Cold Spring Elementary Update
Welcome Back!
Welcome to a New School Year!
Whether your child is joining us for the first time or returning for another great year, we’re so glad you’re part of our school family. At Cold Spring Elementary, we believe students thrive when parents, teachers, and staff work together. We look forward to partnering with you to make this year a success for your child.
As part of the ROCORI School District, we are proud to live out the values of being Respectful, Open and Honest, Compassionate, Optimistic, Ready, and Inclusive. These shared values make our school a special place where every student feels supported, celebrated, and encouraged to grow.
It’s completely normal for both students and parents to feel a little nervous on the first day of school. Some children may skip happily into class, while others may need a little extra encouragement-- and both are perfectly okay. Our staff are ready to welcome every child with open arms and help them settle in comfortably.
This school year will be filled with learning, laughter, and growth. We are so excited to share this journey with your family. Together, we can make this a wonderful year for your child and for our entire school community.
Your Principal,
Jim Mitteness
Open House
We will be having a book fair again this year during our Open House! Be sure to stop by and check out what they have to offer!
Daily Logistics
- Drop-Off: Morning drop-off begins at 7:45 a.m. Staff will be outside to greet students and help them get to class safely. Parents may drop students off at the designated doors, but for safety and efficiency, parents will not be able to enter the building or walk children to their classrooms. Please do not drop students off before 7:45 a.m., as supervision will not be available.
- School Day: The school day runs from 8:20 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. Students should be in their classrooms and ready to learn by 8:20 a.m.
- Late Arrivals & Early Pick-Ups: If your child arrives after 8:20 a.m., a parent/guardian must come into the office to check them in. If your child needs to leave before dismissal, a parent/guardian must come into the office to check them out. Please allow a few extra minutes for this process.
- Dismissal: School ends at 2:55 p.m. Parents picking up students are asked to stay in their vehicles. Staff will check families in outside and call for students to be sent out. We will again be using the iDismiss system this year: each family will be assigned a number, and placards will be distributed during Open House. Please display your placard clearly on your dashboard at dismissal.
- Attendance/End of Day Changes: We kindly ask parents to contact the school office to report absences, late arrivals, or any changes to a student’s after school plans. For end-of-day changes, please notify the office via phone call no later than 2:00 PM to ensure we can accommodate the adjustment. Our attendance line is 320-685-4952.
- 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.
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.
Attendance
Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in your child’s success at school. Being present and on time each day not only supports academic growth, but also helps children build routines and confidence in their classroom community.
Excused Absences: Absences may be considered excused for reasons such as illness, medical appointments, family emergencies, funerals, or pre-approved family trips. Parents should call the school office within 24 hours of an absence, or send a written note when their child returns, to explain the reason.
Unexcused Absences: Absences without a parent call or note, or for reasons outside of these guidelines (for example oversleeping, missing the bus, or shopping), will be considered unexcused.
Tardy: Students arriving late are marked tardy if they are fewer than 20 minutes late; if they arrive 20 minutes or more after the start of the day, it counts as an absence. All late arrivals should be checked in at the office by a parent or guardian.
Bussing Information
Transportation Registration
As we prepare for each upcoming school year, the ROCORI District Office works to update your student’s record for bus routing purposes. Please read the information below and follow the directions. Your assistance is vital in getting correct student data to the bus contractors for routing purposes. We no longer utilize the transportation form via our website.
Each year, we ask that you submit your information to us through the MyRide K-12 App.
- It is very helpful for efficiency purposes if we know your student(s) is not planning to use the transportation system. If you do not have a computer available, please call the district office at 685-4901 for assistance.
- You may decline transportation now and if your situation changes at any time during the school year, you may sign up for transportation during the year.
- Route changes usually take 3-5 business days before taking effect.
My Ride App
Skyward: Student Membership Update
Be sure to log into Skyward and complete the Student Membership Update before the beginning of the school year! This includes important verifying or updating things like contact information, medical history, and how you would like the District to communicate with you. It also includes our Parent Permission and Emergency Closing Form, which helps us know where to send students in case of an early release. If you have any questions or are unable to log into Skyward, please contact the office.
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.
Helpful Links
Dates to Remember
Upcoming Dates:
9/2 - First Day of School - Grades 1st-5th, Kindergarten Entrance Conferences
9/3 - First Day of School - Kindergarten
9/22 - Picture Day (details to follow)
9/24 - 1 Hour Late Start
10/10 - CSE PTO Color Run
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
