Cougar Connection
November
From the Principal...
Hello Colbert Families!
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting news about our school's progress and the important steps we've recently taken to enhance the educational experience for your children.
In our ongoing commitment to provide the best education possible, we have worked diligently to create new mission and vision statements for Colbert School. We believe that having a clear mission and vision is essential in guiding our efforts, setting goals, and ensuring that every child who passes through our doors receives the best possible education and support.
Our Vision:
Students will leave Colbert Elementary as kind citizens, with the emotional and academic stamina to be future ready.
This vision statement encapsulates our aspirations for every student at Colbert School. We want our students to not only be academically prepared for the challenges of the future but also to be compassionate and empathetic individuals who contribute positively to society. We aim to instill in them the emotional resilience and moral compass needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Our Mission:
We will create a safe and inclusive environment with positive relationships to foster learning and personal growth. We will meet each child where they are, adapting our teaching to their individual needs.
Our mission statement reflects the core values and principles that guide us in our daily work. We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment where each child feels valued and included. By building positive relationships with students, parents, and our community, we create a foundation for effective learning and personal growth. We understand that every child is unique, and our mission is to meet them at their level, adapting our teaching to suit their individual needs.
These statements are more than just words on paper. They represent a shared commitment between the school and our families to provide the best possible education and support to our students. We believe that by having a clear vision and mission, we can better focus our efforts and provide a well-rounded educational experience for your children.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to reach out!
Cari Trowbridge
Principal
From the Music Room...
A BIG thank you to our Colbert PTO for sponsoring our annual 4th grade field trip to the Fox Theater to hear our Spokane Symphony play. Students have been learning about the different sections of the orchestra and the instruments in these sections. It was a thrilling experience to hear these musicians live! If you want to experience this music with your child, get a ticket to an upcoming symphony performance. FYI: K-12 students get in free to all Masterworks Series concerts.
A Note from Our Counselor...
While we've had a heat wave for the month of October, the weather is sure to get cold real soon. As the temperatures drop, we will be digging out those winter coats and boots. If your child is in need of a winter coat, snow boots or snow pants, please reach out and let me know if I can help with those costs.
The Holiday Season is just around the corner. Our Tree of Sharing opens on Monday, November 13th. If your family could use a little help this Thanksgiving and/or Christmas please fill out the Holiday Letter below and return it to school by Friday, November 3rd. If you need Christmas support, be sure to fill out the Wish List Form as well. If you have any questions please email or call me at jennifer.hoglund@mead354.org, 509-465-6367. Thank you!
Jenn Hoglund
Colbert Elementary
School Counselor
465-6367
Pick Up/Drop Off Line Reminders
- Do not park or get out of your car in the line.
- Please pull all the way forward when possible.
- Have students enter and leave your car on the passenger side.
- Please be respectful to other drivers as well as our school staff.
- Do not use the handicap parking spots unless you have a handicap sticker.
News From PTO...
Hello Colbert Families!
You are invited to our next PTO meeting on November 2nd at 3:30pm. This is a great way to hear about some fun events happening at Colbert!
Veterans Day Assembly: We would like to invite all Veterans in our Colbert community to come to our Veterans Day Assembly on Thursday, November 9th. Our students and staff would like to be able to express our gratitude and recognize the Veterans that are a part of our community. The assembly will start at 1:30pm in the gymnasium at Colbert Elementary School. Please plan to arrive by 1:15pm if possible. This event is open for all families in our community. We would love to have you a part of our assembly if you can make it. Please remember seating can be limited.
We are looking for old Colbert t-shirts. We have a volunteer making a quilt with vintage Colbert T-shirts. Do you happen to have one you would like to donate? Please bring the old t-shirt to the office if you happen to have one!
Tree of Sharing: The tree will be open November 13th. You may grab a tag after school from 3:00pm - 3:30pm. We would LOVE some volunteers to help pass out tags. Please consider signing up to volunteer at the link below. Unwrapped gifts are DUE: Dec. 11, 2023
Volunteering Link: Have you checked our volunteer needs lately? We are always looking for extra hands. HERE is the link!
Upcoming events:
11/2 - 3:30p - PTO Meeting
11/9 - Veterans Day Assembly - 1:30pm
11/10 - No School - Veterans Day
11/11 - Spokane Chiefs Hockey Night - 6:05pm
11/17 - Popcorn Friday!
11/21 - All School Spirit Day - 80"s Day!
11/21 - 5th Grade Yearbook Cover Contest sent home!
11/22 - 11/24 - No school - Thanksgiving Break
All Month - Tree of sharing
12/7 - 3:30p - PTO Meeting
12/14 - All School Spirit Day - Snowflake Day!
12/15 - Winter Celebration
12/19 - Popcorn Tuesday!
12/20 - 1/1 - No School - Winter Break
Jenny Schneider
Colbert PTO
From the Nurse...
Keeping Things Regular: Avoiding Constipation in Kids
As a nurse, I get the opportunity to share some information that may help kids stay regular. Many kids suffer from constipation and there are several potential contributing factors, including diet, hydration and behaviors. I had the opportunity to talk with the folks at Providence Continence Center to provide some valuable insight.
Let’s talk about diet - Did you know that foods high in sorbitol help trap moisture in the bowel, reducing potential constipation? Some foods high in sorbitol are mango, nectarine, apricot, cherry, grapes, pears, plums, and peaches. They are effective both fresh and dried. What foods to avoid? Bananas, dairy and cheese are not recommended. Hydration and water intake are also key in helping avoid constipation.
When is a good time to go and how long should a kid “sit and try?” The folks at the Providence Continence Center recommend sitting and trying to have a bowel movement after eating or when the child feels the urge. They have also said that for kids, a general rule of thumb is to sit and try the number of minutes equal to their age.
If your child is having challenges with toileting or constipation, please consult with your child’s medical provider. There are many factors that affect the GI system and your medical provider can help you navigate these challenges.