Cottonwood News
August 28th, 2017
Back to School-Mrs. Rooks
On behalf of the staff at Cottonwood Elementary School, I would like to welcome you to the 2017-18 school year! Even as I start my 15th year as Cottonwood's principal, "Back to School" is always an exciting time. So many new school supplies, back packs and friends. The first few days brought classroom meetings, team building and review of procedures. We are looking forward to getting to know our 394 students and their families.
I would like to welcome Ms. Eliana Martinez and Mrs. Lindsey Ralston to our Cottonwood family. Ms. Martinez will be teaching music at Cottonwood, after 18 years in the Wichita schools. Mrs. Ralston will be teaching 4th grade, after 7 years in the Shawnee Mission schools.
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
Breafast is served from 8:20-8:50.
After school dismissal is at 3:45. Please continue to follow the traffic patterns. It helps the adults if you have the name cards in the side windows. If you have suggestions on how to make our process and flow of traffic safer, feel free to share your ideas.
Food Service -$10.00
end of this three-day period, Andover Food Services has not been notifed 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
Before the day started
Meet Your Teacher Night
3rd Graders, right before the rains came
Picture Day is August 31st from 9:00-1:00 Students need to bring their packets!
Lake Cottonwood-A Memorable First Day
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 will be 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 lunch time.
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. Throughout the year, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Please let me know if your child is in need of any additional school supplies. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year!!
Nurse's News
It has been a busy back to school. Julie 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 Julie Clopton
Ext:
Cottonwood Library
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 on Oct, 10th, Nov. 14th, Jan. 16th, Mar. 13th and Apr. 10th. Call Mrs. Rooks (316) 218-4620 or rookss@usd385.org for more information.
Cottonwood PTO
Throughout the year there are several opportunities to volunteer. Check out our Facebook page for more information.
Order shirts here. T-shirt orders are due Sept. 15th.
PTO officers for the 17-18 school year are:
President—Tijen Owings
Vice President—Mike Scolari
Secretary—Rachel Niebling
Treasurer—Sarah Osburn
AHS Trojan Soccer Needs You!
Needed: soccer ball handlers for home JV and Varsity games. If your child is interested, contact Rebecca Rather at jdlrus@yahoo.com or Rachelle Fairback at rfairback@yahoo.com. Your child will receive a free drink and snack at halftime as a thank you!
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/MrsDefebaugh/
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. McKenna https://www.facebook.com/1stgrademckenna/
Mrs. Hanna https://www.facebook.com/MrsHannasKindergarten/?fref=ts
Mrs. Wilson https://www.facebook.com/Wilsonart2015/?fref=ts
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 Picture Day
Thursday, Aug 31, 2017, 08:00 AM
Cottonwood Elementary School, North Andover Road, Andover, KS, United States
PTO Night at AllStar Adventures
Friday, Sep 1, 2017, 06:00 PM
All Star Adventures, North Webb Road, Wichita, KS, United States
PTO Sonic Night
Tuesday, Sep 12, 2017, 05:00 PM
Sonic Drive-In, North Andover Road, Andover, KS, United States
Trojans in Training at AHS FB game
Thursday, Sep 14, 2017, 06:30 PM
Andover District Stadium, West Allison Street, Andover, KS, United States
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