Cottonwood Eagle Flyer
March - 2024
March Capturing Kids' Hearts' Character Trait: Courage
Courage: Develop Strength to Face Something Difficult
This month we are focused on helping students understand that courage is not a magical remedy for fear. Instead, courage is a choice to push through fear, self-doubt, and anxiety to do things that feel hard or frightening. We are partnering with you this month to grow your child’s courage. This month’s activities will help your child understand that courage can equip them to make a positive impact at home, in school, and in the community
ENGAGE: Courage Role-Play
Discuss having the courage to do the right thing. As a family, role-play situations with your child where they might have to demonstrate courage. For example, role-play what it would look like if they saw a friend being rude to someone else at school. What would they do? How can courage help them stand up for what is right?
EMPOWER: Roles at Home
Create a list of household chores. Assign the various chores to each family member. Discuss any additional tools or support needed to accomplish each job. Have a weekly family check-in to celebrate success in completing each job by taking turns giving each family member an affirmation. Rotate chores and ask what additional support is needed.
EXCEL:
Try Something New...ask each family member to share something positive they want to do but have been afraid to try. Discuss what fears are getting in the way and steps to overcome those fears. Encourage everyone to try something new this month. Don’t forget to celebrate each family member when they do!
Conversation Starters:
- Think of a friend at school you consider to be courageous. What are some ways they show courage?
- Describe a time when you were fearful at school, but you were able to overcome it because of your courage. What helped you to be courageous?
- Think of a recent failure at school. What was a lesson you learned from this experience?
CMAS - State Assessment Scheduled for the week of April 1st
During the first two weeks of April our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students will begin taking their CMAS assessments. All of our state assessments should be wrapped up by April 26th.
Due to assessment rules and protocols, we must limit visitor access to the building while students are testing. If you are in the building, please honor all posted signs as we strive to provide a quiet and legitimate testing environment for our students.
To learn more about the state assessment process you can visit Colorado Department of Education’s FAQ site for parents: http://www.cde.state.co.us/assessment/generalinfo-parents
Please support your students during assessment time by doing the following:
- Making sure s/he goes to bed early and receives plenty of rest
- Ensure he/she has eats a healthy breakfast
- Making sure s/he is on time and in school every day during the testing period (research shows that students do best on assessments when they are testing in class with the rest of their peers)
- Talking to and encouraging them to do their very best on this test
- Remind your student that all phones and smart devices cannot be accessed during testing sessions
Upcoming Events
March 21st - 4th Gr Showcase @ MHS
March 26th - Class Pictures
March 27th - K-2 Pastries with Parents (7:30-8:00)
March 28th - 3-5 Pastries with Parents (7:30-8:00)
April 1st - CMAS Assessment starts for 3rd-5th
April 12th - Jog-A-Thon
April 15th-22nd - Spring Break
Check our CES Website for a full calendar and links to our FB page.
Thankful for the CES PAC
The CES PAC put on another great event last Friday with the Mother/Son Game Night. CES appreciates the great support we receive from our PAC (Parent Action Committee). The next PAC meeting is Thursday, April 11th at 8:30 AM.
Staffing Update
- Dr. Stephenson is currently working the hiring process for the next principal at CES. An announcement should be coming out soon regarding the process and hire.
- The plan is for CES to have 3 teachers per grade level for the 24/25 school year. This is following the traditional staffing model that is currently in place. CES will not be impacted by the Teams Based Staffing model that is being proposed at Johnson Elementary for the 24/25 school year.