Newly Hired Teacher at Cold Spring School, Elizabeth Gomez
It is with great pleasure that I announce Elizabeth Gomez will be joining our teaching staff for the 2024-2025 school year. Twelve years ago, I had the honor of hiring Elizabeth during my tenure as principal at Adams Elementary School. In 2012, Mrs. Gomez took on the pioneering role of the first Transitional Kindergarten teacher in the Santa Barbara Unified School District. Her outstanding dedication and skill led me to have her continue with the same cohort of students through Kindergarten and First grade. Under her exceptional guidance, every student advanced to second grade far exceeding grade level expectations.
Following her success in the early grades, Mrs. Gomez continued to excel, spending several years teaching first grade before her most recent role as a fourth-grade teacher at Adams. I am thrilled to welcome Mrs. Gomez's student-centered approach, her drive for excellence in education, her creative spirit, and her servant's heart to our exceptional team.
Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Cold Spring, Mrs. Gomez!
Congratulations to Dr. Gradias on her Appointment as the SBCEO Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction
I am thrilled to announce that Dr. Gradias will assume the role of Santa Barbara County Office of Education Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction, effective July 1, 2024. With twenty years of experience in teaching and serving children, she is set to expand her impact on the lives of children on a larger platform.
Dr. Gradias' leadership and dedication have been instrumental in inspiring our children to be courageous innovators through her exceptional STEAM lessons and recent classroom teaching. Her commitment to education encourages us all to embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth.
Please join me in expressing our gratitude to Dr. Gradias for her inspiring contributions and in wishing her success in her new role. Below, you will find Dr. Gradias' heartfelt message to the community.
“For the past 20 years, CSS has been my home and family. From the moment I met my first class in Room 10, I knew I had landed somewhere special. Teaching at Cold Spring has pushed me to pursue new ways to support students’ curiosity, and allowed me to participate in bringing the vision of an elementary STEAM program into a reality on our campus. Building a space where students have permission to try, fail, experiment, and wonder has shown me how vital it is to provide opportunities for innovation and creativity for every child. And so, it is with a heart full of gratitude that I will be shifting my focus upstream after this school year. My new role as the Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction at the Santa Barbara County Office of Education will involve supporting other schools and teachers in delivering high-quality education to students. It is an exciting next step, and I know the lessons and insights gleaned from my experience at CSS will benefit an even broader population of students. And yet, a piece of me will always be in Room 10 - with your kids - exploring, testing, and reveling in the wonder of discovery. I realize how rare it is to be in one place long enough to form deep roots. It has been such a joy and privilege to share this journey with you all.” - Dr. Gradias
New Building
Our new Innovation Classroom (STEAM) and Creativity Classroom (Art) is coming together. The Dolphin Mosaic designed by Rachel Strange, Cold Spring alum, turned out beautifully. It’s missing one final piece, her autograph. I’m beyond grateful for Yuri Calderon’s Project management leadership and to have all of your support! We are building a space where Dreams are created!
Food Drive
Our wonderful student council is asking for donations to support their Unity Shoppe Food Drive that is being run throughout the month of April. Please support their efforts by dropping food off in the “Yellow” bin located near the main office.
Principal’s Coffee - New Date: Friday, April 12th!
I have rescheduled my Principal's Coffee to Friday, April 12th at 8:30 AM, to give you the opportunity to hear from our district's AI Professional Development trainer, Christian Jackson. Over the past year, Christian has been assisting superintendents and districts throughout the state in understanding the potential impact of AI on personalizing education for students and enhancing teachers' productivity in lesson planning. Christian is the founder of EDAPT School's AI Sidekick.
Together, Christian and I will share how we are collaborating to prepare students and staff for our ever-changing world. Please join us in my courtyard for this insightful session!
Student Intent to Return for the 2024-25 School Year
We are looking at staffing and classroom configurations for the 2024-2025 school year. In order to help us prepare for the upcoming school year, we would like to get an idea of which students plan to return next year.
To fill out the Intent to Return Form, click here. Please fill out the form below by Friday, April 12.
Your indications on this form are non-binding; we understand that your plans may change, and ask that you notify us if they do.
*Please note that if you have recently moved, it is your responsibility to notify the district immediately. The district must be notified of changes in residency within five (5) school days of the change.
Running Club
This morning, our before school Wednesday Running Club decided to run up the hill to Westmont College for a few quick laps around the track before returning to campus. I can’t think of a better way for me to start my day!
Move-a-thon: Thursday, April 11th at 12:45
The Cold Spring Parent Club kicked off their Move-A-Thon fundraiser! Use this link to share with family and friends: www. parentsquare.com/fundraisers/849
Cold Spring School Foundation Spring Event at the Cabrillo Arts Pavillion: Friday, April 12th at 6:00 PM
Book Exchange: Friday, April 19th
Book Exchange Collection: Thursday, April 11 - Thursday, April 18
This year, CSS will hold their annual book exchange on FRIDAY April 19th. For new families, every April we hold a book exchange in honor of Earth Day! Students spring clean their home libraries and bring in books to swap. Teachers will have a collection box inside their room and students can bring in books (20 books maximum) starting Thursday, April 11th through the morning of Thursday, April 19th.
The book exchange will take place on Friday, April 19th during the school day for the students. **There will also be a parent/teacher book exchange element, so bring in your books (5 books max for parents due to space in the classroom) and we will have a table set up at the front gate on Thursday all day long for parents/staff to visit before, during and after-school! This is a great way to recycle your books and find new treasures. All the leftover books will be donated to a local non-profit organization. Please let me know if you have any questions: katie.szopa@gmail.com
Important Reminder: No School on Friday, April 26
Please enjoy a day off with your family to get ready for the end of the year!
Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten Enrollment, 2024-25 School Year
Incoming TK/Kindergarten Enrollment is happening now! Please contact the office to start the enrollment process so we can begin planning for the 2023-2024 school year. The Transitional Kindergarten window has been extended. If your child's 5th birthday falls between September 2nd and June 2nd, they qualify for Transitional Kindergarten. If you know anyone who is interested in taking a school tour, our next tour date is: Tuesday, April 16, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Lunch Menu
Calendar of Events
April
April 5 – Considered Coffee, 7:45 AM
April 8 – Board Meeting, 6 PM
April 9 – Parent Club Meeting, 8:30 AM
April 11 – Move-a-thon, 12:45 PM
April 12 – CSS Foundation Spring Event, 6 PM
April 12 – Superintendent/Principal Coffee, 8:30 AM: Artificial Intelligence
April 16 – New Families School Tour, 9 AM
April 18 – Chorus goes to Knotts Berry Farm
April 19 – Book Exchange
April 25 – Arbor Day Assembly (TK/Kindergarten), 9 AM
April 26 – No School