College Gardens Elementary School

A Message from Superintendent Joshua Starr Concerning the Tragedy in Connecticut

Friday's unspeakable tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, has saddened and shaken us all. As a father, I grieve for the families and the community of Newtown. As an educator, I know the worry and concern that such a tragedy sends throughout every community. We take the safety and security of our students and staff very seriously and work every day to make sure that our children are learning in a safe environment. We will continue to make safety a top priority.

The thoughts of the entire Montgomery County Public Schools family are with the families of Newtown who grieve tonight. We know that it is difficult for parents to talk about this kind of violence with their children. To assist in these conversations, we have posted some helpful resources on our website. In addition, school counselors will be available on Monday to help students or staff cope with the emotions and feelings that naturally occur following a such a tragedy.

Superintendent Recommends $2.22 Billion FY 2014 Operating Budget

Dr. Starr’s proposed budget focuses on managing growth, narrowing achievement gaps and preparing for the future. The budget is a 2.3 percent increase over the FY 2013 budget, and less than half of one percent above the funding floor required by state law. Dr. Starr’s recommendation calls for the addition of more than 275 positions for growth, as well as making investments in key strategic areas, including middle schools, math instruction and professional development.

• Read Washington Post Article 
• Read The Gazette Article 

Special Occasion Book Club

Don’t forget that you can donate a new book to the Media Center as a way to celebrate a birthday, holiday, special achievement or to show teacher appreciation. For a minimum donation of $10.00 your child will be able to select a book from one of our new arrivals. A bookplate will be placed inside the front cover identifying the student and occasion being honored. A certificate will be given to the honoree and the student will be the first person to check out the book.  Once it is returned, the book will be available for general circulation.  This is a great way to recognize a special occasion or person and also help increase our Media Center collection. 

This Month's Volunteer Raffle Winner... Renee Fries!!!

Renee Fries will receive a 5.00 gift card to Dunkin Donuts.

Winter Box Tops and Labels for Education Update

Another Intervention Needed?? 

I got this from a very reliable source… a certain father will raid the supply closet at work to cut off Box Tops for new packages of Avery Office products.  True, it is not dumpster diving… but this father is definitely devoted. 

If you have an interesting story on how you collect your Labels for Education or Box Tops, please share!!  All stories can be emailed to BoxTops_CGES@yahoo.com. 

Winter Box Tops and Labels for Education Update 

With one more week to see which class wins the cookie party for collecting the most in December, there has been no changes to the top three classes.  Teachers don’t forget to submit your Box Tops and Labels for Education.  I will be collecting all Box Tops and Labels this Friday, December 21^st!!!

• 1^st:  Mrs. Adams
• 2^nd: Ms. Motayne
• 3^rd: Ms. Birrer

Please remember that this competition is a class-effort and that there is also a Pizza Party at stake.  The class that submits the most Box Tops and LFEs will win these fun parties!!!!

To submit 1-point Labels for Education, just clip the UPC Code and glue it or tape it to a collection sheet. For bottle caps and the 5- and 10-point value Labels, put them in a sealed baggie or envelope. Don't forget to label the collection sheet or baggie/envelope with the teacher’s name and grade. For extra collection sheets, go to https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/collegegardenses/pta/flash/2011-12/LabelsForEducationCollectionSheet.pdf 

Box Tops can be glued and taped (NO STAPLES) onto the Box Top collection sheets. For collection sheets, go to http://www.boxtops4education.com/Image.aspx?id=6671.  Loose Box Tops can be submitted in baggies with the teacher’s name and grade clearly identified on the baggie.

Teachers:  Don’t forget to submit the LFEs and Box Tops every Friday Morning.  The submission box is located in the Work Room.

Questions? Contact Laura Laudenberger at lauralauden@yahoo.com regarding Labels for Education and I-Hsin McConnell at boxtops_cges@yahoo.com regarding Box Tops.

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