January 2026 Counselor Newsletter

📸 Hooray, hooray—it’s picture day!
High school basketball and junior high boys basketball pictures will be taken tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.
Please place your order using the link below. There will be no paper order forms this year.
💳 Payment is due tomorrow—pictures will not be printed until payment is submitted.
👉 https://forms.gle/CWLYciXmKFQD3ESBA
High school basketball and junior high boys basketball pictures will be taken tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.
Please place your order using the link below. There will be no paper order forms this year.
💳 Payment is due tomorrow—pictures will not be printed until payment is submitted.
👉 https://forms.gle/CWLYciXmKFQD3ESBA
🎉🐾 As we start the year 2026 here at A/C, we wanted to take a minute to celebrate our Students of the Month of December! 🐾🎉
We are proud to recognize Senior Bronc Vineyard as our 7-12 Student of the Month 💙💛
Bronc has demonstrated outstanding leadership and performance across our school community. From excelling within the housing system, to serving as a strong and dependable leader as our FFA Chapter President, Bronc consistently leads by example 🌾🏆
In the classroom, Bronc is an active and dedicated contributor who works diligently every day. Beyond that, he has become a trusted mentor to many of his peers in Advanced Agriculture, Ag Metals, Ag Construction, and Horticulture, always willing to guide, support, and lift others up 🌱🔧
Congratulations, Bronc! Your leadership, work ethic, and Panther pride make a lasting impact on our school 💙💛 Keep leading the way, Panther 🐆🐾
We are proud to recognize Senior Bronc Vineyard as our 7-12 Student of the Month 💙💛
Bronc has demonstrated outstanding leadership and performance across our school community. From excelling within the housing system, to serving as a strong and dependable leader as our FFA Chapter President, Bronc consistently leads by example 🌾🏆
In the classroom, Bronc is an active and dedicated contributor who works diligently every day. Beyond that, he has become a trusted mentor to many of his peers in Advanced Agriculture, Ag Metals, Ag Construction, and Horticulture, always willing to guide, support, and lift others up 🌱🔧
Congratulations, Bronc! Your leadership, work ethic, and Panther pride make a lasting impact on our school 💙💛 Keep leading the way, Panther 🐆🐾

🎉🐾 As we start the year 2026 here at A/C, we wanted to take a minute to celebrate our Students of the Month of December! 🐾🎉
We are excited to recognize our House Koa K-6 Student of the Month, Grady Betz !💙💛
Grady is quickly becoming an outstanding leader in the K–6 wing, and he does so with confidence and heart. His genuine excitement for learning is contagious, and it clearly shows in the high level at which he is performing academically 📚✨ Grady sets a positive example for his peers through his dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to doing his very best each day.
Congratulations, Grady! We are so proud of the leader you are becoming and the strong Panther pride you show every day 💙💛 Keep leading the way, Panther! 🐆🐾
We are excited to recognize our House Koa K-6 Student of the Month, Grady Betz !💙💛
Grady is quickly becoming an outstanding leader in the K–6 wing, and he does so with confidence and heart. His genuine excitement for learning is contagious, and it clearly shows in the high level at which he is performing academically 📚✨ Grady sets a positive example for his peers through his dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to doing his very best each day.
Congratulations, Grady! We are so proud of the leader you are becoming and the strong Panther pride you show every day 💙💛 Keep leading the way, Panther! 🐆🐾

🎉🐾 As we start the year 2026 here at A/C, we wanted to take a minute to celebrate our Students of the Month of December! 🐾🎉
We are thrilled to celebrate our House Meraki K-6 Student of the Month, Danner Williamson! 💙💛
Danner is an absolute light in the elementary wing! He is bright, caring, clever, and fierce—just like a true Panther 🐆✨ He takes on every task head-on and always gives his very best. Danner proudly exemplifies the Panther Way by coming to school ready to shine, staying positive, enjoying life, and showing appreciation to those around him.
Way to go, Danner! We are so proud of you and love the energy and joy you bring to our school every day 💙💛 Keep roaring, Panther! 🐾🏆

Last week, during the hustle and bustle, our students slowed down a bit to spend time visiting Sugarland Ridge, the VA medical center, Buffalo Senior Center and the VA retirement home, sharing smiles, conversations, and plenty of holiday cheer. During a season that’s all about giving, these visits were a reminder that kindness and connection are some of the greatest gifts we can offer.
By listening, learning, and honoring those who came before us, our students truly embodied the spirit of the holidays.






The board was able to come together Sunday to consolidate information and discuss possible action plans around the house system. As some next steps take place behind the scenes, formal decisions will be made in the board meetings January 13th and 14th.
We want to thank all who have given feedback and asked questions and hope we will continue to hear from students, staff, parents and community openly. If you weren’t able to make the listening session last week, here is that recording as well.
https://youtu.be/ckN4a9UnOgs
We want to thank all who have given feedback and asked questions and hope we will continue to hear from students, staff, parents and community openly. If you weren’t able to make the listening session last week, here is that recording as well.
https://youtu.be/ckN4a9UnOgs
Join Us for Game Night THIS WEEK!

All students in grades 2–8 are invited to join us on December 19th from 9:00–11:00 AM at the Arvada-Clearmont High School Gym for a free skills camp led by Head Boys Basketball Coach Justin Kidneigh and ACHS boys basketball players.
Registration forms are available in the school office and will also be provided at check-in on the day of camp.
For questions, contact Coach Kidneigh at jkidneigh@shr3panthers.com
.
We hope to see you there!
Registration forms are available in the school office and will also be provided at check-in on the day of camp.
For questions, contact Coach Kidneigh at jkidneigh@shr3panthers.com
.
We hope to see you there!

No Hat Day or Donut Day this Thursday (Dec. 18). We will start up again Thursday, Jan. 15. Enjoy the Holiday Break!

🏀💙💛 8th Grade Basketball Recognition Night! 💛💙🏀
Tonight we are excited to recognize and celebrate our 8th grade basketball players, Callie Odegard and Raimee Jordan!
Callie and Raimee brought energy, effort, and heart to the court all season long. Their hard work, coachability, and commitment to their teammates made a huge impact on our program. They consistently showed leadership, toughness, and a competitive spirit that set the standard for our team and inspired those around them.
We are incredibly proud of all they accomplished this season. Thank you, Callie and Raimee, for representing our school with pride and passion. The future is bright! 💙💛🔥


Reminder: The Student Council wants to encourage all students and staff to be part of our Christmas Spirit Week starting Monday! Candy canes will be given to those who participate each day. Happy Holidays!

Join us for the Community Listening Session on December 17th at 7:30 PM

Join Our Team Today! Exciting Positions Available Until Filled. Don't miss your chance to make an impact!


Please RSVP ⭐️TODAY ⭐️ if your would like to join us for the community meal at the Christmas Concert next Tuesday December 16th. The meal will be in between the K-6 and 7-12 portions of the evening. We hope to see you there! 🎄

Congratulations to Loralei Gorzalka for being our House Koa K-6 Student of the Month for November!
Loralei is the epitome of a true Panther 🐾. She follows the Panther Way every day, inspiring both classmates and teachers to do their best. She is kind ❤️, helpful 🤝, and encourages her peers to always “Right is Right” ✔️.
Loralei’s leadership shines in the classroom—she keeps everyone on track, holds her peers accountable, and is one of the biggest cheerleaders 📣 for everyone around her. Her dedication and positivity make a lasting impact on the school community.
Thank you, Loralei, for showing Panther Pride every single day! 🌟
Loralei is the epitome of a true Panther 🐾. She follows the Panther Way every day, inspiring both classmates and teachers to do their best. She is kind ❤️, helpful 🤝, and encourages her peers to always “Right is Right” ✔️.
Loralei’s leadership shines in the classroom—she keeps everyone on track, holds her peers accountable, and is one of the biggest cheerleaders 📣 for everyone around her. Her dedication and positivity make a lasting impact on the school community.
Thank you, Loralei, for showing Panther Pride every single day! 🌟

Congratulations to Braxton Williamson for being voted as our K-6 Meraki Student of the Month for November!
Braxton has worked extremely hard this past month to improve his writing skills ✏️. He uses his class time wisely, organizes his work carefully, and applies everything he’s been taught. His dedication is already showing in his recent writing assignments 📄.
Not only is Braxton improving himself, but he is also a positive influence on his classmates 🌟. His focus and hard work inspire others around him to do their best.
Braxton is a shining example of Panther Pride—well done, Braxton! 🐾
Braxton has worked extremely hard this past month to improve his writing skills ✏️. He uses his class time wisely, organizes his work carefully, and applies everything he’s been taught. His dedication is already showing in his recent writing assignments 📄.
Not only is Braxton improving himself, but he is also a positive influence on his classmates 🌟. His focus and hard work inspire others around him to do their best.
Braxton is a shining example of Panther Pride—well done, Braxton! 🐾

Shoutout to junior Landon Elliot for being our 7-12 Student of the Month for November!
Landon has shown amazing growth over the past year. He tackles every task with a smile 😄, a bounce in his step 🏃♂️, and an incredible work ethic 💪. His drive, motivation, and positivity aren’t just seen at work—they shine in the classroom too!
He’s kind, compassionate ❤️, and always ready to help those in need 🤝. Landon’s effort, leadership, and enthusiasm have improved the lives of everyone around him, and he’s well-respected by peers and staff alike 👏.
Landon truly embodies Panther Pride 🐾 every day. Congratulations, Landon! Keep shining! ✨
Landon has shown amazing growth over the past year. He tackles every task with a smile 😄, a bounce in his step 🏃♂️, and an incredible work ethic 💪. His drive, motivation, and positivity aren’t just seen at work—they shine in the classroom too!
He’s kind, compassionate ❤️, and always ready to help those in need 🤝. Landon’s effort, leadership, and enthusiasm have improved the lives of everyone around him, and he’s well-respected by peers and staff alike 👏.
Landon truly embodies Panther Pride 🐾 every day. Congratulations, Landon! Keep shining! ✨

Join Us for Game Night!

House 🔥Indomitus🔥tackled an escape room yesterday, and they brought the full spirit of our house system with them! The house system focuses on uniting students across grades, building character, and fostering leadership, teamwork, and healthy competition.
House members used all of these skills to escape with only seconds to spare! Good work!
#HouseIndomitus #EscapeRoom #Teamwork #MadeItOut #PantherClaw

