Cherry Creek schools honoring vets, military members during dozens of events this week

AURORA | For Veterans Day, the Cherry Creek School District is gearing up for a week-long celebration to honor the veterans and military members who have served the United States. 

The district is holding more than 60 events across its schools, from meet-and-greet breakfasts where students can interact with veterans to patriotic assemblies and veterans’ walks through the hallways. 

“The purpose of the week is to celebrate them and to thank them for the sacrifices they made,” said Toby Arritola, executive director of Elementary Education for Cherry Creek Schools, “It gives our students the opportunity to really learn about veterans and say thank you.”

One of the highlights is the Altitude Parade on Nov. 14, a larger event that features military flyovers, first responder vehicles and even a special appearance from the Space Force. The parade is expected to feature Grand Marshal Mark Russell, a 95-year-old Korean War veteran and a retired movie and TV actor. The parade is open to the public, and district officials are encouraging all veterans in the community to attend.

“I encourage (veterans) to go to any that they’re able to attend in their local area, just to be a part of so we can thank them in person and celebrate the sacrifices they made for our country,” Arritola said.

The district has also partnered with the Smoky Hill Quilt Club to host Quilts of Valor ceremonies, where veterans are wrapped in handmade quilts to symbolize their appreciation.

With over 15 years of tradition behind it, the Cherry Creek Schools’ Veterans Week celebration is one way for the district to show appreciation while educating their students further.

IF YOU GO

Veterans Day Events – Nov. 11-15

All Schools
Nov. 11-15
Lunch periods at all schools – Veterans are invited to join us for lunch in any school cafeteria at no cost. No RSVP is required.

For more events across Cherry Creek Schools, please refer to the calendar here: https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/veteransweek

Elementary Schools

Altitude Elementary School
1:30 p.m. Nov. 14

27300 E. Southshore Drive, Aurora

Veterans Day Parade with students, local clubs, military units and first responders. Patriotic Veterans Parade with Grand Marshal Mark Russell, a flyover and Units from Buckley Space Force Base.

No RSVP is required.

Antelope Ridge Elementary School
7:45 a.m. Nov. 12

5455 S. Tempe St., Aurora

Veterans Day breakfast and parade.
RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVNef9gp_DQOLKcqfJoGA6TZfvz9WgcQusPvPRL64x5yKSXQ/viewform

Aspen Crossing Elementary School
8:30 a.m. Nov. 14

4655 S. Himalaya St., Aurora
Veterans’ talks with students, parade to Sky Vista Middle, followed by an assembly and performance.
No RSVP is required.

Buffalo Trail Elementary School

8:30 a.m. Nov. 14

24300 E. Progress Drive, Aurora

Breakfast and choir performance, followed by a celebration and craft activity.

RSVP: kbass@cherrycreekschools.org

Indian Ridge Elementary School

1:30 p.m. Nov. 14

16501 E Progress Dr, Aurora, CO 80015

Parade through the school with a choir performance at the end

RSVP: 720-886-8200

Red Hawk Ridge Elementary School

8:30 a.m. Nov. 12

16251 E. Geddes Ave., Aurora,

School-wide ceremony with music, guest speaker and roll call of honored guests.

No RSVP is required.

Sagebrush Elementary School
8-9:30 a.m. Nov. 12
14700 E. Temple Place, Aurora

Special Presentation Honoring Veterans and Military Families

RSVP: 720-886-8300 or mcruz@cherrycreekschools.org

Middle Schools

Falcon Creek Middle School
9 a.m. Nov. 13

6100 S. Genoa St., Aurora
Veterans Day breakfast with choir performances and a color guard presentation.
RSVP: 720-886-7714

Sky Vista Middle School

1 p.m. Nov. 14

4500 S. Himalaya St., Aurora, CO 80015

Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony

No RSVP required