Westgate Wire » March 2024

March 2024

ON THE CALENDAR

March - April 2024

Date Day Event Time
Mar 6 Wednesday 7th & 8th Music Concert 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Mar 6 Wednesday 7th & 8th Art Show 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Mar 7 Thursday NO SCHOOL - Q3 Conferences All Day
Mar 8 Friday NO SCHOOL - Q3 Conferences (virtual) 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mar 11 Monday Spirit Night @ Skate City 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Mar 12 - Apr 8 Daily 6-12 Adams 12 District Art Show - FRCC Library All Day
Mar 13 Wednesday Coffee & Conversation with the Executive Director 8:15 AM - 9:00 AM
Mar 13 Wednesday
7th Grade Field Trip
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Mar 13 Wednesday 8th Grade Field Trip 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Mar 15 Friday 3-4 Field Trip 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Mar 19 Tuesday Kinder Field Trip 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Mar 21 Thursday Civil War Reenactment Fundraiser  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Mar 22 Friday Meet the Candidates 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mar 25 - Apr 8 Daily SPRING BREAK - NO SCHOOL All Day
April 8 - 14   Board Election  
Apr 9 Tuesday Mixed HS Field Trip 8:30 AM -11:30 AM
Apr 9 -12 Daily CMAS Testing Starts Various
Apr 10 Wednesday Coffee & Conversation with the Executive Director 8:15 AM - 9:00 AM
Apr 10 - Apr 29 Daily  K-5 Adams 12 District Art Show - FRCC Library All Day
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March Advocacy Theme: Mindfulness

In a world filled with distractions and noise, cultivating mindfulness offers a pathway to inner peace, clarity, and resilience. Through our advocacy theme this month, we aim to introduce and integrate mindfulness practices into our classes, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can thrive mentally, emotionally, and academically.
 
Throughout March, our classes will incorporate various mindfulness techniques, including guided meditation, mindful breathing exercises, and reflective journaling. These practices will help our students develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and concentration skills. 
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Honoring Our Veterans: Mr. Rowan's Advocacy Honoring our veterans - Westgate Community School

Join the mission with Mr. Rowan’s 7-8 Advocacy as we embark on a heartfelt service-learning project dedicated to honoring and celebrating our esteemed veterans. If you have a cherished veteran in your family, we extend a warm invitation to participate in this special endeavor!
 
Share your veteran's inspiring journey by completing our voluntary form, brimming with questions that illuminate their incredible service. Should you have any queries or wish to lend your support, don't hesitate to reach out to Mr. Rowan at [email protected]. Together, let's shine a beacon of gratitude for our heroes!
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Civil War Reenactment Fundraiser - Explore History in the Making

Join us for an evening steeped in history at our Civil War Fundraiser Event on Thursday, March 21, from 6:00–8:00 pm at Westgate High School. Our 7th and 8th grade students are pooling their efforts to create a memorable fundraiser for the upcoming Civil War Reenactment, focusing on the Battle of Antietam as part of their studies.
 
Delight your palate with a buffet featuring Civil War-era foods and engage in activities designed to educate guests about this pivotal period in history. We aim to raise $50 per student to offset reenactment costs, and your support through donations, purchasing movie theater tickets, or participating in our silent auction is greatly appreciated. We accept payments by card, cash, or check. Online donations can be made on our Westgate Events Donation Page,
just put "Reenactment" in as the eventLet's come together as a community to support our students and bring history to life! Keep an eye out for more information as the date gets closer. 
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Still Accepting Applications

Help spread the word: Every year, current Westgate families and members of our community are our biggest source of referrals and our best advocates.  Thank you!!  Tell your family and friends to check us out at westgateschool.org and click Enrollment at the top of the page.  New families can apply, attend a Future Family Information Night, or schedule a tour!

Rochelle Goforth is our enrollment extraordinaire! Please email her at [email protected] or call the front desk at 303-452-0967.

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Westgate Wild Wall of Fame

Autum Washington is the 7th–12th grade school counselor. We honored her during National School Counselor Week in February. Get to know a bit more about our fabulous staff here at Westgate Community School.


Autumn Washington
What inspired you to become a school counselor?

In high school, I had the opportunity to be a peer mentor for the counselling program. The amazing school counselor inspired me to enter the profession. 

In what unique way do you approach your role?

I love meeting students at their level to understand what they are experiencing. I have seen them grow in so many ways. I approach my role with flexibility, empathy, and understanding, while also holding students accountable. 

Is there a piece of advice you tell all of your students?

You can absolutely change your reality and experience. All it takes is a change in perspective, self-awareness, accountability, and realizing that all of those are forms of self-love.

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Exploring the Palette: Marching into Creative Expressions in Art and Language

  • 7th & 8th graders will have a small gallery showing March 6th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the small conference room to showcase their work this quarter. Come see the amazing pieces our students have been working on!

  • The 7th & 8th grade music concert will also be on March 6th from 5:30–6:30 in the High School Common area. Come hear the music play, before you get away (for Spring Break)!

  • From March 12th through April 29th, our students will be showcased at the Adam's 12 Art Show! Stop by Front Range Community College Library March 12-April 8th for middle school projects and April 10-29 for grade school projects! 

  • Mr. Varela's ELA class held a poetry slam in February! The rhymes were wild—we heard all the snaps!

  • 3rd and 4th grade students have been working on persuasive essays on important topics and will be sending them out to community members who can address their concerns. 

  • 3rd and 4th graders have also been creating theme parks based on novels they are reading and participating in a football-style Greek Monster battle! 

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Unlocking Wonders: Multiplying Math, Science, & Social Studies Marvels3rd Grader has set up a mock store on a table to sell items to fellow students.

-  In the magical realm of math and art, 3rd and 4th graders are weaving together the colorful threads of fractions to craft enchanting math mosaics!
 
-  In February, 3rd and 4th grade Social Studies students learned about economics in the form of designing and operating their own stores!
 
-  5th & 6th graders unleashed their inner financial wizards, diving headfirst into the world of stocks and decimals, strategizing to supercharge our value and income with savvy investments! 
 
-  5th and 6th grade science superstars are diving headfirst into an epic two-week project before spring break: designing and building their very own ecosystems! From lush rainforests to sandy deserts, we'll watch them cultivate thriving habitats, complete with flora, fauna, and maybe even a few surprises!
 
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CMAS Testing is Coming Up!

  • Please note that CMAS testing begins on Tuesday, April 9. 
  • Grades 5, 8, and 11 will begin with science testing on April 9–12.
  • Grades 3–8 will begin (or continue) their CMAS testing on April 16–18, and then again on April 23–25.
  • High schoolers will be doing SAT and PSAT testing starting on April 17–19.
  • It is imperative to have your students attend school on their scheduled CMAS testing dates.
  • CMAS scores allow us to measure the effectiveness of our curriculum and see how we stack against other schools in the state and nationally. 

Tips for Students & Parents for Testing
 
For students:
  1. Stay Active: Incorporate short breaks for physical activities to stay refreshed and focused.
  2. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep the night before the test to feel rested and alert.
  3. Eat Well: Fuel your brain with nutritious meals and snacks to sustain energy levels.
  4. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your ability to do well.
  5. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or visualization can help calm nerves.
For parents:
  1. Provide Support: Offer encouragement and emotional support to alleviate your child's anxiety.
  2. Be Understanding: Understand that every child has different learning styles and abilities.
  3. Offer Healthy Snacks: Keep nutritious snacks handy to fuel your child's brain during study sessions.
  4. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your child's efforts and progress, regardless of the outcome.
  5. Communicate Openly: Keep communication lines open so your child feels comfortable discussing any concerns or difficulties.
  6. Avoid Pressure: Avoid placing excessive pressure on your child and instead focus on providing support and encouragement.
  7. Encourage Self-care: Emphasize the importance of self-care, including adequate sleep, exercise, and relaxation.
 
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Friday Community Connect  

  • March 22 at 11:00 AM - Meet the Candidates
  • Join the March 22 Meet the Candidates virtually by clicking this meeting link.
  • Hear from the candidates running for the Westgate Board of Directors.
  • Interested in becoming a member of the board? Learn more on our Join the Board Announcement
  • The meeting will be recorded and sent to families after
  • Board Election: April 8 - April 14
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Clothing Swap Coming in April

The Westgate Community School Clothing Swap is coming up on April 26! As you're doing some spring cleaning, save your student's old clothing to drop off during the car line a few days before our main event. Keep an eye out for more details in the April newsletter and announcements. Sign up to volunteer to help at the clothing swap with our Volunteer Form.

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POINTS OF CONTACT

Are You Interested in a Community Garden Plot?

Westgate would like to make use of its garden space over the summer.
 
We are encouraging our green thumb families to sign up for more information on possibly starting a garden plot. 
 
The growing season would be April 8th through September 3rd with reasonable plot pricing for a 3'x5.5' plot
 
Get more information and let us know your interest by filling out this form before March 21st:

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Coffee & Conversations with Ms. Collins

Mark your calendars!  Ms. Sharon Collins, our Executive Director, will be meeting with parents on March 13 and April 10 from 8:15 to 9:00 am.
 
Topics for March will include next year's school calendar. . . Changes have been made!  And she'll be sharing information on both PSAT and CMAS testing.
 
April's discussion is still TBD.
 
We encourage you to come to both sessions and bring your questions!

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‘Westgate School’ Phone App: Download it Now!

 
Get access to permission slips, attendance forms, calendars, and more in the palm of your hand!
 
Please visit your preferred app store and search for "Westgate School." 
 
Download today to receive information quickly and directly on your phone!
 
Users can choose their preferred language.

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Order Your Yearbook Today!

 
Yearbook sales are ONLY available online. 
 
The cost is $32 and can be ordered until April 23.
 
Customizations can be added to the cover for an additional fee.
 
K–8 yearbooks will be distributed on the last day of school.  High schoolers will receive theirs on May 23.
 
Click the button below to order yours today!
 

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Help Make SPRING CARNIVAL Amazing!

We need your awesome help for our Spring Carnival's silent auction! It's just 3 months away, so let's get rolling! You can ask for donations whenever and however you like – online, in person, or via email. We've got all the tools you need – donation letters, proof of our non-profit status, and business contacts. Join us and let's make this carnival a blast together! 🎉
Please contact Rachel Marsh at [email protected] if you have any questions or can help. We appreciate your support!

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