CGE Family News
March 7, 2025
Important Dates Ahead...
March 7: End of Tri 2
March 10-14: Spring Break- No School
March 17: No School
March 18: School Resumes
Calendar and Schedule Updates
The latest calendar updates are available at sowashco.org/calendar.
Be Amazing! Building Our Story!
Happy Friday!
And what a week it was. This weather sure keeps us on our toes. Today marks the last day of Trimester 2. We start Trimester 3 on March 18th when the students return to school. March and April are busy months with the science fair on March 27 and MCA tests starting as well. Please see below for more information about both of those items.
I hope everyone has a nice break! See you back on Tuesday, March 18.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Gram, Principal.
20th year of Roller Skating at CGE
When: April 1-April 9 during the K-5 student’s Physical Education time.
The students can bring in their own gear and any protective equipment starting March 31 which will be stored here at school.
Skates and wrist guards have been ordered through Skate Time. We also own several pair of roller blades, elbow, knee pads, and some helmets.
All students will be required to wear a helmet and wrist guards.
Interested K-2 Parents can sign up to volunteer through this sign-up genius link 2025 Roller Skating Volunteers
All students must have a signed waiver form to participate. Your classroom teacher will send the waiver to you to fill out.
There is no fee for this unit, ALL students skate no charge.
Gina Tester and jory Jech
MCA Testing
Students in grades 3-5 will participate in MCAs beginning April 14 at CGE. Students who receive special education services and meet eligibility criteria may take the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) in math and reading, or the Alternate MCA test in science, which starts on March 31, 2025.
It is important for all students in those grades to participate in MCA testing because:
SoWashCo Schools can identify academic standards that students are doing well on
SoWashCo Schools can identify areas for improvement in curriculum and instruction
Demonstrate the achievement of SoWashCo students on mandated state reporting
SoWashCo Schools high school students can use scores for PSEO and college readiness
Please contact Candy Gram at cgram0@sowashco.org if you have concerns or questions about school testing dates and times, needed accommodations, and/or your student’s participation in MCA/MTAS testing.
For more information about the purpose and uses of the MCA/MTAS, please visit the Assessment and Grading website.
Science Fair Volunteer opportunities
We are looking for volunteers to serve as judges for our upcoming science fair on March 27th at 6:00pm! No prior experience is required. This is a fantastic opportunity for parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to engage with young, aspiring scientists and contribute to the success of the event. Judges will help students share their experience, provide positive and constructive feedback and encourage students to continue building their passion for science. It’s a fun and rewarding way to support students as they showcase their hard work. If you're interested in being a judge, please sign up today and help make this year's science fair a memorable experience for everyone involved!
Click on the SignUp Genius link to learn more information or sign up today.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EABAC2EA0F8C52-54868900-cge2025?useFullSite=true#/
Thank you!
CGE PTO
SoWashCo Community Education Youth Activities
South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) offers activities and classes for youth through SoWashCo Community Education. Activities and classes are conveniently offered at your child's school, partner locations within our community and online.
The latest activities and classes can be found on our website under Get Involved > Youth Activities.
Spring and Summer Registration is Open!
The Community Education Spring and Summer catalog will be coming out soon! Registration for classes is open! Spend your spring and summer staying active, learning a new skill or enjoying a fun hobby!
Get a sneak peek of the catalog at commed.sowashco.org/catalogs or sign up for classes at sowashco.ce.eleyo.com.
Featured Courses
DASH Sports Flag Football, Grade K-5
Learn passing, catching, rushing and defense in a fun, low-contact environment. Camp ends with scrimmages on the final two days.
- 3:55-5:15 p.m., Monday, March 31-April 14, Red Rock Elementary
- 3:55-5:15 p.m., Monday, March 31-April 14, Liberty Ridge Elementary
- 3:15-4:35 p.m., Friday, April 4-25, Grey Cloud Elementary
- 3:15-4:35 p.m., Friday, April 4-25, Middleton Elementary
- 2:30-3:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8-29, Newport Elementary,
- 3:55-4:55 p.m., Tuesday, April 8-29, Bailey Elementary
- 2:30-3:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 9-30, Royal Oaks Elementary
- 3:55-4:55 p.m., Wednesday, April 9-30, Valley Crossing Elementary
- 2:30-3:30 p.m., Thursday, April 10-May 1, Crestview Elementary
- 3:55-5:15 p.m., Thursday, April 10-24, Nuevas Fronteras Spanish Immersion
PTO CORNER
PTO Meeting Calendar:
All start at 4:30 pm in the Media Center at CGE
Tuesday, March 18th - Tuesday, Apr 15th - Tuesday, May 13th
Fundraising Nights at Culvers:
April 1 - Kindergarten
May 6 - 3rd Grade
Books and Breakfast hosted by the PTO
Each grade level will have a chance to participate throughout the year. Here are the future dates for Books and Breakfast.
May 8- 2nd Grade
May 15th – 4th Grade
March Lunchroom Visitors
CGE will be able to host limited lunch time visitors between , October 22– May 1 this school year. Based on space and safety requirements, one family member listed in Parent Portal may sign up using our March Sign Up to accompany their child at our guest lunch table. Our reservation link for March is live CLICK HERE We ask families to review the process below so that we can ensure this practice is available:
- Sign up for the visit no later than the day prior to your visit. One guest only.
- Upon arrival for the visit, present identification and complete the Raptor screening.
- Wear the visitor badge so that it is visible during the entirety of the visit.
- Go directly to the lunchroom and eat in the guest space with your student.
- No friends or additional students will be permitted to join the guest space.
- Visitors may not visit recess time.
- The visit is limited to guest space during the student’s identified lunch period.
- Any outside food brought in can only be shared with your student.
- Do not take pictures, record, or film while at school. Use of cell phones is strongly discouraged for safety and privacy.
- You may sign up for one spot a month to allow for other families to sign up as well.
- PLEASE delete your reservation if you are unable to come to allow for other families to sign up.
We ask that you limit your visit to the lunchroom and not accompany your child back to the classroom. We also ask that you not visit your other children in their classroom or drop something off for them.
You will get a new link monthly to reserve your spot.
In case you missed it...
Yearbooks
Buy your Yearbooks NOW! Don’t miss out on the memories of an AMAZING School Year!
Buy Your Yearbook HERE
Birthday Treats
It has been a common practice to provide treats for the class in honor of a child’s birthday; however we are asking that NO EDIBLE TREATS be sent in to celebrate birthdays. We will make your child’s birthday special in the classroom without edible treats.
If you would like to send a little something to honor their day please consider an alternative birthday treat such as pencils or a book donated to the classroom. We ask that no edible treats be sent in due to varying allergy conditions and other issues related to edible treats in the classroom. Thank you for your help with following this new practice of celebrating birthdays in the classroom.
Volunteering at CGE
If you wish to volunteer at CGE you MUST HAVE A CURRENT BACKGROUND CHECK Completed. You can visit:
https://www.sowashco.org/get-involved/volunteer
Click on The Volunteer Process.
There is a volunteer application and a link to complete your background check. It is helpful to do this early in the year so you are set in case a volunteer opportunity arises such as field trip or helping at track and field event.
If you have had a current background check WITH THE DISTRICT in the past two years and have volunteered during that time you do not need to complete another one at this time. Unfortunately we cannot accept background checks from any other organization. You must have one on file through our district.
School Hours
7:30 am - School office opens
8:25 am - School opens to students
8:40 am - School day begins
3:10 pm - School day ends
3:30 pm - School office closes
NOTE: The earliest students can arrive at school in the morning is 8:25 am. All students must be picked up at 3:10 pm if not riding the bus home.
CGE Contact Information
Candy Gram, Principal: cgram0@sowashco.org / 651.425.5803
Pam Olson, Office Coordinator: polson@sowashco.org / 651.425.5801
Desi Faletti, School Social Worker: dfaletti@sowashco.org / 651.425.5808
Marci Patchett, School Psychologist: mpatchet@sowashco.org / 651.425.5824
School Website: https://cges.sowashco.org/
District Website: www.sowashco.org
CGES Office: 651-425-5800
CGES Attendance Line: 651-425-5806
CGES Health Office: 651-425-5802
CGES Fax Number: 651-425-5815
SoWashCo Student Information: 651-425-6218
SoWashCoTransportation: 651-425-5303
Cottage Grove Elementary School
Email: cgram0@sowashco.org
Website: https://cges.sowashco.org/
Location: 7447 65th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN, USA
Phone: 651-425-5800