Wednesday, January 29^th              Skate City Spirit Night

Monday, February 3^rd                     Event Committee Meeting

Monday, February 10^th                  Kindness Week!

Specials for the first part of the quarter is Music.  

Join us at Skate City this Wednesday night!!  

Kindness Week Information: 

Kindness Week is Monday, February 10th through Friday February 14th. A few things for you to know about: 

We do not exchange Valentines cards, candy, or treats at school. If your student arrives with Valentine’s cards, candy, or treats, they will be asked to put them back into their backpack to be taken home.

Get your Kindness Day permission slip (virtually emailed to families) signed by Wednesday February 12th. Classes will be walking to different nearby businesses to deliver hand-made kindness cards to local businesses on Friday, February 14th. We do not need any chaperones for these trips. 

Be prepared to go rain or shine on Friday, February 14th (half day) – bring a warm jacket, gloves, beanies, etc. If needed because we will be walking outside.

NEW this year – Kindness Week Food Drive! Let’s spread some kindness by collecting non-perishable food items for A Precious Child. The details:

Bring non-perishable food items to your advocacy class from Monday, February 10th – Friday, February 14th.

Last year in November we collected 1,100 non-perishable food items! Help us reach our goal of 1,500 this year!

Monday, February 10th: Spice it up Monday - Dried herbs and spices 

Tuesday, February 11th: Pasta Tuesday - Dried pasta in boxes 

Wednesday, February 12th: Veggie Wednesday - Canned vegetables 

Thursday, February 13th: Toiletry Thursday - Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels

 Friday, February 14th: Fruit-filled Friday - Canned fruit 

In addition, there are different advocacy themes for each day aligned with the different love languages. Here’s a list of things that you can do to support your student’s learning at home. 

Monday, February 10th: Words of Affirmation 

Kindness Week Challenge #1 – Use kind words of affirmation with 3 or more other people you see today. It could be a family member, friend, teacher, grocery store worker, or anyone else. Set aside a few minutes daily where each person gives a positive word or phrase to another family member. 

Tuesday, February 11th: Quality Time 

Kindness Week Challenge #2 – Spend at least 30 minutes of quality time with yourself or someone you love today after school. Have a family game night, movie or show night, cook or bake something as a family, enjoy story time, crafts, exercise, or even some yard work together. 

Wednesday, February 12th: Acts of Service 

Kindness Week Challenge #3 – Do another act of service for someone when you get home! Cook a meal for the family, organize a shared space, help each other with chores, plan a relaxation evening, do a surprise improvement project, or care for a pet together. 

Thursday, February 13th: Gift Giving 

Kindness Week Challenge #4: Deliver the gift you made today in class to the person you made it for. Talk about how giving someone a gift made you feel. Dedicate an evening to creating homemade gifts for each other, create a family shared photo album, playlist, or video. 

 Friday, February 14th: Kindness Day (Half Day) - various walking trips 

Kindness Week Challenge #5: Create a family “Compliment Jar”. Place a jar in a common area. Family members can write positive affirmations or compliments about each other on small pieces of paper and drop them in the jar.

Advocacy Theme for January is 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.

Monday, January 13^th                      First Day of Quarter 3

Tuesday, January 14^th                      Events Committee Meeting 8 AM

Tuesday, January 14^th                      Board Meeting 6 PM

Monday, January 20^th                      No School/Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 21^st                      Qtr 3 Clubs Start

Wednesday, January 23                   Mad Greens Fundraiser

Specials for the first part of the quarter is Music.  

Kindness Week Information: 

Kindness Week is Monday, February 10th through Friday February 14th. A few things for you to know about: 

We do not exchange Valentines cards, candy, or treats at school. If your student arrives with Valentine’s cards, candy, or treats, they will be asked to put them back into their backpack to be taken home.

Get your Kindness Day permission slip (virtually emailed to families) signed by Wednesday February 12th. Classes will be walking to different nearby businesses to deliver hand-made kindness cards to local businesses on Friday, February 14th. We do not need any chaperones for these trips. 

Be prepared to go rain or shine on Friday, February 14th (half day) – bring a warm jacket, gloves, beanies, etc. If needed because we will be walking outside.

NEW THIS YEAR – Kindness Week Food Drive! Let’s spread some kindness by collecting non-perishable food items for A Precious Child. The details: 

Bring non-perishable food items to your advocacy class from Monday, February 10th – Friday, February 14th.

Last year in November we collected 1,100 non-perishable food items! Help us reach our goal of 1,500 this year!

Monday, February 10th: Spice it up Monday - Dried herbs and spices 

Tuesday, February 11th: Pasta Tuesday - Dried pasta in boxes 

Wednesday, February 12th: Veggie Wednesday - Canned vegetables 

Thursday, February 13th: Toiletry Thursday - Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels 

Friday, February 14th: Fruit-filled Friday - Canned fruits 

In addition, there are different advocacy themes for each day aligned with the different love languages. Here’s a list of things that you can do to support your student’s learning at home. 

Monday, February 10th: Words of Affirmation 

Kindness Week Challenge #1 – Use kind words of affirmation with 3 or more other people you see today. It could be a family member, friend, teacher, grocery store worker, or anyone else. Set aside a few minutes daily where each person gives a positive word or phrase to another family member. 

Tuesday, February 11th: Quality Time 

Kindness Week Challenge #2 – Spend at least 30 minutes of quality time with yourself or someone you love today after school. Have a family game night, movie or show night, cook or bake something as a family, enjoy story time, crafts, exercise, or even some yard work together. 

Wednesday, February 12th: Acts of Service 

Kindness Week Challenge #3 – Do another act of service for someone when you get home! Cook a meal for the family, organize a shared space, help each other with chores, plan a relaxation evening, do a surprise improvement project, or care for a pet together. 

Thursday, February 13th: Gift Giving 

Kindness Week Challenge #4: Deliver the gift you made today in class to the person you made it for. Talk about how giving someone a gift made you feel. Dedicate an evening to creating homemade gifts for each other, create a family shared photo album, playlist, or video.  

Friday, February 14th: Kindness Day (Half Day) - various walking trips 

Kindness Week Challenge #5: Create a family “Compliment Jar”. Place a jar in a common area. Family members can write positive affirmations or compliments about each other on small pieces of paper and drop them in the jar.

Advocacy Theme for January is 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.

December 18^th                                   Spirit Day at Your Pie

December 20^th                                   1^st Grade Field Trip to CSU Spur

Dec. 23^rd – Jan. 10^th                          Winter Break

Specials for the last part of the quarter is PE.  Please make sure your child wears appropriate shoes each day. 

CSU Spur Field Trip: 

1^st Grade will be going to CSU Spur this Friday, December 20^th from 8:30-1:30 PM.  Please make sure your child has a sack lunch, water bottle, and comfy shoes for this field trip. 

1^st and 2^nd Grade Holiday Party: 

Our party is on Friday, December 20th from 1:15-2:15 PM.  For our 1-2 Pod Holiday party, please review the available slots below and sign up for snacks/drinks to bring.

Please remember to send store-bought items with a nutrition label.  Items can be sent to school with your child anytime prior to our 1st & 2nd Grade Pod party. Make sure that all items are labeled 1-2 party before dropping them off.

You can contact your child's advocacy teacher if you would like to volunteer for our party.  You must have a current background check on file in order to volunteer.

We will contact volunteers who are selected to assist with the party.  

Thank you for helping us make our class party special! 

Advocacy Theme for December is Generosity. 

Students will define emotional generosity as the act of making others feel positive without expecting anything in return. 

Social and emotional skills are founded on self-awareness, emotions, and the connection between emotions, thoughts, and actions that we see in children. The ability for children to manage their emotions, thoughts, and actions (or behaviors) rests in perspective, impulse control, and self-awareness. As children develop, they begin to have empathy for others, and can build relationships. 

Fostering children’s feelings of gratitude encourages them to be thankful and appreciative for what they have and recognize that others may not have similar things. This realization is important in a child’s development of empathy, an important social-emotional skill that is the foundation for teaching children the concepts of giving and generosity.

December 9^th – 13^th                           Holiday Shop Open After School

December 14^th                                   Drama Club Performance at Legacy High School

December 18^th                                   Spirit Day at Your Pie

December 20^th                                   1^st Grade Field Trip to CSU Spur

Dec. 23^rd – Jan. 10^th                          Winter Break 

Specials for the last part of the quarter is PE.  Please make sure your child wears appropriate shoes each day. 

The advocacy theme for December is Generosity. 

Students will define emotional generosity as the act of making others feel positive without expecting anything in return. 

Social and emotional skills are founded on self-awareness, emotions, and the connection between emotions, thoughts, and actions we see in children. Children's ability to manage their emotions, thoughts, and actions (or behaviors) rests on perspective, impulse control, and self-awareness. As children develop, they begin to have empathy for others and can build relationships. 

Fostering children’s feelings of gratitude encourages them to appreciate what they have and recognize that others may not have similar things. This realization is important in a child’s development of empathy, an important social-emotional skill that is the foundation for teaching children the concepts of giving and generosity.

Upcoming Field Trip:

First grade will be taking its first environmental field trip to CSU Spur on Friday, December 20th.  More information and permission slips will be coming out in the next week.  

Wednesday, Nov. 20                             Skate City Night 

Friday, Nov. 22                                      Class PJ and Stuffy Party

Monday, Nov. 25 – Friday, Nov. 29    NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break 

Specials for the last part of the quarter is PE.  Please make sure your child wears appropriate shoes each day. 

Class PJ/Stuffy Party:  We will finally have our PJ/Stuffy party this Friday, November 22nd, before Thanksgiving Break!   

Guidelines for stuffies: They must be small enough to fit in their backpack and you can only bring one.   Make sure they wear appropriate shoes to school.   

Advocacy Theme for November is Gratitude  

Learning Goals:  

• Students will look at their skills, abilities, accomplishments, loved ones, and many other things to identify what they are grateful for. 

• Students will increase their well-being and happiness with activities that promote a sense of togetherness and belonging with their advocacy and families. 

• Students will reflect upon their successes and improvements using a self-reflection tool, consider how they’ve changed, and reflect on the people who made their progress possible. 

We are looking forward to a great month of gratitude and thankfulness! 

The advocacy Theme for November is Gratitude  

Learning Goals:  

• Students will look at their skills, abilities, accomplishments, loved ones, and many other things to identify what they are grateful for. 

• Students will increase their well-being and happiness with activities that promote a sense of togetherness and belonging with their advocacy and families. 

• Students will reflect upon their successes and improvements using a self-reflection tool, consider how they’ve changed, and reflect on the people who made their progress possible.  

We are looking forward to a great month of gratitude and thankfulness! 

FALL BAZAAR - NOVEMBER 16th

Advocacy Theme for November is Gratitude 

Learning Goals:  

• Students will look at their skills, abilities, accomplishments, loved ones, and many other things to identify what they are grateful for. 

• Students will increase their well-being and happiness with activities that promote a sense of togetherness and belonging with their advocacy and families. 

• Students will reflect upon their successes and improvements using a self-reflection tool, consider how they’ve changed, and reflect on the people who made their progress possible. 

We are looking forward to a great month of gratitude and thankfulness! 

Upcoming Dates and Announcements: 

Monday, October 28^th                       Individual Picture Retakes

Tuesday, October 29^th                      Texas Roadhouse Spirit Night

Thursday, October 31^st                    Halloween Carnival and Class Parties

Reminders:

As we prepare for our exciting class parties, we wanted to share a few important guidelines to ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone. Please review the following information carefully:

1. Volunteer Guidelines:
• No young children or siblings may accompany volunteers during the team parties. We appreciate your understanding as we maintain a focused environment for our students.
2. Costume Expectations for Adults and Students:
• No Masks or Face Coverings are allowed.
• No Full Face Paint is permitted. Partial face paint is allowed if students can apply it themselves in the time they have to get ready before class parties. Face paint may not be worn to school.
• No Weapons or items that could be used as a weapon should be part of any costume.
• No Inappropriate or Offensive Costumes. Please ensure all costumes fully cover the body.
• Costume Guidelines for Students (K-8):
• Students may NOT wear costumes to school. Costumes should be brought in backpacks and will remain there until students are allowed to change after lunch.
• Students will be in regular classes during the morning, so costumes and their accessories should not be a distraction.
3. Thank you for your cooperation in making these parties a fun and safe celebration for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

If you would like to donate to our 1-2 Pod Halloween Party use the link below:

Classroom Party Sign Up Genius Link  

October Advocacy Focus: Using Your Voice & Bully Prevention 

This month, our focus is on using your voice and bully prevention. Everyone can share their voice to prevent bullying. Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or community member. Some key things to think about.

A focus on preventing bullying is important, as is promoting positive actions such as kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Bullying affects witnesses as well as targets. Those who witness bullying often report feeling unsafe, helpless, and afraid that they will be the next target.

Students who bully others can also be negatively affected by the behavior with higher rates of physical and emotional health issues. 

Bullying is not only devastating while it’s happening; research shows that the negative effects can last a lifetime. 

Students can be especially effective in bullying intervention. It’s important for adults to encourage youth to be supportive of anyone experiencing bullying and to educate youth on how to advocate for themselves and for others. 

Everyone’s actions matter; we all have a role to play in bullying prevention. Our message to others is stronger when we are united by the common principle that bullying is never acceptable.

Oct. 21-23                               Trunk or Treat Candy Donation Gathering                                                         during both carlines

Monday, Oct. 21                     Events Committee Meeting 2:00 – 3:30 PM

Friday, Oct. 25                        Trunk or Treat 6:00-7:00 PM

Reminders:

• Extra Clothes: Due to a stomach bug going around we are asking that you put some extra clothes in your student’s bag for the time being. We will take the necessary steps to help your child while they are here and we appreciate your support with this matter.

October Advocacy Focus: Using Your Voice & Bully Prevention

This month, our focus is on using your voice and bully prevention. Everyone can share their voice to prevent bullying. Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or community member. Some key things to think about.

A focus on preventing bullying is important, as is promoting positive actions such as kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Bullying affects witnesses as well as targets. Those who witness bullying often report feeling unsafe, helpless, and afraid that they will be the next target.

Students who bully others can also be negatively affected by the behavior with higher rates of physical and emotional health issues.

Bullying is not only devastating while it’s happening; research shows that the negative effects can last a lifetime.

Students can be especially effective in bullying intervention. It’s important for adults to encourage youth to be supportive of anyone experiencing bullying and to educate youth on how to advocate for themselves and for others.

Everyone’s actions matter; we all have a role to play in bullying prevention. Our message to others is stronger when we are united by the common principle that bullying is never acceptable.

Important Dates:

Tuesday, September 2^nd                     Lunch orders due for next week

Friday, September 6^th                         Individual Picture Day

Monday, September 9^th                       3-4 Parent Engagement Night

Tuesday, September 10^th                    Skate City Spirit Night

Lunch Ordering:

Don't forget that lunch orders for the week of September 9th closes at 9:00 PM on September 2nd.

Lunch Program Ordering

1. In order for your student to receive a hot lunch, orders must be placed using the links below. Although lunches are free this year, only students who have pre-ordered a lunch will receive a hot lunch.
2. Click on the links below to place an order for that week. Submit a separate order for each student.
3. Ordering closes at 9:00 PM on Monday for the following week.
   
   Week of September 9 - ordering closes at 9:00 p.m. on September 2
   Week of September 16 - ordering closes at 9:00 p.m. on September 9
   Week of September 23 - ordering closes at 9:00 p.m. on September 16
   
   Week of September 30 - No School - Fall Break!
   Week of October 7 - No School - Fall Break!

Individual Picture Day is this Friday.  Picture order forms went home in Friday folders a couple of weeks ago.  To place orders online follow this link.

If you use the paper form be sure your student returns it on the day of photos, September 6th or before.

You can order online using your student’s ID or the Picture Day ID EVY8D4T79. There will also be a QR code included for your convenience. 

Lifetouch partners with Shutterfly, so you can easily manage your photos if you have an account or create one. You will be notified within 3-4 weeks when the images are ready to view, download, and share.

Advocacy Theme for September is Self Awareness

Students will practice managing their emotions learn how to use their strengths to overcome challenges.  They will learn how to name the things that make them unique, and how those character traits will help them succeed in their person and academic endeavors.

Important Dates:

August 26^{th- 30th}                                       Spirit Week

Friday, August 30^th                            Early Release at 11:30 AM

Monday, September 2^nd                    No School/Labor Day

Spirit Week is this week August 26th - 30th

Monday, August 26th - Team Day - Wear your favorite sports team gear. Whether it’s a jersey, hat, or even socks, let’s see that team pride!

Tuesday, August 27th - Class Colors Day Each grade has its own color. Wear your specific class color T-shirt if you have one, or simply dress in the colors of their grade group. Let’s paint the school in a rainbow of class pride!

• Kinder - Purple
• 1/2 Pod - Red
• 3/4 Pod - Green
• 5/6 Pod - Blue
• 7/8 Pod - Gray
• HS - Black

Wednesday, August 28th - Wacky Wednesday It’s time to get Westgate Wild! How crazy can you get? Wear something backwards, inside out, or come up with your own wild and wacky look. The wackier, the better!

Thursday, August 29th - Crazy Hair or Hat Day Let your creativity shine with the wildest hats or craziest hairdos you can imagine. It’s a day to let your hair down—or up, or sideways!

Friday, August 30th - Pajama Day We’ll wrap up Spirit Week with a cozy half-day. Roll out of bed and come to class in pajamas.