wednesday packet, december 3, 2014
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*AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM REMINDER*
December Payment Is Due Now.
Please make sure to submit your
payment online or directly
to the Business Office.
Thank you.
h -
Table of Contents Page
Jacque’s Note 2 Community News 3-6 MS News 7-8 HS News 9-14 Senior News 15
December 3, 2014
Wednesday Packet
Important Dates/Information BARNES AND NOBLE BOOK FAIR Now through December 4 Purchase In-Store Nationwide Now through December 9 Purchase On-Line Use Code 11509866 for purchases
Monday, December 8 6:00pm in The Cougar Center HIGH SCHOOL PLAY
Tuesday, December 9 8:00am OR Wednesday, December 10 5:30pm In the Media Center MANDATORY 8TH GRADE TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOL MEETING
Tuesday-Thursday, December 16-18 HIGH SCHOOL EXAMS – Noon Dismissal HS
Thursday, December 18 No School for MS Only MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER WORK DAY
December 19-January 2 No School TCS Offices Closed December 24-January 1 WINTER HOLIDAY
January 5, 2015 SECOND SEMESTER BEGINS
2
One of our recent GISA speakers, Paul Tough, explained how important having “grit” is to a child’s ability to be successful. In this age of high stakes testing and designer school choices, it was refreshing to hear someone who knows nothing about TCS share a portion of our philosophy. Besides all of the fabulous programming and unique management system we use here, many parents select TCS because they believe their child will learn self-reliance and develop a strong sense of self. Paul Tough’s research falls well within the daily lessons and expectations that our staff delivers. All children need protection. Children with life challenges need more protection, at least for a while. There is a period in a child’s development in which they are entirely dependent on the adults around them. However, at some point, in order to become self-sufficient and confident, the onus must begin to shift from responsible adult to capable child. As a child matures they must begin the process of managing life when things go wrong. This means they learn to handle, in fact, master failure. They must have confidence in their capabilities in order to get through a challenge or a crisis event. This is not nearly as simple as it sounds! When our family lived in Chamblee, one of our neighborhood teens was the product of the Thalidomide debacle. Thousands of young pregnant women who had taken the drug to decrease nausea bore children with extreme limb deformities. Allen was a typical teenager in every way except his wrists and hands were connected directly to his shoulder sockets. To our amazement, Allen mowed his parent’s lawn, played tennis with precision and success, completed high school and went on to be a tennis pro at a local country club. How did this young man develop the ability to overcome a disability that, to many of us, would seem debilitating? He did so because his parents were determined that he had to learn how to do the things he wanted to do without fearing the failure that would be a critical part of each lesson. Teens with ADHD and other neurological issues are not challenged in the physical way that Allen was. In most cases, the struggles they have are far less obvious and severe. However, they must also learn to manage the consequences of their own choices. In order to begin to make decisions that are good for them, they must experience the impact of those decisions they make which may not be very good for them. In order to recover from the major disappointments that often accompany adulthood, they must begin to learn to bounce back from the small disappointments that childhood and adolescence offer up. The skills and strength required to build a resilient and confident adult are not outwardly visible, but the existence of these skills is manifested in an adult’s emotional stability, relationship building and goal achievement. In a structured and nurturing environment like TCS, a teen can make choices and learn from the outcome. Supportive staff and families guide our teens as they navigate the intricacies of academic performance, social pressure, impulsivity and conflict management. When they move on to settings that are more demanding and less responsive, they are able to use their “grit” to continue their journey with confidence and success.
December 3, 2014
Jacque’s Note
Advancement Angle
News you can use to help raise money for The Cottage School
It is still not too late to
participate in Georgia
Goal! If you have not yet
signed up, please do so by
December 15th to ensure
your form is submitted to the Georgia Department of Revenue on
January 1st.
Click here to apply online.
A giant ROAR of thanks to everyone who attended “Breakfast for Champions”
WE HOPE YOU HAD AS MUCH FUN ATTENDING GRANDPARENTS
AND GRAND-PALS RECOGNITION DAY AS WE DID HOSTING!
We know money doesn’t grow on trees which is why
ALL size gifts matter to the Key Annual Fund!
Remember- Donations to TCS postmarked by December 31st
are deductible on this year’s tax return.
During the holidays, the Advancement Office will be
available for gift processing. If you are planning to
make a gift by December 31st, please go online to
www.cottageschool.org/donate-now/ before mid-
night on the 31st, postmark your envelope by the
31st, or call Tracy Ballot at 678-250-5103.
PAC PICKS THIS WEEK
Dear Families -
Wow, December already! "It's that most wonderful time of the year..."
for some of us, it is actually all that is implied in that song. For others
of us, it's an eye-roll, and a race to get it all done…or even a mixture
of both. Whatever that looks like for you and your family, the PAC
Board would like to skid to a halt for a minute, and tell each and every
one of you how grateful we are for your willingness to help out this fall
at any one of TCS's events and on campus projects. Not only does it
help the school, but it also helps us get to know one another better. We
have an awesome group of parents!
Also, don't forget to use the Amazon Smile, Target, Kroger and
Publix programs for your additional shopping – your shopping benefits
TCS.
Here's wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday!
The PAC Board
As mentioned in the WP last week, please keep the following thoughts in mind
about holiday gift giving. Rather than sending in something for an individual
staff member – other than a personal note or baked goods – if you
choose to add to the money set aside by PAC for staff gifts, you can
send in a check to TCS with “PAC Holiday Gift” in the memo
section. PAC will use this donation to purchase the gifts cards
given to each TCS staff member. Checks can be given to Donna in
the MS or Stephanie in the HS admin building.
Parents Are Our Best Recruiters!
Remember parents, you receive $1,000 toward tuition when you refer a family
to TCS and the student enrolls.
Don’t miss a chance to cash in on this offer and give another child an opportunity
for success.
EACH ONE SEND ONE!!
Contact the Admissions Office for further details.
678-250-5106
Support the TCS Media Center by shopping at Barnes & Noble.
In-store November 28 - December 4, 2014
Any Barnes & Noble Location Nationwide
Online November 28 - December 9, 2014
When shopping online or in-store, use the following ID #:
11509866
ALL Barnes & Noble purchases will benefit the library at TCS.
The High School Drama Class presents:
Apocalypse Or Bust
By Davis Alianiello
Featuring George Barham, Sydney Culver, Naya Hill,
Kyle McDaniel, Noah Storm, Erin Welch, and Claire Wylie
GISA 1AA Honorable Mention Perfomances by Will Hall and Zak Kitzler
And GISA 1AA Best Performance Winner Yael Greene
Date & Time: 6:00 P.M., Monday, December 8th
Location: The Cougar Center
Bonus:
High School audience members will be awarded 3 attendance hours!
(That’s an extra exam buyoff!)
MS December Activities
DATE TIME Activity RAIN-
OUT
TCS$ Things to bring
Friday
12/5
Off Campus
8:15
10:00
12:00
12:45
2:40
Levels
Ice Skating
Lunch
Ice Skating
Homeroom
$215.76 All students going off campus must
bring a sack lunch unless
pre-ordered through the lunch
program. There will not be
microwaves.
Friday
12/5
On Campus
8:15
10:00
12:00
12:45
2:40
Levels
Winter Wonderland
Lunch
Winter Wonderland
Homeroom
$210.80
Friday
12/5
Academics
Academics
$223.20 Academic Materials
*Remember to bring an
independent reading book if you
complete your work early.
Friday
12/12
Clubs
$210.80 Club Materials
Friday
12/12
Academics
$223.80
Academic Materials
*Remember to bring an
independent reading book if you
complete your work early.
*Make sure you have all savings checks turned into Lauren before you leave for break!*
12/18 Middle School
Teacher Work Day-
NO SCHOOL
12/19 All School
Teacher Work Day-
NO SCHOOL
12/22-1/2 Winter Holiday-
NO SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL
CHARACTER EDUCATIONCHARACTER EDUCATIONCHARACTER EDUCATION
“Being Generous”“Being Generous”“Being Generous”
During this month, we will discuss During this month, we will discuss During this month, we will discuss
what it means to be generous:what it means to be generous:what it means to be generous:
“Willing to share and help others; “Willing to share and help others; “Willing to share and help others;
showing kindness to others; showing kindness to others; showing kindness to others;
contributing to The Cottage contributing to The Cottage contributing to The Cottage
School’s community events”School’s community events”School’s community events”
—————————Happy Winter BreakHappy Winter BreakHappy Winter Break—————————
2nd Semester Begins on January 5, 20152nd Semester Begins on January 5, 20152nd Semester Begins on January 5, 2015
HS Activities for December
DATE TIME Activity TCS$ Things to bring/U.S. $
Friday
12/5
1:15 – 2:40
Clubs Bring needed materials or clothing for Club
activities
Friday
12/12
Academics
8:15
10:00
12:00
12:45
2:40
Levels
Academics
Lunch
Academics
Homeroom
$454.07
Academic material to complete work and
spare reading materials
if you will be in academics
all day!
Off-
Campus
10:00-
2:00
Rock Climbing
at
Escalade
$439.43
Fully enclosed shoes *Bring bag lunch or money for food
*Parents must provide waiver form and a
copy of their driver’s license
(http://www.escaladegym.com/liability.aspx)
On-
Campus
10:00
12:00
12:45
2:40
Holiday Wreaths
Lunch
Seasonal Ornaments
Homeroom
$424.78
Saturday
12/13
8:00-
3:00
Saturday School for students who owe attendance
hours
Your planner, notebooks, textbooks, study
materials, lunches and a change of clothing
for PM work detail
Monday
12/15
Final Standard School Day of
the First Semester
Last review for final exams
Remember: Return all textbooks for one
semester classes
Tuesday
12/16
Final Exam: Period One
Final Exam: Period Two
The school day ends at 12:00 noon
Wed
12/17
Final Exam: Period Three
Final Exam: Period Four
The school day ends at 12:00 noon
Thur
12/18
Final Exam: Period Five
Final Exam: HR Final
The school day ends at 12:00 noon
12/19
Through
1/2/2015
WINTER
HOLIDAY
ENJOY!
ATTENTION HS Parents and Students: In an effort to help our teenagers learn the concept of Sick/Personal Leave in the work place, we have a system that tracks their attendance hours as if they were on the job. Each student earns 8 hours (1 day) every 4 weeks and can use or accumulate up to 32 hours (4 days) per semester. If they are absent more than their allotted hours, they make them up. If they save the hours, they can cash them in for days off during exams- like we save days for vacation at work. Please check accumulated/negative attendance hours with your student, and verify with their homeroom teacher during weekly calls. Students who have saved hours are eligible to take early exams and buy-off their exam days for an extended break! Students who are eligible to buy off exam days will bring home an Exam Buy-off Form with their positive hours listed and they will need your signature to be able to take advantage of this privilege. If your student has negative hours, it is imperative that they make-up negative hours prior to Saturday School on December 13. If they fail to do so, they will have to attend Saturday School. Students who owe hours and who do not attend Saturday School will be suspended for the three days following December 13th per our school policy. This means that suspended students will miss several days of exams and will receive a ‘0’ for those exams. For students who owe hours, they may come in early from 7 to 8 A.M. (+1 hour) or stay after school from 3 to 4 P.M. (+1 hour). We strongly encourage them to make up their hours daily, so they can avoid Saturday School all together!
Thank you,
H.S. Exam Schedule Fall Semester 2014
Exam Schedule Thursday 12/11 1:15 - 2:40 7th period exam Monday 12/15 1:15 - 2:40 6th period exam
8:00 - 8:15 A.M. Homeroom
8:20 - 9:50 1st period exam Tuesday 12/16 9:55 - 10:10 Break
10:15 - 11:45 2nd period exam
11:50 - 12:00 P.M. Homeroom
8:00 - 8:15 A.M. Homeroom
8:20 - 9:50 3rd period exam Wednesday 12/17 9:55 - 10:10 Break
10:15 - 11:45 4th period exam
11:50 - 12:00 P.M. Homeroom
8:00 - 8:15 A.M. Homeroom
8:20 - 9:50 5th period exam Thursday 12/18 9:55 - 10:10 Break
10:15 - 11:45 Homeroom exam
11:50 - 12:00 P.M. Homeroom
Teacher Work Day Friday 12/19 8:00 - 3:00 NO SCHOOL
Have a great Winter Break!
DECEMBER 19 to JANUARY 4
Second Semester Begins January 5
Attention Parents of High School Students!!
After School Program and the Last Week of School before Winter Break
As you are aware, high school students will be dismissed at noon (12 PM) on Tuesday-Thursday,
December 16-18, 2014, High School Exam Week. In order to staff for After School Program
(ASP) supervision, we need to know how many of our high school students plan to stay beyond
noon (12 PM). Students staying for the After School Program should bring lunch from home or
order from Wholesome Tummies.
Please indicate which day(s) your teenager will need to stay with the After School Program
during High School Exam Week.
____ No, my student (name) _____________________________ will not participate in the
After School Program December 16-18, 2014. I have arranged transportation for my student’s
dismissal at noon.
____ Yes, my student (name) _____________________________ will participate in the After
School Program on the following dates with pick-up times:
Cost:
ASP enrolled students: No additional cost
**Students not enrolled in ASP will need to make prior arrangements with Nancy at
The cost is $10.00 per day.
Parent/Guardian Name: _________________________________ Date: ________________
Please return to Nancy at The Cottage School by Tuesday, December 9, 2014. Thank you!
Tuesday December 16,
2014
12:00 PM until
_______ PM
Thursday, December 18,
2014
12:00 PM until
_______ PM
Wednesday December 17,
2014
12:00 PM until
_______ PM
Congratulations to the class of 2015
on their acceptances and scholarship awards to the following
post-secondary programs!
Courtney Connell: Kennesaw State University, The University of Alabama, Columbus State
University, & Georgia Southern University.
Zak Kitzler: Hood College- $60,000 Scholarship & Young Harris University- $52,000 scholarship
Alex Lee: Reinhardt University & Wingate University- $64,000 presidential scholarship
Joseph Thompson: Capstone Program
Will Hall: University of Mississippi- $60,000 scholarship, Louisiana State University, Georgia
Southern University, University of Alabama, & Valdosta State University