October 2010 Newsletter

Page Title Content

2 Letter from the Principal Dear Lobo Families!

3-4 Counseling Office College Fairs in Colorado Oct. 6 and 7

Conifer College Fair Oct. 6
ACT and SAT Test Dates
Parent – Teacher Conferences Oct. 13

5-6 PTSA PTSA Report

New Phone System CHS New phone system

7 Parent Portal Parent Portal Access Instructions

8-10 Leadership Council Leadership News

Next Meetings Oct. 20 & Nov. 17
Presentation
Become a Council Member!

11 Clinic Prevent the spread of illness

12 News & Financial Office Newsletter

Gift Card

13 Athletics Fall Sports - Events

14 Attendance Office CHS Attendance Policy

Stop Stop Sign

15 Homecoming Events Oct. 4-8

16 Up Coming Event Warren Miller Nov. 5 & 6

 Letter from
the Principal

Dear Lobo Families:

As we begin the 2010-11 school year, we all are looking forward to a wonderful year. We welcomed 203 new freshmen and they are off
to a great start. This is my fourth year here, so the Class of 2011 and I arrived at CHS together. The class of 2011 is a great group and
I am excited about this class forging new beginnings while keeping the Lobo traditions alive. Our CHS community already supported
three of our traditions: “Back to School BBQ,” “Freshmen Parent Night” and our “Back to School night.”

Our list of accomplishments is outstanding and we are excited about the on-going progress we have made in the past year.

Did you know?

WE WERE RECOGNIZED IN NEWSWEEK MAGAZINE AS ONE OF THE TOP 1500 HIGH SCHOOLS IN AMERICA.
THE CLASS OF 2010 GRADUATED WITH THE HIGHEST ACT COMPOSITE SCORE IN THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL.
4 FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY ACCEPTED FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS FROM SPAIN, TAIWAN, KOREA AND
GERMANY THIS YEAR.
TH TH TH TH
20 9 GRADERS AND 27 10 GRADERS TOOK AP CLASSES AND 50% OF 9 GRADERS AND 75% OF 10
GRADERS SCORED 3 OR BETTER ON THEIR AP EXAM LAST YEAR.
WE HAD DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT IN OUR AP SCORES IN PHYSICS, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, SPANISH,
BIOLOGY AND ENGLISH.
WE REDUCED THE NUMBER OF TARDIES 30% LAST YEAR. THIS YEAR WE ARE PLANNING ADDITIONAL
PROGRAMS TO REDUCE TARDIES EVEN FURTHER.
WE HAD TWO SENIORS ACCEPT APPOINTMENTS TO MILITARY ACADAMIES LAST SPRING.
55 JRS AND SRS HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO SERVE AS LINK LEADERS. THEY WILL GIVE OVER 30 HOURS OF TIME
TH
TO EXPAND OUR 9 GRADE ADVISOR AND MENTORING PROGRAM.
OUR ROBOTICS AND IMAGINATION DESTINATION TEAMS COMPETED IN NATIONAL AND WORLD COMPETITIONS.

As I told all the parents at “Back to School” night, we can’t do it alone. A continued emphasis for this year is parent involvement.
Please consider joining PTSA, your child’s booster club or leadership. Also, DECA is running and managing our concessions and it is
an easy way to volunteer and make money for your son/daughter’s club, activity or team. Another way to volunteer is to help at the
front desk. With the recent budget, we cut one full-time assistant and we could use the help. Call Sandy Miranda at (303)982-5035 if
you are interested. In addition, if you need information or are contacting teachers via e-mail please take a moment to “cc” the
administrator or counselors. Our administrative team consists of Tim McNerney (A-G), Jackie Delafose (H-N), and Josh Shapiro (O-Z).
Our counselors are Rob Longbrake (A-G), Justin Neuenschwander (H-N) and Gina Writz (O-Z). This will help us better support your
child and his/her teachers.
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Don’t forget parent conferences will be held on October 13 from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This year the conferences will be held in the
teachers’ rooms. Try to limit the conversations to five minutes. Also, as you are waiting please fill out the parent “Make your Voices
Heard” survey or visit http://sc.jeffco.k12.co.us/education/components/form/default.php?sectiondetailid=262111& to
complete the survey. Your input is important as we prepare school improvement goals. Finally, Conifer High School PTSA and Conifer
& Marshdale Accountability Committees will host a mountain community presentation entitled “Our Future, Our Community, Our
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Children, It’s Time to Choose – Move Forward or Fall Backward”, on Wednesday, October 6 , 6:30 p.m. at Conifer High School.
Presenters include: Sue Windels, Kathy Hartman, Garry Dejong, and Superintendant, Dr. Cindy Stevenson. Please plan to join us.

Remember the high school years go by so fast. Please get involved by coming to every event and by becoming an involved parent of
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our outstanding school. See you at parent conference night and of course at the “Home Mountain Bowl” on Saturday, November 6 .

With Lobo Pride,

Dr. Michael P. Musick, principal

Conifer High School

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 CHS Counseling Office
News
A few new faces in the Counseling Office!
The counseling office has a new face. Rob Longbrake comes to us from Falcon Bluffs Middle School and
is the new counselor for students with the last name beginning with A-G. Justin Neuenschwander is the
counselor for the students with the last names H-Z and Gina Writz is the counselor for students with the last
names O-Z.
Feel free to stop in anytime and introduce yourself.

Rob Longbrake Justin Neuenschwander Gina Writz

last names A-G last names H-N last names O-Z
303-982-2829 303-982-5729 303-982-5214
rlongbra@jeffco.k12.co.us jneuensc@jeffco.k12.co.us gwritz@jeffco.k12.co.us

College Fairs in Colorado Conifer College Fair

Out-Of State College Nights October 6th: 1:00-1:45-Juniors
October 6, 2010- Monarch High School, Louisville 1:45-2:30-Seniors
October 7, 2010- John F. Kennedy High School, Denver
Saturday College Workshop
October 9, 2010- Cherry Creek High School
Pick up flyers in the counseling office to see what colleges will be attending these valuable
college fairs

Graduation Requirements
for the Class of 2011
**Attention Seniors** Language Arts……………..4.0 Credits
Make sure that you are aware Social Studies………………3.0 Credits
Mathematics……………….2.0 Credits
of how many credits you have,
Science……………………..2.0 Credits
and how many it takes to Physical Education………..0.5 Credits
graduate! Fine/Practical Arts………..0.5 Credits
Elective Courses…………..9.5 Credits
Counselors will be meeting with all
Seniors during the months of
Total Credits= 22
Please note that Higher Education
September and October to discuss Admission requirements are different
credits and post-graduation plans. from High School Graduation
Requirements. If you have any questions
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about your credits, please see your
counselor.
 Test Taking Tips
Preparation for your first test should begin after the first day of class; this includes studying,
completing homework assignments and reviewing study materials on a regular basis.
Budget your time, make sure you have sufficient time to study so that you are well prepared for the
test. Go to review sessions, pay attention to hints that the instructor may give about the test.
Take notes and ask questions about items you may be confused about.
Ask the instructor to specify the areas that will be emphasized on the test.
Make sure you go to the class right before the test; it's another prime time for the instructor to give
out more hints or the format of the test. Go over any material from practice tests, HW's, sample
problems, review material, the textbook, class notes... Eat before a test. Having food in your
stomach will give you energy and help you focus but avoid heavy foods which can make you
groggy. Don't try to pull an all nighter. Get at least 3 hours of sleep before the test. Put the main
ideas/information/formulas onto a sheet that can be quickly reviewed many times, this makes it
easier to retain the key concepts that will be on the test.

Try to show up at least 5 minutes before the test will start.

ACT Test Dates SAT Test Dates
Set your alarm and have a backup alarm set as well.
Sept. 11 , 2010
th Oct. 9th, 2010
Oct. 23before
Go to the bathroom
rd, 2010
walking into the exam room. You don'tNov.
want6to, waste
th 2010
anytime
Dec. 11 th, 2010
worrying about your bodily needs during the test. Dec. 4 th, 2010

Feb. 12th, 2011 Jan. 22nd, 2011

April 9th, 2011 Mar. 12th, 2011
April 27th, 2011 (required testing date for all May 7th, 2011
Juniors) June 4th, 2011
June 11, 2011 Please pick up registration information in the
counseling office for additional information and
deadlines.
Please pick up registration information in the counseling
office for additional information and deadlines.

Parent-Teacher conferences
are coming up on Oct 13th .
Please plan on attending these
important meetings.

th
On Oct 6 (Wednesday) we will be having our Jr. – Sr. college fair. There will be over 50 colleges we have opened this up for ALL
Juniors and ALL Seniors. I have divided out the time for each grade level.

1:05 – 1:50 Seniors 1:50 – 2:35 Juniors

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Your PTSA Report

The 2010 Back to School BBQ was a lot of fun and there was a wonderful turnout. Thank you to all
who assisted. Many people came early to set up, cooked and then cleaned up.

The next event for PTSA is coming in October. Teachers stay at school through the evening for parent
conferences, so we provide dinner. Several parents have already signed up to help out (at Back to School night
– did you visit our table?)
You can still participate – email me and I’ll get you on the list.

We’ll have the upcoming meetings posted on the PTSA website. Please join us!

Susan Maloney
Conifer High School PTSA Secretary
SMaloney@Q.com

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 PTSA Membership 2010/2011

Name: ____________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________

Last First

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________

email address: ____________________________________________________________________________________

(leave blank if you do not wish to receive PTSA information via email)

Student Names:
___________________________________________________________
Name Grade

___________________________________________________________
Name Grade

___________________________________________________________
Name Grade

Dues: $15.75 _____ National, State, County, CHS, and one Student Directory
(please check)
$5.00 _____ Additional Directory
Make checks
payable to
CHS PTSA $10.00 _____ Student Membership per student (Qualifies student to apply for
national, state and county PTA sponsored scholarships)

$1.75 _____ Directory Postage (if you want your directory mailed to you)

_____ _____ After Prom Donation (indicate amount)

___________ Total

If you would like to pay by credit card or e-check please visit

our website at www.coniferhighptsa.org and click on the
"Pay My Dues" button
For a detailed description of each committee please visit our website at www.coniferhighptsa.org
I can help with:

Back to School BBQ CSAP Food

After Prom Learning Center
Directories Hospitality/Teacher Appreciation
Membership Fundraising

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 If you have any questions with Parent Portal please call Ms.
Delafose at 303-982-2778.

CONIFER HIGH SCHOOL HAS A NEW PHONE SYSTEM. WHEN YOU CALL THE
MAIN LINE (303)982-5255, PLEASE LISTEN CAREFULLY TO THE OPTIONS THAT
ARE GIVEN. YOU CAN NOW BE DIRECTED TO SPECIFIC DEPARTMENTS.

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 Leadership Council
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Leadership Council News

October 2010

Meeting Information:
Leadership Council is the collaborative decision-making, advisory and accountability committee
for CHS. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month, 3:30 – 5:30 PM in the Library
Conference Room. These meetings are always open to the CHS community. A ten-minute Open
Forum period is held at the end of each meeting to address any concerns that may not be on the
agenda.
The next two meetings are October 20th and November 17th.

Lobo Leap Ice Cream Social:

Leadership Council sponsors the Lobo Leap Ice Cream Social, which will be held on Wednesday,
October 6th, at 1:45PM. Students will be invited to this event due to their stellar performance
on CSAP and Advanced Placement (AP) testing. To qualify, a student must have achieved an
Advanced score on their spring 2010 CSAP testing or jumped a level from the previous year’s
testing on any sub-test of the CSAP. Students with high growth will be recognized. Additionally,
students who scored a 4 or 5 on spring 2010 AP testing will qualify to attend.

“Our Future, Our Community, Our Children”:

Leadership Council, in conjunction with the CHS PTSA and Marshdale Accountability Committee,
will be hosting a presentation open to the Conifer and Evergreen communities on Wednesday,
October 6th, at 6:30 PM in the Cafetorium. Please join us to learn more about the state of
Jeffco Schools, past and current budget impacts to Jeffco Schools, the November ballot
measures, Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 & 61, and the expected impacts to the local fire
departments, Jeffco Sheriff’s office and to Jefferson County and its services. Superintendent Dr.
Cindy Stevenson, Jefferson County Commissioner Kathy Hartman and former State Senator Sue
Windels are among the speakers. See the presentation announcement within this newsletter for
more information and a full list of all the speakers. Bring your friends and neighbors to this
informative evening!

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 Amendments 60, 61 and 101
Our Future, Our Community, Our Children
It's Time to Choose –
Move Forward or Fall Backward
Where are we?
How did we get here?
Where would we like to go?
Attend this mountain community presentation
hosted by the Conifer High School PTSA and
Conifer & Marshdale Accountability Committees
Wednesday, October 6th
6:30 PM
Conifer High School Cafetorium
Presenters Include:
Sue Windels - former State Senator & Great Education CO. rep.
Kathy Hartman - Jefferson County Commissioner
Garry Dejong - Evergreen Fire Chief
Dave MacBean - Inter-Canyon Fire Chief
Timothy Biglen - Elk Creek Fire and Rescue Board President
Capt. Rob Baker – Mtn. Precinct Capt. - Jeffco Sheriff’s Office
Lorie Gillis - Jeffco Schools Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Cindy Stevenson - Jeffco Schools Superintendent

For more information,

Contact
Tammy Story or Heather Kassman
Leadership Council Co-Chairs
303-697-0811 / 720-320-8743
beflippin@msn.com / kasskell2@aol.com

Visit the Leadership Council web page:

From the Conifer High School page, click on “Parent” from the top menu bar.
Then click on Leadership Council.
Or visit:
http://sc.jeffco.k12.co.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=179387&PHPSESSI
D=c0d84acb0a1a3981fd2b4105565b7ed8

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 Conifer High School Leadership Council
Membership Application Form
The Conifer High School Leadership Council is comprised of parents, staff, students
and community members. It meets once each month to give advice, support and
direction to the administration of Conifer High School for improvement of academic
excellence and preparation for all our students emotionally, intellectually and
physically for success today and tomorrow. Leadership Council focuses on
balancing Conifer High School’s goals: excellence in education, positive campus environment and student
wellness, as well as accreditation and assessment. It addresses specific issues such as student achievement,
budget, safety, and maintaining a connection within our community. Leadership Council fosters a welcoming
environment for parents, students, teachers and staff, and community members and promotes parent
involvement.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Conifer High School's Leadership Council, please complete the
following application form and return it to the main office. If you have any questions, please call Tammy
Story, 303-697-0811 or Heather Kassman, 720-320-8743.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Qualifications: No experience required! Leadership Council members must be broad based and demonstrate
good communications skills; have knowledge of the community, a commitment to support Conifer High
School's vision, and a willingness to support the improvement of student-centered learning as a priority.
Members are required to attend the monthly meetings for the duration of the school year.

Name: Date:
Address:
Phone number(s):
E-mail address:
If you have a student in school, please list his/her name(s) and grade(s):

Please write a brief statement highlighting your qualifications and what you can contribute to Conifer
High School's Leadership Council.

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/

PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS

SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS CAN HELP LIMIT THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE:

WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY AND THOROUGHLY WITH SOAP AND RUNNING WATER. IF
SOAP AND WATER ARE NOT AVAILABLE, USE AN ALCOHOL-BASED HAND SANITIZER.
AVOID TOUCHING HANDS TO EYES, NOSE, OR MOUTH.
COUGH OR SNEEZE INTO YOUR ELBOW IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A TISSUE. OTHERWISE,
COVER YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH WITH A TISSUE, THROW THE USED TISSUE INTO THE
WASTEBASKET AND THOROUGHLY WASH YOUR HANDS.
STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK.
AVOID CLOSE CONTACT WITH INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE SICK.
AVOID SHARING OF WATER BOTTLES, MOUTH GUARDS OR INSTRUMENT MOUTH
PIECES.
AVOID SHARING OF EATING UTENSILS, DRINKING GLASSES OR PERSONAL ITEMS SUCH
AS TOWELS, RAZORS OR MAKEUP.
TALK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER ABOUT AGE APPROPRIATE
IMMUNIZATIONS INCLUDING AN ANNUAL INFLUENZA VACCINE.

STAY HEALTHY WITH NUTRIENT RICH FOODS, PLENTY OF WATER, EXERCISE EVERY
DAY AND PLENTY OF REST EACH NIGHT.

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 Newsletter Info.

Newsletter Available Online

The August newsletter will be the only newsletter this year mailed to every CHS family. All other newsletters will be available on the
CHS PTSA website: www.coniferhighptsa.org (click on the newsletter link).

Newsletter Submission Guidelines

th st
Submissions for the school newsletter must be received by the 15 of the month if you would like your news to get in by the 1 of
every other month. Our next publication will be October 2010. Any submissions received after the deadline will be posted
sometime later in the next issue.

Submissions must be in Microsoft Word, plain text, or HTML formats (PDF documents are okay but the print/web quality is
sometimes not the best). You may include as much information as you like and as many graphics as you like since the online version of
the newsletter does not have space restrictions. Graphics may be included within the Word document or submitted separately as Jpeg
or GIF Files.

Please give your document a relevant title. Do not name it “August Newsletter” or “Newsletter Announcement” only. Please use the
corresponding department or organization as the first word in the document name. For instance, “Math_AP Classes.doc” or
“Counseling_August Newsletter.doc” would be appropriate document names. Send your newsletter submissions to Sandy Miranda:
smiranda@jeffco.k12.co.us . Thank you for your cooperation!
If you are interested in volunteering as a Webmaster/Editor for the CHS
newsletter please call Sandy at 303-982-5035.

NEWS FROM THE FINANCIAL OFFICE

Gift Card Fundraising Change
Conifer High School has been selling gift cards as an easy way to raise funds for your students’ favorite
programs within the school for several years. We recently changed the way we handle King Soopers. With
this change you are now able to reload the cards you purchase through the school at the store; so once you
purchase the initial card, you no longer need to make special trips to the school to purchase additional cards!
We are very excited about being able to offer this to you and hope it helps to streamline the whole process.
Here are some answers to highlights to the new program:
The Gift Cards can be reloaded in any amount up to $500.
At the end of each four week cycle, the school will receive a statement detailing all reloads and orders purchased. Once the
community has purchased $5000 or more through the store, Conifer HS will get a check for $250 (or 5% of the amount
reloaded)!
You can reload the cards at any register or at the Customer Service Desk.
The Gift cards can be used for and merchandise within the store and gas at authorized fuel centers. They may not be used for
money orders, lottery tickets, stamps, Tickets West or other gift cards.
You can purchase these for friends and relatives (even those out of town). They can reload them at their store and your
student will still get credit for their purchases!
Safeway does not currently offer this option, but we will continue to have Gift Cards available in the Financial Office for
Safeway.

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 CONIFER HIGH SCHOOL
2010-2011
Paperwork th
The physical/participation forms for winter sports are due on November 5 . The first practice will be on November 12th.
No one is allowed at practice without the paperwork. The forms are available in the main office. Each athlete will need the
physical/participation form and two emergency cards. ALL paperwork must be turned in to the Athletic Secretary no
later than November 5th!
Fees
The fee is $125 dollars per sport.

Practices
Girl’s Basketball:
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Open gym on Mondays 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm until Oct. 25
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Wed., Oct. 6 5 pm – 7 pm
th
Thurs., Oct 14 5 pm – 7 pm
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Tues., Oct 19 5 pm – 7 pm
st
Starting Nov. 1 , every day 5 pm to 7 pm
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Nov. 8th – 11 3 pm – 5 pm
Practice (tryout 1 of 2) Fri., Nov 12 – CHS gym 2:45 – 4:30 pm
Practice (tryout 2 of 2) Sat.Nov. 13, West Jeff Middle (gym) 9 am – 11 am

Boy’s Basketball:
Conditioning/weights every Monday and Wednesday 3 pm to 4 pm
Open gym times:
th
Wed., Oct. 6 3 pm – 5 pm
th
Thurs., Oct 14 3 pm – 5 pm
th
Tues., Oct 19 3 pm – 5 pm
Mon. Nov. 8 Open Gym/Camp 5-7pm
Tues. Nov. 9 Open Gym/Camp 5-7pm
Wed. Nov. 10 Open Gym/Camp 5-7pm
Thurs. Nov. 11 Open Gym/Camp 5-7pm
Practice (tryout 1 of 2) Fri. Nov. 12, West Jeff Middle (gym) 4 pm – 6 pm
Practice (tryout 2 of 2) Sat. Nov. 13, West Jeff Middle (gym) 11 am – 1 pm

Wrestling
The wrestling season officially begins on November 12. Please call Coach Himmelman if you are
interested in signing up. (303) 618-5608 barry@himmelmanconstruction.com
Open mat practices (non mandatory) will begin in the Conifer Wrestling room on October 25 in the late
afternoon. The time will be announced.
“Come be a part of the tradition” CHS has produced 3 state champions in the last 3 years with multiple
state placers.
Swimming There will be meetings at both lunches in the Main Office on Tues. Oct. 19.

For all home football and soccer varsity games, we will charge admission as follows:
Adults & Students: $5.00
Students w/activity sticker: $3.00
Seniors 55+ and children age 6 - 12: $3.00
Children under 6 - FREE
We cannot accept checks or credit cards. CASH ONLY
Jeffco residents age 55 and older can get a free pass from our financial office.

For Scores/Stats of games please go to: http://www.varvee.com/organization/view/430

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 Conifer High School Attendance Office
Attendance Line (303) 982-5240

Attendance Policy

All absences must be excused by calling the attendance line or excused in person. NOTES ARE NOT
ACCEPTED TO EXCUSE ABSENCES. When calling the attendance line, be very specific regarding the
reason for the absence, dates and times. Excusing an absence must be done by 2:00 the day
after the absence or the absence will remain unexcused.

Your student is responsible for their own attendance. Should an issue arise regarding your student’s
attendance, your student should talk with their teacher to resolve the discrepancy. The teacher will
then notify the attendance office.

Pete Wambeke
Attendance Office
303-982-5240

With the safety of our staff and students in mind, the District recently approved the placement of a stop sign on
the driveway leading up from Hwy 73 to the school. The sign is located at the blind curve just prior to the
entrance to the Junior parking lot. The number of accidents and near misses at this location mandated that we
take a proactive approach in solving this problem. We looked at a number of alternatives to include speed
bumps, flashing speed signs, and rumble strips. In the end, the school and the District determined that the most
effective solution was the placement of a stop sign at the most dangerous sight (i.e., the blind curve at the Junior
lot). We sincerely appreciate your cooperation in adjusting to this new traffic control.

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 HOMECOMING
2010 Spirit week!
Oct 4-8
Monday
Twin Day
Dress up with a friend or a group!

Tuesday
Decades Day
Any decade! Ever!!

Wednesday
Nerd Day
Pocket protectors mean business!

Thursday
Superhero Day
Be super! And heroic!!

Friday
Class Colors Day
Freshmen: White
Sophomores: Silver/Gray
Juniors: Black
Seniors: Dark Green
Staff: Green and White

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 7:00pm November 5 & 6
Conifer High School
$15.00 per person
Free lift tickets, Prizes, Giveaways
Tickets can be purchased at Conifer Safeway and Conifer King Soopers.
Credit Card Orders: Contact the Conifer High School Financial Office (303-982-
5255).
Limited tickets available at the door

Presented by the CHS Choral Music Boosters

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