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Ms. Calder, Advocacy

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April 29 - May 3

We are back to our regular schedule this week! 
 
For the rest of the week, we will finish out our lesson of Social Awareness.  
 
Next week we will be celebrating Earh Week as Earth Day fell on one of our CMAS testing days.
- Below and also in your email, look for a permission form to fill out for our Washington Street cleanup on May 9. 
 
https://forms.office.com/r/6YvPLA1tcC
 
 
 
Below is an opportunity for some Summer Virtual Tutoring services.  Look at the links for more information. 
 

Dear Parent,

The Orton Gillingham Institute is offering Free Summer Tutoring for Students aged 6-13 or in grades 1st-7th.

Tutoring will be provided in 3 cohorts. One in June, one in July and one in August. Each cohort will be 3-4 weeks in length and provided virtually. Each grade will have several classes and will be hosted in the following time zones: EST, CST, MST, PST. 

The form for free tutoring will open on April 22nd, 2024, at 10 am EST and will close on May 21st, 2024, at 5 pm EST unless we meet the capacity for submissions before May 21st, 2024.

Based on your address, your child will be added to the corresponding time zone.

You can register up to 3 children in this program. We ask that you only submit 1 application, as multiple submissions may result in your application being removed.

You can apply using the linked form below.

If you have any questions about the Free Summer Tutoring program offered by The Orton Gillingham Institute, please reach out to us directly. Your school administration will not be able to answer questions about form submissions and acceptance into the program. Our contact information will be listed at the bottom of this email.

The last day of submission is May 21st, 2024. Children will be placed on a first come, first served basis. We will keep the form open until May 21st, 2024, or until we have reached capacity for submissions. We encourage you to apply early.

During Tutoring the following topics May be Covered:

Phonics

Fluency

Phonemic Awareness

Comprehension

Sentence Writing and Structure

Spelling

Morphology

Expressing Ideas in Writing

Vocabulary and Word knowledge

Syllabication and Syllable Division

And much more.

We specialize in reading intervention and will provide free tutoring covering many of the subjects above.

You may complete the form for free Summer Tutoring offered by The Orton Gillingham Institute by clicking on the link below. Please remember 1 submission per family.

You may read more about our testing and tutoring programs by visiting our website at: https://ortongillinghaminstitute.com/virtual-tutoring

___________________________________________________________________________

Free Tutoring Registration Form: 

https://form.jotform.com/241114406097046

If you have any questions please call (917) 563-2022 or Email: [email protected].



Best, 

The Orton Gillingham Institute

(917) 563-2022

https://ortongillinghaminstitute.com/

 

April 22-26

This week's CMAS testing:
Monday and Friday will be the normal schedule.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we will be CMAS testing in the morning and the students will not have Special on these three days. 
  • 6th grade will be CMAS testing from 9:15 - 10:45
  • 5th grade will be CMAS testing from 8:15 - 10:45
  • 10:45 - 11:45 we will have regular Math. 
  • From recess to the end of the day the schedule will be normal.
The Advocacy focus for this month will be self-awareness and learning to use social cues to adjust their self to each situation. 

April 15-19

This week's CMAS testing:
Monday and Friday will be the normal schedule.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we will be CMAS testing in the morning and the students will not have Special on these three days. 
  • 5th grade will be CMAS testing from 9:15 - 10:45
  • 6th grade will be CMAS testing from 8:15 - 10:45
  • 10:45 - 11:45 we will have regular Math. 
  • From recess to the end of the day the schedule will be normal.
The Advocacy focus for this month will be self-awareness and learning to use social cues to adjust their self to each situation. 

April 8 - 12

Welcome back everyone!  I hope that you had an amazing and restful Spring Break. 
 
The month of April is going to be a humdinger!  
Please make sure that if you are making appointments to schedule them outside of the testing window times.  Thank you! 🙂
After you read the following schedule and times, if you have any questions, please reach out to me for clarification. Thank you for your support through this assessment window so that we can see the amazing growth that each of your students have gained over the 5/6 grade year. 
 
For the week of April 8 - 12
Monday:   Eclipse viewing
  • The students will come in from recess at 12:15 get the lunch, pause, and then at 12:30 we will head outside to view the Eclipse for about 15 minutes.  At around 12:45 we will return to our classrooms and finish eating lunch until 1:05. 
  • Westgate has provided glasses for all of the students to view the Eclipse.
Tuesday: 5th grade science CMAS testing
  • 9:15 - 11:05 - 5th graders will be CMAS science testing with Ms. Calder and Mr. Varela
  • 9:15 - 11:05 - 6th graders will be with Ms. Charlie doing some outdoor education activities.
  • 11:05 - 11:45 - we will spend some time with our Advocacy. 
  • 1:05 - 2:05 - transition to regular ELA class
  • 2:15 - 3:15 - transition to regular Math class
  • Specials, Recess, Lunch, Academic Lab and Advocacy will happen at the same times. 
Wednesday: 5th grade science CMAS testing
  • 9:15 - 11:05 - 5th graders will be CMAS science testing with Mr. McGinnis and Mr. Varela
  • 9:15 - 11:05 - 6th graders will go to their regular math classes with Ms. Calder and Mrs. Lounsbury
  • 11:05 - 11:45 - Advocacy lesson
  • 1:15 - 2:35 - 5th graders will be CMAS science testing with Mr. McGinnis and Mr. Varela
  • 2:35 - 3:15 - 5th graders will be with Ms. Charlie doing some outdoor education activities.
  • 1:05 - 3:15 - 6th graders will have regular Science and Social Studies classes with Ms. Calder and Mrs. Lounsbury
  • Specials, recess, lunch, Academic Lab, and Dismissal will happen at the same times. 
Thursday: Reading MAP testing.
  • 9:15 - 10:45 All students will do the Reading MAP testing.
  • 10:45 - 11:45 - Regular Math class
  • Specials, recess, lunch, and afternoon classes will be normal times and subjects. 
Friday: Math MAP testing
  • 9:15 - 10:45 All students will do the Math MAP testing.
  • 10:45 - 11:45 - transition to Regular ELA class
  • Specials, recess, lunch, and afternoon classes will be normal times and subjects. 
 
For the week of April 15-19 and April 22 - 26
Monday and Friday will be the normal schedule.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we will be CMAS testing in the morning and the students will not have Special on these three days. 
  • 5th grade will be CMAS testing from 9:15 - 10:45
  • 6th grade will be CMAS testing from 8:15 - 10:45
  • 10:45 - 11:45 we will have regular Math. 
  • From recess to the end of the day the schedule will be normal.

March 18-22

I hope that you had a safe and fun couple of snow days last week! :)
 
We will finish out this week in March with our focus on Mindfulness. 
 
Our Tails for Tales was rescheduled for Monday, March 18 where we will join our Mrs. Reeder's class, our First and Second grade buddies, to enjoy some reading and a furry friend from 9:15 to 10:00. 
 
Reminder, Spring Break will be for two weeks, from March 25 to April 7. I hope that you have an amazing time with your family! 

March 11 - 15

March Advocacy Theme:  Mindfulness
 
This week on Thursday, March 14 from 9:15 to 10:00 our class will be participating with our First and Second grade buddies with the Tales for Tails program from the Dumb Friends League. This program involves students practicing their reading skills in the presence of a service animal. This program connects our two service-learning projects (1/2 animals in animal shelters, and 5/6 reading buddies).
 
Because this is during our Language Arts time the students will return and read an article that connects with animals and have a debriefing about the experience. 
 
You should have received a letter from your child on Wednesday talking about the upcoming Health and Growth presentation from Mrs. Schnieder.  The Health and Growth presentations will take place the week of March 18, Monday through Thursday.  Each day a different group will meet with Mrs. Schieder and one of the 5/6 teachers.  After you read the letter, if you have any questions, please reach out to me. 
 

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

March 4 - 6

Reminders:
The 6th graders will be going to the Planetarium on Tuesday, March 5, leaving at 9:30 and returning to Westgate at 2:00.  Please make sure that your child brings a sack lunch and comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. 
 
Thursday, March 7 we will be having Parent Teacher Conferences at Westgate from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Friday, March 8 virtually.  If you signed up for the virtual conferences the link will be sent out to you no later than Wednesday.
The signup sheet closed Friday at 4:00 pm; however, if you didn't get a chance to sign up, please reach out to me.  
 
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! ❤️ 
 

February 26-March 1

We will continue working on our Empathy lessons this week during Advocacy.  
 
Reminders:
Tuesday, February 27, the 5th graders will be going on a Field Trip to the Denver Art Museum with myself, Mr. Varela and Ms. Charlie.  If you haven't filled out the permission slip, please do so by Monday.  There was an email sent to you all on Friday, February 16. Remind students to wear good walking shoes dress for the weather and bring a sack lunch. 
 
Tuesday, March 5 the 6th graders will be going on a Field Trip to the Planetarium on the University of Colorado campus. If you haven't filled out the permission slip, please do so as soon as possible.  There was an email sent to you all on Friday, February 16. Remind students to wear good walking shoes dress for the weather and bring a sack lunch. 
 
Friday, February 23, I emailed you a link to sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences.  Parent Teacher Conferences are Thursday, March 7 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at Westgate Community School, and Friday, March 8 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm virtually.  We would love to meet with you all. Please sign up as soon as you can, the sign up will close on Friday, March 1 at 4:00 pm.   If you have any questions, please let me know. 
 

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]. 

Here is a link to the form. 

Sincerely, 

Mr. Rowan’s Advocacy 

 

February 20-23

February theme: Empathy
We will continue our work with empathy. 
 
Upcoming Events:
 
Tuesday, February 27, - 5th grade Field trip to the Denver Art Museum
 

Dear 5th grade families,

Our students will be going on a field trip to the Denver Art Museum on Tuesday, February 27th from 9:45-2:00pm. Please complete the permission form that was sent in an email by Monday, February 26th. During the field trip, students will be participating in a program called Perception Games.

 

We are in search of 4 adult chaperones for the day. If you are interested in being a chaperone, please complete the background check via the Westgate website (if you have not done so this year already) and then email [email protected]. Note that not all parents who complete background checks will be selected to chaperone for this field trip.

 

 

Tuesday, March 5th - 6th grade Field trip to the Planetarium.

Dear 6th grade families,

Our students will be going on a field trip to CU Fiske Planetarium on Tuesday, March 5th from 9:30-2:00pm. Please complete the permission form that was sent in an email by Monday, March 4th. During the field trip, students will be attending a lesson called “Climate Change in Our Backyards” and an activity with CU’s Environmental program.

 

We are in search of 4 adult chaperones for the day. If you are interested in being a chaperone, please complete the background check via the Westgate website (if you have not done so this year already) and then email [email protected]. Note that not all parents who complete background checks will be selected to chaperone for this field trip.

February 12 - 15

Thank you all for completing the permission slip for our Kindness walk to Hope Academy. :)
 
This week we will have Advocacy lessons following the schedule:
 
Monday, February 12 - Words of Affirmation
Tuesday, February 13 - Quality Time
Wednesday, February 14 - Acts of Service
Thursday, February 15 - Gift Giving
Friday, February 16 - No School
Monday, February 19 - No School
 
As a reminder we will not being having a Valentine's Day Party.  Instead, we will have a week of Kindness Activities! 
 
Your child should have brought home a flyer explanation how Westgate Celebrates for the week along with expectations.  If you have any questions, please reach out to me. 
 
I hope that you all have an amazing week! 
 

 

February 5 - 9

February's Advocacy Theme is Empathy
 
The week of Valentine's Day we will celebrate Kindness Week.  Each day will have a different theme and activity that goes with the theme.  Please see the following schedule. 
 
 

Friday, February 9th â€“ Introduction to Kindness Week 2024​

Monday, February 12th â€“ Words of Affirmation​

Tuesday, February 13th â€“ Quality Time​

Wednesday, February 14th â€“ Acts of Service​

Thursday, February 15th â€“ Gift Giving​

No school for students on Friday, February 16th

 

I will be sending a permission slip for a Kindness walk to Hope Academy on Wednesday, February 14, where the students will be delivering the cards that they will be making this week.  

Permission slipl

https://forms.office.com/r/UZWYJXPuyq

 

January 29 - February 1

We will finish out the month with Growth Mindset. 
The students wrote a S.M.A.R.T goal and used a time management sheet to create steps to meet their goal.  I told the kids to take them home and post them up somewhere as a reminder of what they would like to accomplish!

January 22 - 26

Advocacy we will continue working on S.M.A.R.T goals using Growth Mindset language.  The kids wrote a S.M.A.R.T goal for themself and we will continue to write down the steps to accomplish their goals.  
 
During Academic Lab for the next 6 weeks, we will be focusing on writing; specifically on writing a topic sentence, using transitions, using evidence to support the writing, and writing conclusions. Students will stay in their Advocacy class. Three days a week there will be direct writing instruction, every Wednesday we will have Joy of Reading, and one day a week Mrs. Cundari will be coming into teach the kids how to respond to Math story problems using writing. 

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.