Mr. Baldwin's Advocacy

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Week of November 2nd

Materials Pick Up 

All materials can be picked up at the front desk any time between 9:00am and 3:00pm during the week of November 2nd, except for Friday.   

Distance Learning Schedule 

As a reminder, here is our distance learning schedule moving forward: 

Monday/Wednesday 

8:30 - 9:00 - Advocacy 

9:30 - 10:00 - Language Arts 

11:00 - 11:30 - Math 

1:45 - 2:15 – Specials 

Tuesday/Thursday 

8:30 - 9:00 - Advocacy 

9:30 - 10:00 - Social Studies 

11:00 - 11:30 – Science 

3:00 – 4:00 – Office Hours 

Advocacy Theme for November – Community 

The Advocacy theme for November is Community. Now more than ever, we need community. We will spend our time discussing the different communities we belong to, learning about other communities, and having fun together to create a welcoming community amongst ourselves. 

Enrichment Opportunities for 4th graders! 

 Spanish Introduction will be held on Mondays from 4-5. Students will learn Spanish vocabulary and have a chance to practice it in conversations. Email [email protected] for the Zoom information. 

 Mrs. Maslen is hosting Online Game Time for a few more Mondays this quarter from 4:15-4:45. Students will get to connect with their peers by playing games through the Jackbox.tv platform. Please email [email protected] for the specific dates and the Zoom information. 

 Ms. Ross is hosting Acrylic Painting Club on Wednesdays from 4-5pm. Students will learn basic acrylic painting techniques. Email [email protected] for the Zoom information. 

Social Zooms

Now that we are going back into distance learning the need for connection and community is of great importance. Katie Goforth and Julie Ruhl will be hosting grade level Social Zooms for all students throughout the day every Friday. Social Zooms are intended to be an unstructured space for kids to connect. Ms. Katie and Mrs. Ruhl are hosting the Zoom, but the purpose of the Social Zoom is to allow students to connect organically. They will ensure the Zoom remains school appropriate, safe and comfortable for all students! 

  • There is a social zoom in the morning and one in the afternoon to accommodate different family needs.
  • In Fourth Grade, the Social Zooms will be from 11:15-11:45am and 3-3:30pm
  • Here is the AM [11:15 am] Link: https://zoom.us/j/98629368262?pwd=Ym5VNTh2bG5ZMXZuU2E3c2pORU10Zz09
  • Here is the PM [3:00pm] Link: https://zoom.us/j/96680911182?pwd=dzFuSHJpUHg0WUJCYTRFOG96WVNHUT09
  • The passwords for each meeting is posted in your students Teams.
  • Social Zooms are completely optional! You can join none, one, or both! 
  • Ms. Katie and Mrs. Ruhl will be monitoring the Zoom to maintain school expectations. If there are concerns during the Zoom, they will provide warnings and redirect behavior, but if the behavior continues, the student may be removed from the Zoom. 
  • If you have any questions, please email [email protected] - we hope to see your student Friday!

Week of October 26th

Bully Prevention

October is Bullying Prevention Month and we have the honor of doing a virtual screening of the documentary The Upstanders. Being an upstander is being someone who takes action when you see someone being bullied. You are bound to see some familiar faces as the documentary was filmed at Westgate.

On Wednesday, October 28th at 6:00pm there will be a virtual screening of the documentary as well as a panelists discussion of the film. These panelists include our very own Ms. Washington, Mrs. Novak, and Mrs. Collins as well as the director, Scilla Andreen. The link will be available through the newsletter in coming weeks. Email [email protected] with any questions. We hope to see you there!

New Schedule

Our schedule for in person learning is changing next week! Please make sure you pack a snack with your child since lunch will be later than normal.

7:45 - 8:15 - Morning Gathering 

8:15 - 9:15 - Specials

9:15 - 10:45 - Language Arts

10:45 - 11:45 - Math

11:45 - 12:15 - Lunch Recess

12:15 - 12:45 - Lunch

12:45 - 1:15 - Advocacy

1:15 - 2:05 - Social Studies

2:05 - 2:25 - Afternoon Recess

2:25 - 3:15 - Science

3:15 - Clean Up & Car Line

Picture Retakes

Picture days will be Wednesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 29. These days are for students who did not get their picture taken in September, and for students who would like retakes. *Retakes will only be given if the student brings the original photo package back to the photographer.* In general, we will be photographing in-person learners on Wednesday (because that is not costume day!) and online learners on Thursday. 

Halloween

Students can wear costumes on Thursday, October 29th in honor of Halloween. Students can only wear their COVID mask (no Halloween masks or full painted faces). We will not have a class party and students cannot bring snacks to share. Students must also wear their costumes to school.  There will be no opportunity to change into a costume.

Spirit Week:

Monday, Oct 26th Pajama Day

Tuesday, Oct 27th Crazy hair day

Wednesday. Oct 28th School Spirit: Wear your Westgate gear!

Thursday, Oct 29th wear your Halloween costume. The only mask your student can wear is the Covid face covering.

Original Works: 

It is that time of year for our annual ‘Original Works’ fundraiser. For those who are new to the school or for those who have forgotten – because of all the things we have to remember these days – this is a fundraiser where kids create artwork in the “classroom”, and families have an opportunity to purchase products with their creative artwork on them. The school gets a percentage of all sales. This is typically our 3rd largest single fundraiser of the year, but with things being so different, it has the potential to be one of our largest fundraisers for the current school year. 

Important Original Works Dates: 

Now until October 16th – Kids will create their artwork. They may continue to work on this at home!

October 19th through November 2nd – Families will be able to order products on the Original Works website. 

November 2nd – Order deadline date to guarantee all orders are turned around quickly and in plenty of time for the holidays. 

Late November to Early December – Products will be delivered directly to families’ homes. 

Week of October 19th

Bully Prevention

October is Bullying Prevention Month and we have the honor of doing a virtual screening of the documentary The Upstanders. Being an upstander is being someone who takes action when you see someone being bullied. You are bound to see some familiar faces as the documentary was filmed at Westgate.

On Wednesday, October 28th at 6:00pm there will be a virtual screening of the documentary as well as a panelists discussion of the film. These panelists include our very own Ms. Washington, Mrs. Novak, and Mrs. Collins as well as the director, Scilla Andreen. The link will be available through the newsletter in coming weeks. Email [email protected] with any questions. We hope to see you there!

MAP Reports

MAP reports will be sent out by Friday, October 23rd.  Please look for this email.  

Office Hours

Office Hours will be held every Friday from 2:30 - 3:30pm.  Please join the Zoom link if you have any questions!

Halloween

Students can wear costumes on Thursday, October 29th in honor of Halloween. Students can only wear their COVID mask (no Halloween masks or full painted faces). We will not have a class party and students cannot bring snacks to share. Students must also wear their costumes to school.  There will be no opportunity to change into a costume.

Spirit Week:

Monday, Oct 26th Pajama Day

Tuesday, Oct 27th Crazy hair day

Wednesday. Oct 28th School Spirit: Wear your Westgate gear!

Thursday, Oct 29th wear your Halloween costume. The only mask your student can wear is the Covid face covering.

Original Works: 

It is that time of year for our annual ‘Original Works’ fundraiser. For those who are new to the school or for those who have forgotten – because of all the things we have to remember these days – this is a fundraiser where kids create artwork in the “classroom”, and families have an opportunity to purchase products with their creative artwork on them. The school gets a percentage of all sales. This is typically our 3rd largest single fundraiser of the year, but with things being so different, it has the potential to be one of our largest fundraisers for the current school year. 

Important Original Works Dates: 

Now until October 16th – Kids will create their artwork. They may continue to work on this at home!

October 19th through November 2nd – Families will be able to order products on the Original Works website. 

November 2nd – Order deadline date to guarantee all orders are turned around quickly and in plenty of time for the holidays. 

Late November to Early December – Products will be delivered directly to families’ homes. 

Important Dates for the Month: 

Oct. 21st- Spirit Night at Freddy’s 4 PM – 8 PM (14255 Lincoln Street, Thornton, CO 80023) 

Oct. 27th- Board of Directors Meeting 

Oct. 28th and 29th- Picture Retakes 

October

Welcome back!

Our theme for October is Bully Prevention.

Back to School

What does that mean if I’m an in-person student? 

  • Students will be in school as normal from Monday - Thursday
  • Friday will be an at-home work day with no pre-recorded videos (just like first quarter)
  • Students will be allowed to attend office hours which are on Friday

What does that mean if I’m an Online student? 

  • Zoom Advocacy with Mrs. Valenza (see her email for details)
  • Pre-recorded lesson videos and independent assignments every day, Monday - Thursday. 
  • Friday will be an at-home work day with no pre-recorded videos (just like first quarter)
  • Students will be allowed to attend office hours which are on Friday

There will not be any birthday treats allowed this quarter.  Please leave toys at home as well.  

Original Works: 

It is that time of year for our annual ‘Original Works’ fundraiser. For those who are new to the school or for those who have forgotten – because of all the things we have to remember these days – this is a fundraiser where kids create artwork in the “classroom”, and families have an opportunity to purchase products with their creative artwork on them. The school gets a percentage of all sales. This is typically our 3rd largest single fundraiser of the year, but with things being so different, it has the potential to be one of our largest fundraisers for the current school year. 

Important Original Works Dates: 

Now until October 16th – Kids will create their artwork. 

October 19th through November 2nd – Families will be able to order products on the Original Works website. 

November 2nd – Order deadline date to guarantee all orders are turned around quickly and in plenty of time for the holidays. 

Late November to Early December – Products will be delivered directly to families’ homes. 

Important Dates for the Month: 

Oct. 14- First day of Quarter Two for ALL 

Oct. 15th- School Accountability Committee meeting 

Oct. 21st- Spirit Night at Freddy’s 4 PM – 8 PM (14255 Lincoln Street, Thornton, CO 80023) 

Oct. 27th- Board of Directors Meeting 

Oct. 28th and 29th- Picture Retakes 

Week of September 14th

This is a reminder that our in-person day next week is Wednesday, September 16th, from 8:00 - 3:30.  Please let me know if your child is not planning on attending this in-person learning day. 
 
In addition, please send your child to school with the following materials that were in the blue bag that was sent home during orientation:
  1. A box of crayons / markers (either one is fine)
  2. A pencil and pencil sharpener 
  3. One notebook
  4. A book to read if they have one they want to bring
  5. A copy of the book Frindle
As a reminder, your child will also need to bring a lunch from home that does not need to be heated up.  We will not have access to a microwave.  It is a good idea to also pack a refillable water bottle.  Students do not need to bring their computers. We will use the computers at school if there are any computer-based assignments.
 
Please let me know if you have any questions.  I look forward to seeing the kids next week!

Westgate Community School Virtual Walk

Feeling tired?  Stressed? Overwhelmed? Lazy? Anxious? Feeling good? Drop everything and let’s take a nice little evening walk together.  Join Mr. Wise and Westgate Community School as we go on a ‘zoom walk’ together. Get your family, friends, pets, and neighbors together; go to your favorite walking spot (or around the block) and enjoy an evening filled with some physical activity.  

Zoom Link: Join Zoom Meeting 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81950066328 

 Meeting ID: 819 5006 6328 

Passcode: See our Advocacy Teams page for the password

Dates and Time 
1) Thursday, September 10th, 2020.  5:30pm-6:30pm 

2) Thursday, September 24th, 2020.  5:30pm-6:30pm 

September Advocacy Update

Advocacy Focus

This month’s advocacy theme is self-care! During September, we will be discussing what self-care is and practicing ways in which to practice self-care at home.  Please be on the lookout for more information from myself and the school! Mr. Wise has something cool planned, so stay tuned!

Important Dates

September 3rd: Picture Day - Check your email for a SignUp Genius Link

September 4th: Teacher Work Day - Students are not expected to work

September 7th: Labor Day - No live lessons.  Students are not expected to work

September 14th - 17th - In-Person Week (just like orientation)

  • Monday, September 14th - Mr. Hepner’s Advocacy 
  • Tuesday, September 15th - Mrs. Maslen’s Advocacy
  • Wednesday, September 16th - Mr. Baldwin’s Advocacy 
  • Thursday, September 17th - Mrs. Greder’s Advocacy

October 1st & 2nd - Conferences

October 5th - 13th - Fall Break - No School

MAP Testing

We will be finishing up MAP testing soon! If your child did not attend orientation, please be on the lookout for communication regarding steps to take to complete MAP testing.  If your child did attend orientation, there is a chance they took the MAP tests, but did not finish.  Your child’s teacher will contact you within the next week or two if necessary steps need to be taken to complete MAP testing.

Service Learning 

Service Learning will still be happening this year! We will be dedicating one day per week to focus on service learning during advocacy.  We will begin this week and start brainstorming potential ideas for our advocacy! The theme for our pod is “On Campus Projects”.  

Enrichment Community

Mrs. Maslen is hosting an Enrichment Community called Online Game Enrichment Community on Mondays from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for 3rd and 4th graders. During this Enrichment time, students will play Jackbox Games with Mrs. Maslen and other 3rd and 4th grade students. Students will need to have access to Zoom (to see the gameboard on Mrs. Maslen's screen) and the internet (this can be on a computer, tablet, or phone). Once on the internet, type jackbox.tv in the address box. Game playing spots are limited but there are unlimited audience spots in which students can also participate. First come- first served in terms of game playing spots. If your student would like to join the Online Game Enrichment Community, please email Mrs. Maslen at [email protected] and she will email you the Zoom password. 
 
Topic: Game Time with Mrs. Maslen
Time: Aug 24, 2020 04:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
        Every week on Mon, until Sep 21, 2020, 5 occurrence(s)
        Aug 24, 2020 04:00 PM
        Aug 31, 2020 04:00 PM
        Sep 7, 2020 HOLIDAY- no meeting today
        Sep 14, 2020 04:00 PM
        Sep 21, 2020 04:00 PM
 
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71238104581?pwd=N2I2TmU5bDZ6NDJSL0QwN0N6Z1hLUT09

Helpful Video Links

We learned how to navigate the most needed platforms for accessing distance learning: the Westgate Website (Edlio), Teams, Microsoft Office 365, BrainPop, & Studies Weekly. You will need to sign-in using your child’s Office 365 account in order to watch some of these videos!  The links to those videos website are here:

Office 365

https://www.westgateschool.org/apps/news/article/1274532

Zoom and Edlio (Westgate Website) 

https://www.westgateschool.org/apps/news/article/1274506

Brain Pop

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/9b5713ef-98a7-4e09-bd07-4f08c6276647

Studies Weekly

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/9b5713ef-98a7-4e09-bd07-4f08c6276647

Teams

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/f4a59e26-317c-4fb0-b610-8afb24ddfd58

Khan Academy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_lZCIqcptw

August Advocacy Update

Welcome back! 

We are excited to get started and get to know all of our students! Since there is so much that will look different this year, please take the time to read the entire update.  If you have any additional questions, please reach out to your child’s advocate. 

Zoom Link & Office Hours

All of our Zoom meetings, including office hours, can be accessed by clicking the link below.  Please check your e-mail for the password.  My office hours will be on Tuesday & Thursday from 3:00 - 4:00pm.  Office hours are a great time to ask questions, find clarification, or get additional instructions on an assignment.   

Join Zoom Meeting 

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/5857924667?pwd=M1orTXVmeHhyaDV0b3poc2xBODBFQT09 

Meeting ID: 585 792 4667 

Passcode: Please check your e-mail for the password

Orientation Schedule 

Monday, August 17th - Mr. Hepner’s Advocacy 

Tuesday, August 18th - Mrs. Maslen’s Advocacy 

Wednesday, August 19th - Mr. Baldwin’s Advocacy  

Thursday, August 20th - Mrs. Greder’s Advocacy  

Friday, August 21st - 11:00am - First Advocacy meeting via Zoom for all teachers.  Please check your e-mail for more details.  Bring your homework from orientation day to this meeting! 

We will primarily be working on teaching kids the skills they need to be independent at home through distance learning.  This includes learning where all information and classes are, as well as how to use certain websites and programs.  We will also be MAP testing during orientation week.  This will be very important data for teachers moving forward, so please encourage your child to do their best! 

Important Dates 

Friday, September 4th - No School (Teacher Work Day) 

Monday, September 7th - No School (Labor Day) 

Communication 

The best method of communication for all 3-4 teachers is email.  You should always receive a response within 48 hours (excluding weekends).  We love communication and believe it is valuable for our students to know that their teachers and parents are working together for their benefit.  Please see the communication pathway in the Community Handbook which suggests always communicating with your child's advocacy or content area teacher regarding concerns first.

Zoom 

We will be using Zoom to virtually conduct all of our classes.  In order to run these classes as smoothly as possible, we have come up with a list of norms for students to follow.  Please review these norms with your child.   

  • Their username should be their first name and last initial 
    • Ex: John S. 
  • Please do not use any distracting backgrounds 
  • All students’ cameras should be turned on at all times.  If there is an issue, please communicate this privately with your child’s advocate. 
  • Students should have their microphone muted until it is their turn to speak 
  • Please use the chat function appropriately.    
  • Be present & engaged during meetings and lessons 
  • Eyes on the computer screen or material 
  • Raise your hand or click the “Raise Hand” button 
  • Be prepared to answer questions & participate in discussions 
  • Ask for permission to step out (i.e. water, bathroom, etc…) 
  • Bring necessary materials and have them ready 

Students who do not follow these norms will receive redirection, but a failure to cooperate during class could result in removal from the room and communication home. 

Advocacy 

The school-wide advocacy focus for the month of August is Coping with Transition & Change. We will focus on topics such as team building, embracing ambiguity, & learning how to be students and classmates during remote learning.  

Schedule 

Students will be required to attend live Zoom classes Monday through Thursday.  If a student is unable to attend a live Zoom session, they should watch the recorded lesson that will be posted to Microsoft Stream, which can be found in each child’s Microsoft Teams. The schedule for 3-4 is as follows: 

Monday & Wednesday 

  • Advocacy - 8:30 - 9:00 
  • Language Arts - 9:30 - 10:00 
  • Math - 11:00 - 11:30 

Tuesday & Thursday 

  • Advocacy - 8:30 - 9:00 
  • Social Studies - 9:30 - 10:00 
  • Science - 11:00 - 11:30 

Friday 

  • Students will focus on assignments & activities from the teacher.  There will be no live Zoom meetings on Fridays.