Cottonwood News
November 2024
A Note from our Principal
Happy 1st Day of November! We're coming off the Halloween and October rush and looking ahead to a busy November and December here at CES. I just scheduled our 5th grade Orchestra/Band concert, and while it's weeks away I know it will be here before we know it!
For now, however, we'll celebrate a successful October as we look to November. We had a great turnout for Parent/Teacher Conferences; thank you for taking time out to share with your child's teacher and check in on your child's progress. We know strong communication between home and school helps students thrive academically and socially, so we value and appreciate our time with you.
We also appreciate all the families and friends, near and far, who gave to the PTO Fundraiser! Our goal was $20,000, and we raised nearly $30,000 because of your willingness to use social media and push out posts, plus your own generous giving. Our 'Move it Day' was a fun way to note we reached our goal. I'll continue celebrating with the students over the next few weeks. Every student gets to share in the fun, regardless of how much they raised. I'll also push out grant forms to teachers in the upcoming days. We know we have some tech needs that are bigger purchases, and I'm thrilled that we can utilize PTO funds to help with those. Again, we are so grateful for your giving and our PTO for making sure our teachers, staff, and students have what they need to reach and teach, and be their best selves here at CES!!
We wish you a month full of gratefulness and Thanksgiving cheer!
With education at heart,
Michelle
'Move It' Day was a blast!
THANK YOU Cottonwood Families for helping us to exceed our fundraiser goal!
CES Apparel Store is open!
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your Cottonwood fan? The online apparel store is open and taking holiday orders through November 18. New items have been added for the winter.
Scan the QR code or click the button below to order now!
Veteran's Day is Monday, November 11th
5th Graders at Starbase
Car Rider Procedure Reminder:
Arrival - The school doors will remain locked until our first bell at 8:35 A.M. If you are in the Car Rider Line, children may NOT exit your vehicle, until the doors open. If you need to walk your child to class, or visit the office, you must park in the south parking lot, and check-in through the Office. Students may not be dropped off in the south parking lot. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule. This is a District Wide Mandate, and it will be followed, as it ensures the safety of our staff and our students.
Late Arrivals after 8:45 A.M. - The school day starts at 8:45 A.M. Promptly at 8:45 A.M. Bell, the northside doors will be locked. If your child arrives late, please drop your child off at the front of the building. Students will be checked in, and sent to class.
Dismissal - All Cottonwood families received a Car Tag at the beginning of the school year. This number MUST be displayed in order for your child to be released to you in the Car Rider line. Please have your Card Tag clear and visible in your windshield or passenger side window. If there is no Car Tag, the parent/guardian will be asked to go to the Office to pick up their student(s). This is for the safety and well-being of our staff and students, and there will be no exceptions. While in the Car Rider line, it is important that you pull up as far as possible to allow us to dismiss students smoothly and quickly. Parents are NOT allowed to park and walk up to get their students. This creates an unsafe situation and will not be allowed.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep our children safe!
Lost and Found
Please check the Lost & Found before the holiday break. There are many jackets, sweatshirts, lunch boxes and other miscellaneous items.
CES School Store is Open!
"I need money, it's Tuesday and the school store is open." Have you heard that recently? Yes, the school store is back and stocked. Our Cottonwood Student Council manages and maintains the school store on Tuesday mornings. Students can bring money to purchase a variety of items including erasers, pencils, pens, highlighters, puddy, fidgets, etc. Prices range from $.50 to $2.75. Proceeds from the store help to support our classroom teachers and service projects throughout the year.
Classroom Counselor Time: This month, we are starting Safer, Smart Kids Curriculum.
Kindergarten - The Importance of Safety Rules
First - Safety Rules, Grown-up Buddies and Trusted Triangles
Second - Review of Safety Superstar Tools
Third - Good Citizenship
Fourth - Kids Bill of Rights
Fifth - Peer Pressure: Finding the Courage Within You
Thought for the day: "Be thankful for everything that happens in your life: it's all an experience."
Roy T. Bennett
American Education Week: The week of November 18th - 22nd is American Education Week. Please go over the value of an education with your child. Have them plan educational goals. Please also tell your child the importance of respecting his/her teacher.
Thanksgiving: The Thanksgiving holiday will be celebrated on November 28, 2024. Go over the importance of this holiday with your child. Make a list with your child of all the things that you have to be thankful for on a daily basis. This activity really helps children learn to appreciate things. Please remember to continue to focus on the true meaning of the holiday. Thankfulness is an expression of gratitude. When I appreciate what others have done for me or have given to me, I let them know by saying, "Thank you." Another activity is to brainstorm ways to show gratitude to others for all that they have done for you.
Holiday Help:- I know the holidays can be a struggle for some families. If you need any help or your child needs a new coat for winter, and this is a struggle, please let me know.
Enjoy the holiday break with your child!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Marcie Faust-LCPC/NBCC
Cottonwood Counselor
316-218-4620 ext. 2
The health office staff has been working on Hearing and Vision Screenings since the beginning of the school year. We screen Kdg, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th grades. The health office will only notify parents if your student has not passed the screening for hearing or vision. If you have any questions concerning hearing or vision, please contact the health office.
Cold and Flu season has begun. Please talk with your physician about receiving the Flu and COVID booster vaccine for this year. Help us keep our students and our staff safe and healthy this season.
Here are some tips and reminders :
-Make sure your student wears a coat, including hats, scarves, and gloves. The weather can be very cool in the morning and warm in the afternoons this time of year, so layers are a good idea. Please keep in mind your children do have morning, afternoon or both recess times.
-Keeping hydrated is key this time of year, as well. Encourage drinking plenty of fluids; water, juice, Gatorade, etc.
-Get plenty of rest and sleep at night.
- Consider throwing away your child's toothbrush after an illness. We forget how those moist bristles trap various germs, and are an excellent breeding ground for more.
-And, the most important thing of all...WASH those HANDS with SOAP!!! Stay healthy!
The health office is always in need of clean, gently used clothing and underwear. We are currently in need of boys' and girls' underwear, sizes 4-5, 6-8, and 10-12. We need girls' pants, sizes 6-8, and 10-12.
Thank you!
Denis Rebel, school nurse
rebeld@usd385.org
Emily Graber, health clerk
grabere@usd385.org
Our next PTO Meeting is Thursday, November 21st
The Cottonwood PTO consists of parents and teachers working together to enhance the Cottonwood experience for students, teachers, staff, and parents. Please note: This month's PTO meeting will start at 6:30!
Childcare is provided in the gymnasium!
Mark your calendars for the meetings we have scheduled this school year:
November 21st, January 16th, March 13th, and April 10th.
We hope you will join us!
Dates to Remember...
November 4 - NO SCHOOL (In-service day for teachers)
November 8 - Explorations
November 11-22 - Food Drive
November 15 - Explorations
November 20 - 4th grade to Art Museum/Century II
November 22 - Explorations
November 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break
Communication is Key
School website: http://cottonwood.usd385.org/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CottonwoodElementary
PTO Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cottonwoodelementarypto/
Andover Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndoverSchools
Peachjar-- Peachjar is an “electronic backpack” system where schools post calendars, activity information from enrichment providers, and school letters. This system is used exclusively for distribution of school-approved fliers. Your email address will not be shared or used for any other purpose.
Cottonwood Elementary
Email: adlerm@usd385.org
Website: http://cottonwood.usd385.org/
Location: 1747 N Andover Rd, Andover, KS, United States
Phone: 316-218-4620