The Cougar Connection

Dear Families,

The primary purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed about key updates, share upcoming events, and provide practical tips and resources you can use at home to support your child’s learning journey.

Partnering with you is at the heart of everything we do. Decades of research show that when parents and schools work together, students thrive both academically and socially. One of the most effective ways to support your child is by staying actively engaged in their education—starting with regular communication with their teachers.

Our teachers are your greatest allies. Reaching out to them, checking in on class expectations, and staying updated on your child’s progress ensures we are all aligned in helping your student reach their full potential.

Quick Ideas for Home Support:

• Ask Specific Questions: Instead of "How was school?", try asking "What was the most interesting thing you learned in math today?" or "What project are you working on right now?"

• Establish a Daily Routine: Set aside a consistent, quiet space and dedicated time each day for reading, homework, and organization.

• Keep Lines of Communication Open: Never hesitate to send a quick email to your child's teacher if you have questions or notice changes in your child's academic confidence.

Thank you for your ongoing support, dedication, and partnership in making our school community a wonderful place for our students to grow.

Monday, September 28th - Picture Day!!

Thursday, October 1st - Kindergarten Make and Take Night - 5:30pm

Monday, October 12th - No School (Indigenous People Day/Columbus Day - Professional Development Day for staff)

Tuesday, October 13th - CES/MPES PTO Meeting - 6:00pm

Thursday, October 15th - Breakfast with the Superintendent (pre-order tickets needed)

Thursday, October 15th - Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Day (see info below)

Wednesday, October 21st - End of 1st Quarter

Thursday, October 29th - STEM Night!

Friday, October 30th - Dress like your favorite book character day

Friday, October 30th - First Quarter Grades Posted

Make a difference in our students' lives while keeping total control over your schedule! Cougar Elementary is actively looking for passionate, reliable substitute teachers to join our vibrant school community.

Whether you are a certified educator, a recent graduate, a retired professional, or a parent looking to give back, substituting offers the perfect blend of purpose and flexibility.

Why Join Our Team?

• Ultimate Flexibility: Choose the days, half-days, and grade levels that work best for your lifestyle.

• Supportive Environment: We provide ready-to-use lesson plans, welcoming staff, and an active administrative support team to ensure your day runs smoothly.

• Competitive Pay: Earn competitive daily rates while building valuable professional connections.

• Direct Impact: Be the reassuring, engaging presence our students need when their regular teacher is away.

Help us keep our classrooms thriving! Apply today through our district portal at the link below!

https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/mpark?search=substitute

Please join us on October 15 as we celebrate the closing of Hispanic Heritage Month!

Since September 15, we’ve been learning through our morning announcements about the different cultures and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries. This month gives us a chance to honor and appreciate the diversity of the Hispanic community.

You don’t have to be Hispanic to celebrate! If you have a Hispanic family member, friend, or loved one, join us in celebrating them and their culture. ❤️

Please see the flyers below for all the details. We can’t wait to see all the beautiful colors and traditional attire representing your countries and cultures! 🌎

We are creating a STEM Recycling Station! We are asking families to help us collect clean, reusable materials that can be used for hands-on STEM activities throughout the school year. We are looking for:

• Grocery bags

• Plastic bottles (water bottles/soda bottles)

• Cardboard boxes
• Paper towel and toilet paper rolls

These simple materials can become amazing tools for young engineers and inventors! Students will use them to build models, test ideas, create solutions, and practice important STEM skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

If you have any of these items at home, please consider sending them to school for our STEM Recycling Station. It is located in our front office. Thank you for helping us turn everyday items into opportunities for learning and innovation!

Thank you to everyone interested in being part of The Little Cougars PTO and to those who have shared wonderful ideas for upcoming activities and events at our last meeting!

📸 Picture Day Volunteers Needed

• Cougar Elementary School – September 28, 2026 (8:30am-2:45pm)

• Manassas Park Elementary School – October 14, 2026

🎃 We’re also planning a Trunk or Treat and looking for volunteers! Stay tuned for the event date.

We are still seeking additional board members and would love to hear your ideas for future events!

Connect with The Little Cougars PTO on social media or email us at:

📧 President.littlecougarpto@gmail.com

📧 Treasurer.littlecougarpto@gmail.com

Let’s make it a great year for our Little Cougars! 🐾🖤💛

Our Wee Deliver post office has officially opened for the 2026–2027 school year! We welcomed our first post office crew during our opening ceremony last Friday. After completing their orientation this week, our student postmasters and mail carriers will begin their first delivery run next week!

Our school-wide goal this year is to write and deliver 5,000 letters through Wee Deliver. Students can send letters to friends, teachers, and staff throughout the school year, and families are invited to join in the fun, too! Families can write a letter to their child and drop it off at our letter-writing station located in the main office.

We can’t wait to see our Cougar community filling the school with mail!

As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, Manassas Park City Schools is

implementing a new safety regulation regarding electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other

electric-powered transportation devices.

devices on MPCS property. This rule does not apply to traditional pedal-only bicycles without

electric motors, non-electric scooters, or mobility devices needed because of a disability.

The Children's Science Center will be bringing their Family Science Night activities to Cougar. This fun, engaging event is free for our students and families.

PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW WHEN YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT:

1. You must call or send an email to notify the school of your child’s absence. A note MUST be sent in with your child when they return for the absence to be excused.

   • Call the front office by 9:30am (703) 392-1317

   • Send an email to the absence email address by 9:30am (CESattendance@mpark.net)

2. If we do not receive a phone call or email letting us know the student will not be attending that day, you will receive a call from the automated system notifying you of your student’s absence.

3. Parents must contact the school within one three days from the date of the absence, explaining the absence

4. It is the student's responsibility to make up all missed assignments within a reasonable amount of time. Assignments that are not made up will be reflected in the student's grades.

5. When a student misses three or more consecutive days of school due to illness, a parent/guardian is encouraged to call the teacher and request class assignments.

EXCUSED ABSENCES:

The following are the only legitimate excuses for absences from school:

1. Personal illness
2. Death of a family member
3. Medical or dental appointment
4. Court appearances
5. Observance of religious holiday

The following may be excused by the principal with written permission:

1. Illness of a family member
2. Emergencies
3. Trips/activities which enhance or extend the student’s education

If the parent has not informed the school with a written excuse of the student's absence, the absence will be unexcused.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:

If a student is absent from school for any reason other than listed above even with a parent’s note, the absence is unexcused unless approved by the principal in advance (Pre-Arranged Absence Form).

If the parent has not informed the school with a written excuse of the student's absence within three days of the absence, the absence will be unexcused.

If a student misses school with more than five unexcused absences, the parents/guardians will be contacted in order to set up a meeting to discuss an attendance plan.