Cougar Chronicles
Cook Hill School | February 2026
Happy February Cook Hill Families,
As we begin the month of February, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the many cultural and religious observances that take place during this time. February is a meaningful month for many of our families, and we extend our warmest wishes to all who will be celebrating. We are grateful to be part of such a diverse and inclusive community and value the traditions and experiences that each family brings to Cook Hill.
The Preschool Lottery is now open. If you have a Preschool aged child, please see the links below to register for the Lottery!
Kindergarten Registration is also open. Please register any child who is eligible for Kindergarten using the links below.
Please share this registration information with any friends or family within Wallingford who would qualify.
Although the winter weather has certainly been cold, it has been wonderful to see our students arriving at school each day happy, resilient, and excited to learn. Thanks to our new boilers, Cook Hill continues to be a warm, welcoming place for learning—even on the coldest days!
We are also in the midst of so much excitement at school. Raise Craze is continuing through February 6th, and we encourage families who have not yet signed up to join us in this meaningful community kindness initiative. It has been inspiring to see our students spread kindness while supporting our school.
February is filled with learning, celebrations, and special events. Valentine’s Day is coming up later this month, and our PTO and room parents have been working hard to organize activities throughout the month to celebrate our students and our community.
In January, we completed our mid-year benchmark assessments, and information about your child’s progress will be shared with families in the coming week. Additionally, our EL/BIL students are currently participating in assessments that measure proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These assessments help us continue to support each learner’s growth.
Later this month, we will be introducing our Cougars Read Together book and setting the stage for our schoolwide book and author study in March. We are so excited to continue building a shared love of reading across our community.
We are truly grateful that you are part of the Cook Hill family, and we cannot wait to celebrate all of the milestones, learning, and special moments that February brings.
Important Dates & Events at Cook Hill
January 23 – February 13 – Raise Craze: Community Kindness Fundraiser
Tu B’Shevat (February 1–2)
Candlemas / Presentation of the Lord (February 2)
Tuesday, February 3rd - PTO Meeting (In person at Parker Farms) 7:00 pm
Wednesday, February 4 – World Read Aloud Day
Community partners from Wallingford and our friends from Quinnipiac Women’s Volleyball will be visiting classrooms to read with students.Thursday, February 5 – 100th Day of School
Classrooms will celebrate with special activities, including numeracy-focused learning centered around the number 100.Friday, February 6th - Jersey Day
February 9th - February 13th - Kindness Week
Thursday, February 12th - Early Release for Students
Parinirvana / Nirvana Day (February 15)
Maha Shivaratri (February 15 or 25)
Monday, February 16th - Tuesday, February 17th - NO SCHOOL
Lunar New Year (February 17)
Ramadan Begins (February 17)
Ash Wednesday / Beginning of Lent (February 18)
Friday, February 20th - Cougar Day
Friday, Februay 27th - Show your Stripes for Rare Disease Day (Optional donation and wear stripes to support those impacted by Rare diseases)
Throughout February – Valentine’s celebrations and classroom community events supported by our PTO and room parents
Late February – Introduction of our Cougars Read Together book and preparation for our March book and author study
Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and trust. We are so happy to share this month of learning, celebration, and community with you.
With gratitude and collaboration,
Mr. Munroe and the Cook Hill Team
Preschoolers engaging in hands on play during their construction site Learning scenario
Kids can build social skills like cooperation, turn-taking, and problem-solving as they plan and work together, along with language development through using new vocabulary, explaining ideas, and telling stories about what they’re building. Academically, they practice early math (counting, measuring, comparing sizes), spatial reasoning, and early literacy through drawing plans, making signs, and engaging in purposeful talk, while also strengthening fine and gross motor skills as they build, carry, and construct.
In addition to their hands on work, students learn about construction sites and jobs through stories, videos, and their play efforts.
Snow day Fun creating robots at home!
Adventuring in January!
That's a big snow man!
Not too many families realize they may be eligible for free after-school child care for children attending Cook Hill or Parker Farms Elementary School. This opportunity is made possible through a partnership with the Wallingford School District and the 21st CCLC grant.
The after‑school program runs from 3:00–6:00 PM, with kids transported directly from school to the Boys & Girls Club. Spots are limited, so if you are interested in receiving more information, please complete the form using the link below and a representative will contact you.
The Boys & Girls Club offers the following enrichment programs including:
- Arts & Crafts
- Sports, Fitness, & Recreation
- Homework Assistance
- Field Trips
- Fun Fridays
- Family Activities
- Transportation
Fill out this form to learn more: https://forms.gle/T95GmmMguWf1hegX7
School Hours: 9:05 AM - 3:30 PM
(Parent drop off 8:50am-9:05am)
Early Dismissals:
2 hour: 9:05am-1:30pm
2 hour and 45 minute: 9:05am-12:45pm
No PM Preschool class
Delayed Openings:
2 hour: 11:05am-3:30pm
No AM Preschool class
Main Office
Kara Piper, Secretary - kpiper1@wallingfordschools.org
Aimee Heinrich, Office Clerk - aheinrich@wallingfordschools.org
Zach Munroe, Principal - zmunroe@walllingfordschools.org
Whole Office - cookhillclerical@wallingfordschools.org
PreSchool Office
Kelly Vallancourt, Secretary - kvallancourt@wallingfordschools.org
District Website: https://www.wallingford.k12.ct.us/
CH Website: https://ches.wallingford.k12.ct.us
Location: 57 Hall Road, Wallingford, CT, USA
Phone: (203)284-5400