Cottonwood News

We’re coming off the Halloween and October rush, and looking ahead to a slightly calmer November before the frenzy of December arrives here at CES. I just scheduled our 5th grade Orchestra/Band concert, and while it’s weeks away I know it will be here before we know it!

For now, however, we’ll celebrate a successful October as we look to November. We had a great turnout for Parent/Teacher Conferences; thank you for taking time out to share with your child’s teacher and check in on your child’s progress. We know strong communication between home and school helps students thrive academically and socially, so we value and appreciate our time with you.

We also appreciate all the families and friends near and far who gave to the PTO Fundraiser! We raised nearly $38,000 because of your willingness to use social media and push out posts, plus your own generous giving. I’ll be meeting with the Director of Maintenance in the next few weeks to determine how to move forward with the purchase and installation of basketball goals, the addition of a gate so we can access more open area on the playground, and then working with PTO to get some shady seating ordered and installed on the playground. I’ll also push out grant forms to teachers in the upcoming days. All of this is possible because of you! Again, PTO and I are grateful and thankful for your giving and making sure our teachers, staff, and students have what they need to be their best selves here at CES!

Our students have made great gains and are constantly growing in independence. Because of that, we ask that you let your child walk themselves to class in the morning, whether they come on time or late. While this will be a change for some, we know our students are ready to show their independence! Thank you for helping us in this area.

We wish you a month full of gratefulness and thanksgiving cheer!

With education at heart,

Dr. Michelle Adler

Please check Lost and Found. There are many jackets, sweatshirts, water bottles and other miscellaneous items.

Cottonwood Student Council manages and maintains the school store on Tuesday mornings from 8:35 am - 8:45 am.
For 10 glorious minutes, students can purchase a variety of items including erasers, pencils, pens, highlighters, puddy, fidgets, etc. Prices range from $.50 to $2.75.

Proceeds from the store help to support our classroom teachers and service projects throughout the year.

Classroom Counselor Time
This month we are starting Safer Smarter Kids Curriculum.


Kindergarten - The Importance of Safety Rules

First - Safety Rules, Grown-up Buddies and Trusted Triangles

Second - Review Of Safety Superstar Tools

Third - Good Citizenship

Fourth - Kids Bill of Rights

Fifth - Peer Pressure: Finding the Courage Within You

Thought For The Day
"Be thankful for everything that happens in your life; it’s all an experience."
Roy T. Bennett

American Education Week
The week of November 17th thru the 21st is American Education Week. Please go over the value of an education with your child. Have them plan educational goals. Please also tell your child the importance of respecting their teacher.

Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving holiday will be celebrated on November 27, 2025. Go over the importance of this holiday with your child. Make a list with your child of all the things that you have to be thankful for on a daily basis. This activity really helps children to learn to appreciate things. Please remember to continue to focus on the true meaning of the holiday. Thankfulness is an expression of gratitude. When I appreciate what others have done for me or have given to me, I let them know by saying, “Thank you”. Another activity is to brainstorm ways to show gratitude to others for all that they have done for you.

Holiday Help
The holidays and winter months can be a struggle for families. If you need help (age-appropriate gifts, warm clothing items, books, gifts, and gift cards to children, holiday dinner food box, etc..), please reach out to me by November 17th.

Enjoy the break with your child!!

Happy Thanksgiving! ☺

Marcie Faust, LCPC/NBCC

Cottonwood Counselor
316-218-4620 ext. 2

faustm@usd385.org

We had a dozen of very creative poster entries for Red Ribbon Week. The theme was "Life's a puzzle. Solve it drug-free.". The winners (left to right) are:

1st place - Camdyn O, 4th grade
2nd place - Avery C , 4th grade
3rd place - Calvin L, 3rd grade

Congratulations, and WELL DONE!

Anything and everything non-perishable that you can collect is very welcome and needed, but the Andover Food Bank is extra short on:

Canned Brown Beans

Pinto, Kidney, Pork’n Beans, Black, Chickpeas

Canned Soup

Need all kinds, but really low on tomato

Boxed Gelatin and Pudding

Boxed Potatoes

Mashed, Scalloped, Julienne, Au Gratin

Tooth Paste

Paper Towels

The mission of the Andover Community Food Bank is to provide food assistance to residents of the Andover area in a caring and respectful manner. Groceries are provided either by pre-packaged bags or by client choice (shopping).

Hours of Operation

Tuesday, 10 am - 1 pm

Wednesday, 3 pm - 6 pm

Located inside Andover United Methodist Church

1429 N. Andover Rd.

Andover, KS 67002

foodbank@andoverumc.com

The health office staff has been working on hearing and vision screenings since the beginning of the school year. We screen kindergarten - 5th grade students. The health office staff will only notify parents if your student has not passed the screening for hearing or vision. If you have any questions concerning hearing or vision, please contact the health office.

Cold and Flu season has begun. Please talk with your physician about receiving the Flu and Covid booster vaccine for this year. Help us keep our students and our staff safe and healthy.

Here are some tips and reminders to help you keep your family healthy this season:

• Make sure your student wears warm clothing during the winter (coat, hats, scarves, and gloves).

• The weather can be very cool in the morning and warm in the afternoons this time of year, so layers are a good idea.

• Please keep in mind your children do have morning and afternoon recesses. Keeping hydrated is key this time of year as well. Encourage drinking plenty of fluids (water, juice, Gatorade etc..)

• Get plenty of rest and sleep at night.

• Consider throwing toothbrushes away after an illness. Moist bristles trap and contain various germs, and are an excellent breeding ground for more.

• And the most important thing of all, WASH those HANDS with SOAP!!!
  
  

Stay Healthy,

Denise Rebel, School Nurse
rebeld@usd385.org

November 3: NO SCHOOL (Professional Learning Day)

November 7: 1st Grade Field Trip: Exploration Place
November 7: Explorations (1/4)
November 11-21: Food Drive coordinated by CES StuCo
November 13: PTO Meeting

November 14: Explorations (2/4)

November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 5: Explorations 3/4

Dec. 12: Explorations 4/4

Dec. 16: 5th Grade Band Concert, 12:45 pm
Dec. 22: Flex Day - No School
Dec. 23 - Jan 1: Winter Break

Cottonwood has several ways in which we try to communicate our news and views to the world. You can download the Andover Schools Mobile App in either iTunes or Google. We use School Messenger to share upcoming activities through phone calls and emails. If you have suggestions on how to help communicate our learning and teaching, please don't hesitate to email me at adlerm@usd385.org.

School website: http://cottonwood.usd385.org/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CottonwoodElementary

PTO Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cottonwoodelementarypto/

Andover Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndoverSchools

Peachjar-- Peachjar is an “electronic backpack” system where schools post calendars, activity information from enrichment providers, and school letters. This system is used exclusively for distribution of school-approved fliers. Your email address will not be shared or used for any other purpose.

Email: adlerm@usd385.org
Website: http://cottonwood.usd385.org/
Location: 1747 N Andover Rd, Andover, KS, United States
Phone: 316-218-4620