Cold Spring Elementary Update
10/03/2025
Celebrating Community
From ROCORI to the Vikings: Matt Waletzko Joins Practice Squad
We’re proud to share some hometown hero news! Matt Waletzko, a graduate of our school district and former Rocori High School standout, has been signed to the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad.
After being drafted by Dallas in 2022, Matt has continued to develop his game — and now he’s back in Minnesota, working toward his big break. You can find the full press release here.
Congrats, Matt — you make us proud!
Indigenous People’s Day – October 14
On October 14, we celebrate Indigenous People’s Day by honoring the cultures, histories, and lasting contributions of Indigenous communities. This day invites us to reflect on the rich traditions of Native peoples and recognize their important role in shaping our shared story.
As educators, we are committed to creating inclusive learning environments that uplift every student and empower each voice. By teaching respect, curiosity, and understanding, we help students appreciate the diversity that strengthens our community—today and into the future.
Your Principal,
Jim Mitteness
Personalized Learning in Action
During our “Walk to Read” and “Walk to Math” times, 2nd-5th grade students will spend 30 minutes in small groups that are based on their current skill level. Groups were determined using recent testing data so that each child can work on targeted skills—whether that means filling in gaps, strengthening foundational concepts, or extending advanced skills. Students may go to a different classroom teacher for this short block of time, but will always return to their homeroom afterward. These groups are flexible, not permanent—if a student’s scores, skills, or needs change, their group placement will also change so we can best support them. That means a child might work with one teacher for a few weeks, then move to another group as their needs evolve. If a student receives services from an intervention or special education teacher during this time, they will continue working with that teacher rather than moving to another classroom. This model allows us to give every student instruction at just the right level to help them grow.
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.
What would you like to see more of in our newsletter?
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!
CSE PTO Presents: The Color Run!
Thank you to everyone who has registered and donated for the upcoming Color Run! We're tallying up all the forms and donations this afternoon and will announce our outcome next week. A huge thank you to our incredible community of businesses and families—your support is what makes memorable experiences like this possible for our kids!
And we still need help at the event to make it a real success! Please check out our Sign-Up Genius to see how you can lend a hand.
Wellness Digest - October 2025
Complete the word find and submit to the school office to be entered for a prize! Be sure to hand in by October 31st!
Dates to Remember
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.
Helpful Links
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
