Welcome Back to School
With one full week behind us and a great start to Kindergarten yesterday, Cottonwood Creek ACTION School is looking forward to another amazing year. It has been a fantastic start and I would like to thank all of the parents for being so involved in assisting the students in getting prepared for school. It was wonderful to see such a huge turnout to the back to school picnic and we look forward to the many opportunities ahead of us this year to see you again.
I would like to take this chance at the beginning of the year to let you know that we no longer send home hard copy newsletters from the school. Teachers may still send home grade level information via newsletters but the school information will be sent out electronically to the email address that was provided at registration. If you would ever like to change your email address or any other personal contact information just go to iParent, make the change and then in the comment box indicate the change you made e.g (I made a change to my cell phone number etc). Our wonderful secretary, Toni Hartley, will receive that information and note the change. The electronic version of the newsletter will also be posted on the school’s website for later reference.
Drop Off
The school doors open at 9:00 a.m. and students are welcome to either go purchase a breakfast or go straight to class. This is a change from last year and so far we are receiving very positive feedback. Class begins with the morning announcements at 9:15 and our hope is that all children are in their seats ready to learn at 9:15. Many grade levels are switching classes for reading by 9:20 so we appreciate your child arriving on time.
Pick Up
The Kindergarten class is excused at 3:45 with the older grades following at 3:50. If you are using the pick-up loop please stay in your vehicle and keep the vehicles moving by pulling up to the most forward position. Always be on the lookout for other vehicles as cars pull in and out like at the airport. Thanks for keeping safety a top priority.
If you choose to park in the parking lot, remember you must get out of your vehicle to come meet your child and walk him/her across the lot. Thank you!
Attendance
Attending school all day and on time is very important to us here at Cottonwood. Consistent attendance helps students feel more connected to school, to their learning and to their peers. When students are absent or late they often feel confused, behind and unsure of themselves. Additionally, the new ASPI (Alaska School Performance Index) school scoring system has been designed to include 25% of the score on annual attendance. In order to achieve the top rating and earn 100 points the school must have a 96%-100% attendance rate for the school year. Last year we only received 80 points as a school with a 92% attendance rate. We will earn 95 points if the attendance rate is between 93% -95%. So I would like to request that students are only kept home when sick. We understand emergencies but we will need your help with attendance if we are to improve this score. We will have recognition for perfect attendance each quarter as an incentive for students to come to school every day. Thanks for your help!
New Student Luncheon
As a way to welcome our new students to Cottonwood, the new students are invited to a special luncheon with the principal. New students will be receiving an invitation today to attend a pizza luncheon on Tuesday, August 27th.
Art Class
We are really excited to share some great news. With the increase in enrollment this year we were able to hire an additional .5 position for specials. Art education has proven to improve students’ scores in core subjects by up to 20% and we feel an art class can better meet our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art + Math) initiative. We were fortunate to hire Carol Burwell for this art position. She has a degree in teaching and art and was a former 4th grade teacher at Cottonwood. We are thrilled she has rejoined our staff. Mrs. Burwell will be using the, Meet the Master’s Art Curriculum which introduces famous artists through an engaging curriculum of art history and hands-on learning. Students will get an art class every 6 days in the rotation schedule.
Specials Classes
Students rotate specials classes on a 6 day rotation. During the six day rotation students will go to music, pe, library, music, pe, art.
iPads
As a part of the STEAM initiative and focus on technology, Cottonwood has an iPad for every 3rd, 4th, and 5th grader. Students will learn how to use the iPad as a tool for learning with instruction from the classroom teacher as well as the librarian. K -2nd grade has a limited number of iPads in the classroom for very specific learning activities.
New Playground Equipment & Rock Wall
As you have driven by the school this week you may have noticed new playground equipment being installed. I would like to thank the voters for passing the bond to approve the new playground equipment. We are very excited to be able to use the new playground equipment next week.
We will also be installing a ROCK WALL in the near future that is also a part of the same bond money. Mrs. Bonadurer, our rocking PE teacher, can’t wait to introduce the rock wall to the students.
AIMS Testing Next Week
Students will be taking a reading and math assessment on Monday or Tuesday next week. Please encourage your child to do his/her best.
Box Tops
The PTO will be hosting a class competition starting in September for the collection of Box Tops. Please start collecting today. Thank you!
Needed: a Secretary for PTO
The PTO is still searching for a secretary this year. If you are looking for a way to get involved at school and meet other AWESOME parents please consider taking on this position. Let us know at the front office if you are interested.
School Pictures are coming on Sept. 4th. Picture packets will be sent home August 30th.
Color Days
Each year kindergarten starts the year by wearing a designated color to school each day. If you would like to join in the color fun here is the schedule:
August:
26th – Orange Day
27th- Blue Day
28th – Green Day
29th – Purple day
Sept.
3rd - Brown Day
4th – Black Day
5th –Rainbow Day
No School on Friday, August 30th for a Professional Development Day
No School on Monday, Sept. 2nd for Labor day
