Dear Families,

As we begin the month of October, we are focusing on an important theme: Anti-Bullying. This week, we will be reading the beautiful book I Am Enough by Grace Byers—a powerful reminder that we are all worthy, unique, and deserving of kindness.

Through this book and our classroom discussions, students will:

💛 Reflect on what makes them amazing and unique
💬 Learn and practice strategies to deal with bullying, including how to stand up for themselves and others in respectful, safe ways
🤝 Talk about the importance of kindness, empathy, and inclusion

We encourage you to continue these conversations at home. Ask your child:

• What do you love about yourself?

• What should you do if you or a friend are being treated unkindly?

• How can you help create a safe and welcoming space for others?

Thank you for partnering with us to help every student feel valued, confident, and supported. Together, we can make a difference!

• The Smart Cookie
• Have You Seen My Hat?

Dear Families,

We’ve got an exciting week ahead in Advocacy, packed with creativity, spirit, and self-discovery!

🎨 Original Works Art Project
Next week, students will begin working on their Original Works art. This is a special opportunity for students to create a drawing that can be turned into keepsakes and gifts — all while raising money for our school!

🗣️ How you can help at home:
Talk with your child about what they’d like to draw — something meaningful and personal that they’re proud of! Please remember that artwork must be original (no trademarked characters or logos). Your child may bring markers to school for Advocacy if they wish to have more color options.

🎉 Spirit Week – September 9–13
Let’s build community and celebrate each other with a fun Spirit Week!

• Monday, Sept 9 – Rainbow Day
  Brighten up the halls with your favorite color — or wear the whole rainbow! 🌈

• Tuesday, Sept 10 – Crazy Hat/Hair Day
  Let your imagination run wild with silly hats, wild hair, or both! 🎩🌀

• Wednesday, Sept 11 – Westgate Wednesday
  Show your pod pride! Wear Westgate gear or your pod color:

  • Kinder – Purple

  • 1st/2nd – Red

  • 3rd/4th – Green

  • 5th/6th – Blue

  • 7th/8th – Gray

  • High School – Black

• Thursday, Sept 12 – Throwback Thursday
  Dress up from your favorite decade — think tie-dye, neon, overalls, or retro vibes! ✌️🕺

• Friday, Sept 13 – Pajama Day
  End the week in ultimate comfort with your coziest (school-appropriate) pajamas! 😴

🧠 Theme of the Month: Self-Awareness
This week, we’ll also be taking a fun personality test and reflecting on how knowing ourselves better can help us navigate school, friendships, and life.

💡 What you can do at home:

• Ask your child what they learned about their personality type.

• Talk about times when self-awareness helped them solve a problem or make a good choice.

• Share a story from your own life when understanding yourself made a difference!

Let’s make it a meaningful (and colorful!) week together. Thanks for your continued support!

This week in class, we will be diving into the important topic of empathy—what it is, why it matters, and how we can show it at school, at home, and in our community.

To help guide our learning, we’ll be reading the book "Teach Your Dragon Empathy", which offers a fun and meaningful way for students to understand how to recognize and care about the feelings of others. Through reading, discussion, and reflection, we’ll explore practical ways we can grow in empathy and become more thoughtful and compassionate individuals.

You can support our learning at home by asking your child questions like:

• What does empathy mean to you?

• How did the dragon in the story show empathy?

• Can you think of a time when you showed empathy or when someone showed it to you?

Thank you for your continued support as we help our students grow not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

This week in class, we will be diving into the important topic of empathy—what it is, why it matters, and how we can show it at school, at home, and in our community.

To help guide our learning, we’ll be reading the book "Teach Your Dragon Empathy", which offers a fun and meaningful way for students to understand how to recognize and care about the feelings of others. Through reading, discussion, and reflection, we’ll explore practical ways we can grow in empathy and become more thoughtful and compassionate individuals.

You can support our learning at home by asking your child questions like:

• What does empathy mean to you?

• How did the dragon in the story show empathy?

• Can you think of a time when you showed empathy or when someone showed it to you?

Thank you for your continued support as we help our students grow not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

Hello Wonderful Parents!

This week, we’ll be diving into an important topic with your child: Safety at Home, School, and in the Community. We’ll discuss how we can stay safe and what we can do to keep others safe as well.

Additionally, we’ll be reading Harrison P. Spader: Personal Space Invader – a fun yet meaningful story that helps kids understand the importance of respecting personal space and boundaries. The book provides great opportunities for discussions about how to interact appropriately with others in different environments.

We encourage you to talk to your child about personal space and safety at home too! If you’d like, feel free to ask them about the story as it may spark some thoughtful conversations at home.

During Advocacy this week, we will read The Empty Pot by Demi — a powerful story that highlights the value of honesty and doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. Our discussions will center on integrity and how students can demonstrate it:

• At school: Being truthful with teachers and classmates, taking responsibility for their actions, and keeping their promises.

• At home: Following through with chores and responsibilities, telling the truth, and showing respect to family members.

• In the community: Treating others fairly, returning lost items, and making choices that benefit the greater good.

Parent Tip: Consider asking your child about a time when it was hard to be honest, and how they can use integrity to guide their decisions in the future.