Cold Spring Elementary Update
9/19/2025
Principal Mitteness' Message
Fall testing is nearly complete, with our kindergarten assessments underway this week. These schoolwide benchmark assessments, given three times each year, allow us to identify student needs and provide the right supports so every child can be successful. By completing testing earlier this fall, we reduced classroom disruptions and can now move forward with focused instruction. Combined with our new reading curriculum, this positions us well to support strong growth for all learners.
This week, we also emphasized playground expectations. Students were reminded what it looks, sounds, and feels like to be kind, respectful, and responsible while playing the Spartan Way—helping to build a safe, positive environment for everyone.
I am grateful for the dedication of our staff, the hard work of our students, and the partnership of our families. Together, we are creating a welcoming school community where all learners can thrive.
READ Act Requires Dyslexia Screening, Identification, and Intervention
READ Act Requires Dyslexia Screening, Identification, and Intervention: The Minnesota READ Act legislation requires schools to screen and identify students with characteristics of dyslexia at all grade levels and to provide intervention until they demonstrate grade-level reading proficiency. Screening occurred over the past few weeks during our district's tri-annual benchmark assessment windows. Families of students identified as “some risk” or “high risk” on the screener will receive follow-up communication with next steps and available supports.
Picture Day Monday September 22nd
What's your favorite part of picture day as a parent?
Vision Screening Information
Students of the Week!
What is a Student of the Week?
At Cold Spring Elementary, our Student of the Week program is an important part of our PBIS framework and the Spartan Way: Be Kind, Be Respectful, Be Responsible. Each week, one student in every grade (K–5) is recognized for consistently demonstrating these values. Winners are celebrated with an announcement over the intercom and get to choose from a fun menu of prizes, such as having lunch with a staff member or writing with a special pen. By highlighting positive choices and celebrating students who model the Spartan Way, we encourage all learners to see the impact of kindness, respect, and responsibility in their daily actions. This focus on the positives helps build a supportive, motivating school culture where every child feels valued and inspired to do their best.
Congratulations to our Students of the Week!
Attendance/End of Day Changes
SPARTAN SPOT: If your end of day changes include Spartan Spot (either attending as a drop in or not attending on a scheduled day), be sure to contact Spartan Spot to communicate changes. You can reach Spartan Spot at 320-685-4959 or via their Remind app.
Hours: Our school office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Teachers are available until 3:30 p.m., and we encourage families to reach out during that time frame if they need to connect.
CSE PTO Presents: The Color Run!
We are excited to launch the Color Run Fundraiser this week! The money we raise will go directly back to our CSE community by funding parts of field trips, new recess equipment, teacher requests, and special student events.
All the information, donation and registration forms were sent home on Tuesday, so this weekend is the perfect time to start fundraising. Let's make this our best fundraiser yet!
Communication Expectations
Each week, families will receive an email from the principal with important reminders, upcoming events, and highlights from around the school. Classroom communication may look a little different depending on your child’s teacher; each teacher will share the method that works best for their classroom community, whether that’s email, a classroom app, or a weekly newsletter. You’ll receive those details directly from your child’s teacher at the start of the year. Please note that during the school day, our teachers’ first priority is working directly with students. They may not be able to reply to messages or emails right away, but families can expect responses during teachers’ prep times or before and after school hours. If something requires immediate attention, please contact the office and we will ensure the message reaches the teacher.
In the event of a late start, early release, or school cancelation, notifications will come directly from the district through the email or text preferences you selected during registration. If you’re ever unsure where to find the latest information, our office is always happy to help.
Wellness Digest - September 2025
Complete the word find and submit to the school office to be entered for a prize!
Helpful Links
Dates to Remember
9/22 - Picture Day
9/24 - 1 Hour Late Start
9/29 - Vision Screening (K, 1st, 3rd)
9/30 - Vision Screening (2nd, 4th, 5th)
10/02 - National Custodian Recognition Day
10/08 - 1 Hour Late Start
10/10 - CSE PTO Color Run (4:30-6:30)
10/16 - 10/17 - No School
10/22 - 1 Hour Late Start
10/27 - Picture Retakes
Grade Level Concerts
Dear Cold Spring Elementary Families,
Please save the date for this year’s grade-level concerts. All performances will take place in the CSE Gym at the times listed below:
Kindergarten – December 18th @ 1:15pm
1st Grade – December 18th @ 2:00pm
2nd Grade – February 26th @ 1:15pm
3rd Grade – February 26th @ 2:00pm
4th Grade – January 29th @ 1:15pm
5th Grade – January 29th @ 2:00pm
We look forward to seeing you and will send more information as the dates get closer.
Pest and Turf Application Dates
Interpretation Needs
School Office
Andrea Kuechle: kuechlea@rocori.k12.mn.us - 320-685-4951
Ali Anderson: andersona@rocori.k12.mn.us - 320-685-4952 (also the Attendance line-- please call for absences)
Jim Mitteness, Principal
601 Red River Ave N
Cold Spring, MN 56320
320-685-4185