![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/cinnamonsticks.ffe845e8.jpg)
The Cougar Connection
Principal News & Notes November 2023 Issue
Feeling Thankful
Sending our Cold Spring community gratitude and thanks this November. Our work cannot be done without YOU and we appreciate all your support.
Monthly Calendar
Cold Spring Elementary School Website
Cold Spring Elementary Phone Number: 240-740-4390
November 1st - No School for Students
- November 2nd - Parent-Child Reunification Drill (staff and volunteer parents only)
- November 3rd - House Color Day, Kindergarten Field Trip to Green Meadow Farm, MP1 House Celebrations
- November 6th - 10th Mental Health Awareness Week
- November 6th - Grade 4 Field Trip to Politics & Prose
- November 8th - Green Team Walking to School Wednesday
- November 9th - Classic Photography Retake Photo Day (9:30-11:30)
- November 14th - Grade 2 Field Trip to Strathmore, PTA Meeting
- November 16th - PTA Restaurant Night
- November 17th - Principal Coffee & Conversation: Wellness & Executive Functioning
- November 20th-21st - Early Release Days, Parent Conferences
- November 22nd-24th - No School
- November 28th - Grade 4 Field Trip Native American Museum
Mental Health Is Important
MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association (MCSPA) will host free events the week of Oct. 30–Nov. 4 to give youth and families the opportunity to hear from mental health experts on a variety of issues. The week of events, which will be held in person and virtually, will include speakers and workshops, culminating in a virtual resource fair and expert panel on Saturday, Nov. 4.
From 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Richard Montgomery High School, former professional football player turned mental health expert and advocate, Dr. Jay Barnett, will speak in-person to students about the importance of mental health, breaking down stigma and seeking help. This event will also be livestreamed on MCPS-TV and on MCPS en Español.
A virtual resource fair and panel on Nov. 4 from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., will offer information on MCPS mental health resources, providers and its community partners available to students and their families.
The week will also include pre-recorded videos on topics such as healthy habits, supporting positive school climate through equity and diversity, and supporting problem solving through appropriate use of social-emotional vocabulary. There will be interviews with experts on neurodiversity, exercise and wellness, yoga and pain management and substance use prevention, among others.
Cold Spring will bring awareness to mental health and staying healthy emotionally from November 6th through 10th. Look for an update the first week of November with specific activities students will engage in.
PTA Reflections Program
Calling all student artists! All students are invited to participate in the National PTA Reflections Arts Program. This contest in six arts categories allows students in all grade levels to express themselves through their gifts & talents in the ARTS! Three winners from each category and each level (primary K-2 and intermediate 3-5) will advance to the county. This is a great opportunity! We had several Cold Spring students win awards at the County level last year. Students may enter their original work in one or more of the following categories: Dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts. This year's theme is "I am Hopeful Because...". Entries are due December 8th. If you'd like to enter, please send an email to the Cold Spring PTA Reflections Chair, Paras Ghodsi at parastoo@hotmail.com and you will receive the entry form and further instructions. All submissions are digital. Additional information is available at PTA.org/Reflections.
Helping Hands
Tips for a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference
To make the most of this time, please come prepared with specific questions for our teachers. After they share general strengths and areas of growth, time is dedicated for you to ask any questions. Due to the time constraint, also feel free to email the teachers ahead of time or after the meeting so they can better support your understanding of how your child is doing in school.
Classic Photography Makeup
If you would like your child’s picture retaken, this can also be done on retake day. The student should bring the original photo package, including original envelope and all picture products, to turn into the photographer when they come to sit for a new picture. Parents do not need to fill out a new order form.
Spotlight on Specials- What Happens in Music, Art, Media, & PE?
Lost & Found Items
PTA News
Thank you Linsey Brault and Brooke Rickett for kicking off our Halloween festivities with a FUN outdoor movie night on Friday!
Calling all student artists!
All students are invited to participate in the National PTA Reflections Arts Program. This contest in six arts categories allows students in all grade levels to express themselves through their gifts & talents in the ARTS! Three winners from each category and each level (primary K-2 and intermediate 3-5) will advance to the county. This is a great opportunity! We had several Cold Spring students win awards at the County level last year.
Students may enter their original work in one or more of the following categories: Dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts. This year's theme is "I am Hopeful Because...". Entries are due December 8th.
If you'd like to enter, please send an email to the Cold Spring PTA Reflections Chair, Paras Ghodsi at parastoo@hotmail.com and you will receive the entry form and further instructions. All submissions are digital.
Additional information is available at PTA.org/Reflections.
Additional Yearbook Chair Needed
The yearbook co-chairs are looking for a 3rd volunteer to join their awesome team. Duties include: assist with emails to coordinate all things related to the yearbook (to PTA, parents, and school), be available to photograph during school hours and some after-school events, and use the photo software to upload, sort, and help create photo collages. If you are interested please reach out to Paola Garber at garber.paola@gmail.com.
From our Staff Appreciation Chair, Lindsay Koosed
Please help us take care of our wonderful faculty and staff by keeping their staff lounge stocked with goodies! We have 43 staff members, so a Costco-sized box is enough to make sure everyone finds something they like. Once you sign up and leave your email, I will email you directly with my address so you can drop off your donation before the date listed on this Signup Genius. I will then bring everything to school at once to minimize disruption. Please let me know if you have any questions and thank you!!
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E094BAAA92DA4F94-stock
PTA Volunteers Still Needed
There are still open positions in the PTA that we need to fill. See list here and if you can chair/co-chair one of these, email erika.schor@gmail.com. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Restaurant Night, Thursday November 16th at Shake Shack
Our September and October restaurant fundraisers raised $970! Thank you SO MUCH to our Cold Spring community!
See flyer HERE
Cold Spring Elementary School
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
Twitter: @NHambrecht