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Westgate Wire » April 2024

April 2024

 

APRIL - MAY 2024
Date Day Event Time
Apr 9-May 3 Daily CMAS Testing AM only
Apr 10 WED 1-2 Field Trip 9:30 AM - 1:45 PM
Apr 10-Apr 29 Daily  K-5 Adams 12 District Art Show - FRCC Library All Day
Apr 16 TUE Board of Directors Meeting 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Apr 17 WED SAT - 11th Grade 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Apr 18 THU
PSAT - 9th Grade
 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Apr 18 THU SAC meeting 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Apr 19 FRI PSAT - 10th Grade 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Apr 19 FRI High School Prom 7:00 - 11:00 PM
Apr 23 TUE Events Committee Meeting 8:15 - 9:45 AM
Apr 23  TUE Spirit Night @ Tokyo Joes 120th and Huron 4:00 - 8:30 PM
Apr 26 FRI Community Connect (virtual) 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
May 2 THU 3-4 Field Trip 9:15 AM - 2:30 PM
May 3 FRI 1-2 Field Trip 9:30 AM - 1:45 PM
May 6 MON Earth Day Field Day  All Day
May 6-May 9 Mon - Thu Clothing Swap - Clothing Collection during Carline 3:30 - 4:30 PM
May 6 MON End of FRCC Term All Day
May 7 TUE Board of Directors Meeting 3:00 - 4:00 PM
May 9 THU Washington Street & School Cleanup Day All Day
May 10 FRI Westgate Clothing Swap 3:30 - 5:30 PM
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APRIL TESTING 

Student Art Sign: Donut Stress - Do Your Best
As we are in the crucial CMAS, MAPS, and DIBLES testing period following Spring Break, we want to ensure that our students are well-prepared and equipped to excel. Testing will take place exclusively in the mornings, as research suggests that students tend to perform better during this time. Therefore, we kindly request your assistance in ensuring that your child arrives at school promptly at 8:00 AM to avoid any disruptions to their testing schedule.
 
It's imperative that students are present and punctual on testing days. Late arrivals will not be able to take the test on that day and will be required to do a makeup session. Similarly, students who are absent on a testing day will be required to take a makeup test during designated times.
 
We kindly ask that you refrain from scheduling any appointments for your child during these testing periods to minimize disruptions. CMAS scores allow us to measure the effectiveness of our curriculum and see how we stack against other schools in the state and nationally. MAPS and DIBELS testing is mandatory as it helps us measure student progress in alignment with state and district standards.
 
SAT and PSAT testing will also occur in April. Please be sure your student has signed up for the correct testing day if they are taking either the PSAT or SAT test.  
 
  • 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.

Your support and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we strive to create an environment conducive to academic success for all our students.

 

Tips for Testing

We want our students to be prepared for the testing in the month ahead, and we encourage you to help your student by providing support and encouragement. Please take note of the tips provided that can help your student with test taking. No matter what, we know our students will do their best, but we want to offer help along the way. 
 
Testing Tips for Students & Parents
 
For students:
  1. Stay Active: Incorporate short breaks for physical activities to stay refreshed and focused when studying.
  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.
  6. Shake it Out: Before testing, shake it out, do a quick jumping jacks session, or run in place, pre-testing activity has been scientifically proven to get your brain focused and help you do better on a test. 
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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[graphic] Child playing guitar, Quarter 4 after-school club registration ends Sunday, April 14. No late registrations will be accepted.

LAST CHANCE FOR AFTER-SCHOOL CLUB REGISTRATION

After-School Club registration will be closing this Sunday, April 14, at midnight! Get your child registered for one of the many activities we have provided before it is too late. Late registrations will not be accepted. There are some amazing fun activities and learning opportunities for children of all ages. See the links below for more information and to register.
 
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EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONS
Westgate Clothing Swap

Although we typically try to align our Earth Week efforts with the national recognition on April 22, due to testing schedules, Westgate Community School Earth Day celebrations will be delayed this year.

Our Earth Week for Westgate will be May 6–10, with the theme of Planet vs. Plastics. Earth Day Field Day will be happening on Monday, May 6 and our Great Global Cleanup efforts around the school and Washinton Street is set for Thursday, May 9. Keep an eye out for messages from your child's teacher on efforts happening around the school. 

Westgate will also be holding clothing collections during PM Car-Line from May 6–9, so get your closets cleaned out and find those gently used clothes to donate. We will take gently used children's clothing, but please no undergarments, socks, or swimwear. The Clothing Swap will be held on Friday, May 10, 3:30–5:30 PM 

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WESGATE WILD HALL OF FAME - JOCELYN HANSEN

Jocelyn Hansen started with Westgate in January 2023 as a new Kindergarten teacher. We honor her this April as one of the many great teachers we have at Westgate Community School. Get to know a bit more about Jocelyn. 


Jocely Hansen - Kindergarten Teacher
What inspired you to become a teacher?

My grandmother was a teacher, and when I was growing up, she always talked about how much she enjoyed teaching and how much being a teacher brought her joy. As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher because of her. When I was doing my student teaching in college, I realized that kindergarten is where my heart is. Being someone who teaches those important foundation skills (academic, social, and emotional) is such a heartwarming experience, and those moments of excited learning fill my soul.

Share a memorable moment from your career.

I started here at Westgate in January 2023 and this was my first teaching job. Starting mid-year was a crazy experience for both me and those students. It was important to show my students every day how much I cared about them and to build a sense of community. Building a community in a classroom takes work. I wanted to make sure that my students saw me showing up for them and that I wanted to get to know them. We were all in this together, and I was learning along with them.

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

One piece of advice I would give to myself and to younger students is to always have something you’re excited to learn about. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new, whether that be something for academics or even a hobby. Having an open mind and heart to learning can bring so many surprising joys to your life that you never would have found otherwise.

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Spring Carnival is Coming!Let's have fun at the Westgate Community School Summer Carnival

The Spring Carnival will be held May 30, 2:00 - 6:00 PM

This end-of-year fundraiser is gearing up to be a great afternoon filled with fun, food, games, a silent auction, vendors, and celebrating the end of school. Don't miss it! Keep an eye out for signups to donate to classroom baskets, as well as volunteer opportunities. It takes a village!
 
Westgate Small Business Owners - Would you like to donate a gift card or product to the silent auction? Would you like to have a booth at the event? Please contact Jenny English at [email protected]
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Yearbooks on Sale Now! graphic with yearbook image.
Last day to order is April 23rd! Order your Yearbook today!
The window to order your yearbook is closing! Don't forget to order your yearbook before April 23! 

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Become a Chicken Tender!Let's Celebrate and Have Fun, Westgate Carnival

You heard that right! We're reaching out to the amazing families of our school community for a little extra help in caring for our beloved animals and expanding our Chicken Tender team. 
 
By joining our Chicken Tender program, you can lend a hand in giving our chickens, goats, and barn cat the care they need, including providing food, water, and, of course, lots of love. 
 
Benefits are plentiful! This free activity is a unique opportunity for children and parents alike to spend quality time with our animals, fostering a deeper connection with nature. Plus, as a bonus, families can take home any fresh eggs laid by our chickens. Trust us, they're absolutely delicious!

If you'd be interested in becoming a Chicken Tender this summer, please email our Environmental Education Coordinator, Charlie Maupin: [email protected]

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Still Accepting Applications

Open Enrollment - Applications are still open!

Help spread the word:

We still have openings!

Every year, current Westgate families and members of our community are our biggest source of referrals and our best advocates. 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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Save the Date with graduation '24 doodlesSAVE THE DATE: Continuation and Graduation Ceremonies

We know graduation and continuation ceremonies are not until May, but SAVE THE DATES!
 
Graduation: May 23 
  • 10:00–11:30 AM
 
Continuation: May 29
Time Grade
8:15 AM 7th & 8th
9:30 AM Kinder
10:15 AM 3rd & 4th
1:00 PM
1st & 2nd
2:15 PM
5th & 6th
 
 
 

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Download the Westgate School APP! 

 
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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Have you joined the parent Facebook group?

Find the Westgate Wild group on Facebook and ask to join. Once we verify that you are the parent or guardian of a student at Westgate, you'll be approved. 

This is a parent run page where you can find information about parent groups, events, and even create your own parent gatherings. 
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POINTS OF CONTACT
General Questions/Comments
 
Enrollment and Registration
 
Front Desk:     
303-452-0967