The Cool Spring Times
January, 2020
The Principal's Pen
Happy New Year! We hope that all of our families had time to rest and recharge over the winter break. As we begin the final weeks of the first semester, students may be participating in some mid-year assessments-- PALS (K-3), DRA (Gr. 1-5) based on performance data from the fall, or if the students have recently enrolled here at Cool Spring since the beginning of the year assessments were given. Students in Grades 2-5 just completed the winter administration of the MAP Growth assessment. This online assessment is adaptive in nature and provides an additional data point in guiding grouping and differentiation of instruction and content within the classroom. Parents/guardians will be able to view their students' MAP scores within ParentVue in the upcoming weeks. The mid-year assessments, along side student work in the classroom, may also be used in discussions with families about progress and supporting students both in and out of school.
During the fall, students and staff had a great time participating in the Penguins Fun Run. The funds raised were slated to go towards instruments for the school-wide music program, teacher instructional grants, books for school-wide guided reading/literacy instruction and maker space materials. We truly appreciate everyone's participation in the program and support with raising funds for the school! Upon return from winter break, we will be placing an order for ukuleles and tone chimes for the music program as well as a Makey Makey Invention Kit, Virtual Reality Merge Cubes, Sphero SPRK+ Robots and Dash Robots for use in the maker space and classrooms. Each grade level K-5 will order books for guided reading/literacy instruction. In regards to teacher grants, the PTA Grants Committee met last month and awarded grants for proposals submitted by teachers for: Document cameras, morning news show green screen and lighting, one IPOD Touch for use in PE classes, leveled fiction and non-fiction texts (Gr. 1, EL), a Kindergarten classroom library leveled book set (used in all classes) and a fourth grade subscription for the IXL Reading program.
As we move towards the end of the second marking period, we encourage all families to ensure that their personal and emergency contact information, as well as addresses are up to date in ParentVue. Parents/guardians should also check that the ParentVue log in is active. Report cards will again be posted in ParentVue and are accessible on multiple devices. Please contact the school office for assistance if needed.
Fondly,
Chris Cadwell
Principal
Geography Stars!
This month, fourth and fifth grade students are participating in the Geography Bee, sponsored by National Geographic. The first round, conducted in the classrooms, quizzed students on many aspects of geography, both in the US and abroad. Each classroom then had one finalist, and an alternate if needed, to participate in the school Geography Bee.The finalists are:
Liam Carter---Mrs. Berkey
Grayson McSweeney----Mr. Burke
Rehan Khan--- Mrs. Drawdy
Nathan Powers---Mrs. Jennings
Zoe Maguire---Mrs. Keener
Saylie Chappell---Mrs. Davis
Chase Irwin---Ms. Hicks
Masen Jackson---Ms. Smallwood
Once the school Geography Bee is completed in early January, the winning student will participate in an online geography assessment which will determine eligibility for the state level competition.
Stay connected with Penguin bright spots and more! Follow us on Twitter @CoolSpring_ES
Healthy Tips
With the flu season in full swing, we are reminded of taking precautions to help keep our students, staff and families healthy. Some helpful tips include:
• Practice and encourage good hand hygiene: Washing one’s hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer regularly is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, your sleeve or elbow during coughing and sneezing.
• Encourage children to avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
• Keep your child home if they are ill and stay home if you are ill yourself. *Please call 571-252-2891 or email the school absentee line CSP-Absentee@lcps.org to let us know if your student has the flu.
* Sick students should remain home until they are fever-free for a full 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol or Motrin.
• Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Get a flu shot. Talk to your health care provider about getting you and your child vaccinated against the flu. The single best way to protect against flu is to get vaccinated each year.
Cool Spring STEAM DAY!!
Thank you in advance for your time and talent in making this a great day for the students!
Penguin Pride!
A Word From Our Parent Liaison
Our Parent Liaison, Ms. Paula Callaghan, is available to assist families. If you or a family member is needing support with family stressors, meal or clothing needs, accessing ParentVue or help with connecting with school staff, please contact Ms. Callaghan at the school office 571-252-2890 or via email at Paula.Callaghan@lcps.org.
We are also able to offer our Nutrition Club to needy families, thanks to a partnership with Loudoun Interfaith. Please contact Ms. Callaghan for more information if you are in need, or how you can help with the program. We are looking for volunteers to pick up the food bags on Tuesday afternoons and bring them to the school. The time commitment is very flexible.
Please Join Us!
PTA Movie Night
Nutrition Info
School lunch menus are available online at http://www.lcpshealthycafe.org as paper copies are not being sent home.
The application for Free/Reduced Meals is located at: http://nlappscloud.com or via the LCPS School Nutrition site.
Important Dates
1/10: PTA Movie Night 6:30PM
Pattern Day
1/11: Mental Health and Wellness Conference (for families and community members) 8AM-1PM at Independence HS
1/14: PTA Mtg 6:30PM
Character Day: Grey for Growth Mindset/Perseverance
1/17: Jersey Day
End of Second Nine Weeks
Heritage Tri-M NHS here
1/20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
1/21: Teacher Workday: No School
1/23: Follow a Monday Specials Schedule
1/24: Report Cards/Progress Notes Posted in ParentVue
Wacky Tacky Day
Grade 5 Visit to HPMS
1/27: Cluster Concert at Heritage HS 7PM
1/28: Chat 'n Chew Gr. 4-5
1/31: Stuffed Animal Day
Cool Spring Elementary School
Email: CSP-Absentee@lcps.org
Website: lcps.org/coolspring
Location: 501 Tavistock Drive Southeast, Leesburg, VA, USA
Phone: 571-252-2890
Twitter: @CoolSpring_ES