ISTEP

The final phase of the ISTEP will occur beginning on Monday, April 16 through April 27.  This test is given to all students in grades 3-5 on the Chromebook.  Your child's teacher will be communicating with all parents regarding this test. As always, please encourage your child to offer his/her best effort.  Also, your assistance communicating with your child's teacher regarding any interruptions that may occur to the day because of doctor appointments, etc.

Criminal Background Checks

We are at the point in the year where there are many end-of-the year field trips.  As per policy, any adult chaperone needs to have a completed criminal background check as a requisite for attending the field trip.  Please make sure your name has been added to the list of 'completed' background checks if you are hoping to attend a field trip with your child.

Are You Moving?

It is that time of year when we begin to turn our sights toward next year. To that end, we are asking that parents who know you will be moving out of the Cole district next year to please contact Mrs. Kesterson. This helps us to create class lists and also prepare records at the end of the year to forward to your child's new school. We hate to see you go, but want to make your move as easy as possible so your child has a smooth transition.

Counseling Update

During the month of April I am continuing to visit every classroom to focus on these different topics:

K - Personal Space

1st - Responsibility

2nd - Diversity/Accepting Others

3rd - Responsibility

4th - Coping Skills

5th - Learning Styles

With more ISTEP testing on the way, here are a few helpful tips for supporting your child's academic success:

Make sure your child is attending school regularly. Good attendance is key!
Encourage and praise your child's efforts in school. A child who is afraid of failing will likely become more anxious which can lead to mistakes.
Make sure your child is well-rested and has a healthy diet. A child who is tired is likely to struggle with focus or handle the demands of classwork.
Try to avoid being overly concerned about test scores, too much emphasis can lead to more anxiety for your student.
Help your child think of positive self-talk phrases he or she can tell themselves when worried about a test or project. Examples: "I can do this! I will figure this out. I will do my best work. I believe in myself!"

Have a wonderful day!

Mrs. Burton

Class Lists

Each year teachers work to create class lists by academic and social needs as well as finding a best fit. Because of our small size, we cannot honor teacher requests, but if there are circumstances that need to be considered when these lists are developed, please make sure that you have reached out to Mr. Pinto prior to May 1. This information may be useful in placing your child in the classroom with peers that is the best fit for him/her. The challenge comes when this information is brought to light after lists have been finalized and changes can throw off the delicate balance created when the lists were formed. Thank you for any input that may assist our instructional mission.

Bulky Trash

Bulky Trash has been rescheduled for 

Saturday,  June 23 from 8-6

Sunday, June 24 from 8-6

It will be held at Wainwright Middle School this year because of a large Summer Rec tournament held at Cole.

E-Waste will Not be rescheduled at this time.

Computer Mouse for Next Year

Next year on the school supply list, there will be an option for students in grades 3-5 to bring with them to school a wireless mouse. This is an option, but one many students may want to take advantage of as we become more skilled with our Chromebooks. If you have a child who will be a student in grades 3-5 next year, you might consider picking a wireless mouse up over the summer in preparation for next year.

Setting an Example From Stands

It's that time of year again when baseball, and softball practices and games will be played on the school grounds. Everyone's help is needed to make these events positive for our children. Keeping our school grounds clean and attractive take a community effort. Please encourage your child to help pick up trash after ball games. Sportsmanship is also needed for a positive experience for our children. The Lauramie Summer Rec. Department expects coaches, team members, and parents to conduct themselves at all time with civility. The use of profanity, alcohol, or tobacco at the game site or in the presence of children is unacceptable. Our efforts to keep our school grounds beautiful and to act appropriately around our children send a strong signal to them. Parking is permitted on black top surfaced areas only and not permitted on the grass. Help our custodians who are in and out of both garage door areas by not parking in these locations. Also, please use the driveway to enter and exit the school grounds. Do not travel down the grassy path cut between the fields under which the sewer line runs to enter and exit. Our actions show visitors to our school the high expectations we have for our children's behavior and the pride we hold as a school community. While spring sporting events hold a special importance for our students, their homework and a good night's sleep are more important. Please help us keep a balance this spring and keep school as the first priority. 

 Mystery Missions

One very fun idea Mrs. Ewigleben shared with the staff that she said one thing she used to do with her children when they got to be a little older was to send them on "Mystery Missions" These were simply little missions like pulling up to Walmart and saying, "Go in and get me bananas and a loaf of bread". Her child would take the money, go run the errand, and come back out with the order.  This is a simple way to increase responsibility and also to offer your child chances to safely navigate the world a bit on their own while still offering a net of support. You might try it.