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Ms. Calder, Advocacy

Posts

May 22 - 26

It is hard to believe that this is the last week of school.  As a new teacher at Westgate, I have learned so much and loved you sharing your child with me this year. Thank you for the opportunity to join Westgate and enjoy your child!!
 
Please view the schedule for next, and if you have any questions, please reach out to me.  
 

 

Last Week of School schedule

Monday & Tuesday:

  • Regular school days 

Wednesday:

  • Continuation for 5/6 from 1-2 pm in the gym  
  • Last full day of classes 

Thursday:

  • Half day of school – students should be picked up at 11:30 
  • Pod End of Year Party – 8:45-10:15 
    • Sign up for snacks and volunteer opportunities: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DA4AD2EA3F85-56end
       
      Please consider signing up to bring snacks to share during our end of year party and/or volunteer to help (must have approved background check on file).  Our party will be Thursday morning, May 25, from 8:45-10:15 am. All items need to be individually packaged from the factory and include ingredient lists. No nuts, please! Each slot is for 10+ of the same item, so there are plenty to share all around. Thank you!
      www.signupgenius.com
       
       
  • Celebrating graduating seniors – 10:30 
  • Carnival from 2-6 pm 
  • Open House 3-5 pm: come see all your child’s hard work  

Friday:

  • Half day – dismissal at 11:30 
  • Yearbooks given out & time for yearbook signing – Yearbooks or other autograph papers only. Please no shirts, hats, etc.  
  • Last day of school 

May 15-19

 
This week will be a regular scheduled week. 
In Advocacy we will finish our Upscale Art work that will be displayed during Open House.  The students will also be reflecting on their 2022/2023 school year. 
 
Reminders for next week May 22-26:
Monday through Wednesday will be full days of school. 
Thursday and Friday are half days.8:00 - 11:30
 
Wednesday, May 24: Continuation will be from 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Thursday and Friday are half days.
 
Thursday, May 25
The Carnival is from 2:00-6:00 pm.
Open House is from 3:00- 5:00 pm
 
 

May 8-11

Monday our Advocacy class will be putting mulch around the trees to project them.  Please remind your children to wear appropriate shoes and clothes.  So grateful to be able to help our community at Westgate. 

We started working on Upscale art projects with the recycled supplies that the students brought in, and we will finish them and display them for the Westgate Community to enjoy!

 

After continuing computer problems, including inappropriate internet searches, playing games, harassing emails, taking/sending pictures, several missing computers (possible bullying), stolen batteries, failure to properly store and/or charge on a large scale in our pod, we are going to end the year without computer use.  Sadly, the issues are too widespread to continue taking computers from individual students.  Creating paper alternatives or managing behavior for that number of students without computers in class makes more work for us as teachers.  Having them all working on paper makes things more manageable. 

After Friday, May 5, (about a week earlier than usual) only students with documented IEP/504 accommodations will be allowed access to computers.  These students have been/will be informed and will be closely monitored by teachers. 

If they are currently working on research or writing assignments, teachers have been encouraging students to finish as much as they can before the end of the day Friday.  After that, they can work on computers at home or work on paper.  All our lesson plans for the remainder of the year will be adapted to paper, hands on, or verbal options. 

A reminder that all grades for the quarter will be posted on May 19, and any makeup work is due May 15.  Students wanted to continue checking grades in IC at home may request their username and passwords from teachers if they need them. 

For specific assignment questions, please reach out to the applicable teacher.   

For questions or concerns regarding this decision, please reach out to [email protected] 

May 1-5

Happy Month of May!
 
This week we will have a normal schedule with the exception of Tuesday when we will be taking the Spring MAP Language Arts and Math.  Language Arts testing will be during the regular time 8:15 - 9:45, and Math will be from 12:45 to 1:45.  After we are finished testing our Advocacy class will be going to meet the new chicks with Ms. Charlie. Then the students will vote on the best sign for all the small groups that will be posted out front when we plant the Wildflowers.
 
The theme for the Month of May is Empathy for the World. 
 
Please remind your children that the R.I.S.E expectations still apply until the end of the year. 
 
Respect the teachers and peers!
Have Integrity by doing the right thing when you think no one is looking. 
Be Safe by asking a teacher to leave the classroom. 
Have Empathy for yourself and everyone around you. 
 
** Grades are due May 19.  So, in order to grade missing or late assignments, all work will need to be turned in by May 15.  Thank you for your support with your child! ***

April 24-29

For the week of April 24-29, we will have a regular schedule as CMAS is complete for the students. 
 
We will continue to focus on Empathy for the Earth.
 
 
Our Spring Carnival and silent auction is quickly approaching! To help make our silent auction a success, each advocacy will be collecting items to be assembled into a basket that will be sold at the silent auction to be held at the Spring Carnival on May 25th from 2:00-6:00pm. This year we will need 2 parent volunteers per pod to assemble the baskets once the items are collected. The Signup Genius below includes items for the baskets in the 5th and 6th Grade pod. We are not collecting cash donations for baskets this year and instead are focusing on items and gift cards related to the basket theme. Please send donated items in with your child no later than May 19th.  Click here for the 5th and 6th Grade basket donation sign up. Thank you for your contributions! Watch for more information on the carnival coming soon!
 
It's that time of year... our Spring Carnival is coming May 25th.  The themed classroom baskets are always a huge fundraiser for our school, and they will be on display for auction during the carnival. We ask that every family donate at least 1 item at any price point for either themed basket listed.  There are two themes for the 5/6 pod, which include: Outdoor Adventures and Dungeon Master.  All it takes is every family pitching in a little bit to create some really fun, unique baskets for auction! Donations can be dropped off at the school during normal school hours. All donations are due by May 19th!
www.signupgenius.com

April 17-21

Below is the list of events for Celebrating Earth Week.

If you haven't filled out the permission slip for Washington Street cleanup, happening on Friday, April 21 at 1:30, please do so.  There is a digital permission slip and a City of Thorton paper permission slip.  If you need either of these, please let me know. 

There has been a change to the location, the students will be going with their Advocacy classes following these paths:

Mrs. Cundari and Ms. M classes will head South on Washington, then turn East to follow Highline Canal. 
Ms. Calder and Mr. McGinnis classes will head South on Washington from 126th Avenue to almost 120th Street next to Barnes and Noble. 

 

In our Advocacy last week, the students were interested in doing some Upscale crafts, so if you would like to send recyclable items, please do so by Wednesday, April 19. 

 

5th graders will finish taking the CMAS in the area of Science on Tuesday and Wednesday. There will be an alternative schedule for those days.

Earth Week is April 17th – 21st and this year’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet”. We are focused on engaging governments, institutions, businesses, and the more than 1 billion citizens who participate annually in Earth Day to do their part – everyone accounted for, everyone accountable. Here’s what’s happening during Earth Week, and how you can do your part too! 

 

Monday, April 17th: Climate Literacy 

  • Last opportunity to donate to clothing swap is during afternoon carline (3:30-4:00) 
  • No appointment needed. You will be routed to the drop off point as you exit carline. 
  • Looking for a few volunteers! 
  • Climate Literacy Lesson during advocacy 

Tuesday, April 18th: Sustainable Fashion 

  • Westgate Clothing Swap! 4:00-6:00pm in the gym (see flyer attached for shopping details) Volunteers needed.  
  • Sustainable Fashion Lesson during advocacy 

Wednesday, April 19th: End Plastics 

  • Plastic Free Day at Westgate! 
  • Zero Waste crew members will be in classrooms at lunch time and will recognize students who come to school with no plastic (baggies, water bottles, containers) by stamping their hand! 
  • Recycle relay races during specials time. 
  • Recycling Lesson during advocacy 

Thursday, April 20th: Plant Trees (and Plants) 

  • Each grade will go outside with Ms. Charlie and plant specific plants related to their service-learning project. 

Friday, April 21st: Global Cleanup 

  • Westgate Community School and Washington Street Cleanup from 1:30-2:30pm.  
  • Check your email for permission forms 3rd-8th grade from your advocacy teacher a week prior to the cleanup.  

Saturday, April 22nd: Global Cleanup Challenge and Earth Day 

  • Happy Earth Day! We challenge you to cleanup in your local neighborhood.  
  • Send us pictures of you and your family picking up trash around your local area on Earth Day to [email protected] 
  • Tag us on social media with #wildaboutearthday 

 

April 10 - 14

I hope that you all had a great Easter!
 

CMAS Testing is happening this week and next for the 5th graders.  Tuesday and Thursday this week the students will be showing their skills for Language Arts and Math.  Next week the 5th graders will be testing on Tuesday and Thursday over their Science skills. 

  6th graders this week will have an altered schedule on Tuesday through Thursday and will continue with their regular academics. 

Next weel we will be celebrating Earth Week April 17-21 with different activities for each day. Move information to come on next week's post. 

 

The Advocacy Theme for the month of April is Empathy for the Earth. There will be lessons to support taking care of our Earth. 

We will continue to do week grade checks and the students will communicate with you via email.  However, it may be a different day due to testing.  

 

Earth Week is April 17th – 21st and this year’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet”. We are focused on engaging governments, institutions, businesses, and the more than 1 billion citizens who participate annually in Earth Day to do their part – everyone accounted for, everyone accountable. Here’s what’s happening during Earth Week, and how you can do your part too! 

Friday, April 14th  

  • Accepting clothing swap donations during afternoon carline (3:30-4:00) 
  • No appointment needed.  You will be routed to the drop off point as you exit carline. 
  • Looking for a few volunteers!  

Monday, April 17th: Climate Literacy 

  • Last opportunity to donate to clothing swap is during afternoon carline (3:30-4:00) 
  • No appointment needed. You will be routed to the drop off point as you exit carline. 
  • Looking for a few volunteers! 
  • Climate Literacy Lesson during advocacy 

Tuesday, April 18th: Sustainable Fashion 

  • Westgate Clothing Swap! 4:00-6:00pm in the gym (see flyer attached for shopping details) Volunteers needed.  
  • Sustainable Fashion Lesson during advocacy 

Wednesday, April 19th: End Plastics 

  • Plastic Free Day at Westgate! 
  • Zero Waste crew members will be in classrooms at lunch time and will recognize students who come to school with no plastic (baggies, water bottles, containers) by stamping their hand! 
  • Recycle relay races during specials time. 
  • Recycling Lesson during advocacy 

Thursday, April 20th: Plant Trees (and Plants) 

  • Each grade will go outside with Ms. Charlie and plant specific plants related to their service-learning project. 

Friday, April 21st: Global Cleanup 

  • Westgate Community School and Washington Street Cleanup from 1:30-2:30pm.  
  • Check your email for permission forms 3rd-8th grade from your advocacy teacher a week prior to the cleanup.  

Saturday, April 22nd: Global Cleanup Challenge and Earth Day 

  • Happy Earth Day! We challenge you to cleanup in your local neighborhood.  
  • Send us pictures of you and your family picking up trash around your local area on Earth Day to [email protected] 
  • Tag us on social media with #wildaboutearthday 

  

 

Have a glorious week!

April 3 - 7

Hello April!

April 3-7    6th graders with be taking the CMAS Tuesday through Thursday
                 5th graders will have regular classes with an altered schedule, and                     Mr. McGinnis will be teaching Ms. Calder's 5th grade Language Arts                   class. 
 
6th grade schedule:
  • 8:00 – 8:15 –      Advocacy 
  • 8:15 – 11:15 –    CMAS (LA) 
  • 11:15 – 11:45 – Advocacy 
  • 11:45 – 12:15 – Recess 
  • 12:15 - 12:45 -   Lunch
  • 12:45 - 2:30 -     CMAS (Math)
  • 2:30-3:30 –        Specials (Tues. & Th.); Advocacy - Wednesday 

5th grade schedule:

  • 8:00 – 8:15 – Advocacy
  • 8:15 – 9:45 – LA 
  • 9:45 – 11:15 – Math
  • 11:15 – 11:45 - Advocacy
  • 11:45 – 12:15 – Recess
  • 12:15 – 12:45 – Lunch
  • 12:45 – 1:35 – Sci/SS A
  • 1:35 – 2:30 – Sci/SS B
  • 2:30 – 3:30 – Specials (Tues. & Th.); Advocacy – Wednesday 

 Upcoming Events:

April 5th                                                Spirit Night at Skate City

April 6th                                                 Spirit Night at Tokyo Joes

April 7th                                                 Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

April 14th & 17th                                    Clothing Swap Donation Drop- Off

April 17th – 21st                                     Earth Week Events Begin

April 20th                                                High School Prom

Earth Week is April 17th – 21st and this year’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet”. We are focused on engaging governments, institutions, businesses, and the more than 1 billion citizens who participate annually in Earth Day to do their part – everyone accounted for, everyone accountable. Here’s what’s happening during Earth Week, and how you can do your part too! 

Westgate and Missoula Children's Theater Present Aladdin!

  • All students in grades K-12 are invited to audition. Approximately 64 roles will be cast.
  • Auditions will be held May 1st from 3:45-5:45pm at Westgate and individual roles will be announced immediately following the audition.
  • Rehearsals will be from 3:45-5:45 and 6:00-8:00pm (individual rehearsal schedules will be provided-not all roles need to attend all rehearsals).
  • Performances will be on Saturday May 6th at 2:00pm and 4:30pm.
  • Performances are open to the public and tickets are $5.
  • Please click here for more information and to register now!

Mar. 27-31

I hope that you all had an amazing Spring Break!!
 
We are starting Quarter 4 with many changes in our schedule in the weeks to come. This week will be a normal schedule getting back into the routine of school.  
 
In the following weeks we will be starting our CMAS testing. 
       6th graders will test the week of April 3 on Tuesday through Thursday with Language Arts in the Morning and Math in the afternoon.  5th graders will continue with their regular academics; however, the schedule will be slightly changes.  Specials will be moved to the afternoon.  
      5th graders will test the week of April 10, Language Arts and Math and the week of April 17 will be science.  The 6th graders will continue with their regular academics with a change in the schedule.  
    More details will follow in next week's post; however, I wanted to give you the a heads up to help us prepare the students for the changes.  
 
Have an amazing week!
 
 

Mar. 6-8

Reminders:
 
Monday, March 6 afternoon, Mrs. Schneider will be rotating through the classrooms to talk about puberty.  The 5th/6th grade teachers have organized the rooms which are as followed; Ms. Tator and Ms. Godwin will be hosting the 5th/6th grade girls, Mrs. Cundari will host the 5th grade boys, and I will have the 6th grade boys.  If Mrs. Schnieder isn't talking to our class, the students will be provided a Common Writing Assessment prompt and all the students will need to complete to monitor growth in their writing. 
 
Wednesday is the last day for students where they will begin their Spring Break and will return to Westgate on Monday, March 27.  I hope that everyone has a safe and relaxing break.
 
Thursday, March 9 are Parent/Teacher conferences at Westgate from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.  Friday, March 10 will be virtual Parent/Teacher conferences and the link will be emailed to you if this was your choice for conferences. 
The signup sheet was sent out last week. 
 
March Advocacy theme is:
                 Empathy in the form of Caring for our Community. 

 

Learning Goal:

Students will learn restorative skills that will allow them to understand the larger impact of their own actions.

Feb. 27 - Mar. 3

We have a fun week ahead of us!
 
On Monday, I will be sending out the sign-up sheet digitally for Parent Teacher Conferences which are:
         March 9, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. and will be at Westgate.  
         March 10, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and will be on Virtual. 
 
Tuesday the 5th graders will be going on a field trip to the Denver Art.  We will depart at 9:45 and return to Westgate at 2:15. Students will need to bring a sack lunch. Ms. Godwin and I will be going with Ms. Charlie for a fun filled day! The 6th graders will be taught by Mrs. Cundari and Ms. Cailtin (Ms. Seeley's sub)
If you haven't filled out the permission form, please do so as soon as possible.  
 
Thursday the 6th graders will be going on a field trip to the Fiske Planetarium. We will be leaving at 9:15 and returning to Westgate at 2:00.  Students will need to bring a sack lunch.  Mrs. Cundari and I will be going with Ms. Charlie on our Science adventure. The 5th graders will be taught on this day by Ms. Godwin and Ms. Caitlin (Ms. Seeley's sub)
If you haven't filled out the permission form, please do so as soon as possible.  
 
 
As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to me. 
 
Have a great week!
Ms. Calder
 
 

Feb. 21-24

I hope that you everyone had an amazing four-day weekend!
Focus for the week in Advocacy will be continuing with our theme of Empathy for others.  Tuesday we will have our grade check.  Please let me know if you are not receiving the grade check emails.  I told the kids that even if they do not have any missing assignments, then still need to email so we can celebrate that!!
 
Looking ahead, March 3 we will be taking class pictures the students should have brought home an order form on Thursday with their weekly work.  If you have any questions, please let me know. 
 

Feb. 13-16

Reminder that we will be walking to Primrose, 12899 Grant Drive on Tuesday, February 14 from 9:45 - 11:00.  Please make sure that you filled out the permission form filled out.  It is located in last week's Edlio post.  We will be delivering the Kindness Cards that the students made last week. 
 
Also, reminder that there is no school on Friday, February 17  
Have a great week!
 

Feb. 6-10

We will continue working on Empathy for others this week.  
 
In preparation for Kindness week, February 13, we will be making kindness cards to be delivered on February 14 to the Primose.  We will be walking from 9:45 and return around 11:00.  
 
I am including a link for you to give permission for your child to walk to Primose to deliver the cards. 
 
 
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Jan. 30 - Feb. 3

We will finish out the week with lessons on Empathy for self. 
 
The focus for February is Empathy in the form of caring for others.

Students will learn skills to communicate their feelings and needs to others, while also learning skills that allow them to listen and respond to the feelings and needs of others, and students will practice receiving and providing feedback.   

 
Valentine’s Day is about two weeks away, but you do not need to buy cards or gifts for your student to bring to school.  The tradition at Westgate is for our students to go into the community on Valentine’s Day and distribute cards to our neighbors on something we call Kindness Day which is part of Kindness Week.  Students make the cards at school.  We’re lining up delivery locations now and as we get closer to the date, we’ll send details and a permission slip.  Our high school students are chaperoning with the younger grades, so we do not need parent volunteers at this time.