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Table of Contents Page

Jacque’s Note 2 ‘Let’s Talk’ from Jacque 3 TCS Community News 4-9 MS News 10 HS News 11-12

August 13, 2014

Wednesday Packet

Important Dates/Information

Thursday, August 14, 5:30-7:00pm PAC PARENT AND FAMILY SOCIAL In the Cougar Center Thursday, August 21, 8:15am PAC KICK OFF MEETING In the Media Center Friday, August 22 FALL SPORTS PICTURE DAY Thursday, August 28, 6:00-7:30pm NEW PARENT EVENING RECEPTION In the RCC *See Flyer Friday, August 29 SUMMER READING LOGS DUE Monday, September 1 LABOR DAY HOLIDAY-NO SCHOOL TCS Offices Closed Monday, September 8, 6:00-7:25pm MS & HS CURRICULUM NIGHT *Details in future packet Tuesday, September 23 UNDERCLASSMEN PICTURE DAY Friday, September 26 TEACHER WORK DAY-NO SCHOOL SAVE THE DATE October 25th 10:00am-4:00pm COUGAR CLASSIC CAR SHOW AND BAZAAR ON THE TCS CAMPUS

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Welcome Back!! We have been busy over the summer. Campus improvements included HS student Will Hall’s Fabulous Eagle Scout project around the fire hydrant. The new staff we have added are a huge asset to our program and we are thrilled to have them join us. You will be too when you get to know them and benefit from their talents and energy. The program changes will take a little longer to get to know but our intent as we planned for this new and exciting year was to increase the areas we present to our students that introduce them to new concepts, new techniques and allow them to practice the independent skills they will need to be successful. As with every school year, we are incorporating new ideas and techniques into our methods. We are introducing an expanded technology model that is more in step with best practices. We have added instructional staff to accommodate the increase in students taking foreign language and upper level math and science. We are nurturing partnerships with local companies in order to give our students the opportunities to interact with businesses and career sites. This is a very exciting time to be in education! Our first partnership, however, is with you. We will depend on consistent and honest communication. It is essential that our Homeroom teachers have a dependable time to talk with you on a regular basis. We want to know what you are hearing at home and how you perceive the progress your teen is making. Our tradition of open communication is one of the things that help us stand out from other schools. It is important that we learn to trust each other and that we send a message to each student that the adults are united in our support and proud of their efforts. Please take the time to review the handbook so you are prepared for our policies and procedures. Having the work model as our foundation means that we pay more attention to details than other schools. This is a strength of ours and transfers into lifelong success for our students. However, you must be aware of the expectations so you can enforce the importance of following the rules in a school/job setting. You will find that you can release the need to manage your child’s every move since the school has taken on so much of the routine, but you will need to be aware so that your reminders and praise have the most impact. You are all members of the Parent Association Committee and your membership dues were included in your tuition. The leadership team for PAC lead by HS parents, Becky Thelen and Brenda Hall, is moving forward with the organization plan that allows parents to select from a variety of areas in which to participate in your teen’s school experience. From volunteering on campus to providing resources from businesses or hobbies, there are numerous ways you can broaden the impact of the school. We love to partner with our parents and need your help in every area you can spare. Look for times and events that allow you to be with other parents and get to know the school staff better. Do not be afraid to ask if we need something! Our time together is precious and we appreciate your joining us in this mission! As we embark on this 30th year, our motto is “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present and Embrace the Future”. We will be acting on that motto throughout the year. Expect jam packed action and astounding results!

August 13, 2014

Jacque’s Note

LET’S TALK

Those of you who are returning families received announcement of my retirement plans at the

end of this school year. New parents will be hearing of this change for the first time. In

addition to my traditional Wednesday Packet note, I thought I would clarify just what this

transition means for TCS and how it will impact your teen and the school.

First let me acknowledge that thirty years is a very long time in any position and it has been my

honor to spend the last thirty years of my forty-five year career at TCS. When Joe and I started

the school we truly had no idea how large it would grow and the positive impact it would have

on the lives of the students, families, staff and community. My decision to retire as the

Executive Director is deeply rooted in my desire to see the school continue to flourish.

Some schools hire new school headmasters because they want to see a change in their

programs. That is not the case here. We have worked diligently to put the right staff in place

and build the best programs we can build. The state of the school is stable and vibrant. The

leadership teams in place are exemplary. The Cottage School is looking for a new headmaster

because we want to insure that the leadership of the school is in touch with the newest

methods, has the energy to explore new areas of growth and has the time and skill set to build

on the existing foundation. It is important that we preserve and invest in the program that

exists today.

I began planning for my retirement over five years ago. With guidance from board members, I

made a list of the standards the school needed to meet before I considered shifting my role.

Those standards have actually exceeded my expectations. As the Search Committee examines

the qualifications of the candidates, they will be looking for a person who understands the

mission of TCS, appreciates its culture and is committed to maintaining the quality of instruction

and healthy environment for which we are known.

Truth be known, it is the staff that creates the minute to minute extraordinary results with our

students and families. This year we have five of our staff who have been here more than half

of our years in business. Our unique structure has remained constant for all thirty years. Our

leadership team is well trained and committed to our students. I cannot imagine a better

foundation for introducing a new headmaster than the one we have.

It is also a truth that we are a community of agents who create and preserve this wonderful

school. We are not a society of individuals. We move as a team which means that individual

members of our team can come and go without creating a void or a wave. We have a history

of intentionally monitoring our team work in a way that strengthens the overall effect.

Of course there will be changes. There are changes every year. As a member of our Board of

Directors, I will join a consistent group of committed and generous leaders who understand our

culture (most of them are alumni parents or grandparents) and are committed to preserving all

that makes TCS such a unique and powerful school. This year let’s Honor the Past,

Celebrate the Present and Embrace the Future!

8/12/2014

The Cottage School 2014-2015 Parents Abbreviated Calendar Semester 1 August 6 H.S. Registration (returning students) 9am-11am August 7 H.S. Orientation (new students & Rising 9th Graders) 9am-11am August 8 M.S. Orientation (all students) 8am–12pm August 11 First Day of School August 13 New Parent Coffee, 8am-9:30am, RCC August 14 PAC Parent and Family Social, 5:30pm-7pm, Cougar Center August 28 New Parent Evening Reception, 6pm-7:30pm, RCC September 1 No School – Labor Day Holiday September 8 Curriculum Night for MS & HS, 6pm-7:30pm September 26 No School – All School Teacher Work Day October 13 No School – Columbus Day Holiday October 25 Cougar Classic Car Show & Bazaar, 10am – 4pm, TCS Campus October 31 No School – All School Teacher Work Day November 3 No School – GISA Conference November 21 Grandparents’ Day, 8am-10am, Cougar Center November 24-28 No School – Thanksgiving Break December 16-18 H.S. Sem. 1 Final Exams - ½ days December 18 No M.S. School – M.S. Teacher Work Day December 19 No School – All School Teacher Work Day December 22-Jan 2 Winter Holiday for All Students Semester 2 January 5 First Day of 2nd Semester January 15 - 17 Homecoming Weekend January 19 No School – MLK Holiday February 13 No School – All School Teacher Work Day February 16 No School – Presidents’ Day Holiday March 10 TCS 30th Birthday March 14 Glitter/30th Anniversary Celebration April 3 No School – All School Teacher Work Day April 6-10 Spring Break May 18-20 H.S. Sem. 2 Final Exams - ½ days May 19 M.S. Awards and Graduation, 6:30pm, Cougar Center May 20 M.S. Last Day of School, ½ day May 21 M.S. Teacher Work Day May 21 H.S. Last Day of School - ½ day May 21 Senior Luncheon, 12:15pm, Doubletree in Roswell May 22 TCS Graduation, Cougar Center

Please strive to call the appropriate number

according to the school you are trying to reach.

To reach the High School and Central Office

please call:

770-641-8688

To reach the Middle School

please call:

770-640-8037

___________________________________

TCS PAC (aka PTA!) Kick Off Meeting

Thursday August 21st – 8:15am in the Media Center

Please join us as we kick off an exciting new year at The Cottage School! You won't want to miss being a part of all the great things we have in store.

Lots of volunteer opportunities - both small and large!

If you weren’t able to attend Orientation and didn't get a chance to sign up for any of our committees, please contact Brenda Hall - brendahall1@msn.com or

Becky Thelen - beckythelen@hotmail.com.

We'll be sure to find you a place to suit your needs!

What is GAGoal? GAGoal is a Student Scholarship Organization (SSO) in which Georgia individual and corpo-

rate taxpayers can contribute in exchange for a state income tax credit and possible federal charitable in-

come tax deduction. GAGoal then uses the contributions to award scholarships to students from K-12 public

schools so that they can attend the private schools chosen by their parents.

How does our school benefit from GAGoal? As a GOAL Participating School, our school is eligible to promote

the GOAL program to its donors who can designate that their contributions to GOAL be used to provide

scholarships at our school. Thus, our school will be able to increase the amount of financial aid for which

its students and their families are eligible. This could result in increased enrollment, increased tuition in-

come, and increased opportunities for deserving students and their families to become a vital part of our

community. In 2013-14, over 42% of TCS families qualified for need-based financial aid!

What is the maximum amount that an individual can contribute to GOAL in exchange for a Georgia educa-

tion expense tax credit?

A married couple filing a joint return can re-direct up to $2,500 of their income tax payments to GOAL.

A married couple filing a separate return can re-direct up to $1,250 of their income tax payments to

GOAL.

An individual can re-direct up to $1,000 of his or her income tax payments to GOAL.

An individual who is a member of a LLC, shareholder of an “S” Corporation, or partner in a partnership

(pass-through entities) is allowed a Georgia income tax credit for up to $10,000 of the amount they con-

tribute to a SSO, so long as they would have paid Georgia income tax in that amount on their share of

taxable income from the pass-through entity. (For more information for owners of pass through entities,

click here for more information)

Why should I give now? In 2014, the entire $58 million cap was reached on January 22nd! As a result, thou-

sands of Georgia taxpayers who wished to make their contribution to a SSO were unable to do so for a tax

credit. Once the cap is reached, although a taxpayer can still contribute to GOAL, he or she will not receive

an education expense tax credit for doing so. Because there are hundreds of private schools in Georgia that

are promoting the availability of the Georgia Education Expense Credit program in their school communities,

it is a very competitive environment and taxpayers need to make their pre-approved contributions as early

in the year as possible. GAGoal will begin accepting application forms for 2015 beginning August 1st. Click

here to be taken to the GAGoal Website and do the paperless process!

How do I find more information about Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program? If you have questions about the

Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, please review the GOAL website at www.goalscholarship.org. Additional

questions? Contact Bob Crenshaw or Joe Digieso at 770/641-8688.

Special Event

Our first annual Cougar Classic Car

Show and Bazaar is on the calendar and

promises to be a day of fun and

entertainment for the entire family and

we need your help!

Volunteers needed

If you would like to volunteer and

support this community building

event, please join us Wednesday,

August 20th at 9am, in the

Administration Building

Conference room.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, YOU MAY CONTACT:

Chris Storm - Car Show Chairperson 770-354-8491; email: ckstorm3@aol.com

Lee Gidley - Bazaar Chairperson 770-710-9972; email: lee.gidley@yahoo.com

Tangela McFarlane - Special Events Coordinator, TCS 678-250-5108

email: tangelam@cottageschool.org

Honor the Past

Celebrate the Present

Embrace the Future

This school year, TCS will be using Remind.com to keep

families informed about immediate updates or school

closings. SIGN UP TODAY for Remind.com.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM REMINDER

If your student is participating in the August After School Program,

please submit your payment online or directly to the Business Office.

Thank you.

Welcome New TCS Families!

If you missed the New Parent Breakfast

or would like another opportunity to meet

TCS Staff, Parents and Board of Directors

Join us for the

New Parent Evening Reception

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Reinhardt Community Center (RCC)

TCS Administration Building

6 pm – 7:30 pm

We Look Forward to Seeing You!

RSVP Sandy McKinney x5102 or sandym@cottageschool.org

MS August Activities

DATE TIME Activity TCS$ Things to bring

Friday

8/15

8:15

10:00

12:00

12:45

2:40

Levels

HR Activity

Lunch-Cookout

Team Building

Homeroom

Academics

$210.80

$223.20

We will be providing hot dogs

and hamburgers for all

students. Please send a lunch

if your child does not eat hot

dogs/hamburgers or has food

allergies.

Friday

Off Campus

8/22

8:15

10:00

12:00

12:45

2:40

Levels

Atlanta Zoo

Lunch

Atlanta Zoo

Homeroom

*For Returning Students

ONLY*

$215.76

All students going off campus

must bring a sack lunch unless

pre-ordered through the lunch

program. There will not be

microwaves.

*For Returning Students

ONLY*

Friday

On Campus

8/22

8:15

10:00

12:00

12:45

2:40

Levels

Kickball Tournament

Lunch

Kickball Tournament

Homeroom

$210.80

Academics

8/22

8:15

10:00

12:00

12:45

2:40

Levels

Academics

Lunch

Academics

Homeroom

$223.20 Academic Materials

*Remember to bring an

independent reading book if you

complete your work early

Friday

8/29

8:15

10:00

12:00

12:45

2:40

Levels

Club Introduction

Lunch

Complete HR Activity

Homeroom

Academics

$210.80

$223.20

DATE TIME Activity TCS$ Things to bring/U.S. $

Friday

8/15

Grilling/Team Building Appropriate outdoor clothing

Friday

8/22

Clubs Club Materials!

Friday

8/29

Academics

8:15

10:00

12:00

12:45

2:40

Levels

Academics

Lunch

Academics

Homeroom

$706.34

Academic material to complete all

highlighted work and spare reading

materials, if you will be in academics

all day!

Off-

Campus

10:00-

2:00

Malibu Grand

Prix

$683.55

Fully enclosed shoes * 2 hours of unlimited go-karts, mini-golf,

as well as game-room tokens.

*Bring money for lunch or souvenirs

On-

Campus

10:00

12:00

12:45

2:40

Board Games

Lunch

Games2U

Homeroom

$660.77 Appropriate jeans or shorts to change into

with TCS spirit shirt

http://www.malibugrandprix.com/site/_images/

Mini golf & go – kart

action provide the

highlights for the

first HS Off Campus!

Save TCS $ 124.12 for our first savings trip:

Wild Animal Safari!

Watch upcoming Wednesday Packets

for further information

HS August Activities

AT THE COUGAR CENTER DURING

VOLLEYBALL & BASKETBALL SEASON

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

*Contact Lyle Cutchin

*Complete training session on

Friday, August 22 from 3:15—3:45

*Commit to selected shifts during the Fall and Winter athletic seasons

*Sell refreshments, maintain inventory control and provide superior customer service

*Earn Community Service Hours

OPPORTUNITIES:

*Students eager to support their school and the athletic program

*Students interested in learning customer service,

inventory control and sales skills