2026-2027 Cottage School Program

“...children who are praised for “being smart” often believe that every encounter is a test of whether they really are. So to avoid looking dumb, they resist new challenges and choose the easiest path. By contrast, kids who understand that effort and hard work lead to mastery and growth are more willing to take on new, difficult tasks.”

~ Daniel Pink, from Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

As much as TCA focuses on educating the whole child, there seems to be a consistent element of students comparing themselves to each other using academic measures, like grades, and the competitive stakes seem to only increase the older students get, even in the elementary years. Rather than just give students what they need to know to make things easy, we want students to do the work of learning and perform the act of knowing...not as a means to an end but as the catalyst for continued and sustained growth as a person contributing to the world around them.

Outside of the school context, the approach should look very similar. Rather than remove obstacles or jump in and rescue, we need to come alongside our children as they navigate challenging dynamics life will always throw at them and provide input and sound counsel. Ultimately, though, we need to let them be the ones to take the next steps towards a solution, even if what they choose to do goes against our better judgment. Easier said than done, no doubt, but critical to helping children build independence and confidence.

We hope your family had a restful Fall Break!

In Partnership,

Justin Peterson

Cottage School Program Principal

jpeterson1@tcatitans.org

719-487-2000

Each year, students enrolled in all Academy District 20 schools are required to complete a Federal Impact Aid form. The Federal Impact Aid Program helps provide funding to all D20 schools, including TCA. The State of Colorado has several federal properties (i.e. military bases, offices, and subsidized housing) that are exempt from certain local and state taxes. Because this land and these employers are not taxed, D20 loses critically needed tax revenues. For students whose parents are in the Uniformed Services, employed on a federal property and/or live on a federal property, or civilian employed on federal property, D20 applies for Federal Impact Aid. Please return this form to the school no later than the week after fall break.

**A calendar of this year's activities/events can be found here!

--Volleyball Junior Titan Night--Thursday, October 22

Calling all elementary students to support the HS volleyball teams at their second-to-last home game on Oct 22nd (C Team 4pm, JV 5pm, Varsity 6pm) Cost is $8/ adults, $5/seniors, and students are FREE! Make a tunnel for our athletes as they enter the court, cheer from our designated Junior Titans section, and take a photo with the team after the final game! Free candy and water bottle sticker for all students who attend in spirit wear!

--Picture Retakes--Tuesday, October 27

This will be the final opportunity for school pictures this year. The photographer will be on campus from 11 AM - 1 PM. Students are welcome to stop by any time during this window. For students who have CSP classes on Tuesdays, please reach out to your child's teacher and let her know that your child needs to participate in retakes. Any student who started the school year in September or who was absent for the original picture day is welcome to get pictures taken at this time as well.

Snack Reminder! Please send your child to school with a snack (one snack for half-day kindergarten, two snacks for all other grades). We are finding many students coming to the office in need of snack either because they forgot to bring one or because they ate all their snack in the morning and have nothing left for the afternoon. Thank you for your help with this!

Looking for ways to bless our staff? Throughout the year, we try to keep our staff lounge stocked with goodies and snacks for teachers to enjoy on the days they're on campus. Pre-packaged chocolate, nuts, granola bars, chocolate, popcorn, chips, chocolate. etc. are always appreciated. If ever you want to contribute something for this Staff Sunshine Cabinet at any point during the school year, items can be dropped off at the CSP/CP office. Thank you!

Individual student photos can still be ordered here using code 0557BPF.

King Soopers Community Rewards Provides Money to Schools!

--Every time you shop at King Soopers, CSP can earn money! Here's how it works:

• To begin, log into your King Soopers digital account. If you already have a digital account, simply link your Shopper’s Card to your account so that all transactions apply toward the organization you choose.
• At the bottom of the King Soopers home page (under "About Us"), click on Community Rewards. You can either search by school name (TCA Cottage School) or by school ID number (XY618).
• Click "Enroll," and you're done!

Website: tcatitans.org
Location: 12201 Cross Peak View, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Phone: (719) 487-2000