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Ms. Reeder, Advocacy, 2nd

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Dear Families,

It’s hard to believe we’ve arrived at the final week of 2nd grade! While the end of the year brings lots of celebration and fun, we’ll also take time to reflect on our learning and wrap up a few final tasks.

Schedule Overview:

    • Tuesday & Wednesday – Full school days
    • Wednesday 1:00–2:00 PM – Continuation Ceremony — Families are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate a fantastic year!
    • Thursday & Friday – Half days with dismissal at 11:30 AM
    • Thursday 10:00–11:00 AM – 1st & 2nd Grade Pod Party
    • Thursday 2:00–6:00 PM – School Carnival
    • Thursday 3:00–5:00 PM – Student-Led Conferences (held during the carnival, in the amphitheater)

Literacy:

This week in literacy, students will wrap up the year with some meaningful and creative writing activities. They will write letters to their future 3rd grade teachers and create “Words of Wisdom” to share with incoming 2nd graders. These activities are a wonderful way for students to reflect on their growth, celebrate their hard work, and use their voices to inspire others. I’m so proud of all they’ve accomplished as readers and writers this year!

 

Math

On Tuesday, students will take a final assessment – the 2nd Grade Post-Course Test, covering key concepts from 2nd-grade math. On Wednesday, we’ll celebrate our math growth with some fun review games. I’m so proud of how far each student has come!

 

Passion Projects:

This week, students will complete a Passion Project Reflection, thinking back to what was challenging and what makes them proud. It’s been so fun watching their creativity and excitement shine through their work!

On Thursday, in place of traditional student-led conferences, 2nd-grade students will have Passion Projects on display in the amphitheater for the community to see during the carnival from 3:00–5:00 PM.

If your child created a diorama, tri-fold board, or model, please plan to take it home when you leave on Thursday. We’re so proud of all the hard work and heart they’ve poured into these projects!

A Heartfelt Thank You 💛
Thank you for your support and partnership all year long. It has been a joy to teach your child and watch them grow in confidence, curiosity, and kindness.

Wishing you a wonderful summer ahead!

May Advocacy Update

Dates and Announcements:

May 4 - 8

 

Teacher Appreciation Week

Friday, May 22

9:45 AM – 12:45 PM

2nd Grade Field Trip Anythink Wright Farms Library

Monday, May 25

NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 27

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

1st- and 2nd-Grade Continuation, outside in the amphitheater.

Thursday, May 28

Dismissal at 11:30

Half Day of School

Thursday, May 28

2:00 – 6:00 PM Carnival

3:00 – 5:00 PM Student Led Conferences/Passion Project Fair

Friday, May 29

Dismissal at 11:30

Half Day - Last day of school

 

 

Reminders:

  • Specials: Our Special is Music.

 

  • Please return folders: If your child has a Friday Folder or an Absent Work folder at home, please send it back to school as soon as possible. This really helps me in sending home graded work on Fridays and any assignments they might have missed after being away.

 

  • Carnival Baskets: Our Spring Carnival is coming up on May 28th, and one of the most anticipated highlights is our themed classroom baskets for the silent auction! These baskets are a major part of our fundraising efforts, and we’d love your help in making them truly special.
    • This year, our basket themes are Lego and Swim Fun. Contributing is easy! We’ve created Amazon and Target registries (links are below) so you can simply click and purchase items. Even better—your items can be shipped directly to the school. If you prefer, you’re also welcome to shop on your own and drop off donations in the lobby during normal school hours.
    • Short on time? You can donate through the payment portal (please be sure to note which grade your donation is for), and we’ll take care of the shopping for you.

Please ensure all donations are received by Friday, May 22nd.

Carnival Baskets

Hello 1st and 2nd Grade Families,
Our Spring Carnival is coming up on May 28th, and one of the most anticipated highlights is our themed classroom baskets for the silent auction! These baskets are a major part of our fundraising efforts, and we’d love your help in making them truly special.
This year, our basket themes are Lego and Swim Fun.
Contributing is easy! We’ve created Amazon and Target registries (links are below) so you can simply click and purchase items. Even better—your items can be shipped directly to the school. If you prefer, you’re also welcome to shop on your own and drop off donations in the lobby during normal school hours.
Short on time? You can donate through the payment portal (please be sure to note which grade your donation is for), and we’ll take care of the shopping for you.
Please ensure all donations are received by Friday, May 22nd.
Thank you for helping us make this event a success!
 

Earth Week is April 27th – May 1st at Westgate!

This year’s theme is “Treat Every Day Like It’s Earth Day.” As a school, we’re going back to the basics—focusing on small, meaningful habits that students can continue through the end of the school year and beyond.

While Earth Day is celebrated worldwide on April 22nd, Westgate celebrates after the testing season. This year’s theme reflects an important idea: caring for our planet shouldn’t happen just once a year; it’s something we can practice every day. Instead of focusing on a single week of celebration, we’re building habits that last all year long.

Each day of Earth Week will have a special theme, along with a short lesson during Advocacy designed by our Environmental Education Coordinator:

  • Monday, April 27th: Mindful Monday – Notice Our Planet
  • Tuesday, April 28th: Turn-It-Off Tuesday – Save Energy
  • Wednesday, April 29th: Waste-Less Wednesday
  • Thursday, April 30th: Thoughtful Thursday – Care for Living Things
  • Friday, May 1st: Future Friday – Our Earth Promises

Students will also participate in outdoor, hands-on environmental learning stations. Teachers within each pod will lead different activity stations, such as recycling and trash sorting, a water conservation challenge, packaging redesign, Earth Day trivia, and more.

Please help your student come prepared with comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a full water bottle.

We’re also excited to launch a new Quarter 4 program: Nourish in Nature. During this time, one class at a time will enjoy lunch outdoors in our school’s amphitheater. This program is designed to promote time outside, strengthen social connections, and deepen students’ connection to nature, all while supporting our school’s mission and vision.

Please note that we will not be hosting a clothing swap this year. Participation in previous years was limited, and we want to ensure families are connected to the most helpful resources. If your family is in need of clothing support, we encourage you to reach out to our school counselors, who are happy to assist.

We hope you can join us for our In and Out Stay and Play on Wednesday, April 29th, from 4:30–6:00 PM!

Passion Projects

As you may know, 4th quarter in 2nd grade is all about Passion Projects!

What is a Passion Project? Passion Projects are research projects based on a topic related to social studies or science. Students will choose a topic, conduct research, write a paragraph, and create a project to present to the class. It’s an exciting time for students, though it can also feel a bit overwhelming at times.

To help with organization and communication, your child will keep all of their materials in a green Passion Project folder. This folder will include their approved topic, research, and important due dates to help keep them on track. If your child is behind, the folder will be sent home on Fridays so you can see how best to support them. If work is not completed during the week, we appreciate your help in having your child catch up over the weekend.

It is very important that this folder is returned to school on Monday. Without it, your child will not have the materials needed to continue working on their project.

As you know, Westgate does not have a central library where students can check out books. To support your child’s research, please consider visiting your local public library to find books on their topic. If this is not possible, please email your child’s teacher—we are happy to help locate resources for you.

 

Steps in Project

Due Date

Teacher approval for Passion Project topic

4/21/26

Completed research on Essential Questions

4/28/26

Completed Bibliography 

4/28/26

Write paragraphs from research

5/5/26

Completed Paragraphs typed

5/8/26

Started work on Final Project

5/11/26

Completed Final Project

5/18/26

Present Passion Projects for the class

5/20/26 - 5/22/26

Completed Final Reflections

5/26/26

Passion Project Fair during Open House

5/28/26

 

If you have any questions, please let us know! Thank you for your support as we begin this exciting unit!

 

Mrs. Reeder & Mrs. Linley

2nd Grade Teachers

Westgate Community School

April 2026 Advocacy Update

Dates and Announcements:

Monday, March 30

First day of 4th Quarter

Friday, April 17

HALF DAY – Dismissal at 11:30.

Wednesday, April 29

Field Trip to Northglenn Arts

Monday, April 27-Friday, May 1

Westgate Earth Week

 

Reminders:

  • Our Specials class is P.E. Please make sure that your child comes to school with athletic shoes every day.
  • Friday Folders - Your child should have a Friday folder that comes home each Friday. Please return it to school empty each Monday.
  • Spot Curriculum: During the month of March, students learned about teamwork and patience. During the month of April, Students will learn about patience, safety, and growth mindset.

 

Advocacy Update: 3/9/26 - 3/13/26

Dates and Announcements:

 Wednesday, March 11

1st/2nd-grade field trip to the Denver Mint

Thursday, March 12

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

In-Person parent-teacher conferences at Westgate – NO SCHOOL

Friday, March 13

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences online through Microsoft Teams – NO SCHOOL

Saturday, March 14 – Sunday, March 29

Spring Break – NO SCHOOL

Monday, March 30

First day of 4th Quarter

 

  • Field Trip: We will visit the Denver Mint on Wednesday, March 11. A permission form was emailed to families on Friday, February 27. Please contact Mrs. Reeder if you did not receive the permission form.

On the day of the trip, students will eat lunch at 10:35 AM, since we will not be able to eat during the field trip. Please send a regular lunch for your child. Hot lunch will still be available, but it will be served earlier.

Because of the early lunch, please consider sending your child with a larger afternoon snack.

 

  • Parent-Teacher Conferences: It's that time of the year for our spring conferences! The conferences will be held IN-PERSON at Westgate on Thursday, March 12th, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and VIRTUALLY on Friday, March 13th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. There is no school these days. The last day to sign up for conferences is Monday, March 9. A sign-up was emailed to families. Please contact Mrs. Reeder if you did not receive the email with the link to sign up for conferences.

 

March 2026 Advocacy Update

Dates and Announcements:

 Wednesday, March 11

1st/2nd-grade field trip to the Denver Mint

Thursday, March 12

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

In-Person parent-teacher conferences at Westgate – NO SCHOOL

Friday, March 13

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences online through Microsoft Teams – NO SCHOOL

Saturday, March 14 – Sunday, March 29

Spring Break – NO SCHOOL

Monday, March 30

First day of 4th Quarter

 

Reminders:

 

  • Specials: Our Special is iLab.

 

  • Field Trip: We will be going to the Denver Mint on Wednesday, March 11. A permission form was emailed to families on Friday, February 27. Please contact Mrs. Reeder if you did not receive the permission form.

 

  • Parent-Teacher Conferences: It's that time of the year for our spring conferences! The conferences will be held IN-PERSON at Westgate on Thursday, March 12th, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and VIRTUALLY on Friday, March 13th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. There is no school these days. A sign-up was emailed to families. Please contact Mrs. Reeder if you did not receive the email with the link to sign up for conferences.

 

  • Buddy Program 5th/6th Grade Advocacy classes are partnering with 1st/2nd grade this year for an exciting buddy program! This is part of the 5th and 6th-grade service-learning program, where our older students will serve as mentors to our younger students. It’s going to be more than just book buddies — each week looks a little different. Some days, students might read together, other days they might create crafts like bracelets, or even play games. The buddy program takes place weekly on Mondays for roughly 20 minutes during Quarter 3. Students are partnered based on their interests and personalities, with the hope of fostering meaningful and positive connections. Our older buddies have spent the first two quarters training and preparing to help inspire confidence, build friendships, and work on individualized goals together.

 

  • Reminder about toys: 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. This includes, but is not limited to, action figures/dolls, stuffed animals, Pokémon cards, small cars, building or craft supplies, dress-up items, and so on.

 

  • Spot Curriculum: During the month of February, our students learned about kindness and diversity. During the month of March, students will learn about teamwork and patience.

Kindness Week

Kindness Week at Westgate: Feb 9–13 
 We’re excited to celebrate Kindness Week with this year’s theme, Planting the Seed: An Acorn of Kindness. Students will take part in daily activities that grow compassion, connection, and community.
Our 7th and 8th graders are also leading a schoolwide food drive benefiting A Precious Child. Our goal is 2,000 non‑perishable items, with themed donation days to guide contributions:
  • Mon 2/9 – Protein Monday
  • Tue 2/10 – Pasta Tuesday
  • Wed 2/11 – Canned Veggies Wednesday
  • Thu 2/12 – Toiletries Thursday
  • Fri 2/13 – Canned Fruit Friday
Families are invited to support our Acts of Kindness for Teachers through donations and volunteer opportunities all week, including bathroom refresh items, hot chocolate cart supplies, carline volunteers, flower‑sale helpers, classroom readers, and more.
All sign‑ups and details can be found here: SignUpGenius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A8AE28A1FA7-61738675-kindness#/
Cash or check donations may be dropped off at the front office (note: Kindness Week), or contributed online through Westgate Events.
Thank you for helping us nurture a culture of kindness that grows far beyond our school walls.

January Advocacy Update

Dates and Announcements:

Monday, January 12

First day of 3rd Quarter

Monday, January 19

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, January 20

3rd Quarter Clubs begin

January 12-23

Dibels Testing Window

Monday, Nov. 24 – Friday, Nov. 28

 

Saturday, Nov. 29

10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

 

 

Reminders:

  • Specials: Our new special is Art. We will be in this special until February 6. You can subscribe to Ms. H.’s edlio page
  • Reeder Out: I will be having knee surgery on January 28. I will be out for 2 weeks: Wednesday, January 28 – Tuesday, February 10. I am hoping to line up a substitute that can commit to subbing for the entire time I am out.
  • 3rd Quarter Clubs:
    • Check out the clubs being offered for 3rd Quarter
    • Clubs will run from 1/20/2026 through 3/11/2026! There are no clubs on 1/19 (MLK Jr Day), 2/16 (President's Day), 3/12 (PT Conferences), 3/13 (PT Conferences). 
  • 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. This includes, but is not limited to action figures/dolls, stuffed animals, Pokémon cards, small cars, building or craft supplies, or dress up items.
  • 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.

 

Buddy Program Announcement

5th/6th Grade Advocacy classes are partnering with 1st/2nd grade this year for an exciting buddy program! This is part of the 5th and 6th-grade service-learning program, where our older students will serve as mentors to our younger students. It’s going to be more than just book buddies — each week may look a little different. Some days, students might read together, other days they might create crafts like bracelets, or even play games.

The buddy program will take place weekly on Mondays for roughly 20 minutes during Quarter 3, beginning after Winter Break. Students are partnered based on their interests and personalities, with the hope of fostering meaningful and positive connections. Our older buddies have spent the first two quarters training and preparing to help inspire confidence, build friendships, and work on individualized goals together.

We’re looking forward to this program! If you have any questions or concerns, our Service-Learning Coordinator, Charlie Kahn, is happy to help at [email protected]

Advocacy Lessons: Little Spot of Feelings

Over the next several weeks, students will explore important social-emotional skills through Little Spot of Feeling read-alouds, class discussions, reflections, and activities. Each week will focus on a different theme, helping students better understand themselves, build empathy for others, and practice positive ways to interact in our classroom and community.

January 12-16: I’m NOT Just a Scribble & A Little Spot of Confidence
Students will learn about inclusion and confidence, focusing on accepting differences, believing in themselves, and understanding that everyone belongs.

January 19-23: A Little Spot of Happiness
Students will explore what happiness is, identify things that bring joy, and practice ways to manage emotions and create positive feelings.

January 26-30: A Little Spot of Love
Students will learn how love can be shown through actions and words, and how caring for others helps build strong relationships.

Advocacy Reminders

Winter Spirit Week Details:

  • Monday, Dec. 15 – Pajama/Onesie Day Roll out of bed and head to school in your coziest pajamas or onesie!
  • Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Ugly Sweater Day: Break out your most festive and tacky (school-appropriate) holiday sweater.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 17 – Anything But a Backpack Da:y Get creative and bring your school supplies in something unexpected!
  • Thursday, Dec. 18 – Avatar Day: Join the High School and dress as your element: Fire, Water, Air, or Earth.
  • Friday, Dec. 19 – Dress to Impress Day End the week in style with your sharpest look – it doesn't have to be black tie/formal, but it would be cool if you did.

 

Reminder: Winter Break – NO SCHOOL December 20 - January 11.

Typing Club Information

This year, our class will be using Typing Club via EdClub to learn how to type at school. Edclub is an educational learning platform that offers high-quality courses. Since the platform is web-based, students can use Typing Club in class, at home, or anywhere they have internet access.

To log in to your child's edclub account, go to the following login URL: https://mrsreeder.edclub.com

The username is your child's first name and last name initial. Please note that there are no capital letters in the username. For example: john d.

Password: 123456

Please bookmark the above URL and use it each time your child logs in. I am pleased to share Typing Club with you and am excited to see your child’s progress.

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.