Principal's Pen

Dear Billingsville-Cotswold Families,

While it was a short week for students, it was certainly a busy one!

This Week's Highlights

Our students in Grades 3-5 completed their MVPA Assessments. These assessments provide valuable data that teachers will use to analyze student performance on specific standards and inform targeted small-group instruction. We are excited to use this information to support each student's growth and success.



Our 4th graders also had the opportunity to attend BizTown. This hands-on experience is often one of the most memorable elementary school field trips, giving students the chance to explore careers, financial literacy, and real-world decision-making in an engaging and interactive environment.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

🌟Monday: Endless Possibilities Choice Fair Our 5th graders will attend the Endless Possibilities Choice Fair, where they will learn about the many magnet programs and academic opportunities available at the middle and high school levels. This is always an exciting experience as students begin exploring future pathways and possibilities.

Wednesday: Veteran's Day There will be no school for students as we observe Veteran's Day.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all veterans and active military members for their service and sacrifice. Thank you for all you have done for our country and our community.

🎤Thursday: Talent Show Auditions Students hoping to showcase their talents will have the opportunity to audition for our upcoming Talent Show. We can't wait to see the incredible skills and creativity our Cougars have to share!

📚Classroom Spelling Bees Classes will also be identifying their classroom spelling bee champions who will go on to represent their class in our school-wide Spelling Bee on November 19. Best of luck to all participants!

❄️ Winter Parties Are Coming!

It may seem early, but the holiday season is just around the corner! We are excited to invite parents to attend our upcoming Winter Parties. Party times and additional details are included below.

Parents are welcome to attend and may sign their child out directly from the classroom at the conclusion of the party if desired.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We hope everyone enjoys a wonderful weekend!

Thank you!

Heather Haas

Principal

Billingsville-Cotswold Elementary

980-343-5520

EMAIL

Be a Pledge for Paws All-Star!

BCE's annual fundraising campaign has raised more than $41,000, but we still have a ways to go to reach our $60,000 goal! 

Please help ensure we can continue to support a thriving community through academic enrichment programs, staff appreciation, campus improvements, family engagement events, and so much more. 

Your generosity also empowers us to stand beside our students and families during life’s most challenging moments—whether they’re facing transportation barriers, recovering from a house fire, or grieving the loss of a loved one. It’s this unwavering support and compassion that define our school community and make it truly exceptional. 

Contribute today to continue our meaningful impact on students, teachers and staff!

November No School Days

As you plan for the month ahead, please note that there will be no school for students on November 2–3, November 11, and November 25–27 for teacher workdays, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving Break.



Tuesday, November 3, is also Election Day—don’t forget to vote!

Scholastic Book Fair November 9-17!

All aboard the S. S. Cougar, destination the BCE Book Fair! The book fair will be in the media center from November 9-17 with shopping opportunities for all. See this link for the schedule, E-Wallet setup, or to make a donation.

On Thursday, November 12, from 5:30-7pm, all BCE families are invited to join us for a MEET & EAT with evening shopping

Join the Crew!
Please consider supporting our school community by volunteering at the Book Fair. View the opportunities at this link to volunteer and ensure our passengers have a wonderful Book Fair!

Dominos Spirit Night THIS Tuesday

Skip the cooking on Tuesday November 10 and support BCE! Order from our local Domino’s between 4 and 9pm, and 10% of your order will be donated to our school.

Order online at dominos.com/deals, or text PIZZADEAL to 209-787-4190 for a 50% off coupon.



Domino’s, 4350 Colwick Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211 • 704-364-5192

Join Us for BCE Meet and Eat THIS Thursday

Gather with BCE friends and families for a complimentary dinner from Midwood Smokehouse on Thursday, November 12, from 5:30–7pm in the Cafeteria. Don't forget to shop the book fair while you are there!

Please RSVP by November 10 in Membership Toolkit.



We’ll also collect canned goods and monetary donations for our Cougar Pantry, which provides food assistance for BCE families in need.

The Book Fair will be open, too! Enjoy dinner, connect with our community, and shop for great reads!

PTA Board Meeting on Friday

Join us Friday November 13 at 8:30 am. Meet our PTA members, learn what we do, and discover ways to get involved! Everyone is welcome.

October Staff Members of the Month

Congrats to Ms. Johnson and Ms. Wagner, our October staff members of the month! To celebrate, each of you will receive a gift card and your picture posted in the office! Thank you for helping to make BCE such a special place.

Ms. Johnson (Instructional Assistant): “Ms Johnson plays her role of Instructional Assistant exactly what it states. I see her in classrooms, at carpool line, walking students to childcare buses and anywhere she's needed. She speaks to children in a calm understandable manner. I've known her for 5 or 6 years and she never changes her love for her job.”

Ms. Wagner (1st Grade) “Ms. Wagner has made our son's first-grade experience truly amazing! We have seen him grow so much in confidence and learning already this school year, and it has been wonderful to watch him thrive. He looks forward to going to school every day, which speaks volumes about the positive and supportive environment she creates in her classroom.

We also greatly appreciate how Ms. Wagner keeps us informed. Her communication, dedication, and partnership mean so much to our family. We are incredibly thankful to have her as part of our son's educational journey and for the impact she is making on his growth, confidence, and love of learning. She is truly making a difference, and we feel so fortunate that our son has her as his first-grade teacher!”

Thank you to everyone for your nominations. If your submission was not selected at this time, please continue to submit another nomination for next month.

BCE Parent Social at Vaulted Oak

A night out with fellow BCE parents! Join us for our first Parent Social of the year—a chance to catch up with friends and meet some new faces.



Monday, November 16 | 6:30–8:30 PM

Vaulted Oak | 3726 Monroe Road

Appetizers will be provided, with adult beverages available for purchase.

Please RSVP at this link by Friday, November 13. We hope to see you there!

Prospective Parent Open House November 17

Prospective parents are invited to attend an Open House Tuesday, November 17 at 9:30am to learn more about our school community, academics and our IB program. Guests will hear from our principal, teachers, students and parent representatives.

Location: Billingsville Campus (124 Skyland Ave) in the Media Center/ Library.

Pre-registration not required.

BCE families, help us spread the word! Share to your social media accounts and let's show off our amazing school! #bcecougarpride

Spirit Night at Common Market Oakwold on November 17

Shop, dine and support BCE! Join us for Spirit Night at Common Market Oakwold and catch up with fellow Cougar families while giving back to our school.

Tuesday, November 17 | 5–9 PM

Common Market Oakwold

4420-A Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205

10% of profits will go back to BCE. Bring the family, invite a friend, and help make it a great night for our school!

Pie Day is Coming Up!

It's Pie Day at BCE on Tuesday November 24! We are delighted to continue our tradition of giving every Billingsville-Cotswold Teacher and Staff a treat. Contribute a pie here!

We are also looking for volunteers to help pass out pies. If you would like to help out, sign up using this link.

CMS School Choice Lottery Dates

The CMS School Choice Lottery begins on November 2. If you are new to CMS or are a returning student, registration is open now through December 1. The lottery will close on December 11.

For updates, please follow CMS or @bcecougarpride on Instagram.

Randolph Middle School Open Houses

We invite you to learn more about Randolph Middle School and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at one of our Prospective Parent Open Houses.

Morning and evening open houses are available so that parents can attend the option that works best for their schedules. You will hear from our principal, Dr. Mavity, our IB coordinator, as well as students and parents about what makes RMS a special place. Registration is required to attend, so please sign up using this link.

Piedmont Middle School Open House

Explore the IB magnet experience and discover what makes Piedmont Middle School so special! Join us for an upcoming open house, meet our school community, and see all that Piedmont has to offer. No registration needed—just come as you are!

Upcoming Dates

Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 10:00 AM

Monday, Nov. 16 at 6:00 PM

Monday, Nov. 30 at 6:00 PM

Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 10:00 AM

Friday, Dec. 4 at 10:00 AM

Spirit Night at the Hive! Tickets are selling fast!

Our annual "Cougars Night at the Hive" will take place on Saturday, March 13, at 6pm. Come support the Charlotte Hornets as they take on the Phoenix Suns!

Please note the following details for this year's event:

• Tickets: Pre-purchase your tickets through Membership Toolkit. Mr. Clutts will deliver them electronically closer to the event date.
• Fan Experiences: We have a limited number of Fan Experiences available (High Five Squad and Anthem Buddies). Tickets purchased early will receive priority for these spots. If you would like your child(ren) to be considered, please indicate this on your form.
• Seating: If you would like to sit with another family, please note their name on your form or purchase your tickets together.

Last year's game sold out, so be sure to buy your tickets early here!

Ready to Paint the Spirit Rock?

Before grabbing your paint brushes, make sure to read the Spirit Rock Guidelines and send your design to Principal Haas for approval (as required by CMS). We look forward to seeing your school spirit!

Check the guidelines here and use the link in the document to request to paint the rock.

Want to get more involved? Volunteers needed!

We’re looking for volunteers to help with weekly copies, bulletin boards, hanging student work, and front office support. Volunteers will rotate through teams, with an estimated commitment of just 1–2 hours per month.

Interested? Message Hannah Leister on ParentSquare or email leisterhr@gmail.com.

Reminder: All volunteers must register with CMS Volunteers.

Join the PTA!

Join the BCE PTA! Being a part of this community gives you membership into National and NCPTA which is an investment in the future of all our children and promotes partnerships between BCE staff, teachers, and parents. No volunteer time is required with membership. Beyond paying annual membership dues, however you choose to PTA is up to you!

Pay your dues via Membership Toolkit, our communication platform. 

BCE Membership Toolkit Access

Haven't signed up for Membership Toolkit yet? By registering with Membership Toolkit, you will have access to the Directory to connect with your child's classmates and their families! Don’t miss out on PTA information and upcoming events on Membership Toolkit! Please be sure to add your child’s teacher information when creating your account. 

Existing members: Please take a moment to re-verify your account. 

*Click on My Account. 

*Update this information and your child’s teacher assignment by clicking on Family Information. 

*Update your Directory Preferences by clicking on Directory & Publish Preferences. 

Don’t forget to subscribe to the calendar so you can import from MTK to your personal calendar!

Thank You to our Community Sponsors