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Cowles Montessori

Parent Newsletter 8/12/21

CowlesMontessori Parent Newsletter 8/12/21

Learning Options and Mitigation Efforts

The health and safety of our children and adolescents at school are top priorities. We understand you may have several questions and concerns regarding learning options and mitigation efforts for the 2021-2022 school. Here are updated answers to frequently asked questions:


Q: What are the learning options for this school year?

  • In-person learning is the primary and preferred learning option for the 2021-2022 school year. "Students benefit from in-person learning, and safely returning to in-person instruction in the fall 2021 is a priority." - CDC
  • Preschool does not have a virtual learning option. There is no homeschool option for Preschool because it is not required by the Department of Education. Preschool students must attend in-person to remain enrolled at Cowles.
  • Edgenuity is the K-5th Grade virtual learning option. This option requires a commitment for the 1st Semester. Learning is conducted asynchronously (self-paced, web-based, videos, etc.) and follows a grade-level specific curriculum. For more information, click here. Families must register by Monday, August 16th. Registered students will return to Cowles when the virtual program ends.
  • Virtual Campus is the 6th-12th grade virtual learning option. This option requires a commitment for both the 1st and 2nd semesters (full academic year). For more information, click here. Registered students will return to Cowles when the virtual program ends.

Q: What are the mitigation efforts?

  • For a healthy start to the school year, click here to read about the mitigation efforts from DMPS. The article includes information regarding social distancing, masks, vaccines, and details from our operations department.
  • We have adjusted our lunch schedule to spread students out in the lunchroom by level.
  • While not mandated by Iowa state law, wearing masks in school is recommended by the CDC and our school district.
  • Prevention and quarantine resources from the Polk County Health Department can be located here.
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Important Dates and Events

Popsicles in the Park

  • Sunday, August 22nd at Colby Park in Windsor Heights from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
  • Click here to access the CMPG Facebook page for updates
Back to School Open House
  • Tuesday, August 24th from 3:30-4:45 p.m. at Cowles

First Day of School Kindergarten-8th Grade Students

  • Wednesday, August 25th
  • Doors open at 8:15 a.m.
  • School begins at 8:30 a.m.
  • Students are dismissed by 3:25 p.m.

Day of Peace/Dr. Maria Montessori's Birthday

  • Tuesday, August 31st
  • Day of Peace will be a modified version of our annual Peace Walk
  • Stay tuned for more details

Preschool Orientation

  • Thursday, September 2nd from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at Cowles

First Day of School for Preschool Students

  • Thursday, September 9th
  • Half-Day 8:30-11:30 a.m.
  • Full-Day 8:30-3:25 p.m.

CMPG Monthly Meeting (Virtual Zoom Meeting)

  • Monday, September 13th from 6:00-7:00 p.m., this is now a virtual Zoom meeting

Middle School Cross Country

Boys interested in cross-country, please download the InstaTeam app and use code SEV82M to join for our schedule, optional practices, and other information. Our first optional practice will be from 3:35-4:45 on August 16 at the bus turn-around at Merrill. Make sure to have running shoes, a water bottle, and a cell phone and running belt if you have them.


Adam Severson

He/him/his

7th Grade Language and Literature

Merrill Middle School

Adam.Severson@dmschools.org

Classroom Supply and Textbook Fees

Please pay your child(ren)'s classroom supply fee and textbook fee. These fees directly support your child's classroom with important classroom supplies and texts that align with our Montessori and Middle School curriculum. For directions on how to pay your child's fees, see the information posted below:


Classroom Supply Fees

Skip school supply shopping! Your child’s teacher knows best the materials needed for the classroom. Instead of searching for crayons and kleenex, parents contribute to their child's classroom fund. Teachers then purchase the classroom supplies with the funds provided.

  • PreK-6th Grade Classroom Supply Fees are $40.00
  • 7th and 8th Grade Classroom Supply Fees are $30.00
  • Consider donating to "Field Trip Expenses" and "Special Donations to Music, Art, P.E."

There are four convenient ways to pay classroom supply fees:

  • www.myschoolbucks.com (see directions below)
  • Venmo (@CMPG6401) Please leave students names in the comments section when paying with Venmo or Paypal
  • Paypal (CMPGDM@gmail.com) Please leave students names in the comments section when paying with Venmo or Paypal
  • If you prefer to pay via cash, check, debit, or credit in person, complete the attached form posted below this message to determine the total cost for your child(ren).


Directions for paying classroom supply fees on MySchoolBucks:
  1. Go to https://www.myschoolbucks.com/
  2. Click on "Log In"
  3. Log in or register for the Des Moines Public Schools Parent Portal
  4. Click on "School Store" or “Browse All Items”
  5. Click on "School Fees"
  6. Click on the corresponding grade level (e.g., "Classroom Supply Fees PreK-6th Grade" or "Classroom Supply Fees 7th & 8th Grade").
  7. Click on "Student" and select your child's name
  8. Click on "Add to Basket"
  9. Go to the "Basket" in the upper right-hand corner of the page
  10. Enter your payment information and click on "continue"
  11. Submit payment
  12. *Consider donating to "Field Trip Expenses" and "Special Donations to Music, Art, P.E."


Textbook Fees

  • Pay district textbook fees here
  • Only K-8th Grade students have textbook fees
  1. Click on "Log In"
  2. Locate 21-22 CWTXTE/CW TEXTBOOK FEE (2021-22 School Year)
  3. Click on "ADD TO CART"
  4. Go to the cart and click on "Checkout"
  5. Enter your payment information and click on "Submit"

ISASP Parent Portal

The ISASPs are the statewide assessment for students in 3rd through 12th Grade. There is now an ISASP Parent Portal available for parents to access results and resources.


ISASP Parent Portal

The ISASP Parent Portal provides secure online access of individual student results to families. Families will need to first create an account for the portal and enter the student’s name and date of birth, along with the student’s claim code. A claim code is currently only available for students who tested in person. Email or call the Cowles office for your child's claim code if they completed the assessment in person during the 2020-2021 school year.


Link to parent portal: https://ia-results.pearsonaccessnext.com/login


Schoolwide ISASP assessment data will be shared during the Principal's Report at the virtual CMPG Meeting on Monday, September 13th at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom.

Shop for Cowles Montessori Gear

Our partner, Raygun, created the Cowles Montessori Store for children, adolescents, and adults to buy T-Shirts. A portion of your payment is donated directly to Cowles!


You can purchase mugs, hats, and other T-Shirts through our Cowles Shop.