Skip to main content

Ms. Reeder, Advocacy, 2nd

Posts

Advocacy 11/17/25 - 11/21/25

Dates and Announcements:

Wednesday, Nov. 19

CogAT Testing for 2nd Graders

Wednesday, Nov. 19

Westgate Spirit Night at G-Que BBQ

Monday, Nov. 24 – Friday, Nov. 28

NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break

Saturday, Nov. 29

10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Westgate 4th Annual Craft Fair

 

Reminders:

  • Our new special is Music. We will stay in this special until Winter Break. If you’d like to subscribe to Mr. Hopson’s Edlio page, click here.

 

  • Lost and Found - Our school’s Lost and Found is overflowing! It’s located near the front desk, just inside the main entrance. There are many water bottles, lunchboxes, and cold-weather items waiting to be claimed. Please encourage your child to check the Lost and Found soon for any missing belongings before items are cleared out and donated.

 

  • CogAT Screener – Updated Testing Date

Our CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) administration has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 19, as the school did not receive testing materials in time for the original date. Students will take the test first thing in the morning, so please help your child arrive on time, well-rested, and ready to do their best.

All 2nd graders in Colorado take the CogAT as part of the statewide universal screening process. Colorado law (House Bill 14-1102) requires schools to screen all students no later than 2nd grade to help identify children who may qualify for gifted and talented services.

The CogAT does not measure what students have already learned in school. Instead, it looks at how students think, reason, and solve problems using words, numbers, and visual patterns. The results help teachers and staff better understand each child’s learning strengths and how they approach problem-solving.

This assessment does not affect report card grades. Instead, it is one tool—used along with classroom performance and teacher observations—to ensure all students have access to learning opportunities that meet their needs.

Students already identified as gifted and talented will not take the assessment.

  • Cold Weather Gear: As the weather continues to be cold, please remember to send your children in with coats, hats, and gloves to keep them warm throughout the day. Please make sure to label your child's clothing. If you or someone you know needs assistance providing warm clothing for your child, please reach out or check out the resources below:

 

Also, the colder weather means more items for your child to be in charge of. Please label your child’s clothing, especially outerwear, so that we can quickly return any lost items.

Reminders for the week of 11/10/25 - 11/14/25

Reminders:

  • Monday, November 10 - No school in observance of Veteran's Day.
 
  • Field Trip: 1st and 2nd grades are going on a field trip to Four Mile Historic Park on Tuesday, November 11. Please complete the permission form by Friday, November 7. In addition, send your student with a sack lunch, comfortable walking shoes, and a water bottle for the day. We are looking forward to a fun day filled with hands-on explorations of history!

 

  • CogAT Screener – On Wednesday, November 12, Westgate 2nd graders will be taking the CogAT.
    • All 2nd graders in Colorado take the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) as part of the statewide universal screening process. Colorado law (House Bill 14-1102) requires schools to screen all students no later than the 2nd grade to help identify children who may qualify for gifted and talented services.
    • The CogAT does not measure what students have already learned in school. Instead, it looks at how students think, reason, and solve problems using words, numbers, and visual patterns. The results help teachers and staff better understand each child’s learning strengths and how they approach problem-solving.
    • This assessment does not affect report card grades. Instead, it is one tool (used along with classroom performance and teacher observations) to ensure all students have access to learning opportunities that meet their needs.

    • Students already identified as gifted and talented will not be taking the assessment.

Advocacy Update: 11/3/25 - 11/7/25

Dates and Announcements:

Friday, Nov. 7

8:00-11:30 A.M.

HALF DAY – Dismissal at 11:30 A.M.

Monday, Nov. 10

NO SCHOOL – Veteran’s Day observance

Tuesday, Nov. 11

9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

1st and 2nd Grade Field Trip to Four Mile Historic Park

Wednesday, Nov. 12

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Westgate Spirit Night at Skate City

Wednesday, Nov. 19

Westgate Spirit Night at G-Que BBQ

Monday, Nov. 24 – Friday, Nov. 28

NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break

Saturday, Nov. 29

10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Westgate 4th Annual Craft Fair

 

Reminders:

  • Specials: Our Special is P.E. until Friday, Nov. 14. Please send your child to school with athletic shoes appropriate for exercise. You can sign up to receive Mr. Anderson’s edlio updates by visiting his page. We will begin having Music as our specials class on Monday, Nov. 17.

 

  • Field Trip: 1st and 2nd grades are going on a field trip to Four Mile Historic Park on Tuesday, November 11. Please complete the permission form by Friday, November 7. In addition, send your student with a sack lunch, comfortable walking shoes, and a water bottle for the day. We are looking forward to a fun day filled with hands-on explorations of history!

 

  • Cold Weather Gear: As the weather continues to be cold, please remember to send your children in with coats, hats, and gloves to keep them warm throughout the day. Please make sure to label your child's clothing. If you or someone you know needs assistance providing warm clothing for your child, please reach out or check out the resources below:
    • Clothes to Kids
    • A.S.H. Closet
    • Goodwill
    • Arc Thrift Store
    • Cozy Coats for Kids(this is a great option, but you need to order clothes in August, so this can be used next year)
    • Also, the colder weather means more items for your child to be in charge of. Please try and label your child’s clothing, especially outerwear, so that we can quickly return any lost items.

Advocacy: A Little Spot of Feelings and Emotions

  • Next, we will read A Little Spot of Empathy and learn what it means to understand and care about how others feel. Students will practice noticing facial expressions, tone of voice, and situations to predict how someone might be feeling. We’ll talk about the importance of listening, asking kind questions, and offering support when a friend is upset.
 
  • We will also read Invisible Scribble, which teaches the value of including others. Students will learn that everyone belongs, even when we look, act, or feel different from one another. We will practice ways to make sure no one feels left out by inviting others to play, using kind words, and showing respect for everyone’s unique qualities.

October Advocacy Update

Dates and Announcements:

Monday, October 20

1st Day of 2nd Quarter

Monday October 20 and Tuesday, October 21

Mrs. Reeder will be absent – at the CAGT conference

Friday, October 24

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Trunk or Treat in Westgate’s south parking lot

Monday, October 27

Individual Picture Retake Day

Tuesday, October 28

4:00 -8:00 PM

Westgate Spirit Night @ Chipotle

(951 E 120th Ave. Unit A in Thornton)

Friday, October 31

Halloween Party in the afternoon (more details to come)

 

 

 

Reminders:

 

  • Reeder Absent - I will be attending the CAGT 2025 conference in Loveland, CO on October 20 and 21. There will be a sub while I am learning how to support gifted learners.
  • Specials: Our Special is P.E. Please send your child to school with athletic shoes appropriate for exercise. You can sign up to receive Mr. Anderson’s edlio updates by visiting his page.
  • After school clubs start on the week of October 27. You can see club offerings and sign up for clubs here.

Advocacy Reminders 9/30/25

Dates and Reminders:

Mon 9/29/25 – 10/3/25

Elementary Scholastic Book Fair

Tue. September 30

Evening Exploration with iLab

Wed. October 1

Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Ups close

Student Test Score and Report Cards Emailed out

Thursday, October 2

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Half-day – Carline begins at 11:30 AM

Quarter 1 Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences

Friday, October 3     

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM            

NO SCHOOL

Quarter 1  In-person Parent-Teacher Conferences

October 4 - October 19

Fall Break – No School

October 20

1st Day of 2nd Quarter

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences:

Our Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held VIRTUALLY on Thursday, October 2 from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM and IN-PERSON on Friday, October 3 from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Please sign up for only one conference slot.

SIGN UP LINK

Please note that you may not request a virtual conference on the in-person day or an in-person conference on the virtual conference day. 

I look forward to meeting with you!



Scholastic Book Orders

This year, our class is excited to read with Scholastic Book Clubs! It’s a great way to build up your child’s book collection at home and help them improve their reading skills. And when you shop with Clubs, your orders earn points I can redeem for books and other classroom supplies we need.

 

Here’s how it works: I’ll send home flyers like these throughout the year. If you decide to place an order, you can do that through our class ordering page. Your books will arrive at school about 10 days after I submit our classroom order.

 

By teaming up with Scholastic, we’ll help your child become a more confident, independent reader—and we’ll build a classroom library all of my students are excited to explore!

 


Shop our class page: https://orders.scholastic.com/YGYPH

 

Happy reading!

NINA REEDER
Class code: YGYPH

September 2025 Advocacy Update

Dates and Announcements:

Friday, September 5

Individual Picture Day

September 8 – 12

Spirit Week

Monday, September 15

Hearing Screenings

Thursday, September 18

Spirit Night at Parry’s Pizza

Friday, September 19

Half Day – Dismissal at 11:30 AM

Friday, September 26

Fun Run

Mon 9/29 – 10/3

Elementary Scholastic Book Fair

 

Reminders

  • Picture Day is coming on Friday, September 5!
    • You can place your order on mylifetouch.com by using your Picture Day ID: EVT3GHHTT. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping! Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or a check on Picture Day.
    • Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com
  • Westgate Spirit Week: September 8th
    • Monday: Rainbow Day
    • Tuesday:  Crazy Hair/Hat Day
    • Wednesday: Westgate Wednesday
    • Thursday: Throwback Thursday
    • Friday: Pajama Day
  • Specials: Our new special is iLab. We will stay in this special until Oct. 17. You can subscribe to Mr. Elliott’s Edlio page here.
  • Water and Snacks: Please remember to send your child a spill-proof, reusable water bottle that is labeled with their name. In addition, students eat snacks twice a day. Morning snack is at 9:15, and Afternoon snack is at 1:15. Healthy snacks are always the best option. Please make sure your child knows which food is for their lunch meal and which food is for their snacks. Please do not send cookies or candy for your child to eat during the morning snack time. Emergency snacks are provided to students who do not bring a snack from home (while supplies last).
  • Friday Folders - Your child should have a Friday folder that comes home each Friday. Please review the folder with your child and return it to school empty each Monday.
  • Toys are strictly prohibited for all students. To ensure a safe and focused learning environment for all students, please make sure that your child is not bringing toys to school.
  • Technology – Please do not send your child to school with any devices, such as phones, smart watches, tablets, air tags, etc. Per school policy, if these items are brought to school, they will be turned off and placed in a lock box in the morning and returned in the afternoon.
  • Infinite Campus Phone App: I would like to invite you all to regularly check Infinite Campus to check on your student's grades and identify any incomplete or missing assignments that may need to be finished.

 

 

Advocacy: Little Spots of Feelings and Emotions Curriculum

We’re Learning with Little Spot of Feelings and Emotions!
We are so excited to introduce the Little Spot of Feelings and Emotions program in our classrooms! This curriculum uses colorful characters and engaging stories to help students learn about their feelings—like happy, sad, frustrated, and calm—and how to handle them in positive ways. Through fun activities and conversations, students discover how to recognize their emotions, express them kindly, and understand the feelings of others. These important skills help us create a caring, respectful classroom community where everyone feels safe and supported!

So far, we have learned about the scribble Spot, which is when you have more than one feeling at a time. For example, during back-to-school time you can feel excited and nervous. Last week, we read A Little Peaceful Spot and learned how to find and use a “peaceful spot” to help calm down when experiencing big feelings. Students practiced strategies such as taking deep breaths, imagining a calming place, and thinking kind thoughts. We discussed times during the day when using a peaceful spot can help them feel more in control and ready to learn.

Next, we will read A Little Spot of Anger and learn healthy ways to manage feelings of anger. Students will explore how anger feels in their body and practice strategies to calm down before acting—such as taking deep breaths, counting to ten, and walking away to cool off. We’ll talk about how expressing anger in safe, respectful ways can help solve problems and keep relationships strong.

Advocacy Update: August 2025

Dates and Announcements:

Thursday, August 14

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

1st & 2nd Grade Parent Engagement Night

Week of August 18

After School Clubs begin

Wednesday, August 20

11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Red Robin Spirit Day & Night

Tuesday, August 26

Westgate Spirit Night at Skate City

Friday, August 29

8:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Professional Development Day – Half Day. Dismissal is at 11:30

Monday, September 1

NO SCHOOL – Labor Day

 

We had a great first week getting to know each other! We learned about routines and expectations in our classroom and around the school. We did several activities to get to know each other. We began doing academic work on Wednesday.

 

Reminders

  • 1st and 2nd Grade Parent Engagement Night
    • No students, please. 
    • Parents and Guardians of 1st and 2nd-grade students only.
    • This is an opportunity for you to connect with and get to know other parents & guardians as well as the 1st and 2nd grade teachers.
    • Come for merriment and connections!
  • Clubs: After-school enrichment clubs begin NEXT week. If you would like to sign up, visit the school’s clubs page. First Quarter Clubs will run from August 18 – October 1.
  • Specials: Our current special is Art. We will stay in this special until Aug. 30.
  • Water and Snacks: Please remember to send your child a spill-proof, reusable water bottle that is labeled with their name. In addition, students eat a snack twice a day. Morning snack is at 9:15, and Afternoon snack is at 1:15. Healthy snacks are always the best option. Please make sure your child knows which food is for their lunch meal and which food is for their snacks. Please do not send cookies or candy for your child to eat during the morning snack time. Emergency snacks are provided to students who do not bring a snack from home (while supplies last).
  • Toys are strictly prohibited for all students. To ensure a safe and focused learning environment for all students, please make sure that your child is not bringing toys to school.
  • Morning and Afternoon carline are “hug and go” only. The staff asks that you please stay in your vehicle and allow your child to exit the vehicle on their own.  This will allow the flow of traffic to move quickly.
  • Friday Folders - Your child should have a Friday folder that comes home each Friday. Please review the folder with your child and return it to school empty each Monday.
  • Technology – Please do not send your child to school with any devices, such as phones, smart watches, tablets, air tags, etc. Per school policy, if these items are brought to school, they will be turned off and placed in a lock box in the morning and returned in the afternoon.
  • Infinite Campus Phone App: I would like to invite you all to regularly check Infinite Campus to check on your student's grades and identify any incomplete or missing assignments that may need to be finished.

 

ZERO WASTE WEDNESDAYS!

How It Works:

  • Every Wednesday is “Zero Waste Wednesday” here at Westgate. What this means is that if students have 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

 

 

  • Advocacy: Our August Advocacy theme is RISE (Respect, Integrity, Safety, Empathy)!
    • At Westgate, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a part of our Whole Child Education program. PBIS is a system in which students, staff and the community create a set of school-wide behavioral expectations/core values, we teach those expectations in all our various environments, and then we CELEBRATE when we see students doing those things! At Westgate, we RISE (Respect, Integrity, Safety, Empathy).

Week 1

R

What does RESPECT mean?

Being kind to people, property, and yourself. Being considerate of our community.

Week 2

I

What does INTEGRITY mean?

Telling the truth and doing the right thing even when nobody is looking.

Week 3

S

What does it mean to be SAFE at school?

Act in ways that won’t harm yourself or others.

Week 4

E

What is EMPATHY?

Understanding and caring about the feelings of others.

 

We will be teaching students what these 4 words mean—focusing on a different part of RISE each week—and what it looks like to live these values out during school and at home. We will use RISE all year to celebrate positive behaviors.

Welcome to the 2025-2026 School Year!

Hello! 

My name is Mrs. Reeder, and I am your child's teacher/Advocate.  Advocacy classes are, first and foremost, a time for students to build supportive relationships with their peers and with an adult they can trust, as well as learn about social and emotional health. It is a time for everyone to feel recognized and welcomed in the classroom and school community. As your child’s advocate, I will be your primary point of contact, so please feel free to reach out to me at any time. I am committed to advocating for your child this year. 

I have subscribed you to my Advocacy and Academic pages through Edlio. Edlio is our means of posting information to our class pages on the Westgate website. You will receive updates to your email automatically whenever I post to Edlio. You may also receive an email from me with the same information.   

  This quarter, your child will have Art with Ms. H and I-Lab with Mr. Elliott. You are not pre-subscribed to their Edlio pages, so please go to Ms. H’s and Mr. Elliott’s Edlio Pages on the Westgate Specials pages and subscribe.  

This month, our August Advocacy theme is RISE! 

At Westgate, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a part of our Whole Child Education program. PBIS is a system in which students, staff, and the community create a set of school-wide behavioral expectations/core values. We teach those expectations in all our various environments, and then we CELEBRATE when we see students doing those things! At Westgate, we RISE (Respect, Integrity, Safety, Empathy). 

 

Week 1 

R 

 

What does RESPECT mean? 

Being kind to people, property, and yourself. Being considerate of our community. 

Week 2 

I 

 

What does INTEGRITY mean? 

Telling the truth and doing the right thing even when nobody is looking. 

Week 3  

S 

 

What does it mean to be SAFE at school? 

Act in ways that won’t harm yourself or others. 

Week 4 

E 

 

What is EMPATHY? 

Understanding and caring about the feelings of others. 

 

We will teach students what these 4 words mean—focusing on a different part of RISE each week—and what it looks like to live these values out during school and at home. We will use RISE all year to celebrate positive behaviors. 

I am excited for the school year and am looking forward to working with you and your child to help them grow!