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!
Please join me on Friday, April 12th at 8:30 AM, for my Principal’s Coffee. Christian Jackson, our district's AI Professional Development trainer, will be providing an informative presentation on Artificial Intelligence. 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 kindly request that you let us know whether your child will be returning 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.
Board Meeting Highlights from the April 8, 2024 Regular Meeting
Dr. Alzina introduced the newly hired classroom teacher, Elisabeth Gomez, to the Board. The Board welcomed Mrs. Gomez and her family to the Cold Spring School community.
Dr. Alzina announced Ryan Francisco would be the STEAM teacher for the 2024-25 school year.
The current school enrollment went up by one student in 4th grade for a total of 180 students school wide.
Dr. Alzina reported the fourth grade students spent the night at the Zoo last week. In addition, they will be traveling to Sacramento to learn about California history in April.
The Parent Club is hosting the Move-a-thon fundraiser on Thursday, April 11th. The Cold Spring Foundation will host their annual fundraiser on Friday, April 12th.
Christian Jackson from EDAPT School's AI Sidekick will be presenting, “AI in Education” at the Principal's Coffee on April 12th at 8:30 AM.
Dr. Alzina will be hosting a Leader in Me High School Summit at Cold Spring School in the Summer for 40 high school students.
The Board approved adoption of a Countywide Triennial Expelled Youth Plan. The plan was prepared by the Santa Barbara County Education Office.
The Board approved contracting with Shoonya Digital Inc., for a Foreign Language software for our After-School Dolphin Program. All students will have access to a software platform to learn a foreign language. Students will be able to access the software from home.
In preparation for hiring a Chief Business Officer to replace Mr. Calderon, who has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Small School Districts’ Association, the Board adopted a revised job description for the CBO position. The proposed new job description is for a full-time CBO position.
The Board also approved a contract to replace technology infrastructure using E-Rate funds. The contract will include replacing wifi routers, switches and routers. This will be funded, in part, from an E-Rate grant. Much of the district’s technology infrastructure is 6 to 25 years old and needs to be replaced.
The Board approved a contract to construct two outdoor classrooms adjacent to the new classroom building. The Board also approved a contract to purchase the commemorative pavers to be installed by the contractor.
Mr. Calderon reported on the status of the building and the anticipated completion. The Board authorized the Superintendent and the CBO to negotiate a final change order to integrate the new fire alarm system into the existing fire alarm system by providing a “cross-trigger” system. Mr. Calderon reported that he was focused on negotiating a solution that provides for the ability to upgrade the older system in the future.
The Board also approved a contract to continue implementing the “Leader In Me” curriculum for the coming school year (2024-2025). The contract includes professional development for District staff and curriculum materials.
Move-a-thon: Thursday, April 11th at 12:30
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
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 11 – Move-a-thon, 12:45 PM
April 12 – CSS Foundation Spring Event, 5 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), 8:30 AM
April 26 – No School
May
May 2 - School Site Council, 7:30 AM
May 6 - 10 – Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7 – National Teacher Appreciation Day
May 7 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, 11:30-12:30 PM
May 7 – Spring Sing, 8:45 AM (TK-1st)
May 7 – Spring Sing, 9:30 AM (2nd-3rd)
May 9 – Spring Sing, 9:15 AM (3rd-6th)
May 10 – 6th Grade Drama Work Day 4:30 - 6:30 PM
May 10 – 2nd Grade Lake Cachuma (not an official school trip)
May 14 – Parent Club Meeting, 8:30 AM
May 13 - 31 – CAASPP Testing 3rd - 6th
May 28 - 31 – 5th Grade Science Test
May 13 – Superintendent/Principal Coffee, 8:30 AM
May 13 – Board Meeting, 6:00 PM
May 16 – Art Fair, 5:00-7:00 PM, Early Dismissal 12:30 PM (DOLPHIN closes at 4:00 PM)
May 24 – SB All schools Track and Field Meet 4th, 5th, 6th, 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
May TBA – 4th Grade Lake Lopez (not an official school trip)
May 27 – No School Memorial Day
May 29 – Math Superbowl at Earl Warren Showgrounds (4th, 5th, 6th)
May 29 & May 30 – 6th Grade Play 6 PM
May 30 – 6th Grade Play (School Showing) 12:15 PM
June
June 3 – Board Meeting, 6:00 PM (LCAP & Budget Public Hearing)
June 4 - Last Day of Dolphin Center
June 5 – Beach Day (NO DOLPHIN CENTER)
June 6 – Sixth Grade Promotion, 8:30 AM
June 6 – Kindergarten Moving Up, 10:45 AM
June 6 – Last Day of School, Early Dismissal 11:30 PM (NO DOLPHIN CENTER)
June 10 – Board Meeting, 6:00 PM (LCAP & Budget Adoption)
June 10 - 28 – Summer School
June 19 – Holiday Juneteenth
