coyote n dennis e. cowan elementaryews2012-2013 staar scores are as follows: 2011-2012 2012-2013...

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Volume 3 Issue 1 September 2013 www.austinschools.org/campus/cowan 2817 Kentish Drive Austin, TX 78748 Phone: (512)841-2700 Fax: (512)841-2755 Welcome to 2013’s Principal A NOTE FROM THE Dear Parents, Welcome back to school awesome Cowan Families! We are so excited to start off this school year. If you listened to Dr. Carstarphen's Convocation, you know that we have a strength based initiative for the district. We are so blessed at Cowan to have a very STRONG staff to work with. We are utilizing all of our strengths and our student's strengths to make sure we are being successful every single day. To help with traffic flow and parking for Back to School Night, I will be giving teachers the general information to share with you in their classroom. I want to share the STAAR data that we have received. We met standards in Student Achievement, Student Progress and Closing Performance Gaps. Coyote NEWS Dennis E. Cowan Elementary -Debbie Warnken, Principal Principal, Debbie Warnken Assistant Principal, Becky Phillips Counselor, Michelle DeMarco-Pundt Editor/Designer, Tammy Henderson Contents: New School Year! New Cowan Staff Please help us to welcome our new staff members. We are so glad that they’ve become a part of our Cowan family. The new faces among us are: Becky Phillips, AP Pat Payne, Secretary/Bookkeeper Richard Haller, Teacher Assistant Teresa Kincaid, Teacher Assistant Stephanie Thomason, Teacher Assistant Aine Murdock, Music Teacher Jessica Davis, Kinder Teacher Heather Sharp, Kinder Teacher Laura Colley, 1st Grade Teacher Lori Wheeler, 1st Grade Teacher Nicole Grubby, 5th Grade Teacher Norma Alvarez Martinez, Custodian Maria Hernandez, Custodian Jennifer Patterson, Café Manager Celida Murray, Café Staff Hillary Swircynski, Sp. Education Teacher Back to School Night Thursday, Sept. 12 Back to School Night is a “Parents Only” event. Because we are providing you a tremendous amount of important information in a short amount of time, we ask that you make other arrangements for your children. This will be our only event during the year that we will ask you to come without children. We appreciate your cooperation! Intermediate Classroom Visits rd th th 3 -, 4 and 5 Classrooms th (5 in Dining Room) Minor changes have been made due to limited parking, making sure working parents may attend, and that we do not keep parents and teachers too late on a school night. There will not be a Principal's Address this year due to timing issues. Primary Classroom Visits nd PK-2 - Classrooms 7:15pm-8:00pm 6:00pm-6:45pm Debbie Warnken Target Score Cowan Score Student Achievement Student Progress Closing Performance Gap 50% 30% 55% 89% 44% 84% We received Distinction Earned in Reading!!! We also met all the safeguards in Performance Rates and Participation Rates. The overall score comparisons from the 2011-2012 STAAR Scores and 2012-2013 STAAR Scores are as follows: 2011-2012 2012-2013 Math Reading Science Writing 86% 88% 76% 85% 87% 90% 87% 91% As you can see, we are moving in the right direction and will continue to challenge ourselves and our students to ensure that all students are reaching their full potential. F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F Note from Principal New Cowan Staff Back to School Night PTA Board Members Note from PTA President Volunteer Information Website Information Simple Ways to Assist our School Cork Board Reminders Rent-A-Marquee Form PTA Contributions Welcome Mrs. Phillips Yearbook Photos Gym Shorts Music Notes GT Information Teacher Shout Out Cowan Events Calendar Carnival Registration Form Whooping Cough Facts PTA Membership Form Love Your School Donation Form Spirit Wear Form Next Newsletter deadline: Monday, October 4, 2013 submit to: Cowan News is published six times a year and can be downloaded from our website online at www.austinschools.org/campus/cowan [email protected]

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Page 1: Coyote N Dennis E. Cowan ElementaryEWS2012-2013 STAAR Scores are as follows: 2011-2012 2012-2013 Math Reading Science Writing 86% 88% 76% 85% 87% 90% 87% 91% As you can see, we are

Volume 3Issue 1

September 2013 www.austinschools.org/campus/cowan

2817 Kentish DriveAustin, TX 78748

Phone: (512)841-2700Fax: (512)841-2755

Welcome to 2013’s

PrincipalA NOTE FROM THE

Dear Parents,Welcome back to school awesomeCowan Families! We are so excited tostart off this school year. If you listenedto Dr. Carstarphen's Convocation, you know that we have a strengthbased initiative for the district. We are so blessed at Cowan to havea very STRONG staff to work with. We are utilizing all of ourstrengths and our student's strengths to make sure we are beingsuccessful every single day. To help with traffic flow and parking forBack to School Night, I will be giving teachers the generalinformation to share with you in their classroom. I want to share theSTAAR data that we have received. We met standards in StudentAchievement, Student Progress and Closing Performance Gaps.

Coyote NEWSDennis E. Cowan Elementary

-Debbie Warnken, Principal

Principal, Debbie Warnken

Assistant Principal, Becky Phillips

Counselor, Michelle DeMarco-Pundt

Editor/Designer, Tammy Henderson

Contents:

New School Year!New Cowan Staff

Please help us to welcomeour new staff members. Weare so glad that they’vebecome a part of our Cowanfamily. The new faces amongus are:

Becky Phillips, AP

Pat Payne, Secretary/Bookkeeper

Richard Haller, Teacher Assistant

Teresa Kincaid, Teacher Assistant

Stephanie Thomason, Teacher Assistant

Aine Murdock, Music Teacher

Jessica Davis, Kinder Teacher

Heather Sharp, Kinder Teacher

Laura Colley, 1st Grade Teacher

Lori Wheeler, 1st Grade Teacher

Nicole Grubby, 5th Grade Teacher

Norma Alvarez Martinez, Custodian

Maria Hernandez, Custodian

Jennifer Patterson, Café Manager

Celida Murray, Café Staff

Hillary Swircynski, Sp. Education Teacher

Back to School NightThursday, Sept. 12Back to School Night is a“Parents Only” event. Because we are providingyou a tremendous amountof important information ina short amount of time, weask that you make otherarrangements for yourchildren. This will be ouronly event during the yearthat we will ask you to comewithout children. Weappreciate your cooperation!

Intermediate Classroom Visitsrd th th 3 -, 4 and 5 Classrooms

th(5 in Dining Room)

Minor changes have been madedue to limited parking, makingsure working parents may attend,and that we do not keep parentsand teachers too late on a schoolnight. There will not be a Principal'sAddress this year due to timingissues.

Primary Classroom Visitsnd PK-2 - Classrooms

7:15pm-8:00pm

6:00pm-6:45pm

Debbie Warnken

Target Score Cowan Score

Student Achievement

Student Progress

Closing Performance Gap

50%

30%

55%

89%

44%

84%

We received Distinction Earned in Reading!!! We also met all thesafeguards in Performance Rates and Participation Rates. The overallscore comparisons from the 2011-2012 STAAR Scores and2012-2013 STAAR Scores are as follows:

2011-2012 2012-2013

Math

Reading

Science

Writing

86%

88%

76%

85%

87%

90%

87%

91%

As you can see, we are moving in the right direction and willcontinue to challenge ourselves and our students to ensure that allstudents are reaching their full potential.

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Note from Principal

New Cowan Staff

Back to School Night

PTA Board Members

Note from PTA President

Volunteer Information

Website Information

Simple Ways to Assist our School

Cork Board Reminders

Rent-A-Marquee Form

PTA Contributions

Welcome Mrs. Phillips

Yearbook Photos

Gym Shorts

Music Notes

GT Information

Teacher Shout Out

Cowan Events Calendar

Carnival Registration Form

Whooping Cough Facts

PTA Membership Form

Love Your School Donation Form

Spirit Wear Form

Next Newsletter deadline:Monday, October 4, 2013submit to:

Cowan News is publishedsix times a year and can bedownloaded from ourwebsite online atwww.austinschools.org/campus/cowan

[email protected]

Page 2: Coyote N Dennis E. Cowan ElementaryEWS2012-2013 STAAR Scores are as follows: 2011-2012 2012-2013 Math Reading Science Writing 86% 88% 76% 85% 87% 90% 87% 91% As you can see, we are

PTA PresidentA NOTE FROM THE

Welcome back returning Cowan Elementary students andfamilies, and welcome new Cowan families to our wonderfulschool. The 2013-2014 school year is going to be an excitingand fun school year as I look forward to meeting and working with allof you. I also would like to mention our wonderful PTA board of directors andvolunteers. Their hard work and dedication have made this very easy for me to bean effective new president. I would like to emphasize the importance ofvolunteering as it is crucial to our schools success. If you have any questions aboutthe PTA and volunteer opportunities, please feel free to contactBrandi Terrell, our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] or any ofour other PTA board members. Our PTA board members are always available tohelp or answer any questions any of you may have. Our school Web sitewww.austinschools.org/campus/cowan is an informative tool that can be utilizedfor any information you may need. There are some important events that arecoming up soon such as Back to School night which is Thursday September 12,Cowan Carnival-Oct. 19, Book Fair-Dec. 2-6, and Box Tops for Education’s first submission deadline is Oc. 15. The PTA will be at Back to School night servingfree fresh popcorn where you will also be able to purchase spirit wear and signup to join PTA or just volunteer. Our next monthly PTA meeting is scheduled forOctober 3 at 5:30 following the Campus Advisory Council meeting in the Cowanlibrary these meetings are open to all Cowan parents. I encourage you to attendthese meeting as they are informative and can keep youup to date with currentevents and other detailed information. I look forward to an exciting and funschool year with all of you and our wonderful children.GO COWAN COYOTES!

Introducing the 2013-2014PTA Board Members

PresidentVice PresidentPrincipalAssistant PrincipalCo-Treasurer

SecretaryTeacher LiaisonParliamentarian

Volunteer CoordinatorRoom Parent CoordinatorStaff Appreciation ChairSpirit Night Spirit Wear Co-VIP Room

Box Tops

Environmental Coordinator

Carnival Coordinator

Co-Treasurer

Membership

CoordinatorCoordinator

CoordinatorCo-VIP Room CoordinatorCo-VIP Room Coordinator

Coordinator

Historian

Love Your School Coordinator

School Supplies CoordinatorCoyote Card Coordinator

Yearbook Coordinator

Sponsor Relations

Victoria SmollerArliss KingDebbie WarnkenBecky PhillipsMonica MartinezPaula HawnCarol GonsalvesTracy GrahamPaula HawnMelissa Schank

Brandi TerrellMonica MartinezMichelle WhighamLeslie WoodsSara MorenVictoria SmollerMaricela BarrreraMonica Martinez

Brenda Woods

Patrick Pulido

Tammy Henderson

Maricela Barrera

Emily SpeightVictoria Smoller

Carrie Stewart

Michelle Whigham

Vacant

If you are interested in joining the Cowan PTAboard, please contact the PTA President orany board member to inquire about vacantpositions. We look forward to meeting you!

It is so easy tovolunteerat Cowan

It is so easy tovolunteerat Cowan

Victoria Smoller

-Victoria Smoller, Cowan PTA President

All Volunteers Must Register Each Year

It only takes a couple of minutes.

Visit the Volunteer Resource Center onthe Cowan website homepage forcurrent volunteer sign-ups.http://austinschools.org/campus/cowan/CowanPTA/volunteer_info.html

LOOKING FORINFORMATION?

Our Cowan website is a great way to stay informed and find allof the information you are looking for regarding our great school! Create adesktop shortcut and visit the website frequently to read about upcomingevents. Review the list below for a brief overview of what you will find.

F Upcoming EventsF AISD CalendarF Cowan Events CalendarF Current NewsletterF Carnival InformationF Volunteer Resource Center L Room Parent Tips L Staff Birthday List L Special Pal Assignment List L Current Volunteer Sign-upsF Parent InformationF *Teacher and Staff web pagesF Cowan PTA InformationF School Highlights

F My Lunch Money Link

F Amazon Link (to earn $ for Cowan)F School Mall and Freytags Florist

F Quick Link Forms L PTA Membership L Love Your School Donation L Carnival Sponsor Registration L Rent A Marquee Form L Spirit Wear Order Form / Detail L Parent Cloud InstructionsF Teacher Resources

When you shop Amazon, SchoolMall andFreytags Florist - click on the link from ourwebsite and our school earns a percentageof all sales.

http://austinschools.org/campus/cowan/

Carnival Volunteer Sign-Uphttp://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044CACAB283-cowan4

Middle/High School Student Volunteer Sign-Uphttp://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044CACAB283-cowan5 * A plan is in place to have all Teacher web

pages up dated this year.

www.austinpartners.org/volunteer

email Brandi Terrell for assistance

email Brandi Terrell for assistance

[email protected]

[email protected]

Page 3: Coyote N Dennis E. Cowan ElementaryEWS2012-2013 STAAR Scores are as follows: 2011-2012 2012-2013 Math Reading Science Writing 86% 88% 76% 85% 87% 90% 87% 91% As you can see, we are

Simple Ways to Assist our SchoolBox TopsEarn cash for our school with Box Tops for Education!1. Clip Box Tops.2. Save 25 OR 50 Box Tops in zip locked bag.3. Label with your child’s name and teacher’s name.4. Send prepared bags to school.

Campbell’s Labels For Education ProgramThis program awards schools free educational merchandise!1. Save all Campbell’s labels.2. Organize in zip locked bags.3. Label with your child’s name and teacher’s name.4. Send prepared bags to school.

AmazonWhen shopping Amazon.com by clicking on the Amazonlink from the cowan website. Cowan receivesup to 8.5% from all purchases made.

SchoolMall

Randall’sLink our Good Neighbor number to yourRandall’s Card and help raise funds the easyway. 10% paid back to Cowan.Organization Number: 8931

TargetIf your family already has a Target Visa orTarget Guest Card, please call 800-316-6142or visit www.target.com to designate CowanElementary as your school of choice. Targetwill donate 1% of every purchase to our school.Our school ID# is 115380

Freytag’s Florist

“Love Your School” DonationMake a donation to the “Love Your School”donation fund to help Cowan PTA fund themany contributions that enrich the educationof all Cowan students. Please review thelist of contributions in this newsletter. Thisdonation takes the place of a gift wrap andcookie dough fund-raiser.

Recycle Cell Phones and Printer CartridgesDrop old cell phones and used printer cartridges inthe recycle boxes in the office.

Look what we have collectedthis school year already!!!

Amazon - $361.33Love Your School - $1839.00

Staff Pot LucksPrepare food items for pot luck lunches throughout the year.Volunteer sign-ups are sent out with menu specifics. Bake apie for the traditional Thanksgiving pie swap.

Become a PTA MemberLook for the PTA volunteer and order form at the end of thisnewsletter. The class with the most PTA members by September 27thwill win $5.00 Book Fair Bucks for each student in the class to useat Cowan’s December Book Fair. The teacher receives $25.00 inBook Fair Bucks!!! Our school benefits as you show your support bybecoming a member.

Spirit NightsOccasionally we have Spirit Nights at Chic-fil-A, Cypress Grill,Craigo’s and Schlotzky’s. These amazing sponsors donate agenerous percentage of the sales for those nights to Cowan.It is a fun way to meet other Cowan families and supportCowan at the same time.

Spirit WearReview the spirit wear collection on the PTA form at the endof the newsletter. Support Cowan by wearing Cowan t-shirts,beautiful rhinestone shirts and hoodies.

Cowan’s Fall Carnival and Market Day- Join the Carnival Planning committee each Monday morning at 8:00am in the library until October 14th. - Donate an item for your class assigned Silent Auction Basket.- If you know a business owner, encourage them to donate a gift certificate or item for our Silent Auction. Or invite them to set up a booth at our carnival. The sponsor form is also at the end of this newsletter and attached to our website.- Sign up to volunteer at a booth on Saturday, October 19th.- Remember to shop at our fantastic Silent Auction.- Pre-order carnival tickets to save money September 30 - October 4.

Coyote Discount CardsCoyote Cards save us all lots of money all year long. Purchaseone for $5 in the office anytime. New cards sell for $10 beginningin January. Help us sell as many as we can. Cowan makes a 90%profit on this fund-raiser! Coyote Cards STILL AVAILABLE!

SchoolMall is a great way to support Cowan whenyou shop at your favorite online merchants. Visit and choose Cowan Elementary.Retailers like Kohl’s, Best Buy, Cabela’s, Target andhundreds more will donate percentages of your purchase to Cowan.

Visit for all of your floraland special occasion gifts. Simply select the“Helping Hands” pull down menu on the orderform and choose Cowan Elementary. Freytag’swill donate 5% of all purchases to our school.

www.austinschools.org/campus/cowan

http://www.freytagsflorist.com/

www.schoolmall.com

Page 4: Coyote N Dennis E. Cowan ElementaryEWS2012-2013 STAAR Scores are as follows: 2011-2012 2012-2013 Math Reading Science Writing 86% 88% 76% 85% 87% 90% 87% 91% As you can see, we are

Deadline for Fall orders is

Monday, September 13th.

CAC/PTAGeneral Meeting

Thursday, Oct. 3rd5:30pm

Cowan library

Marathon Kids

Kick-Off Mile Celebration

Saturday October 5th at

Ut’s Mike Myers

Stadium! Forms must be turned

in by Friday, Sept. 20th to

receive a t-shirt!

Back to SchoolNight

Thursday, September 12th

Student Holidaty

Assembly begins

at 7:25am

Students are

tardy at

7:45am

JOIN THE CARNIVALPLANNING TEAM!Meetings beginSept. 9th, 8:00am,library to planthe October 19thFall Carnival.

PLEASE HELP ME...I’VE LOST MY OWNER!

The Lost & Found rack is fillingup! Please stop by to claimyour lost items as soon aspossible. Save your parentssome money and pick up yourjackets, coats, sweaters, clotheslunch boxes, etc.

October 14th

CCEE

Send this form and $15 to your child’s teacher the date you would like yourmessage to display on the Cowan marquee. Please make checks payable to Cowan PTA.

(message will scroll for 24 hours from 12:00am to 12:00am on the date you specify.)

ONE WEEK BEFORE

RENT-A-MARQUEE

Happy Birthday ___________________________ from _______________________________!

Congratulations ___________________________ from _______________________________!

I / We love you ___________________________ from _______________________________!

I / We are proud of you _____________________ from _______________________________!

Circle One

Circle One

Date to display message _____________________ Amount Paid ___________

Parent Name _____________________ Phone #___________________ Teacher ______________

Limit of 3 orders per date. Please plan ahead for all of your special occasions!

SPIRIT WEAR

ORDER DEADLINE

Intermediate Classroom Visitsrd3 -Classroomsth4 -Classrooms

th5 -Dining Room

Primary Classroom VisitsndPK-2 -Classrooms

6:00pm-6:45

7:15pm-8:00pm

Elementary

Parent

Conference

Day

BOX TOPS

Turn all Box Tops

in by October 15th

so they can be

sent in by the

deadline.

COWANCARNIVAL

COMINGSOON!

SaturdayOctober 19th

Page 5: Coyote N Dennis E. Cowan ElementaryEWS2012-2013 STAAR Scores are as follows: 2011-2012 2012-2013 Math Reading Science Writing 86% 88% 76% 85% 87% 90% 87% 91% As you can see, we are

Why Join the PTA? Five Good Reasons Why You Should Join Today!

If you haven't joined the PTA yet, you may want to consider some strong reasons why membership benefits

your child, your family, your school and your community. Partnerships between parents, educators and children

enhance success by supporting the education, health and welfare of our children.

1. Involved parents make schools perform better – More than 30 years of research has proven that greater

parental involvement has a direct impact on raising grades, test scores and self-esteem among children.

2. Resources and Programs – the PTA offers free resources and programs that support your child's education,

health and well-being, including parent education programs, helping with homework, and other resources that

help you and your child from cradle to career.

3. Advocacy – the PTA's local, state and national advocacy platforms ensure that parents and educators can

coalesce around legislation and issues such as school funding that impact all our children's futures.

4. Membership saves money – Membership in Texas PTA includes discounts for vendors such as Enterprise

Rent-A-Car, LaQuinta Inns and Suites, Dell Computers, SixFlags, Seaworld, Schlitterbahn, Nationwide Insurance,

Sharp Electronics and T-Mobile.

5. Cowan Elementary needs your support – Cowan PTA supports many programs with the necessary materials

that make our school an exceptional place to learn and grow. The following programs would not be possible

without contributions from Cowan PTA funds:

Daily Planners for all students grades K through 5th

5th Grade Graduation

Kinder Round-Up and Kinder Coffee

$100 reimbursement to all Cowan Teachers for classroom needs

$50 reimbursement to all Cowan Teacher Assistants for classroom needs

Funding for half of all poster/copy paper, laminating film and ink cartridges

Funding of two high speed copiers, up to $4000 annually

Financial Aid for families recommended by the Cowan Counselor

Teacher Workroom supplies

Annual site license for Read Naturally

Annual site license for Reading Counts

Annual site license for Education City

Annual site license for Study Island

Theatre Action Plan, a 4th grade Bully Proof Program

Computer hardware replacement throughout the year

Monthly Birthday Cakes for Staff Members

Provide coffee, creamer, sugar and supplies for Teacher's Break room

Various tokens of appreciation to Staff members throughout the year

Self Portrait Frames

Large Environmental Improvement projects

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Thank you for supporting

Cowan PTA and our

wonderful school

community!!!

“Join the race to be the class with the most PTA memberships, and each

child from the winning class earns $5.00 in Book Fair Bucks!

Page 6: Coyote N Dennis E. Cowan ElementaryEWS2012-2013 STAAR Scores are as follows: 2011-2012 2012-2013 Math Reading Science Writing 86% 88% 76% 85% 87% 90% 87% 91% As you can see, we are

Introducing...Our new Assistant Principal

I would like to give a real big shoutout to my awesome 4th gradeteachers and students for helpingme when I was on leave. I just loveCowan!!! It’s the best!!.

Music NotesF 4th and 5th graders, please bring recorders back to school to be kept in your music room for the duration of the school year. Order forms will be coming home soon if you need to purchase a new one.

F The Cowan Chorus will be singing at the Cowan Carnival at 11:00am on October 19th.

F If anyone has items to donate to our prize boxes, we would so appreciate it.

About Mrs. Murdock:

I am so excited to have joinedthe 'Cowan Family.' I moved fromIreland to Texas seven years agowhen I married my husband Chris, a native Texan.I went to Queen's University, Belfast. After college Itaught general elementary and music in Ireland for14 years. During that time I had the opportunity toparticipate as a music teacher in a one yearFulbright Teacher Exchange Program inGrapevine/Colleyville ISD, Texas. For the past fouryears I have been an elementary music teacher inManor ISD. In my spare time I love to travel andplay violin/piano. This year I published my firstchildren's book, 'Beazey Bobbity Goes to New York.'Towards the end of the year I will publish the secondin the series, 'Beazey and the Bullies.' Check out myvideo/song on YouTube. I am having a wonderfultime working with your kids and look forward tomeeting you all throughout the year.

Welcome to Cowan, Mrs. Murdock!

Parents may request a nomination formfrom their child’s teacher. Forms mustbe submitted between September 6thand September 20th. Nominationssubmitted after 3:00pm on the Sept. 20thwill be held until the Spring windowopens.

Parent GT Nominations

Please remember to take some pictures this yearwhen you are at field trips, carnival, track and fieldday, classroom activities or any other greatopportunity at Cowan to get a nice group photo forthe yearbook collage pages.

Group photos can be emailed to Please include name

and grade in email.

Don’t Forget to SnapPhotos For our Yearbook!

Message from Mrs. NaranjoMessage from Mrs. Naranjo

Becky PhillipsWelcome to Cowan Mrs. Phillips!

We’re glad you are here!!!

Hello Cowan Families, My name is Becky Phillips and I am the new AssistantPrincipal here at Cowan Elementary School. It has been agreat start to the school year and I have enjoyed getting toknow students and parents these past two weeks. AlthoughI am new to Cowan and am working hard each day to learnthe ropes in a new setting, I come to you with a history ofexperience from right here in Austin. I have been in theAustin Independent School District for the past fourteenyears, serving as a classroom teacher, a mentor teacherand as an administrator. I truly enjoy working each day withstudents, teachers and families. Please contact me if youhave any questions or concerns. I will always find sometime to meet with you.

[email protected]

Cowan Physical Education is off to a terrific start! Students havebeen participating in cooperation and nutrition activities and arealso learning how physical activity affects the CardiovascularSystem. In addition, students in 3rd - 5th grades at Cowan will beparticipating in FITNESSGRAM during the month of October. Formore information about FITNESSGRAM, please visithttp://www.fitnessgram.net/faqparents.

Just a friendly reminder that we expect every student to wearathletic shoes to Physical Education class! This is to ensure hisor her safety during activity. Flip- flops, sandals, shoes w/ highheels or wheels, and boots are not acceptable footwear choicesfor physical education. Students that come to physical educationclass wearing unsafe footwear will not be allowed to participate,which is not our mission in PE: we want everyone active. Pleasemake sure that your child has the best footwear possible toparticipate in a safe and enjoyable environment in PE.

Marathon Kids is a FREE incremental running/walking and nutritionprogram that gives students of all abilities and fitness levels theopportunity to achieve the goal of running/walking 26.2 miles.Children run 26.2 miles (a full marathon distance) within a 6 monthperiod in increments of ¼ or ½ mile each time. Students can logmiles by running laps in P.E., during WOW time, and/of with you.Students earn a super cool Marathon Kids T-shirt to show off theiraccomplishment when they finish their marathon at the end of the6 month period. Students must be registered by September 20th toreceive a T-shirt. In order to register, please complete this onlineform:

GYM SHORTS

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Bbx-GR5eRVW73IxJtC1cKm0NTWTv04-lZNMu5Gvh7og/edit?usp=sharing

Page 7: Coyote N Dennis E. Cowan ElementaryEWS2012-2013 STAAR Scores are as follows: 2011-2012 2012-2013 Math Reading Science Writing 86% 88% 76% 85% 87% 90% 87% 91% As you can see, we are

2013-2014 School Calendar

August 2013 September 2013 October 2013

November 2013 December 2013 January 2014

February 2014 March 2014 April 2014

May 2014

14 School Supply Orders delivered to each student's classroom23 Meet the Teacher Day 11:30am-12:30pm26 First Day of School, New Parent Coffee in library after drop off26 PTA/School Forms sent home30 PTA Executive Board Meeting 10:00am, Office

2 Student/Staff HOLIDAY 5 Volunteer/Room Parent Meeting 5 CAC/General PTA Meeting, 5:30pm, library 8:00am, Dining Room 9 Carnival Planning Meeting, library, 8:00am12 Back to School Night13 Spirit Wear order forms due16 Carnival Planning Meeting, library, 8:00am17-18 Fall Picture Day23 Carnival Planning Meeting, library, 8:00am27 PTA Executive Board Meeting 1:00pm, library27 PTA (Book Fair Bucks) Membership Drive Ends30 Carnival Planning Meeting, library, 8:00am30 Carnival Pre-Ticket Sales Begin

3 CAC/General PTA Meeting 5:30pm, Cowan library 4 Carnival Pre-Ticket Sales End 5 Marathon Kids Kick-Off 7 Carnival Planning Meeting, library, 8:00am14 Student Holiday / Parent Conference Day15 Carnival Planning Meeting, library, 8:00am

22 Fall Picture Re-Take25 PTA Executive Board Meeting 10:00am, Office28 Great American Gift Wrap Begins31 Book Character Day

19 COWAN FALL CARNIVAL 11:00am - 4:00pm, Cowan

7 CAC/General PTA Meeting 5:30pm, Cowan library

20 Spirit Wear Final Sale Begins22 PTA Executive Board Meeting 1:00pm, library26 PTA Pie Swap27-29 Thanksgiving Break

11 Student Holiday / Staff Development16 Spirit Wear ORDER DEADLINE

2 Coyote Card Sales Begin

CAC/General PTA Meeting 5:30pm, Cowan library13 Early Bird Coyote Prizes Awarded13 Parent Night Out, 6pm-10pm18 Staff Winter Luncheon

2-6 BOOK FAIR

12 3 Family Fitness Night, 5:30-6:30

21 Winter Break Begins

6 Student HOLIDAY / Staff Development 7 Classes Resume 9 CAC/General PTA Meeting 5:30pm, Cowan library10 Coyote Card Prizes Awarded20 Student / Staff HOLIDAY31 PTA Executive Board Meeting 1:00pm, library

6 CAC/General PTA Meeting 5:30pm, Cowan library17 Student HOLIDAY / Staff Development18-19 Spring Picture Day28 PTA Executive Board Meeting 1:00pm, library28 PTA (Track & Field Bucks) Membership Drive Ends

6 CAC/General PTA Meeting 5:30pm, library10-14 Student/Staff HOLIDAY, Spring Break28 PTA Executive Board Meeting, 1:00pm, library

1 STAAR Writing Test Day 1 - Grade 4 1 STAAR Math Test - Grade 5 2 STAAR Writing Test Day 2 - Grade 4 2 STAAR Reading Test - Grade 5 3 CAC/General PTA Meeting 5:30pm, Cowan library18 Student/Staff HOLIDAY22 STAAR Math Test - Grades 3 & 423 STAAR Reading Test - Grades 3 & 423 STAAR Science Test - Grade 525 PTA Executive Board Meeting 1:00pm, library

1 CAC/General PTA Meeting 5:30pm, Cowan library 5-9 Staff Appreciation Week 6 Kinder Round-Up, 8:00am-10:00am ? Volunteer Luncheon12-29 School Supply Orders26 Student/Staff HOLIDAY

? TRACK & FIELD DAY

Reminder: Don’t forget to send in the“Love Your School” Donation form

CARNIVAL PLANNING COMMITTEE

Please join the Carnival Planning Committeeby attending the following meetings. We wouldlove to see you there!

Sept 9 - 8:00am, librarySept 16 - 8:00am, librarySept 23 - 8:00am, librarySept 30 - 8:00am, libraryOct 7 - 8:00am, libraryOct 15 - 8:00am, library

June 2014

5 Last Day of School6 Teacher Planning

Jan 27-Mar 7 NAEP Assessment window 4th grade Jan 27-Mar 7 NAEP Assessment window 4th grade

Jan 27-Mar 7 NAEP Assessment window 4th grade

Mar 17-Apr 4 TELPAS Assessment window Mar 17-Apr 4 TELPAS Assessment window

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At Cowan Elementary2817 Kentish Drive

For More Information Please Call:

COMPLETE THIS ENTRY FORM

CARNIVAL & SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS

Business Name:

Contact Name:

Address:

Phone #:

email:

Fax #:

Zip Code:

Comments:

What items or service are you promoting?Yes, I would like to sign up for a Market Day Booth at the Cowan Carnival. $55.00

Yes, I am interested in sponsoring a class booth at the Cowan Fall Carnival.

Yes, I am interested in sponsoring an activity booth at the Cowan Fall Carnival. (listed above)

Yes, I will donate an item(s) or a gift certificate for the Carnival’s Silent Auction. Please contact me.

Please complete the top section below so that we may contact you.

Yes, I will donate food, products or services needed for the Carnival. Please contact me.

Description of donation(s)

Description of donation(s)

Donations from class and activity booth sponsors will help pay for the supplies and rental fees for the booth. Activity Booth Sponsorsmay hang banners, hand out flyers, coupons or other items that you provide to us at this booth.

Silent Auction items will be displayed in a beautiful theme basket designed by talented volunteers.

Examples include: food, drinks, paper goods, entertainment, business mascots, balloons and other supplies.

If you know someone that might be interested in participating, please provide us with a name and phonenumber and we will contact them.

Market Booth

Sponsor Class Booth

Sponsor Rockwall

Sponsor Train

Sponsor Petting Zoo

Sponsor Moonwalk

Obstacle Course

Hamster Balls

Sponsor Giant Slide

iPad for Raffle

Total

($55)

($50)

($875)

($450)

($640)

($200)

($600)

($625)

($300)

(550.00)

Make Check Payable toCowan PTA

Mail this entry to:

Please provide a 10 x 10 tent, tablesand chairs for your

Carnival Market Day Booth.

Coming Soon!Saturday

October 19th, 201311:00am - 4:00pm

Cowan PTA2817 Kentish Dr.Austin, TX 78748All checks are payable to Cowan PTA.

Please provide all Silent Auction donations by October 4, 2013 by noon. We are accepting donations now.

$55Per Booth

OnlyMARKET DAY BOOTH

Michelle Whigham cell: 512-826-4774

Please email Michelle Whigham to pick up donated items or deliver them tothe school at 2817 Kentish Drive.Enclose all checks or Gift Certificateswith this form and mail to the school.

[email protected]

[email protected]

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| DISEASES and the VACCINES THAT PREVENT THEM |

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)Last updated February 2013

What is whooping cough? Whooping cough—or pertussis—is a very serious respiratory (in the lungs and breathing tubes) infection caused by the pertussis bacteria. It causes violent coughing you can’t stop. Whooping cough is most harmful for young babies and can be deadly. The DTaP vaccine protects against whooping cough.

What are the symptoms of whooping cough?Whooping cough starts with the following symptoms:• Runny or stuffed-up nose• Sneezing• Mild cough• A pause in breathing in infants (apnea)

After 1 to 2 weeks, coughing, which can be severe, starts. • Children and babies can cough very hard, over and over. • When children gasp for breath after a coughing fit, they make a

“whooping” sound.This sound is where the name “whooping cough” comes from. Babies may not cough or make this sound.

• Coughing fits make it hard to breathe, eat, drink, or sleep. Coughing fits happen more at night.

• Babies and young children may turn blue while coughing from lack of oxygen and vomit after coughing fits.

• Coughing fits can last for 10 weeks, and sometimes recur with the next respiratory illness.

How serious is whooping cough?The disease is most dangerous for babies and young children. From 2004 through 2011, there were 159 deaths from whooping cough reported in the U.S. Almost all the deaths-141 of the 159 were babies younger than 3 months of age.

About half of babies younger than 1 year who get the disease need care in the hospital. About 1 out of 4 hospitalized babies and children with whooping cough will get pneumonia (a serious lung infection). Whooping cough can also cause seizures (jerking or staring) and brain damage.

How does whooping cough spread?Whooping cough spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. A person can spread the disease while he or she has cold-like symptoms and for at least 2 weeks after coughing starts.

Many babies and young children get whooping cough from adults or older brothers or sisters who don’t know they have the disease. Pregnant women with whooping cough can give it to their newborn babies. Because whooping cough is so harmful in babies, everyone around them needs to be vaccinated—to make a circle of protection.

What is the DTaP vaccine?The DTaP vaccine is a shot that combines the vaccines for whooping cough (pertussis) and two other serious diseases: diphtheria and tetanus. The DTaP vaccine protects children by preparing their bodies to fight the bacteria.

Most children (about 89 children out of 100) who get all doses of the DTaP vaccine will be protected from whooping cough. But, protection from the DTaP vaccine decreases over time. Some children who are vaccinated do get the disease, but it is usually a milder case.

Why should my child get the DTaP vaccine?Getting your child the DTaP vaccine helps protect him against whooping cough. It also protects other people who can’t get the vaccine—especially newborn babies, who can get very sick and die from whooping cough.

Benefits of the DTaP vaccine• Saves lives.

• Protects children from serious disease.

• Keeps others safe.

Side effects of the DTaP vaccine• The most common side effects are usually mild and

occur in about 1 out of 4 children. They include the following:

– Redness, swelling, and pain from the shot

– Fever

– Vomiting

• A fever over 105 degrees occurs in about 1 out of 16,000 children.

• Nonstop crying for 3 hours or more occurs in about 1 out of 1,000 children.

• Seizures (jerking or staring) occur in about 1 out of 14,000 children. The seizures do not cause long-term harm.

• Serious reaction to the DTaP vaccine occurs in fewer than 1 in a million children.

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When should my child get the DTaP vaccine?Children should get five doses of the DTaP vaccine at the following ages for best protection: • One dose each at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months; • A fourth dose at 15 through 18 months; and• A fifth dose at 4 through 6 years of age.

It is safe to get the DTaP vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, even for babies.

If my child does not get the DTaP vaccine, will he get whooping cough?Almost everyone who is not immune to whooping cough will get sick if exposed to it. Before the whooping cough vaccine, about 8,000 people in the U.S. died each year from the disease. Today, because of the DTaP vaccine, this number has dropped to fewer than 40.

Cases of whooping cough have been increasing over the past several years and outbreaks of whooping cough can occur. We don’t know exactly why the number of cases is increasing, but we think it’s a combination of many different reasons. Doctors and nurses are more aware of whooping cough and recognize it more often, the ways we test for the disease have gotten better, protection from vaccines decreases over time, and more of the bacteria may be circulating.

In 2011, whooping cough made more than 18,000 people sick. Eleven babies died. Many of these babies were too young to be fully protected against whooping cough. Several states had outbreaks of whooping cough in 2012 and provisional data report more than 41,000 cases for the year.

Is the DTaP vaccine safe?The DTaP vaccine is very safe, and it is effective at preventing whooping cough (and two other diseases: diphtheria and tetanus). Vaccines are like medicines, and any medicine can have side effects. But severe side effects from the DTaP vaccine are very rare.

How can I learn more about the DTaP vaccine?To learn more about the DTaP vaccine or other vaccines, talk to your child’s doctor.

Call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or go to http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines and check out the following resources:• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)—What You Need to Know:

http://www.cdc.gov/features/pertussis/• Infant Immunizations FAQs: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/

parent-questions.html• Vaccines website for parents: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents

Booster vaccine for pre-teens and adults continues protection from whooping coughProtection from the DTaP vaccine for babies and young children decreases over time. When this happens, a person is at risk for getting and spreading whooping cough.

A one-time booster vaccine called Tdap for pre-teens and adults helps people stay protected against the disease.

Pre-teens should get the Tdap vaccine at 11 or 12 years of age. Adults and teens who didn’t get the Tdap vaccine as pre-teens also should get it. This is very important for families and caregivers of babies.

Pregnant women should get the vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably during their third trimester (at 27 through 36 weeks gestation). If they have never received Tdap and are not vaccinated during pregnancy, then they should get the vaccine right after delivery, before they leave the hospital.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend all children receive the DTaP vaccine according to the recommended schedule.

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Cowan Elementary PTA Membership Form

Year 2013 - 2014 Single Membership $7 Couple Membership $12

Parent/Guardian Faculty/Staff Community Member

Name: ___________________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________

Phone: __________________________________________________________________________

Email: ___________________________________________________________________________

Student Name: ____________________________Grade: ________ Teacher: __________________

Student Name: ____________________________Grade: ________ Teacher: __________________

Student Name: ____________________________Grade: ________ Teacher: __________________

Student Name: ____________________________Grade: ________ Teacher: __________________

Please make checks payable to “Cowan PTA”. You can either drop off at the front office, send in to the teacher, or mail Membership Form with payment to:

Cowan PTA - Membership, 2817 Kentish Drive, Austin, TX 78748

Love Your School PTA Fund-Raiser

Cowan PTA supports our school! Cowan PTA is dedicated to providing the tools needed to support teachers and students at Cowan Elementary. For many years our PTA leaders have been working to streamline our fund-raising efforts by minimizing the amount of fund-raisers offered to our families while maintaining the traditional high level of support that we provide to teachers and students each year. Please include a minimum $30 donation per family to the Cowan PTA. Be assured that your donation will enrich the education of all children at Cowan Elementary.

Student Name: _____________________________________ Grade: ___________ Teacher: ______________________

Student Name: _____________________________________ Grade: ___________ Teacher: ______________________

Student Name: _____________________________________ Grade: ___________ Teacher: ______________________

Parent Name: _________________________________________________ Donation Amount: ____________________

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2013 - 2014 SPIRIT WEAR ORDER FORMQuantity Cost Total

Cowan T-Shirt

Youth XS S M L $12 Adult S M L XL 2XL $12 Adult 3XL $14Ladies Rhinestone Shirtcolor: chocolate black plum pink currant red light-aqua

size

$20white baby-blue raspberry navy moss-greenGirls Rhinestone Shirtcolor: chocolate black lime pink very-pink red turqouise

size

$20white baby-blue fuschia navy leaf-green yellow lilac berryCowan Hoodie

Youth S M L $25 Adult S M L XL 2XL $25Cowan Water Bottle $10Cowan Shopping Bag $3 $3 each or 2 for $5 2/$5

Total Due

Student Name: ___________________________________________________________Parent Name: ____________________________________________________________Phone Number: __________________________________________________________Grade: ______________________ Teacher: ___________________________________

For PTA Use OnlyCheck # _______________ / Cash Amount: ___________________________Received By: __________________ Date: _____________________________

Please contact Sara Moren at [email protected] for questions regarding Spirit Wear.