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The Cougar Connection
Principal News & Notes: February 2025
Let's Spread Kindness!
Dear Cougars,
As we approach February 14th, a day often associated with love and friendship, let’s take this opportunity to focus on something that makes our school community truly special—kindness! Every day presents a new chance to be kind, and even the smallest actions can have a lasting impact.
At school, we are encouraging students to practice kindness in simple but meaningful ways, such as:
❤️ Giving a compliment to a classmate or teacher
💙 Including someone who may feel left out
💛 Writing a kind note to a friend or family member
💚 Helping a peer with a task or sharing supplies
💜 Expressing gratitude by saying “thank you”
You can continue the kindness conversation at home by:
✨ Encouraging your child to share one kind thing they did each day
✨ Writing positive messages together to leave in lunchboxes or around the house
✨ Reading books about kindness and discussing how characters show compassion
✨ Modeling kindness by expressing appreciation for others in front of your child
Every interaction is a chance to show kindness, whether through words, gestures, or simply a smile. Let’s work together to make kindness a daily habit, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond our school walls.
Thank you for being a part of this caring community!
With gratitude,
Principal Hambrecht
Coming Up At Cold Spring
February Calendar
Cold Spring Elementary School Website
Cold Spring Elementary School Phone Number: 240-740-4390
February 4th - PTA Meeting (In-Person, 7:00pm)
February 7th - Cougar House Color Day
February 12th - Instrumental Music Winter Concert (6:00pm)
February 13th - Cold Spring Geography Bee
February 14th - Happy Valentine's Day, Valentine Parties (2:00pm)
February 17th - President's Day - No School for Students
February 19th - 4th Grade Field Trip to Kids Museum
February 20th - Harlem Wizards Assembly
February 25th - Yearbook Club & Group Photos
February 28th - PTA Donuts with Grownups Event, Early Release Day
Celebrate Black History Month
Black History Month, observed every February, is a time to recognize, honor, and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black individuals throughout history. It was established to highlight the significant role Black Americans have played in shaping society, despite facing adversity and systemic challenges. The month serves as a reminder of the struggles for justice and equality, while also amplifying the cultural, artistic, and intellectual contributions of the Black community.
Celebrating Black History Month is important because it fosters understanding, promotes inclusivity, and ensures that the stories and accomplishments of Black individuals are acknowledged and valued. It is a time for reflection, education, and action toward a more just and equitable society.
To dig deeper into Black history, consider:
📚 Reading Books – Explore literature by Black authors and about key historical figures.
🎥 Watching Documentaries – Learn through films and series that highlight Black history and culture.
🏛 Visiting Museums – Engage with exhibits that showcase Black heritage, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
🗣 Having Conversations – Discuss the significance of Black history with family, friends, and colleagues.
✊ Supporting Black-Owned Businesses – Show appreciation for the contributions of Black entrepreneurs and artists.
By embracing and exploring Black history, we ensure that its lessons, triumphs, and legacies continue to inspire generations to come.
Important Information
Counselor Appreciation Week (February 3rd - 7th):
Next week we celebrate Ms. Felsher, our wonderful school counselor during National School Counseling Week, with the theme “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive."
National School Counseling Week focuses public attention on the unique contribution professional school counselors make in helping students; such as:
● Supporting students in achieving academic success, developing social-emotional skills, planning their career paths, preparing for college, and maximizing their potential.
● Guiding students in exploring their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents to foster career awareness and development.
● Assisting parents and caregivers in promoting their children's educational, personal, and social growth.
● Collaborating with teachers and educators to help students identify their potential and set attainable goals.
● Meeting the needs of all students through prevention and intervention programs within a comprehensive school counseling framework that emphasizes leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, ensuring equity, access, and rigorous educational opportunities for every student.
Let's shower Ms. Felsher with love and appreciation for all she does for our Cold Spring community!!
Lost & Found:
Our lost and found is overflowing. Please feel free to come in and check for any items that may be yours. The lost and found is located in our cafeteria.
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!
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING:
Checkout the MCPS requirements here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/student-leadership/volunteer/
Spotlight on Specials
Want to know about Music, Art, PE, and Media? Click below for our spotlight on specials!
In Our Community
Join Wootton High School for these important and fun events!
The Cold Spring Family Handbook
Cold Spring Elementary School
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