Welcome to Cottage Grove School, home of the Wolves.  Cottage Grove School serves 450 plus students in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades in the Monona Grove School district.  I look forward to getting to know each of you as we continue to provide the best educational experience for our students in a respectful, responsible, and safe environment.

  

The beginning of the year is such an exciting time here at CGS!  The school is finally full of spirit and eager learners!  Please feel free to communicate with me through email or phone,  I enjoy getting to know all of the students and families that make up this excellent school and community.

 

I am proud of our highly dedicated staff, amazing students, and supportive community.  Our goal is to have a great relationship with all students/families and have a spectacular school year at Cottage Grove School.

Mr. Foster

 

Reminder:
The first morning bell is at 7:40am and the second bell at 7:45.  Students should be in their classroom and ready to start the day at 7:45.  Students may arrive at school at 7:20, when supervisors are outside.      

If your child will be absent or has an appointment, please call the office before 8:00 a.m.  We will be sure your child's teacher knows.

Pre-Arranged Extended Absence Forms:

Please remember to fill out a form if your child will miss more than 2 days in a row.  They are available online under MG Family Information, Forms For Families.

Infinite Campus:

PLEASE keep your information on Infinite Campus up to date.

Be sure to check your phone number(s) and emergency contacts.

For all 4th graders who are interested in joining strings, please try to attend the meeting on Monday, September 9th in the gym at 6:30 PM.  There will be a short presentation about the strings program and the availability of instrument companies to rent an instrument.  I hope to see you there.

Thanks

Mr. Peter Case

 

Young Rembrandts is offering After School Drawing Classes here at CGS!  Their structured, step-by-step curriculum helps children develop increased patience, discipline and focus as well as a host of artistic skills such as art vocabulary and history, drawing and art skills, and expanded creativity, imagination and confidence.  Find more information and register by clicking here

https://www.youngrembrandts.com/greatermadison/view-classes-enroll/

 

If you are planning to help in the classroom or accompany your child on a field trip, you MUST complete the on-line form here.

Hayley Arlt (3rd Grade) -  Hi everyone, I'm Hayley Arlt!  I am SO excited to be teaching 3rd grade at Cottage Grove Elementary!  

   I graduated from UW-Madison's Teacher Education & English as a Second Language program (Go Badgers!) and am currently pursuing my Master's Degree in Teaching & Curriculum at Michigan State University.  

   Highlights of my summer included getting married to my amazing husband, John and traveling to Mexico, teaching summer school, spending time outdoors and exploring Michigan, & getting the classroom ready for a a wonderful class of learners!  I love traveling, spending time with friends and family, reading, advocating for justice, learning new things, thrifting, squirrels, and dancing!

Lucas Franklin (Library) - I'm from a small rural town in Georgia called Mount Airy(population 1,304).  I enjoy hiking, kayaking, baking and of course reading in my free time.  My favorite children's book would have to be Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love.

Nick Garcia (Art) - I just moved to the area from Indianapolis, Indiana.  My wife and I finished graduate school this past spring before our move to Wisconsin.  

   I studied art during my time in undergrad and worked as a professional photographer for six years before returning to school to attain my Masters in Teaching at the University of Indianapolis.  

   We have two little ones at home, Levi (3 years old) and Selah (11 months old).  During my free time, you can find me taking photos, reading books, watching soccer, or outside trying to keep up with our kids and their endless amounts of energy. 

   I'm really looking forward to teaching at Cottage Grove School and have heard so many wonderful things about the Cottage Grove community.  I'm excited to be a part of such a great group of people this upcoming school year. 

Cory Hamilton (Music) - This will be my 14th year teaching.  I started in Milwaukee for 2 years, teaching elementary-high school.  I moved to Madison and taught there for 9 years, mostly middle school band, orchestra, choir and general music, but also some 5th grade strings.  I spent the last 2 years in Watertown at the middle school, teaching Orchestra and general music, and band lessons,.  I'm very excited to be with MGSD!  I have 2 daughters, one going into 1st grade, the other going into 7th grade.  We enjoy camping, watching movies, and playing Pokemon Go.  I play roller derby on the Vaudeville Vixens, in Madison Roller Derby, this is going to be my 5th year playing, 3rd year on the Vixens.  I live on the North side of Madison with my fiance and our 4 dogs, cat and 3 birds.  We're getting married next summer.

Jason Johnson (4th Grade) - Hello, my name is Jason Johnson.  I am a former student at CGS and MGHS, and now I teach 4th grade just feet from where I had the time of my life in Mr. Steinke's 4th grade class!  I have been teaching 5th grade in Waunakee for the last 11 years, and I am excited to come back to my hometown working with kids and making a difference.  I have a talented and beautiful wife , Rebecca, and three amazing children:  Alice, Emma, and James.  I enjoy spending time with my family, training for Ironman triathlons, hiking, and taking care of my two Great Danes, Clayton and Bella.  It is wonderful to be back in Cottage Grove!

Melissa Maag (Advanced Learner Specialist) - My name is Melissa Maag and I am entering my 20th year in education.  Most recently I was a classroom teacher in Stoughton at River Bluff middle School, teaching Science and Reading.  

   I am looking forward to transitioning this year to the Advanced Learner Resource Teacher.  I originally grew up in Minnesota, but after living in Wisconsin for the last 25 years - I am a full-fledged Badger and Packer fan.   

   When I'm not at school, you can find me with my family at games (both my girls play basketball and softball), out walking the dog, or enjoying time at home in Stoughton.  Thanks for the warm welcome!

Alyssa Sorhrweide (Paraprofessional) - Hello!  I am from Madison Wisconsin and I just graduated college from UW-Madison.  Outside of school I love going on bike rides and listening to music.

Jacob Schlaefer (Student Teacher) - Hi, I am Jacob Schlaefer.  I graduated from MGHS in 2015 and am currently enrolled in Winona State Universities College of Education set to graduate this winter.  I am here at CGS working alongside Ms Ohlrogge as her student teacher the fall semester.  I love the elementary school environment and am proud to have the opportunity to work with many diverse, young learners.  In my free time I am the Co-Program Director and Head Coach for The Madison West Boy's Ultimate Frisbee Team, Play Club Ultimate Frisbee for Madison, and individually coach athletes of all ages with sport specific training,  I look forward to a great year of learning!

Chris Vroman (Paraprofessional) - Hi!  My name is Ms. Vroman and I work as a paraprofessional which includes lunch/recess supervisor.  I have 5 daughters who all graduated from Monona Grove High School.  I also have one grandson.  i have a dog named Cooper who is a Yorkie/Silky Terrier mix and he is 9-1/2 years old.  My husband John and I love to travel and my favorite hobby is sewing.

Although it is early, keep your eyes peeled for paperwork coming home with your student(s) regarding the Winter Wishes food basket/gift donation program.  At this time, we are accepting sign-ups from families in need of food and/or gifts.  Please return paperwork before Wednesday, September 18th.

For those interested in donating, please know that gift tags will be posted at the CGS parent/teacher conferences.  It may be early to see a snowman display, but it is never too early to embrace the spirit of kindness!  Please contact Peg Zizmann or Kendra Atkinson with any questions.

 

First bell; students may enter building	7:35 a.m.
Classes begin	7:45 a.m.
2nd Grade Recess	9:20 - 9:35 a.m.
4th   Grade Recess	9:35 - 9:50 a.m.
3rd Grade Lunch and Recess	10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
4th Grade Lunch and Recess	11:35 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
2nd Grade Lunch and Recess	12:25 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.
3rd Grade Recess	1:10 p.m. - 1:25 p.m.
Dismissal	2:35 p.m.

Keep updated on school events by clicking here

 

September 9th Meeting

@ Taylor Prairie in the IMC at 6:30 p.m.

Scrip is one of PTO's most successful fundraising programs.  Scrip is just another way to pay for everyday purchases using gift cards in place of cash, checks and credit cards.  Scrip fundraising allows you to raise money for our school without selling anything - and it doesn't cost you a dime!  Click here for order form.

Drop Off and Pick Up:  Please use the lot closest to the building for Drop Off and Pick Up for the safety of everyone.  The far lot is busy with the buses coming in and out.

Supervision begins at 7:20am.  For the safety of your child please do not drop off before that.

If you are dropping off or picking up your student(s) without coming into the building yourself, please join the line of cars next to the curb in the lot closest to the building.  There will be supervisors along the sidewalk to help the students and direct traffic.

If you are planning to come into the building, please park your car (not along the curb) and use the crosswalk.  We ask that you escort your student(s) to and from the sidewalk.

  

We have noticed that some of our visitors have been parking in the "far" parking lot.  We, CGS Staff, park in the far lot so our visitors have closer access to the building. That is also the lot the buses use.  We welcome all visitors to park in the lot closest to the building.

If you need help getting school supplies for your student, please contact Kendra Atkinson.  608-839-8721

 

The student handbook is located on the Cottage Grove website.  Please take some time to go over the Cottage Grove and District policies and procedures.  If you would like a printed copy, please contact the office.  You can read the handbook here.

 

CGS Website:  Click here

Monona Grove Website:  You will find all District news and information at www,mononagrove.org

CGS Monthly newsletter:  "PawPrints" is the CGS monthly newsletter put out the first week of the month.  You will receive an IC message that it is available.  Please keep your Parent updated, you will also receive other important messages via IC.

Teacher newsletters:  Teachers will send newsletters out for specific classroom news and events.

You will find menus for both Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) and Lunch on the website.

Click here

 

Bridging Brighter Smiles provides quality preventative dental care for students 4K-12th grade at school.  Forward Health (BadgerCare) cards are accepted.  Please get enrollment information in English here.;and Spanish here.

Watch for information coming soon for 

CGS Spirit Wear!!!!

become the dark abyss of single gloves and lonely hats (not to mention lunch bags and shoes).