Cottonwood News
August 23rd, 2019
Cottonwood News
Back to School-Mrs. Rooks
On behalf of the staff at Cottonwood Elementary School, I would like to welcome you to the 2019-20 school year! It has been a busy "Back to School." The first few days brought classroom meetings, team building and review of procedures. We have settled into our routines and it will only get better from here.
We have several new faces at Cottonwood this year. Hopefully you will have time to meet our new staff. At the end of this newsletter, is a list with all our names and emails, in case you have questions.
As we strive to help students become responsible, respectful and resourceful young people, we ask that you guide and support your child’s learning by ensuring that he/she:
1) Attends school daily and arrives on time, ready for the day’s learning experience
2) Completes assignments given by teachers
3) Reads daily to develop a love for reading and to improve literacy skills
4) Shares school experiences with you so that you are aware of his/her school life
5) Informs you if he/she needs additional support in any area or subject
Active school partnerships are the key and truly make the biggest difference! Here’s to a strong year of teamwork, community building and academic growth. Thank you for making Cottonwood Elementary a place to learn and grow together. It is going to be a great year!
Educationally yours,
Shari Rooks, Principal
School Safety
Breakfast is served from 8:25-8:50.
Dismissal is at 3:45. Know that students are not released from class until 3:45 and it takes a few minutes to get to their location. Thank you for following the procedures. We work hard to make sure our families are safe.
You can help us by:
- Always keep a name sign in the vehicle. Staff will call the building using walkie-talkies to get your student ready.
- Pull forward into the staff parking lot if you need to buckle your child. This will keep the line moving.
- Please be patient and courteous to other drivers.
Buses are leaving school at 3:55 daily. We have 5 buses that transport about 200 kids to and from school each day.
Be Careful and Be Safe!
With the additional traffic, please go over safety rules with your student. Check and double check the crosswalk on Andover Road. Just because the light says walk, doesn't mean the traffic has really stopped.
Walkers on Allison should try to stay together whenever possible. We have watched several cars speed down Allison and forget there is a school zone there. Please review bicycle and walking safety with your children.
Picture Day is August 29th from 9:00-3:00 Students need to bring their packets!
Trojans in Training--September 15th
Trojans in Training--A few years ago, the AHS Trojan Booster Club suggested that each elementary school have a special night to be recognized at an AHS football game. Our students arrive at 6:30 and are allowed to cheer on the players as they run on the field. We have a special section where we can sit with our family and cheer on the Trojans. During the game, the Booster Club may come over and throw towels, mini-footballs, mega-phones, etc. It's another way to bring the Andover community together. Of course, everyone is always welcome to attend and support the Andover Trojans.
Pre-K Openings
Counselor's Corner--Marcie Faust
Welcome Back!!!! We have several new faces at Cottonwood. Please help in making them feel at home. We are starting a new student group in August to support in their transition. We are so glad they are here. If you have any questions about the group or any suggestions on how we can help, please contact me at 218-4620 ext. 2 or faustm@usd385.org.
Counselor Time:
I have established my visitation schedule and am looking forward to working with all students. The classes will come to counseling twice a month. This month the theme is friendship. This will help them become better aquatinted with all their new friends. Friendship is a relationship to someone with whom I enjoy sharing my thoughts, ideas and time. Someone once said, “A good friend is more valuable than gold." Please reaffirm good behavior and being a great friend at home with your children.
Group and Individual Counseling:
I have time each day to visit with children in a one-to-one setting. Please let your students know that confidentiality will always be respected. They can place a note in my box or ask their teachers.
We continue to have small groups at CES. The groups include: friendship, divorce, grief support, new kids, anger management, etc….Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the groups. I meet with the teachers to set the groups during the least restrictive times. Some groups are offered during lunchtime.
Testing:
We use the STAR Enterprise Reading and Math assessments for students in grades 1-5 to assess for strengths and weaknesses. Students are tested in August, December, and May. Students in grades K and 1 will be assessed on their reading skills with DIBELS. Parents are always welcome to ask for testing results or receive updates. Throughout the year, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Please let me know if your child is in need of any additional school supplies. I also have a library of parenting resources if you need anything. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year!!
Mrs. Marcie Faust Cottonwood Elementary 218-4620 ext. 2
“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.”
Cottonwood Library
Mrs. "O" Ohlund and Mrs. "K" Klaassen have been working in the Cottonwood Library, getting new books and programs ready. Students are checking out the new tables and chairs and other changes. Check us out online @ http://cottonwood.usd385.org/108139_2. We look forward to working with you and your student.
Kindergarten will check out for the first time the week starting August 27. They will check out one book each week. Remember to send the their books back so they can check out. Monday is Mrs. Ochs. Tuesday is Mrs. Somers' class (Mrs. Hanna). Wednesday is Mrs. Kadel's class. Kindergarten will use their lunch number for library. We help them until they can learn it on their own.
Grades 1 - 5 may check out two books for two weeks at a time. They also need to bring their books back in order to get new ones. I encourage grades 3 - 5 to bring at least one of their books with them to class. When we check out they will be prepared to read during that time.
Nurse's News
Welcome back to school from the health office. Rachael Peay and I are happy to team up again this year. This is my (Denise Rebel) 8th year at Cottonwood, but I've been in the nursing profession for over 20 years. My background includes critical care and pediatrics. Rachael has been with the Andover schools for 4 years.
It has been a busy back to school. Please remember to complete the online CareDox enrollment each academic school year. Rachel and I have been going through CareDox and checking up on students with health concerns, doctor's orders and immunizations. The Andover School District has adopted an new policy this year, USD385 will enforce an exclusion date of October 16th . All student’s that have not turned in current immunization records or are missing required immunizations will be excluded from school and will not be able to return to school until cleared by the Health Office staff. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Health Office. We will be sending out letters informing you if your child is missing any records. Please know that if you ever have any concerns regarding your child, we would love to help you. Our goal is to keep Cottonwood healthy and ready for learning.
The health office throughout the school year is need of parent volunteers to assist with health office screening and clothing donations. Currently, we are in need of boys underwear size 4-6 and 8-10, boys shorts size 4-6, girls underwear size 4, and girls shorts size 7-8 ,9-10. Any clean gently used items are greatly appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering please email the school nurse at rebeld@usd385.org
Denise Tauke and Rachel Peay
Ext: 51104
Cottonwood Site Council
All Kansas schools are required to have a council of patrons that meet regularly. We would love to have you. Future meetings will be held Sept. 10th, Oct. 8th, Nov. 12th, Jan. 14th, Feb. 11th, Mar. 10th and Apr. 14th.
Call Mrs. Rooks (316) 218-4620 or rookss@usd385.org for more information.
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Cottonwood PTO
Throughout the year there are several opportunities to volunteer. Check out our Facebook page for more information.
Order shirts by August 28th.
PTO officers for the 19-20 school year are:
President—Tijen Owings
Vice President—Carrie Lindeman
Secretary—Rachael Neibling
Treasurer—Sarah Osburn
Cottonwood Night at All Star Adventures
Friday, Sep 6, 2019, 06:00 PM
1010 North Webb Road, Wichita, KS, USA
Upcoming Events
Aug. 29th Picture Day
Sept. 6th Cottonwood All - Star Sports Night from 6 to 9
Sept. 10th Site Council @ 5:30
Sept. 10th PTO Meeting @ 7:00
Sept. 13th Trojans in Training for AHS vs Maize South FB Game
Sept. 22nd-Sept. 28th (Say Hello Week)
Sept. 23rd No School
Sept. 26th Greater Andover Days begins
Sept 28th Greater Andover Days Parade @ 10:00
Food Service -$10.00
end of this three-day period, Andover Food Services has not been notified as to payment arrangements or if payment has not been made, further charges will not be allowed. The student must bring payment to purchase a lunch or bring a lunch to school.
Free & Reduced Meals are available to qualifying households. They are available through www.usd385.org Parents/Free/Reduced Lunch Forms or through Bonnie Scarth at Support Services, 202 W Market, 316-218-4604
Communication is Key
School website: http://cottonwood.usd385.org/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CottonwoodElementary
PTO Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cottonwoodelementarypto/
Andover Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndoverSchools
Cottonwood Twitter: https://twitter.com/CottonwoodElem
Teacher Facebook/Twitter pages:
Mrs. Bookout https://www.facebook.com/groups/Mrs.Bookout/
Mrs. Defebaugh https://www.facebook.com/beth.defebaugh
Mrs. Fox https://www.facebook.com/foxin5th/
Mrs. Carpenter https://www.facebook.com/Carpenter4th/
Mrs. Highfill https://www.facebook.com/highfill4th/
Mrs. Hachen https://www.facebook.com/HachenHighlights/?fref=ts
Mrs. Davis https://www.facebook.com/dayswithdavis/
Mrs. Travis https://www.facebook.com/groups/1538390756203704/?fref=nf
Mrs. Wood https://www.facebook.com/learningwithwood/
Mrs. Barscewski https://www.facebook.com/Mrs-Barscewskis-First-Grade-1295655550474548/?fref=ts
Mrs. Kindlehttps://www.facebook.com/kindle2014/?ref=bookmarks
Ms. Hinz https://www.facebook.com/1stgradehinz
Mrs. Hanna https://www.facebook.com/pg/MrsHannasKindergarten/posts/
Mrs. Wilson https://www.facebook.com/Wilsonart2015/?fref=ts
Mrs. Nobach https://www.facebook.com/groups/2114346102210974/
Peachjar-- Peachjar is an “electronic backpack” system where schools post calendars, activity information from enrichment providers, and school letters. This system is used exclusively for distribution of school-approved fliers. Your email address will not be shared or used for any other purpose.
Andover Food Service-- Andover School Lunch Menus are digital. Look for the link on our district website at USD385.org, or go to usd385.nutrislice.com. There is also an app available. Just look for Nutrislice in your app store. Please call Nutrition Services, 316-218-4603 with any questions.
Cottonwood Elementary
Email: rookss@usd385.org
Website: http://cottonwood.usd385.org/
Location: 1747 N Andover Rd, Andover, KS, United States
Phone: 316-218-4620
Facebook: facebook.com/CottonwoodElementary/
Twitter: @CottonwoodElem