• Friday, 11/1: The school selection process closes at 5 pm
• Friday, 11/1: Acme Give Back Where It Counts begins! For the month of November, each time a $3.00 reusable Give Back Where it Counts Bag is purchased at the Acme at 5827-59 Ridge Ave, $1 will be donated to the CW HSA
• Tuesday, 11/5: Election Day – Schools Closed
• Monday, 11/11: Veterans’ Day – Schools Closed & Administrative Offices Closed
• Friday, 11/15: Professional Development Half Day – 12:24 Dismissal    
• Monday, 11/18 – Friday, 11/22: Scholastic Book Fair. Click here to sign up to volunteer, to check class schedules, or to set up an e-wallet for your student!
• Tuesday, 11/19: WSC Meeting at 6:30 pm at The Foodery Roxborough
• Wednesday, 11/20: Report Card Conferences & Half Day – 12:24 Dismissal
• Thursday, 11/21: Report Card Conferences & Half Day – 12:24 Dismissal
• Thursday, 11/21: November HSA Meeting at 6 pm at A Tutti  
• Friday, 11/22: Report Card Conferences & Half Day – 12:24 Dismissal  
• Wednesday, 11/27: Drawing for the winner of the WSC Quilt. Buy tickets any time before then at cookwisswsc.com
• Thursday, 11/28: CW Choir performing in the 100th 6ABC Thanksgiving Day Parade
• Thursday, 11/28 – Friday, 11/29: Thanksgiving Holiday – Schools Closed & Administrative Offices Closed
• NUT Day Fridays: Every Friday is a NUT Day – students pay $1 to dress down. This is a big fundraiser for the HSA and the money raised primarily goes toward funding buses and transportation for school trips. The three half days for Report Card Conferences are free dress down days. On other Fridays, please send in $1 for your student to participate or look at ways you can pay ahead here.

November Lunch Menu: https://www.philasd.org/foodservices/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2019/10/Nov-2019-FS-K-8-Lunch_Website-10.25.pdf

Reminders and Updates
Clothing Donations Needed: Are you cleaning out closets as the weather changes? If you have gently used uniforms you’d like to donate, the HSA is now collecting. We’re also accepting sweatshirts and coats! Please send donations to the HSA office. We could also use some bins to make it easier to store and sort the donations. If you need uniforms or coats for your student, stop by the HSA office to see if we have what you need. Thanks!

HSA Committees: We are still looking for volunteers for our Teacher Appreciation Committee, Holiday Shop Committee, and Middle School Committee. Interested or want more information? Email cookwisshsa@gmail.com.

Fundraiser Information
Acme Give Back Where it Counts Reusable Bag Program: Hooray, it’s November! The CW HSA will receive a $1 donation for every $3.00 GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Bag sold in November at the ACME store located at 5927-59 Ridge Avenue! Please help support CW through this fundraiser!

Mabel’s Labels Fundraiser: Order Mabel’s Labels and raise money for CW. Log on to MabelsLabels.com and click on the upper right-hand side where it says, “Support a Fundraiser”. Type in “Cook-Wissahickon”, shop, have it directly shipped to your house, and CW earns money! Order anytime you’d like throughout the year and help earn money for our school. Share this with families and friends!

Box Tops For Education: Please continue to send in your Box Tops! We’re still accepting the paper box tops, but these traditional box tops clippings are being phased out. Now, when you see a Box Top Symbol, you can download the App and upload your receipt! This money goes directly to the school to help support student activities like the Ballroom Dance Program!  

Volunteer and Donation Needs
November Book Fair: We are excited for our first book fair this school year on November 18-22! Every purchase from the book fair earns rewards for our school. We need several volunteers to make this a success. You can sign up to volunteer, check out the class schedule, and create an e-wallet for your student to shop here!

2019-20 Library Volunteers: Thanks to the volunteers at West Philadelphia Alliance for Children (WePAC), the CW library is open at select times. The WePAC volunteers could use more help. And the more help they get, the better chance of more hours for the library to be open. Contact cookwisshsa@gmail.com for more information or visit the HSA office.

Volunteer Clearances: Every person who volunteers at our school—in the classroom, on field trips, at school events, etc.—MUST have clearances! This must be completed before you can volunteer—no exceptions! Please click the link above to get started or email cookwisshsa@gmail.com.

CW Amazon Wish List Spotlight: Find all CW teacher Amazon Wish Lists here!

Support the WSC by entering to win a King/Generous Queen handmade quilt. (see pics below)
$5 per Ticket, $25 for 6 Tickets, and $40 for 10 Tickets. The drawing will be held at 7 PMon Wednesday, November 27! You can also buy tickets online. Click here for details!

Thank You
The first two months of school have been busy and we’re so grateful to all who have volunteered in so many ways to make these two months a success. First, thanks to all who have joined the HSA. It’s a great way to show your support. If you haven’t joined yet, please join or renew now here!
Thanks to everyone who has sent in paper box tops and to all who downloaded the app and have been scanning your receipts.We collected $2 We also had a lot of big, fun, successful events since the start of school—a celebration of the WSC’s completion of a path to the outdoor classroom, the CW 5K, Fall Movie Night, the 50th Anniversary Celebration, and the Art Department’s Annual Harvest Festival! Thank you to all the teachers, staff, neighbors, parents, and family members who organized, volunteered, and came out to support these events.40 and had $55 scanned in from receipts for our first submission! Keep up the amazing work! All of our Box Tops checks go toward the 5th grade ballroom dancing program!
The 5K raised money for the HSA, which all goes to support school and student activities. The Fall Movie night raised more than $600 for the music department. The 50th Anniversary brought together current families and staff, past students and staff, and neighbors to celebrate CW’s 50-year history as well as what’s to come! It also included a great performance by the CW Choir!
None of this would have been possible without the support of our amazing CW community! Thank you—and we’re looking forward to another great month ahead!

The CW Art Department is hosting it 8th Annual Harvest Festival Art Fundraiser on Thursday, October 24 from 4:00-6:00 pm in the CW Cafeteria. If you pre-register, it’s $10 for 50 tickets. Your student can return the form to his or her homeroom teacher or to Ms. Kimmel’s mailbox in the office. Student names, homerooms, and grades must be provided as well as the amount of tickets with correct amount included. You can also purchase tickets at the door for $10 for 40 tickets. Tickets can be used for pumpkin painting, light food & refreshments, a card-making craft station, and games & prizes. All money raised will go toward supporting the art department.

But to make this event a real success, we need volunteers! If you are able, please sign up to help out! We’re so grateful for any time you can volunteer. Thanks in advance for your time! Signup here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4cabae2ba5fa7-fall

Also, the Wissahickon Sustainability Council is raffling off a beautiful, homemade, King-size Quilt (see picture below) – tickets will be available for purchase at the Harvest Festival (and you can see the quilt in person) or you can buy tickets ahead of time via paypal for $5 per Ticket, $25 for 6 Tickets, and $40 for 10 Tickets! Visit paypal.me/cookwisswsc to purchase tickets. Include your name, phone number or email, and 2019 Quilt Raffle in the space for special instructions! They’ll be picking and notifying a winner on 11/27!

The school selection process opened Friday, Sept. 20 and will be open through Nov. 1 at 5 pm. For important dates and more information, visit https://www.philasd.org/findyourfit/

Cook-Wissahickon’s school counselor Ms. Kelly Getts provided all 8th grade students with a copy of the High School Directory. This Directory has information on every School District of Philadelphia public High School, including all of their admission requirements.

“Students should only apply to schools in which they fit within the admissions criteria. By this point, students should be narrowing down their search and choosing 5 School District of Philadelphia schools to apply to,” explains Ms. Getts.

Some schools require essays, auditions, and/or letters of recommendation. Please check specific requirements in the Directory or PSD website. If a student needs a teacher letter of recommendation, s/he must request the letter from the teacher no later than October 1.

You can check out this information sheet about Open Houses at a number of high schools. All of the information is subject to change, but it’s up to date as of today. And be sure to visit https://www.philasd.org/findyourfit/ or consult the High School Directory for specific information about high schools for which you want to schedule tours or shadow days.

All parents, guardians, teachers, and staff members are encouraged to become involved with the Cook-Wissahickon Home and School Association by attending our monthly meetings to coordinate plans to support for our school community and by volunteering throughout the year. Everyone is welcome to participate in monthly HSA meetings. Check out some of our accomplishments from the 2018-19 school year here.

Suggested dues are $5.00 per family, per year.  To become a voting HSA member for the year, you can fill out the Google form online or you can download the 2019-20 HSA Membership Form and print it and have your student return it to his/her homeroom teacher in an envelope marked HSA Membership. Payments can be sent to school via cash or check (checks made payable to Cook-Wissahickon HSA). You can also pay via Paypal – just mark your child’s name, grade/teacher, and Membership Dues in the space for special instructions.

Cook-Wissahickon 2019-20 NUT Days 

Participating in NUT Days—or No Uniform Today Days—is a great way to help raise funds for the Cook-Wissahickon Home and School Association. For $1, students are able to dress down in appropriate non-uniform clothes for school.

Even if just about half of CW students participate in a NUT Day, we can raise about $250 on any given Friday. This money provides multiple buses to and from field trips or buses for choir students to participate in the Thanksgiving Day parade each year, and more. All money raised goes to the HSA General Fund to support our students. 

This year we are again offering pay-ahead options for those who don’t want to have to search for $1 on Fridays. Please download the form here for complete details. You can send payment in with this form or pay via our PayPal account. Please make checks payable to Cook-Wissahickon HSA. You can also pay via https://paypal.me/cookwisshsa mark your child(s) name, teacher, and NUT DAY in the space for special instructions.

NUT Day Calendar for 2019-20

The first HSA meeting of the 2019-20 school year will be held on Thursday, September 12 at 6:00 pm at Cook-Wissahickon. This summer, the CW HSA Board has been working on reviewing and revamping our bylaws so they align with our current practices and the needs of our school community. We will be voting on the changes at this first meeting. We want to be sure to have our members’ voices included in this process. Please review the proposed changes (additions in red and text being removed is indicated with a strike through) here before our vote on 9/12.

We hope to see you at the meeting. If you have any questions or suggestions before then, or can’t make the meeting, but have a comment, please email cookwisshsa@gmail.com.

We hope everyone enjoys the last few weeks of summer—the first day of school is Tuesday, 9/3!

Has your student outgrown his/her uniforms? Do you need to clean out closets or fill them for the 2019-20 school year? Whether you need uniforms, have some to donate, or both, stop by the Cook-Wissahickon Table at Pretzel Park’s Farmer’s Market on August 3 from 10am to 2pm!
Can’t make it on 8/3, but have some uniforms to give away? Drop off your gently used uniform shirts, skirts, pants, sweatshirts, etc. in the bin in front of the school at your convenience anytime before 8/2!

We will also be organizing one uniform order before the start of school – if you are interested in ordering any of the CW embroidered uniform options, all orders are due NO LATER THAN 8/10/19. Please download the order form here and follow the directions—orders will be accepted via email (COOKWISSUNIFORMS@GMAIL.COM) or can be dropped off at one of three upcoming community events where HSA volunteers will have a table:

• Wednesday, 7/31: Parks on Tap at Gorgas Park (5-10pm)
• Thursday, 8/1: Stroll The Street on Main Street, Manayunk (5-9pm)
• Friday, 8/2: First Friday at Roxborough Pocket Park (5-8pm)

You can pay via PayPal at time of order or pay via cash or check at pick up (estimated to be available 8/30-8/31).

Happy summer! We know some people like to get school supply shopping over with early in the summer and some like to wait. We’re posting the supply lists from school for each grade here so you can access it whenever you’re ready! Please be sure all supplies are latex-free as there are several staff members in the building who are allergic to latex so no latex is allowed.

Kindergarten Supply List

First Grade Supply List

Second Grade Supply List

Third Grade Supply List

Fourth Grade Supply List

Fifth Grade Supply List

Middle School Supply List

Important Dates

• 5/1-2: PSSA for Science for 4th and 8th Grades
• 5/2,3: Beauty and the Beast JR performances at 6 pm at Cook-Wissahickon
• 5/4: Beauty and the Beast JR at 1:30 pm at Cook-Wissahickon
  (The theater department is still looking for a few more volunteers to help at the performances. Click here to see what’s needed and to sign up if you’re available.)
• 5/7: WSC Earth Day Event at CW—Volunteers are needed. Please sign up here!
• 5/9: HSA Meeting at 6:30 at A Tutti (5154 Ridge Ave) (Check out last month’s minutes here.)
• 5/10: Teacher Appreciation Breakfast—Thanks to all who have already signed up to donate food or supplies or to help! Haven’t had a chance to sign up yet? It’s not too late – click here to sign up!)
• 5/16: Arts Showcase at 5:45 pm (Middle School and Choir Students, 2nd grade HR 105, 1st grade HR 102, All Kindergarten Students, and All 5th Grade Students) Volunteers needed. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4cabae2ba5fa7-spring
• 5/17: CW at the Phillies Game (Choir singing the National Anthem)
• 5/21: No School – Election Day
• 5/21: WSC Meeting at The Foodery at 6:30 pm
• 5/22: WSC Meeting at CW at 4 pm
• 5/24: Choir Championships
• 5/27: No School for Memorial Day
• 5/28: 8th Grade Trip
• 5/29: 8th Grade Lunch
• 5/30: Field Day (see below for more details) *Note New Date*
• 5/30: Meet Your Community Night at Stroll the Street in Manayunk. CW will be there with details about the 9/21 5K!
• 5/31: 8th Grade Graduation
• 6/3: Kindergarten Move-up Celebration
• 6/4: Last Day of School for Students
• 6/8: WSC/Lowe’s Grant Build Day: Improving Access to Outdoor Classroom

Reminders

• Stay Up-to-Date: If you know someone who is not receiving HSA emails, please forward this and ask them to sign up here to be added to the list.
• Every Day in May: Did you hear about the Cook-Wissahickon Perfect Attendance Challenge? CW teachers and staff want to see students in school #EveryDayinMay! The class with the most perfect attendance days in May will win an Ice Cream Party! Enter to win by coming Every Day In May!
• Volunteer Clearances: Interested in volunteering at events for the remainder of the year like Field Day? Please make sure you have all your clearances so you’re eligible to help! Thanks to all who have completed or started this process!
• District-wide Survey: Your opinion wanted! Parents/guardians and students are encouraged to take the District-wide survey. Click here to complete the survey. 

Cook-Wissahickon’s Annual Field Day is on Thursday, May 30! CW students will head to Daisy Field for an end-of-the-year celebration with games and contests to determine this year’s winner—the Maroon or Blue Team! Students will be bringing home a permission slip soon that must be returned. The cost of this year’s Field Day is $10. We’re also asking families to donate food items (each homeroom has a specific request—see the form your student brought home or check out the details here!). Thanks in advance for your support. If you’d like to volunteer and have completed all your clearances, you can sign up here.

Thank You, CW Families!

April was a busy month at Cook-Wissahickon! Thank you to all of the awesome volunteers who helped out this month! We love our CW Community!
Our BOGO Book Fair at the beginning of the month was great! Thank you so much to all the new and returning volunteers who helped!
The Wissahickon Sustainability Council has been hard at work keeping our school grounds looking good! Thanks for organizing clean-up days and thanks to all who showed up to help! If you’re interested in getting involved with the WSC, join them on 5/21 at The Foodery at 6:30 pm for their monthly meeting or sign up to help with their Earth Day Event at school on 5/7. You can sign up here.
Our Spring Movie Night was fun thanks to all the volunteers who helped move the festivities indoors due to the crazy weather! Thanks to all the families who braved the weather and joined us for a fun night!
The Dine to Donate Events have been popular and profitable this year! Our March Tony Roni night brought in $70. Thanks to all who dined out on 4/29 at Hilltown Tavern, too!
The uniform sale fundraiser for learning and autistic support classrooms raised $600—each class will get $150.
Thank you to the families who have contributed to our 50th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign so far! We’re on our way to reaching our fundraising goals! We’re also grateful to our community business sponsors!

Please donate to our 50th Anniversary Fundraiser! We’re grateful to all who have contributed! The money raised so far is going toward replacing the basketball poles and adding backboards and nets in the schoolyard, which should be coming very soon! We will also be supporting student activities and teacher continuing education. Click here to donate to our fundraising drive via PayPal (add memo line: CW-HSA Fundraiser 2019). Or send a check payable to Cook-Wissahickon HSA and to school in an envelope marked “HSA.” Thank you for your support!

School will be closed April 18, 19, and 22 for Spring Break. We hope everyone has a great break! Check out some of the events coming up at CW after break (don’t forget to get your clearances if you plan to volunteer):

Did you miss the April HSA Meeting? Get the minutes here.
WSC Spring Clean Up on Monday, April 22, with Neighborhood Groups & Schools. Come out to volunteer as part of our Earth Day Clean Up! This clean up is in partnership with other local neighborhood schools. We will pick up trash, weed, mulch, and do other maintenance. Sign up here!
Kids Heart Challenge: Click here to find out more about this event and to sign up!
Spring Movie Night! Join us for Spring Movie Night! We’re showing Jumanji (1995) on Friday, April 26 on our “lawn area” at dusk (doors open at 7)! ($5 for adults/$2/50 for children). Bring blankets and chairs. Concessions availalable. We will need volunteers to make this as smooth as possible! Sign up for jobs like working the concession stand, cooking, selling glow sticks, set up, clean up, and more. Sign up here to volunteer!
12th Annual Autism Expo: The School District of Philadelphia, Office of Specialized Services and the Hill Freedman World Academy are hosting the 12th Annual Autism Expo on Friday, April 26 at the School District of Philadelphia Education Center 440 North Broad Street from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event was organized for parents, guardians and family members to meet with Providers, Legislators, and Parents Support organizations. Our volunteer coordinator set up a page for interested CW families to sign up to coordinate going to the expo here.
Dine to Donate at Hilltown Tavern on April 29 from 6-9pm. 20% of proceeds will be donated back to Cook-Wissahickon Home and School Association.
Math PSSA (Grades 3-8): April 29-30
Beauty and the Beast JR: Come out and see the performances on 5/2,3, and 4! Get tickets now online at Cwbeauty.brownpapertickets.com Password: CookWissTheatre2019. Also, volunteers are needed at performances. Sign up here.
WSC Earth Day Celebration on May 7 with CW Classes. Volunteers can expect to serve in various capacities to aid the WSC team and partner organizations throughout the day. Volunteer here to help!
Phillies Game: Join CW Families for a fun night cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies on 5/17. The CW Choir will be singing the National Anthem! Order tickets now. Lost the order form? Download it here

CW Teacher Appreciation Breakfast on 5/10
We need help to make this year’s Teacher Appreciation Breakfast on May 10 a success—we need donations and volunteers to help with set up, serving, and/or clean up! Please take a moment to view our sign-up sheet to see what roles interest you. Thank you!

Other Reminders:

District-wide Survey: Your opinion wanted! Parents/guardians and students are encouraged to take the District-wide survey. Click here to complete the survey.
50th Anniversary Fundraiser: Help us reach our fundraising goal—contribute to our 50th Anniversary Fundraiser! We’re raising money to improve the outdoor basketball courts, support student activities, and fund teacher continuing education. Donate here via PayPal (add memo line: CW-HSA Fundraiser 2019). Or send cash or check payable to Cook-Wissahickon HSA to school in an envelope marked “HSA.” Thanks to all the families who have already donated!