Update from Cosgrove!
Published on Sep 7, 2018 08:57

September 7, 2018

Cosgrove was heating up this week and I am not joking.  Our students were just incredible!  8th grade students set the tone and the 7th graders followed right along!  The 6th grade students adjusted so well and most locker combinations are done with ease.  They are getting used to the freedoms and responsibilities that come with middle school.  The staff did an amazing job of helping students find their classrooms and get settled into the building.  Overall, I was incredibly impressed and noted that many students were helping some 6th grade students get to their rooms!  We will continue to expect the most out of this group as they prepare for high school this year. 

I believe orientations are one of the main reasons for our successful opening.   Two parents that were still in the building at 8:02 a.m. were amazed that every student was in a class.  We are so appreciative of our parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors that brought students to Cosgrove during the last week in August.  We would welcome your feedback and thoughts on how your child did this week and any enhancements we can make to future orientations.   For those of you who could not attend orientation and get your picture taken, we have scheduled our picture make up day for September 28th.  Students will get a pass to get their picture taken and student I.D. on that day. 

As we enter our second week of school, I am sure we will be going outside a few more times to practice some of our emergency drills.  Please know that we have scheduled our fire drills, lockdowns, and other emergency procedures already so that the staff can prepare in case of a real emergency.  I am asking that all parents discuss the importance of these drills with your child.  Student and staff safety are a priority for me as principal.  In addition, as you visit the building, please know that we will be asking to see your identification.  Again, safety is our goal, but we want to make sure everyone that is in the building is properly identified.  Thank you for your assistance with this.

Extracurricular activities and athletics are essential for providing students a well-rounded and rich experience throughout middle school.  On Friday, September 14, students will be able to get more information about the clubs and activities that we offer during their lunches.  Students can decide and prioritize what they would like to join or attend during this time.  Our first day of Activity Period (2:55-3:25) in on Monday, September 17th.  After this day, students planning on staying after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, must stay with a teacher or club and activity until they report to the cafeteria at 3:25 to catch their activity bus home.  Buses don't typically leave until 3:45 and are on adjusted routes.

On Wednesday, September 19th, we have Curriculum Night starting at 6:30 p.m.  We look forward to having all of our parents join us and learn more about what our students will be learning this year.  Mr. Centola, Assistant Principal will be walking our students through an activity first thing Monday morning to complete a schedule for them to bring home to you. Please ask your student for the schedule.   I will be presenting to parents in the auditorium and then parents will be following their child's schedule. 

6th grade students will be provided their laptops within the first five days of school.  Meeting their teacher is the priority.  If your child needs assistance with their computer, please have them go to Room 101 before school so that they can have it checked.   We will have staff coverage from 7:45-2:45 each day.  Please remind students to bring their computer each day and have it properly charged.  I love it when a student said he forgot to charge his laptop, but somehow remembered to charge their phone…

Communication continues to be a focus of mine this year.  My goal is to communicate regularly with parents, students, and staff.  I will be using E-News every two weeks to communicate with parents.  Please sign up on the homepage and encourage friends to do the same.  Also, I am trying to provide an inside look at what students experience by using and modeling how social media can be used appropriately with the school's Instagram account.  Please follow Cosgrove_Middle_School on Instagram to get other updates and pictures of what is happening at Cosgrove.

Thank you for a wonderful first few days of school.  Please send me your thoughts on how your children felt this week and if there is anything else we can do to improve our orientations or first days of school.  I can be reached at 349-5302 or via email at [email protected] .

Enjoy your weekend!

Ned Dale

Principal