• Specials: Our special is PE. We will stay in this special until February 5. 

• Toys at School: As a collective group of 1st and 2nd grade teachers, we want to remind all families that toys are not allowed at school. Our school policy states that toys should not be brought to school for any reason or at any time. 

To ensure a safe and focused learning environment for all students, the following consequences are in place for students who bring toys to school. The consequences include: 

• Verbal Reminder: The teacher will remind the student that toys are not allowed at school and explain the reasons behind this policy. The teacher will ask the student to put the toy in their backpack for the remainder of the day. 
• Temporary Confiscation: If a student continues to bring toys to school despite the reminders, the teacher may temporarily confiscate the toy and return it to the student at the end of the day. 
• Parent Notification: In case a student repeatedly brings toys to school, the teacher will notify the parents to discuss the situation and find a solution together. 

We believe that by enforcing this policy consistently, we can create an optimal learning environment for all students. 

• Westgate Quarter 3 Clubs Now Open! 

• Club registration is open and filling up quickly!  Register for clubs here. 
• UPDATE: Winter Fun Club and Wellness Wednesday Club are now accepting 2nd graders. 
• Outside club organizations are accepting registrations through their digital flyers found on our website. 
• Clubs begin Tuesday, 1/16/24, and run through 3/22/24. 

• Important Message from Nurse Hopson: It's cold and flu season!  Remember: washing your hands frequently is the best way to prevent spreading germs and getting sick.  

Wondering when to keep kids home? 

• Fever (a temperature of 100.4 or higher): must stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. 
• Vomiting/Diarrhea: must stay home until vomiting/diarrhea has stopped for 24 hours without the use of medications. 
• Coughing: must stay home if cough is severe, uncontrolled, rapid, interferes with student's ability to participate, or if wheezing is present. 

• Strep Throat: must stay home until 24 hours after starting antibiotics for strep throat. 
• Flu symptoms (fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, fatigue, body aches): must stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medications, and all other symptoms are improving, and the student feels well enough to participate in normal activities. 

• 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 

• January Advocacy:  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:  

• Resilience 
• Perseverance 
• Adaptability 
• Embracing Feedback 

• 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: 

• 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.