Message from the Principal:

Dear Parents, Students, and Community:

I can't believe how quickly this school year is flying by.  Now that we're back from winter break, it's time to pick up the pace as we prepare for the state testing coming up in April.  Last year, Cottonwood's API score (the measure the state uses to "grade" schools) was 742, which was a 27-point increase from the prior year.  Mr. Sheffield and I, along with our entire staff, are very confident that our students will continue this growth on the upcoming test.  Our goal this year is to reach an API of 775, and then break the 800 barrier in 2012-13.

There are many ways you can help your student prepare for the state tests.  First, be sure that your child completes his/her homework every night, including thirty minutes of reading.  Make it a habit to discuss school with your kids, asking specific questions rather than "Did you have a good day?"  When kids realize that their education is important to all of us, it helps them take it seriously as well.

There are other things you can do once the testing starts, which we will be discussing at our Parent Testing Workshop on February 2nd at 6:00 PM.  I'd like to encourage all parents to attend, as our success will depend upon students, parents, and staff members working as a team.  If we work together, I have no doubt that Cottonwood Elementary School has a very bright future!

Sincerely,

Chris Mauger

Principal

Thank you Parents/Guardians for a great year of support, we had a very successful year of fundraising and fun, we look forward to what next school year brings!!!

The PTC would also like to say a big THANK YOU to all the wonderful Parents, Grandparents that came out and volunteered their time this school year. You are all so amazing going above and beyond your duties. We sincerely appreciate your important contribution. Our school becomes a better place every day when parents like you are there to lend a hand! We couldn’t have done all that we did if it wasn’t for you. Team work is the only way to make it work and we have the best team ever. Thank you for sharing your time, talents and energy with our parent group!

*Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.

~Elizabeth Andrew

"Why do I volunteer for my parent group"?

 I enjoy volunteering for PTC very much because I believe that we make a difference in our school and encourage our students and our own children to do their best always.  I've also made new friends and enjoy it.  Helping makes my day better. Thank You.

From Mayra Alvarez

Although I don't get to help out as much as I like, I think the only way to have kids do well is knowing the support they get from their family.  It would be really great if everyone could be involved in some way.  Back when I was a single mom of 2 I ALWAYS had to be working....so now, this many years later it is a real pleasure to help when I can.  I have come to realize that it's not the location of the school, but the people who help make it better that counts!  Cottonwood has many great teachers.  Sanna does a fabulous job and thank you to her and the people that help her. - Pat Tilton

I enjoy being with the little kids...I have learned from them that it is OK to use your imagination, fresh ideas never hurt....laugh out loud...be heard! 
 As I enter my final years, I am thankful for having the opportunity to be a volunteer.  I enjoy doing math exercises with the kids and/or other things Mrs. Johns may need done.  I try to lead by example and hopefully, some of my life’s experiences will help or inspire the kids to look beyond the end of their nose.  I ask the kids to look not 5 years out....not 10....not 20....but a lifetime.   
 Sylvia Riley

 I enjoy volunteering for PTC because I get to meet other mother's as well as being in the know of the schools activities, finances, and knowing the new fundraisers that will be happening. I also enjoy giving my opinion and ideas for the functions going on at my child’s school, I also see that my kids love to know that their mom is at school and is helping out.

Nicole Hughes 

I like to hang out at the school (volunteer) so I can see what’s going on.  It gives me a chance to get to know the teachers and school staff better, and keeps me up to date on what is going on with the school.  But, mostly- I just really dig hanging out with you Sanna- you are such an energizer, you are awesome!!!  Thanks for all you do for the kids, and the school.  

Peace to you- Amy Hansen

I volunteer for our PTC because I feel it is important to give back to the school where my children attend. Also it is important for my children to see that I care enough about them and their school to give my time to help make events better for them. I have also had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing women ever!!! These women have the same goals as I do and care tremendously about their children and Cottonwood. Go Cottonwood PTC!!! We can only make our school a better place with the help of ALL of us working together!!! – Donna Wood

My time spent volunteering at Cottonwood is priceless. I do it for my kids and all the children at Cottonwood. They see me there and know I care. I couldn’t ask for a better job. My pay is seeing their beautiful smiles and getting big hugs from them. I truly believe that when a parent is involved the kids do so much better in school. They want to be there to learn and to have fun. I am blessed to have this opportunity to help out at Cottonwood as much as I do.

– Sanna Bartlebaugh

 
UPCOMING EVENTS
May
 
Teacher Appreciation Week – 7th – 11th
 
Mother/Daughter Day – 11th
 
School Cents Program Ends – 15th
 
Ongoing Fundraisers
 
Cicero’s Pizzeria – (Main & Maple: Stater Bros. Center) is doing a year-long Fundraiser and is very simple. Order anything off the menu for pick up or delivery mention you are with Cottonwood and they will issue you a red ticket which you will turn into the school. Be sure to put the students name and teacher on back of receipt. The classroom that raises the most money per trimester will receive a catered pizza party.
Also our school will receive 10% of all money raised every month.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU GET A RED TICKET!!!
GO COYOTES!!
 
School Cents Program - If you shop at the Mall or eat at the Food court of Victor Valley remember to turn in your receipts to the front office there is a collection box. Or log them in at the Guest services booth at the mall located by Barnes & Noble. The program ends May 15th. Please make sure to get all your mall receipts in. THANK YOU!  Cottonwood is in 7th place right now. Can we get in the top 3???
 
Thank you for all that you do to make Cottonwood a better school for your children,
Cottonwood PTC

“Team work is the only way to make it work”