Cougar Community Connection
Principal, Shannon McPherson
2/16/24
Thank you for a great conference week. We value opportunities to connect with families and stay on the same page about the growth and progress of our kids. Our partnership with each of you truly is the backbone of the success our kids experience so we are grateful to all of you for valuing that, too. The added bonus was the amazing food that our community always provides our staff on these nights we stay late. We have attached a special shout out to all who contributed to the yummy food that was brought into us this week. We always feel so loved by our community and these little gifts truly make a huge difference to us when we are working overtime to connect with our families. Valentine's Day was another fun day at CRUN. We had so many families here to help us celebrate the love that is oh so evident here at CRUN. From crafts to cookie decorating, these room parents stop at nothing to make sure our kids have a great celebration, no matter the holiday. Thank you all for your helping hands and your kind hearts. We couldn't do this thing without you! We wish you all a great long weekend and we look forward to seeing our kids back on Tuesday, February 20th.
By the way, have you reached out to the PTA to inquire about the open positions for next year? We need great people who are willing to dedicate some time to our FABULOUS PTA who are instrumental in helping our school be the success that it is. The perks are that you truly have the "inside scoop" to all that goes on at CRUN. You also get to be a true difference maker, working in collaboration with school staff to plan and orchestrate the awesome events that take place at our school. Cougar Run is truly the nucleus of this fantastic neighborhood and our PTA serves as the community voice in our school. Reach out with questions to the link in the PTA section of the newsletter. We would love to have you involved!
Teachers Enjoying the Olive Garden Dinner From YOU!!!!
Living History Presentations in 3rd Grade
Living History Presentations in 3rd Grade
Valentine Parties
Valentine Parties
Living History Presentations 3rd Grade
A Note From PTA
PTA Elections for Fall 2024 - Spring 2026
It is with a sad heart that I need to step down as PTA President for the upcoming term. I want to share with all of you why I loved being president. I joined the PTA to make sure my 2 students got the best experience possible, but I discovered that our fundraising and activities are in place to make sure that ALL students get the best school experience possible. ALL students deserve an enriching education with a family feel. It has been my honor to work for your children and to support the teachers and staff of Cougar Run. If this touches your heart too, then please consider joining our leadership board. - Megan Noraddin
Due to health issues, increased job demand, and fulfilling the 4-year maximum term, most of the PTA is turning over for the upcoming 2-year term that starts July 2024. The board would like to encourage new members to consider taking on a leadership role at our school. Nominations will start at our March meeting on Friday, March 8th. Discussion of the nominations and formation of a slate will occur at the April meeting on Friday, April 12th. We will vote on the slate during either the April or May meeting. We will schedule transitioning times that work for all parties.
- 2 Co-Presidents: We are looking for 2 people to share this role. You can divide up the responsibilities, so no one has too much workload. Presidents run the monthly meeting and manage the PTA email account. The current president is also in charge of communications, but this could be outsourced to another member. Presidents oversee all PTA events and are a resource to the event chairmans.
- Treasurer: Are you good with budgets and spreadsheets? The PTA has 2 treasurers. Tasha is staying on the board to enter money into QuickBooks, get money for sales events, and print checks. The role we need filled is our main treasurer. You will set the PTA budget, get grant requests from the school, and maintain the PTA finances. You will print and report out on the finances and grants at each PTA meeting.
- Secretary: The president will make an agenda for each PTA meeting, which you will convert into meeting minutes. This position requires the smallest time commitment of all of the listed positions. Requirements are good listening and typing skills.
If you have read this far, then thank you so much. If you are interested in a position, then please reach out to us at crunpta@gmail.com or text Megan at 303-519-6538. Have a great weekend.
Katie Busch~ Volunteer Coordinator
Thank you to everyone who contributed to feeding the teachers this week during conferences. We were able to feed them more than twice because of the quantity we received. I know that they were incredibly grateful.
Here are some upcoming volunteer opportunities:
Watch D.O.G.S
For those dads and father-like figures out there, please sign up for Watch D.O.G.S for the remainder of the school year. We can work with ANY schedule! Sign up for ANY amount of time to be a Watch D.O.G. (Dads of Great Students). Sign up HERE!
Teacher Appreciation
The PTA is looking for one more volunteer to help organize Teacher Appreciation week in May. Please contact Katie Busch (Info Below)
Glow Dance Party
The PTA is planning an amazing community event on March 14th. The PTA Committee would love more help in planning this fun event. Please reach out to Katie Busch if you are interested (Info Below).
End-of-the-Year Carnival
The PTA is throwing an end-of-the-year carnival celebration on May 23rd. If you would like to help with the party, please contact Katie (Info Below)
Donuts with Grownups & Muffins with Mentors
If anyone is interested in helping with two, one-day events or just one of the events that are cherished by our community, Nate Biggs (he has Donuts with Grownups and Muffins with Mentors down to a science), please reach out to Katie Busch (Info Below)
Katie Busch
Volunteer Coordinator
Cougar Run Elementary School
Updates from Office Team
Order your YEARBOOKS! It’s that time of year where we have to collect yearbook orders so that we know the correct quantity to order! The order deadline is February 29! HERE is the direct link to order online!
What Are Your Plans For Next Year?
It is that time of year where we start planning and budgeting for next school year. We need to know if your child will be with us for the 24-25 school year. Please fill out THIS form by February 23 sharing if you will be returning and your important feedback about your child in order to assist us in placing your child in the best classroom fit for them. MAKE SURE YOU GO ALL THE WAY TO THE END OF THE DOC AS THERE IS A SECOND PAGE TO THE SURVEY. Teachers and admin work together to build these classes in a balanced way and your feedback helps with that. Where we cannot honor teacher requests, we do consider parent feedback when balancing classrooms.
A Note From Char-Our Registrar at CRUN
Registration for the 24-25 school year is now open!
If you have an incoming kindergarten student or know of someone who has a NEW student to register for the 24-25 school year - NOW is the time to register! Spots are filling up quick for open enrollment so be sure to tell your friends that when that window opens again on January 22nd, they need to HURRY to get a spot!
Go to this link to register your NEW 24-25 student.
See our Registration Page for more information.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
February 16-No School for Students (Teacher Professional Development Day)
February 19-No School- Presidents Day
February 20-9:00 SAC Meeting
February 21- CRUN Restaurant Night- Bad Daddy's Burgers
March 1-Class Group Photos
March 4-8- CRUN BUS CANCELED
March 8- 9:00 PTA Meeting (All parents welcome!)
March 14- 6:00 Family Glow Dance at Cougar Run
March 18-22- Spring Break
April 8-12- CMAS Testing Grades 3-6
April 15-19- CRUN BUS CANCELED
April 26-No School for Students-Teacher Professional Development Day
April 29-May 3-Spring Book Fair