COLD SPRING ELEMENTARY

PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER

October 1, 2009

 

IMPORTANT DATES                

OCTOBER  HIGHLIGHTS

2              Early Release Day, K-12 Grading/Planning  ( Students released at 12:35pm)

6              PTA General Meeting @7:15pm,APR

7              Walk Your Child to School Day

                12           Columbus Day Open House for Parents, 9:00 – 11:00am

14           Help the Homeless Walkathon, 1:30pm, RAINDATE: OCT. 21

15           Field Trip: Beall-Dawson, Peterson/Sellitti, 9:30 – 12:00

                16            SCHOOLS CLOSED: MSTA /Statewide Teachers Conference

19 – 23  Book Fair Week                                 

School Bus Safety Week

23           Teacher Raffle/Bingo Night, 6:30pm, APR

               26-30      Red Ribbon Week

30            Halloween Parade/Party, 1:15 Parade; 1:45 – 2:45 Party in Classroom

End of First Grading Period

 

NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH

1              Daylight Savings Time Ends

2              SCHOOLS CLOSED: Professional Day for Teachers, Report Card Preparation

                5              Book-A-Breakfast, K-2, 8:00am, APR

                                Fourth Grade Field Trip: Living Classroom, Willis/Sydnor

                6              Fourth Grade Field Trip: Living Classroom, Cashman/Cohen

                                Fifth Grade Field Trip: Beall-Dawson, Sindall/McPhaul, 9:30 – 12:00

                                Final Frontiers, Fifth Grade Students, 1:20 – 3:00pm, APR

                11           Veterans’ Day  

Early Release Day, Parent Conferences, 12:35pm Dismissal

                12           Early Release Day, Parent Conferences, 12:35pm Dismissal

                12           Book-A-Breakfast, Grades 3-5, 8:00am, APR

                14           Blood Drive, 8:00 – 2:00pm

24           Fifth Grade Field Trip: Politics and Prose, Peterson/Sellitti, 9:30am – 12:30pm

                25           Early Release Day, Thanksgiving Holiday, 12:35pm Dismissal               

                26 – 27  SCHOOLS CLOSED: Thanksgiving Holiday

 

PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER GOES GREEN

This year, for the very first time, Cold Spring’s Principal’s Newsletter will be made available exclusively online after November 1.  The biweekly newsletter serves to update parents with time-sensitive dates and events.  This biweekly newsletter can be accessed through the Cold Spring web page.  

 

FLUMIST ADMINISTRATION: COOPERATION AT ITS BEST

Thanks to the diligent work of Cold Spring’s Health Tech, Mrs. Cherie Jordan, and School Nurse, Mrs. Soon Lee, the FluMist Clinic ran smoothly and efficiently.  In less than 1 ½ hours, approximately 225 students in grades K-5 were administered the FluMist and returned to class.  This is another example of how extensive planning and preparation really make a difference.  Well done, Cold Spring Staff!

 

SAFETY DRILL PRACTICE: CODE RED AND CODE BLUE

Please note that if, in an emergency situation, students should be released from school either before or after the school day, Cold Spring has in place a parent reunification plan as follows:

  • Parents are to report to the APR
  • Parents will sit at designated tables
  • Parents will await instructions from a Cold Spring staff member.  This entails confirmation of emergency information prior to reunification with child.

Cold Spring is, above all, committed to student safety and to that end will continue to modify and perfect this plan.

 

WEATHER ALERT

As the summer temperatures finally fade to fall, we are reminding all parents to encourage their child(ren) to dress appropriately.  Since all students will be participating in recess, it is recommended that students wear jackets or sweatshirts to school.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter!

 

SIDEWALK SAFETY

The beautiful September weather has resulted in a large number of students walking or riding bicycles to and from school.  Therefore Officer Terese Guilday and her safety enforcers at Cold Spring would like to remind all students and their families to avoid the car entrance crosswalk.  For optimal safety, all students approaching the school from Orchard Brook must make use of the sidewalk circling the parking lot to get to the school building.  This rule applies to walkers and bicyclists alike. Student patrols will be stationed at regular intervals along the walkway to monitor safe behaviors as students proceed toward the various grade-level entrances. 

With the cooperation of all stakeholders in this matter, Cold Spring’s slogan—“Safety Is No Accident at Cold Spring”—will continue to be the order of the day.  Thanks for your understanding.

 

Please remember to always walk nearest to the grassy side of the walkway.  In this way, students will be safe from cars pulling into parking spaces.

 

LABEL PERSONAL ITEMS

Our “Lost and Found” is already beginning to fill up with personal belongings.  To minimize “lost” items, please label all student clothing and lunch boxes. 

 

ABSENCE PROCEDURES

It is the legal responsibility of each school to accurately report and explain student absences.  Please telephone the office to report any student absence to expedite the process. 

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL MAGNET PROGRAMS                                                      
Mrs. Whited, school counselor, has been reviewing all middle school options with all 5th grade students. All fifth grade students are eligible to apply.  She will review the program highlights and hand out application forms to those who want them.  Additionally, forms will be available online mid-October at:  www.montgomeryschoolmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms .                                                             
Below are dates/times for information meetings on all magnet programs.                                                                    
All application and choice forms are due November 9, 2009.                                                                                 
 Mrs. Whited is available to parents for questions or assistance with this process.

Middle School Magnet Consortium Parent Student Information Meeting:            

Norwood HS          Sept. 30     7:00pm MSMC schools and choice process.

MSMC Open Houses:                                                                                                                                                        
Loiederman Magnet Schools for Creative and Performing Arts               Oct. 15   7:00pm  
Argyle Magnet School for Digital Design and Development                      Oct. 28   7:00pm   
Parkland Magnet School for Aerospace Technology                                   Nov. 5   7:00pm

Information Meetings:                                                                                                                                                              
Eastern Middle School (Humanities and Communication Arts)                  Oct. 19    7:00pm    
Takoma Park Middle School (Math, Science, and Computer Science)      Oct. 21   7:00pm

Optional Application Workshops:                                                                                                                                     
 at Gaithersburg HS                                           Thursday, Oct. 29                                                                                         
at Wheaton HS                                                     Monday,    Nov. 2

 

COMMUNITY-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP / COMMUNICATION

We are indeed a fortunate community to have the high level of care and commitment demonstrated by our staff members and parents.   Cold Spring parents are truly our partners in these endeavours, and we continue to welcome your interest, ideas and expertise.  One vital part of any partnership is communication about the school and about the accomplishments of our children and staff.  Once again, Thursdays (biweekly) have been designated notice day and teachers will be sending out all but time sensitive notices to you on this day.  These notices generally include information about staff, grade level, school community and county events.  The PTA will provide an online newsletter monthly to keep parents informed of PTA/school related events.  PTA Newsletters can be picked up at the information tables located in the hallways outside classrooms.  This year, beginning in November, the Principal’s Newsletter can be accessed online via the Cold Spring Elementary School web page.  No hard copy will be available after November 1.

 

CHILDREN’S CHORUS OF WASHINGTON AUDITIONS

The Children’s Chorus of Washington (CCW) is currently holding auditions for young singers.  The chorus is open to girls and to boys with unchanged voices, who are between the ages of 9 and 16.

The Children’s Chorus of Washington (CCW) is now in its 12th year of providing children from the greater Washington area with an excellent music education program.  Under the direction of Joan Gregoryk, this outstanding choral ensemble is recognized nationally and internationally for its program and artistic excellence.  The chorus has performed with the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, with the Baltimore Symphony, and with many adult choral organizations in the area.  The chorus has toured overseas, visiting Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, London, Wales, and South America.

This is a wonderful opportunity available to interested and talented students.  Furthermore, many Cold Spring students—both present and past—are members of the chorus. If you are interested in more information about the CCW program and the auditions, please ask your child to pick p a brochure from Mrs. Minier.

 

FLES CLASSES BEGIN

Depending on enrolment, the following FLES language classes are slated to be offered before and after school.

 

Second to Fifth Graders

                Spanish Level I – Wednesdays, 7:45 – 8:45am

                Spanish Level II – Thursdays, 7:45 – 8:45am

                Spanish Level III – Tuesdays, 7:45 – 8:45am

                Spanish Level III(adv.) – Tuesdays, 7:45 – 8:45am

               

                French Level I – Wednesdays, 3:10 – 4:10pm

                French Level II – Thursdays, 7:45 – 8:45am

 

Kindergartners and First Graders

                Spanish Intro – Tuesdays, 3:10 – 4:10pm

                French Intro – Wednesdays, 3:10 – 4:10pm

 

Registration is currently taking place.  Please do so by following the link below by simply clickig on it or cutting and pasting it into the web address:

https://www.registrationheadquarters.com/events/?a6dd88e861b6400e88496b2ff3886a

For further information, please contact Cold Spring’s coordinator—Mr. Marlon Bernal.

 

STAY IN TOUCH: SIGN UP FOR THE COLD SPRING LISTSERV

If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment and sign up for the Cold Spring PTA listserv.  It’s free, takes just a few minutes to sign up and is a great way to keep up to date on current information and happenings.  Please be assured that all e-mail addresses will remain strictly confidential.

To sign up for the listserv:

  1. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ColdSpringPTA/
  2. Click on the “Join This Group” button.
  3. Sign in using your Yahoo ID and password.  If you don’t have one, you’ll need to sign up, which is free.   Please note that you can receive listserv e-mail at NON-Yahoo e-mail addresses.
  4. Follow the steps as detailed on Yahoo’s site, including posting a non-yahoo address.
  5. In the comments section, please include the name(s) of your child/children so we can verify enrollment at Cold Spring.

 

The system will then automatically send your request to join to our group’s moderator who will then add you to the list.  You will receive a confirming e-mail once you’ve been added to the list.

 

Please be assured that

                …only Cold Spring families (and staff) may sign up for the listserv

                …all e-mail addresses are kept confidential

 

Please be sure to include your name and child’s name in the space provided on the yahoo site.  We are very careful to check sign-up requests against Cold Spring class lists to ensure that only Cold Spring families are on the list.

               

If you have any questions regarding the listserv, please contact the moderator, Jonathan Lusk, at jlusk1965@comcast.net.

 

SCHOOL INFORMATION

PTA MEETING SCHEDULED                                                      Oct. 6
Come one, come all to the first Cold Spring PTA meeting for the 2009– 20010chool year on Tuesday, October 6. The meeting will begin at 7:15pm sharp.  Babysitting services will be provided.

INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY                                   Oct. 7

On Wednesday, October 7, Cold Spring will participate with the rest of Montgomery County Public Schools in “International Walk to School Day”.  The primary objective of this event is to identify and subsequently lessen potentially dangerous pedestrian conditions.  However, the event benefits both students and their parents in other ways, as well.  Parents can use this opportunity to reinforce safe pedestrian behaviors while encouraging physical activity.  Furthermore, participation in this event enables parents and their children to spend quality time together.  Please mark this very important date on your calendars!  We look forward to greeting many families on October 8 as they walk together to school.

 

COLUMBUS DAY PARENT VISITATION                                      Oct. 12 
On Monday, October 12th all parents are invited to an “Open House” from 9:00 – 11:00am.  During that time, parents are invited to observe the magical interactions between students and their teachers.  In order to minimize distraction to teachers and students alike, we ask that non-school age children stay home.  Parents, please attend.

MINI HELP THE HOMELESS WALKATHON SCHEDULED       Oct. 14

                                                                                                    Rain date 10/21

On Wednesday, October 14, all Cold Spring students and staff are invited to Walk for the Homeless during the school day to raise money for the Hand-to-Hand program.  This annual support for the homeless walk will take place at 2:00 on the upper and lower fields of Cold Spring.  Parents and friends are invited to join us.  Details will be forthcoming.

 

NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK                               Oct. 19 - 23

Please remember to recognize our dedicated bus drivers during National School Bus Safety Week, from October 19 – 23.  They safely and efficiently transport our students to and from school and field trips on a regular basis.  We are fortunate at Cold Spring  to have such wonderful bus drivers assigned to us!

 

BINGO NIGHT/TEACHER RAFFLE/BOOK SALE                          Oct. 23

On Friday, October 23rd , at 6:30pm, Cold Spring will host its annual Bingo Night.  This event is the kick-off activity of Book Fair week.  During this time, students and parents are invited to purchase books, play bingo, and participate in the ever popular teacher raffle.  Please attend!

 

BOOK-A-BREAKFAST: K-2 GRADES                                                  Nov. 5 
The Cold Spring PTA will sponsor its first Book-A-Breakfast on Thursday, November 5th  in the All- Purpose Room.  The breakfast will be held from 8 – 8:45am. We hope to see all our K-2 students there!!

BOOK-A-BREAKFAST: 3-5 GRADES                                                 Nov. 12 
The Cold Spring PTA will sponsor its second Book-A-Breakfast on Thursday, November12th  in the All- Purpose Room.  The breakfast will be held from 8 – 8:45am. We hope to see all our 3, 4, and 5 students there!!

H1NI SWINE FLU COMMUNICATION PLAN                                                                  
 As you are aware, MCPS has been working closely with the Department of Health to develop a county-wide/school-wide plan in the event it is necessary to close schools because of the H1N1 virus. Key components to ensuring continuity of the instructional program in the event the health department closes our school will be a strong reliance on technology and effective communication between the school and the home.  To this end, it is very important that parents provide the school with accurate email addresses and updated telephone numbers so that teachers are able to communicate with families effectively and efficiently.  Please be sure to provide your child(ren)’s teacher with this information as soon as possible. Emailing the teacher directly will be the most expedient way to ensure essential electronic communication.

Please give careful attention to all correspondence sent home regarding this matter.

 

PLAYGROUND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

As the 2009-10 school year begins, Cold Spring is searching for parent volunteers during the school recess period from 12-1:00pm Monday – Friday.  Any interested parent(s) should sign up on the school calendar located just outside the main office.  Refer questions to the school office.  Thank you in advance for your participation.

 

2009-10 TESTING SCHEDULES

The 2009-10 testing schedule is as follows:

MSA (Maryland School Assessment)             March  8 - 23            Reading/Math                  Grades 3, 4, and 5

                                                                                May 5 - 11                 Science                              Grade 5

 

Terra Nova II                                                        April 26 – April 30                                             Grade 2

Please put these dates on your family calendar ASAP.  More detailed information regarding exact grade level testing dates and times will be forthcoming.

 

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

Box Tops for Education is a school fundraising program supported by General Mills that has helped America’s schools raise over $200 million. The Box Tops for Education program offers schools an easy way to earn cash through everyday activities like buying groceries or shopping online. Schools can raise a total of up to $60,000 each year.

Clip Box Tops from participating Box Tops products and drop them in your class box at Cold Spring so they can be collected and redeemed. Each Box Top is worth 10 cents to Cold Spring! For a complete list of the hundreds of participating products, visit www.boxtops4education.com.

 

RECYCLE YOUR CARTRIDGES AND CELL PHONES

Your used printer cartridges and cell phones can make a difference. Cold Spring just started a new recycling program through Funding Factory by collecting used inkjet and laser printer cartridges and cell phones. To contribute to the recycling effort, please deliver your items to one of the bins located in the hallway outside of the teachers’ lounge.

 

GIANT BONUS $$$$                                                                         

Giant A+ Bonusbucks program is running again this year. The program begins October 9, 2009 and runs through March 25, 2010.Giant customers can help our school earn cash each time they shop using their BonusCard. All you need to do is designate Cold Spring Elementary School as the recipient school. This can be done on-line by visiting the Giant website http://www.giantfood.com/aplus  or by calling 1-877-366-2668. Our school ID is 00749. Please note that you need to re-designate Cold Spring even if you had designated us last year.

 

SAFEWAY ESCRIP PROGRAM

Safeway’s “escrip” program is once again up and running.  Operating in much the same manner as the Giant Bonus Bucks program, Safeway’s program requires you to sign up online at www.escrip.com . Our school ID is 6489882.

 

TARGET

Use your Target Visa or REDcard when you shop at Target and support Cold Spring.  Cold Spring ID: 58117.

Just visit www.target.com/tcoe, or call 1-800-316-6142 to designate our school.

 

HARRIS TEETER TOGETHER IN EDUCATION

If you purchase your groceries at Harris Teeter, they will contribute a portion of their earnings to Cold Spring.  The Cold Spring ID is: 7901.  Register at http://www.harristeeter.com/community/together_in_education/link_to_your-school.aspx.

 

Sincerely,

 

Martin J. Barnett,          

                                                                                                                Principal