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Advocacy- Ms. Chalstrom

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November Advocacy - Community 11/9/20

Hello All,  

This week we will continue learning about communities in the literal sense by investigating the similarities and differences of where people live. We will also learn about the people who work to keep our community safe and enjoyable for all. Later in the month we will dig deeper into the idea of community by taking a closer look at our community here at Westgate and the role we play in making Westgate great! 

Vocabulary  

Community - a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. A social unit that has commonalities such as norms, religion, values, customs, or identities. Examples – could be your specific neighborhood community, our Westgate community, scientists, teachers, LGBTQ+, specific sports teams  

Urban- a town or city

Suburban- outside of the city, residential

Rural- countryside

Community Helper- the people who live an work in a community to help keep it safe and enjoyable for all. 

Collaborate – to work together for a certain goal  

Connection - a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else   

You can access our weekly learning calendar here. 

November Advocacy 11/2/20

Hello All, 

Now more than ever we need community. This month is an opportunity to focus on what community is and creating it within our advocacy. Being a part of a community creates belonging and connection. Brene Brown defines connection as…  

“The energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”

The students, staff, and families of Westgate believe in this connection. That is why we have advocacy. It’s why we start in a circle every morning and every staff meeting; to ensure each person is seen.   

 This month we will begin learning about communities in the literal sense by investigating the similarities and differences of where people live. We will also learn about the people who work to keep our community safe and enjoyable for all. Later in the month we will dig deeper into the idea of community by taking a closer look at our community here at Westgate and the role we play in making Westgate great! 

 

Vocabulary  

Community - a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. A social unit that has commonalities such as norms, religion, values, customs, or identities. Examples – could be your specific neighborhood community, our Westgate community, scientists, teachers, LGBTQ+, specific sports teams  

Urban- a town or city

Suburban- outside of the city, residential

Rural- countryside

Community Helper- the people who live an work in a community to help keep it safe and enjoyable for all. 

Collaborate – to work together for a certain goal  

Connection - a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else   

You can access our weekly learning calendar here.

Friday Social Zooms!

Hello All,
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! 

Advocacy 10/19/20-10/23/20

Hello All! 

Our monthly Advocacy theme for October is Bully Prevention. This week we will continue learning and practicing how to handle conflict and disrespectful behavior. Students will practice using the ENOUGH protocol to handle common conflicts in the classroom and at recess.

ENOUGH Protocol

1. Turn to the person and say "please stop _______. I don't like it or it hurts my feelings. 

2. If the person persists turn and firmly but kindly say "ENOUGH. I don't like it when you _____. While saying enough the student will place left hand out in front of them, palm facing up, and the right hand will karate chop the left hand. Then WALK AWAY. Walking away is the most challenging part for our kinders.

3. If the person persists and follow then the student should tell a teacher immediately.  

Students will also learn what it means to be an upstander rather than a bystander. A few years ago Westgate was honored to be a part of the making of a documentary on Upstanders and bully prevention and will be offering a virtual screening on October 28th from 6pm - 8pm. Check your email for additional details. Click here for the trailer! 

Vocabulary 

Bully - Bystander - Upstander - ENOUGH

Here is a video we like to share with our students about bullying. These may give you some ideas and talking points at home. 

Meanie Jean Recess Queen - https://youtu.be/Mp3bKxYtnMM

 

What makes someone a good friend?

Why would someone bully another person?

How does it feel to be told “enough”?

How does it feel to be the victim of bullying?

On the Horizon

10/14 - 10/21 PALS Literacy Window for K-3 grade

10/15 5:30-7:00 pm Student Accountability Committee Meeting (virtual)

10/19 - 11/2 Families will be able to order products on the Original Works website. (see email and original works edlio post for more details.)

10/27 6:30-8:30pm Board of Directors Meeting

10/28 Picture Retakes

10/29 Picture Retakes

11/2 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.

Advocacy 10/14/20-10/17/20

Hello All! 

Happy Fall. I hope you all had a wonderful Fall Break and are ready to jump back into learning. We are so excited to begin Quarter 2 by welcoming students back in to the building. Our monthly Advocacy theme for October is Bully Prevention. All month long we will learn strategies to empower students to handle conflict and disrespectful behavior. Social-conflict resolution is a life-long skill that will enable them to advocate for themselves in situations where they feel disrespected. Students will learn about the ENOUGH protocol and we will practice using this strategy to handle common conflicts in the classroom and at recess.

ENOUGH Protocol

1. Turn to the person and say "please stop _______. I don't like it or it hurts my feelings. 

2. If the person persists turn and firmly but kindly say "ENOUGH. I don't like it when you _____. While saying enough the student will place left hand out in front of them, palm facing up, and the right hand will karate chop the left hand. Then WALK AWAY. Walking away is the most challenging part for our kinders.

3. If the person persists and follow then the student should tell a teacher immediately.  

Students will also learn what it means to be an upstander rather than a bystander. A few years ago Westgate was honored to be a part of the making of a documentary on Upstanders and bully prevention and will be offering a virtual screening on October 28th. Click here for the trailer! 

Vocabulary 

Bully - Bystander - Upstander - ENOUGH

Here is a video we like to share with our students about being an upstander. These may give you some ideas and talking points at home. 

https://youtu.be/eeqQCyQOCPg

What makes someone a good friend?

Why would someone bully another person?

How does it feel to be told “enough”?

How does it feel to be the victim of bullying?

On the Horizon

10/14 Return from Fall Break & Begin Quarter 2!

10/14 - 10/21 PALS Literacy Window for K-3 grade

10/15 5:30-7:00 pm Student Accountability Committee Meeting (virtual)

10/27 6:30-8:30pm Board of Directors Meeting

10/28 Picture Retakes

10/29 Picture Retakes

 

Here is a link to our Weekly Learning Calendar. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advocacy 9/28/20-9/30/20

Hello! 
Our theme for Advocacy this month is Self-Care. We will continue focusing on routines, healthy eating and sleeping habits, activities and hobbies that bring joy, and anything that relates to self care and mindfulness. Click here for an interactive self-care menu you can implement at home. 
 
On the Horizon
9/28-9/30 Regularly Scheduled Online Learning & Zoom Meetings
10/1 - No School - Parent Teacher Conferences
10/1 - 9am - 12pm School Picture Pick Up and Carline Card Pick up for QTR 2
10/2 - No School - Parent Teacher Conferences
10/2 - 9am - 12pm School Picture Pick Up and Carline Card Pick up for QTR 2
10/14 First Day of QTR 2  - Student Return to School! 

Hello! 
Our theme for Advocacy this month is Self-Care. We will focus on routines, healthy eating and sleeping habits, activities and hobbies that bring joy, and anything that relates to self care and mindfulness. We will send out various resources and activities throughout the month of September. 
 

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. Check your email for Zoom login info! 

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

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

 
Click here to access an article on Wellness and Self-Care, written by Mr. Rowan and Ms. Washington. It has great tips and tricks for staying healthy and caring for yourself and others during this time of change. 
 
On the Horizon: 
9/4 - No School Teacher Work Day
9/7 No School Labor Day Holiday
9/8 Board of Directors Meeting 6:30pm - 8:30pm
9/10 Spirit Night Noodles and Company 14375 Orchard Pkwy
9/10 Virtual Walk & Talk with Mr. Wise via Zoom
9/11 Friday Community Connect via Zoom 11:00am - 12:00pm
9/14 - 9/18 Face to Face Learning for Selected Students (same schedule as orientation week)
9/22 Board of Directors Meeting 6:30pm - 8:30pm
9:24 Virtual Walk & Talk with Mr. Wise via Zoom 5:30pm - 6:30pm
 
View our weekly learning calendar here.

Advocacy Update: Gratitude 8/31

Hello! 

We will be rotating between various themes for each day of advocacy. There will be a seesaw activity for each day. Once completed I will share it to our classroom blog for all to see. This will encourage connection between students and building relationships. I am excited to see what each student comes up with! 
Make me Laugh Monday: Students will share something to make your friends laugh, a joke, funny face, silly picture. 
How to Tuesday: I will teach the students how to do something new. For Example: Directed Drawings, Scavenger hunts, or Eye Spy games.
Would you rather Wednesday: Students will respond to a prompt, deciding if they would rather one choice or another and describe why. 
Think about it Thursday: We will begin our Service learning unit on Gratitude. Students will be challenged to learn, demonstrate, and teach about being grateful and showing gratitude. I am excite to partner with Mrs. Valenza, our AMAZING Environmental Ed. Teacher! 
 
 
My Zoom Office Hours are Mondays from 2:00 pm - 3:00pm and Wednesdays from 2:00pm - 3:00pm (The zoom link is the same link used for Zoom meetings with students). This time is set aside to offer you and your students any additional support and guidance you might need. Feel free to pop in or email to schedule a time and ask for help. If I am currently working with a student or family I will have you wait in the waiting room until it is your turn. 
 
Please reach out with any questions you may have. Remember this is new for all of us and there will surely be a few bumps in the road. I am here to support you and your child! 
 
Click on the paperclip at the top to access our learning calendar. 

Advocacy Week One Distance Learning

Hello! 
I am so excited to jump right into distance learning this week. In Advocacy we will be learning all about our 5 classroom virtues. 
1. Glorious Kindness
2. Leadership
3. Courage
4. Invincible Grit
5. Creativity. 
Students will learn and expand on each virtue. We will discuss what each virtue looks and sounds like in our classroom and in our home too! This will set a strong foundation for future lessons including our weekly virtue challenges! More about that in a few weeks.
You can extend your student's learning by pointing out when they demonstrate a virtue at home or brainstorming new fun ways to show those virtues to others. 
 

Make Me Laugh Monday:

https://zoom.us/j/7406140940?pwd=NFAwaGdoTktZTCtXUHJQai83dU1xQT09

Students can make a silly face, tell a joke or show us something funny. For instruction we are focusing on an introduction to our Classroom Virtues. Glorious Kindness lesson.

How to Tuesday:

(https://zoom.us/j/7406140940?pwd=NFAwaGdoTktZTCtXUHJQai83dU1xQT09

We will greet each and I will introduce our next virtue: Leadership.  I will lead the class in a directed drawing.

Would you Rather Wednesday:

(https://zoom.us/j/7406140940?pwd=NFAwaGdoTktZTCtXUHJQai83dU1xQT09

Students will get a scenario read to them and will have to answer which they would rather do/have.  We will talk about the next virtue Courage.

Think Through it Thursday:

https://zoom.us/j/7406140940?pwd=NFAwaGdoTktZTCtXUHJQai83dU1xQT09

Students will be given a prompt to think about. We will also learn about Invincible Grit and Creativity.

Field Trip Friday: No live Zoom.

 
 
My Zoom Office Hours are Mondays from 2:00pm-2:30pm and Wednesdays from 2:00pm - 2:30pm (https://zoom.us/j/7406140940?pwd=NFAwaGdoTktZTCtXUHJQai83dU1xQT09). This time is set aside to offer you and your students any additional support and guidance you might need. Feel free to pop in or email to schedule a time and ask for help. If I am currently working with a student or family I will have you wait in the waiting room until it is your turn. 
 
Please reach out with any questions you may have. Remember this is new for all of us and there will surely be a few bumps in the road. I am here to support you and your child! 

 

Orientation Week: Welcome to Kindergarten! 8/17

Hello Parents,  

We are so excited to kick of this school year strong and welcome students into the building for Orientation Week. Kindergarten will attend Orientation two days, either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. If you are unsure which days your child will attend, please reach out to his/her advocacy teacher for more information.  We will spend this time in the classroom getting to know students and establishing a sense of community while setting expectations for learning. We will wrap up our Orientation Week with a Class Zoom Meeting on Friday, August 21st at 11:30 am. Students will have an all about me poster to complete as homework to be shared with the class on our Friday Zoom Call.  Please see email for login details for the Zoom meeting. Below is an example of our Orientation Schedule.   

8:00 – 8:20 Welcome and Morning Meeting 

8:20 – 9:30 Rules & Community 

9:30 – 9:45 Bathroom Break & Hand washing Lesson 

9:45 – 10:15 Snack & Recess 

10:15 – 10:55 How to use our classroom tool & practice 

10:55 – 11:15 Bathroom Break & Hand washing 

11:15 – 11:45 Hand washing & Recess 

11:45 – 12:15 Lunch 

12:15 – 12:40 Quiet Time 

12:40 – 1:30 All About Me  

1:30 – 2:15 Choice Time  

2:15 – 2:45 Bathroom, Wash Hands, Snack, Recess 

2:45 – 3:15 Carline Expectations & Craft 

3:15 – 3:23 Clean-Up & Carline  

Please pack the following items in your child's backpack: Two separate snacks, a cold lunch that does not need to be warmed up, a water bottle, a change of clothes in a gallon size ziplock back, one extra mask if possible. If not we will have an extra if needed.  

Supplies and Technology:  

Kindergarten will be sent home with their blue Westgate Supply Bag on the second day of their orientation. If you requested a computer, you can pick it up on the North side of the building as you exit carline (after you have picked up your child). If your child will not be attending orientation their supplies and computer will be available for pick up on Friday, August 21st from 9:00 am – Noon. Remember that computers will remain at home and will not need to be transported back and forth from home to the school. DO NOT SEND YOUR STUDENT WITH A PERSONAL DEVICE PLEASE.  

August Advocacy: 

Advocacy is intended to be a time for students to build supportive relationships with their peers and with an adult they can trust. It is a time for everyone to feel recognized and welcomed into the school community, even (and especially) during Distance Learning. We have always believed that Advocacy should be a scheduled part of the school day for students to engage in activities that support their social and emotional growth, career readiness, and academic success. During these difficult times, Advocacy continues to be a foundational component of our school community, which is why we are beginning every school day M-Th in live Advocacy classes where students can connect, socialize, and develop social emotional skills. Mrs. Novak and Ms. Washington will also be collaborating on an Advocacy/ Mental Health newsletter that highlights our monthly Advocacy themes and provides families with tangible activities and learning opportunities for social emotional skill development. Here is a snapshot of our monthly themes for first semester:   

August – Coping with Transition and Change 
September – Self Care and Mindfulness 
October – Using Your Voice and Bullying Prevention (Self Advocacy) 
November – Community! “Won’t you be my neighbor?” 
December – Gratitude and Optimism   

Students and families will receive more information about each monthly topic in the Advocacy/ Mental Health newsletter and information will also be posted on our website.   

For questions about Advocacy, please email [email protected] directly.   

UPCOMING EVENTS: 
Tuesday, Aug 11: Board of Directors Mtg, 6:30pm 

Monday – Thursday, Aug 17 – 20: Orientation Week 
Monday, Aug 24: Synchronous Distance Learning Begins 

Monday, Aug 24: FRCC Classes Begin 

Tuesday, Aug 25: Board of Director’s Address to the School 

ON THE HORIZON: 

Friday, Sep 4: NO SCHOOL – Teacher Work Day 

Monday, Sep 7: NO SCHOOL – Labor Day