To our cherished school community, so bright,

We send you warm wishes this wintery night.

Through hallways that echo with laughter and cheer,

You’ve filled our hearts as the end draws near.

The frost may glisten, the air may be cold,

But kindness and warmth are treasures to hold.

Together we’ve learned, we’ve grown, we’ve thrived,

A family of hearts where joy is alive.

May your days be merry, your nights full of peace,

With moments of wonder that never cease.

As snowflakes dance and the season turns new,

We’re grateful for each of you—staff, students, and families too.

So as the year ends and we part for a while,

We send you off with a grateful smile.

May your winter break bring laughter and rest,

And a New Year ahead that’s your brightest and best.

Warm wishes from all of us, near and afar,

You’re the heart of our school—our guiding star.

Cold Spring Elementary School Website

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

December 6th - Cougar House Color Day, Hot Cocoa Friday for Patrols

December 9th - Grade 3 STEM Project - Severe Weather Structures

December 11th - Grades 3-5 Author Assembly Ruthie Prillaman

December 13th - PAWS for Partnership Event

December 17th - Cougar House Meetings

December 19th - Ugly Sweater Sing-A-Long

December 20th - Hot Cocoa Friday for Patrols, Grade 5 Winter Carnival

December 23rd - January 1st - Winter Break System Wide Closure

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

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.

2025-2026 School Year Calendar:

Please complete Round 2 Feedback!

MCPS continues to develop the 2025–2026 Traditional School Year Calendar. The district is seeking additional feedback from staff, families, students and the community. Take a moment to give us your feedback on Round 2 of the survey. The survey will close on Sunday, Dec. 1. Click here to access the survey.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING:

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

As temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, it’s important to take steps to protect your family from common illnesses like colds and the flu. Here are some tips to help keep everyone healthy this season:

1. Wash Hands Frequently

Encourage your children to wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially:

• Before eating
• After using the restroom
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose
  Hand sanitizer is a good alternative when soap and water aren’t available.

2. Cover Coughs and Sneezes

Teach children to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow, not their hands. Dispose of tissues immediately and wash hands afterward.

3. Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Foods

A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps strengthen the immune system. Drinking water throughout the day is also key to staying healthy.

4. Dress for the Weather

Make sure your child wears appropriate clothing for cold temperatures, including coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. Layers are especially helpful for staying warm during outdoor recess.

5. Get Plenty of Rest

Adequate sleep is essential for a strong immune system. Ensure your child is getting the recommended amount of sleep for their age (typically 9–12 hours per night for elementary-aged children).

6. Keep Sick Kids at Home

If your child is showing signs of illness—such as fever, cough, or fatigue—please keep them at home until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication. This helps prevent the spread of illness to others.

7. Stay Active

Regular physical activity can boost the immune system. Encourage your child to play, exercise, and spend time outdoors when weather permits.

8. Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces

At home, clean and disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and electronic devices regularly to reduce the spread of germs.

10. Encourage Open Communication

Teach your children to tell you if they’re not feeling well. Early identification of symptoms can prevent illnesses from worsening or spreading.

By following these tips, we can work together to keep our school community healthy and thriving this winter. Thank you for your support!

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

Holiday Helping Hands

As we near the holiday season, we are kicking off Cold Spring's Annual Helping Hands Program. This year the program will be carried out in partnership with The Salvation Army and Wootton PTSA's holiday program which supports local families in the Wootton Cluster. Our program will run from November 11 - December 6, and we will be collecting new, unwrapped clothing, toys and books, plus gift cards. Our amazing room parents have all the information and will be sending out more to families throughout the next month. Thank you so much for your support of the Helping Hands Program!

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.

Winter break is a wonderful time for relaxation and family connection, but it’s also a great opportunity to keep learning alive in fun and engaging ways! Here are some simple, accessible activities that support academic growth and encourage curiosity during the holiday season:

Reading Challenges

• Set a Family Reading Goal: Challenge everyone to read a certain number of books, pages, or minutes during the break.
• Create a Winter Reading Bingo: Fill a bingo card with prompts like “read a book with snow on the cover” or “read under a blanket with hot cocoa.”
• Library Adventures: Visit your local library to pick out books as a family. Many libraries also offer online access to e-books and audiobooks through platforms like OverDrive or Libby.
• Storytelling Night: Take turns reading aloud as a family or make up your own winter-themed stories.

Educational Games

• Word Games: Play classics like Scrabble, Boggle, or online word puzzles such as Wordle.
• Math Adventures: Try math-focused apps like Prodigy, Sumdog, or Bedtime Math for engaging problem-solving activities.
• Trivia Fun: Play family-friendly trivia games like Brain Quest or Kahoot!
• Logic and Strategy: Board games like Chess, Checkers, or Clue build critical thinking skills in a fun way.

Creative Activities

• Build Something Together: Try a Lego challenge, create a gingerbread house, or tackle a craft project using recyclable materials.
• Winter Science Experiments: Explore simple experiments like making snowflake crystals with borax or testing what materials keep water warm the longest.
• Write a Letter: Encourage your child to write letters to family members, friends, or even characters from their favorite stories.

Outdoor Exploration

• Nature Walks: Bundle up and explore the outdoors. Have your child identify signs of winter or collect natural items to use in crafts.
• Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find, like a pinecone, animal tracks, or something red.

Digital Resources

• Educational Websites: Sites like ABCmouse, Khan Academy, and PBS Kids offer free or low-cost learning games and videos.
• Virtual Field Trips: Explore museums, zoos, or historical sites online through virtual tours.
• Coding for Kids: Platforms like Code.org or Scratch teach basic programming in a fun and interactive way.

Family Connection Activities

• Cooking Together: Involve your child in following recipes to practice reading, math, and life skills.
• Create a Winter Journal: Encourage your child to write or draw about their daily adventures, thoughts, or favorite moments from the break.

These activities provide opportunities to learn while having fun as a family. Thank you for partnering with us to make this winter break both restful and enriching for your child.

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