Cottonwood News
October 10th, 2016
Parent Teacher Conferences October 18th and October 20th
Please plan to join teachers either October 18th from 4-8pm or October 20th from 7:30-3:30 for this year's PT Conferences. We know that children have their own individual personalities, their own listening skills and work habits. To help students learn new knowledge and skills, teachers must know as much as they can about each child’s likes and dislikes. No one knows more about these things than you, the parents. No one has more influence over your children than you. That’s why teachers need your help to do a first-class job. Working together, you and the teacher can help your child have a successful school year.
When attending conferences, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Start the conference right: be there on time, and plan not to run over the 20 minutes that have been set aside for each parent. If a longer conference is required, please let the teacher know ahead of time. Some conferences may be student-led. In this case, know that the students have worked hard to prepare his/her information. Listen carefully and be sure to ask questions. The best conferences are those in which both teachers and parents work together for one purpose and one purpose only: to help your child do well.
Getting Ready: Each teacher will come prepared with samples of your children’s work and with ideas to help them do even better in school. You can get ready for the conference, too. Talk to your children before the conference. Find out what they think are their best subjects, and what subjects they like the least. Find out why. Ask your children if there is anything they would like you to talk about with their teachers.
Before you go to the school, write a note to yourself about:
- Things about your child’s life at home, personality, problems, habits, and hobbies you feel is important for the teacher to know.
- Questions about your child’s progress.
- How you and the school can work together to help your child. If your spouse can’t attend the conference with you, ask for his/her concerns and questions.
The Conference: Some good questions to ask are these:
- What are my child’s best and worst subjects?
- What kinds of tests are being done? What do the test tell about my child’s progress?
- Does my child participate in class discussions and activities?
- How well does my child get along with others?
- Have you noticed any sudden changes in the way my child acts? For example, have you noticed any squinting, tiredness or moodiness that might be a sign of physical or other problems?
Be sure to ask the teacher for specific suggestions on ways to help your child do better. This is the most important part of the meeting. It will become your action plan. If the teacher says something you don’t quite understand, don’t be shy about asking for an explanation. It’s a good idea to end the conference by summing up decisions you’ve made together. If needed, ask to meet again.
The Cottonwood staff looks forward to sharing our ideas with you. Together we will help all of our students be successful.
HELP!!!!!
Cottonwood Student Council
Cottonwood’s Student Council is a service organization that gives students opportunities to help others. The Cottonwood Student Council is made up of a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer elected by Cottonwood teachers. Officers are all 5th grade students. Each third, fourth, and fifth grade class elects two representatives for the council. StuCo meets once a month. This year’s council officers and members are:
President—Gabrielle Day
Vice President—Isabella Cruse
Secretary—Sophia Benton
Treasurer—Caroline Bailey
Class Representatives
MyTam Nguyen
Brooklyn Brown
Rylee Emmons
Katelyn Kice
Merideth Fetters
Lauren Heinz
Mari Griffin
Norah Leastman
Luke Osburn
Kamden Thornton
Gracie Cook
Maire O’Connell
Carly Tucker
Olivia Doremus
John Rather
Lochlan Benjamin
Drew McCleerey
Jaclyn Tucker
Mariah Goldston
Alexis Sanford
Jenna Greenfield
Bradley Hanson
Each year, the officers decide what projects to undertake throughout the year. Service projects for 2016-2017 include:
October
StuCo members will trick-or-treat for UNICEF
We will help 2nd grade organize a book drive.
We will promote Dress Like a Pirate Day in conjunction with the book fair.
We will read with the residents at Life Care Center of Andover.
November
We’ll host a food drive for the Andover Methodist Church food bank November 7-11. On November 11, we will walk to the food bank and help sort the food items.
We will make Thanksgiving cards for the veterans at the VA Hospital.
We will read with the residents at the Life Care Center of Andover.
December
StuCo members who would like to participate, will be Salvation Army Bell Ringers at Dillon’s in Andover.
Dessert Cart for teachers on December 20.
We will go Christmas caroling at Life Care Center of Andover.
January
We will read with the residents at Life Care Center of Andover.
February
Teacher Gift Grab in the lounge.
We will work with Mrs. Faust to plan Spirit Week for National Counselor’s Week.
We will read with the residents at Life Care Center of Andover.
March
Make fleece blankets for children at the Sunshine Children’s Home.
April
Clean and put mulch out in the habitat center.
We will read with the residents at Life Care Center of Andover .
May
Teacher Appreciation Week
We will read with the residents at Life Care Center of Andover.
5th grade StuCo members will go to AMS for a StuCo meeting.
Student Council also runs a school store every Tuesday morning. Students can buy erasers, pencils, pens, highlighters, etc. from the store. Prices range from $.25 to $2.00. Proceeds from the store finance our service projects. Any leftover money at the end of the year is given to Mrs. Rooks to use for Cottonwood projects
If you have any questions about Student Council, feel free to contact Jill Hodge at hodgej@usd385.org.
The Cottonwood Office is Fully Staffed!
Julie Clopton is in the office on Wednesday's and you'll see her in the Nurse's office on Monday, Thursday and Friday.
Sherry Neubauer is in the office on Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday.
We are here to answer questions or help in any way!
Counselor Corner
By Marcie Faust
Red Ribbon Week:
Just a reminder that Red Ribbon Week is the week of October 24th-31st. The theme this year is ”YOLO”(You only live once)- Be Drug Free! Students will recognize this week with special counseling lessons and a spirit week.
Classroom Counselor Time:
During October, we will be discussing bullying and drug awareness. We will talk about what bullying is and how to stand up to a bully and be a good friend. For drug awareness, we will discuss making good choices and staying safe and healthy.
Halloween Safety Tips:
-Make sure your child is supervised by an adult.
-Stay in well lighted areas.
-Only go to homes that have their porch light on.
-Make sure that you check your child’s candy before allowing them to eat it.
-Make sure your child’s vision is not impaired by their mask.
Have a safe and Happy Halloween.
Divorce:
Each year, I facilitate a divorce group for students in grades 2-5 called Banana Splits. We meet for approximately 8 weeks. If you or your child expressed an interest in this group, you will see something in their Friday folders. Please feel free to call if you have any questions. If you would like information that may help at home please let me know. If you would like to sign your child up for Banana Splits contact me to do so.
Academic Interventions:
Throughout the school year, students are assessed in Math and Reading to monitor progress Classroom teachers work with Mrs. Hodge and the Special Education staff to provide a variety of interventions for all students. Interventions may include:
Tier 2---30 minutes dedicated to teaching specific skills in reading or math
Tier 3---30 minutes for students needing extra support in reading
One-on-One assistance
Small group instruction
Modified assignments
Tutoring
SBST Referral
Special Education Services
Interventions are available to all students whether for extra help or enrichment. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher, counselor, or principal.
Parent Teacher Conferences:
Please plan to attend Parent Teacher Conferences. This is a very important time to get to know your child’s teacher and hear how your student is progressing. School and home based communication is the best way for your child to thrive in school. Please let me know if you would like me to attend your child’s conference.
Happy Fall!!
Marcie Faust-Cottonwood Counselor/LPC/NBCC-316-218-4620 ext. 2 faustm@usd385.org
From the Nurse's Office--Mrs. Tauke and Mrs. Clopton
From the Library--Mrs. Ohlund
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming soon to Cottonwood Elementary Library. This reading event brings a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books for every reading level. Please make plans to attend our Book Fair and be involved in shaping your child’s reading habits.
Book Fair dates: Oct.12, 13, 14, 17, 19 9 a.m. – 4:00
Tues., Oct. 18 9 a.m. - 7:50 p.m.
Thur., Oct 20 8 a.m. – noon
Before you visit the Book Fair, be sure to download the Book Fairs app to help you find the right books for you child. For more information, visit scholastic.com/apps/bookfairs.
If you are unable to attend in person, visit our online Book Fair at scholastic.com/fair. Our online Fair is available from Oct. 9 – Oct. 22nd.
http://www.scholastic.com/bf/cottonwoodelementaryschool24
(All purchases benefit our school’s library).
PTO News
PTO is an important part of our Cottonwood community. We meet monthly to share ways we can work with teachers to improve the educational experiences of our students. Please plan to join us October 11th @ 6:30 for our next meeting.
Our next big event is the Fall Family Frolic. Flyers about the Silent Auction were sent home on Friday. More information will follow. Mark you calendars for November 7th!
Committee chairs:
T-shirt and apparel sales - Carrie & Craig Lindeman
PTO newsletter - Carrie Lindeman
Recruitment facilitator - Mercedes Hayes
Boxtop Coordinator - Mike Scolari
Amazon Smiles Coordinator--Savanna Medina
AR Party Planner - Nicole Niessen
Committee's for next year with positions that need filled:
State Assessment Snack Coordinator - ???
Peachjar
Our schools use Peachjar as a means of sharing information with the community. Peachjar is an “electronic backpack” system where schools post calendars, activity information from enrichment providers, and school letters. https://www.peachjar.com/index.php?a=28&b=138®ion=78035
This system is used exclusively for distribution of school-approved fliers. Your email address will not be shared or used for any other purpose.
Communication
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 pages:
Mrs. Defebaugh https://www.facebook.com/MrsBrackeen/?fref=ts
Mrs. Fox https://www.facebook.com/foxin5th/
Mrs. Burrus https://www.facebook.com/burrust/?fref=ts
Mrs. Plank https://www.facebook.com/Mrs-Planks-Fourth-Grade-1490196337947267/?fref=ts
Mrs. Rich https://www.facebook.com/emmonsa/?fref=ts
Ms. Wright https://www.facebook.com/wrightces/?fref=ts
Mrs. Hachen https://www.facebook.com/HachenHighlights/?fref=ts
Mrs. Davis https://www.facebook.com/dayswithdavis/
Mrs. Highfill https://www.facebook.com/highfill2nd/?fref=ts
Mrs. Kindle https://www.facebook.com/kindle2014/?fref=ts
Ms. McKenna https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=ms%20mckennas%20first%20grade
Mrs. Hanna https://www.facebook.com/MrsHannasKindergarten/?fref=ts
Mrs. Wilson https://www.facebook.com/Wilsonart2015/?fref=ts
We also use School Messenger to share upcoming activities and highlights and of course our Smore newsletter. If you have suggestions on how to help communicate our learning and teaching, please don't hesitate to e-mail me rookss@usd385.org
Cottonwood Site Council Meeting
Monday, Oct 10, 2016, 05:30 PM
Cottonwood Elementary School, North Andover Road, Andover, KS, United States
PTO Meeting
Tuesday, Oct 11, 2016, 06:30 PM
Cottonwood Elementary School, North Andover Road, Andover, KS, United States
Book Fair Begins!
Wednesday, Oct 12, 2016, 08:30 AM
Cottonwood Elementary School, North Andover Road, Andover, KS, United States
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, Oct 18, 2016, 04:00 PM
Cottonwood Elementary School, North Andover Road, Andover, KS, United States
End of 1st Quarter
Wednesday, Oct 19, 2016, 09:00 PM
Cottonwood Elementary School, North Andover Road, Andover, KS, United States
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Thursday, Oct 20, 2016, 07:30 AM
Cottonwood Elementary School, North Andover Road, Andover, KS, United States
No School for Students - Oct. 20-21, 2016
Thursday, Oct 20, 2016, 08:30 AM
Cottonwood Elementary School, North Andover Road, Andover, KS, United States
Red Ribbon Week
Just a reminder that Red Ribbon Week is the week of October 24th-31st. We will be using the theme ”YOLO”(You only live once)- Be Drug Free!
We will also be having theme days. Please be watching for a letter in Friday folders about the special dress up days.