Cougar Community Connection
Principal, Shannon McPherson
5/3/24
Dear CRUNFamily,
Field day was a fantastic way for us to celebrate the culmination of the year and what amazing weather we had for this special day. The kids had a blast engaging in the fun activities that Mrs. Hinkle set up. A huge shout out to all of the parents who volunteered to help out with this annual tradition we have here at CRUN. Speaking of the year coming to a close, our staff engaged in a professional development with our school psychologist, Mrs. Bowman, this week on the topic of helping kids navigate the emotions of endings and ideas/strategies for how to say goodbye in healthy and positive ways. We often see our students start to "spin out" this time of year as they are trying to process the confusing feelings we all have when an end is approaching. Some of our kids become more dysregulated at school, often times lashing out at peers and staff members with heightened emotions. The reality is that for some, it feels easier to leave when they are angry or create negative situations that allow them to care less about leaving their current classroom families. The truth for many of our students is that if they are mad, walking away is less painful. We can use your help, parents, in starting to have these conversations with your kids about how to navigate their emotions of sadness, loss etc. and create positive ways to say goodbye to staff and peers. You can encourage them to share their feelings with you and you can help make suggestions to kids about healthy ways they can part ways and open to the excitement of a new beginning rather than a painful ending. Encourage them to open up to you about their feelings and channel them in a way that allows kids to feel empowered to make a positive mark with their goodbyes rather than a disruptive, negative departure. Acknowledging that goodbyes can be difficult, but they are a part of life and we get to CHOOSE how we leave our mark on others. With your support, you can help your kids learn the life skills they need to weather challenges in positive and resilient ways. "Life is not waiting for the storm to pass, but rather learning how to dance in the rain."
Field Day Fun!!!
Kindies Loving their 6th Grade Leader
Parachute Fun
A Note From PTA
- Thank you to everyone that came out to support our teachers and Cougar Run at Cold Stone Creamery on Wednesday! It was an amazing turn out, and your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Upcoming Events
- Teacher and Staff Appreciation week is May 6-10 with a Hawaiian theme
- The PTA would love to get the students involved by writing notes and drawing pictures to express their appreciation.
- Students can bring in their notes and drawings any time during the week
- Our last PTA meeting is Friday, May 10th at 8:45am. We meet in the Learning Commons or by Zoom. Everyone is welcome to attend as we wrap up the year.
- HipPOP Gelato Bars Food Truck will be at Cougar Run Park May 14 from 2:30-4:30pm
- Our FREE end of the year CARNIVAL is Thursday, May 23rd from 3:30-5pm.
- There will be 10 FREE carnival games with prizes
- There will be a Face Painting station
- There will be cold, sweet treats for purchase
Spring Portraits and Class Group Photos
Spring portraits and class group photos are now available for viewing and purchase! DR-PHOTO has uploaded the galleries for families to access, view, and order their portraits. Families can access their photos by visiting the link below and entering their private password which is your child's Student ID#. Simply click on the direct link provided here: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001106055. Get ready to relive those memorable moments captured during the spring season!
Lost and Found
We wanted to bring to your attention the overflowing lost and found items currently in our school. There are mountains of coats, jackets, lunch boxes, water bottles, and various other belongings that have been left unclaimed.
We kindly ask that you take a few moments to check the lost and found area to see if any of the items belong to your child. It is important to label your child's belongings with their name and contact information to prevent them from being misplaced in the future.
No Dogs on School Grounds
This one pulls on our heartstrings as we are dog people here at Cougar Run. However, the district has a strict policy about dogs not being on school grounds. The rationale is certainly rooted in safety as dogs, even on leashes, from time to time can become agitated etc and unfortunately could potentially cause harm. Allergies etc are the other safety risk so we appreciate you understanding this and helping us not have to have the awkward conversation we have to have when ask folks to take their pets off campus. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Volunteer Coordinator~ Katie Busch
Next week is Teacher & Staff Appreciation. If you would like to know your teacher’s favorite things, please check their Teacher Wish List by clicking the link below. Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities CARNIVAL - On the last day of school - Thursday, May 23rd, the PTA is hosting a free Carnival event. If you are interested in helping right after school hours, please sign up using the link below.
If you are interested in any volunteer opportunities next year, please feel free to fill this Volunteer Interest Survey and email it to Katie Busch at kbusch1@dcsdk12.org.
A Note From Char-Our Registrar at CRUN
Registration for the 24-25 school year is now open!
If you have an incoming kindergarten student or know of someone who has a NEW student to register for the 24-25 school year - NOW is the time to register! Spots are filling up quick for open enrollment so be sure to tell your friends that when that window opens again on January 22nd, they need to HURRY to get a spot!
Go to this link to register your NEW 24-25 student.
See our Registration Page for more information.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
May 6-10 Staff Appreciation Week
May 10-PTA Meeting (All parents welcome!)
May 16- ROCKS Assemblies (Invitations in Friday Folders May 3) 9:00 LC, K, 1, 2, 3/ 2:15 4th-6th
May 17- 9:30 Kindy Graduation
May 17- 6th Grade DCSD Hexathalon Competition
May 20-24 CRUN BUS CANCELED
May 23- 9am 6th Grade Continuation
May 23- Last Day of School for Students
May 23- 3:30 End of Year Carnival Sponsored by PTA