Cottonwood News
December 19th, 2018
From the Principal--Mrs. Rooks
Redesign-In January, we hope to be ready to share our goals for Redesign as well as information about some of the pilot programs that teachers will be trying in their classrooms. We continue to meet and share our thoughts about what can make Cottonwood better for everyone in our family. As I was doing research about technology and digital citizenship, I came across the Common Sense website. It provided information regarding three of my favorite things. I love history, thinking about the past and then using what I've learned to have a better future. I enjoy technology, though I often find myself getting lost in the multiple links I open, the Pinterest ideas or Twitter chats. My "why" for every day is our kids and how we can help them be successful in their lives. "How Tech is Changing Childhood" is a great read for all teachers and parents. Take a few minutes and scroll through the website. You might find a few tips to help navigate the world of technology.
Winter Recess—Recess is held outside whenever possible. We all need fresh air and the chance to run around. Teachers monitor wind chills and temperature before going outside. Please make sure your child dresses appropriately for cold weather. Coats, hats, and gloves are sometimes a must! If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call.
Snow Days: If for some reason, school is canceled because of weather, you can check the local news stations for closings. The Andover Schools will send out a School Messenger call to let parents know of closings. School Messenger only calls updated numbers in PowerSchool, so please keep your information current.
Safety--Please share before and after school procedures with anyone picking up your student. Each staff member strives to do what is best for all children. We want our students and families to be safe!
Upcoming Events
December 6th Student Council Ringing Bells at Dillons (4:00-5:00)
December 6th 4th/5th Grade Program at AHS @ 7:00
December 7th ELP Auction @ 1:00
December 7th AP Students to Assisted Living 1:30-3:00
December 11th 5th grade to WSU Women's BB 9:00-3:00
December 12th 5th grade band concert @ 2:15
December 14th Stuco to Victoria Falls 1:00-3:00
December 20th Early Out @ 1:45
Happy 2019!
January 3rd School Resumes
Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl
The annual fifth-grade Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl took place on Friday, November 9, 2018. The contest is open to students in Kansas, Nebraska, South and North Dakota. There were twenty-three 5th grade teams and 19 6th-grade teams for a total of 42 teams. A school trophy and individual ribbons are awarded to teams that place first place in both the 5th and 6th-grade divisions. The quiz is a self-scoring computer contest of 100 multiple-choice questions. Areas covered include math, geography, government, sports, spelling, science, literature, English, history, general information, and just plain fun trivia. It is meant to be a team activity. There is a student at the computer to input the team’s answers. Two chances to answer correctly are given. Points are awarded based speed and accuracy. No adult assistance is allowed! The ten fifth grade selected students scored 1022 points. They placed 4th in the Andover district, 8th in the Great Plains 5th grade competition; and 22nd overall in the 5th and 6th grade Great Plains Division. District Team members include: Audrey Bailey, Manuel Onentia, Mae Fetters, Audrey Horst, Tyler Wertenberger, Emma Whiddon, Collin Hughes, Eli Niessen, Caleb Crowley, and Caden Fletcher. Ms. Olsen, the Extended Learning Program Teacher, sponsors this activity. Congratulations to the Cottonwood Elementary 5th grade Quiz Bowl Team.
Counselor's Corner--Marcie Faust
The December counselor theme is generosity. Generosity is the virtue of not being tied down by concerns about one's possessions. Generosity leads to charity and forgiveness. Please ask your child what this means to them.
School Supplies: If your child is running out of school supplies and you need assistance please contact me at Cottonwood. faustm@usd385.org
Parenting Tips for the Holiday Season: During the holiday season spend extra time with your child. Help them to truly understand the reason for the season. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the materialistic aspect that we forget to teach the kids the real meaning. Share stories of your childhood to teach them holiday tradition.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things. During the holidays remember all the things that you have to be thankful for.
-Be thankful that you don’t have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to.
-Be thankful when you don’t know….it gives you the opportunity to learn.
-Be thankful for the difficult times….during those times you grow.
-Be thankful for limitations….they give opportunities for improvement.
-Be thankful for a new challenge….it will build strength and character.
-Be thankful for mistakes…they will teach valuable lessons.
The holidays can be a difficult time for some children. Let me know if you are seeing signs that your child is struggling. I would be happy to help in any way that I can.
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Please also let me know if your family is in need of help during the holiday season.
Have a safe and Happy Holiday Season!!
Marcie Faust
Cottonwood Counselor/LPC/NBCC
316-218-4620 ext. 2
“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.”
Cottonwood Library
Nurse's News
Just a reminder, do not forget your flu shots this year, the season is upon us. Remember to talk about good hand washing and mouth covering when coughing and sneezing. District policy states that students must stay home for fever and vomiting, and may not return to school until the student is 24 hours fever free or vomit free without medication. Let's all stay healthy this year.
The health office is also in need of donations of clothing boys pants/sweatpants sizes 4-6, 8-10 and girls underwear size 6.
If you have been contacted by mail/phone concerning missing health documents please turn those in. If you have any questions please give us a call.
Denise Rebel and Rachel Peay
Ext: 51104
Cottonwood Site Council
Call Mrs. Rooks (316) 218-4620 or rookss@usd385.org for more information.
Cottonwood PTO
As we finish out 2018, we are trying something new. PTO is sharing a link for the Holiday Hugs wish lists. Please check out the link and find your staff member.
Parents and staff are always welcome to join our meetings. The next one will be Jan. 8th from 7:00-8:00. Childcare is provided by high school students.
Pre-K Openings
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. Defebaugh https://www.facebook.com/MrsDsClass/
Mrs. Fox https://www.facebook.com/foxin5th/
Mrs. Gallagher https://www.facebook.com/mrsgallaghers5thgradeclass
Mrs. Plank https://www.facebook.com/Mrs-Planks-Fourth-Grade-1490196337947267/?fref=ts
Mrs. Ralston @Mrs_Ralston
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. Barscewski https://www.facebook.com/Mrs-Barscewskis-First-Grade-1295655550474548/?fref=ts
Mrs. Kindle https://www.facebook.com/kindle2014/?fref=ts
Ms. Hinz https://www.facebook.com/1stgradehinz/
Mrs. Hanna https://www.facebook.com/MrsHannasKindergarten/?fref=ts
Mrs. Wagner https://www.facebook.com/Wagner-Kinders-826576851066135/
Mrs. Wood @woods1stgrade, https://fb.me/woodslittlelearners
Mrs. Wilson https://www.facebook.com/Wilsonart2015/?fref=ts
Mrs. Nobach https://www.facebook.com/groups/2114346102210974/about/
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.
Next Newsletter--January 14th
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