Principal's Corner #13
“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” ―Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafazi, a 16-year-old Pakistani student, was an advocate for students’ rights in her hometown of Swat during a very dangerous time of war and political upheaval. Malala won the Nobel peace Prize in 2014. She now lives in the United Kingdom where she still attends school.
The message: If there’s anyone who is in a position to bring positive change into the world every day, it’s a teacher. Don’t ever think that your efforts as a teacher are insignificant and make no difference. There is no telling what positive effect you will have on someone’s life, especially a student’s. Be brave, stay passionate about your kids and your work, and don’t give up—ever.
Thank you for all of your time and dedication to our students and families. I know you put in a lot of extra time last week meeting with families, so THANK YOU! You are appreciated.
"Always choose kind." ~Morgan, Cottonwood Now
If you are interested in being a part of the Science Advisory Team, please fill out the survey below by Friday, November 16, 2018.
A message from the desk of Ashley Gray
Teachers, last week I met with one of the districts security coordinators and a representative from the fire department. We walked the building together and they have offered a few suggestions.
1. It is safe to be in classrooms with the skylights. IF your classroom does not have windows, you can stay in the room during a "tornado"/ shelter in place drill. If your classroom has windows, you will need to move to another designated area. They also said the halls are safe as long as we are away from the exterior Titans doors. I will create a new map for you.
2. We must have 6 inches cleared below the ceiling. If you have items stored above your cabinets, these items must be removed OR at least have 6 inches between the ceiling and the top of the items.
3. Please check your RED folders to see if you have RED, YELLOW AND GREEN cards. If you are missing any of the 3 colors. please let me know. Below is how they should be used:
- RED: Emergency only! This tells us that you need nurse assistance.
- YELLOW: Missing a student OR you have an extra student.
- GREEN: All are in attendance.
4. They advised we should be out of the building in 2 minutes and account for all staff and students within 30 seconds of clearing the building.
5. We will be looking into ordering some blinds for several areas around the building.
6. Please let me know if you have any safety questions for our safety team.
Also, our amazing PARAs have been using a new "boundary" map during recess (will be emailed seperately). Please discuss this with your students and help them to understand the importance. During our 2nd-5th grade recess we now have 3 PARAs outside and they are each responsible for a section of the playground/field/blacktop. We have noticed this is helping in recess issues. We are asking that students do not go past the sidewalks near the houses and not to play in the drainage areas. We want to make sure our students are safe and visible at all times. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Important Dates
- Tuesday, November 13: Katie and Ashley out in the AM
- Wednesday, November 14: Katie out
- Wednesday, November 14: Staff Meeting, 3:00-3:40
- Wednesday, November 14: Cultural Connections, Holiday Potluck at 6pm
- Thursday, November 15: Katie out in the AM
- Friday, November 16: Katie and Ashley out all day
- Wednesday, November 21: Non-Contact Day, Comp day for Fall Conferences
- Thursday, November 22-23: No School, Thanksgiving Break
Wednesday, November 28: Differentiation PD in Amy Bainbridge’s room: Depth & Complexity icons
Wednesday, December 5: Differentiation PD in Amy Bainbridge’s room: Kagan Silly Games – how to incorporate play into your classroom!
- Thursday, December 6: School Spelling Bee
- Monday, December 24-January 4: No School, Winter Break
- Monday, January 7: Non-Contact Day
- Monday, January 7, 8:00-12:00: Emergenetics is coming to COT