Catlin Cougars, it's has been a great start to the year!

It has been a great August as we've welcomed students back into the building. Our Cougars have been hard at work learning and practicing procedures, routines, and expectations, and showing off our skills in all subject areas.

As we are getting back into the swing of things, I want to take a few moments to talk about the importance of regular school attendance. We understand that there are times when students need to stay home from school, and our goal at Catlin Arts is for every student to attend school for 95% or more of the school year (absent 9 or less days). Last year, we had 69 out of 122 students hit this goal, and we can do even better this year.

Research shows that there is a direct correlation between student attendance and academic achievement. Students who attend school for at least 95% of the year do better in every academic area. If you are having trouble getting your child to school in the morning, please reach out and let myself or your child's teacher know. We have resources available and can help brainstorm a plan. If you are looking for ways to help your Cougar strive for 95%, we recommend:

• Establishing a regular bed time and morning routine.
• Prepare materials and clothing the evening before.
• Schedule medical appointments and extended trips when school is not in session.
  
• Encourage attendance.
• Communicate with the school.

We are always looking to improve our attendance at Catlin Arts. If you are in need of support, reach out today! 531.299.1180.

Ty Hottovy, Catlin Arts Principal

This morning, we had our August Hall of Fame ceremony and we celebrated 11 students (one from each grade level as well as art, music, strings, library, and PE). These students were selected by their teachers for their respectful, responsible, safe, and kind behavior.

Please check Class Dojo for a picture of our August Inductees!

Be sure to be on time as well! Being late each day can really add up!

• Being 5 minutes late each day=2.09 days of lost learning throughout the year
• 10 minutes late each day=4.20 days of lost learning
• 30 minutes late each day=12.59 days of lost learning
• 60 minutes late each day=25.19 days of lost learning
  

On August 23rd, we had PERFECT ATTENDANCE Schoolwide! What a great way to set the tone for a great year of attendance.

• School Hours are 8:50-4:05. We open the doors each morning at 8:30 to welcome students into the building. Grab and Go Breakfast is available for all students on their way to class.
  
• School breakfast and lunch are FREE for all students! Extra items and milk for cold lunches do cost extra. You can create an account and add money at: www.schoolcafe.com/OMAHAPS. A second lunch for a student this year is $2.70 and milk is 50 cents. An adult lunch costs $4.60.

Hello Catlin Cougars!

My name is Veronica Pankowski, and I’m so excited to be your new resource teacher. I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. In the spring, I graduated from the Teacher Career Ladder Program at Midland University with a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Special Education. I also have a bachelor’s degree in General Administration and secondary fields in Biology and Spanish. My husband and I have been married for seven years now. We have two cats and a dog. In my free time I enjoy crocheting, making jewelry, and embroidering by hand.

School Picture Day is on September 14. You can pre-order online by visiting www.scholasticphotography.com or by scanning the QR code. Use the keyword: Cougars

Thank you to all of the parent figures that were able to make it to our PTA meeting last night! We had representation from almost every grade and we had a great mix of teachers, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Coming to a meeting is one way to engage with your child's education. We hope to see you at the next one on September 21 at 6pm. A virtual link will be available and you are always welcome to bring your Cougars along as well.

We are lucky that we have a small school with a relatively easy drop-off and pick-up. Please follow these directions and refer to the map below to help us keep it safe and smooth.

• The green line shows the one-way traffic pattern during drop-off and pick-up. We ask that you stay in your vehicle at all times on this route.
  
• The red circles are stop signs. Don't forget to go slow and stop!
• You may also pull into the yellow areas to park and walk your child to school. Your car should not block the thru route. Please ALWAYS WALK WITH YOUR CHILD when crossing traffic.
  

• Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade 11:45-12:15
• 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade 12:20-12:50