May 2024 Westgate Wire
MAY - JUNE 2024 EVENT CALENDAR
Click on the title to take you to the current events calendar on our website. May is a very busy month, with many items getting added on regularly. Always check the online event calendar for up-to-date information.
| Date | Day | Event | Time |
| May 2 | THU | 3-4 Field Trip & Sleep Over | 9:15 AM & 5:30 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 6-10 | All Week | Teacher Appreciation Week | All Week |
| May 6 | MON | End of FRCC Term | All Day |
| May 7 | TUE | Board of Directors Meeting | 6:00 - 8:30 PM |
| May 9 | THU | Great Global Cleanup Day | All Day |
| May 10 | FRI | Westgate Clothing Swap | 3:30 - 5:30 PM |
| May 10-19 | All Week | Senior Service Trip | All Week |
| May 12-18 | All Week | 11th Grade Service Trip | All Week |
| May 15 | WED | Night of the Notables (3/4) | 4:00 - 5:00 PM |
| May 21 | TUES | Events Committee Meeting | 8:15 - 9:45 AM |
| May 21 | TUES | Spirit Night @ Qdoba | 4:00 - 8:00 PM |
| May 21 | TUES | Board Meeting | 6:00 - 8:00 PM |
| May 23 | THU | 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th Grade No School | All Day |
| May 23 | THU | Commencement Ceremony - CLASS 2024 | 10:00 -11:30 AM |
| May 24 | FRI | 7th -8th Music Concert - HS Pod | 6:00 PM |
| May 27 | MON | Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL | ALL DAY |
| May 29 | All Day | Continuation Ceremonies - see information in newsletter on Grades and Times | All Day |
| May 30 | THU | 1/2 Day | 8:00 - 11:30 AM |
| May 30 | THU | CARNIVAL - Westgate Fundraiser | 2:00 - 6:00 PM |
| May 30 | THU | Open House | 3:00 - 5:00 PM |
| May 31 | FRI | LAST DAY OF SCHOOL 1/2 DAY | 8:00 - 11:30 AM |
IN THE NEWS:
TEACHER APPRECIATION May 6–10
As Teacher Appreciation Week approaches, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for all that our teachers do. Their passion, dedication, and commitment to student education have made a significant impact, and we are truly grateful for your tireless efforts. Please take the time to say thank you to your favorite teachers for being an inspiring mentor and for shaping the future of our children.
5 simple ideas to show appreciation to a teacher:
1. Write a heartfelt thank-you note or letter expressing your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
2. Consider donating classroom supplies or materials that the teacher may need for their lessons.
3. Gift a small token of appreciation, such as a gift card, to a local coffee shop or bookstore.
4. Wear red on National Teacher Day (May 3, 2022) and share that you’re wearing red to support teachers on social media.
5. Encourage your child to create a handmade card or artwork expressing their gratitude for their teacher's support and guidance throughout the year.
2. Consider donating classroom supplies or materials that the teacher may need for their lessons.
3. Gift a small token of appreciation, such as a gift card, to a local coffee shop or bookstore.
4. Wear red on National Teacher Day (May 3, 2022) and share that you’re wearing red to support teachers on social media.
5. Encourage your child to create a handmade card or artwork expressing their gratitude for their teacher's support and guidance throughout the year.
These gestures, no matter how small, can make a big difference in showing teachers how much they are valued and appreciated.
NIGHT OF THE NOTABLES
Wednesday, May 15th, the 3/4 POD is hosting Night of the Notables! From 4:00 to 5:00 PM, students and families will gather in our POD to learn about notable people from our history. 3rd grade students chose influential people throughout the United States. 4th grade students chose someone who was born in Colorado or had made a significant impact in Colorado. Students will present their research project and a written biography of their chosen person.
WEAR GREEN MAY 16th
Our advocacy theme for May is self-care & wellness!
As the official color for mental health awareness, green represents renewal, hope, and vitality. Wearing green, whether it’s a complete outfit or a simple green awareness bracelet, symbolizes unwavering support for mental health. Participating in this challenge sends a powerful message: Mental health is important, and by joining together, we are advocating for and supporting mental health.
PLAYGROUND UPDATE
You may have noticed the orange-fenced-off area on the playground. We are working to put sod in, and the grass needs time to root. Please be aware of this if you are bringing your children to the after-school play dates and keep them out of that area until the fencing is removed.
Also, our blue swing is getting repaired! The parts are on order and should arrive soon. We look forward to bringing down the yellow caution tape in the coming weeks.
SPIRIT NIGHT AT QDOBA - MAY 21
• Fundraiser date: May 21, 2024
• Time period: 4:00PM - 8:00PM
• Restaurant location: 1005 W 120th Ave Westminster, CO 80234
• Time period: 4:00PM - 8:00PM
• Restaurant location: 1005 W 120th Ave Westminster, CO 80234
Present this QR code when visiting, or use the code QDOBAGIVES for online ordering. Visit the custom Westgate Fundraiser page for more information: Craving something good? Support Westgate Community School with QDOBA (force4good.com)
MAY 6-10 EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONS
Our Earth Week for Westgate will be May 6–10, with the theme of Planet vs. Plastics. Here are some key events that week:
Each day has a different advocacy topic and theme, and other days have special events going on.
- Monday, May 6th:
- Plastic Education Advocacy lesson,
- Earth Day field day during specials,
- Clothing collection during PM car line
- Tuesday, May 7th:
- Your Art, Our Earth advocacy lesson,
- Clothing collection during PM car line
- Wednesday, May 8th:
- Take a Simple Act of Green advocacy lesson,
- Zero Waste and Worksheet Wednesday,
- Clothing collection during PM car line.
- Thursday, May 9th:
- The Great Global Cleanup advocacy lesson,
- Washington Street and School Cleanups,
- Final day for clothing collection
- Friday, May 10th:
- My Planet, My Closet advocacy lesson,
- 3:30–5:30 Westgate Clothing Swap.
- Monday, May 13th:
- Your Art, Our Earth projects are due by the end of the day.
BEEAUTIFUL BEE SUITS!
We want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to our generous donors! Bee suits will be arriving soon. We will be celebrating World Bee Day on Monday, May 20th, by offering programming for our students to try on the new bee suits and see the bee hives in action! This should be a sweet endeavor! CAN YOU HELP WITH THE CLOTHING SWAP?
We are looking for people to help staff run the clothing swap. If you're one of our Westgate volunteers and have some time to help during car line pickups during the week or assist with the May 10th event, there are many options available, please sign up at this link: Westgate Clothing Swap (signupgenius.com)
CONTINUATIONS AND GRADUATION CEREMONY
Senior families, you should have received an email about graduation day details! High School will have no school on May 23 due to graduation ceremonies. K–8 will have classes as normal.
Graduation: May 23 in the Outdoor Amphitheater
- 10:00–11:30 AM
Continuation: May 29
| Time | Grade |
| 8:15 AM (Outdoor Amphitheater) | 7th & 8th |
| 9:30 AM | Kinder |
| 10:15 AM | 3rd & 4th |
| 1:00 PM |
1st & 2nd
|
| 2:15 PM |
5th & 6th
|
OUR BIGGEST FUNDRAISER
OF THE YEAR
WHAT: The Spring Carnival
WHEN: May 30, 2:00–6:00 PM
WHY: Raising funds for Westgate Community School
COST: $25 presale for a wristband (covers unlimited access to the play area +1 food item)
Party with a purpose at Westgate Community School Carnival! Experience the most epic event filled with food, fun, and fundraising—all to support our amazing school!
Take part in thrilling games, obstacle courses, and a bounce slide! Zoom through our big trike races! Check out our legendary silent auction, which boasts the biggest and best selection yet!
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! Check out the awesome silent auction donors and visit the links in the side bar!
- Presale wristband purchasing ends May 28; wristbands will be $30 at the door.
- Pay by cash or check at the school; order forms will go out to students next Friday, or you can pick them up at the front desk. To pay online, access the payment portal using the link above or scan the QR code below.
- Free access will be provided to family members who only want silent auction/supervision access. (no access to the games/play area)
- $5 ticket bundles will be sold to purchase drinks, popcorn, nachos, cotton candy, and baked goods.
- Food trucks will be on site - these will be a separate charge.
- Silent Auction starts at 2:00 and ends at 5:30; payment for items is expected within 24 hours, or you forfeit your bid.
WESGATE WILD HALL OF FAME - ALICIA FOLEY-DIAZ
Alicia Foley-Diaz works diligently with the 1st and 2nd graders. Her optimism shines through and we honor her with our Westgate Wild Hall of Fame for May!
What inspired you to become a teacher?
When I was in Eastern Europe, true inspiration hit me with full force while working with orphanages. I noticed a downtrodden and quiet boy whom I engaged in reading a children's book using exaggerated expressions. Despite our language barrier, it was as if a light was lit and would never be dimmed for us both.
Share a teaching method you find effective.
Gardner proposes that people do not have a learning style that can be changed; rather, they have one or more of seven individual ways of learning. All my students have different ways of connecting with new information, I make sure to differentiate lessons to include a variety of methods in hopes of reaching all of my students.
Is there a piece of advice you tell all your students?
Never stop learning. As the old adage states, "When you are through learning, you're through." Open every door you can, dive-in to enjoy every moment, see the good in all, and take everything with grace.
Still Accepting Applications
Help spread the word:
We still have openings in K-8 grade levels!
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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Become a Chicken Tender!
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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Download the Westgate School app!
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."
OR
Scan the QR Code or visit the universal link.
Download today to receive information quickly and directly on your phone!
Users can choose their preferred language.
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THANK YOU TO OUR CARNIVAL DONORS!
Take a moment to show your appreciation for our generous donors by visiting their establishments and supporting their businesses during your outings. Your patronage helps us continue to thrive and serve our community.
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