Cottonwood News
August 29th, 2016
Back to School
On behalf of the staff at Cottonwood Elementary School, I would like to welcome you to the 2016-17 school year! We are looking forward to getting to know the students and families, as we begin a new adventure together.
It has been a good start to the school year. Cottonwood is home to 404 students in grades K-5 and 70 staff members. New to us this year are Mrs. Hillary Barscewski (1st Grade), Ms. Natasha McKenna (1st Grade) and Mrs. Julie Clopton (Health Aide). We also have 4 student teachers working with us this semester. As you may have heard, Jennifer Yamamoto accepted a position at Butler County, so helping us in the front office to start the school year is Mrs. Janice Eldridge and Mrs. Alice Collins. We are grateful for these ladies.
On Tuesday evening, August 30th, classroom teachers will be at Cottonwood from 6:00-7:30pm to share information regarding classroom academic and behavior expectations. Teachers will talk about the daily schedule, homework, grading, report cards and curriculum. From 6:00-6:15, we'll meet in the gym to introduce staff. From 6:25-6:45 you can go to your child's classroom for a short presentation. If you would like, you can attend a different grade level presentation from 6:50-7:15. Support staff will be available in the cafeteria to monitor games and a movie.
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.
Educationally yours,
Shari Rooks, Principal
Lifetouch Picture Day - Sept. 1
We are excited to have Lifetouch Photography take portraits of your child on Thursday, September 1st.
Your child’s portrait is something that both of you will cherish for years to come so I encourage you to dress your child appropriately and remind them to bring their best expression.
If you would like to learn more about the portrait program that Lifetouch is offering, please visit www.schoolportraits.lifetouch.com/students. Our Picture Day ID is BP016111Q0.
We plan to make the Picture Day experience as enjoyable for your child as possible and we look forward to a great Picture Day.
PTO Officers
PTO is an important part of our Cottonwood community. We meet monthly to share information about Cottonwood events, volunteer opportunities and ways we can work with teachers to improve the educational experiences of our students. Please plan to join us September 13th @ 6:30 for our first meeting.
Officers for the 2016-17 school year are:
President-Nicole Aeschliman
Vice President-Tijen Owings
Treasurer-Sarah Osburn
Secretary-Catrina Thornton
Other 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
Committee's for next year with positions that need filled:
AR Party Planner - ???
State Assessment Snack Coordinator - ???
Cottonwood t-Shirts can be ordered at http://cottonwoodpto.khaosapparel.com/
The last day to place orders is September 11.
From the Counselor--Welcome Back
We have several new faces this year at Cottonwood. We would like to give all of them a big Cottonwood Welcome! We are starting a new student group in August to help them with their transition. 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 will be friendship. This will help students become better aquainted 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 will have time each day to speak with children who need to visit one on one. Please let your students know that confidentiality will always be respected. They can place a note in my box or ask their teachers to come visit me.
I will also facilitate small groups. 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 lunch time.
Testing:
The Andover Schools use STAR Enterprise for assessing skills in Math and Reading. Students will begin testing in September. This information will be used by the classroom teacher to look for strengths and weaknesses.
Please let me know if your child is in need of school supplies. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year!! If you need any additional support or have questions –please contact me.
Marcie Faust-CES Counselor, NCC, LPC-316-218-4620 ext 2 faustm@usd385.org
From the Nurse's Office--Mrs. Tauke and Mrs. Clopton
From the Library--Mrs. Ohlund
Enjoy the school library- Let’s have FUN this year!
What vegetable do librarians like?
Quiet peas.
What do you get when you throw a million books into the ocean?
A title wave!
Seriously, I can’t wait to see you and your child. You are always welcome to stop in and say hello.
Mrs. Ohlund (also known as Mrs. O)
Cottonwood Receives STEM Grant
Cottonwood Elementary was one of three finalists selected for the Westar Energy STEM Innovative Curriculum grant. Each project receives a $3,000 grant from Westar to increase student interest in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines as applied to electrical energy. The winning projects provide creative, fun ways to inspire learning and expand awareness of career opportunities in science and engineering.
The grants are awarded based on submissions from Kansas public education K-12 teachers. Each presentation must include a budget, measurable goals and links to state standards. A committee of Westar Energy, Kansas Association of School Boards, and Kansas State Department of Education selects the winners.
Shari Rooks, principal of Cottonwood Elementary, submitted an after-school program called STEAM with Wind, Jewelry and Electricity. It focuses on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) disciplines, environmentally friendly energy, magnets and electricity. Students will study the production and uses of electricity through hands-on projects, like designing wind turbines or creating electric bracelets to study circuitry. An electricity art show in May will display the bracelets and art the students created in the program.
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. Highfill https://www.facebook.com/highfill2nd/?fref=ts
Mrs. Plank https://www.facebook.com/Mrs-Planks-Fourth-Grade-1490196337947267/?fref=ts
Mrs. Rich https://www.facebook.com/emmonsa/?fref=ts
Mrs. Kindle https://www.facebook.com/kindle2014/?fref=ts
Mrs. Hachen https://www.facebook.com/HachenHighlights/?fref=ts
Mrs. Wilson https://www.facebook.com/Wilsonart2015/?fref=ts
Ms. Wright https://www.facebook.com/wrightces/?fref=ts
Mrs. Burrus https://www.facebook.com/burrust/?fref=ts
Mrs. Hanna https://www.facebook.com/MrsHannasKindergarten/?fref=ts
Mrs. Davis https://www.facebook.com/dayswithdavis/
Mrs. Fox https://www.facebook.com/foxin5th/
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
5th Grade to STARBASE
Tuesday, Aug 30, 2016, 08:45 AM
McConnell Air Force Base, South Rock Road, Wichita, KS, United States
Back to School Night
Tuesday, Aug 30, 2016, 06:00 PM
Cottonwood Elementary School, North Andover Road, Andover, KS, United States
Trojans in Training at the AHS football game
Friday, Sep 2, 2016, 07:00 PM
Andover District Stadium, West Allison Street, Andover, KS, United States
5th Grade to STARBASE
Tuesday, Sep 6, 2016, 08:45 AM
McConnell Air Force Base, South Rock Road, Wichita, KS, United States
AHS Cheer Night
- A mini halftime routine to be performed at an AHS football game
- They will learn chants, jumps, and stunts by our experienced cheer team
- They will get to show off their new skills as they cheer on the sidelines during the first half of the game.
For more information, please see the Junior Cheer Clinic brochure.