Cottonwood News
December 19th, 2018
From the Principal--Mrs. Rooks
Thank you for sharing your child with us. We hope you all enjoy the holiday season. We appreciate the break, to refresh and regroup, but look forward to January when we can be back with our second family. As of January 3rd, there will only be 89 days to make a new friend, challenge a child to dream or create a memory.
Redesign-In January, we will share our goals for Redesign as well as information about 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.
Technology--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.
1st and 3rd grade buddies enjoying their time together.
2nd graders at play.
Kinders playing games for their time together today.
Upcoming Events
December 20th Early Out @ 1:45
Happy 2019!
January 3rd School Resumes
January 8th Site Council @ 5:30
January 8th PTO @ 7:00
January 9th CES Spelling Bee @ 1:30 --Watch it live here (3rd, 4th, and 5th grade)
January 11th AR Party (2nd & 4th from 9:15-10:45)
January 11th AR Party (3rd & 5th from 1:30-3:15)
January 11th Report cards go home
January 21st No School-Professional Learning for teachers
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. 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 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