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Ms. Calder, Advocacy

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January 17-19

Brrr!!!
I hope that you all had a safe a warm extra-long weekend.  
We will continue working on Growth Mindset this week.  Last week the students took a quiz to see the status of their thinking; either fixed or growth mindset.  Ask your child where they feel.   I encouraged them to think about the whole person rather than how they may have been feeling that day.   
 
We will have our first and second grade buddies on Wednesday.  This Service Learning has been such a great opportunity for both the fifth and sixth graders and our buddies.  We love going to Mrs. Reeder's classroom!
 

January 8 - 12

Dear Westgate Families!

Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and relaxation. As we dive into the new year, we are excited to introduce our Advocacy Theme for January: Growth Mindset.

What is a Growth Mindset? A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and perseverance. It's about embracing challenges, learning from criticism, and understanding that effort is the path to mastery.

Skills Students Will Learn: In the upcoming weeks, your child will engage in various activities and discussions across different classes that aim to cultivate a growth mindset. Here's a glimpse of the skills they will be focusing on:

  1. Resilience: Students will learn to bounce back from setbacks, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.

    Perseverance: Embracing the idea that success often involves sustained effort, students will be encouraged to stay committed to their goals, even when faced with difficulties.

    Adaptability: Developing the ability to adapt to new situations and learn from experiences will be a key focus, fostering a mindset that values continuous learning.

    Embracing Feedback: Students will be taught to see feedback as constructive, using it to refine their skills and enhance their understanding, rather than viewing it as criticism.

Extending Growth Mindset to Personal Lives: It's essential to emphasize that the principles of a growth mindset extend beyond the classroom. Encourage your child to apply these concepts in their daily lives:

  1. Goal Setting: Help your child set realistic goals and work with them to develop a plan to achieve those goals. Celebrate progress along the way, reinforcing the idea that improvement comes with effort.

    Positive Self-Talk: Encourage your child to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind them that their abilities are not fixed and that they can improve with dedication and hard work.

    Embracing Challenges: Teach your child to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Encourage them to approach new experiences with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

We believe that fostering a growth mindset will not only enhance your child's academic journey but will also contribute to their overall personal development. If you have any questions or would like to further discuss how to support your child in embracing a growth mindset, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you a fantastic start to the new year!

 

New computers!

Students will be getting new computers during Language Arts on Monday.  The students already took a quiz over what the expectations are for their new computer.   All the students will complete a computer check out form online.  The new computer assigned to the students will follow them up through the 8th grade.  Please encourage your child to take excellent care of this new technology.  If the student doesn't follow the guidelines and take good care of the computer, the computer will be taken, and they can use an old computer by checking out the machine from the teacher for the class that the computer is needed for.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. 

Dec. 11 - 13

So hard to believe this is the last week before Holiday Break!
 
In Advocacy this week, we will prepare for our new computers that will be checked out after break.  The students will be told the expectations, and they will need to a 10-point quiz with 100% before the computer will be check out to each student. The expectations are very specific and if a student doesn't care for the computer, it will be taken away and they will be allowed to use an old computer. We are thrilled to have new computers and we want to follow the R.I.S.E expectations with these new machines.   The computers will follow the students up to the 8th grade.  More information will come before the students return from break. 
 
Tuesday the students will finish their holiday cards and great wishes for their 1st and 2nd grade buddies which will be delivered to their buddies on Wednesday. 
 
On Wednesday, the students will have a regular day until 2:15 where we will celebrate our Holiday party. Thank you for all who have signed up to bring treats! :)

Dec. 4 - 8

Happy December! :)
 
December's theme for Advocacy is "The Greater Good".   We will be celebrating all of the goodness that December brings. 
 
A couple of reminders:
Monday we will be taking the Reading MAP test from 9:15 to at least 10:15.  Tuesday we will be taking the Math MAP test from 9:15 to at least 10:15 and then during 10:45 - 11:45 we will be having Language Arts. 
 
Please remind your kids to have a good night sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. 
 
I am excited to see the academic growth with all fo the kids! :)

Nov. 27 - Dec. 1

Welcome back!  I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and time off with your family!
 
This week will we follow up with the theme "Gratitude" by keeping an appreciation journal each day. 
On Wednesday we will spend time with our first and second grade buddies. 
 
 

             During Academic Lab we will be focusing on math skills based on the needs of each student.  After looking at the Benchmark Assessment for Big Ideas in both 5th and 6th grade, we found some math skills that we need to reteach and practice.  

 

        Each teacher will take a small group and focus on the specific math skills: Mrs. Cundari - Equivalent Fractions
Ms. V. - Word problems and solving
Mrs. Lounsbury - Long Division 
Mr. Varela - Order of Operations 
Mr. McGinnis and Ms. Calder Exponents and Powers of Ten (this group was so large that it will be split into two groups. 
 
        We will share with the students which group they will be working with for the next three weeks. 
 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Cundari.

 
 
 
 

Nov. 13-17

Westgate is hosting a Thanksgiving food drive, Monday November 13 through Thursday, November 16.  Please send any non-perishable food items to school or you can also drop off items during carline from 3:30-4:00.  We have set a goal for 1,000!  Let's beat it! We will be donating the items to Seniorhub.  
 
Let's make a difference in our community!
 
Reminder,
this week is a full week of school and then the students will be off the following week, November 20-24 for Thanksgiving break.  My wish is that you all have a restful and wonderful Thanksgiving break!
 

Nov. 5 - 9

November Advocacy focus: 

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 witnessing the positive impact of this focus on happiness and togetherness throughout our school. 

Reminders:

November 10 - No School in Observance of honoring our Veterans! Thank you for you service!

November 20 - 24 - No School; Thanksgiving Break!  Enjoy your family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

October 30 - November 3

Halloween Carnival:
The Halloween Carnival is a Service-Learning project that we will be putting on for the K-4 students on the afternoon of Halloween, 10-31 from 1:30 - 2:30.
The games are ready to go and share some great Halloween fun with the K-4 students.  They have all done an incredible job with their creativity!  
 
Halloween Student Parties:

• If you signed up for bring treats or drinks. Please bring in no later that Tuesday, October 31 in the morning so that we have time to organize the treats for each room. 
 Please note that we have severe nut allergies in the POD. 
• All food and drink items must be individually wrapped. 
 
Halloween Costume Expectations
Costume expectations for all students:
• No Masks
• No Full-Face Paint (except what a student can apply themselves in the time they have to
get ready before class parties). 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
• Students may NOT WEAR THEIR COSTUMES TO SCHOOL.
All students will be given time to change into their Halloween costumes before the Halloween Carnival. 
 
Students will be regular classes during the morning.

October 16 - 20

Welcome back!
 
I hope that you all had a great Fall Break!
 
In the month of 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
Upcoming Events:
 
Trunk or Treat
Westgate will be having a Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 20 from 5 to 7 pm.  Come in your costume and join the fun! 
 
Halloween Carnival:
The Halloween Carnival is a Service-Learning project that we will be putting on for the K-4 students on the afternoon of Halloween, 10-31 from 1:30 - 2:30.
The 5/6 POD will be creating Halloween Carnival games starting on 10/16.  Ms. Charlie will be helping us organize this event.  The students will be planning their games and if they need additional materials than what we have at Westgate, they may be asking for those items. If you have any further questions, please reach out to us. 
 
Halloween Student Parties:

• We will be sending out a sign-up form to volunteer for food items for our party.  Please note that we have severe nut allergies in the POD. 
All food and drink donations for the festivities can be left at the front desk or brought into school by the students in the morning.
• All food and drink items must be individually wrapped. 
 
 

Halloween Costume Expectations
Costume expectations for all students:
• No Masks
• No Full Face Paint (except what a student can apply themselves in the time they have to
get ready before class parties). 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
• Students may NOT WEAR THEIR COSTUMES TO SCHOOL.
All students will be given time to change into their Halloween costumes. Students will be in classes during the morning.

Sept. 25 - 29

Thank you for all the support that you all gave last week for Outdoor Education, Washington Street Clean up, and the Fun Run!  
 
This week will be a normal week schedule.
 
Reminder to sign up for conferences next week.  There was an email that was sent to you on Friday, September 15.  The sign-up window closes on Wednesday, September 27.  Please indicate the teachers that you wish to speak with. 
 
Conferences are:
Monday, October 2 at Westgate Community School from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Tuesday, October 3 virtually from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. 
 
The students will have No School from October 2 until October 15. 
We will be excited to welcome the students back on Monday, October 16. 
Have a safe and amazing Fall break. 

Sept. 18-22

Many events happening this week!
 
Sept. 18-19 - Outdoor Education Please refer to the packing list. We are saying no snacks or money. 
 
Sept. 21 - Washington Street cleanup. Please make sure to fill out the permission form that was sent to you in an email. 
 
Sept. 22 - Fun Run
- On the Westgate Home Page at the bottom there is information about this event.  
- Using the QR code donate to your child.
- Your child should have brought home a white T-Shirt. They can decorate it however they would like. Remind them please to wear their shirt on Friday!
 
Parent Teacher Conferences will be Monday, October 2, 2023, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm in person at Westgate, and Tuesday, October 3, 2023, virtually. 
The conference signup sheet was sent out on Friday in an email and the window for signups closes on September 27 at 4:00pm. 
The times are Mountain times.  My apologies for any confusion!
 
Have an amazing week!

Sept. 11-15

Reminder:
Please make sure to sign up for Outdoor Education.  This is approaching quickly, and we will be finalizing our plans for this great experience.
 
The Deadline is Wednesday, September 13. 
 
Important upcoming dates:
9-18 to 9-19 - Outdoor Education
9-21 - Washington Street Clean up (permission slip will be coming this week)
9-22 - Fun Run (students will be bringing home a shirt on Friday, 9-15 to decorate, make your donations for this great even)
 
September's focus for Advocacy is Self Awareness, I Am Strong!

Sept. 5-8

Reminder:
Please make sure to sign up for Outdoor Education.  This is approaching quickly, and we will be finalizing our plans for this great experience. 
 
Important upcoming dates:
9-18 to 9-19 - Outdoor Education
9-21 - Washington Street Clean up (permission slip will be coming this week)
9-22 - Fun Run (students will be bringing home a shirt to decorate, make your donations for this great even)
 
September's focus for Advocacy is Self Awareness, I Am Strong!

August 28 - 31

Several Reminders this week. 
 
 Curriculum night
      This year at Westgate we are presenting our curriculum night on August 31, 2023, at 5 pm to 6 pm. Virtual ONLY this year.  The link was sent in an email on Friday.  Please join us virtually to learn about our amazing 5th and 6th grade team of teachers and all about the curriculum that we will be teaching. There also will be a time at the end to ask any questions that you might have. 
       If you are unable to join us on August 31, the link will be uploaded to the Westgate page.  
 
Outdoor Education 
      Please make sure to complete all forms and if your child isn't attending Outdoor Education, email me at [email protected] to communicate that as soon as possible so we can be prepared for all students. 
 
No school on Friday, September 1 and Monday, September 4. 
   Friday the teachers will be having Professional development so students have the day off, and Monday we will all be enjoying the vacation day!  I hope that you all have a wonderful long weekend with your child!
 

August 21 - 25

The last two weeks have been amazing.  I am enjoying getting to know your children and reconnecting with the students from last year!
 
During Advocacy we will continue to review and do activities with R.I.S.E. 
 
This week will be doing the MAP assessment make up testing. 
 
On Wednesday, we will be meeting our 1/2 grade buddies!  The kids are so excited.  We will partner with the 1/2 grade students doing Service Learning with Ms. Charlie organizing this great opportunity!