Church of the Isles Community Christian School on Indian Rocks Beach

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COTI

Now Enrolling !!!!!!!!LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLEPrivate Elementary School Grades: K-5thCOTICommunity Christian SchoolCOTI Community Christian SchoolAddress206 23rd AvenueIndian Rocks Beach, FL 33785Phone(727) 517-0775Emailcoti.school_yahoo.comExecutive Director, Brian HirschAssistant Director, Amber PhillipsOur ClassroomsCalendarOur HandbookOur ProgramsConnect with UsNews & EventsContact Us Home

Our Philosophy...

At COTI Community Christian School (CCCS), a licensed preschool and elementary school on Indian Rocks Beach, we believe children are unique, precious and unrepeatable and so should be their experience at school.

We believe children learn/absorb abstract concepts such as gratitude for Gods gifts, joy, awe, wonder, love, and tolerance from their daily interactions with people who show these qualities.

We believe that education builds not only for the present, but for the future; not merely for self, but for society.

Meet our families...

Hi! We are the McIntyre family! Our family consists of my husband and I and our two children, Benjamin and Maia. Benjamin is in Kindergarten at COTI Community Christian School and Maia is in the three-year old class. Benjamin has been attending COTI Community Christian School since he started the VPK program in the Fall of 2010 and Maia started a few months later after she turned two.Being fortunate enough to be able to be at home with my children while they were young, we never really looked into schooling options until Benjamin reached the age for the VPK program. Then we researched extensively on-line, found several schools we thought sounded good and went to tour them. I took Benjamin with me on all the tours to see how the people at the schools reacted to him, and also to get his input since he was the one who would be going there five days a week! After touring all the schools, our choice was clear! COTI Community Christian School was the clear favorite for both of us. Benjamin loves animals and he was sold on the school since one of the classes had a lizard and another had a hamster. I was sold on the school for a number of different reasons. One of the first things I liked was the appearance and layout of the school. In addition, the school was clean, bright and had an open feel to it. All of the classrooms had windows to the outside, which is a little thing, but it mattered to me. Once inside the school, we were able to see how amazing the staff was there. They were energetic and excited about the students and the work they were doing. It was clear, not only did they love children, but they were also good with them and knew how to interact with them. They included my son in conversations throughout the tour, going out of their way to interact with him and make sure he was excited about the whole process. I loved the small class sizes and the extra programs such as Music, Spanish, Computers and Godly Play which the children were exposed to throughout the week. The final thing that sold me on the school was whenever they told me I could come in anytime I wanted and volunteer, even if it meant bringing my young daughter with me while I was working in my son’s classroom. Most schools wanted me to volunteer, but only if I was able to come without my daughter…the fact I didn’t need a babysitter for her in order to be involved with my son’s classroom was a huge selling point for me. It meant the school really valued the family and was open to working with parents to make sure everyone had the option to be involved in their child’s early education. I also liked the fact the school was close to my house, which meant we could ride the bike there or even walk…but to be honest after comparing it to other schools, it would have been my choice even if it meant having to drive to get there!Once my son started, it became even clearer we had made the right choice. Everyone at the school was so warm and positive every time we came. My son comes home from school every day excited about what he has learned that day and excited to go back the next.After seeing firsthand what a great environment they had for the children at COTI and how reasonable the prices were, we made the decision to start our daughter there once she turned two. In the time she has been going there, her vocabulary has exploded! Since I only speak Spanish to her in the home, I am able to really tell how much she has learned at school by the amount of English words she now speaks. I think being around other children her own age has really encouraged her to learn new skills and different styles of communication, as well as greatly improving her ability to share and wait her turn for things! She enjoys it so much we sometimes send her an extra day, and love the flexibility of knowing we have that option if we need or want it.Since Benjamin started there, we have recommended the school to a number of our friends with children, and every single one of them who went to tour the school ended up sending their children there and loving it as much as we do. It truly is a great school where they not only care about the children, but also about the families behind the children. They have been great about working with us when we needed our children to go for extra time or when our children had issues they needed to work through. They are positive and loving toward the children and encouraging and supportive toward the parents. It is the kind of school every parent dreams of finding for their children, and we are excited to be able to be a part of the great things happening there!The McIntyre Family

What makes us different...

COTI Community Christiam School is a ministry of the Church of the IslesHere at COTI we have small classroom ratios to ensure that the children in our care receive quality, one on one attention. Our teachers are all certified and many hold additional degrees in Childhood Development and EducationCOTI is dedicated to recycling and "Green" Living. All of our classrooms teach and practice recycling and conservation.We have two beautiful oversized playgrounds for the children to play and grow in.We are involved in and devoted to the community around us. We believe in family involvement in the school and encourage parents and family members to volunteer with us just as we volunteer in the community around us in events such as Greenfest, Coastal Cleanup, Community Easter Egg Hunts, Holiday Street Parades and more.
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The McIntyre Family

Classrooms home page

Classrooms & Teachers

Preschool

We have great pride in our teaching staff! Our teachers are dedicated to the students and to our community. Please, take a few minutes to read their abundant qualifications; take in their passion for teaching and working with your child to bring out their very best. If you have any questions, we're happy to answer them. Give us a call or use our "Contact Us" page any time!

From the Director...

Admin Classrooms

Administrators, Classrooms & Teachers

Mr. Brian Director
Ms. Amber Asst. Director
Ms. Stella
Ms. Jen
Music
Mr. Victor
Jim Rapp

Staff Photos courtesy of Russo Photography

www.russopix.com

Ms Jennifer

Jennifer Stewart teaches Art at COTI

Dear Parents, I am so lucky to have the opportunity to teach art to your children this year. I really enjoy getting to know each and every student and sharing my love of art with them. I am so excited to see the students’ personalities shine in their own artistic creations. They truly make coming to work a joy. I am originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia and love being able to continue to live close to the beach here in Florida with my two sons Micah age 7 and Ford age 4, and my husband Greg. I have a bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in Historic Preservation from Savannah College of Art and Design. I taught elementary and middle school art in Virginia before I returned to college and spent ten years working as an Architectural Historian. Art and history are true passions of mine.I have always loved art and spend as much time creating and learning about art as I can, especially when my children are involved. That’s one of the many reasons that I am so happy to witness the excitement that your children show when they create their own art and display their talents. Art is not only important in the educational development of children, but also their personal and social development and I feel so fortunate to be a part of that and to share this time with your children.Sincerely, Jennifer Stewart
Preschool Classrooms

Classrooms & Teachers

Click on a teacher to read their qualifications and take a virtual tour of their classroom!

From the Director...

Staff Photos courtesy of Russo Photography

www.russopix.com

Ms Meg

Ms Meg's Page

Dear Parents,I feel truly honored to be a part of the loving, learning environment that is COTI Community Christian School. I became familiar with COTI first as a parent, as my two children have attended since 2005. I was impressed immediately with the beautiful facility, its staff, and the content of the early childhood curriculum. My own passion for child care began in my teens as I spent my summers as an aupair abroad. I then worked as a nanny through college as I earned my Bachelors degree from Southern Methodist University. I am presently continuing my education in Early Education by attending training classes locally.As an early childhood caregiver, I strive to achieve an optimal balance between each childs self-initiated learning and my guidance and support. There are so many milestones of the 2 year-old: motor, social/emotional, language, and development. To teach this class is a joyful, amazing experience. Sincerely, Ms. Meg Dolan

Come see my

classroom!

Ms Meg classroom

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Ms Lindsay

Ms Lindsay's Page

Dear Parents, I am very excited to be working here at COTI with your children! I know how important childcare is for both parents and children and I am very happy to have been chosen to educate them!I am originally from Ohio and have lived all over the United States. I graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in Anthropology. I then went on to attain my Graduate certificate in Childcare Education from Northwest Florida. I also have my Childcare Development Accreditation through the Department of Children and Families. I have worked with children of all ages and have found my true calling at the Preschool level.I am a world traveler that loves adventure and learning about different cultures and customs and I hope to incorporate all of them in my teaching! I have found my new home in Clearwater and here at COTI and am very excited to meet all of you! What an adventure this year will be! Sincerely, Ms. Lindsay Graber

Come see my

classroom!

Ms Lindsay classroom

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Ms Shanda

Ms Shanda's Page

Dear Parents,I am pleased to begin another great year at COTI Community Christian School. I am looking forward to spending this year with your children!I was born and raised in this area and began working with children at just 18 years old. In 1990, I knew that beyond all else, teaching is my calling! I became Montessori certified and worked as a Montessori teacher until 2004. My teaching philosophy is influenced greatly by this time in my career. What I love about the Montessori philosophy is that it allows each child to grow and explore their environment at their own developmental level and pace. It is my belief that children are Gods true gift. My aim is to provide children with learning experiences that promote their cognitive, social, and emotional development. I strive to deliver individualized instruction in all areas of a childs education. I create and implement lesson plans which are both instructional and exciting!I am available to any parent and caregiver who would like to speak with me about my teaching philosophy, your childs specific needs and desires. Together, I know we will have a successful year! Sincerely, Ms. Shanda Hidalgo

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classroom!

ms Shanda classroom

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Ms Christine

Ms. Christine's Page

Dear Parents,Im so happy to be teaching your children! In March of 2007, I attended the A.N.G.E.L.S. Program (Access Network Group of Early Learning Substitutes) I have graduated from PTEC, received my Staff Credential (CDAE) Directors and VPK directors credentials, and completed numerous additional training courses and seminars.I was born in Schenectady, New York and moved to Florida in 1988. After 20 years as a cruise director, I decided it was high-time to work with children full-time! I am a mother of two beautiful girls, both with families of their own. My daughter, Rachael, is married to my wonderful son-in-law, Christian, and they have three children: Christian (5 years), Karl (3 years), Janelle (1 year). My daughter Ronda is married to my wonderful son-in-law, Verlon. Ronda is the mother of my first grandchild, Tyler (10 years). What can I say? I love my family and greatly enjoy my grandchildren! I am an avid collector of frogs, enjoy reading, and love spending time with my family. I strive to make a difference in the lives and educational experiences of children - your children! I am looking forward to a long and fulfilling career in child care! Sincerely, Ms. Christine Wolf

Come see my

classroom!

Ms Christine class

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Ms Amber

Ms Amber's Page

Dear Parents,I am very excited to be your child's new teacher! I was born and raised here in Clearwater. I graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors degree in Theatre and Education. I began my career by teaching Creative Dramatics classes in Tallahassee, FL. I have lived in New York City where I put my theatre and music training to the test. I eventually became homesick, returning to Florida to begin work as a Child Protection Investigator for the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office. This was challenging and fulfilling, but after three years it was time to return to my first love: teaching!I worked in and observed many different preschools before finding a home here at COTI Community Christian School. I have earned my Child Development Associates degree as well as my Directors and VPK Director's credentials. I am currently working to obtain an additional degree in Early Childhood Development. I enjoy two roles here at COTI. I am the Assistant Director as well as one of our VPK instructors.I am looking forward to getting to know you - and my new class! Sincerely, Ms. Amber Phillips
Ms Amber Class

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Ms Angie

Ms. Angie's Page

Dear Parents,Hello! I am SO excited to be a part of the amazing teaching staff here at COTI. I have two incredible children; Dalton and Rylee. It is truly because of them that I chose a career working with children. Prior to teaching, I worked in the legal field for 10 years. When my daughter was born, I was fortunate enough to become a stay-at-home mom - a "job" I LOVED for eight years. During this time, I became extremely involved at my children's schools. I volunteered in each of their classrooms once a week, sat on planning committees, was "Room Mom", Secretary of the PTA and took mentoring classes to work with children who were in need of a little extra TLC. It was one of the best experiences of my life!During the many hours I spent volunteering with children, I learned that they actually did as much for me as I did for them. I filled them up, they filled me up. I cared for them, they cared for me. I taught them, they taught me. I made a difference in their life, they made a difference in mine. It was a beautiful dance and I knew I didn't want it to end. For this reason, I decided to go back to school, where I earned my CDA in Early Childhood Education. I now have my sights on earning a Director's Credential, which I hope to do in the very near future. There's always more to learn!Thank you for sharing your children with me. I look forward to "dancing" with all of them! Sincerely, Angie Arnold

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classroom!

Ms Angie classroom

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Ms Sarah

Ms. Sarah's Page

Dear parents,I am so excited to be your childs teacher this year! I just know we are going to have a great time in VPK. I truly feel there is no better job than teaching. Each day is different, and children are a constant source of amazement. They are fun to work with, and watching them learn and grow is extremely rewarding. Every day is an adventure!I have been a Florida resident for about 25 years, and currently reside right here in Indian Rocks Beach. I love this community and am so happy to be living and working here. I am a Florida certified teacher and have a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from USF. I have been working with children for over 15 years in both preschool and elementary school settings. My background also involved working with pediatric mental health patients. At home I have three amazing children, ages 7, 6 and 4 years old. We enjoy spending our free time together as a family and are often at the beach or swimming in the pool. My hobbies include reading, photography, sewing and art.Thank you for allowing me the privilege of working with your child this year. As we become partners in your child's life for this school year, let's work as a team to make this one of the BEST experiences ever. Together, we can help your child develop a genuine love of learning and give them a strong educational foundation for the years to come!Sincerely,Ms Sarah Allan

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Ms Sarah Classroom

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Our Handbook

Our School Handbook

Our handbook is available online by clicking here.

The CCCS Handbook covers the following topics for parents and caregivers:

* Overview of curriculum

* VPK program

* School policies and procedures

* Necessary documentation needed for enrolment

* School security

* Our Christian History and Background

You may also review a copy by calling or stopping by the school.

We are happy to answer your questions and provide you with

a personal tour!

Handbook PDF Our Programs

Our Programs!

Kindergarten - 5th GradeNow Enrolling!!!COTI is growing! We have opened the doors to our brand new Kindergarten and Elementary School!click here for more detailsVPKWe offer a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program at COTI. This is a program available to all children of at least 4 years of age. In this program children will learn the basic skills to ready them for kindergarten!Enrichment ProgramsWe have a variety of different enrichment programs offered throughout the week.ComputersMusic AppreciationSpanishCherub ChoirArt ClassesGodly Play and ChapelAfter Care ProgramsExciting interest based curriculum, homework assistance, snack time, cooking projects, outside activities and organized games.Transportation from local Kindergarten and Elementary schools is available.Extra Curricular Programs available at an additional costBalletHip HopTap DancingGuitarPiano

For more information about a specific program

or to download a copy of our enrollment forms,

please click on the program name.

Or, give us a call, stop by the school,

oruse the "Contact Us" page- we're always happy to help!

Summer Calendar

June
July
August

June
July
August

Calendar Preschool / After-Care Calendar 2011-2012Aug 19 School Closed—Teacher In-Service DayAug 22 Preschool, VPK, COTI Kids Before & After School Care BeginsSept 5 School Closed - Labor Day HolidayOct 14 No VPK / PS – Child Care AvailableNov 21-23 Thanksgiving holidays – No VPK / PS – Child Care AvailableNov 24, 25 School Closed - Thanksgiving Holidays Dec 19- School Closed for All students - Christmas Jan 2, 2012 HolidaysJan 3 Preschool, VPK, COTI Kids Before & After School Care Spring Session BeginsJan 16 School Closed for All Students - Martin Luther King Jr. HolidayJan 20 No VPK / PS – Child Care AvailableFeb 24 No VPK / PS – Child Care AvailableMar 26 – 30 Spring Holidays – No VPK / PS – Child Care Available April 6 School Closed for All Students - Good Friday April 30 No VPK / PS – Child Care AvailableMay 28 School Closed for All Students - Memorial Day June 7 Last Day of School for VPK / Public SchoolJune 8 No VPK / PS – Child Care AvailableJune 11 SCHOOL CLOSED – Teacher In-Service DayJune 12 SUMMER PROGRAM BEGINS
Elem Calendar COTI Community Christian SchoolElementary Student Calendar2011-2012 Monday, 08/22 Classes Begin.Monday, 09/05 Labor Day Holiday - school closed for students.Thursday,11/24- Thanksgiving Holiday - school closed forFriday, 11/25 students.Monday, 12/19- Christmas Holiday - school closed for students.Monday, 01/02/12 Tuesday, 01/03 School reopens. Classes resume.Monday, 01/16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday - school closed for students.Monday, 03/26- Spring Holiday school closed for students.Friday, 03/30Monday, 04/02 School reopens. Classes resume.Friday, 04/06 Good Friday Holiday - school closed for students.Monday, 05/28 Memorial Day Holiday - school closed for students.Thursday, 06/07 Last day for students. Second semester ends.
K-5 Flyer

The community renowned Preschool of

COTI is expanding.

We have opened the doors of our brand new Kindergarten and Elementary school!

Now Enrolling !!!!!!!!

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

Private Elementary School

Grades: K-5th

206 23rd Avenue

Indian Rocks Beach, Florida 33785

727-517-0775

Brian Hirsch, Head of School

www.cotischool.org

* Low classroom ratios * Licensed and certified teaching staff

* Low tuition rates * Individualized learning curves

* High level curriculum * Music, art, physical education

* Faith based * Enrichment programs

Free Before and After Care!!

Connect with Us

Connect with Us!

Blog Updates

News and Events

Event Information

COTI Community Christian School'sScholastic Book FairReading is Out of This World!COTI has always had tremendous support from school families and the community. Our recent Scholastic Book Fair is a shining example of the community spirit that abounds here at COTI. This is the first book fair that COTI has ever had. The main goal of the book fair was to raise money and buy books for our new elementary school library. We started promoting the book fair with the One for Books campaign. The children were so excited to be able to help the school by bringing in a dollar or loose change from home. The parents were similarly enthusiastic making larger donations and even hitting the street to get corporate sponsorships. Outback Steakhouse agreed to give every child in the school a free Joey Dinner if we met our school goal. Autoway Toyota gave $100 to our One for Books campaign and agreed to give another $100 to the school for every person who bought a new car. And Smith Insurance Group generously donated $50. The community really responded to the idea that not only did the school benefit, but that Scholastic was sending a book into the community for every dollar that was donated. It was exciting to see so much enthusiasm for spreading literacy. While the One for Books drive was going on the children in the school were getting ready for the book fair itself. Our VPK, kindergarten and elementary classes provided all of the art work and decorations for the fair. The theme was "Reading is Out of This World!". So our classes did murals of outer space, three dimensional stars hung from the ceiling and pictures of spaceships, robots and aliens adorned the walls. We got our principal, Mr. Brian, involved as well. We went to him and asked what he was willing to do to get the children excited about reading and we came up with a spectacular stunt. We set a goal for the school - to sell $1500 in books at the book fair. If we met our goal, Mr. Brian agreed to become a human ice cream sundae. He would sit and let all of the children in the school pour ice cream, chocolate sauce, caramel, cherries, sprinkles, anything they could think of, all over him! The children were beyond excited. They couldnt wait for the chance to smear Mr. Brian with ice cream! We met our school goal in the very first day of the book fair. The excitement and generosity persisted throughout the week. Children and parents alike were so happy to donate books to the classroom. At the end of the fair the school had sold over $3000 in books. Proving that reading really is out of this world! ...and Mr. Brian looked fabulous as an ice cream sundae.

CCCS events are a wonderful opportunity to gather our community together! They also require a dedicated team of volunteers. How can you help? There is something for everyone, so please, give our Public Relations volunteer coordinator a buzz through our"Contact Us" form, or call the school directly and we'll be glad to help you, help us!

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Contact Us

Elementary SchoolCopyright 2008-2015 COTI Community Christian School is a ministry of the Church of the Isles Interested in the Church of the Isles? Click here!

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