COLD SPRING ELEMENTARY

PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER

September 17, 2009

IMPORTANT DATES

SEPTEMBER - NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

18 Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown

21 B.G.S.I P. Meeting, Counselor’s Room, 3:15pm

23 Flu Mist Clinic, all students with signed permission slips

25 Individual Pictures: Lifetouch

28 SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF: Yom Kippur

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 Classrooms

11 Veterans’ Day

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

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

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

14 Blood Drive, 8:00 – 2:00pm

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

26 – 27 SCHOOLS CLOSED: Thanksgiving Holiday

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.

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.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

Please take the time to look over our Drop Off/Pick-Up Rules attached to this Principal’s Newsletter. It is important to the safety of all Cold Spring students and families that everyone adhere to these rules and the school traffic signs that are posted. Always be sure to stop at the STOP SIGN located in front of the elevated center pedestrian crosswalk!!! Thank you!

STUDENT ENROLLMENT /ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN

Our student enrolment is approximately 375 students and growing every day. The tentative organizational plan for Cold Spring’s 2009-10 teaching positions will be as follows:

K K 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 4* 4* 5 5 5 * 5*

* Center for the Highly Gifted Classes

In light of the current economic climate, we in MCPS have been doing our part to make adjustments in staffing, class size, and instructional materials. We will do our best to minimize the impact on the instructional program at Cold Spring.

SPRING 2008-09 TEST DATA UPDATE

Cold Spring ES has once again scored in the “outstanding achievement” range in the MSA testing programs. As of this writing , MCPS has not yet published the 2^nd grade Terra Nova II test scores. Although we are enormously proud of the Cold Spring students for continuing to exceed projected test benchmarks, we are even more impressed with the willingness of all students to reach to their potential.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM BEGINS

Enroll Your Child in Instrumental Music!

All 4^th and 5^th graders in MCPS are offered the opportunity to learn a band or orchestra instrument. Learning to play an instrument is both good for you and fun, and it enables your child to participate in a number of performing groups in middle school and high school. Our instrumental music teacher, Mr. Chris Allen, will have an assembly on September 11 to discuss the program with students. Mr. Allen will be sending home information with students at that time. Parent information meetings and other pertinent information will be address during the Back-to-School night on September 9.

FOOD SERVICES UPDATES

The cost of a school lunch has been increased to $2.50; milk will remain at $.60. Reduced lunch price is $.40. The cost of a school breakfast will remain at $1.30; reduced breakfast is $.30. Children who were in the free and reduced lunch program last year will continue with the program until the end of September. Guidelines and application forms for free and reduced meals for this school year will be sent home during the month of September. If you believe your child may be eligible for free or reduced meals please complete and mail the application form as indicated.

NEW LUNCH SERVICE
MyLunchMoney.com is a new service being offered which allows parents to make prepayments to their child’s cafeteria account with a credit/debit card using the Internet. Once the account is established, you can check balances, view student purchases, set up recurring payments, and receive low balance e-mail notification. Prepayments will generally be available at the school the next day. Go to www.myLunchMoney.com and click on “Enroll Now.” For more information, click here to refer to Frequently Asked Questions (English or Spanish).

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.

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:

Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ColdSpringPTA/
Click on the “Join This Group” button.
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.
Follow the steps as detailed on Yahoo’s site, including posting a non-yahoo address.
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.

MULTI-HOUSEHOLDS AND REPORT CARDS

Please notify the school office concerning the need to have multiple copies of report cards issued to your child. Our goal is to keep all parties informed regarding your child(ren)’s academic progress at Cold Spring Elementary School.

PTA REFLECTIONS 2009

REFLECTIONS is a national PTA program that encourages individual students to create original works of art inspired by this year’s them, “Beauty is…”. The program is designed to enhance arts education by providing an opportunity for students to express their artistic talents and receive recognition for their efforts. Students may enter one or more works of art in any of six arts areas: visual arts, literature, photography, musical composition, dance choreography, and film/video production.

All submissions will be displayed and students acknowledged for their work. Submissions are judged in two grade divisions: K-2 and 3-5. The top four submissions in each arts area, within each division, will be forwarded on for further judging at the county, state, and national levels. Judging is based on creativity, artistic merit, and interpretation of the theme.

Students can obtain an entry packet or additional information by contacting the Reflections Chair, Jennifer Capparella, at capparella-winig@comcast.net or (301) 424-4211. All entries must be submitted by Friday, November 6^th.

SCHOOL INFORMATION

INFORMATION FORM (YELLLOW) Sept. 4

Please be sure to complete the pre-printed Yellow Information Emergency Form and return it to your child(ren)’s teachers with any updates or changes as soon as possible. This form was distributed to all students earlier this week.

We are looking forward to your continued support as we begin another great school year!!

EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOLS / Sept. 4

EMERGENCY QUESTIONNAIRE FORM

Emergency School Closings are announced on radio and television. Many people report that WTOP-1500 AM radio provides the most accurate and timely information. Please stay tuned!

Cold Spring’s 2009-10 Crisis Preparedness Plan requires that each year every child complete/return an updated Emergency Questionnaire Form. This form was attached to the principal’s summer mailer. Attached is an additional copy of this form for you to complete if needed. The purpose of this form is to provide the school with current and accurate information in the event of a weather-related/emergency situation involving MCPS schools. Please be sure to review the form with your child(ren) and return it to your child(ren)’s teacher by Friday, September 4!!

.EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS/SNACK PACKS Sept. 11

As part of the Cold Spring 2009 – 2010 Emergency Crisis Plan, we are, once again, asking this year that every child bring in to school a snack pack. This snack pack should contain non-perishable/ wrapped food items (chips, cookies, granola bars, etc.). These items should be placed inside a 1-gallon plastic Ziploc bag and labeled with the student’s name and teacher’s name. The school/PTA will provide bottled water for all students. It is important that all students bring in their snack packs by Friday, September 11^th.

Note: Out of consideration for students with peanut allergies, we ask that student snacks contain NO PEANUT products.

B.G. S.I.P. STAFF/ PARENT MEETING Sept. 21

Cold Spring held its B.G.S.I.P. (Baldrige Guided School Improvement Plan) staff/parent meeting during the summer. The purpose of this meeting was to develop a Baldrige-guided 2009 – 10 School Improvement Plan

(B.G. S.I.P) document. Among topics reviewed and discussed were:

· Cluster Objective Goal

· Results of Spring, 2009 Terra Nova and MSA tests

The Cold Spring staff is in the process of developing the first draft of the 2009-10 B.G.S.I.P. document. Our Instructional Leadership Team composed of teachers, specialists, and PTA members has planned our directions for the 2009-10 school year. These goals and objectives are attached to this Principal’s Newsletter and will be reviewed at our Cold Spring Back to School Night on Thursday, September 9^th. The B.G.S.I.P. Committee will meet again on September 21^st, at 3:15 in the Counselor’s Room. The purpose is to review/finalize the document. All committee members are encouraged to attend this meeting.

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.

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.

ADVENTURES IN THE COLD SPRING ART ROOM!

Welcome to another exciting year of adventures in art and learning as students explore how art is a critical component in being a good problem solver and creative thinker. Although students only have art once a week, throughout the year we explore the styles of a wide variety of different artists, art movements, and cultures. They will have the experience of working and expressing themselves in a wide variety of media: drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, sculpture, collage, and various crafts.

When you receive your student’s schedule please note which day they have art and remind them not to wear something favorite (darker colors and prints usually show stains the least) on that day. For health reasons I do not keep or use smocks in the art room.

Each student is required to bring in a three-pronged folder (preferably with pockets) and thirty unlined pieces of white computer paper to use as their own sketchbook. Please punch it and put it in the folder if you have the punch.

Also please put the student’s first and last name in marker on the front cover. Please do not send in binders with rings; we do not have storage space. This folder and paper are due the next time they come to art class.

Thank you to those parents who signed up at the sneak peek to volunteer in the art room. We still need volunteers in some classes and you will know if your student’s class is one of them if there is a signup sheet in the classroom at Back-to-School night. Or feel free to contact me by email Ellen_D_Crandall@mcpsmd.org. You need not be an artists, just be willing to lend a helping hand. Often two or more parents share the position and come in every other week , once a month, etc.

I look forward to another exciting year in the art room with your students!

Mrs. Crandall

COUNSELOR’S CORNER

In my corner, throughout the year, you will find listings of upcoming seminars, workshops or meetings on various topics available in Montgomery County. Also I will include updates on upcoming events going on in Cold Spring classrooms through my monthly lessons. If you need to contact me I can be reached via email corinne_e_whited@mcpsmd.org, telephone 301-279-8480 or drop a note in my mailbox located in the front office.

What does a school counselor do?

· The counselor talks to students about feelings – understanding emotions and how to deal with their feelings. J K L

· The counselor helps mediate problems that students may have.‚ðïƒ

· The counselor goes into classrooms and teaches monthly lessons based on school counseling competencies developed my MCPS. ¨

· The counselor talks with parents when they have concerns about their child/children. H '

· The counselor attends meetings. ¥!

· The counselor attends professional meetings and trainings throughout the school year. i

· The counselor holds small groups on various topics throughout the year through referrals by teachers, parents and students. ”

· The counselor helps with fifth grade transition into middle school. F

I am hoping to begin some groups by late October. Various topics that I may cover in the small groups include: Dealing with Divorce/Separation, Anger Management, Social Skills/Making Friends, Dealing with Death and Dying, Organizational Skills, Stress Management, and Managing ADD/ADHD. Groups run once a week for 6 weeks throughout October through May. If you think your child would benefit from joining one of my groups this year, please send me a note, email or call me.

Mrs. Corinne Whited

Professional School Counselor

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.

CENTER FOR THE HIGHLY GIFTED : BUS INFORMATION

The Department of Transportation has mailed bus schedules directly to all students enrolled in the Center for the Highly Gifted. If your child is enrolled in the Center for the Highly Gifted and you have not received bus information regarding pick-up and location of bus stop, please call the Department of Transportation at 301- 353-0982. The Department of Transportation has requested that parents wait at least two weeks before requesting any changes regarding bus transportation.

SCHOOL HOURS

Cold Spring Elementary student hours will be the same as last year: 8:50 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. each regular school day. The hours for early release days will be 8:50 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. This year the two all-day Kindergarten sessions will run from 8:50 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. as well.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

We ask that students not arrive before 8:45 a.m., as adequate supervision is not available before that time. The Tardy Bell rings at 8:50 a.m. to signal the beginning of the instructional day. Each grade level has been assigned a line-up door for morning entrance and afternoon dismissal. Parents should meet children outside the dismissal doors. Siblings should proceed outside either to the bus or to a designated meeting point. Please do not ask an older brother or sister to meet a younger child inside the building. During inclement weather, parents must wait for their child in the hallway near the school office in order not to disrupt the instructional day.

TARDY AND HALF-DAY PROCEDURES

Maryland State Department of Education requires that all schools keep very accurate attendance records of students. Daily attendance reports concerning tardiness and absenteeism must be submitted. Please be sure that your child(ren) arrives at school by 8:45am. Any and all students arriving after the 8:50 late bell will be marked tardy. Please have your child enter through the office. Students will need a slip to be admitted to class. A half-day is considered to be 8:50-12:35 or 12:30 – 3.

As always, thank you for your cooperation.

EARLY PICK-UP OF STUDENTS PRIOR TO 3:05 DISMISSAL

The end of the day is a particularly eventful time for teachers, children and office staff. We ask that, when possible, you schedule out-of-school appointments after 3:05p.m. When that is not possible, please send a note to the teacher so that the teacher can have your child come to the office to meet you. We avoid interrupting teachers at the end of the day because it is so disruptive to their closing activities. Always park on the street when picking up your children after 2:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

Martin J. Barnett,

Principal