Dennis E. Cowan Elementary School

Principal's Message & Weekly Updates

 

Weekly Campus Updates from Mr. Brunner: Click Here for Messengers

 

Principal's Message:

Although I have had the pleasure of speaking with many of you, I know that I have not been able to share my priorities with all of you. The following is the list of my top three priorities and what parents can do to assist us.

1) Your child's safety is of utmost importance.

  • Make sure that your child's emergency care card information is always up to date.
  • Be prepared to show identification when you pick up your child.
  • Only ask people to pick up your child who are listed on the emergency care card and let them know that they will be asked to show identification.
  • If there is someone who is never to pick up your child from school, communicate this to the front office and your child's teacher.
  • Always check in at the office before entering the dining room, library, or classrooms.
  • Report anything suspicious to the front office immediately.
  • All doors will be locked during regular school hours.

 2) Our goal is for your child to learn as much as he/she can everyday.

  • Send your child to school everyday. If your child does not exhibit obvious signs of illness, please send him/her to school. The nurse will be available to assess children complaining that they don't feel well.
  • Make sure that your child drinks plenty of water daily. The brain and body need to be hydrated to perform at their best. Water assists the brain in thinking more clearly and the body in fighting infection more successfully.
  • Model the importance of a healthy diet and exercise. These are vital to your child's developing brain and body. Our adult bodies and brains appreciate them, too! Have your child wash his/her hands often for better health.
  • Set a reasonable bedtime for your child and assist your child in making it to bed on time every night.
  • Help your child find a quiet place to do homework.
  • Expect your child to have approximately 10 minutes of homework in first grade, 20 minutes in second grade, 30 minutes in third grade, etc.
  • Sign your child's agenda or homework folder on a regular basis. Don't wait for the report card to find out how your child is doing academically.
  • Contact your child's teacher at the beginning of the year to let him/her know any special needs your child may have. Visit your child's classroom and find out in what areas your child needs extra work. Your child's teacher should have ideas on how you can help your child at home. 

 3) It is our hope that each day will be a positive experience for your child.

  • Ask your child daily about what kind of day he/she had. Ask specifics about what made his/her day good, bad, or indifferent in order to identify causal factors. When necessary, help your child problem-solve and set goals with the intention of increasing the number of good days.
  • Contact your child's teacher if your child experiences frequent problems at school with other students or with staff members. If the teacher is unable to assist you, contact the counselor or an administrator.
  • Help your child see you, the parent, and the school as a partnership developed to ensure his/her success. Avoid making negative comments to or about your child's teacher in your child's presence.
  • Attend school functions with your child. Be involved in his/her education to the fullest extent possible. Your child will remember and appreciate your involvement during the school age years. 

Finally, please know that if you ever have any questions or concerns, we can be reached by phone, fax, email, or in person. We understand how precious your children are to you. We share your interest in their well being.

Travis Brunner
Proud Principal 
Dennis E. Cowan Elementary