• Field Trip to Four Mile Historic Park: As our Colorado weather becomes warmer, our classes have more opportunities to learn outdoors.  To further our learning history, we will be taking our classes to Four Mile Park. Our field trip to Four Mile Park will be this Wednesday, April 10th 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 PM. 

• • Please make sure your child wears their red Westgate shirt. If your child does not have a red Westgate shirt, any red shirt is fine.   
  • Please pack a disposable sack lunch and water bottle for your child labeled with their name. Students will have morning and afternoon snacks at Westgate, before and after our field trip. 
  • Please make sure your child wears comfortable shoes (we will be walking in dirt and livestock areas) and brings a light jacket (Colorado weather is always changing and spring is here). 

• Specials: Until April 26 our class will have I-Lab. For updates, please visit Mr. A's I-Lab Edlio page.

• Yearbooks: Yearbooks for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale. Yearbooks are $32 each and a customization can be added to the cover for an additional fee. Yearbooks will be distributed to all K-8 students on the last day of school. High school students will receive theirs on May 23rd. The deadline to order is April 23rd. Purchase yours now! 

https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/view_account.asp?l=3880F406-0325-48D4-B415-D8D647F0D8BF 

• Snack: Please make sure that your student brings TWO snacks each day, one for a morning snack and one for an afternoon snack. Make sure your child knows not to eat their snacks with their lunch. 

• April Advocacy: Our Advocacy Theme this month is Active April and Social Awareness

As we embark through April, I am excited to share with you our social emotional theme of the month - social awareness. This month, we are focusing on helping our students develop a deeper understanding of the feelings, needs, and perspectives of others. 

Social awareness is a vital skill that promotes empathy, compassion, and inclusivity. By fostering social awareness in our students, we are nurturing their ability to engage with others in a respectful and understanding manner. 

We invite you to join us in supporting this important theme by engaging in conversations with your children about empathy, active listening, and the importance of considering the feelings of others. Your involvement and support in reinforcing these values at home will further enhance the impact of our efforts at school. 

Together, let's work towards creating a community where social awareness is valued and practiced by all. 

• Specials: Our current special is I-Lab with Mr. A. (until April 26.) For further updates on this class, please see Mr. A's Edlio Page. 

• Field Trip to Four Mile Historic Park: A permission form will be sent out this week. Please keep in mind that this field trip is the week we return from Spring Break, on Wednesday, April 10. Please take a minute to sign the permission form as soon as you receive the email.  

• Mr. Rowan’s Advocacy has a request:  

Dear Westgate Families,  

Mr. Rowan’s 7-8 Advocacy is doing a service-learning project honoring and acknowledging Veterans. If you have a Veteran in your family, we invite you all to complete this form which contains a list of questions about your Veteran service. The responses to these questions will be utilized to create a video honoring the Veterans of Westgate Community School. This is totally optional whether you choose to complete the form or not. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected].  

Sincerely,  

Mr. Rowan’s Advocacy 

• Yearbooks: Yearbooks for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale. Yearbooks are $32 each and a customization can be added to the cover for an additional fee. Yearbooks will be distributed to all K-8 students on the last day of school. High school students will receive theirs on May 23rd. The deadline to order is April 23rd. Purchase yours now! 

https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/view_account.asp?l=3880F406-0325-48D4-B415-D8D647F0D8BF 

• Toys at School: Our school policy states that toys should not be brought to school for any reason or at any time. Please keep toys at home. 

• Snack: Please make sure that your student brings TWO snacks each day, one for a morning snack and one for an afternoon snack. Make sure your child knows not to eat their snacks with their lunch. 

• March Advocacy: Our Advocacy Theme this month is MINDFULNESS!  

Join us this March as we delve into the power of mindfulness. In a world filled with distractions and noise, cultivating mindfulness offers a pathway to inner peace, clarity, and resilience. Through our advocacy theme this month, we aim to introduce and integrate mindfulness practices into our classes, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can thrive mentally, emotionally, and academically. 

Throughout March, our classes will incorporate various mindfulness techniques, including guided meditation, mindful breathing exercises, and reflective journaling. These practices will help our students develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and concentration skills. By nurturing a mindful approach to learning and living, we empower our community to navigate challenges with grace and intention. 

Together, we'll embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, embracing the present moment with openness and compassion! ❤️  

• Mr. Rowan’s Advocacy Class has a special request:  
  • Mr. Rowan’s 7-8 Advocacy Class is doing a service-learning project honoring and acknowledging Veterans. If you have a Veteran in your family, we invite you all to complete this form which contains a list of questions about your Veteran service. The responses to these questions will be utilized to create a video honoring the Veterans of Westgate Community School.
  • This is totally optional whether you choose to complete the form or not. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected].  

• Yearbooks: 
  • Yearbooks for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale. Yearbooks are $32 each and a customization can be added to the cover for an additional fee.
  • Yearbooks will be distributed to all K-8 students on the last day of school. High school students will receive theirs on May 23rd.
  • The deadline to order is April 23rd. Purchase yours now! 
  • https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/view_account.asp?l=3880F406-0325-48D4-B415-D8D647F0D8BF 

• Volunteers 
  • As always thank you, thank you, thank you to our volunteers! Your help is greatly appreciated.  
  • Please take a moment to complete an online Volunteer Interest Form 
  • Complete a background check. Cost is $20.95 
  • Complete a Volunteer Agreement Form 

• Specials: Our special for the first part of this quarter is I-Lab with Mr. A. Please visit his Edlio for class updates.

• March Advocacy:  Mindfulness

• • During March we delve into the power of mindfulness. In a world filled with distractions and noise, cultivating mindfulness offers a pathway to inner peace, clarity, and resilience. Through our advocacy theme this month, we aim to introduce and integrate mindfulness practices into our classes, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can thrive mentally, emotionally, and academically.
     
    Throughout March, our class will create individual journals of mindfulness. Students will use words, art, and various ways to express their thoughts and recognize self-growth.  
     
    Together, we'll embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, embracing the present moment with openness and compassion! ❤️ 

• Parent-Teacher Conferences: 
  
  • Our Spring conferences will be held IN-Person on Thursday, March 7th, from 8 AM to 8 PM and Virtual on Friday, March 8th from 8 AM to 12 PM.
  • Please remember that in-person and virtual conference days cannot be switched.

• Mr. Rowan’s Advocacy Class has a special request:  
  • Mr. Rowan’s 7-8 Advocacy Class is doing a service-learning project honoring and acknowledging Veterans. If you have a Veteran in your family, we invite you all to complete this form which contains a list of questions about your Veteran service. The responses to these questions will be utilized to create a video honoring the Veterans of Westgate Community School.
  • This is totally optional whether you choose to complete the form or not. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected].  

• Yearbooks: 
  • Yearbooks for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale. Yearbooks are $32 each and a customization can be added to the cover for an additional fee.
  • Yearbooks will be distributed to all K-8 students on the last day of school. High school students will receive theirs on May 23rd.
  • The deadline to order is April 23rd. Purchase yours now! 
  • https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/view_account.asp?l=3880F406-0325-48D4-B415-D8D647F0D8BF 

• Snack: 
  • Lately, our students have been running out of snacks. As I do not always have extra snacks readily available in the classroom, please make sure that your student brings TWO snacks each day, one for a morning snack and one for the afternoon.
  • Please ensure your child knows which items are to be eaten as a snack, and which items are a part of their lunch.

• Toys at School:
  • Our school policy states that toys should not be brought to school for any reason or at any time. Please check backpacks to help keep toys at home.

• 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 

• Specials: Our special is Art with Mrs. M. We will stay in this special until March 8th. 

• February Advocacy:  Mindfullness

• • In a world filled with distractions and noise, cultivating mindfulness offers a pathway to inner peace, clarity, and resilience. Through our advocacy theme this month, we aim to introduce and integrate mindfulness practices into our classes, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can thrive mentally, emotionally, and academically.
     
     
  • Throughout March, our classes will incorporate various mindfulness techniques, including guided meditation, mindful breathing exercises, and reflective journaling. These practices will help our students develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and concentration skills. By nurturing a mindful approach to learning and living, we empower our community to navigate challenges with grace and intention.
     
     
    Together, we'll embark on a journey of growth, in addition to embracing the present moment with openness and compassion! ❤️ 

• Class Photos: 
  • This Friday is class picture day! Class photo order forms went home in your child’s Friday Folder. If you are interested in ordering a class photo, please order online or return the order form with payment.  
  • www.lifetouch.com  
  • Picture Day ID: EVTJP2FSP 

• Parent-Teacher Conferences: 
  • An email was sent out to families on Friday, February 23 with a sign-up link to reserve a time for our Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences. Please note that these links are different for 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, and Specials.
  • Our Spring conferences will be held IN-Person on Thursday, March 7th, from 8 AM to 8 PM and Virtual on Friday, March 8th from 8 AM to 12 PM.
  • Please remember that in-person and virtual conference days cannot be switched. Please double-check the conference day, and sign up for the ONE conference slot that you would like.

• Mr. Rowan’s Advocacy Class has a special request:  
  • Mr. Rowan’s 7-8 Advocacy Class is doing a service-learning project honoring and acknowledging Veterans. If you have a Veteran in your family, we invite you all to complete this form which contains a list of questions about your Veteran service. The responses to these questions will be utilized to create a video honoring the Veterans of Westgate Community School.
  • This is totally optional whether you choose to complete the form or not. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected].  

• Yearbooks: 
  • Yearbooks for the 2023-2024 school year are now on sale. Yearbooks are $32 each and a customization can be added to the cover for an additional fee.
  • Yearbooks will be distributed to all K-8 students on the last day of school. High school students will receive theirs on May 23rd.
  • The deadline to order is April 23rd. Purchase yours now! 
  • https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/view_account.asp?l=3880F406-0325-48D4-B415-D8D647F0D8BF 

• Snack: 
  • Lately, our students have been running out of snacks. As I do not always have extra snacks readily available in the classroom, please make sure that your student brings TWO snacks each day, one for a morning snack and one for the afternoon.
  • Please ensure your child knows which items are to be eaten as a snack, and which items are a part of their lunch.

• Toys at School:
  • Our school policy states that toys should not be brought to school for any reason or at any time. Please check backpacks to help keep toys at home.

• 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 

• Specials: Our special is Art with Mrs. M. We will stay in this special until March 8th. 

• February Advocacy:  Empathy & Kindness 

• • Learning Goals:  

• • • Students will be able to explain that empathy is the ability to understand how someone feels. 
    • Students will be able to explain why empathy is important.  
    • Students will understand how to read facial expressions and body language to predict emotions. 

• • Skills for Self: 

• • • I can imagine what it’s like to stand in someone else’s shoes. 
    • *Being empathetic strengthens the community.  
    • *It is important to take someone else’s emotions and experiences into consideration.  
    • *Deepens relationships with my classmates and people I know outside of school. 

Hi Families,

• Thank you, volunteers! Your help is greatly appreciated (in and out of the classroom)
• Should you wish to volunteer in the classroom and/or a future field trip, please complete an online Volunteer Interest Form 
• Complete a background check. Cost is $20.95 
• Complete a Volunteer Agreement Form 

Important Message from Nurse Hopson:  

Please do not be fooled by our warmer weather, it continues to be cold & 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. 

Toys continue to be entering the classroom. 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. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

• Resilience 
• Perseverance 
• Adaptability 
• Embracing Feedback 

• 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. 

Hi Families,

• Thank you, volunteers! Your help is greatly appreciated (in and out of the classroom)
• Should you wish to volunteer in the classroom and/or a future field trip, please complete an online Volunteer Interest Form 
• Complete a background check. Cost is $20.95 
• Complete a Volunteer Agreement Form 

Important Message from Nurse Hopson:  

Please do not be fooled by our warmer weather, it continues to be cold & 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. 

Toys continue to be entering the classroom. 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. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

• Resilience 
• Perseverance 
• Adaptability 
• Embracing Feedback 

• 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. 

Hi Families,

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. 

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. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

• Thank you, volunteers! Your help is greatly appreciated.  
• Should you wish to volunteer in the classroom and/or a future field trip, please complete an online Volunteer Interest Form 
• Complete a background check. Cost is $20.95 
• Complete a Volunteer Agreement Form 

• Resilience 
• Perseverance 
• Adaptability 
• Embracing Feedback 

• 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.