FEBRUARY 2025
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FEBRUARY EVENTS | |
| DAY |
DATE |
EVENT |
| Mon | 3-Feb | Events Committee Meeting |
| Tue | 4-Feb | Board of Directors Meeting (virtual) - Team presentations |
| Thu | 6-Feb | Kinder 101 Information Night (RSVP Only) |
| Mon-Fri | 10-14 |
Kindness Week
Food Drive
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| Fri | 14-Feb | Professional Development - Half Day |
| Mon | 17-Feb | President's Day - No School |
| Tue | 18-Feb | Board of Directors Meeting - Virtual Option Only |
| Thu | 20-Feb |
7th Grade Field Trip
SAC meeting - virtual
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| Fri | 21-Feb | Colorado Mammoth vs Las Vegas Desert Dogs - Spirit Night Event |
| Sat | 22/23 | Buffalo Wild Wings Spirit Weekend |
| Mon | 24-Feb | Events Committee Meeting |
| Fri | 28-Feb | Class Picture Day |
| Tue | 4-Mar | Board of Directors Meeting (conference room & virtual) |
| Thu/Fri | 6 &7- Mar | Q3 Conferences |
In this Westgate Wire:
- Kindness Week Information
- Carline & School Hours Reminders
- Honoring our School Counselors
- Classroom & School Updates
- Educator of the Month - Ms. Hamilton
- Boardroom Buzz
- Lunch Ordering
- Referrals Wanted
- Class Photo Day! Feb 28
FEBRUARY KINDNESS WEEK!
The big news for February is Kindness Week - Monday, February 10th through Friday February 14th.
This is a long standing tradition at Westgate. We love to see the kids work on acts of kindness throughout the week.
A few things for you to know about:
- We do not exchange Valentines cards, candy, or treats at school. If your student arrives with Valentine’s cards, candy, or treats, they will be asked to put them back into their backpack to be taken home.
- Kindness Day permission slips will be emailed virtually to families and will need to be signed and returned by Wednesday, February 12th. Classes will be walking to different nearby businesses to deliver hand-made kindness cards to local businesses on Friday. We do not need any chaperones for these trips.
- Be prepared to go rain or shine on Friday – bring a warm jacket, gloves, beanies, etc. if needed because we will be walking outside.
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The events committee works to do many acts of kindness for our teachers, staff, and students. They are in need of donations and volunteers for helping make kindness week amazing!WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! Please sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A8AE28A1FA7-54393035-kindness
You should have received information from the events committee in your email that outlines more about the volunteer and donation options for the week. You can find that information on the Events Committee newsletter page
KINDNESS WEEK CLASS CHALLENGES
There are different advocacy themes for each day aligned with the different love languages. Here’s a list of things that you can do to support your student’s learning at home. Download the poster below for use at home!
Further information will be going out on teacher pages, in emails, and announcements as the dates get closer! Keep an eye out!
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Monday, February 10th: Words of Affirmation
- Kindness Week Challenge #1 – Use kind words of affirmation with 3 or more other people you see today.
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Tuesday, February 11th: Quality Time
- Kindness Week Challenge #2 – Spend at least 30 minutes of quality time with yourself or someone you love today after school.
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Wednesday, February 12th: Acts of Service
- Kindness Week Challenge #3 – Do another act of service for someone when you get home!
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Thursday, February 13th: Gift Giving
- Kindness Week Challenge #4: Deliver the gift you made today in class to the person you made it for.
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Friday, February 14th: Kindness Day (Half Day) - various walking trips
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Kindness Week Challenge #5: Create a family “Compliment Jar”.
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REMINDER: CARLINE RULES & SCHOOL HOURS
We want to remind everyone that carline rules are there for the safety of your children. We have seen many carline violations and dangerous behaviors. Please follow the carline rules and procedures as posted on our website: Transportation - Miscellaneous - Westgate Community School
- Supervision will be outside by 7:40 AM in the mornings, during cold days students will be allowed inside when they arrive.
- DO NOT drop off students randomly on Washington Street. This is not safe for drivers and the police have been notified. They will issue tickets.
- Dropping off students or parking in the North parking lot is not allowed. This is reserved for employee parking and is dangerous for your students - please pull around to the front with the carline and drop students off where there is supervision and a crosswalk, or park in front if you need to come into the building.
TO AVIOD CARLINE:
- You must drop off students at an off-campus location and have them walk in.
- Drop off across the street at the Peak Martial Arts parking lot - students can then safely cross at 126th and Washington without far to walk.
- Drop off students at Barnes & Noble parking lot - students can then safely walk up Washington Street to the school.
- Get in early - dropping off students slightly before or at 7:40 am guarantees a quick carline experience and ensures your student is in class on time.
SCHOOL HOURS
We have seen many students coming in late since winter break. This is a reminder that school starts promptly at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:30 PM.
The following information is in our handbook as to how tardies are counted and what is and is not considered excused for late arrivals.
Tardies:
- School starts promptly at 8:00 AM.
- Any student that comes in within the first 10 minutes of a class period is considered tardy.
- Any tardy marks in IC, during the school day, will be logged as an unexcused tardy.
- If your student comes in more than 10 minutes late, it is considered a partial absence.
- All students (K-8) coming in after 8:00 MUST be signed in by a parent to have the tardy be excused.
- If a student is not signed in, it will be considered unexcused.
- High School students may sign themselves in.
- After 5 tardies for the semester, all tardies will be considered unexcused.
Honoring Our School Counselors
This National School Counseling Week, we celebrate and honor the incredible dedication and support of our school counselors, Ms. Kinslow and Ms. Washington. Their unwavering commitment to our students' academic, emotional, and social well-being makes a profound difference in our community. Thank you for being the guiding light and trusted confidants for our students. Your hard work and compassion do not go unnoticed!
Since National Psychologists Day is July 14, we often don't get a chance to celebrate it. We would like to include our school psychologist Mr. Chermak in this week as he also provides invaluable counseling services to our students.
A huge shoutout to our fantastic school counselors at Westgate Community School. You all do amazing work!
SCHOOOL UPDATES
3-4 POD PREPARE FOR SCIENCE FAIR
Third and fourth grade Science classes will begin learning about the scientific method to help us start preparing for the Science Fair coming up in March.
DONATIONS OF ELECTRONICS NEEDED!
Take-apart Club is looking for donations of used/broken electronics, devices, appliances. Students will disassemble the donations to see inner workings and possible refurbish, upcycle or repair them. We cannot accept: TVs, microwaves, fridges, monitors, HVAC parts, objects with blades (blenders), or objects with glass. We love to have: radios, toys with motion, calculators, VCR/DVD players, cassette players, remotes, flashlights. If it moves, lights up, or makes sound we want to see how! Email Mr. Elliot if you have something you can bring in at [email protected].
CHICKEN TENDERS NEEDED
Mrs. Kahn is in search of more volunteer families for our Chicken Tenders program – especially as we approach the summer. If you are interested, email [email protected] to learn more.
GARDEN CLUB
We are excited to announce a new opportunity for our school community coming in Q4 – Family Garden Club! This is a fantastic chance for families to connect, learn, and grow together while nurturing their green thumbs. We had a preliminary sign up in the Q3 club offering; however, spots are still available, and we will be putting out another sign-up option when Q4 clubs are offered. Our Family Garden Club will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00pm during quarter 4. In addition, your family will get to keep the garden plot throughout the summer! If you would like additional information, please email [email protected].EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH - MRS. HAMILTON!
For the Month of February, we are honoring Mrs. Kris Hamilton! Mrs. Hamilton is currently a teacher in the 1-2 Pod, and we admire her for her dedication, tenacity, and drive. For many years, Mrs. Hamilton has been a guiding light for our young learners, nurturing their curiosity and fostering a love for learning. Her unwavering commitment to her students' growth and well-being has made a lasting impact on countless lives.
Thank you, Mrs. Hamilton, for your tireless efforts and the joy you bring to our community every day.
We asked Mrs. Hamilton a bit about herself and her time teaching. Find out what makes Mrs. Hamilton the amazing teacher she is!
What is one of your special skills or talents?
One of my passions is my love for the science of reading. I’ve spent years learning and researching how to help students fall in love with reading. As a child, I struggled with reading, so it’s incredibly meaningful for me to find ways to make it accessible and enjoyable for my students. There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching a student light up as they discover the joy and power of becoming a great reader.
One of my passions is my love for the science of reading. I’ve spent years learning and researching how to help students fall in love with reading. As a child, I struggled with reading, so it’s incredibly meaningful for me to find ways to make it accessible and enjoyable for my students. There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching a student light up as they discover the joy and power of becoming a great reader.
What one idea do you hope to inspire your students with?
I want to inspire my students to understand the incredible power of their words. Words have the ability to shape the world around us—they can lift someone up or tear them down. I strive to help my students realize that their voices matter and that kindness, encouragement, and thoughtful communication can make a lasting impact.
What is your favorite activity to do with your students?
One of my favorite parts of the day is our morning circle. It’s such a special time for us to come together as a class community, set the tone for the day, and support one another. These moments create connection, foster a sense of belonging, and help us start our day with positivity and purpose.
What do you love about Westgate?
What I love most about Westgate is the focus on social-emotional learning. Fresh out of college, I wrote my philosophy of education, believing I understood what it meant to educate the whole child—but I quickly realized there was so much more to it. True whole-child education goes beyond academics; it’s about giving students the confidence to problem-solve, navigate conflict resolution, and recognize that they are always growing. At Westgate, students learn that mistakes are not failures—they are steppingstones to reaching their full potential. Being part of a school that prioritizes these values makes all the difference.
What I love most about Westgate is the focus on social-emotional learning. Fresh out of college, I wrote my philosophy of education, believing I understood what it meant to educate the whole child—but I quickly realized there was so much more to it. True whole-child education goes beyond academics; it’s about giving students the confidence to problem-solve, navigate conflict resolution, and recognize that they are always growing. At Westgate, students learn that mistakes are not failures—they are steppingstones to reaching their full potential. Being part of a school that prioritizes these values makes all the difference.
What is unique about the way you approach your role?
I believe what makes my approach unique is the emphasis I place on building genuine relationships with my students. This starts with actively listening to how they’re feeling and equipping them with tools to navigate whatever challenges life throws their way. In our classroom, we live by the motto: “We own it and move on.” It’s a reminder that mistakes are part of being human, and owning those moments helps us grow. Growing up, I didn’t always feel prepared to handle life’s challenges or conflict, and I want my students to feel empowered and confident when they face difficulties. My goal is to guide them through this process, so they know they can tackle any problem that comes their way.
I believe what makes my approach unique is the emphasis I place on building genuine relationships with my students. This starts with actively listening to how they’re feeling and equipping them with tools to navigate whatever challenges life throws their way. In our classroom, we live by the motto: “We own it and move on.” It’s a reminder that mistakes are part of being human, and owning those moments helps us grow. Growing up, I didn’t always feel prepared to handle life’s challenges or conflict, and I want my students to feel empowered and confident when they face difficulties. My goal is to guide them through this process, so they know they can tackle any problem that comes their way.
2025/2025 Academic Calendar
The Board of Directors has recently approved the 2025/2026 student academic calendar. Download the PDF below.
Board Member Opportunities Available!
We are excited to announce that three board member seats will soon be open as current team members complete their terms. We invite dedicated community members to apply and join our team in making a difference. If you are interested, please contact our Board President for more details. [email protected]
Or take a look at the Board handbook: Board Documents - Board of Directors and Files - Westgate Community School
TEAM PRESENTATIONS
Team presentations to the board were on Feb 4th. You can find the recordings on our YouTube Channel:
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FEBRUARY LUNCH ORDERING
Lunch Program Ordering
In order for your student to receive a hot lunch, orders must be placed using the links below. Although lunches are free this year, only students who have pre-ordered a lunch will receive a hot lunch.
Click on the links below to place an order for that week. Submit a separate order for each student.
Ordering closes at 9:00 PM on Monday for the following week.
Bookmark the ordering page: Lunch Program - Miscellaneous - Westgate Community School
- Week of February 10 - ordering closes at 9:00 PM on February 3
- Week of February 17 - ordering closes at 9:00 PM on February 10
- Week of February 24 - ordering closes at 9:00 PM on February 17
*High school parents/guardians: Westgate cannot provide a lunch when your student attends FRCC. Any orders submitted on your students' FRCC days will be adjusted accordingly.
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REFER FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
We encourage you to invite friends and family to one of our many Enrollment Events for new families, such as a Future Family Night or School Tour. Share our Enrollment Events page.
- Tours Available - February 4th or 5th, 2025 9:00-10:00am
- Completed applications will be added to the grade appropriate wait pools and seats will be offered if/when available
Contact Rochelle Goforth or email Enrollment with any questions you might have.
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CLASS PHOTOS FEB 28th!
Don't forget - Class Photos are happening on February 28th! Be sure to dress your best!