Cougar Community Connection
A Newsletter From Your Principal, Shannon McPherson
A Letter From Shannon 10/28/22
It was a great week welcoming back our students after fall break. Ending the week with Halloween celebrations and our awesome costume parade was a great way to commence the first week of 2nd quarter. Thank you to all of the families who were able to come watch our kids parade around our school, showcasing their creative and adorable costumes. Reminder that our Parents Night Out and Auction is coming up AND THE TIME HAS CHANGED. There was much feedback given that the "happy hour" time frame was not ideal for most families, so our PTA was responsive and changed the time from 5:00-8:00pm. We are so excited about the unique opportunity to experience the newest establishment in the Littleton area, Basketball Social House. Even if you don't play hoops, this event center is incredible. One of the things we value most at Cougar Run is the sense of family and community that we have, and this event is a great way to get out of the house for a night to socialize with folks that maybe you haven't met, yet. Maybe you buy something from the auction to help support the school, or maybe you choose not to, but don't miss out on the most fun event that we have at CRUN hosted by our PTA. Check out the PTA section of the newsletter for details on how to purchase tickets, child care opportunities, and join us for a night sure to not disappoint!
#CRUNFamily
PTA Updates
You asked. We listened.
The time of the auction has changed to 5-8pm!!
We are adding the extra incentive of a free drink ticket if you purchase your event ticket by Monday, October 31st!! Get Your TICKET Here!
The Parent's NIGHT Out & Auction is Saturday, November 5th from 5-8pm at the Basketball Social House. We will be getting a sneak peak at this awesome new venue before their grand opening! This 80s-themed night will be the most fun event of the year! 80s outfits are highly encouraged, but casual dress is completely fine.
We have over 50 auction items that will only be available at the event. There are amazing trips and experiences, signed memorabilia, principal for a day, specials teacher for a day, librarian for a day, a free set of braces, and much more! We have some early-release items and class parties available now: HERE
Need Childcare? Our Kids Only Party has changed to 4:30-8:30pm. We will still have dinner, a magician, and a video game truck at the event. Get all of the details HERE.
Spotlight On~ Brittany Pennell SSN Lead Teacher
5A/5B Mill Levy/ Bond Ballots DUE NOVEMBER 8th!!!!!
As many of you are aware, the upcoming election is upon us where school funding needs will be addressed. Please check out the video below where Erin Kane talks about the $60 million Mill Levy Override (5A) and the $450 million Bond (5B) that will appear on November's ballot in 2022. Superintendent Erin Kane also addresses some common questions and misinformation about these two ballot initiatives.
Video linkElection day is quickly approaching. Be sure to turn in your ballot by November 8. Find a ballot box or voting location near you - www.DouglasVotes.com. Be sure to complete both sides of the ballot!
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=sharing2023 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 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)