the cougar courier - Cottonwood Creek Elementary PTO

THE COUGAR COURIER
March 25, 2016
Cottonwood Creek Elementary
11200 E Orchard Rd
Englewood, CO 80111
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Cougars,
I hope you enjoyed the extra time with your students as a result of the two snow days this week! As we continue
planning for 2016-2017, consideration of student placement will begin to take place. This is an involved process that
includes initial recommendations by the present teacher based on first-hand knowledge and data about each student.
Parents may utilize the attached student placement form to provide additional information about their student;
however, please do not request a specific teacher. Relative to your child, feel free to share information about the
following:
classroom environment
expectations and student response
strengths of child
needs of child
match to teacher strengths
other aspects of child
In addition to information about each student, Cottonwood Creek staff will review a variety of data points and
considerations in student placement including:
heterogeneous classroom grouping (i.e. wide range of abilities)
gender balance
students’ social/emotional needs and strengths
students’ work habits
matching student needs/style with teacher
peer relationships
intervention and extension opportunities
Student placement forms will be accepted until Friday, May 6 in the Cottonwood Creek main office. You will receive
notification of your student’s teacher at the annual PTO school supply sale/registration in August. Please refrain from
approaching your child’s current teacher to request a specific placement in lieu of completing the student placement
form. Our Cottonwood Creek staff members work in collaboration and are committed to supporting each and every
student.
Parents of several students who attend Cottonwood Creek have confirmed that their children have had lice. While the
classroom placement does not indicate a pattern of transfer at Cottonwood Creek, we share this information so you can
pro-actively check your children periodically. Please report cases to our school nurse, Barbara DeCardona at
[email protected] as we track this hygiene concern. Thank you!
Please join us in celebrating! Forbes has listed Cherry Creek School District on the Best Employers list again. While last
year we were listed as 143rd, this year we are 92nd in the nation. Woohoo! Additionally, Cherry Creek School District is
listed as the NUMBER ONE employer on the Forbes list in the state of Colorado. Thank you for the role you as parents
play in making this happen. The outcome is an AMAZING education for our students!
Enjoy your spring break!
Take care,
Julie Julie Jaeger, Principal
Cottonwood Creek Elementary
Student Placement Form
Please fill out the following information as honestly and as accurately as possible. By letting us know about the
particular strengths and needs of your child, you will help us meet and match his/her interest and style with the varied
strengths of our talented Cottonwood staff. These forms will not be accepted after Friday May 6, 2016.
No change of placement will occur in August or September.
If after the six weeks of school you feel
your child’s placement is not working, please contact the principal.
Student’s name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Parent’s Name: ______________________________________________________________________________
Parent’s Phone Number:
Home__________________
Cell____________________________
Grade Level in September: ______________
Today’s Date: _____________
What kind of classroom environment would most benefit your child?
What kind of direction/expectations does your child respond to best?
In what areas does your child excel?
What is your child’s greatest need?
What teacher strengths would best compliment your child’s personality and educational needs?
What other items should we know about to best place your child?
We also consider:
1. Heterogeneous classroom groupings – i.e. wide range of cognitive abilities.
2. Gender balance.
3. Consideration of students’ social/emotional needs and strengths.
4. Consideration of students’ work habits.
5. Matching an individual student’s needs to teacher strengths and/or teaching style.
6. Peer relationships.
Important Dates:
ThE
March
School Phone Numbers:
Main Office: 720-554-3200
Fax: 720-554-3288
Attendance: 720-554-3295
Kids Club: 720-554-3266 Before and After School
Cottonwood Kitchen: 720-554-3271
April
Cottonwood Nurse: 720-554-3208
11
KEP Onlne Registration
12
Accountability Meeting 3:45pm
SCHOOL HOURS: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Restaurant Night: Noodles and Co.
14
Volunteer appreciation dinner
18-22 4th Grade Rock Shop
20
Multicultural Art Festival 6:0-7:30pm
21
3rd Grade Program : 2:30 & 6:30pm
22
PTO Meeting 8:00am Library
May
2-4
5th grade to High Trails
5
4th Grade Program 2:30 & 6:30pm
6
Non –Contact Day for Students
10
5th Grade Visits CMS
Accountability Meeting 3:45pm
11
2nd Grade Authors Celebration
12
Spring Choir Concert
18
Field Day
19
4th Grade to Georgetown
Spring Funds Allocation Meeting 6:0pm
20
4h Grade to Georgetown
END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS
May 25th Kindergarten Graduation
1:30pm GYM
May 26th 5th Grade Continuation
9:30am GYM
May 27th LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
1st-4th grades
Community Information Corner
Many of our community partners share information with us. To access information from
the following organizations, please visit the Cottonwood Community Information Corner
at the entrance of the school:
Science Matters ( New session information available)
Math Club
Play-well TEKnologies
Minecraft Club
World Languages – Spanish, French and Chinese
STEM Club
Whizzbang Writer’s Club
Young Rembrandts (Art)
Intramurals
Destination Imagination
Music – Band or Choir Club
Chess Club
Running Clubs
New: Top Golf Kid Summer Camp
and more!
We have gathered quite a collection of lost jackets, hats, water bottles and other items
through the winter and it’s time for spring clean-up. Please come by or have your child
check the lost and found area outside of the cafeteria to retrieve what they have lost.
Also, photos of some of the lost and found items have been posted on the PTO webpage
http://cottonwoodcreekpto.com/lost-found/.
***NOTE: uncollected lost items will be donated on April 8th***
Kindergarten News:
Thank you for attending conferences at the beginning of this month. It was fun to share with
you how much your children have grown!
We are now working on adding more details to our writing. Our expectation is for each student
to write at least 3 sentences per story using capital letters at the start of the sentence,
punctuation, and spaces between words. We are also talking about their narrative stories
needing to have a beginning, middle, and an end.
We just wrapped up our Science Unit on Wood and Paper. We had fun making recycled paper
with some help during a visit from Science Matters. Thank you to the PTO for providing funds
for this awesome SEM program. Thank you also to all of the parent volunteers that came in to
assist with all of our experiments. Coming up-a social studies focus on the continent of Africa.
Our math unit this month emphasizes two critical areas for Kindergarten mathematics
identified by the Common Core State Standards: number and geometry. Students have worked
to describe the attributes, similarities, and differences among two-dimensional and threedimensional shapes. We have also done activities in which students count and make
combinations to 5. We practice lots of counting-by ones and by tens as well as counting
backwards. Coming up we will spend some time with the teen numbers-learning to count on from
10 (knowing the numbers from 11-20 as “ten and some more”.
The student’s handwriting, reading, writing, and math skills continue to amaze us. Thank you for
all your hard work with them at home!! We hope you all have a wonderful spring break!!
First Grade News:
Following the Iditarod Race was a huge hit in first grade! The children followed the race closely
on the Internet at school and at home. It was a great trek to Nome!
When we return from Spring Break, we will begin our study of authors and illustrators. We will
introduce our children to several popular authors and illustrators such as Tomie DePaola, Eric
Carle, Cynthia Rylant, Leo Lionni and more! During our author study we are reading books written
by these authors and becoming very familiar with their characters, special illustrations, or their
writing styles.
Keep up the daily reading! Many kids are reading much harder books than they were at the
beginning of the year. They love reading “chapter books” but don’t forget those good “picture
books”. Try some from one of the authors listed above. They are excited about these books.
Enjoy your family time during Spring Break!
The First Grade Team
2nd Grade News:
Hello 2nd Grade Families
It is really hard to believe that we have reached spring break. We only have a few fast weeks
of the school year ahead. We have been working on our rainforest animal research project and
will continue writing about our animals in non-fiction reports after spring break. In reading, we
have been working on identifying main idea, author’s purpose, summarizing, and visualizing. In
math, we have completed Bridges Unit 6 and have begun Bridges Unit 7 which covers length in
metric units, division and fractions, adding and subtracting 3 digit numbers, and writing and
solving story problems. We will be starting a new science unit on plants and animals when we
return from spring break as we are finishing up our social studies units in geography and
comparing and contrasting different cultures and communities.
Please take note that the Tuesday after spring break (April 5th), Author Justin Matott will be
visiting our Cottonwood 2nd graders for a writing workshop. Mr. Matott is a writer, author,
speaker and anti-bullying advocate. He has written over 20 books and will be sharing his writing
process with our students. Please look in your child’s red folders for the order form that was
sent home on Friday, March 25th if you are interested in ordering any of his books. Mr. Mattot
will be signing any ordered books on the day of his presentation.
We will also be going on a field trip on May 5th to Hudson Gardens. We will be returning to
school from the field trip in time to see the 4th grade program which is also on that day. Please
look for permission slips for the field trip to be coming home the week of April 4th.
The Second Grade Team wishes you all a wonderful spring break! We will see you in April!
3rd Grade News:
We are enthusiastic about our study of biographies. Each third grader has chosen their
famous person. Thank you for your support at home in reading the book and taking notes. We
are working here at school with the writing portion of this project. This is such an eye opening
experience that shows the students the many possibilities life has to offer. We are anxious to
see the wonderful costumes and props that will be used during each presentation. Please mark
your calendar for the following dates: April 15 - Wax Museum Presentations and April 21
(2:30 and 6:30 PM) - Musical Performance with Ms. Miller in the Cottonwood gym. We look
forward to seeing you at these events.
In third grade we have certainly been busy all year preparing for state testing. The ELA
Tests will be on April 5, 6, and 7. The Math Tests will be on April 11, 12, and 13. Please
plan in advance to keep these dates free from doctor’s appointments or other interruptions in
the school day.
We are currently immersed in the Bridges Unit 6 Geometry unit. In this unit students will
develop precise ways to describe, classify, and make generalizations about two-dimensional
shapes. In addition to the study of polygons, students will measure the perimeters and areas of
polygons. Some extra work with fractions, in regards to these shapes, will be given to students
as well.
Students are continuing the year-long study of the five regions of the United States.
During Social Studies, students have been learning about the Midwest and Southwest Regions
of our country. In the Midwest, students learned about each state and three main sites - The
Mall of America, a farm in Nebraska, and the home of the automobile (Detroit, Michigan). With
the study of the Southwest, students learn about the Battle of the Alamo. They study the
Hoover Dam and how it was made. Students will also do a case study on the water use for the
Colorado River, and learn about the U.S. - Mexico Border near El Paso, Texas.
Thank you for your continued support as we work to help your child be successful. We
hope you all have a relaxing and enjoyable Spring Break.
4th Grade News:
4th grade recently took a field trip to the History Colorado Center and had an amazing time learning
from our guides the history of Colorado. Thank you for all the help we had from parents. Each child also
got a free admission ticket to go back to the History Colorado Center with one paid adult admission. If
you have never been, it is well worth the trip downtown.
Our field trip to Georgetown Silver Mine and Railroad will be Thursday, May 19th (Mrs. Layman and Mrs.
Schultz) and Friday, May 20th (Mrs. Loehr and Mr. Wiersma).
Reading Challenge’s last day to submit the 20 books is Friday, May 6th. The celebration is at Mrs. Loehr’s
house Sunday, May 15th from 4-7. More information will go out as we get closer.
4th Grade Rock Shop will be held the week of April 18th. Monday and Tuesday will be preview days for
the kids with purchasing days on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Proceeds will go to the continued
care of the 4th grade pets and a community service donation to be named.
Upcoming Testing Dates: All tests will start after lunch recess around 12:30. There will not be any
testing in the morning.
Week of April 4th (English Language Arts)
Tuesday, April 5th
Wednesday, April 6th
Thursday, April 7th
Week of April 11th (Math)
Monday, April 11th
Tuesday, April 12th
Wednesday, April 13th
Thursday, April 14th
Week of April 18th (Social Studies)
Tuesday, April 19th
Wednesday, April 20th
Thursday, April 21st
In math we have started Unit 5 in Bridges in Geometry and Measurement. Do you know what
perpendicular lines are? Soon after spring break we will dive into Unit 6 Multiplication, Division, Data,
and more Fractions.
In Language Arts we have finished up our work with Historical Fiction books. Their time capsules were a
lot of fun to listen to. We will begin a unit on poetry once we get back from spring break along with
some informational writing.
In Science we have been studying the Sun, Moon, and Planets. How and why does your shadow change
during the day? What is all this waxing and waning stuff with the moon? Soon we will start our last unit
of study in science with Magnetism and Electricity. What are conductors and insulators?
Thank you for all your continued support!
4th Grade Teachers and Pets!
5th Grade News:
Although it would appear that the school year is winding down, activities in the 5th grade make it
feel more like we’re gearing up! We have a couple of events coming up in the next month or so
for you to prepare for.
The High Trails field trip is right around the corner (May 2nd through the 4th). At the parent
meeting on March 16th, parents received a white informational packet. This is for you to keep.
We’ll need to have all students return the Blue, Yellow, and Green pages. The Pink page is for
students requiring specific medication. This page will need to be completed by your doctor and
returned. (Medications will be turned into the teachers the morning of departure.) Keep in mind
that many of these forms have both a front and a back side to complete. Your fundraising
efforts have been so helpful, and you should have received a statement summarizing your
balance. The cost of the trip is $230, but may be defrayed by your King Soopers shopping. If
you have any questions about funding your trip, please contact your child’s teacher. We are so
excited for the students to enjoy this amazing experience!
Another big event coming up shortly is our annual assortment of state testing. Please help your
child to be prepared by supporting them in getting a good night’s sleep, a nutritious breakfast,
and plenty of encouraging words. If you’d like to see how the tests may look, the following
websites will give you a peek into their structure (they are browser sensitive): For PARCC:
www.parcconline.org; For CMAS Science: https://www.cde.state.co.us/assessment/newassesssum (go to the ePAT area).
The 5th grade testing schedule is as follows:
PARCC ELA: (Language Arts): Tuesday (4/5), Wednesday (4/6), and Thursday (4/7) @ 10:35 –
12:18
PARCC Math: Monday (4/11), Tuesday (4/12), Wednesday (4/13), and Thursday (4/14) @ 11 –
12:18
CMAS Science: Tuesday (4/19), Wednesday (4/20), and Thursday (4/21) @ 10:40 – 12:18
*Note: There will also be a Campus Middle School math placement test during this time. April
18th during our math block (10 – 11:15) is the time we’ve been assigned.*
Thank you, as always, for the continued support you provide for our students! Our teamwork
makes such a difference!
Cherry Creek Schools named to Forbes America's Best Employers list for second time
Forbes business magazine has named the Cherry Creek School District one of America's Best Large Employers
for the second consecutive year.
"We continue to work hard to make our district a great place to work," Cherry Creek School District
Superintendent Harry Bull said. "We have among the lowest turnover rate for teachers in the Denver Metro
Area, all of whom are supported by a dedicated classifed staff that ensures that we create the best possible
environment for teaching and learning."
Cherry Creek Schools was one of seven organizations, and the only school district, in Colorado to make the list.
Of the seven, the district was highest ranking once again.
Nationwide, the district moved up to #92, from #143 last year. Cherry Creek Schools is one of just three public
school districts in the country to make the list.
The anonymous survey is given to employees of organizations with more than 2,500 employees. The questions
asked employees to rank their employer in 5 categories.
Atmosphere at work and potential for development
Working conditions
Salary / Wage
Workplace
Diversity
The survey, conducted by Statista in collaboration with Forbes, analyzed employer attractiveness from the
perspective of American employees. Employees of 1,100 organizations were included in the survey.
Tustin Amole
Director of Communications
Cherry Creek School District
4700 S. Yosemite St.
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
720.554.4475
www.cherrycreekschools.org
Tuesday, April 5th, 2016
9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
The Myth of Safety: Why Kids Need Grit
Most parents see their top priority as keeping their kids safe. But this safely
mindset has produced serious unintended consequences for our kids. New
research identifies "grit" as a crucial quality our kids need to survive and thrive in
today’s world. Studies show that safety-first parenting has unintentionally eroded
kids' ability to persevere and overcome challenges. Join us to hear author Rick
Lawrence speak about:
The unintended consequences of our obsession with safety
Keys to helping children of all ages overcome challenges
Practical ways to help your kids become stronger
Rick is an award-winning author, journalist, cultural researcher, business leader,
and national speaker. He’s been executive editor of GROUP Magazine for 28 years.
He has been interviewed by national publications and media outlets including The
Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. Parents,
school administrators and community members are welcome and encouraged to
attend PIN’s presentations. No need to RSVP—just come! Presentations are FREE
and are held the first Tuesday of each month at:
Student Achievement Resource Center (SARC)
14188 E. Briarwood Avenue, Centennial
(South of Arapahoe Rd., between Potomac and Jordan Roads)
Visit www.PINccsd.org for Podcasts and Meeting Highlights
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
May 3rd Annual Brunch*
Brain-Based Mindfulness Strategies to Develop Resilience to Stress
*The Annual Brunch will be held at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church, 10150 E. Belleview Ave., Englewood, at 8:45.