
The Cougar Connection
Principal News & Notes: May 2025
Staff Appreciation Week May 5th - 9th
Dear Cold Spring Community,
As we celebrate Staff Appreciation Week, we pause to recognize and honor the heart of our school—our incredible educators and staff members. Each day, they show up with passion, patience, and purpose, shaping the minds and lives of our students in ways that leave a lasting imprint.
Educators wear many hats: they are mentors, motivators, listeners, and leaders. The work they do often goes beyond the classroom. Long after the final bell rings, they continue grading papers, planning lessons, offering support, and thinking about how to reach every learner. Their time, commitment, and selflessness—often putting the needs of others before their own—reflect a deep dedication to this profession and to the success of every child.
We are deeply grateful for the countless hours our staff invest to create safe, welcoming, and challenging learning environments. They inspire curiosity, nurture confidence, and empower students to believe in their potential. The impact of an educator does not end at the classroom door; it echoes through a student’s entire life.
To all our teachers, support staff, counselors, specialists, and administrators—thank you. Your work matters more than words can fully express. You are making a difference every single day, and we are so fortunate to have you as part of our Cold Spring family.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Principal Hambrecht
Coming Up At Cold Spring
May Calendar
Cold Spring Elementary School Website
Cold Spring Elementary School Phone Number: 240-740-4390
May 1st - MCAP Testing Grade 3 & 5
May 2nd - MCAP Testing Grade 3, Field Trip Grade 1 to King Barn Mooseum, Kindergarten Orientation
May 5th - Grade 4 & 5 MCAP Testing, Grade 3 Field Trip to Smithsonian
May 7th - National Walk & Roll to School Day, Grade 4 MCAP Testing, April/May Birthday Bash
May 8th - Grade 4 & 5 MCAP Testing
May 9th - Patrol Picnic, Grade 4 MCAP Testing, Practice Fire Drill
May 16th - Field Day
May 19th - MAP Testing Grade 5 & K
May 20th - PTA Meeting (Elections)
May 21st - MAP Testing Grade 4 & 5
May 22nd - Grade 4 Field Trip to Great Falls, Grade 5 Cabin John Visitation Day
May 23rd - Grade 4 MAP Testing, Kindergarten Field Trip to National Trolly Museum, Cougar House Meeting
May 26th - Memorial Day No School for Students or Staff
May 28th - MAP Testing Grade 1 & 3
May 29th - MAP Testing Grade 3, June/July Birthday Bash, Spring Instrumental Music Concert
May 30th - MAP Testing Grade 2, Cold Spring Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Important Information
Walk & Roll To School Day:
National Walk & Roll to School Day is next Wednesday, May 7th! Show your school spirit, feel great moving and help the planet by walking or rolling to school!
Field Day Volunteers:
Field Day 2025 is quickly approaching! This year’s event is on Friday, May 16th and Mrs. Lewis is looking for volunteers to help make it another fun and successful day of physical activity. If you are available and willing to volunteer your time, please sign up for one of the slots at the link below. Feel free to email Mrs. Lewis with any questions you might have. Thank you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050F4EAFA629A3FC1-56512362-field
Cold Spring Spring Landscaping Day:
Please join us at Cold Spring Elementary Saturday, May 10th from 9 AM - 11 AM to clean up and mulch the flower beds around Cold Spring. Be sure to bring your gardening gloves and tools. SSL hours are available for middle and high school students. This event is weather dependent and will be canceled if it rains. If you have any questions please reach out to marykbarr@gmail.com.
Feasibility Study Community Meetings:
In exciting news, Cold Spring community members are invited to participate in Community Engagement Sessions with MCPS regarding our feasibility study and options for Cold Spring. Your voice is needed and wanted in this process.
Click HERE for all details.
Introducing the First Ever Wootton Cluster Renaissance Gala:
The Wootton Renaissance Gala is a distinguished black-tie affair hosted by the African American Student Parent Network (AASPN) Wootton Cluster, celebrating excellence and achievements of our African American students. Please click below to view the invitation and purchase tickets!
Purchase Tickets HERE
You Are Invited...
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
We are thrilled to invite all of our incredible volunteers to a special Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast in your honor! Whether you've supported lunch and recess, helped with copies, read with students, chaperoned field trips, or attended assemblies—your time and dedication have made a meaningful difference in our school community.
Please join us as we celebrate you and express our heartfelt gratitude for all the ways you've shown up for our students and staff. Your generosity and support help make our school a warm, welcoming, and thriving place to learn and grow.
Date: May 30, 2025
Time: 8:30-9:30am
Location: Cold Spring Elementary School
We look forward to sharing this morning of thanks with you!
Calling All 5th Grade Students
Would you like to speak at promotion?
Promotion is right around the corner! What a great time for students to reflect on all they have accomplished their elementary career. Interested in speaking at promotion? This is an optional assignment for anyone who would like a chance to speak at our promotion ceremony on June 13th at 6:30pm at Wootton High School. Use the following slideshow as a guide to your speech writing, as it clearly communicates the criteria. Anyone who prints and turns in their speech to Mrs. Hambrecht by May 27, 2025 will be considered. Three students will be selected to speak at promotion based on the "Criteria for Success" checklist. Cold Spring staff members will read the speeches and select the top three. We can't wait to hear your speeches!
Slideshow: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1VAHsGbWA6PVdLQHk65560FJhi1BpkDPk5HVZOUe05iE/edit?usp=sharing
Have fun and we cannot wait to read some amazing speeches!
Spotlight on Specials
Want to know about Music, Art, PE, and Media? Click below for our spotlight on specials!
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