Cougar Community Connection
A Newsletter From Your Principal, Shannon McPherson
A Letter From Shannon 10/7/22
Donuts with Dads was a fun way to end our week. Thank you to the dads/grandpas/uncles/male role models who joined us today to spend some time with our kids for a nice donut breakfast this morning. A HUGE shout out to Megan Noraddin for organizing and Nate Biggs, Itamar Hasid and Meagan Stuart for making this year's event a great success. Speaking of dads, our Watch Dog Dads program kicked off this week with Travis Saxton and Itamar Hasid "watching over us" this week at Cougar Run. We are so grateful to have dads who want to get involved and be a part of our school day, helping to connect with kids and be an extra set of eyes for safety. Check out the link in the newsletter if you want to be a WDD. The final piece of our Read a Thon took place today with prizes earned going home with kids. We raised over 12K for Cougar Run programming and we couldn't have done it with out Megan Noraddin and her hard work. Thank you to our incredible generous community for donating and helping Cougar Run continue to offer top notch programming at our elementary school!
#CRUNFamily
Watchdog Dad -Travis Saxton
Watchdog Dad- Itamar Hasid
Kindness Posters in Art Class
It's Anti-Bullying Spirit Week at Cougar Run!!! 10/10-10-/4
PTA Updates
Read-a-thon is all wrapped up! Thank you for your support in our first of three large fundraisers for the year. For students that collected donations, their PRIZES were sent home today, Friday, October 7th.
SAVE THE DATE!
- The Parent's Happy Hour & Auction is Saturday, November 5th from 2-5pm at the Basketball Social House in Centennial
- Tickets will be on sale soon.
- It will be an 80s Theme with Music Video Bingo!
- There will be a childcare option at school from 1:45-8pm, so you can enjoy dinner after our happy hour.
- It will be the biggest night of the year! Get excited! Let's raise some serious money for our school!
Spotlight On~ Beckie McEachen Volunteer Coordinator
Cougar Run's School Funding Needs
The November 8 election is upon us and an issue on the ballot is about school funding which is titled 5A and 5B. Please take a look at the following links to help answer any questions you might have as well as provide facts about how school funding works.
2023 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!!!
Art Contest Opportunity
Does your kiddo like to draw in their free time at home? Does your kiddo have a piece of artwork that you think is amazing? The CASB (Colorado Association of School Boards) is hosting their annual student art contest and exhibit. All submissions are due by Friday, October 14th. Please contact Lindsay Barlow (lbarlow@dcsdk12.org) if your kiddo is interested in participating and would like more information.
Upcoming Important Dates
October 17-21- No School Fall Break
October 28-Halloween Parties/ Outdoor Costume Parade
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)