Paws for News

We’ve officially made it through our first nine weeks! It’s hard to believe how quickly the school year is moving. As we head into fall, I’ve loved watching our students settle in, stretch themselves, ask questions, try new things, and show us more and more of what they can do. There is a lot to be proud of at Cotton Belt!

A big thank you to all of our families who joined us for parent conferences. Your time matters, and when families and teachers have the chance to talk about a child’s progress, celebrate their successes, and think together about what comes next, our students benefit. I was especially excited to see so many of our students take part in student-led conferences this year. Watching them share their work, talk about their goals, and take ownership of their learning was pretty special. They were practicing leadership in a very real way!

As we head into the next nine weeks, please make time for reading at home. Read with your child, have your child read to you, listen to an audiobook together, read a recipe, look through a magazine, or let your child tell you about something they’re reading. It doesn’t always have to look like “school.” What matters is that children are reading, talking about what they read, and seeing that reading is something we value beyond the classroom. Those little moments at home really do make a difference.

Thank you for continuing to be part of our Cotton Belt family. We are lucky to have such wonderful kids, dedicated teachers, and families who care so much about our school. ❤️

With gratitude,

Megan Hoyt, Principal

Engaging in back-and-forth conversations with children - known as "conversational turns" - is one of the most powerful ways to support their brain development. These interactions help build strong neural connections, especially in areas of the brain responsible for language, thinking, and social-emotional skills. When children are encouraged to express themselves and respond to others, they learn to process language more effectively, develop critical thinking, and feel valued in their communication. Research shows that children who experience frequent conversational turns tend to have stronger vocabularies and better academic outcomes. Simply put, talking with children - not just to them - helps grow their brains.

Leadership isn’t limited to the classroom - it can happen in any setting, including at home. We have a variety of leadership roles - both in classrooms and schoolwide - and our students LOVE embracing new opportunities! Discover your child's strengths and see that their contributions matter through family leadership roles.

Our students have a fun new challenge coming their way! From October 12 through January 29, K-4th students will work toward earning 25 NEW Edmentum trophies for a chance to adopt their very own squishy friend! Students who reach their goal will receive an official Squishy Adoption License, have their picture displayed on our schoolwide Adoption Center Bulletin Board, and attend our Squishy Adoption Party, where they’ll meet the squishies, choose a new friend, give their pet a name, and make the adoption official! This challenge is a fun way to encourage goal-setting, celebrate learning, and reward students for their hard work and progress.🏆💕 Want to help your child work on their trophies at home? Students can access Edmentum through their Launchpad and work on their personalized learning pathways from anywhere! If you need your child's username and password, please reach out to their teacher.

• Check out the YSD1 Parenting Partnerships Newsletter here.
• Please do not drive backwards through the exit driveway to bypass the car line. This creates a safety concern and could be dangerous if you meet another car head on.
• As a reminder, car line walkers are called twice - at the very start of dismissal (right at 2:15 pm) and at the end of dismissal. With the exception of emergencies, we are unable to call car line walkers in the middle of dismissal.
• Safety Reminder: If you use our playground outside of school hours, please keep in mind that the Boys & Girls Club uses the playground until 6 pm. For safety purposes, we ask that the playground be used exclusively by Boys & Girls Club until that time.
• All early dismissals and transportation changes must occur before 1:45 pm.
• If you need to update your contact information, emergency contacts, or your child's medical information at any time during the school year you will need to make those changes directly in Final Forms. Please keep your login information for Final Forms so that you may access it during the school year.

Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign that encourages students to make healthy choices, live drug-free, and build a safe, healthy future. Check out our Spirit Days below!

Third grade is a critical year for our students as they transition from learning to read to reading to learn. We are committed to supporting your child’s reading development and helping them succeed. Below are key details about the Read to Succeed Act and how it impacts third-grade reading expectations.

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Why Third Grade Reading Matters

Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is essential for your child’s academic success. At this stage, students use reading skills to learn other subjects like math, science, and social studies. Developing fluency and comprehension now lays the foundation for future learning and success.

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The Read to Succeed Act

The Read to Succeed Act ensures that all students gain the reading skills necessary for college, career, or military readiness. The law requires that third-grade students who do not demonstrate reading proficiency—scoring Does Not Meet Expectations on the SC Ready reading assessment—be retained for additional support.

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Good Cause Exemptions

Students who qualify for specific Good Cause Exemptions may still be promoted to fourth grade. These exemptions include:

· Limited English proficiency (fewer than two years of English instruction).

· Disabilities requiring alternative assessments or interventions (as outlined in their IEP).

· Receiving reading interventions for two years and previously being retained.

· Demonstrating reading proficiency on an approved alternative assessment.

Please contact your school if you believe your child may qualify for an exemption.

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Summer Reading Camp (SRC)

Students who do not meet the required reading level by the end of third grade will be required to attend Summer Reading Camp. This program offers intensive, small-group instruction to help students strengthen their reading skills. Successful completion of the camp could lead to promotion to fourth grade.

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How We Support Your Child

We are committed to helping every student become a confident, independent reader through:

· Additional instructional time focused on literacy.

· Small-group and individualized reading interventions.

· Specialized teacher training provided by literacy coaches.

We also monitor progress regularly and communicate results to keep you informed.

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How You Can Help at Home

Your involvement is key to your child’s reading success. Here’s how you can help:

· Read Together Daily: Encourage your child to read aloud and ask questions like, “What happened in the story?” or “Why do you think that happened?”

· Communicate with Teachers: Stay in touch with your child’s teacher about their progress.

· Use School Resources: We’re here to provide tools and materials to support your child’s reading journey at home.

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By working together, we can make this year a success for your child. If you have questions or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.

Thank you for partnering with us to make third grade a year of growth and learning!

Get ready for a spook-tacular evening at our annual Hall Crawl on Friday, October 30, from 6:00–7:00 PM! Our hallways will be filled with treats, costumes, and lots of Halloween fun as students enjoy a safe and exciting trick-or-treating experience. To keep the fun friendly for everyone, please leave the scary costumes at home. In addition, no toy weapons are allowed. Students will also have an opportunity to vote on the best staff group costume! Tickets are $2 per person and children under 2 have free admission.

We need your help to FEED OUR MONSTERS! We are collecting candy donations (bags of individually wrapped candy) to help make this event a sweet success. Every bag of candy makes a difference, and the grade level that donates the greatest total weight of candy will win a special treat! Let’s see which grade level can bring the most treats to the table. Thank you for your support!

Did you know that starting as early as preschool and kindergarten, regular attendance is essential for students gaining the academic and social skills they need to thrive? Research shows that when students are chronically absent (missing 10% or more of the school year or 18 days over an entire school year), they are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, achieve in middle school, and graduate from high school.

• Socially: They are truly missed! Staff and fellow classmates notice when your child is not at school. We take a personal interest in the well-being of our students. We want them here so that they can learn the social skills, along with the academic skills, that lead to productive lives. Practicing those skills begins early.
• Academically: In the typical school day, a student receives between 90 and 120 minutes of language arts instruction, 60-75 minutes of math instruction, and 30-45 minutes of science and social studies instruction. Students miss out on discussion, collaboration with peers, and assistance from their teacher; all of which are so crucial for a deep understanding and application of skills. When they come back the next day, they have a gap in their learning and are not ready to move to the next step with their classmates.

Is there a time you should keep your child at home? Absolutely! When your child is sick, we certainly do not expect him/her to come to school. We also have a full-time nurse on staff. She will be able to help you if you have questions.

Your child will be the most successful when we work together. Please help us by insuring your child attends school regularly, and we will deliver the best possible instruction while he/she is here! Three things to keep in mind:

• Even if the absence is "excused," your child still missed the instruction.
• Even if the absence is "excused," the days count toward "chronic absenteeism".
• Chronic absenteeism is tracked by the state.

Understanding Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy. What's the Difference?

Chronic absenteeism is legally defined as "any students who misses 50% or more of the instructional day for any reason for 10% of the enrollment period." For elementary students, that equates to being absent for 18 days - whether excused or not - during the school year. Again, all absence types contribute to this number - excused, unexcused, suspensions, tardy arrivals, and early dismissals.

Another consideration with absences is whether they meet the threshold of truancy, which then becomes a legal matter. Truancy is defined as "a student between the ages of 6-17 who has accumulated 3 consecutive or a total of 5 or more unexcused/unlawful absences during the academic year. Continued unexcused absences after the truancy intervention process begins may result in referral to family court and/or the involvement of the Department of Social Services."

We understand that circumstances at times can be challenging. If you are in need of some assistance, please reach out. It is our desire to work with you and help you if you are in need. We have access to resources that may be able to provide support for you and your family.

We want and need your child at school each and every day!

Written Excuses for Absence

When your child must be absent, you have a maximum of 3 days to send an excuse. Excuses may be sent to the teacher, or you may submit via ParentSquare messaging.

Cotton Belt Elementary is proud to be a Title I school! Title I provides additional resources and support to help ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to grow, learn, and be successful. These resources support instruction, intervention, family engagement, and other programs that benefit our students and school community. We are grateful for the partnership of our families as we work together to give every Cub the support and opportunities they need to thrive!

Cotton Belt Elementary continually monitors the implementation of the Title I plan and welcomes input from parents, families, school staff, and community members regarding its current and future Title I plans. Thank you!

CogAT Testing - October 13-15

October 13

School Board Meeting at 6:30 pm

October 14

Remaining report cards go home

October 15

SIC & PTO Meetings at 5:15 pm in the Media Center

GOLD (4K Assessment) Winter Window - October 19-March 12

Week of October 19 - School Bus Safety Week

IOWA Testing - October 19-20

October 21

Unity Day - Wear Orange

October 26-30 - Red Ribbon Week

October 26-November 5 - Benchmark Testing for 3rd & 4th

October 28

Make-up School Picture Day

October 30

Hall Crawl at 6 pm

November 1

Fall Back - Set your clocks back one hour!

November 3

No School - Election Day

Week of November 9 - National School Psychologist Week

November 10

School Board Meeting at 6:30 pm

November 11

Veteran's Day

Interim Reports

Professional Collaboration Day - Dismiss at 11:30

Week of November 16 - American Education Week

November 18

National Education Support Professionals Day

November 19

SIC & PTO Meetings at 5:15 pm in the Media Center

Thanksgiving Break - November 25-27

MAP Growth Window - November 30-December 18

Week of December 7 - Holiday Store

December 8

School Board Meeting at 6:30 pm

December 11

Santa Pics

December 18

End of 2nd 9 Weeks

Half Day - Students dismiss at 11:30

Winter Break - December 21-January 1

Teacher Workday - January 4

Students Return - January 5