Cougar Community Connection
A Newsletter From Your Principal, Shannon McPherson
A Letter From Shannon 3/24/23
This week ends with heavy hearts given the events that took place at East High School this week. We know that this situation brings forth emotions of worry, sadness, fear, etc and we share in those emotions. These awful acts bring to our attention a need for us to continue to share the training, practices and protocols that are in place at Cougar Run to keep our kids and our staff safe everyday. Safety and security is our number one priority. That is why WE BEG OUR COMMUNITY to please help us by adhering to our safety protocols of entering and exiting through our front doors, signing in so we know who is here, wearing our visitor badges and ensuring that we work together to take our safety protocols seriously. We use a raptor system that quickly background checks volunteers in our building by scanning identification and making sure that all people who are in our building are safe to be with our kids. We have security cameras positioned all over our building including the outside perimeter. We keep all exterior doors locked throughout the day and only have doors open when adults are present to monitor them. We do security checks throughout the day to ensure the perimeter of the school is safe and that all doors are remaining closed and locked. Staff carry walkies when on outside duty and are in constant contact during recesses, morning and afternoon duty. We have an armed DC Sheriff School Resource Officer on duty at our school throughout the day, as well as armed DCSD Security Officers. Our administrators carry security walkies that are directly connected to our district security team as well as DC Sheriff's office. We are trained in emergency procedures that prepare us for any and all safety situations. We plan for Sheltering in Place, Evacuation, Lock Downs, Secure Perimeters and are trained in First Aid/CPR.
No matter what we share with you, we know that events like what happened at East High School leave us all with feelings of uncertainty, uneasiness and fear. What we are committed to at Cougar Run is ensuring that we are prepared for any emergency and are trained to respond in organized and effective ways that keep our kids and staff safe. Where we can never know what we could be faced with, we know for certain that we have thoughtful. planned and effective ways to handle emergencies. We LOVE our Cougar Run Community! We know that in times like these, we all reflect on what we could do better, and recommit as a community to ensuring that the safety of our kids, our staff and our families who are in our BEAUTIFUL school each and every day, commit to the safety protocols that we know can and will keep us all safe if there is ever an emergency. Thank you to each of you to helping us by just doing what we ask in the name of safety. Whether we like it or not, it is necessary to have these measures in place and we feel confident that we can keep each other safe if we commit to our safety protocols each day. We love you all, are grateful for you all and wish you a safe and wonderful weekend with your beautiful babies!
#CRUNFamily
PTA Updates
Cougar Run Spirit Night - Saturday, March 25th 6-8pm
Register your 2nd-6th grade students for a fun Game Night with Code Ninjas!
Students can choose to play MineCraft or Roblox with an instructor.
A snack will be provided, but dinner should be eaten at home.
Registration is $39 with 50% coming back to Cougar Run! Register HERE!
We hope everyone enjoyed the Virtual Talent Show. Our Cougar Run talent is amazing!! If you missed the video, then please click on the link below to watch. The link will only be available for a limited time.
2023 CRUN Talent Show (Official Version)
The April Fun Run is our last major fundraiser of the year on Thursday, April 20th!! We are raising funds to pay for one of our Educational Assistant's salary and to update the books in the library.
- Register: www.mybooster.com
- If you register your student by April 11th, then you will be entered in a drawing for some AMAZING PRIZES! We will be giving away a free parking spot with your name on it for the 2023-2024 school year and 4 Amazon gift cards!!! It is free and easy to register! Try it NOW!
- Volunteers: https://signup.com/go/pwTbgkn
- We need volunteers for lap counters and water stations. Can you help while also cheering on your student? Click on the link above to see our volunteer opportunities.
Staff Updates: Welcome to 3rd Grade Teacher Chelsea Shoemaker
We interviewed candidates last week and found a fabulous person to join our team. Her name is Chelsea Shoemaker. She comes to us from Fox Creek Elementary and has taught 2nd and 3rd grade in her 12 years of teaching experience. We are excited to have her join us as a 3rd grade teacher for the 23-24 school year.
No U Turns in School Zones Please
YEARBOOK - Online Order Deadline EXTENDED!
The extended deadline to purchase yearbooks is FRIDAY, MARCH 31ST.
Click on the link below to purchase online directly from DR Photo’s website:
https://www.prepaysystems.com/view/YGXsg4yW/cougar-run-elementary-school-yearbook
If you are having trouble with the link:
From the DR Photo homepage you can select “Order Your Yearbook” and enter “Cougar Run” when prompted.
Contact Mrs. Barlow if you have any questions:
303-856-4985
Counselor's Corner
Green Team
Green Team is looking for your help!
US Again, who sponsor the textile bins that are located in the front of the school by the mobile classrooms, US Again have put together a challenge just for DCSD schools! The top collecting school that collects the most from March 15 - April 15 will win a $250 e-gift card. Please help US Again with their mission to “clothe people and protect the planet.” A reminder, they accept clothes, shoes, accessories, and household items.
In an effort to involve all grade levels in our composting efforts, Green Team is looking for volunteers who will assist students with composting during lunch. If you are interested in helping, please contact Emily Johnson emily_johnson24@yahoo.com.
Upcoming Important Dates
April 3- 5:30 PM Feeder SAC Meeting @ HRHS
April 10-14-CMAS Grades 3-6
April 14-PTA Meeting
April 20- FUN RUN!!!!!!
April 21- No School District Compensation Day
April 24- No School For Students-District Professional Development Day
May 1-5- Staff Appreciation Week
May 9- CRUN Restaurant Night
May 12-PTA Meeting
May 12-Muffins with Moms (or grandmas, aunts, or parent figure welcome)
May 18-ROCKS 2nd Semester Awards Assembly (Invitations will be sent in early May)
May 19- 9:30 Kindy Graduation
May 25-9:00 6th Grade Graduation
May 25-Last Day of School