Reminders:  

• 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 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. 

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 

• C.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.