Dear Cougar Community,

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the emotional and psychological impact this may have on many members of our school community. This is a difficult time for many, and it’s important that we remain particularly mindful of the weight it carries for some of our students, staff members, and families.

Many within our school community have cultural, religious, or familial ties to Israel, Palestine, and the broader Middle East. Some may have loved ones who have been directly affected by the conflict. This anniversary may bring up intense feelings of grief, fear, and worry for them.

In light of this, I ask that we all remain attentive and sensitive to the needs of those around us who may be navigating heightened emotions during this time. This is a moment for us to use our best judgment, to be intentional in how we speak and express ourselves, and to foster an environment of care in our community.

Thank you for your compassion as we navigate these difficult circumstances together.

With gratitude,

Cold Spring Administration

Cold Spring Elementary School Website

Cold Spring Elementary School Phone Number: 240-740-4390

October 3rd - Non Instructional Day

October 4th - Cougar House Color Day, K Field Trip to Green Meadows Farm

October 5th - Wootton Athletics Festival

October 7th - 11th - Scholastic Book Fair

October 9th - Walk & Roll To School Day

October 10th - Cougar House Meeting, PTA Bingo Night & Staff Raffle

October 11th - MCPS Transportation Split Bus Door Evacuation Drill

October 14th - 18th - Safety In Our Schools Week

October 16th - 17th - Grade 5 Field Trip to Annapolis Maritime Museum, Severe Weather Drill

October 18th - Professional Day for Staff

October 22nd - Grade 5 Field Trip to Strathmore

October 23rd - 30th - Red Ribbon Week

October 25th - PTA Outdoor Movie Night

October 26th - Wootton Cluster Fall Festival

October 31st - Halloween Parade & Parties

As we are now a month plus into this school year, we’ve observed a growing need for intentional support around the social-emotional well-being of our students. Challenges like difficulty focusing, heightened anxiety, and friendship conflicts are becoming more prevalent, and addressing these together—school and families—will make a world of difference in helping students thrive both academically and socially.

When it comes to attention and focus, we know that children are faced with many distractions, both in and out of the classroom. Encouraging regular routines, setting clear expectations, and minimizing distractions at home can complement the strategies we use in school. Short, manageable tasks with built-in breaks can help students stay on track, and positive reinforcement can motivate them to keep up the good work.

For those experiencing anxiety, it’s essential to validate their feelings while offering tools to help manage stress. Breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and providing a calm, structured environment can ease their worries. At school, we work hard to create a space where students feel safe and supported, and with your help, we can extend that sense of security into their home lives.

In terms of friendship conflicts and problem-solving, we emphasize the importance of empathy, open communication, and conflict resolution strategies. Conversations at home about resolving disagreements respectfully can strengthen what we teach in the classroom. Practicing reflective listening and encouraging students to express their feelings constructively helps them build strong social skills. Wrapping these discussions with positive reinforcement and guidance ensures students learn how to navigate social dynamics effectively.

We greatly appreciate your continued support in these areas. Your work at home, in collaboration with our efforts at school, sets students up for success not only academically but emotionally and socially. Together, we can foster a community that nurtures resilience, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships.

Thank you for partnering with us to support our students in every aspect of their growth.

The Restorative Approaches Unit has created a resources hub for parents and caretakers. The hub is located in a canvas classroom. Please click the link to enroll. We hope you find the resources helpful. At Cold Spring, we implement Community Circles and use resources from Harmony to support social-emotional learning.

Shop the Scholastic Book Fair:

We are excited to bring the fall book fair to Cold Spring. Thank you to our parent volunteers who will support the book fair, weather working the register, setting up, or taking down. We appreciate you. Please click the link below for all book fair details. Don't forget you can shop online, too!

Scholastic Book Fair

REMIND App: Stay Up-To-Date:

MCPS is implementing the use of the Remind app for schools. Communication, such as text messages, email, or phone calls can be selected in a preferred language. COLD SPRING IS UP AND RUNNING! Be sure to download the app today!

Remind App

October Cybersecurity Awareness Month:

Click the link below for healthy computing tips and safety reminders when it comes to technology.

Stop & Look

Rules of the Road:

Please drive slowly in our driveway. We have many families coming and going and we want to make sure we provide the safest environment possible. Click below to review Cold Spring's Rules of the Road regarding car rider drop off. Your support is very much appreciated.

Rules of the Road

Important Update on Asbestos Management:

MCPS has provided this important update for our school community. Please take a moment to review the following essential documents:

• Annual Notification of Asbestos Management Plan
• Annual Integrated Pest Management Notice

MY SCHOOL BUCKS:

Funds can continue to be added to student meal accounts at no charge by bringing cash or checks directly to school cafeteria managers. Prepayments on student meal accounts can be made through www.MySchoolBucks.com; note the increase from $1.95 to $2.49 per transaction for the 2024- 2025 school year. • Breakfast: Regular price: $1.30 (All levels) • Lunch: Regular price: $2.55 (Elementary), $2.80 (Middle and High).

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING:

Checkout the MCPS requirements here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/student-leadership/volunteer/

Wootton Fall Festival

Join Cold Spring ES and the Wootton Cluster schools from 12pm-4pm at Wootton HS on October 26th. The festival will take place in the lower parking lot and include fun activities, food, and more. Hope to see you there!

Wootton Athletics Festival

In an effort to get future Patriots excited about coming to high school and participating in Wootton Athletics, we will be holding the first ever Wootton Athletic Festival on Saturday, October 5th from 11am-2pm. Click here for the registration form and for more information.

Click on the link below to see what has occurred and what is coming in our amazing specials classes!

Join The PTA!

Please support the school by joining the PTA! We need everyone to become members so we can continue to host fun events like the talent show, back to school and end of year parties, bingo night, outdoor movie night, science fair, and international night.

Join now here: https://coldspringes-pta.membershiptoolkit.com/

PTA Membership Contest ENDS SOON!

The current standings are in for our PTA Membership Contest and Hueting's class is in the lead for grades K-3 and Hohenhaus' class is in the lead for grades 4-5. For K-3, Mikkelsen's and Shin's classes are trailing very close behind. For 4-5, Chen's class could regain the lead if a few more families join today.

• K-3 standings flyer here
• 4-5 standings flyer here

Time is running out; the contest ends on Monday. Encourage your classmates to join the PTA NOW! Which classes are going to win the pizza party?! Flyer here.

Get Involved with the PTA

We would love to have you support our PTA and Cold Spring Community. Complete our Volunteer form to see all the ways that you can support our school community and let us know how you want to help.

https://forms.gle/Tw7cvtX6dDzoWhYR9

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