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Ms. Lounsbury, Advocacy, 5/6

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February

February's theme is Empathy and Kindness. 
 
We had our first buddy lesson with the first and second graders last week and it was a success!!! We will have a new lesson this Monday!  What a great way to connect our community!
 
On Friday we will kick off our Kindness week activities!  I sent out a permission form for our walk on February 13.  Please make sure to fill this out by Wednesday, February 11.
 
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

Dear Families,

Happy New Year! As we begin Semester 2, January’s Advocacy theme will focus on growth mindset.

We will be encouraging students to see learning as a process that involves perseverance, problem solving, and resilience. Students will be reminded that challenges are a natural and important part of learning, and that mistakes are not failures, but opportunities to learn, reflect, and grow. Through discussions and activities, we will help students practice strategies such as trying different approaches, asking for help when needed, and staying motivated even when tasks feel difficult.

Our goal is to empower students to believe in their ability to grow through effort and persistence. When students develop a growth mindset, they become more confident learners who are willing to take risks, learn from setbacks, and problem-solve independently.

You can support this theme at home by praising effort rather than perfection, encouraging your child to talk about challenges they faced, and asking what they learned from mistakes. Simple messages like “Keep trying,” “What can you do differently next time?” or “Mistakes help our brains grow” make a big impact.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to help students start Semester 2 strong and confident.

 

Important Dates

Monday, January 19th: No school to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day

 

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Have a wonderful break!

I hope everyone has a wonderful break! I will see you all when I return from Maternity leave. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Dewar at [email protected].
 
Thank you,
 
Christine Lounsbury 

Week of December 12

Hello,
 
We2 have a lot of fun this week! Monday is PJ day.  Wednesday is Math MAPS testing. Thursday is International Towne field trip for 6th grade. And Friday is our Winter Celebration. Below is information about the celebration.
 
Hello 5/6 families,
Thank you for your continued support this season. As Winter break approaches, we’re planning a Winter celebration on December 19th with one craft/coloring room and three G‑rated movies.
We would greatly appreciate help with snacks. Please sign up using the attached SignUpGenius. Remember:
  • All food must be individually wrapped.
  • All snacks must be banana‑free and nut‑free (including peanut, tree nut, coconut, hazelnut, or any other nut).
If you have any questions, please let us know. Thank you so much for your help and generosity!
Sincerely,
 
5/6 team 
 
 
 

Week of December 1st

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].

Week of November 17th

Hello,
 
This week students will be continuing the theme of gratitude. This week we are learning how to turn a complaint into a positive. 
 
Mrs. Lounsbury 

Request to Keep Classroom Free of ChapStick, Lip Products, and Lotions

Hello,
 
Thank you for your help keeping our classroom safe. Please ensure that no make-up, ChapStick, lip gloss, or lotion is brought into my classroom. These items do not list allergens, and we have had two incidents where lip products caused allergic reactions. For the safety of students and staff with allergies, please do not allow these items in the classroom.
 
Thank you for your cooperation
 
 

Christine Lounsbury

5/6 Teacher

Westgate Community School

K-12 Gifted Education for the Whole Child

Thornton, CO 80241

303-452-0967

Week of November 11th

Hello,
 
This week students will be working on identifying different ways to show gratitude. We will talk about how showing interest in others is a way to reflect gratitude for them in our lives.  
 
Mrs. Lounsbury

Week of November 3rd

Dear Families,

Thank you for your continued support and engagement in our classroom community. This month, our theme is gratitude in Advocacy. Students will explore their skills, abilities, and accomplishments, as well as reflect on their loved ones and the many things they have to identify what they are grateful for.

We believe this focus will encourage positive growth and foster a deeper sense of appreciation among our students and our community.

Mrs. Lounsbury 

Week of October 27

Good Afternoon,
We hope that you all had an amazing break! 
We are trying to organize the Halloween/Fall party which will take place in the afternoon Friday, October 31, 2025.  
 
Attached you will find a movie signup sheet that we would appreciate if you filled out by Wednesday, October 29, 2025. 
 
The other signup is if you would like to donate snacks or drinks for our celebration together. 
 
As always if you have any questions, please reach out to any of the us!
 

Week of September 29th

Hello,
 
We have been working on self-awareness this month. Students have been working on personal conflict and peer pressuring issues, and how to handle them. These include mean comments online and text messages.  
 
This week is the end of the quarter. Conferences start this Thursday at 1pm. Thursday is a half day and students will need to be picked up early. 
 
When we return from Fall break, October 20th, student's will be traveling for Outdoor education. Please make sure students come back to school with all the materials needed for Outdoor Education.
 
Mrs. Lounsbury 

Week of September 22nd

Hello,
 
This week we will be focusing on conflict and resolution. Students will be learning to recognize when they feel a conflict is emerging and different strategies for those feelings. 
 
Mrs. Lounsbury 

Outdoor ED Sign Up

Don't forget it's time to sign up!!! See below for information.
 
Event: Outdoor Education 
Description: Outdoor Education is a great opportunity! Students will get to participate in team-building activities, learn outdoor skills, apply science and social studies content to the real world, and work on communicating with others. 
Location: IDRAHJE  571 Co Rd 43, Bailey, CO 80421 
Date: Oct. 20-22 
Time: Drop off during regular school drop off Oct. 20th during morning carline, no later than 8:30 am. 
Meeting Location: 5/6 pod, during school hours, only approved volunteers and students 
Pick-Up: Pickup during regular after-school carline Oct. 22nd 
 
 
Outdoor Ed: Please make sure you complete all of the following by October 3rd to participate:  
  1. IDRAHAJE Online Enrollment Form HERE!  
Go to the red “Group Participants” button, then the “Register/Login” button 
ONLY complete the form for the student attending 
 
  1. Westgate Digital Permission Slip  HERE!! 
This is where you can designate if you would like to volunteer.  
**Mrs. Dewar will email volunteers separately. If you do not have a confirmation email from her, then you are not cleared to join the trip. 
 
  1. Completed Medication forms returned to Westgate (if applicable) found on the school website Here!  
 
  1. Pay $220/student fee (online in the payment portal, or drop cash or check off in the school lobby) found HERE!  
   
BEFORE FALL BREAK: Medications/ointments/supplements/vitamins: 
All medications, over-the-counter, prescription, topical ointments, supplements, vitamins, or melatonin must have a fully completed medication order that is filled out and signed by a physician. A parent's signature alone does not meet the requirements for school staff to administer any kind of medication, topical, vitamin, or supplement. Any medication sent without the correct forms will not be sent on the trip and will not be administered to students.  
 
Students will not be allowed to carry or administer their own medications unless they already have a self-carry contract on file at the school, or have one completed by their doctor before the trip. All medications or supplements will be given by trained and delegated staff. All medications must be sent in their original container, and with a pharmacy label that matches the student if the medication is a prescription. Loose pills, gummies, or vitamins in plastic baggies or unlabeled containers will not be accepted.  
 
Medication forms are available on the school website under the health page. If your student already has medications and forms completed in the school health office, you don't need to take any further action.  
 
If you have any questions or concerns reach out to the school nurse,  
Kirsten Hopson RN, BSN [email protected] 
 
 
If you DO NOT want your child to attend-please reply that your child will not attend this year. There will be a teacher at Westgate for students who do not attend, and they will have classes/specials on those days that focus on similar curriculum to outdoor education classes. 
 
Your student is NOT excused from school if they choose not to participate or attend school.  
 
If you do not sign up or complete all parts of registration by October 3rd, then your student’s spot may be forfeited.   
 
Thank you! 
The 5/6 Team & Mrs. Dewar (Assistant Principal) 

Week of September 15th

Hello,
 
This month theme is self-awareness. Students are working on their ability to work with others and how to be a good partner and community member. 
 
here are some dates and events to remember. 
 
Thursday, Sept 18: Parry’s Pizza Spirit Night Fundraiser- 4:00-9:00pm @ 100 E 120th Ave, Northglenn.
Friday, September 19: Half day of school!
September 24: Student count day- make sure your student is present!
 
On the Horizon:
  • Friday, September 26: Westgate Let’s Gogh Fun Run benefiting the art program
  • September 29 – October 2: Elementary Scholastic Book Fair
  • October 24: Westgate Trunk or Treat
5/6: Don't forget to sign up for Outdoor Ed! Chaperones will be emailed next week.
 
Mrs. Lounsbury

Week of September 8th

Hello Westgate Families! 
 
Welcome to the September edition of our monthly newsletter! As we settle into the school year, we want to keep you informed, engaged, and connected to all that’s happening at Westgate. In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find important reminders about snack guidelines, food sharing policies, and updates to our RISE values. We’re also thrilled to introduce Resilience as the newest “R” in RISE, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in all aspects of student growth. Additionally, we’ve included a helpful guide for knowing who to contact when concerns arise, and a calendar full of exciting upcoming events you won’t want to miss. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping our students learn, grow, and thrive!
Snacks and Food Guidelines
To support a smooth and focused learning environment, we kindly request that all snacks be individually wrapped and easily accessible for students to use independently. Students do not have a designated snack time, instead, they are allowed to eat their snacks as needed during instructional time.
For this reason:
  • Please avoid large containers that may be difficult to manage during class.
  • Bulk items (such as full-size bags of chips or cereal) tend to be a distraction and should be portioned out ahead of time.
  • If your child needs multiple snacks throughout the day, that’s completely fine, as long as it doesn’t interfere with their learning or the learning of others.
Food Sharing Policy
Except for birthday celebrations, students should not share food with others, including unopened or individually wrapped items. To ensure the safety of all students—particularly those with food allergies, please review this policy with your child. This helps us prevent any potential cross-contamination and keep everyone safe.
Introducing the New “R” in RISE: Resilience
We’re excited to announce an addition to our RISE values: Resilience!
This new value emphasizes the importance of persevering through challenges, whether academic, emotional, or social. From tackling tough assignments to navigating tricky peer interactions, resilience helps students grow not just as learners, but as people.
While academic growth has always been part of our RISE conversations, this addition provides a clearer connection between personal effort, progress, and success. We will be encouraging students to reflect on their strengths and use them to push through difficulties, building confidence and character along the way.
Not sure who to talk to? 
A lot of parents asked at engagement nights who to go to when their child needs help resolving a problem. Here's who you talk to!
    For any social-emotional concerns, parents should first reach out to the teacher involved. If the issue remains unresolved, the next step is to contact the school counselor. If further help is needed, parents can then speak with the assistant principal for their child’s grade level (K-4, 5-8, or 9-12). If the problem still isn’t solved, contact the principal, followed by the executive director, and finally a board member if necessary.
 
    For academic concerns, parents should also start by contacting the teacher. If the issue involves gifted education, the gifted coordinator should be contacted next. For other academic issues or if the gifted coordinator cannot resolve the problem, parents should reach out to the assistant principal for their child’s grade level. If needed, the next contacts are the principal, executive director, and then a board member.
 
This step-by-step process helps ensure that concerns are addressed at the right level for a timely and effective resolution.
 
Upcoming Events
September 9-12: Spirit Week
Get ready for a week full of fun, creativity, and Westgate pride! Join us in celebrating Spirit Week with these exciting daily themes:
    • Monday, Sept 9th – Rainbow Day – Brighten up the halls by wearing your favorite color or go all out and wear the whole rainbow!
    • Tuesday, Sept 10th – Crazy Hat/Hair Day – Let your imagination run wild! Sport your silliest hat, wildest hairstyle, or both!
    • Wednesday, Sept 11th – Westgate Wednesday – Represent your pod with pride! Wear your Westgate gear or your pod’s color. Kinder – purple, 1/2 – red, 3/4 – green, 5/6 – blue, 7/8 – gray, HS – black
    • Thursday, Sept 12th – Throwback Thursday – Flashback to your favorite decade - think tie-dye, neon, overalls, or retro vibes!
    • Friday, Sept 13th – Pajama Day – End the week in ultimate comfort. Rock your coziest pajamas (school-appropriate, of course)!
       
Tuesday, September 9th: Events Committee Meeting
Thursday, Sept 18: Parry’s Pizza Spirit Night Fundraiser- 4:00-9:00pm @ 100 E 120th Ave, Northglenn.
Friday, September 19: Half day of school!
September 24: Student count day- make sure your student is present!
 
On the Horizon:
  • Friday, September 26: Westgate Let’s Gogh Fun Run benefiting the art program
  • September 29 – October 2: Elementary Scholastic Book Fair
  • October 24: Westgate Trunk or Treat
5/6: Don't forget to sign up for Outdoor Ed! Chaperones will be emailed next week.