The Cool Spring Times
October, 2019
The Principal's Pen
With a month of school under our belts, I hope that all of our students are settling in for the school year with regards to home-school routines. It looks like we might finally be moving into some more autumn-like weather as well!
This school year, LCPS is beginning implementation of a social-emotional learning program at the elementary school level. Cool Spring is one of thirty-three schools participating in the pilot. We are using the secondSTEP curriculum for this initiative. During the daily morning meeting time, students will participate in interactive lessons around skills such as self-regulation, communication, building relationships, resolving conflict, empathy, social awareness, organizational skills and more. All students in Grades K-1 will participate in the social emotional learning pilot this year, with possible expansion of the program to other grade levels in future years. We are excited to bring this curriculum to our classrooms given the importance of students' social-emotional development on not just academic success but also their development into positive, contributing citizens in what we all know is a rapidly changing world.
Lastly, since autumn is upon us, it is time for PTA's Fall Bingo! This will be held on October 18 at 6:30PM. Students (and families) are invited to wear their favorite costumes (no weapons, please). Proceeds from the event will benefit Grades 1, 3, 5 classrooms for the purchase of instructional materials. Students from all grades are welcome. There will be food, raffle items and FUN! If you own or are affiliated with a business and would like to donate an item or opportunity as a raffle, please email Mrs. MacLean at gismac@gmail.com. Bingo Night is always a nice time for families and neighbors to get together to socialize. Please see the flyer that came home in the Thursday folder and link to volunteer on the PTA website.
Fondly,
Chris Cadwell
Principal
Cool Pops
Calling all dad's, uncles, grandfathers or other special male role models! We will soon be starting our Cool Pops program for the 2019-20 school year. Our Cool Pops volunteer in their student's classroom as well as in other areas of the school. This program encourages relationship building and an emphasis on the importance of education, all while making a difference for students in both school and home settings. Giving even a small amount of time goes a long way so why not get involved? The time commitment is very flexible and all volunteer scheduling is managed through an online web-link. Interested and returning Cool Pops are invited to a Cool Pops Kick Off on October 23 at 6:30PM. Children are welcome to come along as well for some bonding time!
Stay connected with Penguin bright spots and more! Follow us on Twitter @CoolSpring_ES
CSP Character Kids
We are excited to start our Cool Spring Character Kids recognition program. Each month, students from each classroom will be nominated by their teacher for exceptional display of the character trait of the month. Students will have their name read on the morning news show, receive a certificate, pencil and have their name and picture on a bulletin board next to the front office. We will be recognizing students exhibiting Respect (September) this week. This program is not replacing any of our other character education and recognition efforts, rather it's another way to highlight strong character among our students.
Permission Click
ParentVue Reminder
Why should you use ParentVue?
*Update emergency contacts/information- including if a change/relocation is made during the year.
*Update student health information
*Access student report card and assessment data (paper copies not being sent)
*Weather information opt-outs
*Family-life education opt-outs
*Acknowledge required forms such as Student Rights&Responsibilities, Media Release, Technology use and more.
*Access transportation (bus stop) information
*Student schedule and course selection information (applicable for students in Grades 5+)
If you forgot your password, visit portal.lcps.org to reset the password. Families may also contact or stop in to the school office for assistance with ParentVue.
Parent Liaison
Our Parent Liaison, Ms. Paula Callaghan, is available to assist families. If you or a family member is needing support with family stressors, meal or clothing needs, accessing ParentVue or help with connecting with school staff, please contact Ms. Callaghan at the school office or via email at Paula.Callaghan@lcps.org.
We are also able to offer our Nutrition Club to needy families, thanks to a partnership with Loudoun Interfaith. Please contact Ms. Callaghan for more information if you are in need, or how you can help with the program.
Please Join Us!
Thanks!
Nutrition Info
School lunch menus are available online at http://www.lcpshealthycafe.org as paper copies are not being sent home.
The application for Free/Reduced Meals is located at: http://nlappscloud.com or via the LCPS School Nutrition site.
Musical Notes
Greetings from the Music Department! We are very excited that fall is finally here, mostly, because that means we have our first programs of the year coming up! Fourth grade is hard at work preparing for the Veterans Day Program, which will kick off American Education Week on November 11 at 9AM. All Cool Spring families are invited to attend and help us honor those who serve in our country's military. To accompany the program, we will be creating and displaying a "Wall of Hereos" again this year. Bricks for the "Wall of Hereos" went home with students last week and may be turned in through November 1.
First Grade is preparing for their Thanksgiving program, which will be presented to their families on November 21 at 8:15AM. Please email Ms. Thompson or Mrs. Dickenson with any program questions and continue to check the music page on the CSP website for future updates and other information.
Finally, we are having a fun-filled Hispanic Heritage Month in the music room with a spotlight on the music of Mexico! Students in Grades K, 2 and 3 are learning about Mexican music through listening and dancing, and have even made some artwork featuring Mariachi band members. We will end the month with lessons on various Latin American instruments, some of which students will be able to play.
Important Dates
10/14: Columbus Day Holiday
10/15: PTA Meeting 4:30PM
10/16: Follow Monday Specials Schedule
10/18: Fall Bingo 6:30PM (benefiting Gr. 1, 3, 5; all grades welcome)
10/24: PEP Meeting at Best Western Leesburg 5:30PM
10/28: LCPS Professional Development Day- Student Holiday
10/31: Follow Monday Specials Schedule
11/1: End of First Nine Weeks
Cool Spring Elementary School
Email: CSP-Absentee@lcps.org
Website: lcps.org/coolspring
Location: 501 Tavistock Drive Southeast, Leesburg, VA, USA
Phone: 571-252-2890
Twitter: @CoolSpring_ES