Cottonwood Creek ACTION School Parent Bulletin
10/9/13
Read - A – Thon
Last Friday the entire school participated in the 6th Annual PTO Sponsored Read-A-Thon. All earnings from the Read-A Thon are due this Friday, October 11th. Our goal is to make this our one big fundraiser for the school year with each child bringing in $25 for the school. In fact, we have a big drawing as an incentive this year. For every $25 a child brings in his / her name will be entered into a drawing to win an HD kindle Fire, just released this week. There will be 3 drawings: one for K & 1st grade, one for 2 & 3rd and one drawing for 4th & 5th grade. We will also be awarding the top earner in each grade level a fleece blanket with the inscription Read , Dream Succeed. The top class in each grade level will also be featured on our daily CCN news show. All students that participate will receive a special Cottonwood bookmark too.
Checks should be made to: Cottonwood Creek PTO
We truly do appreciate the support our families give to Cottonwood and thank you for this contribution as it will enable us to bring many wonderful events and special opportunities to the students of Cottonwood.
Parent/ Teacher Conferences
Parent/ Teacher conferences will be held Oct. 24th & 25th so there will not be school on those days. Teachers will be sending home conference times on Monday, Oct. 14th. Report cards will be given to you at the conferences along with their recent performance on the MAP and AIMS assessments.
MAP Assessments taken on the iPads
We are really excited to announce that we were able to have many classes take the MAP assessment this fall on the iPads. It was unavailable last year but with some recent updates we were able to complete the task. Cottonwood was the first school in the district to take the MAP assessments on the iPads and we are proud to lead the way. Typically, we have to shut down the computer lab for three weeks to get all of the students through MAP testing in the computer lab. With the use of the iPads, we will not have to shut down the lab for nearly as long. K-2nd grade will continue to test in the computer lab but 3rd – 5th grade will have this new opportunity available and we are looking forward to it in the future.
Accelerated Reader (AR)
The last day of the 1st quarter is this Friday, October 11th. It is also the last day to earn AR points to earn the lanyard and stars. Our AR awards assembly for grades 2 -5 will be next Friday, Oct. 18th. 1st graders are just now starting to take the AR comprehension tests and will participate in the AR assembly at the end of the 2nd quarter.
2nd Grade Music Performance
The 2nd grade music performance will be held tomorrow night at 7:00. First, the students will have the opportunity to perform at an all school assembly tomorrow. We are all excited about the first performance of the school year.
Box Tops Challenge
We will continue to collect Box Tops until Oct. 25th . So far we have collected over 7,000 Box Tops. Each Box Top is worth 10 cents and when we all contribute together we can really make a difference. Thanks!
Lost & Found
The Lost & Found is finding a lot of lost items. Please check it out if you are missing anything.
The Weather is Getting Colder!
Please be prepared for the first snow with the appropriate recess gear. Now is the time to gather snow pants, boots, hats and gloves in order to send your child to school prepared to go outside for recess. Students go outside to -10 degrees.
Picture Retakes
Picture retakes will be next Tuesday, October 15th.
Halloween Carnival
The annual Cottonwood Carnival will be held this year on Saturday, October, 26th from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. The PTO is working hard to make it a success and has been sending home information on how you can get involved to make this a fantastic night for the students. If you would like to volunteer get in touch with the PTO or call the front office and we will connect you with the right person. It is a GREAT BIG TEAM effort and we appreciate your assistance.
We are also starting to collect candy and 2 liters of soda for the carnival. Students receive tickets for games in exchange for the candy or soda. THANK YOU!
Lunch/ Recess Schedule Change for K & 1st grade
K Lunch: 11:40 – 12:10 Recess: 12:15 – 12:45
1st Lunch: 12:40 – 1:10 Recess: 12:00 – 12:30
1st Grade will now go to recess before lunch and the Kindergarten lunch is now 5 minutes later.
Artist in Residence
Our annual Artist in Residency program is about to begin. This year’s artist is Michael Daquiaog and he represents the Kodiak Drummers. He brought his group earlier this year for an assembly before they performed at the AK State Fair. They were incredibly talented! We are really excited about the upcoming two week residency and what Mr. D will be able to provide the students in learning about the performing arts. The residency will run from Oct. 28th – Nov. 8th and all classes will have the opportunity to work with him. We would like to thank The AK State Council on the Arts for the grant monies awarded for this program and to the Cottonwood Creek PTO for the matching funds to make this residency happen. Mark your calendar for Friday, Nov. 8th as we will be hosting an all school performance at Teeland Middle School from 7:00 -8:30 p.m.
PE Activity Logs
September Activity Logs were due today. If you find one lying around the house, please ensure your child’s participation is recognized by bringing it back to school asap. October Activity Logs were sent home on Monday. Look for the Bright orange sheet in your child’s folder. Students are working hard to stay active. Find ways for your whole family to get involved and stay active together.
Basketball has started
The 4th & 5th graders have started basketball and their first games are just around the corner. Please check the Cottonwood website for the home games to come cheer on your Cougars!
