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Ms. Rosenblatt, Advocacy, 3/4

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March Advocacy Update

March Advocacy Focus

In March, we are going to learn about MINDFULNESS. Our learning targets for this month focus on self-awareness, mindfulness basics, self-regulation, and managing emotions. Our goal is to develop the ability to notice how our bodies feel when experiencing emotions such as happiness, sadness, or frustration. Practicing deep breathing helps us feel calm, and using our five senses allows us to be more aware of our surroundings. Additionally, we will learn to manage our emotions effectively by using calm-down strategies when feeling upset, pausing to take a deep breath before reacting, and recognizing when we need a break and asking for one.

 

March Schedule:

March 6th: Quarter 3 Conferences (NO SCHOOL)

March 7th: Quarter 3 Conferences (NO SCHOOL)

March 10th: Quarter 4 starts

March 24th-April 4th: Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)

Kindness Week Information

Kindness Week is Monday, February 10th through Friday, February 14th. Here are a few things for you to know about: 

  • We do not exchange Valentine's 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.
  • Get your Kindness Day permission slip (virtually emailed to families) signed by Wednesday February 12th. Classes will be walking to different nearby businesses to deliver hand-made kindness cards to local businesses on Friday, February 14th. Our class will be going to InnovAge, which is a senior care center. We do not need any chaperones for these trips.  
  • Be prepared to go rain or shine on Friday, February 14th (half day) – bring a warm jacket, gloves, beanies, etc. If needed because we will be walking outside. 

NEW this year – Kindness Week Food Drive! Let’s spread some kindness by collecting non-perishable food items for A Precious Child. The details: 

  • Bring non-perishable food items to your advocacy class from Monday, February 10th – Friday, February 14th. 
  • Last year in November we collected 1,100 non-perishable food items! Help us reach our goal of 1,500 this year! 

Monday, February 10th: Spice it up Monday - Dried herbs and spices 

Tuesday, February 11th: Pasta Tuesday - Dried pasta in boxes 

Wednesday, February 12th: Veggie Wednesday - Canned vegetables 

Thursday, February 13th: Toiletry Thursday - Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels 

Friday, February 14th: Fruit-filled Friday - Canned fruits 

February Advocacy Update

February Advocacy Focus

In February, we continue our work with EMPATHY. This month is about looking at empathy in the form of caring for others. Kindness week fits in perfectly with this theme as we plan to be kind to others in different ways: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Quality Time, and Giving. 

We will be working on these skills in advocacy and throughout our academic classes:

  • Identify Emotions from Words
  • Recognize nonverbal cues
  • Identify Varied Perspectives
  • Communicate Understanding 
  • Develop Mutual Solutions 
  • Ask other how they feel 
  • Express your feelings directly  

Students will learn skills to communicate their feelings and needs to others, while also learning skills that allow them to listen and respond to the feelings and needs of others. Students will also practice receiving and providing feedback.   

January Advocacy Update

January Advocacy Focus
 
What is a Growth Mindset? A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and perseverance. It's about embracing challenges, learning from criticism, and understanding that effort is the path to mastery. Students will learn about:
  • Resilience 
  • Perseverance 
  • Adaptability 
  • Embracing Feedback 
Extending Growth Mindset to Personal Lives: It's essential to emphasize that the principles of a growth mindset extend beyond the classroom. Encourage your child to apply these concepts in their daily lives.
 
Goal Setting: Help your child set realistic goals and work with them to develop a plan to achieve those goals. Celebrate progress along the way, reinforcing the idea that improvement comes with effort. 
 
Positive Self-Talk: Encourage your child to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind them that their abilities are not fixed and that they can improve with dedication and hard work. 
 
Embracing Challenges: Teach your child to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Encourage them to approach new experiences with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

December Advocacy Update

December Advocacy Focus

This month, our focus is generosity. Students will define generosity as the act of making others feel positive without expecting anything in return. We will read the book "Give Back" by Gina Bellisario and talk about ways that we can give back to our communities (with or without spending money). Here are some key things to think about:

  • Students will discuss what makes a person generous.
  • Students will discuss the different types/acts of generosity they see in the world around them.
  • Students will reflect on times they received an act of generosity and when they have been generous themselves.
Fostering feelings of generosity helps them to appreciate what they have and recognize that others may not have similar things. This realization is important in a child’s development of empathy and a strong sense of community by encouraging them to share, consider others' needs, and experience positive feelings. 
 

Upcoming Field Trip:

4th grade will be taking its first field trip to the History Colorado Center on December 20th. Information and permission slips will be sent out in the next week.

November Schedule

Friday, November 8th: Half-day
Monday, November 11th: No School, Veteran's Day
Saturday, November 16th: Fall Bazaar
Monday, November 25th – 29th: No School, Thanksgiving Break

November Advocacy Update

November Advocacy Focus

This month, our focus is on gratitude. Students will be able to identify gratitude and people and things they are grateful for. In school, we will reflect on personal and academic growth and how to deepen student relationships. Here are some key things to think about:

  • 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! 

Trunk or Treat

 
 

Westgate 2024 Trunk or Treat

Westgate 2024 Trunk or Treat Westgate students, families, and friends are invited to dress up in costumes and visit decorated car trunks to receive goodies and to vote for their favorite trunk! This event will be Friday, October 25th 2024 from 5-7pm.  Sign up to decorate your trunk with a fun theme, or to assist with decorations, setup, cleanup. Candy/non-candy/monetary donations are also appreciated. Candy/non-candy donations can be given to Ms. Natalie at the front desk. Monetary donations can be given via cash/check in the dropbox in the vestibule or via the payment portal: Westgate Events | Westgate Community School (square.site). Please notate "Trunk or Treat donation". When selecting costumes and trunk decorations, please remember: no weapons, nothing overly scary, and no blood or gore! Young children will be present, and we want this to be a fun and inclusive event for everyone!  

www.signupgenius.com

The Rockin' Run Details

The Rockin' Run to support the Music Department will be held on the morning of October 18th. There is still time to get those sponsorships in. We want to help raise as much as we can for the Music Department!

Funds raised will go toward purchasing the following items to help students make beautiful music: 

  • Marimbas/xylophones, acoustic guitars, keyboards, music stands, etc. 

Fun Run Donation QR Code can be found here. Checks and cash can be dropped off in the vestibule mailbox or turned into the front desk. Checks should be made out to Westgate Community School with the student's name in the memo. Cash should be in an envelope with the student's name on it and sealed.K-8 students will receive a prize based on the amount of money they are able to raise.

ALL DONATIONS MUST BE IN BY OCTOBER 18th! 

Event Details:

  • Make sure your students bring their water bottles! 
  • Parents are invited to come and cheer! Please drop off your student in the car line. Then, if you decide to wait for the event, park in the designated areas. Parking is available on the side or back of the building and walk up 
    • Do not park in the front parking lot (this is where the run will take place)
  • Parents will be able to stand on the playground side of the fencing to cheer for their students.  
  • The event will be set up as soon as students are in the building and the car line is cleared

Run times are as follows:

5/6: 8:40 -9:00

3/4: 9:05 - 9:20 (this is our timeslot)

7/8: 9:25 - 9:50

K: 9:55 - 10:10

1/2: 10:15 - 10:30

October Advocacy Update

October Advocacy Focus: Using Your Voice & Bully Prevention
 
This month, our focus is on using our voices for bullying prevention. Everyone can share their voice to prevent bullying. Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or community member. Here are 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.
 

Scholastic Bookfair

Get ready—the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! This is a great opportunity to connect with your child over the thrill of bringing home new books to dive into again and again. Studies show that kids read more when they choose books for themselves. And fostering a love of independent reading leads to a wide variety of benefits—including academic success and improved mental health. 

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

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. 

September Advocacy Update

This month, our focus is on Self-Awareness, a key part of our advocacy efforts. Through various activities and lessons, your child will develop essential skills like recognizing their emotions, understanding their strengths and challenges, and learning how their actions impact themselves and others. These skills are crucial for their personal growth and success, both in and out of the classroom. We encourage you to engage in conversations at home about what they’re learning to reinforce these important concepts. 
 
The following topics will be covered throughout the month of September during advocacy classes--
  • Emotional Awareness: Recognizing and understanding their own emotions, which helps in managing reactions and building empathy for others.
  • Self-Reflection: Developing the habit of thinking about their actions, decisions, and behaviors, and how these affect themselves and others.
  • Strengths and Weaknesses Identification: Recognizing their strengths to build confidence and understanding areas for growth to set realistic goals.
  • Goal Setting: Learning to set personal and academic goals based on their self-assessment, and developing a plan to achieve them.
  • Self-Regulation: Developing the ability to manage impulses, stay focused, and persevere through challenges.
  • Personal Values Identification: Understanding what they value and how it influences their behavior and choices.

Westgate Spirit Week: 8/26-8/30

Monday, August 26th - Team Day - Wear your favorite sports team gear. Whether it’s a jersey, hat, or even socks, let’s see that team pride!
 
Tuesday, August 27th - Class Colors Day Each grade has its own color. Wear your specific class color T-shirt if you have one, or simply dress in the colors of their grade group. Let’s paint the school in a rainbow of class pride! The 3/4 Pod is green!
 
Wednesday, August 28th - Wacky Wednesday It’s time to get Westgate Wild! How crazy can you get? Wear something backward, inside out, or come up with your own wild and wacky look. The wackier, the better!
 
Thursday, August 29th - Crazy Hair or Hat Day Let your creativity shine with the wildest hats or craziest hairdos you can imagine. It’s a day to let your hair down—or up, or sideways!
 
Friday, August 30th - Pajama Day We’ll wrap up Spirit Week with a cozy half-day. Roll out of bed and come to class in pajamas.

Zero Waste Wednesday

Every Wednesday is “Zero Waste Wednesday” here at Westgate. What this means is that if students have a lunch that doesn’t use any waste AT ALL (i.e. nothing to throw away, like baggies, cans, plastic cups, lunch bags, etc.) then they will receive a stamp on their hand from the Zero Hero Team.

**students who have school lunch will qualify if they accurately sort their lunch into the appropriate bins – trash and recycling.

Why Focus on Lunches?

The goal is for families to start the conversation about alternatives to lunch waste, like glass or plastic lunch containers, reusable lunch bags and water bottles, and cloth napkins. Hopefully, this will instill changes that will go far beyond Wednesdays during lunch time at Westgate!