Cottonwood News
August 27th, 2018
Back to School-Mrs. Rooks
On behalf of the staff at Cottonwood Elementary School, I would like to welcome you to the 2018-19 school year! It has been a busy "Back to School." New classrooms, new students, and new teachers will continue to help us grow. The first few days brought classroom meetings, team building and review of procedures. We have made the lunchroom work and arrival and dismissal work. We can only get better from here.
I would like to welcome Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Linck , Mrs. Olin and Mrs. McEwen to Cottonwood. Mrs. Wood and Mrs. McEwen are Kindergarten teachers with years of experience at other elementary schools in Andover. Mrs Linck and Mrs. Olin are teachers for the FAA program. This is a Butler County Interlocal program for students in grades K-5. The teachers and students moved from Robert Martin this summer into the new addition. They are all adjusting to CES very nicely.
As we strive to help students become responsible, respectful and resourceful young people, we ask that you guide and support your child’s learning by ensuring that he/she:
1) Attends school daily and arrives on time, ready for the day’s learning experience
2) Completes assignments given by teachers
3) Reads daily to develop a love for reading and to improve literacy skills
4) Shares school experiences with you so that you are aware of his/her school life
5) Informs you if he/she needs additional support in any area or subject
Active school partnerships are the key and truly make the biggest difference! Here’s to a strong year of teamwork, community building and academic growth. Thank you for making Cottonwood Elementary a place to learn and grow together. It is going to be a great year!
Educationally yours,
Shari Rooks, Principal
School Safety
Breakfast is served from 8:20-8:50.
After school dismissal is at 3:45. It has been a big change, but I think everyone is adjusting. Last week, there were 84 cars in the pickup line. By Friday, we had made a few adjustments and we were done by 4:03.
You can help us by:
- Always keep a name sign in the vehicle. Staff will call the building using walkie-talkies to get your student ready.
- Pull forward into the parking lot, if you need to buckle your child. This will keep the line moving.
Buses are leaving school at 3:55 daily. We have 5 buses that transport about 200 kids to and from school each day.
Rise and Shine
Rise and Shine--Our Cottonwood community meets on Monday and Friday from 8:45-8:55 in the gym. On Monday, we talk about building our character. We continue to focus on respect and responsibility, but we're adding a few ideas from "The Seven Habits of Happy Kids." Our goal is to provide our students with the necessary tools to be strong, responsible, independent learners. We will also recognize student birthdays and students who have received a Rooks Rave Review. Fridays, we recognize various students with awards. Students wearing Cottonwood or Andover shirts are eligible to win a water bottle if their name is called. Each morning, we also share announcements and the lunch menu.
Picture Day is August 30th from 8:00-1:00 Students need to bring their packets!
Trojans in Training--August 31st
Trojans in Training--A few years ago, the AHS Trojan Booster Club suggested that each elementary school have a special night to be recognized at an AHS football game. Our students arrive at 6:30 and are allowed to cheer on the players as they run on the field. We have a special section where we can sit with our family and cheer on the Trojans. During the game, the Booster Club may come over and throw towels, mini-footballs, mega-phones, etc. It's another way to bring the Andover community together. Of course, everyone is always welcome to attend and support the Andover Trojans.
Pre-K Openings
Counselor's Corner--Marcie Faust
Welcome Back!!!! We have several new faces at Cottonwood. Please help in making them feel at home. We are starting a new student group in August to support in their transition. We are so glad they are here. If you have any questions about the group or any suggestions on how we can help, please contact me at 218-4620 ext. 2 or faustm@usd385.org.
Counselor Time:
I have established my visitation schedule and am looking forward to working with all students. The classes will come to counseling twice a month. This month the theme is friendship. This will help them become better aquatinted with all their new friends. Friendship is a relationship to someone with whom I enjoy sharing my thoughts, ideas and time. Someone once said, “A good friend is more valuable than gold." Please reaffirm good behavior and being a great friend at home with your children.
Group and Individual Counseling:
I have time each day to visit with children in a one-to-one setting. Please let your students know that confidentiality will always be respected. They can place a note in my box or ask their teachers.
We continue to have small groups at CES. The groups include: friendship, divorce, grief support, new kids, anger management, etc….Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the groups. I meet with the teachers to set the groups during the least restrictive times. Some groups are offered during lunchtime.
Testing:
We use the STAR Enterprise Reading and Math assessments for students in grades 2-5 to assess for strengths and weaknesses. Students are tested in August, December, and May. Students in grades K and 1 will be assessed on their reading skills with DiBELS. Parents are always welcome to ask for testing results or receive updates. Throughout the year, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
This semester, Aaron Clark is serving as a practicum student from WSU. Rest assured that Aaron will maintain the utmost confidentiality. When working with the children, Aaron is required to send home special permission slips. Let me know of any questions.
Please let me know if your child is in need of any additional school supplies. I also have a library of parenting resources if you need anything. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year!!
Mrs. Marcie Faust Cottonwood Elementary 218-4620 ext. 2
“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.”
Cottonwood Library
Nurse's News
It has been a busy back to school. Rachel and I have been going through Care Doc's and checking up on students with health concerns, doctor's orders and immunizations. Thank you for sharing your information with us. Please know that if you ever have any concerns regarding your child, we would love to help you. Our goal is to keep Cottonwood healthy and ready for learning.
The health office throughout the school year is need of donations. Currently, we could use in need boys underwear size 4-6 and 8-10 , boys shorts size 4-6, girls underwear size 4, and girls shorts size 7-8 ,9-10. Any clean gently used items are greatly appreciated.
Denise Tauke and Rachel Peay
Ext: 51104
Cottonwood Site Council
All Kansas schools are required to have a council of patrons that meet regularly. We would love to have you. Future meetings will be held October 2nd, November 6th, February 5th, March 5th, April 2nd and May 7th.
Call Mrs. Rooks (316) 218-4620 or rookss@usd385.org for more information.
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Cottonwood PTO
Throughout the year there are several opportunities to volunteer. Check out our Facebook page for more information.
Order shirts by August 28th. Online here.
PTO officers for the 18-19 school year are:
President—Tijen Owings
Vice President—Mike Scolari
Secretary—Rachael Neibling
Treasurer—Sarah Osburn
Food Service -$10.00
end of this three-day period, Andover Food Services has not been notified as to payment arrangements or if payment has not been made, further charges will not be allowed. The student must bring payment to purchase a lunch or bring a lunch to school.
Free & Reduced Meals are available to qualifying households. They are available through www.usd385.org Parents/Free/Reduced Lunch Forms or through Bonnie Scarth at Support Services, 202 W Market, 316-218-4604
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. 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.
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