Cub Column

Next Week - All Buses Running

• Jan 23 - SAC meeting 10:30am
• Jan 26 to Jan 29 - Book Fair
• Jan 27 and Jan 29 - Conferences - Look for a Sign-up Genius from your child's teacher.
• Feb 12 - Valentine's Parties 9:30-10:15am
• Feb 13 - No School - Professional Development Day
• Feb 16 - No School
• Feb 17-19 - CogAT for 2nd Graders (see below)

Dear Parents/Guardians,

DCSD is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade (February).

2nd Grade Universal Screen

As part of this process, ALL students in 2nd grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of February 16th. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.

If your child is already identified for gifted programming, they will not participate in this universal screen testing. Your Gifted Education Facilitator will contact you directly with information about this process.

Kindergarten/ 1st Grade Gifted Identification Referral Testing

• If your child is in K or 1st grade and you believe he/she needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.

• NOTE: Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification.

• Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification linked HERE .

• Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44ADAA2CA5FCC52-61584694-mountain#/

Our school Read-A-Thon begins on Friday January 23, 2026 and is sure to be a fun and exciting event.

We understand that your time is valuable. We also know that providing the best education for your child is important. That's why we are encouraging everyone to activate their student's Read-A-Thon account as soon as possible. The instructions are straightforward, making it quick and hassle-free, and it should take less than 5 minutes of your time.

This account will serve as a hub for recording and monitoring your child's progress as a Reader in the event, and for you to share their Read-A-Thon message with friends and family. Use the link below to activate your student's Reader account:
https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/qZAgHz/1?utm=email

Thank you so much for your participation and support. Together, we can make this Read-A-Thon an amazing experience for our young readers! Thank you,

MVE PTO