January Newsletter

2024

Message from Mrs. Yost

Hello Cook Hill Families,

I would like to wish our Cook Hill families and staff a very healthy and prosperous New Year. I hope you found time to relax and wind down. The start of a new year brings with it a sense of renewed hope, fresh beginnings, and exciting opportunities. Here at Cook Hill, we are committed to fostering a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where your child can thrive both academically and personally.

We believe that education is a collaborative effort between school and home, and your involvement and support play a crucial role in your child's success. Together, let's continue to encourage curiosity, kindness, and a love for learning in our young ones.

We will begin our DIBELs and iReady winter assessments in reading and math on Friday, January 5th thru January 12th, with make-ups the following week. This data will be beneficial in setting new academic goals to meet the needs of our students. We appreciate the continued support ensuring your child is present in school and well rested daily.

Here's to a fantastic year ahead filled with learning, laughter, and boundless possibilities!

In Partnership,

Mrs. Yost

Follow us on Instagram - Cook Hill Cougars @cookhillcougars

Important Dates

Monday, January 1st - New Year's Day - NO SCHOOL

Friday, January 5th - Cook Hill Town Meeting - 9:30 a.m.

Monday January 8th - Friday, January 12th - Eat a Rainbow - Start the new year off healthy by eating a different color each day.

Monday, January 8th - Board of Education Swearing in Ceremony - 6:30 p.m. - Wallingford Town Hall, 45 South Main Street - Town Council Chambers

Monday, January 8th - Special Board of Education Meeting - 6:45 - 7:45 p.m. - Wallingford Town Hall, 45 South Main Street - Town Council Chambers

Tuesday, January 9th - K-Kids - Cook Hill Library 8:10 a.m.

Saturday, January 13th - PTO Family Movie Day - Holiday Cinemas, Wallingford~See information below

Monday, January 15th - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, January 16th - System Wide PTAC 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - via Google Meet

Friday, January 19th - Spirit Day - Hat Day - Have fun wearing a silly hat, sports hat, or be creative and make one!

Monday, January 22nd - Board of Education Meeting - 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Wallingford Town Hall, 45 South Main Street - Town Council Chambers

Thursday, January 25th - 2-HOUR EARLY RELEASE - Dismissal at 1:30 p.m.

Monday, January 29th - All About Trains presentation - 2nd Grade - Starts at 12:00 p.m.

*CHANGE - Tuesday, January 30th - Masonicare Friends visit Cook Hill - 1:30 p.m.

SCHOOL RESUMES TUESDAY, JANUARY 2ND

Parentsquare Inquiry to Preschool 4 Families

Just a reminder to our Preschool 4 Families to complete the survey sent out in ParentSquare from our Curriculum Office on December 17th regarding your intent for the coming school year.

Dear Preschool Parents and Guardians,

As our district prepares to begin Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year, we wanted to provide families their options given the change of legislation so we can best plan for our incoming students.

Beginning July 1, 2024, Section 3 of Public Act 23-159, as amended by Section 1 of Public Act 23-208, amends Connecticut General Statutes § 10-15c to require that children turn five years old on or before September 1 of the school year in order to enroll in kindergarten.

The legislation also states that parents or guardians may submit a written request to the principal of the school seeking early admission to the District if their child does not meet the new entrance guidelines. Upon receipt of the request, the principal and an appropriate staff member will assess the child to determine whether admitting the child is developmentally appropriate. For decisions relating to early admission to the District, the decision of the principal and appropriate certified staff is final.

Families will have the following options to select only one:

⭘ Yes, it is my intent to enroll my child in Kindergarten for the 24-25 school year as my child will be five years old on or before September 1, 2024.

⭘ No, I will not be enrolling my child in Kindergarten for the 24-25 school year. My child will remain in the WPS preschool 4 program as my child will not turn 5 on or before the September 1, 2024 cut off.

⭘ No, I will not be enrolling my child in Kindergarten for the 24-25 school year. My child will attend a private preschool outside of Wallingford Public Schools as my child will not turn 5 on or before the September 1, 2024 cut off.

⭘ It is my desire to enroll my child in Kindergarten for the 24-25 school year although my child will not turn five on or before September 1, 2024. I will be requesting a screening for my child to determine eligibility for early entrance to Kindergarten. (Information on how to request a screening will be forthcoming - this response is not an official request for a screening)

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ~ January 15th

As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we honor the legacy of a remarkable leader whose tireless dedication to justice and equality continues to inspire generations worldwide. Dr. King's unwavering commitment to civil rights and nonviolent activism played a pivotal role in shaping our nation's history. His vision of a world built on fairness, unity, and understanding remains a beacon of hope, reminding us of the importance of compassion and inclusivity.

Together, let's honor Dr. King's enduring legacy by fostering a community where diversity is celebrated, and each individual is valued. Let's continue to inspire our children to become compassionate leaders who champion equality and justice for a better, more harmonious world.

Join us the week of January 8th-12th

Encouraging healthy eating habits is an essential part of supporting our children's well-being and growth. As we navigate the choices that shape our families' nutrition, it's important to remember the impact these choices have on our children's overall health.

At Cook Hill School, we strive to promote a balanced approach to nutrition. Making mindful choices about the foods we consume not only fuels our bodies, but also nurtures healthy habits for life. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into our meals offers a diverse array of nutrients essential for our children's development. Encouraging children to participate in meal planning, exploring new recipes together, and discussing the benefits of wholesome choices can make learning about healthy eating an enjoyable family activity.

Together, let's empower our children to make informed and health-conscious decisions about the foods they eat, laying the foundation for a lifetime of well-being. Please join us for a fun week of exploring healthy snack options.