Dear MGSD Elementary Families, 

As part of our school and district-wide commitment to equity, we are focused on building community and creating welcoming, inclusive environments for all students. We share in circle time, gather for all-school assemblies and performances, challenge ourselves on field day, learn from each other in buddy classrooms, and display our creativity at art shows and maker fairs. We are proud of our students, of these activities, and the opportunities they provide us. 

While we recognize that Halloween is a fun tradition for many families, there are also inequities in how we have traditionally observed the holiday as part of our school day. Whether or not this has been your experience or your student's experience, our goal is to provide space and opportunities for all students to be part of our school community. 

The reality is that the celebration of Halloween at school leads to student exclusion. There are social, financial, and cultural differences among our families that we respect. Because of this we will no longer be holding traditional Halloween celebrations (i.e., parades, costumes) that have been held at school in the past. 

We've been considering and discussing this for several years; we did not come to this decision without considering the many viewpoints, opinions, and values of our community. We acknowledge that you may not agree with this decision. We also recognize that you may support it. It is our job as public school administrators to look beyond opinion and do what is best for all students and families. We appreciate your support with this change as we explore new and engaging ways to build community within our schools that all of our students can be a part of and enjoy with their classmates and friends.

Sincerely, 

Dan Olson, Superintendent

Shelby Steel, MGSD Student Services and Equity Coordinator

Angie Fassl, Winnequah Principal

Reed Foster, Cottage Grove School Principal

Connie Haessly, Taylor Prairie Principal

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.

Just a reminder that school fees for the 2019-2020 school year ($50.00) were due September 3rd. If you need to pay fees, please do so via the IC Parent Portal, or you may bring cash/check to the CGS Office.  

 

Please plan for your students 

safe arrival at school!

Remember that supervision starts at 

7:20 am.  and crossing guards are not at the cross walks until 7:15 am.

 

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.

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.

 

The Lunchroom/Playground Supervisors need your help!  During the course of the school year, the students are kept indoors for recess due to the weather.  If you have any games that are appropriate for second, third, and fourth graders that you are no longer using, please consider donating them to the school to be used during those "indoor days".  The games can be dropped off at the office.  Thank you so much for your consideration!

 

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.

Bridging Brighter Smiles Dental Clinic will be at CGS on Thursday, October 10th!  It's not too late to enroll!

We're excited to share that CGS was recognized this summer by the Wisconsin RtI Center in behavior at the bronze level for our work toward fully implementing a framework that leads to improved student outcomes.  The framework helps to increase consistency of instruction, enhances staff skills, proactively provides supports for learners, and builds stronger relationships with students.  

To continue our efforts of making CGS a welcoming place for all students, we are going to survey all students in November in order to hear directly from them.  This short climate survey will help us understand how our students are feeling safe and engaged when they come to school.  If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Kendra Atkinson, School Psychologist.

 

Thank you PTO for the wonderful dinners provided to staff on Parent/Teacher Conference Nights!

 

The third graders will be coordinating their annual Food Drive for the Cottage Grove Food Pantry in the month of October.  They will be collecting and counting items the week of October 21st through October 25th.  Then they will deliver the food to the pantry to be distributed for the fall holidays.  THANK YOU for your support!

The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students.  Each year, a certified/licensed elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics can be nominated for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.  Click here for more information.

 

 

Keep updated on school events by clicking here

 

October 14th Meeting

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

Restaurant Night - Oct. 8th @ 

       Culvers  4:00 - 8:00pm

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.

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.

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

 

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