May /June Family Newsletter
May 2008
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
1 Day 2
Band/
Orchestra
4
5 Day 4
Band/Orchestra
dress rehearsal;
Campbell to Wegman’s 9-12;
KHZ celebration
week
6 Day 5
Band/Orchestra
dress rehearsal;
Goff to Wegman’s 9-12; 5th
gr. to Penn College
7 Day 1
Band/Orchestra assembly 2:00 PM;
7:00 PM concert;
Art Fair 5:30-7:00
Triathlon registration
8 Day 2
Fri
2 Day 3
3
Band/Orchestra;
CSA Carnival
4:30 PM
10 5th gr.
field trip to
Washington DC
5:30 AMAuthor visit
Martha Freeman 10:30 PM
9 Day 3
Diversity day @
Brandon Park
12 Day 4
CSA meeting
7:00 PM
13 Day 5
14 Day 1 3rd gr. to
Montour Preserve
9:15-3:00
15 Day 2 CSA
Carnival rain
date
16 NO School
In-Service Day
18
19 Day 3
20 Day 4
Band/
Orchestra;
Free swim night
@ YMCA
21 Day 5
Band/Orchestra;
Volunteer Luncheon
11-1:00
22 Day 1
Band/
Orchestra
23 Day 2
24
Band/Orchestra;
1st gr. Camp
Susque 9-3;
Kdg. picnic 12-3;
Safety Patrol
pizza party
26 Memorial
Day—no school
27 Day 3 Ben28 Day 4
nett to Weg2nd gr. picnic 12-3
man’s 9-12;
2nd gr. to Penn
College & Hiawatha 9:15-2:30;
Last day to
check out books
29 Day 5 1st
gr. picnic 123; 4th gr. to
Ashland coal
mine
8:00-3:30
17
30 Day 1
31
Sports Day
12:30-3:30;
Curtin Jazz band
assembly for grs.
3-5 9:30 AM
All library books
due back
1500 Cherry Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 322-9731
Fax: 322-9733
Find us on the web @ www.wasd.org
Sat
11
25
J. Henry Cochran Elementary
The Cliché of the Day
Dear Parents and Guardians:
As I continue to mature (did I say that?) as an administrator and father, I never cease to be
amazed (thanks, mom) at the number of times I use clichés that my mother and father inflicted upon me. Now I chuckle every time I use them in my daily routines. One of the statements used most with our students is the classic: Actions speak louder than words! It is with
this traditional statement in mind that I present to you, in words, the wonderful actions of the
2007-2008 school year.
August – December:
Opening day, Open House, Lights, Camera, Action Assembly, “First Walk at
School”, Illustrator Jon Van Zyle assemblies, Keystone Healthy Zone Kickoff (J.
Henry and the Beanstalk), Band Super-Start Assembly, KHZ – “Walk to/at
School”, Picture Day, RIF “Curl Up With a Good Book”, Puppy Pals, Cochran
Community Night at Hoss’s, Sadecky’s Puppet, African Acrobats, Book Fair,
Jump-A-Thon, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Holiday Concert, Shoppers’ Shoppe
Family Night, Community Night at Pizza Hut.
January-Present:
Sky Dome Planetarium assembly, RIF “Reading is Out of This World”, Cochran
Staff/5th Grade volleyball games, Math/Science Night, Marjorie Maddux and Philip
Huber visit, Cochran Family Fun Night, Read Across American Week/Book
Swap, KHZ – “Go for the Greens”, Salty Ferguson visit, BMX assembly, Movie
Night (“Cars”), RIF “Turn Off the TV & Tune Into Reading”, “Turn Off the TV
Week”.
Still to come:
CSA Carnival (May 2nd), Keystone Healthy Zone Celebration Week (Week of
May 5th), Art Fair and Spring Concert (May 7th), Author Martha Freeman and
WASD’s Diversity Day (May 9th), 5th Grade field trip to Washington, D.C. (May
10th), Teacher Appreciation Luncheon (May 16th), JHC Volunteer Luncheon
(May 28th), Cochran Sports Day for Grades 4-5 (May 30th), KHZ Triathlon at
Memorial Park (June 4th at 5:30 PM), Last School Day-Awards Assembly at 10
AM.; dismissal at 11:30 AM (June 6th).
Office Personnel
David J. Michaels
Principal
[email protected]
Michele L. Brobst
Assistant Principal
[email protected]
Vicki Loehr
Guidance Counselor
[email protected]
Denny Logan
IST Teacher
[email protected]
Nel Stoudt
Administrative Support
[email protected]
Kim Cillo
Administrative Support
[email protected]
Need I say more?
Oh, and since we’re on the subject of clichés, I will close by sharing Mr. Logan’s favorite,
“have a healthy and safe summer!”
David J. Michaels
Principal
Cochran is Williamsport proud!
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
MS. BROBST
It is amazing that this school year has gone so quickly. By the time you receive this newsletter,
there will be a little less than six weeks to go in the school year.
The next month will be filled by both teachers and children working hard to wrap-up the 20072008 school year. As parents and teachers, we must ensure that students continue to focus and
demonstrate great effort for the remaining weeks. There are still many challenges and exciting
opportunities to learn as we end the school year. There are also many year-end activities that
are planned to celebrate accomplishments and growth.
As we are moving into May and June it is good to remind our children that sleep is very important to earning good grades. There is a definite link between sleep and recall of factual information. Sometimes, amongst soccer, baseball, dance, homework and supper it's easy to lose track
of time. Before you know it, it's well past the point where children can get a solid eight to ten
hours of sleep they need per night.
Finally, please remember that we are a team, working for the benefit of your children. If you
have any questions or concerns, we welcome your calls.
Have a great month!
Michele Brobst
Assistant Principal
THE LITERACY COLLABORATIVE AT
COCHRAN ELEMENTRY SCHOOL
THE LITERACY COLLABORATIVE AT
It is hard toELEMENTRY
imagine that the SCHOOL
end of the
COCHRAN
school year is upon us! It has been a wonderful year
of learning together - students and teachers. We are
very proud of the gains our students have made. As
summer approaches, all teachers experience the melancholy of realizing that their time with this particular
class is nearly over. With this melancholy also comes
a bit of anxiety as we are aware that most students
may lose some of these gains over the summer break.
Knowing that our parents will be there to continue to
our work and support their child’s learning relieves
this anxiety.
Here are a few suggestions that may help as
you look towards the summer months!
READ, READ, READ! Read to and with
your child every day! While reading, talk to your
child about what is happening in the story. You will
be surprised at what he/she notices, questions and
understands!
WRITE, WRITE, WRITE! Your children
see themselves as equally competent in writing and
reading. They experience writing daily and should be
encouraged to continue that practice. You can model
how they should think as a writer by asking them
questions about their stories/pieces. This may encourage them to extend the story by “adding that exciting/important part”!
TALK, TALK, TALK! Conversation with
your children is the key to you understanding what
they know and understand! It also helps to encourage
their oral language development. Research has
shown that the key to good readers and writers is oral
language.
Enjoy the summer! See you in the fall!
JUNIOR ROTARIANS HONORED
The Rotary Club of Williamsport will honor Gianna Zangara and Bryan
Kavanagh on Junior Rotarian Day, May 12, 2008 at the Acacia Club. The
Cochran students were selected based upon the following criteria: scholarship, leadership, sportsmanship, and service to the school and community.
COCHRAN IS ON THE WEB!
Check us out @ www.wasd.org
under schools!
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
May 5-9, 2008 is Teacher Appreciation Week.
Take time to write your child’s teacher a thank
you note for the countless hours of dedication to
your child. His/her education is one of the most
important factors in childhood. Please set a good
example by showing your appreciation for all that your child’s
teacher does to improve
his/her chances for a
successful adulthood.
Lost and Found Items
Many items, from jackets to hats, are
finding their way into our lost and found
box. The box is located in front of the
gym. If your child loses something,
please encourage your child to look in
the box. Also, feel free to check the box
when you're in the school.
Nondiscrimination Policy
The Williamsport Area School District is an
equal opportunity education institution and will
not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, sex, and handicap in its activities, programs, or employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, Title IX Education Amendment of 1972,
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
and the Americans with Disability Act of 1990.
For more information regarding civil rights,
grievance procedures, or services, activities,
and facilities that are accessible to and usable
by handicapped individuals, contact:
Debbra J. Savage, Esq., Director of Human
Resources, Williamsport Area School District,
201 West Third Street, Williamsport, PA
17701, telephone number (570) 327-5500 extension 3541.
NURSES’ NOTES
FROM MRS. DEMOTT-THOMPSON AND MRS. MILLER
Weight-Bearing Exercise for Kids and Teens
Exercise helps build bone mass, and weight-bearing exercise is particularly helpful in this task. Weightbearing exercise includes any activity in which your feet and legs carry your own weight. You can: WALK,
RUN, JUMP, JUMP ROPE, DANCE, CLIMB STAIRS, JOG, HIKE, SKATE, PLAY TENNIS,
RACQUETBALL, SOCCER, BASKETBALL, FIELD HOCKEY, VOLLEYBALL, SOFTBALL OR
BASEBALL.
Source: NICHD 2004
______________________________________________________________________________________
ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT AND ART SHOW
Come and see the Cochran Elementary Art Show - Wednesday, May 7, 2008, 5:30-7:00
featuring artwork by all of the Cochran students.
Stay and enjoy the Cochran Beginning & Advanced Orchestra, Cochran Band & Fifth
Grade Chorus Concert in the multi-purpose room, Wednesday, May 7, 2008 7:00-8:00
PM . Hope to see you there!
PARENT INVOLVEMENT COORDINATOR
MRS. HARDY
Summer is almost upon us! We all know that 3 months can seem like a lifetime when your kids are bored. So
here are some summer activities to keep them busy.
The James V. Brown Library’s summer reading kick-off will be Saturday, June 7, from 10AM to 3PM. This
year the kick-off will be at Lycoming College in front of Pennington Lounge. It’s all about bugs this year!
Saturday, June 21 2:00-2:45 PM
Dr. William Blodgett the bee man
Saturday, July 26 1PM
Rick Miklua the butterfly guy
Saturday, August 2 11AM
Zoo America
There will be a free open house at the Little League Museum on Saturday, June 14 from 9 AM to 7 PM. Don’t
forget about the Little League World Series. This year the series runs from August 15th to 24th.
The Community Theatre will be having eight theatre camps for children in grades K to 12. For more info, go to
www.ctlnet.org or call 327-1720.
Penn Tech is running a summer camp from June 9th to July 31st. The cost is $80.00 per child per week. For
more info, call Lisa Worth at 326-3761.
Lycoming College is offering a college for kids for students that have finished grades 2nd – 8th.The cost for half
days is $100.00 and full days is $175.00. For more info, go to www.lycoming.edu/youth.
Hope you all have a safe and fun-filled learning summer!
COCHRAN LIBRARY INFORMATION
YES PROGRAM
(We ALWAYS need your HELP!!)
The last day for checking out Cochran library books will be on Tuesday, May 27th. All books must
be returned to the library by May 30th. All students returning their books will be treated to a snocone party on June 4th. Unless your child’s lost or damaged book is paid for, your child will not
receive a final report card until the obligation is met.
The “Yes” program encourages our children to demonstrate that they are good citizens.
Each Friday, six names are pulled from the “YES” bucket, and the children receive prizes
donated by you, the parents. PLEASE DONATE TO THIS SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM! YOUR SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Special thanks to the following families and friends for their contributions to the “YES”
program:
The Lundy family
CSA book fair
Keshaun Connor
Mrs. Bower
Nathan Moore & family
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles!
REMINDERS....
Whenever a student has a change of address, phone number, emergency
numbers, or other important information, the school should be notified immediately. This notification can be in writing or by telephone. The information is extremely important for our records.
“Just TRI It” Guidelines
COCHRAN CALENDAR
LEASE POST THE CALENDAR ATTACHED TO
THIS NEWSLETTER AT
A LOCATION THAT IS
CONVENIENT FOR YOU, SUCH
AS YOUR REFRIGERATOR, IN
ORDER TO KEEP YOU INFORMED OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND DAYS THAT SCHOOL
IS NOT IN SESSION.
Each newsletter will have a
monthly calendar marked with
important dates.
HELP WHEN
YOU NEED IT
Attached is a cycle day (Days 1-5)
calendar for May/June with the
days listed. If school is canceled
due to inclement weather, please go
to the next cycle day as follows.
COCHRAN CARNIVAL – HIP HIP
HOORAY!
The Cochran Carnival is May
2nd from 4:30-7:30 PM. There
will be games and lots of food.
Bring your family for dinner
and lots of fun at the carnival.
PARKING REQUEST
Please be mindful of where you
park your vehicle during arrival,
dismissal, and evening programs.
Our focus is on family fitness activities.
 In-school activities do not count.
 Students/Families will complete monthly calendar
and return it to school (see centerfold).
 A child/family that records 10 hours of activity in a
month will receive a shoe-token. (20
Hours=Tokens )
 A parent/guardian must sign each paper.
 Every time a child returns a completed (signed)
form, he/she will become eligible for a grand prize
at the end of the initiative.

BEGINNING OF 2008-09 SCHOOL YEAR
YMCA CHILD CARE SERVICES
Kathie Saar is the sight coordinator at Cochran’s YMCA Child Care Services before and
after school program. Parents interested in
this service may contact the child care office
at 323-7134. This service provides supervision before and after school.
J. Henry Cochran Elementary is...
...a learning community in which children will strive for excellence, realize their potential and make healthy lifestyle choices on a daily basis.
School will resume for the 2008-09 school year on
Tuesday, August 26, 2008.
There will be no room assignments listed on student
report cards issued the last day of school. However,
school assignments will be on the report cards. Class
lists will be displayed on August 18, 2008 on the back
doors at Cochran.
MRS. LOEHR
Get Ready to Play!
The weather is getting nice and summer will soon be here. For children, that means more free time and… more
time to PLAY. Now don’t laugh - playing really is work – it involves patience, problem-solving, social skills,
creativity – all skills needed to be successful in life. Play isn’t just for kids though – sometimes as adults we forget
this. While children do need time to play alone and with other children without adult intervention, research shows
that playtime with caregivers is also important. Children crave time with the adults in their lives. It makes them
feel special. Play is the perfect way to spend time with children. For those of us adults who might forget a little
about the “how’s” of play, try some of the below ideas:
Pretend play. Let the child develop the theme. Get into their world. Let them go with it. Ask questions. Play
along.
Get outside. Throw balls. Push kids on swings. Make mud pies. Go on a hike around the neighborhood. Take a
nature walk in your backyard. Visit a local playground. Take in a baseball game – check out the newspaper for
advertisements about free passes to Crosscutter’s games.
Play games. Card games – board games – silly and wacky kids games. Help them learn to take turns, how to win
and how to loose. Praise them. Encourage them. Laugh with them.
Do a craft project. Build a jigsaw puzzle as a family. Bake cookies. Paint a picture. Plant flowers.
Listen to music together. Sing along. Play rhythm instruments along with music. Get out the guitar or keyboard
… or pots and pans… and make music. Make your own instruments - the internet is a great resource to learn how.
Go to Brandon Park to listen to free music scheduled throughout the summer.
Read a book together. Ask questions. Ask them to change the story or make up a new one. Go to the local library. The James V. Brown library offers some great summer programs.
Watch a movie together. Find out what they liked – how they felt. Discover the child’s interests. Comment on
and discuss any bothersome content in either words or actions. Check out the Great Escape movie theater for their
free movie summer program or the Movie in the Park program at Brandon Park.
Play kid games. Remember from your own childhood days: Follow the Leader – Guess What I Am? – Hide and
Seek – Flashlight Tag – Hop Scotch.
Playing with kids builds a bond that will last forever. It lets the child know he or she is loved and appreciated. It
opens the door for sharing problems and concerns when the need arises. It helps the caregiver get to know and
understand the uniqueness of each child. It is also a great stress reducer for the adults after a long, hard day.
Stay Active—Stay Healthy!
Please sign and return this to
school at the end of the month!
10 Hours = 1 Token
Information adapted from: Playing with Your Child, Child Development Institute [Online]
Available: http://www.toys4growth.com
Please use this calendar to record
your family’s activities!
COUNSELOR’S CORNER
SCHOOL DRESS CODE
Anticipating the warm days of spring that soon shall be upon us, the dress in the school will begin to
change. The WASD has a dress code policy which states “Scanty shorts which do not extend beyond
the student’s fingertips when the hands are held at his or her side are not permitted. Tank tops, spaghetti strap tops, midriff shirts, muscle shirts, and sandals are also not permitted.” Parents and students should use discretion when choosing clothes to be worn to school. If there are clothing items
worn that cause a disruption to the education process, the student will be asked to change his or her
clothes or be sent home.
Y.E.S. Coupon Requirements
Our Expectation…J. Henry Cochran students will be respectful, responsible, and reasonable individuals who will strive to function well in the school community.
Please remember that students should initiate the behavior on their own accord.
The idea is to “catch” a student being a positive, helpful, caring example to others without the student
knowing.
This program is designed to promote responsible, compassionate citizens in our school.
The focus is on exceptional behavior.
SCHOOL CHOICE FORMS
The elementary and middle school controlled choice forms were distributed to parents or legal guardians before parent conference week.
Please fill out the form with your three school choices for your child for
the 2008-09 school year. Parents submitting an application after May 1,
or failing to submit an application, will be considered by principals as a
separate group for assignment to schools after all previous applicants
have been placed. School assignments will be listed on the end of the
year report card on June 6, 2008. Our intent is to give as many parents/students their first choice of schools as possible.
TOP TEN REASONS TO GIVE A YES COUPON…
A student displays respect by being polite and listening carefully while others ar
speaking.
A student displays courtesy by helping others and using polite language.
A student displays responsibility by making thoughtful, wise decisions.
A student displays leadership by keeping his/her group focused on their goal, taking initiative toward a positive goal and modeling good behavior, especially
when attending assemblies, learning with a substitute teacher, and representing
our building on field trips.
A student displays honesty by telling the truth and taking responsibility for his/
her actions.
A student shows compassion by reaching out to help other students, especially
those in need.
A student displays caring by being concerned about others well-being.
A student displays kindness by giving their time and efforts to help others.
A student displays pride by keeping the school environment clean and organized.
A student displays his/her personal best by learning from mistakes, trying harder
when faced with adversity, and showing significant improvement in any area.
WE NEED YOU! Please consider donating to the Y.E.S. Program!
WASD had a record number of teams participate in the Regional Odyssey of
the Mind competition this year. The district was represented by ten teams
representing most elementary and middle schools!
Five WASD teams placed in the top four of their division. Congratulations to
all the OM teams, we are "Williamsport Proud" of your success! Cochran’s
primary team tied for 1st place, and the Division I Dinostories first year team
tied for 4th place.
Please attend the Gifted Open House at Stevens Elementary School on May 28, 2008 between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.
June 2008
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS ON
THEIR ACHIEVEMENT!
These students exemplify excellence.
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
STUDENTS OF
THE MONTH
STUDENTS OF
THE MONTH
STUDENTS OF THE
MONTH
STUDENTS OF
THE MONTH
Emily Smith
Angelina Morrone
Drew Moser
Ian Welshans
Emani Brown
Esteban Diaz
Tyler Liebersohn
Zoe Young
Tyler Holcomb
D’Angelo Strachon
Hunter Trythall
Cieara Alston
Tianna Ulmer
Skylar Hoover
Shania Dolison
Karisa Zimmerman
Alexander Nichols
Christian Turner
Dominika Kuglasz
Victoria Morrone
Jimmy Gardner
Gage Walsh
Montana Lewis
Kenyatta Williams
Zhane’ Sawyer
Aaryka Goodwell
Joseph Thompson
McKenna Workman
Avery Hoffman
Sharice Coleman
Hesakya Williams
Quantae Barnes
Zaire Collins
Cailin Portzebwski
Taylor Hamm
Dareesha Simmons
Al-Tamar Jason
Francesca Patetta
Isaiah Niedermyer
Ryan Niklaus
Max Carnahan
Tymeia Lee
Leah Burgess
Leslie James
Mikela Hoffman
Bret Kavanagh
Kortnei Confer
Nashaira Smith
Robert Briggs
Ethan Shipman
Isabella Lomison
Bella Young
Gordon Walsh
Michael Lopez
Cassidy Albright
Tishara Connelly
Jahmir Ramos
Ayla Hamilton
Andrew Fish
Liam Breasette
Jason Zimmerman
Jevia Barbee
Caley Kaiser
Carl He
Nailah Oliver
Maris Dewald
Isaiah Hankins
Maddie Wilk
Robert Pruitt
Payton Brewer
Jerod Barone
Devin Fedroff
Al-Ahad Vaughn
Dylan Bartlow
Gregory Stewart
Rosemary Flock
Ryley Holcomb
Tyauna Wheeler
Kayla Tagliaferri
Olivia Droddy
Heidi Crane
Ja’nell Wallace
Daevon Bodden
Alysia Quartman
Nina Schappell
Tatianna Perry
Aushay Carter
Phoenix Dodds
Virginia Walsh
Bailey Hostrander
Jordan Englert
Alexander Nicholas
Taylor Nickens
Mickayla Walton
Erica Ludwikoski
Tannor Cameron
Sophia Stabley
Alexa Hill
Tykeem Phillips
Bennett Hubler
Sun
Mon
Tue
1
2 Day 2
Rain date for
Sports Day 12:303:30; 5th gr. picnic; Kdg. screening
3 Day 3 Kdg.
screening
Kdg. field
trip to farm
4th gr. picnic
8
9 NO School
Teacher Record
Day
10
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
4 Day 4 Kdg.
5 Day 4 5th gr.
Screening
play 2:00 PM
Kdg. field trip to Kdg. - park PM
farm; 3rd gr.
picnic; KHZ
triathlon @ Memorial Park;
sno-cone party
for library books
returned
6 Last Day
5th gr. Awards
Assembly @
10:00 AM;
11:30 AM dismissal
7 KHZ—
National
Trails
Day
11
13
14
12
July 2008
Sun
6
Mon
7 Summer School
& Girls on the Run
begins
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
Happy
Independence Day
8
9
10
11
12