Skip to main content

Ms. Koenig, Advocacy, 1st

Posts

Koenig's Advocacy updates 11/04 - 11/08

Dates and Announcements:  

   

Friday, Nov. 8 

Half Day 

Monday, Nov. 11 

NO SCHOOL – Veteran's Day 

Thursday, Nov. 14 

Panda Express Spirit Night 

Saturday, Nov. 16 

Fall Bazaar 

Wednesday, Nov. 20 

Skate City Night 
   

Monday, Nov. 25 – Friday, Nov. 29 

NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break 

 

Reminders:  We have 2 snacks a day, so please ensure your child has 2 or more snacks every day. 

Specials: Our Special is Art. 

 

Advocacy Theme for November is Gratitude 

Learning Goals:  

  • Students will look at their skills, abilities, accomplishments, loved ones, and many other things to identify what they are grateful for. 
  • Students will increase their well-being and happiness with activities that promote a sense of togetherness and belonging with their advocacy and families. 
  • Students will reflect upon their successes and improvements using a self-reflection tool, consider how they’ve changed, and reflect on the people who made their progress possible. 

We are looking forward to a great month of gratitude and thankfulness! 

Koenig's Advocacy updates 10/28 - 11/01

Upcoming Dates and Announcements: 

 

Monday, October 28th Individual Picture Retakes 

Tuesday, October 29th Texas Roadhouse Spirit Night 

Thursday, October 31st Halloween Carnival and Class Parties 

 

Reminders: 

As we prepare for our exciting class parties, we wanted to share a few important guidelines to ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone. Please review the following information carefully: 

  1. Volunteer Guidelines: 
  • No young children or siblings may accompany volunteers during the team parties. We appreciate your understanding as we maintain a focused environment for our students. 
  1. Costume Expectations for Adults and Students: 
  • No Masks or Face Coverings are allowed. 
  • No Full Face Paint is permitted. Partial face paint is allowed if students can apply it themselves in the time they have to get ready before class parties. Face paint may not be worn to school. 
  • No Weapons or items that could be used as a weapon should be part of any costume. 
  • No Inappropriate or Offensive Costumes. Please ensure all costumes fully cover the body. 
  • Costume Guidelines for Students (K-8): 
  • Students may NOT wear costumes to school. Costumes should be brought in backpacks and will remain there until students are allowed to change after lunch. 
  • Students will be in regular classes during the morning, so costumes and their accessories should not be a distraction. 
  1. Thank you for your cooperation in making these parties a fun and safe celebration for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. 

If you would like to donate to our 1-2 Pod Halloween Party use the link below: 

Classroom Party Sign Up Genius Link   

October Advocacy Focus: Using Your Voice & Bully Prevention 

 

This month, our focus is on using your voice and bully prevention. Everyone can share their voice to prevent bullying. Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or community member. Some key things to think about.  

A focus on preventing bullying is important, as is promoting positive actions such as kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. 

Bullying affects witnesses as well as targets. Those who witness bullying often report feeling unsafe, helpless, and afraid that they will be the next target. 

Students who bully others can also be negatively affected by the behavior with higher rates of physical and emotional health issues. 

 

Bullying is not only devastating while it’s happening; research shows that the negative effects can last a lifetime. 

 

Students can be especially effective in bullying intervention. It’s important for adults to encourage youth to be supportive of anyone experiencing bullying and to educate youth on how to advocate for themselves and for others. 

 

Everyone’s actions matter; we all have a role to play in bullying prevention. Our message to others is stronger when we are united by the common principle that bullying is never acceptable. 

 

Koenig's Advocacy updates 10/21 - 10/25

Dates and Announcements: 

Oct. 21-23 Trunk or Treat Candy Donation Gathering during both carlines 

Monday, Oct. 21 Events Committee Meeting 2:00 – 3:30 PM 

Friday, Oct. 25 Trunk or Treat 6:00-7:00 PM 

Reminders: 

  • Extra Clothes: Due to a stomach bug going around we are asking that you put some extra clothes in your student’s bag for the time being. We will take the necessary steps to help your child while they are here and we appreciate your support with this matter. 

October Advocacy Focus: Using Your Voice & Bully Prevention 

This month, our focus is on using your voice and bully prevention. Everyone can share their voice to prevent bullying. Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or community member. Some key things to think about.  

A focus on preventing bullying is important, as is promoting positive actions such as kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. 

Bullying affects witnesses as well as targets. Those who witness bullying often report feeling unsafe, helpless, and afraid that they will be the next target. 

Students who bully others can also be negatively affected by the behavior with higher rates of physical and emotional health issues. 

Bullying is not only devastating while it’s happening; research shows that the negative effects can last a lifetime. 

Students can be especially effective in bullying intervention. It’s important for adults to encourage youth to be supportive of anyone experiencing bullying and to educate youth on how to advocate for themselves and for others. 

Everyone’s actions matter; we all have a role to play in bullying prevention. Our message to others is stronger when we are united by the common principle that bullying is never acceptable. 

 

Koenig's Advocacy Updates 09/23 - 09/27

Dates and Announcements:

Sept. 23-Sept. 27th                     Scholastic Book Fair

Thursday, Sept. 26th                  11:30 Dismissal/Virtual Parent-                                                                           Teacher Conferences 1PM to 5PM

Friday, Sept. 27th                       No School/In-Person Parent Teacher                                                                 Conferences    8:00 AM to 8:00 PM        

Sept. 20th – Oct. 11th                  Fall Break-No School                                            

Reminders:

Parent Teacher Conferences:  Our 1st quarter parent-teacher conferences will be VIRTUAL this Thursday, Sept. 26th from 1 PM to 5 PM and IN-PERSON Friday, Sept. 27th from 8 AM to 8 PM. The sign ups will close on Monday at 4 PM.  If you would like a conference and haven’t signed up yet, use the link below:

Our Fall Conferences will be held VIRTUALLY on Thursday, September 26 from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM and IN-PERSON on Friday, September 27 from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Please sign up for only one conference slot. 

Please note that you may not request a virtual conference on the in-person day or an in-person conference on the virtual conference day.

 

 

Scholastic Book Fair Information:

Here’s everything you need to know about the Book Fair: 

Dates:

  • September 23-24, 3:30-5:00pm
  • September 25, 3:30-5:30pm
  • September 26, 11:30am-12:30pm
  • September 27, 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-4:00pm 
  • Students will also be able to shop during their lunchtime September 24-25

Book Fair Location: Teacher’s Lounge, Downstairs at Westgate 

There’s even more info on our school’s Book Fair homepage: 

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/westgate2023 

While you’re there, set up a Book Fair eWallet, the digital payment account that allows your child to shop for books at the Fair without cash. Then share your eWallet link so friends and extended family can add funds. We will also be accepting cash, check (payable to Westgate), and debit/credit card. 

Many of us still remember the rush of finding the perfect book at a Scholastic Book Fair. We hope you’ll join your child at our school’s Fair and share a reading experience they’ll remember forever.  
 
PS: Need one more reason to visit the Book Fair? Every purchase at the Fair benefits our school! 

 Specials: Our Special is Art.  If you would like to subscribe to her Edlio page, click here. 

  • Extra Clothes: Due to a stomach bug going around we are asking that you put some extra clothes in your student’s bag for the time being. We will take the necessary steps to help your child while they are here and we appreciate your support with this matter. 

Advocacy Theme for September is Self Awareness

Students will practice managing their emotions learn how to use their strengths to overcome challenges.  They will learn how to name the things that make them unique, and how those character traits will help them succeed in their person and academic endeavors.

Koenig's Advocacy Updates 9/16 - 9/20

Dates and Announcements:

 

Wednesday, Sept. 18

Student Count Day

Wednesday, Sept. 18

Qdoba Spirit Night

Thursday, Sept. 19

1st and 2nd Grade Parent Engagement Night

Monday, Sept. 23 – Friday, Sept. 27

Scholastic Book Fair

Thursday, Sept. 26

Half Day of School

Dismissal starts at 11:30 AM

Thursday, Sept. 26

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences

Friday, Sept. 27

NO SCHOOL

Friday, Sept. 27

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

In-Person Parent-Teacher Conferences

 

Reminders:

 

  • Specials: Our Special is Music.

 

  • 1st and 2nd Grade Parent Engagement Night
    • No students, please. 
    • Parents and Guardians of 1st and 2nd grade students only.
    • This is an opportunity for you to connect with and get to know other Parents & Guardians.
    • Come for merriment and connections!

 

  • Extra Clothes: Due to a stomach bug going around we are asking that you put some extra clothes in your student’s bag for the time being. We will take the necessary steps to help your child while they are here and we appreciate your support with this matter.

Koenig's Advocacy updates 9/3-9/6

Important Dates:

Tuesday, September 2nd                     Lunch orders due for next week

Friday, September 6th                         Individual Picture Day

Monday, September 9th                       3-4 Parent Engagement Night

Tuesday, September 10th                    Skate City Spirit Night

 

Lunch Ordering:

Don't forget that lunch orders for the week of September 9th closes at 9:00 PM on September 2nd.

Lunch Program Ordering

  1. 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.
  2. Click on the links below to place an order for that week. Submit a separate order for each student.
  3. Ordering closes at 9:00 PM on Monday for the following week.

    Week of September 9 - ordering closes at 9:00 p.m. on September 2
    Week of September 16 - ordering closes at 9:00 p.m. on September 9
    Week of September 23 - ordering closes at 9:00 p.m. on September 16

    Week of September 30 - No School - Fall Break!
    Week of October 7 - No School - Fall Break!

Individual Picture Day is this Friday.  Picture order forms went home in Friday folders a couple of weeks ago.  To place orders online follow this link.

If you use the paper form be sure your student returns it on the day of photos, September 6th or before.

You can order online using your student’s ID or the Picture Day ID EVY8D4T79. There will also be a QR code included for your convenience. 

Lifetouch partners with Shutterfly, so you can easily manage your photos if you have an account or create one. You will be notified within 3-4 weeks when the images are ready to view, download, and share.

Advocacy Theme for September is Self Awareness

Students will practice managing their emotions learn how to use their strengths to overcome challenges.  They will learn how to name the things that make them unique, and how those character traits will help them succeed in their person and academic endeavors.

 

Koenig's Updates 8/26 - 8/30

Advocacy Update  

Important Dates: 

Spirit Week is this week August 26th - 30th 

Monday - Team Day

Tuesday - Class color Day

Wednesday - Wacky Wednesday

Thursday - Crazy Hair or Hat Day

Friday - Pajama Day

Friday, August 30th Early Release at 11:30 AM 

Monday, September 2nd No School/Labor Day 

 

Welcome to my class!

Hello parents,
 
My name is Mrs. Koenig and I am your child’s Advocacy Teacher/ Advocate. Advocacy is more than just Homeroom. Advocacy classes are first and foremost a time for students to build supportive relationships with their peers and with an adult they can trust, as well as learn about social and emotional health. It is a time for everyone to feel recognized and welcomed into the classroom and school community.
 

This month, our August Advocacy theme is RISE!  

At Westgate, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a part of our Whole Child Education program. PBIS is a system in which students, staff and the community create a set of school-wide behavioral expectations/core values, we teach those expectations in all our various environments, and then we CELEBRATE when we see students doing those things! At Westgate, we RISE (Respect, Integrity, Safety, Empathy).  

Week 1 

R 

 

What does RESPECT mean? 

Being kind to people, property, and yourself. Being considerate of our community.  

Week 2 

I 

 

What does INTEGRITY mean? 

Telling the truth and doing the right thing even when nobody is looking. 

Week 3   

S 

 

What does it mean to be SAFE at school? 

Act in ways that won’t harm yourself or others. 

Week 4 

E 

 

What is EMPATHY? 

Understanding and caring about the feelings of others. 

 

We will be teaching students what these 4 words mean—focusing on a different part of RISE each week—and what it looks like to live these values out during school and at home. We will use RISE all year to celebrate positive behaviors.  

I am excited for the school year and am looking forward to working with you and your child to help them grow!