Date: Wednesday – February 15, 2012

Important Messages from The Cottage School are attached. Please sign this form indicating their receipt and return to the school

with your student tomorrow. Thank You!!

Parent Signature________________________________________

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February 15, 2012

Wednesday Packet

Important Dates/Information

Teacher Work Day – Thursday, February 16th – No School

President’s Day Holidays – Friday & Monday, February 17th & 20th – No School

The Cottage School’s 27th Birthday – March 10th

Thank you to the PAC Staff Appreciation Team! The thoughtful Valentine goodies made our day so much sweeter.

Use the Amazon.com link on our website, www.cottageschool.org, and TCS receives a portion of what you purchase during that shopping visit. Click here and start shopping.

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I am sure you are all aware that one paramount value here at TCS is communication. We consider the timely exchange of information the key to achieving our goals with the students, increasing our efficiency in dealing with parental concerns and instrumental in building the community we all enjoy. As Executive Director, I take responsibility for the communication avenues forged by our staff, teaching and non-teaching. We spend countless hours in discussion of all things great and small. We have specific procedures that are documented in order to be sure communication is consistent and worthwhile. We model appropriate communication for our students by setting high expectations for respectful and honest communication during the school day. Our levels meetings and class presentations foster the much needed skill of speaking and advocating for oneself publicly. Creating and nurturing opportunities to improve communication skills among our students is an aspect of every minute of every day. However, there is one avenue over which I have no control and which, if I can be honest, I find particularly frustrating from time to time. At the risk of “preaching to the choir”, I would like to roll out the challenge we are experiencing and see if we can make some headway. We seem to have a problem with creating a two way street when it comes to communication. I am aware of several staff members who have placed repeated calls to several of our parents and are now on a multiple week of no response…not one return call. I suppose we could send a letter, but that too, can be ignored. The fact is, we never call just to chat. If the school has placed a call to a parent, there is a reason for the call and an expectation that the call will be returned. I am very certain that if the parents of whom we speak had the need to communicate with us, they would expect a much more timely and courteous response. I actually do have some insight as to why these calls are being ignored. Another pattern that I see every year is the abdication of one parent’s involvement in the school community. I hate to tell you how many of the parents who attend Senior Night and/or graduation are parents we have either never met before or only met during the application process and not again until graduation events come around. At least this year we had all parents in attendance…that is always an important goal. It may be that parents who have not had the day to day contact with the school staff do not recognize the name of the person calling them or believe that, since they do not participate in the day to day school activities, that they have nothing about which to communicate with school staff. Of course, that is not true, but, until we have an opportunity to talk with them, it could be the prevailing misperception. Our focus is always on the student first. We do what we can to create an open and welcoming environment and to communicate opportunities to become involved in TCS events at various levels. We always regret the lack of communication and ability to build relationships with the absentee parents, but we do not usually address each specific case. However, it is very clear to me that the accomplishments of each student deserve to be celebrated and shared. Children learn more from our actions, than they do from our words. I do not think I have to spell out the message sent by a parent who does not invest the time to get to know the school staff or participate in school community until the task is complete and the goal achieved. I cannot tell you how much we appreciate the majority of our parents for whom this is not an issue. We depend on your feedback, your encouragement and your partnership. However, if you have a family member who is less than involved at TCS and who practices this pattern, please invite them to reconsider their lack of response. What we have to tell them or to discuss with them may not seem important to them, but it is important to their child. As we celebrate Valentine’s Day/Week and are reminded of all of the forms of love and respect, perhaps we can close this circle of communication.

February 15, 2012

Jacque’s Note

TAX TIME!

MANY THINGS TO THINK ABOUT INCLUDING….

Does your student have a diagnosed learning disability?

Do you itemize your deductions?

Are you listing your tuition as a Medical Expense?

AND

Did you have a Georgia Income Tax Liability this past year?

Would you prefer to designate that a portion of your Georgia Income Tax be available to The Cottage School through GOAL? If every Cottage School parent participated in GOAL, we would have sufficient scholarship money to meet the needs of all of our families.

Why give money to the State of Georgia when you can re-direct those dollars to The Cottage School?

THERE IS NO REASON WE CAN’T ACHIEVE 100% PARTICIPATON.

Do you need an explanation?

Call Bob or Joe.

From the Counseling Team:

Standardized testing will begin February 27, 2012 for both Middle and High

School students. TCS will administer the Stanford 10 on the following

dates:

Middle School: February 27-March 6, 2012

Make Up Day- March 7, 2012

High School: February 27-February 29, 2012

Make Up Day- March 1, 2012

For our new or returning parents who have any questions about our testing

program, such as why we do it, how we use the information or when test data

results are made available to our students and parents, please do not

hesitate to contact your respective counselor to discuss any questions or

concerns. Please do emphasize with your student that these test results are

very important to us and while they in no way have any impact on their

individual course grades nor are they a factor used for promotions from

grade to grade, they nonetheless need to reflect the student’s best effort.

Please encourage them to take these tests seriously.

**Please be sure your student gets plenty of rest, eats a well

balanced breakfast and is here on time on the days of testing**

Parents:

TCS Counselors need your help!!

We are in need of parent volunteers to assist counselors in

reading the Stanford 10 out loud to students who need the

test to be administered orally. If you are available, please

call: Debbie Greil @ 678-250-5133 (for Middle School)

Lori Dasher @ 678-250-5113 (for High School)

Thank you for your support and help!

Test dates (including makeup days):

Middle School: February 27 - March 7, 2012: 8:15 - 11:00 am *No volunteers are needed on Friday, March 2

High School: February 27 - March 1, 2012: 8:15 - 11:00 am

What is . . . .

GLITTER ?? Silent Auction Live Auction

Great Food and Drink Music, Surprises and . . . Much More!!!

Glitter is our ONLY fundraiser and ALL proceeds are dedicated to the

Tuition Assistance Fund. We need everyone’s help and we would love to have your participation: Obtain donations for the auctions: Vacation homes Tickets to events – i.e. sports, concerts etc. Jewelry Autographed items Children’s toys Original Art Gift Baskets Home and Garden items Gift Certificates for – Restaurants, hotels, resorts etc. Classes – Fitness, Yoga, Ceramics etc. Gift Shops Florists Salons and Spas Clothing Stores Assist with the Homeroom Baskets: Each homeroom has chosen a theme and is collecting items for their basket. These baskets are a highlight of the Silent Auction! Anything else you can think of!!

Most important - Come have fun with us at Glitter!!!

Saturday, April 14, 2012 7:00 – 11:00 PM

Please email Anne – Glitter Chair - if you have any questions or suggestions: glitter@cottageschool.org

Movie Night Snacks

New Baby Basket

Gardener’s Gift Basket

I love Dogs! Basket

BASKETS, BASKETS EVERYWHERE!

Homeroom Glitter Basket Projects are due Friday,

March 16th into Laura Burdett’s office!

Parents,

Your homeroom Parent Volunteer has probably

contacted you or will be shortly to ask for

contributions for a themed basket for Glitter. We

thank you in advance for your cooperation and

creativity in donating items to put together these

great baskets for the Silent Auction. Please turn in

your donations as soon as possible to your Parent

Volunteer. Proceeds from Glitter directly benefit the

Tuition Assistance Fund at the Cottage School. If

you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to

contact me. I want to thank the Parent Volunteers

for their hard work in helping collect the items.

Ruth Ann Moore

404-273-7643

All homerooms that turn in their completed projects by the deadline, Friday, March 16th, will receive a donut breakfast!

The  gi'  that  keeps  on  giving  …    Everyday  ways  to  support    

TCS  High  School  &  Middle  School  Assis?ve  Technology  Program  

 With  a  simple  click  of  the  mouse  and  at  no  addi?onal  

expense,  the  items  we  use    daily  when  purchased  through  the  amazon.com  site  can  make  all  the  difference.      

 Up  to  4%  of  purchases  will  be  contributed  back  to  TCS  in  support  of  assis?ve  technology  !  

It’s  simple,  it  only  takes  a  minute  and  the  rewards  ….truly  priceless!!!    

 Please  join  us  (TCS  PAC)  as  we  work  towards  building  a  legacy  

of  giving.      

With  your  help,  our  goal  this  year  is  to  provide  a  smart  board  for  classroom  use.  

Thanks  in  advance  for  your  support    

PADV Annual Teen Summit Presented by

Date: February 25, 2012 I Time: 10am- 3:30pm

Location: Georgia Public Broadcasting, 260 14th St NW Atlanta, GA

The summit is for teens, but adults are welcome. Event features keynote speaker Johanna

Orozco a survivor of teen dating violence who has been seen on Oprah, ABC’s 20/20, and

The View. Space is limited register at www.padv.org. or use your smart phone to scan the

image below.

Year round Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program made possible by

For students with Asperger's & other assorted learning differences

College BoundConference

Registration Begins at 8:30 AMConference from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Continental Breakfast and Box Lunch Included(Special food requirements? Please bring a bag lunch.)

Grace Evangelical Church164 Flat Creek Trail, Fayetteville, GA 30214Fayetteville is approximately 30 minutes south ofthe Atlanta airport.

Questions?(770) 713-6731Contact Raissa Chandler

Designed to give students and parents the skills they need to transition to collegeand a successful, independent life.

Tickets $75 Adults $39 Students Register at http://tinyurl.com/CollegeBoundAspies/

Featuring three nationally recognized speakers on understanding & navigating the hidden rules of college and life.

This conference is appropriate for students with Asperger's, Autism, PDD-NOS, ADHD, or other behavioral difference. It's also for parents, educators, providers, and the general public with a connection to these conditions.

Sponsored by

Hallman Walters Wealth Management

MetLifeCenter for

Special NeedsPlanning Trust is providing

family scholarships

Email: raissa@southsidesupport.org Website: http://tinyurl.com/CollegeBoundConf/

John Elder RobisonBe Different

John Elder Robison wrote bestselling memoirs, Look Me In The Eye and Be Different, on growing up with Asperger's in a time when the diagnosis didn't exist. Robison overcame enormous odds to find success. He runs a multi-million dollarcar specialty shop and a photography business; teaches as an adjunct professor at Elms College in Massachussetts. He's designed guitars for KISS and toys for Milton Bradley. His interesting life has lessons for anyone dealing with Asperger's.

Keynote Speaker Jane Thierfeld Brown

Jane Thierfeld Brown, Director of Student Services, University of Connecticut School of Law, has 33 years of experience working with students with disabilities. Her main research is in students with Asperger's Syndrome in higher education and in high stakes graduate programs. She's written guidebooks for Asperger's and colleges, and consults across the country.

Choosing the Best Program After High School

Dena L. Gassner

Dena L. Gassner, LMSW, award-winning advocate, speaker, and coach for those with Asperger's Syndrome. Dena lives her message. She believes in redefining success through authenticity

Finding Authenticity and Living Well with Asperger's

Program Information

The Kohl's Cares®

Scholarship Program recognizes and rewards young volunteers (ages 6-18) who

help make their communities a better place to live.

Eligibility

To be eligible, the student must meet the following criteria and apply by March 15, 2012.

Must be between the ages of 6 and 18 and not yet a high school graduate.

Actions must be described in detail and should document efforts above and beyond what is

expected of a child his or her age.

Volunteer efforts must have occurred in the last year.

Winners are chosen based on the project, benefits and outcome.

Awards

This year, more than 2,200 kids will be recognized with over $440,000 in scholarships and prizes.

Store Winners will receive a $50 Kohl’s Gift Card.

Regional Winners will each be awarded a $1,000 scholarship for post-secondary education.

National Winners will each be awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships for post-secondary

education and Kohl's will donate $1,000 to a non-profit organization on each winner's behalf.

Nominate

Parents may nominate their own children

Go to http://www.kohlscorporation.com/CommunityRelations/scholarship/index.asp to learn more

about the scholarship and to nominate a student.

Deadline is March 15th.

COUGAR BASEBALL BEGINS 2/21/12

Practice is from 3:00-5:00 each day Tuesdays-Fridays; pickup is no later than 5:30.

Practice is located at Roswell Area Park; Field #3.

Game schedule and other information will be handed out on the first day of practice.

We look forward to a great season. “Let’s Play Two”—Ernie Banks!

Baseball Coaches: Richie Briggs and Ryan Lafitte

COUGAR TENNIS BEGINS

Practice starts on Tuesday, 2/21/12 at 3:00. Pickup is no later than 5:15.

Practice is located at Waller Park Extension Tennis Courts.

Game schedule and other information will be handed out on the first day of practice.

We look forward to a great season.

ATTENTION: If you know of a knowledgeable tennis person who is willing to help coach this season please contact Richie Briggs-Athletic Director

770-313-8459 richieb@cottageschool.org

4th Annual Cottage School Boys Basketball Camp Who: Boys ages 12-16 years old (maximum of 28 athletes).

What: A five day boys camp teaching the fundamentals of

basketball; shooting, ball handling, passing, footwork,

rebounding, team defense and offense, and much

more! Also includes a 3 on 3 tournament, a 5 on 5

tournament, a Hot Shot shootout, a 3 point contest,

and a Free Throw contest.

Where: The Cougar Center

700 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30075

When: July 16th - July 20th 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Cost: $300 per camper-includes a Cougar camp T-shirt.

Athletes need to bring a sack lunch each day.

*If committed by June 15th—Camp Fee = $250

Please sign me up for the Boys Basketball Camp. Name: ___________________________________________

Age: __________ Shirt size: XS S M L XL XXL

Phone Number: ____________________________________

Email: ___________________________________________

Parent signature: ___________________________________

*Please include a check for full payment to cover camp fee.

*Credit Card payments are welcome at a 3% service fee.

Return this form to Richie Briggs-Camp Director

Office Phone: 678-250-5130 Cell Phone: 770-313-8459 richieb@cottageschool.org

All campers will learn the

fundamentals of

basketball from Richie

Briggs; Head Varsity

Cougar Coach and back-

to-back AAC champion.

Cottage School staff and

alumni Cougars plan to

share teaching and

coaching duties.

Call to reserve your spot

today as space is limited!

Thank you and we look

forward to having another

great camp.

Cottage School Ladies Combined Camp

Basketball & Volleyball

Who: Ladies ages 12-16 years old - Maximum of 28 ladies.

What: A day girls camp teaching the fundamentals of both volleyball (bump, set, spike, and serves) and

basketball (rebounding, ball handling, shooting, footwork and team defense). Cottage School Varsity Coaches

Amie Robb (Volleyball) and Lyle Cutchin (Basketball) will serve as directors. Campers will participate in a

variety of individual and team competitions.

Where: The Cougar Center

700 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075

When: June 25 through June 29 - 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Cost: $300 per camper-includes a Cougar camp T-shirt.

Athletes need to bring a sack lunch each day.

*If committed by May 23rd—Camp Fee = $250

Please sign me up for the Ladies Combined Camp. Name_____________________________________________

Age____________ Shirt size__________________________

Phone Number_____________________________________

Email____________________________________________

Parent signature___________________________________

*Please include a check for full payment to cover camp fee.

*Credit Card payments are welcome at a 3% service fee.

Return this form to Lyle Cutchin - Camp Director

Office Phone: 678-250-5120

lylec@cottageschool.org

THE COTTAGE SCHOOL

Distance Runners’ Camp FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

When: July 16 - July 20, 2012 (Monday-Friday) Drop off and pick up times for the camp: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Where: Cougar Center, 700 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30075

Cost: $150.00 – Includes T-shirt

The Cottage School Distance Running Camp is a five day program teaching the principles of distance running. Athletes will learn from current staff, alumni and

professional presenters from Emory University and Phidippides. Topics will include nutrition, strength training, gait analysis, flexibility exercises, proper footwear, injury

prevention, goal setting and psychological visualization.

Runners will train and learn on various courses (Kennesaw Mountain trails, Vickery

Creek, Stone Mountain and the Chattahoochee Trail System) and in settings such as our Fitness Center, Phidippides and a local track.

Athletes should bring a healthy snack and water bottle each day.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Please sign me up for the Cougar Distance Runners’ Camp Name: _______________________________________________ Age: _________________ Shirt Size: ______________________ Phone Number: ________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________________ Emergency Contact: ____________________________________ Parent Signature: ______________________________________

Return this form to Allen McAdams, Camp Director

email: allenm@cottageschool.org phone: (770) 641-8688

Payment: $150.00 check payable to The Cottage School - includes a T-shirt

THIRD ANNUAL

3RD ANNUAL

DISTANCE RUNNERS’ CAMP

Co-ed Soccer Camp July 9th-13th Second Annual Soccer Camp designed to teach and

reinforce the fundamentals of Soccer.

Skill Practice

Trapping and Shooting

Passing and Heading

Ball Control

Game Strategy

Corner Kicks

Indirect Kicks

Direct Kicks

Featuring an In-door 4 on 4 Tournament

and a Skills Contest.

Bring a lunch, a water bottle, shoes for indoor soccer, cleats

for outdoor soccer as well as shorts and a t-shirt.

Cost: $300.00 per camper; includes a Cougar Soccer Camp

T-shirt. Cost: $250.00 if committed by May 31st, 2012.

Please include a check for full payment to cover camp fee.

Credit Card payments are welcome at 3% service fee.

Please sign me up for the TCS Soccer Camp.

Name __________________________________ Age _______________________

Shirt size _______________________________ Phone ______________________

Email ___________________________________

Parent Signature __________________________________________________

Return this form to Wilfrid W. Ward, Jr. TCS Soccer Coach

Phone: 404-432-7339 Email: wilfridw@cottageschool.org

July 9th-13th

9am to 3pm

The Cougar Center

700 Grimes Bridge Road

Roswell, GA 30075

MS February/March Activities

DATE TIME Activity RAIN-

OUT

TCS$ Things to bring/Information

Thursday

2/16

Teacher Work Day

NO SCHOOL

Fri & Mon

2/17 & 2/20

Presidents’ Day

Holidays

NO SCHOOL

Friday

2/24

Journey Through

Justice

Academics

$240.12

$248.40

All students going off campus

must bring a sack lunch unless

pre-ordered through lunch

program. There will not be

microwaves.

Students who earn Academics will

need to bring extra reading

material because he/she will be in

academics all day.

Friday

3/2

Clubs

Academics

$156.40

$165.60

Thursday

3/8

MS Dance 7-9 PM

In Cougar Center

$160.08

And

$7.00 ticket

If you earn off campus, and you

attend the dance, do not report to

school on Friday.

Friday

3/9

Campus

Beautification-

for students that do

not attend the

dance

Academics

$156.40

$165.60

If you earn academics, come to

the dance Thursday night then

report to school at 8:00am on

Friday for academics. Students

who earn Academics will need to

bring extra reading material

because he/she will be in

academics all day.

Friday

3/16

Career Day/Clubs

Academics

$156.40

$165.60

Friday

3/23

Aquarium

Kickball Tournament

Academics

$160.08

$156.40

$165.60

All students going off campus

must bring a sack lunch unless

pre-ordered through lunch

program. There will not be

microwaves.

Friday

3/30 Teacher Work Day NO SCHOOL

Mon-Fri

April 2-6 Spring Break NO SCHOOL

Middle School Annual Sock Hop Thursday

March 8, 2012 7:00-9:00PM All students are invited to the Cougar Center to dance the

night away. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided. Dressy

casual is the attire for the evening. We will have a

photographer on site. If you do not have academics and

attend the dance, you do not have to come to school on

Friday, March 9, 2012. If you earned academics, join us at

the dance and report to school at 8:00am.

Please call Julie 678-250-5117 or e-mail

julielc@cottageschool.org with any questions.

Tickets on sale from February 22 until Wednesday,

March 7th…. ONLY $7.00

Tickets on

sale $7.00

Attention All Seniors!

Congratulations to the following seniors on their post-secondary acceptances!

Trey Baron – Reinhardt University Jason Benator – Florida Institute of Technology, Kennesaw State University, Oglethorpe University, and Embry-Riddle Griffin Boven – Andrew College, Beacon College Peyton Gomez – Clark Atlanta University Brendan Jagielski – Reinhardt University Janet Keller – Kennesaw State University Adult Inclusive Learning Destin Leidner – Young Harris College Jonathan Oakes – Drexel University, Roanoke College, Mercer University, Colorado School of Mines John Peaden - Johnson & Wales University and The Art Institute of Atlanta Chad Simpson – Southern Union State Community College Kristina Tull - Young Harris College, Truett-McConnell College, Georgia Southwestern State University, Western Carolina University, and Reinhardt University.

The remaining seniors’ applications are still in process. Stay tuned!!

Senior Scholarship Awards 2011-2012

Please congratulate our seniors on their scholarship awards so far…we are so proud!

Trey Baron - Reinhardt University - $1,000 per year Jason Benator – Florida Institute of Technology - $10,000, Oglethorpe University - $7,000 per year, Embry-Riddle - $5,000 per year. Brendan Jagielski – Reinhardt University - $3,000 per year Destin Leidner – Young Harris College – $13,000 per year Jonathan Oakes – Mercer University - $17,000 per year, Drexel University - $13,000 per year, Roanoke College - $15,500 per year Kristina Tull - Young Harris College - $12,000 per year

If your senior has a post-secondary acceptance letter or has been awarded scholarship money

please contact Lori Dasher at 678-250-5113 or lorid@cottageschool.org so we can share their

accomplishments!