Cottonwood News
Dec. 18th, 2017
School gets out Dec. 21st @ 1:45. We will resume on Thursday, Jan. 4th @ 8:45
News You Can Use
Cottonwood Bond Update--Cottonwood projects have officially started. The playground bid was approved at the Board of Education meeting on Monday. Now we wait for parts, equipment and warm weather. The new addition to the building will begin in mid-January.
USD385 Bond Update
The ACHS & AHS turf baseball & softball fields construction is on schedule. The weather has cooperated thus far and the plan is for the fields to be ready for the spring season.
Elementary construction at Sunflower & Wheatland will began on Monday. Construction at Cottonwood, Prairie Creek & Martin will start in late December/first part of January.
Prior to the beginning of construction, logistics meetings are held with principals to talk about items like staging areas, safety fencing, re-routing that will be required as part of the construction and lots of other items.
We have a timeline for all the bond projects that is available on the website. This is a "living document," so it will be tweaked as needed throughout the next three years.
It is important for you to know that all subcontractors and anyone who is working on a job site have passed a background check. In addition, they have been advised of the district's expectations for professional conduct on the job sites.
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.
Music Program DVD's for sale
Cottonwood Spanish Club
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 hustle and bustle of shopping and events, that we forget to teach our kids the real meaning. Spend time together, share stories of your childhood to teach them Holiday traditions or help others in need. Making memories will last forever.
It is easy to be Thankful for the good things. During the Holiday’s remember all the things that you have to be Thankful for.
-Be thankful that you don’t have all you desire. If you did, what would you 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.
Please also let me know if your family if your family need help during the holiday season.
The holiday season can be a difficult time for families. If your child is struggling, please know that I am here for all of them. I can help with academics, friendship, the battle to come to school or struggles at home. I am here to support and advocate for all of our students. Feel free to call or email anytime.
Have a safe and Happy Holiday Season!!!
Marcie Faust-Cottonwood Counselor/LPC/NBCC
316-218-4620 ext. 2
Nurse's News
Also a reminder on district policy, if your student has a fever or has vomited, they must remain at home until he or she is fever free/ vomit free for 24 hours without the use of medication.
Make sure your student have hats, gloves and warm coats. Please continue to talk with your students about hand washing, covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
Cottonwood PTO
Check out our Facebook page for more information. Our next meeting is January 9th. We will share details about our Mother-Son and Father-Daughter Activity, as well as begin planning for the Spring Fling. Please join us.
School Safety
Breafast is served from 8:20-8:50.
After school dismissal is at 3:45. Please continue to follow the traffic patterns. It helps the adults if you have the name cards in the side windows. If you have suggestions on how to make our process and flow of traffic safer, feel free to share your ideas.
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/MrsDefebaugh/
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 Twitter @Mrs_Ralston https://www.facebook.com/MrsRalstons4thGrade/?ref=settings
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. McKenna https://www.facebook.com/1stgrademckenna/
Mrs. Hanna https://www.facebook.com/MrsHannasKindergarten/?fref=ts
Mrs. Johnson/Mrs. Hays -- Hays & Johnson Kindergarten Connection (Ask for permission to join)
Mrs. Wilson https://www.facebook.com/Wilsonart2015/?fref=ts
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.
Early Out--Winter Break Begins at 1:45
Thursday, Dec 21, 2017, 01:45 PM
Cottonwood Elementary School, North Andover Road, Andover, KS, United States
School Resumes
Thursday, Jan 4, 2018, 08:45 AM
Cottonwood Elementary School, North Andover Road, Andover, KS, United States
Next Cottonwood News--January 12th
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