Cottonwood Elementary

As I sit down to write this newsletter, my heart feels heavy yet hopeful. After 13 years of guiding and growing alongside your incredible children, the time has come for me to bid farewell to the wonderful Paola Community.

Reflecting on my journey here, I can't help but draw inspiration from one of my favorite shows, "Ted Lasso." Just as Coach Lasso imparted his wisdom and warmth upon his team, it has been my privilege to do the same within this wonderful community.

Like Coach Lasso, I believe in the power of positivity and kindness. From the high-fives in the hallway, to the smiles in the morning , each interaction has reinforced my belief in the importance of building strong, supportive relationships.

But as Coach Lasso would say, "Believe" is more than just a word—it's a mindset. As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I carry with me the belief that each and every one of our students has the potential to achieve greatness. With your continued support, I know Cottonwood will continue to grow.

While I may be saying goodbye for now, please know that I leave with a heart full of gratitude and memories that I will cherish forever. Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of shaping the minds and hearts of your children. It has been an honor and a joy beyond measure. As I leave, I will once again say how amazing our Cottonwood staff is for our community. The learning experiences that our teachers seek for our students, our paraprofessionals building relationships with all students and the rest of the stuff creating a welcoming enviornment. They are truly the best.

As Coach Lasso would remind us, "It's the hope that kills you, but it's also the hope that keeps you going." So, let us embrace this farewell not as an end, but as a new beginning filled with endless possibilities and I know I'm leaving Cottonwood in wonderful hands.

Wishing you all the best,

Mr. Troast

Dear Cottonwood Elementary School Community,

It is with great enthusiasm and anticipation that I introduce myself as the incoming Principal of Cottonwood Elementary School. My name is Brennan Riffel, and I am honored to join this community of learners, educators, and families next school year.

For the past two decades, I have had the privilege of serving as the Principal of Sterling Grade School, where I have dedicated myself to fostering an environment of academic excellence, character development, and student success. While my time at Sterling has been incredibly fulfilling, I am eager to embark on a new chapter in my educational journey as a proud member of the Paola Panthers family.

As I transition to my role at Cottonwood Elementary, I am excited to work closely with each of you to build upon the school's traditions and to further advance academic achievement and community engagement.

I am dedicated to open communication and partnership with students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members alike. Your input, feedback, and involvement are invaluable as we work together to shape the future of Cottonwood Elementary School.

I look forward to meeting each of you personally and learning more about the unique strengths and opportunities that define our school community. I know that Mr. Troast has left big shoes to fill. Please know that I am honored to serve as your Principal and look forward to working together to make a difference in the lives of our students and the success of our school.

Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

Brennan Riffel

Parents please note that the Last Day of School will be an early release day at 1:10pm for Cottonwood Elementary. We will have our all school picnic from 12:00-12:30, you are free to sign your child out at that time. Everyone else will dimiss at 1:10pm. Thank You

Stop summer slide! Stay summer smart!

Learn all summer long with this personalized, interactive quest. This workbook is designed for 15-20 minutes of activity each day- Monday-Friday. It is designed for parents to assist students from losing knowledge they gained over the course of the school year.

Begin with a map that guides you through a workbook jam-packed with hundreds of fun activities, exercises, and games to get you ready for your upcoming school year. Track your progress with colorful stickers on the removable map!

Students choosing to participate will receive a Summer Brain Quest workbook to work on throughout the summer at NO cost to parents. Books will be distributed in May.

Next year's K-5 students completing at least 50% of the book will get to participate in a celebration in the fall.

Parents, please note on your calendar that May 17th will be our annual Field Day event. We are excited this year to have parents back helping run stations. Please email Mr. Armbruster if you are interested in volunteering. We like to share the following information with parents regarding field day.

• Cottonwood Field Day runs from 8:45-11:45 with a picnic lunch to follow. Parents are welcome to attend the picnic lunch, but students return to class around 12:30.
• Parents are welcome to attend, but we need your help with as many parent volunteers as possible.
• The majority of activities will be taking place outside. There may be a few events inside. We ask that families do not come into the building. The baseball/softball complex bathrooms will open for families.
• Cottonwood will be hosting our field day event at the Baseball/Softball Complex. This is a different location from Sunflower. We ask that parents park in our North Parking Lot.
• Watch the Weather. It may be hot that day, but we encourage students to come to school with sunscreen and water bottles.
• Think about what your child clothes. We encourage athletic clothes with tennis shoes. There will be lots of running and playing. Flip Flops do not work well for all the activities we are doing. A few of our stations involve water, so we recommend darker clothing as well.
• Students will resume normal activities after lunch. No parents or younger siblings will be allowed in the building. Restrooms at the baseball/softball complex will be open for family use.

We will send out more detailed information regarding Field Day as we get closer to May 17th

Families,

We are excited our end-of-year picnic is back this year. On the last day of school, we have an all-school picnic lunch where parents are invited to come to Cottonwood to have lunch with their children. COTTONWOOD DOES NOT SERVE LUNCH ON THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL. IF YOUR CHILD IS EATING AT COTTONWOOD THAT DAY THEY NEED TO BRING THEIR OWN SACK LUNCH. After lunch, parents can sign out their children for the remainder of the day. Our picnic will be on May 22nd from 12:00-12:30 pm at the baseball/softball complex. Each grade level will have a field assigned to them. Parents you will sign out directly with your child's teacher. At that time, you can either eat with your child's class or go to our family zone field where you can eat with other families and other grades.

This is a weather-dependent event. Families would need to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets if they are choosing to eat at Cottonwood. More detailed information will be coming out closer to the last day of school.

As we approach the final month of the school year, please make sure your iDismiss numbers are visibly present in your car during dismissal. When they are visible and can be clearly seen it keeps the line moving efficiently without us having to stop to look students up. Please help out Mrs. Sullivan and Mrs. Huber (occasionally Mr. Troast) to keep the line moving.

May 3rd- 2nd Grade Field Trip

May 6th-10th- Staff Appreciation Week

May 13th- Paola School Board Meeting- 6 pm

May 16th- 1:00 pm - 2nd Grade Move Up Day

May 17th- Field Day

May 22nd- Last Day of School- Early Release -1:10pm

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me: corey_troast@usd368.org or call the school at 913-294-8050.

Email: corey_troast@usd368.org
Website: https://www.usd368.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/Cottonwood%20Elementary
Location: 709 Hedge Ln, Paola, KS 66071, USA
Phone: 913-294-8050
Twitter: @ourschool