Greetings New and Returning Cold Spring School Families!

I hope this letter finds you well! There is so much to share with you. It has been a busy summer.   This Back-to-School update will summarize all the beginning-of-school activities you need to know for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year, including our Strategic Goals, re-entering school procedures, Annual Student Registration, and much more. Enjoy! 

Strategic Goals
The Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) is a three-year plan that describes the goals, actions, services, and expenditures to support positive student outcomes that address state and local priorities. We are in the second year of our current LCAP. Every action and service provided is designed to meet one or more of these goals. 

1. A collaborative and integrated project-based approach to learning;

2. Engaged and active stakeholders providing meaningful input into the decision-making process;

3. A positive school culture and climate that emphasizes a balance of academic achievement, healthy personal development, social and environmental responsibility, and enthusiasm for lifelong learning.

The comprehensive LCAP describes the goals, actions, services, and expenditures to support positive student outcomes. You can find more information regarding the 2023-24 LCAP on the District website: https://www.coldspringschool.net/page/lcap-california-dashboard

Cold Spring School Meal Program
Beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year, all school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools serving TK through 12th Grades must provide two meals free of charge (breakfast and lunch) during each school day to students requesting a meal, regardless of their free or reduced-price meal eligibility. This new requirement is codified in Section 49501.5 of the California Education Code.

In accordance with this new mandate, the Cold Spring School District has partnered with NuCuisine to provide free Breakfast and free Lunch to any family requesting a meal for their child. The Annual Student Registration has additional information to register for the Cold Spring Meal Program.

Very Important: Annual Student Registration - Required for All Students
Prior to the beginning of each school year in the Cold Spring School District, parents/guardian(s) of all students are required to complete the Annual Student Registration for their child(ren). The required Annual Student Registration form can be found in the directions listed below, please complete one form per family. The deadline to complete the Annual Student Registration Form for 2023-24 is Tuesday, August 1st.

If you need any assistance completing the form, please contact the school office at (805) 969-2678. Thank you for taking the time to register your child(ren)!

Directions to Complete the Annual Student Registration Form:

1. Please review the information below prior to completing the Annual Student Registration and Declaration of Residency. This information can also be found on the district’s website. 

●  Annual Notification to Parents (ANTP)

●  Welcome Letter/Supply List by Grade Level

●  Acceptable Use Policy and Care of Laptop/iPad

●  Truancy Information

●  Lunch Program Information

●  After School Program: Dolphin Center

●  District Calendar and Daily Schedule

●  6 Ways to Get Involved at Cold Spring School

2.  Click this link to access the Annual Student Registration & Declaration of Residency

All New, TK/Kindergarten, and Returning students are required to complete the registration form before they are officially registered to Cold Spring School.

Teachers and Supply Lists
Click this link to check out the Teachers by Grade, Classroom Supply Lists/Welcome Letters, and additional resources by grade level: https://www.coldspringschool.net/page/classrooms

Communication
The Cold Spring School website and app are where you can find a wealth of information regarding our school. Our primary internal communication system will continue to be served through ParentSquare. I encourage every parent to download the ParentSquare app on their device to receive instant alerts and information about school activities and events. 

After-School Care - Dolphin Center
The Dolphin Center will begin on Thursday, August 17th for all students.  Dolphin Center opens immediately following dismissal for all grades.  Dolphin Center will accommodate TK/Kindergarten early dismissal (11:30 AM) between August 17 - September 8 and will run until 3:30 PM. All families who plan to use The Dolphin Center, must update their information, including credit card information in Procare . If you have any questions, please contact the school office. Click here for a link for more information about the Dolphin Center.  

 IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS/DATES 

New Kitchen Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Dinner – Thursday, July 20, 5:30 PM
We just finished remodeling the school kitchen into a full functioning commercial kitchen to comply with the Universal Meals Program. The community is invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration dinner immediately following the ceremony!

New Families, Transitional Kindergarten, and Kindergarten Orientation – Thursday, August 3rd, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
We are looking forward to hosting our New Cold Spring School parents, Transitional Kindergarten parents, and Kindergarten parents during an orientation meeting on Thursday, August 3rd from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. During this time, all Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten students will get an opportunity to see the classrooms, meet the teachers, and participate in a few activities. Meanwhile,  parents will join me in the auditorium to receive an overview of the school and learn how to get involved with our many volunteer opportunities.

Campus Beautification Day – Saturday, August 5th, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Every family is encouraged to attend our campus beautification day the first Saturday in August.  We need parent volunteers to power wash outdoor lunch tables and eating areas, rake leaves, spruce up the garden, paint, etc…  Together, we can make our campus shine bright for our students’.  

Back-to-School Picnic – Tuesday, August 15th, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
The Parent Club and Cold Spring Foundation is hosting an all-school family picnic on Tuesday, August 15th from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM. It’s a “bring your own blanket and picnic dinner” event.

Class Lists Posted – Wednesday, August 16th, 2:30 PM
We will be posting class lists and room assignments on Wednesday, August 16th at 2:30 PM at the front of the school.

Popsicles on the Playground Meet and Greet – Wednesday, August 16th, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
The Parent Club is sponsoring a “Meet and Greet” on the playground from 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM for all TK-6th grade students and families! All students are invited to enjoy a cold popsicle before meeting their teacher.

First Day of School – Thursday, August 17th, beginning at 8:25 AM 
Our first day of school is Thursday, August 17th. School will start promptly at 8:25 AM for all students. The playground will be supervised beginning at 8:00 AM. Release times are as follows:

■  Kindergarten will end the day at 2:00 PM*

■  First and Second Grade will end at 2:40 PM 

■  Third through Sixth Grades will end at 3:00 PM

Wednesday will be an early dismissal for all students to provide time for teacher professional development, collaboration, and planning.  The Wednesday release times are as follows:

■  Kindergarten will end the day at 1:45 PM

■  First and Second Grade will end at 1:55 PM

■  Third through Sixth Grades will end at 2:30 PM 

*Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten students are dismissed at 11:30 am every day during the first three weeks of school. The optional Dolphin Center will begin on Thursday, August 17th at early dismissal and will be available until 3:30 PM.

“Welcome Back” Superintendent/Principal Coffee – Thursday, August 17th, beginning at 8:30 AM 
Everyone is invited to my first informal Superintendent/Principal coffee on Thursday, August 17th at 8:30 AM in the Gazebo. This is a great opportunity to meet new families, the Governing Board, and the presidents of the Parent Club and the Cold Spring Foundation. Coffee and pastries will be provided. 

Back-to-School Night – Wednesday, August 30th, beginning at 6:00 PM
All families are formally invited to attend our annual Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, August 30th beginning at 6:00 PM on the field.  I will introduce this year’s staff and share how we all are continuing to work towards providing a robust whole-child approach to teaching and learning. 

My presentation will be followed by a visit to your child’s/children’s classroom(s) where every teacher will be presenting his/her year-long plans and goals for your child.  This is an adult-only event.   

We are looking forward to working together as an “All Star” team to make the 2023-2024 school year the very best it can be!

Sincerely,

Dr. Amy M. Alzina
Amy M. Alzina, Ed.D.

Superintendent/Principal