Our Cohen Carnival is tonight from 5–8 PM. Vendors will be setting up before dismissal, so parking will be limited especially near the playground as staff will be utilizing that lot as well. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
Thank you for your flexibility, patience, and support during dismissal today. We greatly appreciate everyone's willingness to quickly pivot from our normal dismissal procedures for walkers and pick-up students.
This afternoon, our School Resource Officer (SRO), along with the outstanding Elmira Heights Police Department and support from neighboring law enforcement agencies, responded to an unexpected visitor—a curious black bear roaming near our campus facilities.
Shortly before dismissal, our furry friend decided to explore the area around our playground and bus port. While the bear remained outside of our fenced areas, it became interested enough to attempt a closer look by climbing part of the fence. Our fearless SRO helped encourage the bear to continue its journey back toward the woods and away from our schools.
While our young bear friend did appear to follow the Cohen Cougar Code by using the sidewalk when crossing the road, we felt it was best not to let them participate in dismissal activities any further!
But honestly, who can blame the bear? We do have some of the best schools, students, and staff around!
In all seriousness - following this close encounter, and out of an abundance of caution, we made the decision to transition dismissal procedures to parent or designee pick-up, eliminating the need for students to walk through the neighborhood while the area was being monitored.
We want to thank our students for their cooperation, our families for their understanding, and our staff for their adaptability. Thanks to everyone's teamwork, dismissal was completed safely and smoothly.
We would also like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to our School Resource Officer, the Elmira Heights Police Department, and all of the law enforcement agencies that responded and supported our campus today. Your professionalism, quick response, calm presence, and commitment to keeping our students and staff safe are deeply appreciated. Simply put—you are the best!
We appreciate your partnership and are grateful for a school community that always comes together when needed—even when the situation is a little more "bear-y" unusual than expected!
Sincerely,
Michael F. Gill, School Superintendent
Dear Cohen families,
Please be advised that a bear has been spotted in the area between the Cohen and Edison campuses.
We are taking this matter seriously and are closely monitoring dismissal procedures in coordination with Elmira Heights Police to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
At this time, our playground is closed until further notice as a precaution.
We will continue to keep you informed of any updates. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Cougar Families-
Be sure to check out our latest Cohen Elementary Paw Prints Newsletter for important updates as we head into the final stretch of the school year! This edition highlights exciting student activities, celebrations, and upcoming events, along with helpful reminders to keep your family informed and prepared. We are so proud of all our students’ hard work and can’t wait to finish the year strong together. Thank you for your continued support of our Cohen Cougar community! 🐾
Link to newsletter: https://sites.google.com/heightsschools.com/newsletter62026/home
TREAT WHEEL DONATIONS
Please consider donating to the Cohen carnival!
These can be dropped off at the Cohen Elementary lobby on the day of the carnival- 6/5
Thank you!
We had to combine bus runs today, bus 101 is running behind. They will be about 20 minutes late, thank you for your understanding!
Reminder- tomorrow 5/15 at Cohen Elementary
Cohen Elementary Reminder:
Tomorrow 5/5 is a half day:
Dismissal times:
PreK-10:30 Door #9
K-5th- 10:45
As we head into the final stretch of the school year, we’re excited to share our May newsletter with you! This edition is full of important updates, upcoming events, and highlights of the great things happening in our school community. We encourage you to take a few moments to read through and stay connected as we wrap up a wonderful year together.
You can view the full newsletter here:
https://sites.google.com/heightsschools.com/newsletter52026?usp=sharing
NYS ELA testing update grades 3-5:
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I wanted to inform you that the Nextera Questar computer system used for state testing was unfortunately down today, and we were unable to complete Day 2 of the ELA state testing as planned. This issue was related to the testing platform and was beyond our control.
We plan to administer Day 2 of the ELA testing tomorrow (4/30) instead. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
Join us for some fun this Friday April 24th at Cohen Elementary School for favorite baseball or softball team day!
As a result of the relatively mild winter we will be updating our school calendar for the balance of the school year. Provided we do not need to use Emergency Days for the rest of the school year we will make the following adaptations to the school calendar.
Please see attached image for specific details.
Spring is in full swing, and we’re excited to share our April newsletter with you! Inside, you’ll find important updates, upcoming events, and plenty of exciting activities planned for the month ahead. Be sure to check it out and stay connected—we can’t wait to make April a fantastic month together!
Link to newsletter: https://sites.google.com/heightsschools.com/newsletter-42026?usp=sharing
Hello Cougar Families,
Just a reminder, Spring break is from 4/3-4/10. Students last day of school this week is 4/2. Thank you!
Calling all future little learners! 📖✨ Pre-K and Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is now open! If your child is ready to start their educational journey, now is the time to enroll.
2026 Pre-K and K Registration information: (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H_fV2x2cS9XziDVk4Ry5JcXXTIvGC20a7gYjSVk7k60/edit?usp=sharing)
Two Hour Delay Start Time :
9:35 AM: student drop-off begins for all students
Pre-K-5 bus pick-up times are approximately 2 hours
later than normal times.
No breakfast will be served
●
On two-hour delay days all students
(including Pre-K) can be dropped off
beginning at 9:35 a.m.
●
Pre-K parents with students in other
elementary grade levels can drop-off their
children at the Pre-K entrance on
two-hour delay days only.