Cougar Community Connection
A Newsletter From Your Principal, Shannon McPherson
A Letter From Shannon 10/14/22
First quarter is now in the books....PHEW did that go by fast. Thank you all for everything you have done to make this first quarter of our school year go so well. We have felt an element of normalcy for the first time in 3 years and did it feel good! We have loved getting back to preCovid traditions like Donuts with Dads indoors, PTA meetings in person, parent volunteers being prevalent throughout the building, Watchdog Dads back in our house, clubs and enrichment opportunities before and after school...and the list goes on. We have lots to celebrate going into Fall Break, so we hope you all have a safe, restful and fun time with your families.
#CRUNFamily
PTA Updates
Thank you to everyone that joined us at Donuts with Dad last Friday! What an amazing turn out!! We hope everyone had fun. We would also like to thank those that ordered from Wild Basil last night for our October Restaurant Night. Your support means a lot to us.
The Anti-Bullying Spirit Week has been great! One of our PTA Sponsors, Highlands Ranch Orthodontics, has provided FREE Cougar Run shirts to all of our 391 students! They were designed by artist & CRun Dad David Roque and will be going home this Thursday. We would love for students to wear them for CRun Spirit Day on Friday.
The Parent's Happy Hour & Auction TICKET sales are now open!!!
Your $40 ticket gets you access to the auction, a bingo card for 80s music video bingo, food (taco bar, flatbread pizza, & chicken wings), and 2 drink tickets for beer, wine, or two signature cocktails! The Basketball Social House also has mini basketball games and foosball. Dressing for the 80s theme is highly encouraged, but casual dress is fine.
Note 1: Tickets are $40/person for the pre-sale, but $60/person at the door! Save money by purchasing your tickets today!
Note 2: There is an OPTIONAL TIP portion to your ticket/item purchase. You can choose "other" and leave the tip at zero if you choose. The money goes to MemberHub as a bonus for using their platform.
Need childcare? We have 60 spots available at our Kids Only Party hosted at Cougar Run. You can get 6 hours of childcare (1:45-8pm) for only $40/child, ages Pre-K to 6th grade. There will be outdoor games, a magician, a community service project, Arts on Fire painting kit, and more! Dinner and snacks will be provided. Reserve your spot by purchasing the Childcare Bundle Ticket. Note: The childcare can only be purchased in combination with an auction ticket.
Many Pre-Release Auction items are now available for a "Buy It Now" price. Check out the trips, the experiences, and the class parties! This is just the tip of the iceberg. We have so many wonderful auction items that will ONLY be available at the Parent's Happy Hour & Auction!
Spotlight On~ Jason DeHaven, Building Engineer
Future Falcon Showcase at HRHS 5th and 6th Grade Families
Please take a look at this great opportunity to check out all that Highlands Ranch High School has to offer.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13oOw6re-mIGKfSbO97xKwWKt2rux3Jqi/view?usp=sharingCougar Run's School Funding Needs
The November 8 election is upon us and an issue on the ballot is about school funding which is titled 5A and 5B. Please take a look at the following links to help answer any questions you might have as well as provide facts about how school funding works.
2023 NOMINATION WINDOW NOW OPEN!
The Foundation for Douglas County Schools is proud to honor exceptional educators and staff who are inspiring a love of learning in students and are trailblazing extraordinary innovation in our schools. Over the years, the Apple Awards has grown to engage the entire community, bringing in thousands of nominations every year for teachers and staff members across the district.
Universal Screening of CogAT
Dear Parents/Guardians,
DCSD is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade (February) and 5th or 6th grade--a student's final year of elementary school (November).
6th Grade Universal Screen
As part of this process, ALL students in 6th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) November 2nd and 3rd. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.
If your child is already identified for gifted programming, they will not participate in this universal screen testing. Your Gifted Education Facilitator will contact you directly with information about this process.
Gifted Identification Referral Testing
If your child is in grades 3, 4, 5, and you believe they need evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.
NOTE: Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification.
Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification linked HERE
Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.
Watch Dog Dads Wants YOU!!!
Upcoming Important Dates
October 17-21- No School Fall Break
October 28-Halloween Parties/ Outdoor Costume Parade
October 31-NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS-District PD Day
November 5-Parents Night Out and CRUN Auction
November 8-CRUN Restaurant Night
November 11-PTA Meeting 11:30
November 14- CRUN Book Fair
November 21-25- No SchoolThanksgiving Break
November 24-25 Little Cougars Closed
November 29 9:00 SAC Meeting
December 1- Art Night/ In and Out Burger Food Truck
December 9-PTA Meeting 11:30
December 14-ROCKS Assemblies 9:00-LC, K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd/ 2:15- 4th, 5th, 6th
December 22-January 8 No School Winter Break (Classes resume Monday, January 9)