As we enter the month of November, a time traditionally associated with Thanksgiving, it’s important to reflect on the significance of expressing gratitude and appreciation. Practicing gratitude not only fosters a positive mindset but also supports our overall health, enhancing our emotional well-being and even boosting our immune system. This month, let’s encourage each other to embrace gratitude through simple yet impactful actions. You might start a daily gratitude journal, where each family member can write down things they are thankful for, or create a gratitude jar to collect notes of appreciation that can be read together on Thanksgiving Day. Additionally, consider sharing gratitude through acts of kindness, such as writing thank-you notes to those who have made a difference in your lives. By making gratitude a regular practice, we cultivate a spirit of appreciation that can enrich our relationships and promote a sense of joy throughout the season.

Cold Spring Elementary School Website

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

November 1st - Picture Retakes

November 4th - Professional Day Grading & Reporting

November 5th - Election Day - No School

November 6th - Math Olympiad Training (5th Grade Only)

November 8th - Practice Fire Drill, PTA Walk to Raise, End of MP1 House Celebration

November 12th - PTA Meeting

November 14th - Town Hall Assemblies

November 15th - PTA Donuts with GrownUps

November 21st - October/November Birthday Bash

November 25th - Early Release Day, Parent- Teacher Conferences

November 26th - Early Release Day, Parent-Teacher Conferences

November 27th - 30th - Systemwide Closure for Thanksgiving

Dear Cougar Families,

As we approach the upcoming Presidential Election, we recognize that this time can evoke a wide range of emotions within our community. It is natural to feel excited, anxious, hopeful, or even frustrated as the electoral process unfolds. We want to remind everyone that our school is a place where respect, understanding, and open dialogue are valued. We encourage our students and families to embrace these principles during this important time.

Elections are a fundamental part of our democracy, and they present an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about voting rights and responsibilities. To help facilitate these discussions, here are a few tips for you as parents and caregivers:

• Encourage Questions: Let your child know that it's okay to ask questions about the election process, candidates, and issues. This curiosity can lead to valuable conversations about civic engagement.
• Share Information: Discuss the importance of voting and how it impacts the community. Explain the responsibilities that come with voting, such as being informed and considering the needs and values of others.
• Model Respectful Discourse: Use this opportunity to demonstrate how to engage in respectful conversations, even when opinions differ. Teach your child how to listen actively and express their views respectfully.
• Explore Different Perspectives: Encourage your child to learn about various viewpoints. Reading diverse articles or watching debates together can help them understand the complexity of issues and the importance of considering multiple perspectives.
• Practice Empathy: Talk about the importance of empathy and understanding. Remind your child that everyone has their reasons for supporting different candidates and that these discussions should be rooted in respect.

As we navigate the emotions surrounding this election, let’s foster an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Open discourse within families can help our children develop critical thinking skills and a sense of responsibility as future voters.

Thank you for being an integral part of our school community. Together, let’s ensure that our conversations about the upcoming election are productive and supportive.

Sincerely,

Principal Hambrecht

The following website has all important information regarding Middle School Magnets in MCPS and the application/selection process. If you have not done so, I highly recommend taking time to look through the various links on the website below. This process is all done by central office and Cold Spring does not have anything to do with the applications or selections.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/msmagnet/

Maryland Emancipation Day

November 1, 1864, marked a pivotal day in Maryland’s history when a new state constitution freed all those held in bondage within its boundaries. The decision made Maryland one of the earliest states to abolish slavery – a full year ahead of the 13th Amendment. Emancipation Day in Maryland is celebrated annually on November 1st. This year marks the 160th anniversary of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Maryland.

Upcoming Parent-Teacher Conference Tips:

Here are some tips to make the most of your child's parent-teacher conference:

1. Come Prepared with Questions

• Think of questions that will give you a clearer picture of your child’s progress, such as:
  • How is my child doing socially and emotionally?
  • What are their strengths and areas for improvement?
  • How does my child participate in class?
  • Are there any concerns with focus, behavior, or interactions with classmates?

2. Share Insights About Your Child

• Briefly describe any specific learning styles, interests, or challenges they have at home. Teachers appreciate knowing about factors that may impact learning or behavior, as it helps them personalize their approach.

3. Ask About Social Skills and Peer Relationships

• Social development is a big part of elementary school. Ask about how your child interacts with peers, handles conflicts, and whether they are developing friendships or feeling included.

4. Focus on Both Strengths and Challenges

• It’s important to hear about areas where your child is excelling and where they may need more support. This balanced perspective will help you understand their progress more comprehensively.

5. Request Specific Strategies to Support Learning at Home

• Ask the teacher what you can do to reinforce classroom learning at home. This might include reading, specific activities, or strategies to support attention, organization, or math skills.

6. Clarify How Progress Will Be Measured

• Understanding how the teacher measures success will help you set realistic expectations for your child’s development. Inquire about the benchmarks or goals for their grade level and how you can help them meet these milestones.

7. Request Communication Preferences and Next Steps

• Discuss the best way to stay in touch, whether it’s via email, phone, or a communication app. Clarify how and when you’ll receive updates on your child’s progress and any follow-up actions from the conference.

10. Stay Positive and Solution-Focused

• Remember, the goal is to support your child’s growth. Approach any challenges with a mindset geared toward finding solutions and working together with the teacher to support your child’s success.

Thank You Parents:

We have had a number of parents volunteering at lunch and recess weekly. We want to thank Ms. Garber, Mr. Kakhi, Ms. DeMarco, and Ms. Weeks for supporting us during our busiest of times. You are appreciated.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING:

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

Wootton Patriot Players Present: Elephant & Piggie

See author, Mo Williams' work come to life in Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!” on November 9-10 and 16-17. Click HERE for details.

Want to know about Music, Art, PE, and Media? Click below for our spotlight on specials!

Montgomery County Board of Education hearing - Wednesday, Nov. 6th at 6 p.m.

Cold Spring parents will be testifying at the Board of Education hearing to advocate for Cold Spring Elementary School and Wootton High School to receive future funding for needed upgrades and renovations to our facilities. We need YOU, Cold Spring families, to attend and support the speakers providing testimony. If you are interested in attending in-person, please also email Adam Goldberg at adamtgoldberg@gmail.com to indicate your interest. Show up displaying your cluster spirit. Wear Cold Spring gear or come in Cold Spring school colors (blue and white) or in Wootton colors (red, white and blue).

PTA Meeting- Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7 pm (zoom)

Please join us for our November PTA meeting. The meeting will be held virtually on zoom. A link to the online meeting will be sent out before the meeting.

Doughnuts with Grown-ups- Friday, Nov. 15 in the Cold Spring APR at 8:20 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

Please join us for a fun and memorable morning to celebrate our awesome grown-ups in our lives! Kids are invited to bring Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents or other special adults to this event. Don't forget to bring your favorite board game. Please join us from 8:20-8:45 in the APR. Donuts, coffee, juice and clementines will be served!

Help Capture the Memories

If you have photos from the first day of school, back-to-school social, bingo night, book fair, or any other event, that you'd like to submit for inclusion in this year's Yearbook, please upload them here: https://bit.ly/2425CSESYearbookPhotos. It’s easiest to do from a computer!

If you'd like to help with the yearbook, check out our volunteer opportunities: https://bit.ly/2425CSESYearbookSignUp. We’re especially looking for 5th-grade parents to help with the 5th-grade spread.

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