excellence for all students.  Teachers will model and incorporate the six pillars of culturally responsive pedagogy into their classroom instruction. The six pillars include rigor, vulnerability, cultural identity, asset focus, relationships, and engagement.

Will teachers be available to support my student through navigating racial injustice?

CCSD is committed to confronting the issue of racial injustice with urgency and through conversation and partnership with the community.  All staff and administrators receive ongoing training in racial literacy. 

Will families who have students enrolled in Cherry Creek Elevation be able to attend the PASS meetings at their homeschool?

Families who have students enrolled at Cherry Creek Elevation are encouraged to attend Elevation PASS meetings. Students and families are always welcome to attend PASS meetings at their neighborhood school as well as District level meetings.  

When is the first day of school for Cherry Creek Elevation? What should we expect during the first week of school? 

The first day of school for Cherry Creek Elevation matches the CCSD calendar.  During the first week of school, students will complete a virtual orientation to Elevation where they will learn how to log into Canvas and other online tools. In addition, students will attend their Advisory class, get to know their classmates in Advisory and their Advisory teacher.  

What if my student’s class schedule needs to be adjusted or repaired?

• Students who have an incomplete schedule, meaning they are missing a course needed for graduation or have been placed in an incorrect course level may contact their counselor for a schedule repair.
• For a student who is on track to graduate from high school, a full schedule for Cherry Creek Elevation is as follows:
  • Students in grades 6-8 will take 7 classes, including the Advisory class.
  • Students in grades 9 - 10 will take 7 credits including the Advisory class.
  • Students in grade 11 will take a minimum of  6 credits, including the Advisory class.
  • Students in grade 12 will take a minimum of 5 credits, including the Advisory class. 

Will there be an orientation and what can we expect to go over on that day?

Students enrolled in Cherry Creek Elevation will have the opportunity to go through orientation and learn about how to access and navigate their online learning tools before classes begin. Families will also have the opportunity to learn how to create an “observer account” on Canvas and learn new ways to support their child’s online learning.