Dear Cole Families,
I am SO excited for another year at Cole Arts & Science Academy! I got to kick off the year with our teachers on Friday, and this team is ready to start the year with fun, joy, enthusiasm, and strong systems for students.
Last year had its share of challenges, many due to staffing gaps and turnover. This year, we are starting in a very different place: every position is filled! We are especially excited to welcome our new STEM teacher, Ms. McKinney, and are grateful for the experience and excitement she brings to educating our Dragons about science.
I have also spent the last few weeks working closely with our new Dean of Students, Mr. B (Brad Riley), building systems to better support students. Our staff will start the year with de-escalation training and new strategies to help students successfully stay and learn in their classrooms. Mr. B and I are also strengthening our attendance systems, student celebrations, behavior supports, and family communication so our team can respond earlier when students need support and celebrate them when they are doing great things.
Our Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) has been hard at work, too. Our growth data looks like we should have some AWESOME things to celebrate once I can share more, and I am incredibly proud of our students and staff. We are building on that progress by continuing the intervention systems we started last year. Students will have dedicated time during the school day to receive instruction based on their individual needs, whether that means extra support, additional practice, or an opportunity to extend their learning.
There are some exciting changes around Cole, too! Several classrooms were updated over the summer, our fish are still swimming, and our new outdoor classroom is being built on the playground.
We are also launching after-school clubs! While MSU will no longer provide after-school care, Cole will offer programming Monday–Thursday until 5:00 p.m. Students will be able to participate in creative and active clubs led by Cole staff. Space will be limited and registration will be first come, first served, so be on the lookout for more information soon.
A Few Important Dates
Back to School Night — Thursday, August 20 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Come meet your teachers, visit classrooms, and get ready for the year!
Kinder–5th Grade First Day — Monday, August 24
Students eating breakfast at Cole may arrive between 7:45–8:15 a.m. All other students should join us on the playground at 8:30 a.m.
ECE First Day — Tuesday, August 25
We are excited to welcome our littlest Dragons and get them started on a great year at Cole!
We learned a lot last year. We are keeping what worked, strengthening what needs to be better, and starting this year fully staffed, prepared, and excited to welcome our students back.
Enjoy this last week of summer. We cannot wait to see our Dragons!
With enthusiasm,
Meredith Brown
Principal
Cole Arts & Science Academy