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Mrs. Emby-Goodwine, Advocacy

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Night of the Notables Tomorrow!

Hello families!
 
Tomorrow is the Night of the Notables! You are invited to join us between 4:00-4:45 to see student work and celebrate their achievements this year in Social Studies. You are welcome to bring family and friends to help celebrate this awesome project!
 
How this will look for pick-up:
Your 3rd & 4th graders will stay in class during carline time from 3:30-4.  We will do the final set-up and a snack break during that time in the classroom. 
If you are coming to the Night of the Notables you do not need to pick up ANY of your students in carline; siblings in other grades can join us in 3-4 at 4pm and you can pick them up when you arrive for Night of the Notables. Teachers know they may have 3-4 siblings until 4pm and will walk them over to us at that point. Please do not park in the carline area until after the carline is finished at 4pm.
 
If your student is not able to stay, please email your student's advocate! That way we can make sure your student is ready for dismissal at the normal time. 

Advocacy in May

Hello families!
 
Take a look at this list of important events coming up-- we have quite a busy May! I'm looking forward to the last month of school- if you have any questions please feel free to reach out. For the rest of May, we will be focusing on Self Care & Wellness in Advocacies.
 
Date Event
May 6-10
Westgate Earth Week!
This week we will be focusing on taking care of the planet.
You can drop off clothes for the Clothing Swap during PM carline.
May 6-10
Teacher Appreciation Week!
May 8th Reader's Theater -- Ms. Emby and Mr. Gale's Language Arts Only
May 8th Earth Day Field Day
May 9th
Great Global Clean-Up 
Send students to school with good shoes and a coat if it's chilly! We'll be spending an hour cleaning up and taking care of our campus in honor of Westgate Earth Week.
May 10th
Westgate Clothing Swap!
Instead of keeping or throwing away your children's clothing that they don’t wear or love anymore, you can give these items a new life. The benefits are apparent – it is better for your pocket and the environment. You can take whatever you like that fits you well free of charge! That way, you will get “new” free clothes, and the ones you don’t want anymore will find a new owner – so it is a win-win!
May 15th
Night of the Notables! 
this is an after-school event which students are strongly encouraged to attend. They will be presenting a huge research project they have completed in social studies!
May 17th
Final 3-4 Field Trip - To Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Please be sure you have signed the permission slip.
May 27th No School - Memorial Day
May 29th 3-4 Continuation from 10:15-11am
May 30
Half Day and Carnival
This will be a half day, and also Carnival and Open House. Carnival will be from 2-6, Open House from 3-5.
May 31 Our last day and a half day!
 

Overnight Thursday

Hello families!

The overnight is very fast approaching! I have everyone's permission slip (thank you!) but I want to make you aware of a few other important things:
  • If your child needs medication of any kind (including melatonin, supplements, etc), you must fill out the form I sent out to authorize us to give them medication. We will not be able to give them anything if we don't receive that.
  • If your child has a dietary restriction and you are bringing different food for them than what we are providing, please let me know! We are providing pizza, bagels, yogurt and fruit for dinner/breakfast.
  • Please carefully read the packing list we sent home-- electronics, valuables, toys, candy etc., are not allowed.
  • Chaperones, please email me with any questions!
We are so excited for the trip!

Important Upcoming Dates

Hello families,
 
We have a few very important upcoming dates! Please read this carefully and email me with any questions.
 
1. CMAS testing: CMAS testing starts tomorrow, Tuesday, April 16th and lasts through Friday, April 26th. Students need to arrive promptly in the morning! To set them up for success, getting good sleep and a good breakfast really helps kids to focus during testing. Testing both weeks will be on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. If you have opted out of CMAS, we recommend bringing your student to school after testing is complete (around 11). If they come to school before 11, they will have to wait in the front lobby doing independent work. Mondays and Fridays will be normal days for all students! The school has sent emails out with lots of information about this, please see your email from the school for more details, or contact me.
2. Overnight trip: Our overnight will take place on Thursday, May 2nd. If your student is attending the overnight, you will drop them off at the regular time on Thursday and pick them up on Friday! See my recent email for the permission form as well as some logistical information.
3. Museum Field Trip: date TBD-- I've gotten a few questions about the field trip that was cancelled on our snow day. We are working to reschedule and I will notify you as soon as I know more!
4. Night of the Notables: Night of the Notables, our biggest social studies project of the year, will be taking place on Wednesday, May 15th! You can expect more communication about this project soon. 
 
Please let me know if you have any questions!

Spring Break and CMAS

Hello families!
 
Spring break is rapidly approaching, and I hope that you all have a lovely and restful one!
 
The school recently emailed out information about testing this Spring, but I've gotten a few questions about it so here are the bullet points! See the email from the communications team for the full details.
  • Our CMAS dates in 3-4 will be April 15-26 (see the testing schedule they sent out for further details)
  • Testing will take place in the morning, with make-ups on Friday.
  • Please arrive to school on time-- late arrivals will have to do makeup tests.
  • Some families choose to opt out of CMAS. If you want to opt out, please complete the form here: Opt-Out Form.
    • If you are opting out, you must state specifically which assessment you are opting out of (ELA and/or Math)
Let me know if you have further questions!

Advocacy in March + Upcoming Dates

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! ❤️ 
 
 
UPCOMING DATES: 
3/7-8 - Conferences! 
3/15 - field trip to the museum
3/25-4/5 - Spring Break
CMAS coming up in April
5/2-3 - Denver Zoo and Overnight

Week of 2/26 - Important upcoming dates!

Hello families!
 
We have a few important dates coming up for you to keep in mind!
 
1. Conferences will take place March 7th and 8th. On Thursday March 7th, conferences will be in-person. On Friday, March 8th, conferences will be virtual. Conference sign-ups will close on Friday, March 1st so please be sure to sign up before then if you would like to have a conference.
2. If you want to speak with the specials teachers students had this quarter, you will need to sign up for a separate conference. This quarter our class had I-Lab and Art. Please click HERE for the conference link for I-Lab and HERE for the conference link for Art.
3. We have TWO field trip dates coming up.
  • On Friday, March 15th we will be visiting the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. This is NOT an overnight trip! Please fill out the permission slip (sent in an email and linked HERE) by March 12th.
  • On May 2nd we will take a trip to the Denver Zoo and then spend the night here at school! We will send out more information about this as the date approaches.
4. Class picture day is Friday, March 1st. Picture forms came home last week (I noticed some forms didn't make it into backpacks, so you'll see them today if you haven't seen them yet). 
5. Science Fair is coming up on March 5th! Please see your student's science page for information on that.
6. Spring Break is the last week of March and the first week of April. Students will not have school from March 25-April 5.
 
I know this was a lot of information, so please reach out if you have any questions!

February Advocacy

Hello families! 

This month in Advocacy we are writing letters to schools across the country in the hopes that they will write back! When we receive a letter back, we will be putting a pin in a large map we are creating in our pod. 

We also have an exciting week in February, Kindness Week! 

Kindness Week and What About Valentine’s Day? 

 

Kindness Week is celebrated during the week of Valentine’s Day or the week of February 12th. It is a long-standing tradition at Westgate. We celebrate and spread kindness by doing different activities throughout the week. Each day has a different theme, aligned with the different love languages. ​

 

Monday – Words of Affirmation​

 

Tuesday – Quality Time​

 

Wednesday – Acts of Service​

 

Thursday – Gift Giving​

 

For kindness week, our class will walk to Innovage on Wednesday, February 14th and hand deliver kindness cards. We will be sending out permission slips shortly, so keep an eye out for that! As we will be walking to Innovage, please have your child bring a warm jacket, gloves, beanies, etc. Be prepared for weather if necessary!​

 

We will be joined with a high school class to build community within our school as well! Sadly, we will not be having any chaperones joining us at this time, but please feel free to email me if you would like to attend our next field trip.

 

But wait… What about Valentine’s Day? At Westgate, we do not exchange cards, candy, or treats. We instead focus this time on how we can show appreciation to members of our community. 

Week of 10/23

Hello families!
 
Upcoming Events You Should Know About:
 

Tuesday, Oct. 24

Spirit Night @Parry's Pizzaria & Taphouse 100 E. 120th Avenue Northglenn, CO 80233

Wednesday, Oct. 25

Individual Picture Retakes

Tuesday, Oct. 31
Class Halloween Parties! Please sign up to bring something if you are able. If you want to bring something but there is not a slot available, send me an email.
 
  • Specials: Our new special is PE. Don’t forget to subscribe to Mr. Wise’s edlio page to get updates about this class! We will continue in this special until November 10.
  • 2nd 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. We have snack at 9:45 every day. Healthy snacks are always the best choice. Please make sure your child knows which food is for their lunch meal and for snacks.
  •  
  • Volunteers
  • 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

Week of 9/25

Hello families!
 
There are some important events coming up! Here is a list of dates, announcements, and reminders.
 
Our first pod field trip! Tuesday, September 26 we will be taking our pod field trip to Growing Gardens. I have contacted chaperones already, and if you were not chosen this time I have made a note and you are on the top of the list for our next field trip.
Spirit Night at Noodles & Co - Wednesday, Sept 27 from 4-8pm. 25% of qualifying sales go to Westgate!
Conferences- Monday, October 3rd will be in person conferences from 8am-8pm. Tuesday, October 4th will be virtual conferences ONLY from 8-12pm. Please sign up using the link that was emailed out if you would like a conference. There is NO SCHOOL for students on these days!
Fall Break - Wednesday, October 4-Sunday October 15 is our fall break. There is no school for students!
 
Other things to keep in mind:
Specials: our current special is I-Lab, but we will be in PE after we return from break.
Donating to the Fun Run: You are still able to donate throughout the next week! Our students did an awesome job at their fun run.
Signing up for conferences: A sign up was emailed out, please check your email! Please pay careful attention to whether you sign up for in-person or virtual conferences. The sign up will close on Wednesday, September 27th at 4pm.
Snacks: please send students with a reusable water bottle labeled with their name, and one snack. Our snack time is 9:45-- healthy snacks are always the best option! I've noticed some students eating what appears to be their lunch during snack time, so you may want to check in and be sure they now which is snacks vs which is lunch.
 
 

Week of 9/18

Hello families!

A few reminders--
1. The Fun Run is on Friday 9/22! Please have your student decorate their shirt (if they would like) and wear it to school on Friday! For more information, see the Westgate Newsletter or the email I sent last week.
2. Our first field trip is coming up on Tuesday 9/26! Please sign the permission slip as soon as possible.
3. Conferences are coming right up! Check your email for the signup link.

Spirit Week Next Week 8/28

Next Week, August 28th - September 1st will be spirit week. The sprit days are: 

Monday: Pajama day 

Tuesday:  Throwback 

Wednesday: Crazy hair or hat

Thursday: Favorite book, TV,  or movie character 

Friday: No School!!! 

Advocacy Update 8-14-23

Dates and Announcements  

Thursday, Aug. 31, 5:00-6:00 PM

Curriculum Night Virtual Presentations

Friday, Sept. 1

NO SCHOOL – Professional Development Day

Monday, Sept. 4

NO SCHOOL – Labor Day

Friday, Sept. 8

Individual Picture Day

Monday, Sept. 11

Missoula Children’s Theater Auditions “Blackbeard the Pirate”

 

Testing: This week, we will assess students with NWEA Maps testing. Please make sure that your child is on time for school this week! Our testing in 3-4 will be Wednesday. This will help us figure out the best placement for your child in their academic classes, so please remember that their current placement is tentative as we work to make sure they can get everything they need from their class.

  • Specials: Our current special is Art.
  • Water and Snacks: Please remember to send your child a spill-proof, reusable water bottle, that is labeled with their name. We have one snack time in the morning— healthy snacks are always the best option.  Please make sure your child knows which food is for their lunch meal and for snacks.  
  • 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 
  • 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.