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Jacque’s Note 2 TCS Community News 4-9 MS News 10 HS News 11-12 Senior News 13-15

August 20, 2014

Wednesday Packet

Important Dates/Information

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

2

Congrats on a very successful first week! The PAC Social was a huge success! Thanks to all who were able to participate. Over the course of the next few weeks we will be reviewing some of our policies and philosophies in case some of you are not sure why we do what we do. Our program is very structured and intentional. Many of the areas of confusion or frustration from other school settings come from a system that does not attend to the details or take the time to be sure students are actually practicing the day-to-day skills we know they need. The psycho-jargon for our method is Cognitive Behavioral Modeling. A person behaves in the desired manner even before they understand the reason for the behavior. Not only does the behavior become internalized but, eventually, the person begins to understand the reason behind that behavior. An early and familiar example of this is how you teach your children to politely greet someone they are meeting for the first time. Your expectations and repeated practice create a positive impression until the child matures and understands the reason they should establish eye contact, smile and shake hands. We use this method repeatedly during every school day. The establishment of the routine assists our students in creating a predictable and successful environment in which they can relax and focus on areas that are essential for mastering the subject matter presented in class. Ideally, those “habits” will also begin showing up at home! We also want to assist our students in improving their memory for items they need every day. Research shows that if a parent (or anyone) continually brings the forgotten item, then the absent minded person never improves and remains dependent on others. At TCS, school is their job and, like a job, they are responsible for being prepared every day. If they organize their items the day before, the likelihood of forgetting them often is decreased. Also, as long as they think you (as parents) will not be inconvenienced by bringing them their lunch, uniform, socks, or homework, they will continue to rely on your memory and not theirs. Please do not bring forgotten items (other than essential medication) to school. Living with the natural consequences of forgetting will, eventually, teach them to be more organized. We have food to tide them over if they forget lunch. In the spirit of teaching our students responsible behavior we have taken another look at our technology management plan. We determined that collecting phones every day did not serve to teach new skills, but rather, delayed the very lessons they need to learn. Therefore, those high school students who have cell phones will be allowed to keep them on their person and use them as educational tools, as instructed by the teacher. They are not to text or call you during the day without permission. They should not be texted or called by you during the school day, as well. (Please continue to call the front office to inform us of any issue so we will be aware of what the student needs.) This new policy allows them to begin to practice not being distracted or distracting others, managing their communication with others so that it is positive and healthy, and learning appropriate etiquette when using such devices in public. We anticipate some confusion and temptation the first few weeks of school but we think the lessons taught are worth the effort. Students who do not carry personal devices will still have access to classroom devices and will not fall behind. In order for our plans to be successful, we need your support and cooperation. Please model and encourage honest communication when discussing issues with school staff, begin problem solving early before the facts become distorted, and join us in attending to all that our teens do well, while we address the areas in which they are still growing.

August 20, 2014

Jacque’s Note

WELCOME NEW STAFF

Hopefully you have had a chance to meet the new staff either at the PAC Social last week or at school. We welcome them to our fabulous team here at TCS. The welcome will continue as we highlight the remaining new staff in next week’s packet.

Steve Blagg: Middle School Assistant Principal

Steve has been involved in middle school and high school education for the past 16 years. In

addition to being a science teacher and Assistant Principal, he has also worked on the business side

of education, managing a team of Consultants for a digital curriculum provider. Steve and his wife

Sandy (also a teacher) have 3 daughters, ages 22, 21, and 13. On the weekends, you will find

Steve involved in outdoor activities and cheering for his Auburn Tigers during the fall.

Libby Swinson: Middle School Counselor

Libby is returning to the Roswell/Sandy Springs area (North Springs High School grad), after several

years of being a counselor at a public school in Washington, Georgia near Athens. She received her

Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Georgia and her Master’s

degree in School Counseling from Georgia Southern University. Libby and her husband, who

teaches AP Economics, have two grown children and two lovable BIG dogs. When she is not at

school, she loves to garden, travel, and cheer on the UGA Bulldogs.

Melissa Jamison: Middle School Science/Health

Melissa attended the University of Georgia. Before coming to The Cottage School, she spent the last

several years teaching coastal ecology and environmental science on the Georgia Coast. She enjoys

reading, hiking, and kayaking.

Casey Cox: Middle School Math/Social Studies

Casey Cox graduated from Auburn University (War Eagle!) and comes to us with experience in

teaching and coaching from Eaton Academy, Swift School and Atlanta Academy. Casey enjoys

anything sports, beach or Doberman Pinscher related.

Aubrey Van Benthem: High School Social Studies

Aubrey is originally from New Mexico and received her BS in Education from Northern Arizona

University. She is married to her high school sweetheart, whose career as a Naval Officer brought

them to Atlanta. Skiing, hiking, and reading a great book are some of her favorite pastimes.

Erin Oleson: High School Math

Erin started with us last February and is now full time in our Science Department teaching Biology.

She graduated from IUPUI (Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis) with a BS. She

enjoys the outdoors, traveling with her husband, and playing with her Boxador dog named ‘7’.

Isha Matthews: High School English

Isha Matthews attended Clark Atlanta University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a

minor in French. She received her Master’s from Syracuse University in International Studies. She

has taught for thirteen years at the secondary school level. She is excited about beginning her first

year at TCS high school. She is looking forward to sharing her love of literature with her students

and hopes to make English an engaging experience for them.

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

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.

SPEND YOUR SUMMER READING POINTS

AT THE

SUMMER READING STORE

Turn your reading log into your Language Arts teacher

by Friday, August 29.

Spend those points at the store --- open the week after the

Labor Day holiday.

You will find LOTS of exciting items “for sale.”

gift cards…cell phone accessories…candy…games…lots of exciting items

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!

MS August Activities

DATE TIME Activity TCS$ Things to bring

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

8/22

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

Senior Activities

20l4-20l5

It’s senior year and time to get together as a class and

celebrate – All year long!

Here’s what you can expect, in brief.

More details on each event will be forthcoming as they get closer!

Saturday, September 6th

– Georgia State University Football Game

Tuesday, September 16th

–Senior Parent Meeting

Friday, October 17th

~ Cagles Farm, Haunted Barn, Corn Maze

Saturday, October 25th

~ Classic Car Show @ TCS

Monday, November 10th

– Junior/Senior Dinner

Week of December 8th – Senior Holiday Party, date and place to be determined

Thursday, January 22nd

– Senior Service Day

Monday, February 2nd

~ National Job Shadow Day (tentative)

Friday, February ? – Senior Night (date to be determined)

Friday, March 6 – Senior Picnic

Thursday, April 16th

- Prom

Sunday, May 3rd – Friday, May 8th

– Senior Cruise

Friday, May 8th

– Senior Comp Day for students not on cruise

Wednesday, May 20th

– Graduation Rehearsal

Thursday, May 21st – Senior Luncheon (Students and Families)

Friday, May 22th

– GRADUATION!!!

GEORGIA STATE VS. NEW MEXICO STATE

When: Saturday, September 6 at 2:00pm

**We will meet at TCS at 12:30 and take a bus to the game.**

Cost: $20.00 per person; students should bring their own

money for snacks, drinks, etc.

Please sign the following permission slip and return it and $20 to Jennifer by

Monday, August 25.

Student Name:

I give permission for my son/daughter to attend the GSU football game on

September 6, 2014. I understand that all students will meet at TCS, take a bus to

the game, and will return to TCS after the game.

Parent Signature:

Parent phone number: