Cotopaxi Consolidated Schools

Community Announcement: Special Showing of Screenagers: The Next Chapter

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,

We are pleased to invite you to a special showing of Screenagers: The Next Chapter, the highly anticipated follow-up to the original Screenagers documentary that we shared earlier this year.

This new film continues the conversation by exploring the challenges of stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being in today’s digital world. It provides research-based insights and practical strategies for families navigating the realities of technology and adolescence.

The screening will take place on Wednesday, October 1st at 6pm in the cafeteria. We welcome all community members, parents, guardians, and students to attend. We believe this documentary offers valuable perspectives and will help foster meaningful dialogue about supporting our students both at home and at school.

We hope you will join us for this important event as we work together to guide our young people toward healthy, balanced lives in a screen-driven world.

With appreciation,
Rob Tressler
Dean/Counselor/Academic Coordinator

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,

Welcome back to a new school year! I hope this letter finds you and your family refreshed from the summer and ready for an exciting year ahead. As your Dean of Students, it is my privilege to partner with you in supporting the academic growth, personal development, and overall well-being of every student.

This year, our focus will continue to be on creating a safe, positive, and engaging learning environment. We are committed to maintaining high expectations for behavior and achievement while providing the necessary support for all students to thrive. Our dedicated staff will work closely with families and community partners to ensure that every child feels valued, respected, and prepared for success. Every child, Every Day!

We are especially excited about the opportunities this year brings—whether through classroom learning, extracurricular activities, or community events. Strong schools are built on strong relationships, and I encourage you to stay connected with us. Your involvement, communication, and collaboration make a tremendous difference in the lives of our students.

Thank you for entrusting us with the education and care of your children. Together, we will make this year one filled with growth, accomplishment, and Pirate pride. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions, concerns, or ideas—I welcome the opportunity to connect with you.

Here’s to a successful school year!

Warm regards,

Rob Tressler

Dean/Counselor/Academic Coordinator

Cotopaxi Community,

As we approach the end of another academic year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared together. It has been a year filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences for all of us at Cotopaxi Schools.

To our students: Your dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work have been truly inspiring. Whether you've excelled academically, shown leadership, or demonstrated kindness and compassion to your peers, each of you has made a valuable contribution to our school community. I am immensely proud of all that you have accomplished this year, and I have no doubt that you will continue to achieve great things in the years ahead.

To the parents and guardians: Thank you for your unwavering support and partnership throughout the school year. Your involvement in your child's education has played a vital role in their success, and we are grateful for the trust you have placed in us. Together, we have created a nurturing and empowering environment where every student can thrive.

As we bid farewell to our graduating seniors, we celebrate their achievements and wish them the very best in their future endeavors. While they may be leaving our halls, they will always be a part of the Cotopaxi family, and we look forward to hearing about their continued accomplishments.

To our returning students: As we look ahead to the next academic year, I am filled with excitement for all that is to come. Together, we will embark on new challenges, explore new opportunities, and create new memories. I am confident that with your continued dedication and passion for learning, the future of our school is bright.

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire Cotopaxi staff for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Your tireless efforts have made a profound impact on the lives of our students, and I am grateful for everything you do.

As we prepare to part ways for the summer break, I encourage each of you to take time to rest, recharge, and reflect on the past year. Whether you're traveling, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing personal interests, I hope you find joy and fulfillment in all that you do.

Thank you once again for another incredible school year. I am honored to be a part of this wonderful community, and I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable summer!

Warm regards,

Rob Tressler

Dean of Students/School Counselor

Cotopaxi School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Spring is in the air, and with it comes a renewed sense of energy and excitement in our school community! As the days grow longer and the flowers begin to bloom, we are reminded of the fresh opportunities that this season brings for learning, growth, and connection.

The spring semester is an important time for our students as they continue their academic journeys and participate in various co-curricular activities. From upcoming assessments to school events, we encourage our students to stay focused while also taking advantage of the many opportunities to engage with their peers and the school community.

With warmer weather, we also remind families to help students make healthy choices, including staying hydrated, dressing appropriately for changing temperatures, and maintaining good attendance and study habits. Your partnership is invaluable in ensuring that our students continue to thrive both academically and personally.

Additionally, we have several exciting events on the horizon, including various sporting events, spring performances, parent-teacher conferences, and state testing. We hope to see many of you at these events, supporting our students and celebrating their hard work.

As always, we appreciate your ongoing support and involvement in our school. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. Let’s make this spring a season of success and positivity for our students!

Wishing you and your family a wonderful season ahead.

Warm regards,

Rob Tressler

Dean of Students

Dear Parents,

As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to you and your families. This time of year offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and growth of our students—your children—and the incredible support they receive from home.

Your unwavering encouragement plays a vital role in their success, and we are truly grateful for the partnership we share in guiding their academic and personal journeys.

May this holiday season bring you joy, peace, and cherished moments with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming your students back with renewed energy and enthusiasm in the new year.

Happy holidays and best wishes for a wonderful year ahead!

Cheers,

Rob Tressler

Dean of Students

Archived Posts

Cotopaxi Community:

Social Emotional Development

Statements About Secretive Or Potentially Inappropriate Relationships

You don’t need to know all the details about your child’s social relationships, and teens will want some privacy around romance, but if anything, they say about a friend strikes you as strange, it’s a good idea to turn to those open-ended, curious questions.

If your child makes comments about having secrets with another individual or hints at an unusual relationship with them, especially with other adults, this could be a potential indication of harm and is important to follow up on.

Other Signs Your Child May Have Something They Need To Talk About

Of course, not every sign that your child has something to tell you will be verbal. Especially with young children, feelings of anxiety or stress may manifest in physical symptoms, such as stomachaches. You may also notice clinginess in younger children as well as a regression to previous behaviors, like bedwetting or thumb-sucking.

With older children, other signs may include “significant changes in mood, decreased energy level or withdrawn behavior, changes in sleep and eating habits, frequent physical complaints, coming up with excuses that don’t make sense, avoidance of things they usually enjoy or sudden hesitation associated with typically ‘normal’ activities,” Kane said.

You know your child best; trust your gut. If you notice something that seems off with your child, you can always ask an open-ended question to start a conversation.

When your child does say something that alarms or concerns you, you can respond using these steps:

1. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. These worrisome kinds of statements need 100% of your attention. So whatever else is going on, it needs to come to a screeching halt. At the same time, you need to try not to panic so you can give them the support they’re looking for. You want to give them your full attention. You want to create space for them to be able to explain what exactly is happening, asking open ended questions, allowing them to narrate their story, their experience for you.

2. Validate their feelings. “That sounds really hard”. Please know that validation doesn’t mean that you agree with them, simply that you see their feelings as real.

3. Ask open-ended questions. These should also be non-judgmental. We don’t want to be interrogators. We don’t want to push too hard, especially with teenagers. Kids don’t like to feel like you are trying to lead them toward a particular interpretation. A goal is to allow the child to express their thoughts, express their concerns, their feelings. Open-ended prompts like “Can you tell me more about that?” can be helpful. You also don’t want to jump in right away with potential solutions. As parents, there’s a tendency to go into problem-solving and offer advice, but this may not be what your child needs. Sometimes it’s helpful to ask them directly if they want advice or just want you to listen. Another impulse to avoid is saying, “It’s OK. You’re going to be OK,”. It’s all right to admit that you don’t have all the answers. Even if you are not sure how to respond to a child’s questions or needs, ensure that you will figure it out together.

4. Thank them for telling you. You want to thank them for coming to you with such big feelings, hard stuff to talk about, and to encourage them to do so again in the future.

5. Consider your next steps. These could be a follow-up conversation or check-in a few days later. Or you may feel the need to take action right away. Ultimately, I always tell parents, if it feels big, your gut is always right. The national crisis hotline is easily accessible for parents by dialing 988. You’re able to talk to a live, trained counselor 24/7, and they’ll be able to give you some action items to put into play. You can also find professional, confidential, and compassionate help for youth at IMatterColorado.org

Hi Cotopaxi Community

Most of you know I am also employed as a school counselor so the next few posts will focus on our students social emotional development.

How to respond when your child opens up to you:

Sometimes kids tell you what they need directly while other times you need to put some effort into understanding what’s going on. A young child, for example, may not have the language they need to articulate what they’re feeling, but a teen may be evasive because they’re anxious about confiding something personal.

It’s not possible for you to foresee every tricky scenario that your kid will bring to you or even know exactly how to respond in that moment. It is your job to listen to your child, to make space for them to tell you what they’re feeling and to reach out for more help when necessary.

Statements About Their Identity

Your child may want to disclose something to you about who they are. They may say something like:

I want to talk to you.

I have something important to share.

Do you have time to ...

Would you love me no matter what?

I think I might be ____ (gay, bi, pan, trans, nonbinary, etc.)

In these cases, listen attentively to your child, thank them for sharing this with you and reaffirm your love for them.

If they approach you at a moment when you can’t talk, make sure your child knows that what they have to say is important to you. Please make the time at that moment.

Even when you are busy, look them in the eye and say, ‘I hear you and want to hear more. Can we wait 20 minutes until I am off the phone with ... then we can sit down and in private have all the time you need to talk and for me to listen. I would highly recommend ending the call and focusing on your child, you never know when that moment will present itself again.

A child sharing deeply personal information or self-truths is a true gift.

The fact that your kids are coming to you with a struggle or issue that they’re facing really speaks volumes to your relationship. They brought up the topic because they feel safe with you.

You should thank your child for sharing this with you and show them how much it means to you by giving them your full attention.

If you do not honor this gift by making time and room for it, your child may not choose to try and share again.

Statements About Feeling Low

If a kid is struggling socially or with their self-image, they might say things like:

I hate myself.

I hate my body.

I’m dumb.

I’m lonely.

I don’t want to go to school.

If the issue is anxiety or some other stress, they could say something vague, such as:

I’m scared.

I’m worried.

It can be hard to differentiate life’s regular ups-and-downs from something more serious, so it’s important to ask follow-up questions and get more information.

I would encourage parents just to lean in to find out what might be the source of stress.

Sometimes parents equate “I’m lonely” with “I’m bored,” but the two statements can mean very different things. I suggest following up by saying, “That sounds really hard. Can you tell me more about that?” It could be that a child is missing a particular friend. Or they may feel a more general kind of aloneness. Another way in, could be offering “Can I tell you a story about that?” Talk about a time in your life when you felt alone (or whatever your child is feeling), and then ask your child, “Is that how you feel? Do you feel something similar? Tell me about your experience.

Parents should keep in mind that something which seems trivial to you may be meaningful to your child, but this doesn’t need to get in the way of listening to your child, validating their feelings and offering support. You want to set a precedent that you will do the same with any other problem they might bring you in the future.

If your child makes an unusual or self-critical comment and you aren’t sure if you should be concerned, clarification is always a good first step. A comment about trouble with a friend, for example, might be an indication of bullying or simply normal peer conflict. You won’t know until your child tells you more, and they may not share until you ask.

Statements About Self-Harm

You aren’t likely to miss these kinds of statements, but it can be hard to manage your own reaction when your child says something like:

I want to die.

I just don’t want to be here.

I have no reason to live.

I wish I’d never been born.

Everyone would be better off without me.

I wonder how many people would come to my funeral?

This last one, is something a teen might say with a smile on their face, sending you a mixed signal. Likewise, kids will sometimes say things like the statements above or say “I hate my life” when they are experiencing some sort of temporary distress. You’ll have to ask questions and dig deeper to figure out how serious the situation is.

Your child may not directly say that they want to hurt themselves, but they may say something like ‘I wish I didn’t have to deal with this’ or ‘My friends would be better off without me. In such cases, it’s important for parents to encourage kids to clarify and explain, saying, for example, “What do you mean?” “What makes you say that?” or “Can you tell me more?”

Parents sometimes worry that by asking their children directly about suicidal thoughts, they may somehow introduce these ideas, but experts say it’s always better to ask.

You will not put these ideas in their head by asking. However, asking these questions provides a critical opening for you to help them if needed. If you need resources or support please let me or another staff member know, we are here for you.

Crisis Hotline 988 or online IMatterColorado.org You will find professional, confidential, and compassionate help at both resources.

Hello Cotopaxi Community,

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with excitement for the upcoming school year. As we gear up for the start of another academic journey, I am thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome back to all our wonderful students, teachers, staff, and parents.

The start of a new school year is a time of great anticipation and enthusiasm, and I am confident that this year will be no exception. Our school community has shown incredible resilience and adaptability over the past year, and I am incredibly proud of how we have come together to overcome challenges and support one another.

This year, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. We will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, implementing necessary measures to ensure a healthy and secure school setting.

To our returning students, welcome back! Your dedication to learning and growth inspires us every day, and we are excited to see you take on new challenges and build upon your accomplishments from the previous year.

For our new students, we are delighted to have you join our school community. Rest assured that you are in a caring and supportive environment, and we are here to help you transition smoothly into your new academic journey.

To our exceptional teachers and staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication and hard work. Your passion for education and commitment to our students make a profound impact on their lives and set them on a path for success.

Parents and guardians, we value your partnership in your child's education. Together, we can create a strong support system to help our students flourish both academically and personally.

As we embark on this new school year, I encourage everyone to approach it with an open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. Let us make the most of every opportunity to learn, grow, and make lasting memories together.

Once again, welcome back to school! Let us make this year one to remember, filled with accomplishments, friendships, and joyous moments.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact the school office. Together, we will make this year extraordinary.

With warmest regards,

Rob Tressler

Dean of Students

Cotopaxi Community,

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

To our students: Your dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work have been truly inspiring. Whether you've excelled academically, shown leadership in co-curricular activities, or demonstrated kindness and compassion to your peers, each of you has made a valuable contribution to our school community. I am immensely proud of all that you have accomplished this year, and I have no doubt that you will continue to achieve great things in the years ahead.

Thank you once again for another incredible school year. I am honored to be a part of this wonderful community, and I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable summer!

Warm regards,

Rob Tressler

Dean of Students

Cotopaxi School

Cotopaxi Community,

We are getting ready for our State CMAS and State PSAT/SAT testing in April. These required tests are aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards and help to measure our students' mastery of expected skills, and year-to-year academic growth.

We value these results and the staff also finds these assessments useful when determining placement for students in both academic and intervention classes. Please make every effort possible to have your students here at school during these testing mornings.

Testing will occur each morning between the week of April 9th and April 15.

What is the Purpose of CMAS?

Indicate the degree to which students have mastered the expectations of the Standards in each content area at the end of the tested grade level

Results provide one measure of a student's academic progress relative to the Standards

The assessment of Colorado students remains a requirement of both state and federal law.

Parents do have the right to "opt out" of state assessment. If you have concerns or would like to opt out, please contact Mr. Gerk directly.

I appreciate all that you do for your Cotopaxi students and look forward to our kids doing a great job and showing the entire State how wonderful Cotopaxi Schools are.

Rob Tressler

Dean of Students

Dear Cotopaxi Community,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits as we come together to celebrate the successful completion of our first semester of the school year. It has been an incredible journey, marked by growth, collaboration, and countless achievements. As we pause to reflect on the past few months, I am filled with pride and gratitude for our vibrant community.

Our students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience in their pursuit of knowledge. From the eager faces of our kindergarteners and Pre-K to the seasoned seniors, each and every one of our students has contributed to the positive and dynamic atmosphere that defines our school. Their hard work, curiosity, and passion for learning have truly set the tone for a successful academic year.

I want to extend my deepest appreciation to our dedicated educators who have gone above and beyond to create an inspiring and nurturing learning environment. Your commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity has made a lasting impact on the lives of our students. Thank you for your tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of academic excellence.

Our supportive parents and guardians, you play a crucial role in our students' success. Your involvement, encouragement, and partnership with our school community contribute significantly to the positive educational experience we strive to provide. Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of shaping the future of your children.

As we look forward to the second semester, let us continue to build upon the momentum of this successful start. Together, we can create an even more enriching and inspiring learning environment for our students. Whether it's in the classroom, on the playing field, or through artistic endeavors, let us embrace the opportunities for growth and collaboration that lie ahead.

I encourage you to take a moment to celebrate the achievements and milestones we have reached together. Whether big or small, each accomplishment is a testament to the collective effort and spirit of our wonderful community. Let us continue to support and uplift one another as we navigate the exciting journey of education.

Thank you for being an integral part of our school community. Here's to a fantastic first semester and the promise of an even brighter future!

Happy Holidays!

Rob Tressler

Dean of Students-Cotopaxi Schools

Dear Cotopaxi Community,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing today to create awareness of Restorative Justice in schools. I believe that incorporating restorative justice principles can significantly contribute to creating a positive and nurturing environment for our children.

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm, fostering empathy, and building meaningful connections between individuals. I am convinced that by adopting restorative justice in our school, we can address disciplinary issues in a more constructive and holistic manner, emphasizing personal responsibility and accountability.

Here are a few reasons why I believe restorative justice is crucial for our school:

Building Positive Relationships: Restorative justice encourages open communication and dialogue between students, teachers, and administrators. By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, we can create stronger connections within our school community.

Teaching Conflict Resolution Skills: Restorative practices provide students with the opportunity to learn valuable conflict resolution skills. Instead of punitive measures, students are guided through discussions that help them understand the impact of their actions and find solutions to conflicts.

Reducing Recidivism: Traditional punitive measures often fail to address the root causes of behavioral issues, leading to repeated offenses. Restorative justice aims to break this cycle by addressing the underlying issues, helping students learn from their mistakes, and preventing future incidents.

Promoting Emotional Well-being: By focusing on the emotional and social aspects of discipline, restorative justice contributes to the overall well-being of students. It provides a platform for expressing feelings, processing emotions, and developing a sense of belonging within the school community.

Enhancing School Climate: A school environment that embraces restorative justice is likely to be more inclusive, supportive, and welcoming. This positive school climate can have a profound impact on students' academic performance, engagement, and overall satisfaction.

I am confident that by taking proactive steps towards restorative justice, our school can become a beacon of positive change and provide our children with a learning environment that nurtures their personal and social development.

Thank you for listening with an open mind. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of restorative justice in our school community.

Rob Tressler

Dean of Students-Cotopaxi Schools

Dear Cotopaxi Community,

I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones in good health and high spirits. As the holiday season approaches, it is with great pleasure that I write to you on behalf of the Angel Tree Committee. For those who may not know, the Angel Tree is set up near the main gym with anonymous Holiday Ornaments attached. These ornaments have the age of the student and a wish list of gifts they may want for Christmas, no names are on the ornament. Community members pluck these ornaments and buy what's on the wish list and return the wrapped gifts to the school.

At this time we are asking anyone who may be in need or if you know of a family that may need some assistance around the holiday season to contact the school directly. Last season we helped over 20 families and we would like to reach more this year! The Angel Tree reminds us to focus on community and what better way than to give during the Holiday season.

If you have any questions please give us a call. 719-942-4131 x117 or email rtressler@cotopaxire3.org

Rob Tressler

Dean of Students

Cotopaxi Schools

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we approach the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences at Cotopaxi, we are excited to inform you about a unique approach we are implementing this year: Student-Led Parent-Teacher Conferences. which will take place on October 18th and October 19th from 4:30pm-8:00pm at Cotopaxi Schools. These conferences provide an invaluable opportunity for your child to take an active role in sharing their academic progress and growth with you.

We believe that a strong partnership between parents/guardians and teachers is crucial for your child's success, and we highly value your involvement in their education.

Student-Led Parent-Teacher Conferences are designed to empower students to:

Reflect on Their Progress: Your child will have the chance to reflect on their academic achievements, challenges, and personal growth throughout the school year.
Set Goals: With guidance from their teacher, your child will establish academic and personal goals and discuss strategies to achieve them.
Demonstrate Responsibility: This format encourages responsibility as your child takes ownership of their learning and communicates their experiences and aspirations.

We look forward to meeting with you and discussing your child's progress. Your active participation in your child's education is greatly appreciated, and together, we can help them achieve their full potential.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we anticipate a productive and insightful conference. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact us at 719-942-4131.

Sincerely,

Rob Tressler

Dean of Students

Dear Cotopaxi Community

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to create awareness for the upcoming October Count, which plays a pivotal role in determining school funding for our district. I believe it is essential to address this matter to ensure that our schools receive the financial resources they need to provide a high-quality education.

The October Count is a critical event for our school district and many others across the state, as it directly influences the allocation of funding from the state government. The accuracy of this count is paramount, as it affects the resources available to our schools for the entire academic year. A precise count ensures that our schools can adequately support students and offer essential educational programs.

I would like to highlight a few reasons why the October Count is so important:

Resource Allocation: The funding generated from the October Count is used to cover various expenses, including teacher salaries, classroom materials, extracurricular activities, and special education services. An accurate count is essential to meet these financial requirements.
Program Enhancement: With the right amount of funding, our district can invest in educational programs and resources that enhance the learning experience for all students. This can include technology upgrades, curriculum development, and professional development for educators.
Student Support: Adequate funding allows us to provide additional support for students who may be struggling academically or require special accommodations. This ensures that all students receive a fair and equitable education.

Please do your best to have your child at school on October 2 and the rest of the week, it really does matter. Thanks so much for your support.

Sincerely,

Rob Tressler

Dean of Students

Dear Cotopaxi Community

Subject: Safe Driving Awareness Assembly

We hope this letter finds you well. At Cotopaxi Schools, we are dedicated to the safety and well-being of our students and the community as a whole. To address a pressing issue that affects us all, we are excited to inform you about an upcoming event - the Reckless Driving Awareness Assembly.

Date: 9/13/2023

Time: 1:30 pm

Location: School Gymnasium

The safety of our students is a top priority, and it is crucial that we educate them about the potential dangers of reckless driving behaviors. This assembly is part of our ongoing commitment to promoting responsible choices and safer road practices among our students.

During the assembly, students will have the opportunity to:

Learn About Safe Driving: Local law enforcement officers and driving safety experts will provide valuable information on safe driving practices, the dangers of reckless driving, and the legal ramifications associated with it.

Engage in Open Discussions: Students will be encouraged to participate in discussions about the risks and consequences of reckless driving, facilitated by our school counselors.

View Educational Presentations: Visual presentations and videos will be used to illustrate the potential consequences of reckless driving incidents, helping students understand the gravity of this issue.

We kindly request that you discuss this assembly with your child and emphasize the importance of their attendance and active participation. We understand that this subject can be sensitive, but it is vital that our students are well-informed and aware of the potential dangers associated with reckless driving.

Through education and open dialogue, we aim to empower our students to make informed, responsible choices that contribute to safer roads for everyone in our community. Staff will be ready to provide additional support to those students who need it.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this assembly or any related matters, please do not hesitate to contact us at 719-942-4131.

Thank you for your support in creating a safer environment for our students and the community.

Sincerely,

Robert Tressler

Dean of Students

Cotopaxi High School

719-942-4131x117

rtressler@cotopaxire3.org