• Specials: Our special is Art. We will switch to I-lab on January 8.

• 1-2 Pod Winter Party: Our Winter class party will be on Wednesday, December 13 from 2:30-3:15 PM.
  • If you are interested in donating food for our party, please do so at this Sign-Up Genius Link.
  • 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 to volunteer. We will contact volunteers who are selected to help with the party via email. Only parents notified that they are selected to volunteer for the party should plan to attend. Thank you for helping us make our class party special

• Winter Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • Our Winter conferences will be held IN-PERSON at Westgate on Thursday, December 14th from 8 AM to 8 PM and VIRTUALLY online on Friday, December 15th from 8 AM to 12 PM.
  • A 1st grade sign-up was sent to 1st grade families and a 2nd grade sign-up to 2nd grade families.
  • You may not request a virtual conference on the in-person day or an in-person conference on the virtual conference day, and parents may not request a conference outside the conference windows.
  • If you missed the signup, please contact your child’s literacy or math teachers to set one up.
  • Report cards and updated MAP testing data will come home in Friday Folders on Wednesday. We will reference these during our conferences on Thursday and Friday, so please have these available.

• 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 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 adding 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, 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).

• 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

• December Advocacy:
  • December is focused on the Greater Good, which is a time for us to consider how we can leverage our strengths and use the skills we have learned and practiced throughout the year to leave a positive impact on our community and the larger world.

• Specials: Our special is Art. We will continue in this special until December 13. We will switch to I-lab 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,  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 asnack (while supplies last).  

• 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 

• December Advocacy:  
• December is focused on the Greater Good, which is a time for us to consider how we can leverage our strengths and use the skills we have learned and practiced throughout the year to leave a positive impact on our community and the larger world. 
• Kids can create World Peace.
  

• Specials: Our special is Art. We will continue in this special until December 13. We will switch to I-lab 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, 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).

• 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

• 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.

Dates and Announcements 

• Specials: Our special is Art We will continue in this special until December 13. You can subscribe to her page here.

• 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, 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 

• 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.

Dates and Announcements 

• Specials: Our special is Music. We will continue in this special until November 9. We will switch to Art on November 13.
• Hearing and Vision Screenings: Hearing and vision screenings help identify students who may have issues that are potential barriers to student learning.
  • K-2 Hearing and Vision Screenings are on Tuesday, November 7, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Please have your students wear their glasses or contacts on screening day.
• 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, 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

• 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.

• Specials: Our new special is Music. 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.
  • 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
• In November, we will be focusing on Gratitude.
• Bullying 101 for Parents

• Specials: Our new special is Music. Don’t forget to subscribe to Mr. Hopson’s edlio page to get updates about this class. We will continue in this special until November 10.
• 2^nd 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

• Bullying 101 for Parents

• Specials: Our new special is Music. Don’t forget to subscribe to Mr. Hopson’s edlio page to get updates about this class. We will continue in this special until November 10.

• 2^nd 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 2^nd 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.)

• 2^nd 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.
  • 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
• Bullying 101 for Parents

• Specials: Our special is PE.
• 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 27^th 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.

• Specials: Our special is PE. 

• Wild Style Fun Run – September 22
• Students received their FREE ‘You Design-It T-shirt’ on Friday, September 15. Students are encouraged to bedazzle, paint, tear, decorate, or sew their t-shirts, so they can display their “Wild Style” as they raise awareness and funds.
• Our goals are to change behaviors, and raise awareness and funds to support health, wellness, and fitness at Westgate. Give on behalf of your student at: Wild Style Fun Run Donations
• Click here for details

Dates and Announcements 

• 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 PE. Don’t forget to subscribe to Mr. Wise’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.

 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 PE.  Don’t forget to subscribe to Mr.  Wise'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 to 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 ______. Next week we will switch specials, and we will go to _________. Don’t forget to subscribe to _____’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 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, 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 I-lab.  

• 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.  

Switching Academic classes: This week, we will assess students with NWEA Maps testing. Please make sure that your child is on time for school this week, as testing will begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. On Tuesday, we will assess literacy and on Thursday we will assess math. This will help us figure out the best placement for your child in their academic classes.  We hope to start switching to literacy and math classes later this week.  Please remember that these placements will be fluid as we get to know our learners and to best meet the needs of each child.  

• Specials: Our current special is I-lab.  

• 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.   

• Morning and Afternoon carline are “hug and go” only.  The staff asks that you please stay in your car and allow your child to exit the vehicle on their own.  This will allow the flow of traffic to move quickly.  

• 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.  

• Clubs: After-school enrichment clubs begin this week. If you would like to sign up, visit the school’s clubs page.  

• 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 “R” for respect.  We talked about showing respect to others, to our community, to things in our classroom and so forth.  This week, our focus will be on the “I” in RISE which stands for Integrity.  Integrity is simply doing what is right even when nobody is looking.