As we welcome 2025, I hope this message finds you and your loved ones in good health and high spirits. The start of a new year is a wonderful time for reflection and resolution. Looking back on 2024, we are proud of all that our students, staff, and families have accomplished together. From academic achievements to moments of kindness and community, every milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication that make our school such a special place.

As we look ahead, 2025 is full of opportunities for growth, learning, and joy. This year, our school theme, “Doing Our Best Every Day,” will guide us in everything we do. For our young learners, this means showing perseverance in their studies, embracing challenges with courage, and celebrating every small success along the way. In classrooms, it will sound like encouraging words, thoughtful questions, and meaningful conversations. Around the community, it will look like helping hands, cheerful smiles, and a strong commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

Our hopes and dreams for our students in 2025 are as big as their imaginations. We aim to nurture their curiosity, build their confidence, and inspire them to reach for their goals—whatever they may be. By focusing on doing our best every day, we can create an atmosphere where all children feel empowered to learn, grow, and thrive.

We know that the journey is smoother and the results are greater when we work together. Families, your partnership is essential in helping us achieve our shared goals. Whether it's through staying engaged in your child’s education, volunteering at school events, or fostering a love of learning at home, your support makes all the difference. Together, we can create an environment where every child has the tools and encouragement they need to succeed.

Here’s to a year filled with health, happiness, and meaningful accomplishments. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember by “doing our best every day” and celebrating the incredible potential of our young learners.

With gratitude and excitement for the year ahead,

Principal Hambrecht

Cold Spring Elementary School Website

Cold Spring Elementary School Phone Number: 240-740-4390

January 1st - New Years Day - No School

January 3rd - Cougar House Color Day

January 6th - MAP-M Testing Grades 3 & 4

January 7th - PTA Meeting

January 8th - MAP-P Testing Grade K, MAP-M Testing Grade 5

January 9th - MAP-P Testing Grade 1

January 10th - MAP-R Testing Grade 4, Grade 1 Field Trip to Imagination Stage, PTA After School Read- A- Thon (Grades 3-5)

January 13th - MAP-R Testing Grade 3

January 15th - MAP-P Testing Grade 2

January 16th - Hoover Middle School Visits Cold Spring (Grade 5), MAP-R Testing Grade 5

January 17th - Spelling Bee

January 20th - No School

January 24th - December & January Birthday Bash

January 29th - Professional Day, No school for students

January 30th - PTA STEM Fair

We are and continue to receive a number of questions regarding Gifted and Talented Identification, Selections for the Center for Enrichment, and how we enrich using our curriculums. In an effort to provide you with the most detail and up to date information, we have created a One Stop Shop for you as a resource and support. Thanks, to Ms. Galusha, our Staff Development Teacher and GT Liaison, this information is extremely comprehensive. Please take a moment to explore and we hope you find this useful.

GT, CES, and Enrichment Overview One Stop Shop

NEW MealViewer for Breakfast & Lunch:

The Division of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) has made it easier to view student’s school menus. MCPS students, parents, and community members can now view school menus with MealViewer, providing increased access to:

• School specific menu offerings
• Nutritional information for each meal
• View and filter by the top allergens

MealViewer can be accessed on a computer browser, through the MealViewer app on Android and iPhone, or using any browser on a smartphone. No sign-in or passwords are required to view menus. It is also possible (but not required) to rate food items, star favorite items, utilize a nutrition calculator, and create a profile. Check out your school's menu today!

MAP Testing:

Students will participate in MAP Testing during the month of January. Our primary students take MAP-P (mathematics) and our upper grade students take MAP-M and MAP-R (mathematics and reading). These assessments will provide useful data for our teachers and scores will be published on ParentVUE soon after the window closes. Ms. Clark is our testing coordinator and can answer any questions you may have...just reach out!

MCPS Operating Status:

MCPS uses a color-coded system to communicate normal operations to school closures. Please click on the picture below to read and learn more. Be sure to sign up to receive MCPS emergency information as well as download the Remind app to stay in the know.

CLICK HERE for all code details.

Cold Weather Is Here:

January is looking to be very cold. Please make sure to dress your children appropriately as we will aim to be outside when temperatures allow. We always check with our cluster colleagues when weather temps are questionable in order to make sure we are in alignment with other elementary schools.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING:

Checkout the MCPS requirements here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/student-leadership/volunteer/

Want to know about Music, Art, PE, and Media? Click below for our spotlight on specials!

Help Capture the Memories

If you have photos from the first day of school, back-to-school social, bingo night, book fair, or any other event, that you'd like to submit for inclusion in this year's Yearbook, please upload them here: https://bit.ly/2425CSESYearbookPhotos. It’s easiest to do from a computer!

If you'd like to help with the yearbook, check out our volunteer opportunities: https://bit.ly/2425CSESYearbookSignUp. We’re especially looking for 5th-grade parents to help with the 5th-grade spread.

Please contact Principal Hambrecht or Assistant School Administrator Clark with any questions!

Email: Natalie_M_Hambrecht@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/coldspringes/
Location: 9201 Falls Chapel Way, Potomac, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-4390