• Specials: Our special is Music. We will continue in this special until December 13. We will switch to Art on January 8. 

• Holiday Shop: Every year, Westgate hosts a Holiday Shop in the teachers’ lounge. This gives the students a chance to shop for loved ones. 

• • Each class will preview the shop during the school day on Monday. No shopping is allowed during the preview time. 
  • Students must have cash, a check or voucher to enter the shop during shopping times. 
  • Student purchases will be bagged and stapled shut. 
  • After School (M-Th) - Students must be with their parent/guardian.  

• • It is recommended that students in K-2 shop after school with a parent/guardian, not during the school day. 

• • NO REFUNDS/EXCHANGES 

• Cold Weather: 

• • Front Doors open at 7:45; a.m. Doors may open as early as 7:40 a.m. in inclement weather 
  • Recess – In good conditions, students usually go outside in cold weather; precipitation/wind/ground conditions affect the decision. 
  • Clothing – Please send your student with clothes appropriate for the weather conditions. This often includes dressing in layers in Colorado as temperatures can swing from freezing in the morning to 60’s in the afternoon! 
  • Label It – We recommend that you add your student’s name inside their jackets and coats as they’ve been known to leave them outside! 
  • In need of cold weather gear? – Contact our K-6 Counselor, Ms. Alexa Kinslow  

• Water and Snacks: Please remember to send your child a spill-proof, reusable water bottle, that is labeled with their name. In addition, we have 2 snack times, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Healthy snacks are always the best choice. Please make sure your child knows which food is for their lunch meal and for snacks. 
  • Emergency snacks are provided to students who do not have a snack (while supplies last). 

• November Advocacy:  

As we step into the beautiful month of November, we are thrilled to share with you our social-emotional focus for the month: Gratitude. This month, our students will be taking part in a variety of activities designed to foster happiness and togetherness during their advocacy sessions.  

Gratitude is a wonderful and powerful emotion that reminds us to appreciate the small and big things in our lives. It has been shown to boost well-being, promote a positive outlook, and strengthen our connections with others. We believe that teaching our students the art of gratitude is an important part of their overall education.  

Throughout November, our students will engage in books, videos, and activities that encourage them to reflect on what they are thankful for and to express their appreciation. These activities will not only deepen their sense of gratitude but also help build a strong sense of community within our school.  

We invite you to join us in this month of gratitude by having conversations with your children about what they are thankful for. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings, both at home and at school. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this focus on happiness and togetherness throughout our school.  

Donation request:  

I am trying to put together a hands-on timeline of the telephone. I have a rotary phone from the 1950’s, a corded push-button phone from the 1980’s, and the school’s classroom phone.  

• I am looking for a donation of a “Fisher-Price Toddler Pull Toy Chatter Telephone with Rotary Dial and Wheels” that students can use to see how the rotary mechanism works. My antique rotary phone is currently broken, and I can’t allow students to touch it.  
• I would also like to have a cordless phone that was popular in the 1990’s.  
• Lastly, I would love to have an old Nokia or early cell phone. 

If you have one of these phones and are looking to part with them, our class would love to give them a new home! 

• Specials: Our special is Music. We will continue in this special until December 13. We will switch to Art on January 8. 

• Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Senior Hub 

• • The Senior Hub is a nonprofit organization in Northglenn serving Adams County seniors, and they are in dire need of donations of nonperishable food items. 
  • Donations are being collected in the PM carline Monday – Thursday from November 13 – November 16.  
  • Click here for a list of suggested items. 

• Cold Weather: 

• • Front Doors open at 7:45; a.m. doors may open as early as 7:40 a.m. in inclement weather 
  • Recess – In good conditions, students usually go outside in cold weather; precipitation/wind/ground conditions affect the decision. 
  • Clothing – Please send your student with clothes appropriate for the weather conditions. This often includes dressing in layers in Colorado as temperatures can swing from freezing in the morning to 60’s in the afternoon! 
  • Label It – We recommend that you add your student’s name inside their jackets and coats as they’ve been known to leave them outside! 
  • In need of cold weather gear? – Contact our K-6 Counselor, Ms. Alexa Kinslow  

• Water and Snacks: Please remember to send your child a spill-proof, reusable water bottle, that is labeled with their name. In addition, we have 2 snack times, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Healthy snacks are always the best choice. Please make sure your child knows which food is for their lunch meal and for snacks.  

• Volunteers 

• • Thank you, volunteers! Your help is greatly appreciated.  
  • Complete an online Volunteer Interest Form 
  • Complete a background check. Cost is $20.95 

• • Complete a Volunteer Agreement Form 

As we step into the beautiful month of November, we are thrilled to share with you our social-emotional focus for the month: Gratitude. This month, our students will be taking part in a variety of activities designed to foster happiness and togetherness during their advocacy sessions.  

Gratitude is a wonderful and powerful emotion that reminds us to appreciate the small and big things in our lives. It has been shown to boost well-being, promote a positive outlook, and strengthen our connections with others. We believe that teaching our students the art of gratitude is an important part of their overall education.  

Throughout November, our students will engage in books, videos, and activities that encourage them to reflect on what they are thankful for and to express their appreciation. These activities will not only deepen their sense of gratitude but also help build a strong sense of community within our school.  

We invite you to join us in this month of gratitude by having conversations with your children about what they are thankful for. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings, both at home and at school. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this focus on happiness and togetherness throughout our school.  

• Specials: Our new special is P.E.. Don’t forget to subscribe to Mr. Wise’s edlio page to get updates about this class. Please remember to send your child to school wearing (or bringing) athletic shoes. We will continue in this special until November 10. 

• Halloween Party: Tuesday, October 31st from 2:30-3:15 PM.   

• • A sign-up genius was emailed to families on Tuesday, Oct. 17. If you signed up to bring items for our party, please remember to only send store-bought, individually wrapped items with a nutrition label.  Items can be sent to school with your child any time prior to our 1st & 2nd Grade Pod party. Please make sure that all items are labeled 1-2 party before dropping them off. 

• • Costume Expectations for Classroom Halloween Parties 

• • • No Masks. 
    • No Full-Face Face Paint (except what a student can apply themselves in the time they have to get ready before the party).   
    • Face paint may not be worn to school. 
    • No Weapons or anything that can be used as a weapon. 
    • No inappropriate or offensive costumes – all body parts must be covered. 
    • K-8 students may NOT WEAR COSTUMES TO SCHOOL.  All students will be given time to change into their costumes.  Students will be in classes during the morning.

• Water and Snacks: Please remember to send your child a spill-proof, reusable water bottle, that is labeled with their name. In addition, we have 2 snack times, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Healthy snacks are always the best choice. Please make sure your child knows which food is for their lunch meal and for snacks.  

• Volunteers 

• • Thank you, volunteers! Your help is greatly appreciated.  
  • Complete an online Volunteer Interest Form 
  • Complete a background check. Cost is $20.95 
  • Complete a Volunteer Agreement Form 

• Advocacy:  

• • In October, we are focusing on the empowering theme of 'Using Your Voice' in our school community. As a community, we play a crucial role in helping our students navigate the challenges they may face at school, including bullying. This month, we encourage you to engage in open conversations with your students about the importance of using their voices to stand up against bullying. By teaching them to speak up, report incidents, and support their peers, we can create a safe and inclusive environment where every child feels heard and valued. Together, let's empower our children to be advocates for kindness, empathy, and respect, ensuring that our schools are places where everyone can thrive. 
     
  • Our advocacy will cover a range of topics around Bully Prevention and Using Your Voice, including:  

• • • Understanding Bullying 
    • Communication and Reporting 
    • Empathy and Inclusion 
    • Cyberbullying and Prevention  

• • In November, we will be focusing on Gratitude. 

• Specials: Our new special is P.E. Don’t forget to subscribe to Mr. Wise’s Classroom Edlio page to get updates about this class. Please remember to send your child to school wearing (or bringing) athletic shoes. We will continue in this special until November 10. 

• 2nd Quarter Clubs - Sign Up Now! 

• • Club registration is open through October 27 at 4 p.m. 
  • Visit Westgate's Club page on the school's website to view details or download a flyer 
  • 16 club options for Quarter 2! 

• • Clubs will run from the week of 10/23 through the week of 12/8. (No clubs during Thanksgiving Break; the week of 11/20.) 

• Halloween Party: Tuesday, October 31st from 2:30-3:15 PM.   

• • A sign-up genius was emailed to families on Tuesday, Oct. 17. If you signed up to bring items for our party, please remember to only send store-bought, individually wrapped items with a nutrition label.  Items can be sent to school with your child any time prior to our 1st & 2nd Grade Pod party. Please make sure that all items are labeled 1-2 party before dropping them off. 
  • Please contact your child's advocacy teacher if you would like to volunteer for our party.  You must have a current background check on file in order to volunteer. We will contact volunteers who are selected to assist with the party. 

• Costume Expectations for Classroom Halloween Parties 

• • No Masks. 
  • No Full-Face Face Paint (except what a student can apply themselves in the time they have to get ready before the party).   
  • Face paint may not be worn to school. 
  • No Weapons or anything that can be used as a weapon. 
  • No inappropriate or offensive costumes – all body parts must be covered. 
  • K-8 students may NOT WEAR COSTUMES TO SCHOOL.  All students will be given time to change into their costumes.  Students will be in classes during the morning. 
  • HS students may wear costumes to school, but all expectations must be followed. 

• Water and Snacks: Please remember to send your child a spill-proof, reusable water bottle, that is labeled with their name. In addition, we have 2 snack times, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Healthy snacks are always the best choice. Please make sure your child knows which food is for their lunch meal and for snacks.  

• Volunteers 

• • Thank you, volunteers! Your help is greatly appreciated.  
  • Complete an online Volunteer Interest Form 
  • Complete a background check. Cost is $20.95 
  • Complete a Volunteer Agreement Form 

• Advocacy:  

• • In October, we are focusing on the empowering theme of 'Using Your Voice' in our school community. As a community, we play a crucial role in helping our students navigate the challenges they may face at school, including bullying. This month, we encourage you to engage in open conversations with your students about the importance of using their voices to stand up against bullying. By teaching them to speak up, report incidents, and support their peers, we can create a safe and inclusive environment where every child feels heard and valued. Together, let's empower our children to be advocates for kindness, empathy, and respect, ensuring that our schools are places where everyone can thrive. 
     
  • Our advocacy will cover a range of topics around Bully Prevention and Using Your Voice, including:  

• • Understanding Bullying 
  • Communication and Reporting 

• • Empathy and Inclusion 
  • Cyberbullying and Prevention  

• Specials: Our new special is P.E.! The students are very excited! Please have your child wear (or bring) athletic shoes to school every day. Don’t forget to subscribe to Mr. Wise’s classroom page on the Westgate website to get updates about this class. We will continue in P.E. until November 10. 

• 2nd Grade Zoo Field Trip:  

2nd grade students will be going to the Denver Zoo this Wednesday, October 18th to take part in their Secret Science Days Program. Permission Slips were sent via email. 2nd grade will be away from campus from 9:30-2:00. Please send your 2nd grade student with a sack lunch and comfortable walking shoes for the day. (Please note that 1st grade will be going on a field trip later in the year and will be staying at school on this day.) 

• 2nd Quarter Clubs - Sign Up Now! 

• • Club registration is open through October 27 at 4 p.m. 
  • Visit Westgate's Club page on the school's website to view details or download a flyer 
  • 16 club options for Quarter 2! 

• • Clubs will run from the week of 10/23 through the week of 12/8. (No clubs during Thanksgiving Break; the week of 11/20.) 

• Water and Snacks: Please remember to send your child a spill-proof, reusable water bottle, that is labeled with their name. In addition, we have 2 snack times, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Healthy snacks are always the best choice. Please make sure your child knows which food is for their lunch meal and for snacks.  

• Volunteers 

• • Thank you, volunteers! Your help is greatly appreciated.  
  • Volunteer Opportunities for Mrs. Reeder's Advocacy:
    • Friday Folders: I would love to have a parent volunteer help me with Friday Folders every Friday. This would include sorting papers into files and then putting the papers into the Friday Folders. I need help every Friday. If you are interested and have completed your Volunteer forms and background check, please email me. If several people are interested, I will create a sign-up genius. 
    • Math Workbooks: Our math workbooks have arrived. I would love to have a parent volunteer come in and tear pages out of the workbook and staple them into packets. If you are interested and have completed your Volunteer forms and background check, please email me.
  • Complete an online Volunteer Interest Form 
  • Complete a background check. Cost is $20.95 
  • Complete a Volunteer Agreement Form 

• Advocacy:  

• • In October, we are focusing on the empowering theme of 'Using Your Voice' in our school community. As a community, we play a crucial role in helping our students navigate the challenges they may face at school, including bullying. This month, we encourage you to engage in open conversations with your students about the importance of using their voices to stand up against bullying. By teaching them to speak up, report incidents, and support their peers, we can create a safe and inclusive environment where every child feels heard and valued. Together, let's empower our children to be advocates for kindness, empathy, and respect, ensuring that our schools are places where everyone can thrive. 
     
    • Our advocacy will cover a range of topics around Bully Prevention and Using Your Voice, including:  

• • • Understanding Bullying 
    • Communication and Reporting 

• • • Empathy and Inclusion 
    • Cyberbullying and Prevention  

• Specials: Our special is iLab. This is our last week in iLab. After Fall Break, we will switch to P.E. 

• Friday, September 29: Report Cards and Fall test scores will come home in Friday Folders. Please make sure that your child returns their Friday Folder this week. 

• Parent-Teacher Conferences:  
  • Our Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held IN PERSON on Monday, October 2nd from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Virtual on Tuesday, October 3rd from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Please keep in mind that Tuesday’s conferences are virtual! 

• • A sign-up genius form was emailed to all families on Friday, September 15. 
  • Please note that you may NOT request a virtual conference on the in-person day or an in-person conference on the virtual conference day. 
  • The sign-ups will close on Wednesday, September 27th at 4:00 PM.  

• Water and Snacks: Please remember to send your child a spill-proof, reusable water bottle, that is labeled with their name. In addition, we have 2 snack times, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Healthy snacks are always the best option. Please make sure your child knows which food is for their lunch meal and for snacks.  

• Volunteers 

• • Thank you, volunteers! Your help is greatly appreciated.  
  • Complete an online Volunteer Interest Form 
  • Complete a background check. Cost is $20.95 
  • Complete a Volunteer Agreement Form 

• Advocacy:  

• • Our September Advocacy theme is Self-Awareness. 
  • Learning goal: Students will practice identifying their emotions and leveraging their strengths to overcome challenges. 

• Curriculum Night Virtual Presentations: Curriculum night was Thursday, August 31. If you were unable to attend, the presentations were recorded, and links were sent in an email to families. 

• Specials: Our new special is iLab.  Don’t forget to subscribe to Mr. Anderson's edlio page to get updates about this class. 

• Water and Snacks: Please remember to send your child a spill-proof, reusable water bottle, that is labeled with their name. In addition, we have 2 snack times, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Healthy snacks are always the best option. Please make sure your child knows which food is for their lunch meal and for snacks.  

• Change to morning carline and drop-off:  Staff members are now outside and ready to assist by 7:40 a.m. every day, and the school's doors open promptly at 7:45 a.m. Our goal is for all students to be in the building by 8:00 a.m. and we believe the extra five minutes will enhance the efficiency of our morning drop-off routine. 

• Volunteers 

• • Complete an online Volunteer Interest Form 
  • Complete a background check.  Cost is $20.95 
  • Complete a Volunteer Agreement Form 

• Advocacy:  

• • Our September Advocacy theme is Self-Awareness. 
  • Learning goal: Students will practice identifying their emotions and leveraging their strengths to overcome challenges. 

• Spirit Week: This week is Spirit Week. See the above schedule for the themes for each day.

• Curriculum Night Virtual Presentations: Thursday, August 31, 5:00-6:00
  Teams will send information and links to families as we get closer to the date. All presentations will be recorded and links to the recordings will be sent to families.

• We have a 4-day weekend coming up next weekend. There is no school on Friday, September 1, and no school on Monday, September 4.

• Switching Academic Classes: Last week, we began switching for literacy, math, and social studies classes. Please remember that these placements will be fluid (may change) as we gain a better understanding of the learning needs of each student and to help us find their “just right” class.

• Specials: Our current special is Art. Next week we will switch specials, and we will go to I-Lab. Don’t forget to subscribe to Mr. Anderson’s Edlio page to get updates about this class.

• Water and Snacks: Please remember to send your child a spill-proof, reusable water bottle, that is labeled with their name. In addition, we have 2 snack times, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Healthy snacks are always the best option. Please make sure your child knows which food is for their lunch meal and for snacks.

• Change to morning carline and drop-off: Beginning on Monday, August 21, staff members will be outside and ready to assist by 7:40 a.m. every day, and the school's doors will open promptly at 7:45 a.m. Our goal is for all students to be in the building by 8:00 a.m. and we believe the extra five minutes will enhance the

ZERO WASTE WEDNESDAYS!

How It Works:

• Every Wednesday is “Zero Waste Wednesday” here at Westgate. What this means is that if students have a lunch that doesn’t use any waste AT ALL (i.e., nothing to throw away, like baggies, cans, plastic cups, paper lunch bags, etc.), then their names will be entered into a raffle. Ten raffle winners will receive recognition over the intercom on Fridays for being the Zero Heroes of the Week.
  • *Students who have school lunch will qualify if they accurately sort their lunch into the appropriate trash and recycling AND have a reusable water bottle for the day*
• Bonus Recognition: If there is an entire classroom that has zero waste lunch one day, the entire class will receive recognition automatically.
• Extra Bonus Recognition: The class with the most days with all Zero Heroes at the end of the year will be considered the Zero Hero champions of the year!
• Why:
  • The goal is for families to start the conversation about alternatives to lunch waste, like glass or plastic lunch containers, reusable lunch bags, water bottles, and cloth napkins. If a student has any item that must be thrown away (at school or at home) their names will not be entered, and they can try again next week and every week after that. Hopefully, this will instill changes that will go far beyond Wednesdays during lunchtime at Westgate. https://www.westgateschool.org/apps/pages/waste

• Complete an online Volunteer Interest Form
• Complete a background check. Cost is $20.95
• Complete a Volunteer Agreement Form

• Our August Advocacy theme is RISE (Respect, Integrity, Safety, Empathy)!
• This week we will continue our Advocacy focus on our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program, R.I.S.E. Last week, we focused on the “S” for Safety. We learned how to be safe with our bodies, in our spaces, and with our classmates. This week, our focus will be on the “E” in RISE which stands for Empathy. Empathy is when we understand and care about the feelings of others.

• Switching Academic Classes: This week, we will be switching for literacy and math classes, starting on Monday. Please remember that these placements will be fluid (may change) as we gain a better understanding of the learning needs of each student and to help us find their “just right” class.  

• Specials: Our current special is Art. 

• Water and Snacks: Please remember to send your child a spill-proof, reusable water bottle, that is labeled with their name. In addition, we have 2 snack times, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Healthy snacks are always the best option. Please make sure your child knows which food is for their lunch meal and for snacks.  

• • Announcement regarding nuts: 

• • • As a 1-2 team, we misunderstood the guidelines regarding nut allergies in our pod. We sent out a letter stating that our entire pod needs to provide nut-free food for their child. This is incorrect. You can send in foods with nuts for your child’s lunch and/or snack. We will be providing a nut-free table for the children that require it.  

• Change to morning carline and drop-off: Beginning on Monday, August 21, staff members will be outside and ready to assist by 7:40 a.m. every day, and the school's doors will open promptly at 7:45 a.m. Our goal is for all students to be in the building by 8:00 a.m. and we believe the extra five minutes will enhance the efficiency of our morning drop-off routine. 
• Curriculum Night Virtual Presentations: Thursday, August 31, 5:00-6:00  
  Teams will send information and links to families as we get closer to the date. All presentations will be recorded and links to the recordings will be sent to families. 

• Pete is retiring! Our facility dog Pete is retiring. His last day will be Aug. 25. Westgate is currently looking for a new facility dog. 

ZERO WASTE WEDNESDAYS! 

How It Works: 

• Every Wednesday is “Zero Waste Wednesday” here at Westgate. What this means is that if students have a lunch that doesn’t use any waste AT ALL (i.e., nothing to throw away, like baggies, cans, plastic cups, paper lunch bags, etc.), then their names will be entered into a raffle. Ten raffle winners will receive recognition over the intercom on Fridays for being the Zero Heroes of the Week. 
• *Students who have school lunch will qualify if they accurately sort their lunch into the appropriate trash and recycling AND have a reusable water bottle for the day* 
• Bonus Recognition: If there is an entire classroom that has zero waste lunch one day, the entire class will receive recognition automatically.  

• Extra Bonus Recognition: The class with the most days with all Zero Heroes at the end of the year will be considered the Zero Hero champions of the year! 
• Why: 

• The goal is for families to start the conversation about alternatives to lunch waste, like glass or plastic lunch containers, reusable lunch bags and water bottles, and cloth napkins. If a student has any item that must be thrown away (at school or at home) their names will not be entered, and they can try again next week and every week after that. Hopefully, this will instill changes that will go far beyond Wednesdays during lunchtime at Westgate. https://www.westgateschool.org/apps/pages/waste 

• Volunteers 

• Complete an online Volunteer Interest Form 
• Complete a background check.  Cost is $20.95 
• Complete a Volunteer Agreement Form 

• Advocacy:  

• • Our August Advocacy theme is RISE (Respect, Integrity, Safety, Empathy)!  
  • This week we will continue our Advocacy focus on our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program RISE. Last week, we focused on the “I” for integrity. Integrity is simply doing what is right even when nobody is looking. This week, our focus will be on the “S” in RISE which stands for Safety. We will talk about how to be safe with our bodies, in our spaces, and with our classmates.