MARCH 2025
MARCH EVENTS
| DAY |
DATE |
EVENT |
| Mon - Thurs | Mar 3-6 | Middle School Book Fair |
| Tue | Mar 4 | Board of Directors Meeting, 6 PM (Conference Room & Virtual) |
| Wed | Mar 5 | 7th & 8th Grade Concert, 5PM |
| Thu | Mar 6 | Q3 Conferences - No School |
| Fri | Mar 7 | Q3 Conferences - No School |
| Thu | Mar 13 | 5th Grade Field Trip, 9:30 AM |
| Skate City Spirit Night, 5PM | ||
| Tue | Mar 18 | Spirit Night - Home Grown Tap & Dough |
| Wed | Mar 19 | 6th Grade Field Trip, 9 AM |
| Kindergarten Field Trip, 9:45 AM | ||
| Thu | Mar 20 | SAC Meeting, 5:30PM virtual |
| 3-4 Science Fair | ||
| Fri | Mar 21 | 5th Grade Field Trip, 9 AM |
| Fri | 6th Grade Field Trip, 9 AM | |
| Mon | Mar 24 | SPRING BREAK - no school |
| Mon | Apr 7 | Back to School! |
In this Westgate Wire:
- Advocacy Theme: Mindfulness
- April CMAS Testing information - dates, tips, family notes, opt out
- Board Room Buzz - Seat Openings - apply now!
- Friday Community Connect - Meet candidates and get testing info
- Class Updates - iLab, 3/4 Science Fair, NHS fundraiser,
- Environmental Education- coop_at_westgate, chicken tenders, garden club
- Educator of the Month: Ms. Novello
- Referrals Appreciated - seats still open!
- Lunch Orders for March/ April
March Advocacy Theme: MINDFULNESS
This month, our Advocacy theme is Mindfulness—the practice of being present and aware in the moment. Throughout March, students will explore how mindfulness can support emotional well-being, focus, and healthy relationships. Whether through breathing exercises, reflection practices, or simple acts of gratitude, we'll learn how small habits can have a big impact on managing stress and building connection.
We encourage families to join the conversation by practicing mindfulness at home—try taking a few deep breaths together, sharing daily moments of gratitude, or enjoying screen-free time as a family by playing some board games or going to the park.
Let's continue to support our students in developing tools to care for their whole selves.
Spring Testing Season is Coming Up!
- Please note that CMAS testing begins on Tuesday, April 8, after returning from Spring Break.
- April 8-10: Grades 3-8 will begin with Math, Science, and Social Studies testing
- April 15-17: Grades 3–8 will take ELA tests.
- High schoolers will be doing SAT and PSAT testing April 15–17 as well (see high school schedule).
- All testing sessions are scheduled for the mornings on each of those days.
- It is imperative to have your students attend school on their scheduled CMAS testing dates and for them to be on time, so they are in class and are ready to test first thing in the morning. Students who are tardy may not be eligible to test as they cannot be admitted to sessions that have already begun. They would then need to take part in one of the make-up sessions.
- 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:
- Stay Active: Incorporate short breaks for physical activities to stay refreshed and focused.
- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep the night before the test to feel rested and alert.
- Eat Well: Fuel your brain with nutritious meals and snacks to sustain energy levels.
- Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your ability to do well.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or visualization can help calm nerves.
For parents:
- Provide Support: Offer encouragement and emotional support to alleviate your child's anxiety.
- Be Understanding: Understand that every child has different learning styles and abilities.
- Offer Healthy Snacks: Keep nutritious snacks handy to fuel your child's brain during study sessions.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your child's efforts and progress, regardless of the outcome.
- Communicate Openly: Keep communication lines open so your child feels comfortable discussing any concerns or difficulties.
- Avoid Pressure: Avoid placing excessive pressure on your child and instead focus on providing support and encouragement.
- Encourage Self-care: Emphasize the importance of self-care, including adequate sleep, exercise, and relaxation.
FAMILY TESTING NOTES: Help your student through exams with an encouraging message
In addition, we are encouraging parents and guardians of 3rd -8th graders to write an encouraging and supportive note to their student. We will provide them with their note from you during testing time. Notes will be available in pods and at the front desk during conferences before spring break, but if you can't make it in person, email your student's name, grade and advocacy teacher with your note to [email protected] and she will ensure your student gets their note!
OPT out Options
If you choose to OPT out your child from testing, you will need to fill out and return the attached form. Please be specific on the lines WHICH test(s) you are opting them out of - each test must be specifically listed. The required tests per grade level are below.
- 3rd-ELA and Math
- 4th-ELA, Math and Social Studies
- 5th-ELA, Math and Science
- 6th-ELA and Math
- 7th-ELA, Math and Social Studies
- 8th-ELA, Math and Science
- 11th-Science
OPT OUT FORMS - PDF Downloads
Looking for Westgate's Next Board Members!
The Westgate Governance Board of Directors has three board member seats to fill in the upcoming school year. Joining the board offers an opportunity to make a difference in our fabulous WCS community.
We’re looking for candidates who are excited to support Westgate!
Great applicants value the mission & vision of our school.
We’re looking for candidates who are excited to support Westgate!
Great applicants value the mission & vision of our school.
- Demonstrate accountability, integrity and ability to switch between “parent hat” and “board member hat”
- Upcoming priorities mean that the Board of Directors would particularly benefit from new members with experience in grant writing and facilities.
- Prior board experience isn’t necessary as training is provided.
Elected board members typically serve for a three-year term, beginning in July of the year elected. The time commitment is about 10-15 hours a month of work and includes:
- Board meetings take place once or twice a month on Tuesday evenings from 6:00–8:30 pm (approximately).
- Serving on assigned standing and/or ad hoc committees with additional (but variable) time commitments.
- Attending additional events, including presentations to the school community, professional development, graduation, community events that may occur during or outside of school hours.
Ready to apply?
Review the board documents, write a brief (about 5 sentences) bio and send it to our Board President, Dan Obenhaus with responses to the five questions below by Saturday, March 15th.
- What makes Westgate’s mission and vision meaningful to you and your family?
- Why are you interested in serving on the Westgate Board of Directors?
- What are your perceptions about the roles and duties of the Board of Directors at a charter school?
- What area(s) would you be most interested in working on (i.e., finance/budget, events, fundraising, recruitment, legal, building improvements, school accountability, policy, etc.), and what skills and experience do you have that would allow you to be successful in these endeavors?
- What is your availability to attend regular board meetings and contribute additional time to board-related activities?
Take a look at the Board handbook for additional information on responsibilities: Board Documents - Board of Directors and Files - Westgate Community School
Friday Community Connect
Join us for this Friday Community Connect session!
- When: 3/21/2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Where: Virtual only: Microsoft Teams Link
We will meet the Candidates for the Board of Directors and talk about some CMAS Testing highlights for April.Please note that this is an informational session.
This session will be recorded and be available online the following day.
You can join the meeting with the link.
This session will be recorded and be available online the following day.
You can join the meeting with the link.
CLASS UPDATES
iLab Rocket Challenge
iLab students are working to build a rocket-catching device with the Science Buddies Rocket Catcher—2025 Engineering Challenge! In this challenge they have a set of materials they can use and must build a successful catcher where a rocket can land vertically without falling over. All grades are participating, and all grade level entries will be entered into the Science Buddies challenge.
Art Show at the Adams 12 District
We are thrilled to announce the 2024-25 Adams 12 District Art Show, a special event celebrating the creativity and talent of our students! This is a wonderful opportunity to support our young artists and admire the incredible artwork from schools across the district.
- Date: March 11th – April 6th (Middle and High School) and April 9th- April 28th (Elementary School)
- Location: Front Range Community College Library (3645 W 112th Ave Non-Fiction Section, Westminster, CO 80031)
- Time: M-F 8:30am-8pm, S-S 12pm-5pm
Come and experience a stunning display of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more—all created by our talented students. We invite families, friends, and community members to join us for this inspiring event!
3/4 Science Fair
March 20th is the 3rd & 4th Grade Science Fair! Come to the 3rd and 4th Grade pod from 4:15-5:00 and see all the hard work students have been putting into their science projects all on their own! We're looking forward to seeing the results of all their experiments!
NHS Fundraiser for Prom - Homegrown Tap & Dough
Support our high schoolers by having some dinner, drinks, and/or appetizers with your friends & family at the beautiful venue of Homegrown Tap & Dough! 15% back from all proceeds made will support their Prom fundraising efforts!!
Where: 1257 W 120th Ave, Westminster, CO 80234
Where: 1257 W 120th Ave, Westminster, CO 80234
When: March 18th from 5-9 PM
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Welcome to the Coop
Westgate is now streaming environmental videos on our exclusive Instagram account - coop_at_westgate! This unique channel is to help with environmental education, and particularly featuring our goats, chickens, barn cats, and other animals! Helping to dispel myths and bad practices, we hope this will also be useful in teaching gardening practices in Colorado for those that might be in our gardening club or starting a garden yourself. Check out our welcome video!
Chicken Tenders Needed - Help care for the chickens (get free eggs!)
Mrs. Kahn is still in search of more volunteer families for our Chicken Tenders program – especially as we approach the summer. Training is supplied and you can potentially get free eggs! If you are interested, email [email protected] to learn more.
Garden Club Sign Up
Spring is just around the corner! Family Garden Club will be starting in Q4! This is a fantastic chance for families to connect, learn, and grow together while nurturing their green thumbs. 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. In addition, your family will get to keep the garden plot throughout the summer! Get more information by sending an email to: [email protected].
EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH - MS. AMANDA NOVELLO!
For the Month of March, we are honoring Ms. Novello! Ms. Novello is our High School English teacher and a sponsor of many of the high school events. She always is ready with a smile and a good piece of advice!
Thank you, Ms. Novello, for your hard work and dedication to our students.
We asked Ms. Novello a few questions to get to know her better. Her answers are wonderful and inspiring. Please take the time to learn a bit more of why we selected Ms. Novello for our March Educator of the Month!
What is your favorite book, and why?
My favorite book to teach is The Great Gatsby. While its language is intensive and high-level, the depth and energy that pour out of each chapter make it an incredibly engaging text. Even 100 years later, it still feels fresh, almost like a reality TV show unfolding in real time—filled with drama, ambition, deception, and longing. The novel gives students so much to analyze, from Fitzgerald’s intricate symbolism to the biting critique of the American Dream. Every time I teach it, new discussions emerge, making it a book that never loses its impact.
What or who inspired you to become a teacher?
I was inspired to become a teacher because of two incredible educators who shaped my experience as a student. My third-grade teacher, Mrs. Stacey Bressi, showed me the power of kindness during a tough year at school. I'll never forget how safe I felt walking into her room—how her warmth and patience made learning a place of comfort rather than stress. That feeling of being truly seen and supported is something I strive to pass on to my own students. Then there was Mr. Greenwald, my 10th-grade history teacher, who made learning feel like an adventure. His storytelling was so engaging that history felt alive, and his energy in the classroom was unmatched. He also had ways of keeping students on their toes. He made learning feel dynamic, playful, and real. Between Mrs. Bressi’s kindness and Mr. Greenwald’s energy, I learned that teaching isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about creating an environment where students feel safe, engaged, and excited to learn.
How do you handle challenges?
I handle challenges by first turning inward. With my training and a master's degree in contemplative education, I’ve learned that the first step in facing any difficulty is self-reflection. Challenges aren’t just obstacles; they’re opportunities to understand my reactions, emotions, and thought patterns. By pausing to acknowledge the situation and my role in it, I create space for clarity and intentionality rather than reacting impulsively. I apply mindfulness-based strategies to navigate the challenge, whether that means adjusting my perspective, seeking collaboration, or re-evaluating the best path forward. Contemplative education has taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about being present, open, and adaptable. Whether in the classroom, in leadership, or in everyday life, I approach challenges with awareness, patience, and a commitment to growth.
I handle challenges by first turning inward. With my training and a master's degree in contemplative education, I’ve learned that the first step in facing any difficulty is self-reflection. Challenges aren’t just obstacles; they’re opportunities to understand my reactions, emotions, and thought patterns. By pausing to acknowledge the situation and my role in it, I create space for clarity and intentionality rather than reacting impulsively. I apply mindfulness-based strategies to navigate the challenge, whether that means adjusting my perspective, seeking collaboration, or re-evaluating the best path forward. Contemplative education has taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about being present, open, and adaptable. Whether in the classroom, in leadership, or in everyday life, I approach challenges with awareness, patience, and a commitment to growth.
What is your favorite activity to do with your students?
My favorite activities to do with my students are ones that encourage deep thinking and active engagement. Socratic seminars are a top choice because they push students to think critically, listen actively, and build on each other’s ideas in a meaningful way. I also love projects that are physical or intentional—things that get students moving, creating, or collaborating in hands-on ways. Whether it’s a gallery walk, a visual representation of a theme, or a performance-based interpretation of a text, these types of activities help make learning more tangible and memorable. When students can engage with ideas beyond just writing an essay, they tend to connect with the material on a deeper level.
My favorite activities to do with my students are ones that encourage deep thinking and active engagement. Socratic seminars are a top choice because they push students to think critically, listen actively, and build on each other’s ideas in a meaningful way. I also love projects that are physical or intentional—things that get students moving, creating, or collaborating in hands-on ways. Whether it’s a gallery walk, a visual representation of a theme, or a performance-based interpretation of a text, these types of activities help make learning more tangible and memorable. When students can engage with ideas beyond just writing an essay, they tend to connect with the material on a deeper level.
REFER FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
We still have seats available and would love you to share your love of Westgate with others.
Consider inviting friends or family to contact Rochell for a tour.
They can email her at Enrollment with any questions about the enrollment process or to schedule tours and meetings to get to know Westgate better!
Forward them our application link to sign up! Westgate Community School | SchoolMint Enroll
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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 link below to find menus and place an order for upcoming weeks. Submit a separate order for each student.
Ordering closes at 9:00 PM on Monday for the following week.
Set a reminder in your calendar to order weekly or order your lunches for the full month!