September 2024
GENERAL CALENDAR: SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2024 |
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| DATE | DAY | EVENT | TIME |
| SEPT 6 | FRI | Individual Picture Day | ALL DAY |
| SEPT 10 | TUE | Skate City Spirit Night | 5:00 - 7:00 PM |
| SEPT 16 | MON | Events Committee Meeting | 2:00 - 3:30 PM |
| SEPT 17 | TUE | Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual) | 6:00 - 8:30 PM |
| SEPT 18 | WED | STUDENT COUNT DAY | ALL DAY |
| SEPT 18 | WED | Qdoba Spirit Night | 4:00 -8:30 PM |
| SEPT 20 | FRI | Friday Community Connect (virtual) | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| SEPT 23 - 27 | ALL WEEK | Scholastic Book Fair | ALL WEEK |
| SEPT 24 | TUE | Board of Directors Special Meeting (in-person/virtual) | 6:00 - 8:30 PM |
| SEPT 26 | THU | Q1 Conferences (virtual) - HALF DAY | 8:00 - 11:30 AM |
| SEPT 27 | FRI | Q1 Conferences (in person) - NO SCHOOL | ALL DAY |
| SEPT 30 | MON | FALL BREAK BEGINS - No School | |
| OCT 14 | MON | FALL BREAK ENDS - Back to School Q2 | 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM |
| OCT 15 | TUE | Board of Directors Meeting (in person/virtual) | 6:00 - 8:30 PM |
| OCT 17 | THU | Next Newsletter | |
| OCT 18 | FRI | Rockin' Run Fun Run | 8:30 - 11:00 AM |
| OCT 18 | FRI | Kids Night Out | 7:00 - 10:30 PM |
| OCT 19 | SAT | Northglenn Trunk or Treat | 4:00 - 7:00 PM |
PICTURE DAY TOMORROW!!
Don't forget - individual photos will be taken tomorrow, Friday, September 6th!
The packet sent home provides you the opportunity to order photo packages and backgrounds through mylifetouch.com. If you use the paper form, be sure your student returns it on the day of photos!
You can order online using your student’s ID or the Picture Day ID EVY8D4T79.
Find the QR code on our NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT.
Lifetouch partners with Shutterfly, so if you have an account or create one, you can easily manage your photos. You will be notified within 3-4 weeks when the images are ready to view, download, and share.
Thank you for your cooperation in making this a memorable Picture Day!
CAR LINE & TRANSPORTATION
ALL students MUST go through car line for drop off and pick up.
This is for the safety of students to be dropped off near the entrance where they have supervision and safe crossing areas. No one should use the back parking lot or the staff parking lot as this creates unsafe situations for students and in car line. Unless there are extenuating circumstances where you have a meeting or there is an event where you can skip the carline and park, you should be using the car line. Please plan accordingly to ensure your student makes it to school on time.
With permission, students may be dropped off at an off-campus location and walk to school. Reversely they can walk to that designated off-campus location to be picked up. This can make it easier for you and you can avoid the carline. Provide an email to [email protected] to provide permission for your student to walk off campus.
See our Transportation Page for more information
NEW OPTION: HopSkip Drive
HopSkipDrive enables opportunity for all through mobility. They are a safe, reliable youth transportation solution for schools, districts and families to use to get kids where they need to go.
To schedule a ride: download the app or schedule online through: HopSkipDrive.
To schedule a ride: download the app or schedule online through: HopSkipDrive.
**PLEASE NOTE - PICK UP IS BETWEEN 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
It is critical that parents/guardians are consistently on time for dismissal. Our procedures are outlined in page 12 of the Student/Community Handbook. If a student is not picked up by 4:00 PM (end of car line) and is not participating in the after-school program, the school will take the following actions:
Middle School and High School Students will be asked to leave campus at 4:00. Please set up a meeting place with your child.
Elementary School Students:
Elementary School Students:
- First time – a written reminder, call from school administration, and a $15 drop-in fee charge per child.
- Second time – a written reminder and a mandatory meeting with the Assistant Principal and a $30 drop-in fee charge per child.
- All subsequent offenses – a mandatory meeting with the K-12 Principal and/or school
administrators, and a $45 drop-in fee charge per child. - If students are not picked up by 4:15 pm then the School may notify Human Services or law
enforcement that the child has been abandoned.
Timely pick-up of students is critical so that our already hard-working and highly dedicated teachers and staff members do not have to stay after their normal working hours. Please make arrangements for your students to be picked up if you cannot make it by the 4PM deadline.
Ride Options: Flex Ride, SchoolPool, HopSkipDrive, are all available to help your student get to and from school.
After School Activities: After-school care with Champions, or enrollment in quarterly clubs extend the time that your student can be at the school if you need a later pick up time. These are the only options for students to stay at the school after 4:00 PM.
SEPTEMBER ADVOCACY FOCUS: Self Awareness
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.
Important Date: Student Count Day on September 18!
We wanted to remind you about an important upcoming date: Student Count Day on September 18. This day is crucial for all public schools in Colorado, including ours, as it helps determine the funding we receive from the state.
Here’s a quick overview of what this means:
What is Student Count Day?
Every year, schools across Colorado participate in the Student Count. This is a one-day event where we report the number of students enrolled and attending classes. The data collected is essential for determining our school’s funding. Typically, this happens in October, but since Westgate is on break during the district count day, ours has been scheduled on September 18.
Here’s a quick overview of what this means:
What is Student Count Day?
Every year, schools across Colorado participate in the Student Count. This is a one-day event where we report the number of students enrolled and attending classes. The data collected is essential for determining our school’s funding. Typically, this happens in October, but since Westgate is on break during the district count day, ours has been scheduled on September 18.
Why is it important?
The information we gather on this day helps ensure we receive the appropriate funding to support our students’ education. It’s based on state requirements and helps us plan for the year ahead.
The information we gather on this day helps ensure we receive the appropriate funding to support our students’ education. It’s based on state requirements and helps us plan for the year ahead.
How does it work?
On September 18, we’ll count all students who are actively enrolled and attending classes. This data is then submitted to the Colorado Department of Education.
On September 18, we’ll count all students who are actively enrolled and attending classes. This data is then submitted to the Colorado Department of Education.
Your child’s attendance on this day is very important, so please make sure they are present unless they are ill. We ask that you try not to make appointments on this day to ensure your student's attendance. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.
PARENT/GUARDIAN ENGAGEMENT NIGHTS
As you may have already heard, we are working on something a bit different in lieu of a curriculum night. We wanted to provide you with the opportunity to get to know the other families of Westgate, talk with administrators, and get a better understanding of what is going on throughout the year. Upcoming Engagement nights include:
- September 9: 3rd & 4th Grade: RSVP to Attend
- September 11: 7th & 8th Grade: RSVP to Attend
- September 12: Kindergarten: RSVP to Attend
- September 18: 5th & 6th Grade: RSVP to Attend
- September 19: 1st & 2nd Grade: RSVP to Attend
Each event will provide a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents in your child’s grade group, participate in enjoyable activities, and discuss any questions or concerns with our school staff. Please note that these events are for adults only, and we will not be providing childcare.
To help us plan accordingly, we kindly ask that you register to attend using the RSVP links provided above for each respective date. Your response will ensure we can accommodate everyone comfortably and make the evening enjoyable for all.
We look forward to seeing you there and sharing in some fun and merriment!
SCHOOL & CLASSROOM INFO
Blueprint Information Now Available
Westgate is part of the Blueprint Proposal being put forth by the Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board of Education. For more specifics about the Blueprint proposal as a whole, please visit the Adams 12 Five Star Schools Interactive Blueprint website.
Westgate Community School is a part of the bond and mill levy efforts. See the details outlining our plans on our Blueprint page.
Westgate Community School is a part of the bond and mill levy efforts. See the details outlining our plans on our Blueprint page.
Friday Community Connect - September 20
This month's Friday Community Connect will talk about the Blueprint bond and mill levy efforts, our status as a performance school, and some great upcoming events in September and October. Be sure to join live if you can!
7/8 Families:
There's still time to enroll for the Washington DC trip in March! To enroll go online to: www.Explorica.com/Dewar-3772
5/6 Families:
Make sure you register for Outdoor Education by the end of this month! Outdoor Ed: Please Make sure you complete all of the following by September 30th to participate:
- IDRAHAJE Online Enrollment Form HERE!
- Go to the red “Group Participants” button, then the “Register/Login” button
- Westgate Digital Permission Slip HERE!!
- This is where you can designate if you would like to volunteer.
- Mrs. Dewar will email volunteers separately. If you do not have a confirmation email from her then you are not cleared to join the trip.
- Completed Medication forms returned to Westgate (if applicable) found on the school website Here!
- Pay $220/student fee: drop cash or check off in the school lobby or pay online in the payment portal - found HERE!
EVENTS to NOTE
EVENTS NEWSLETTER
Check out the Event Committee's HAPPENINGS HUB! The latest Events newsletter available monthly that highlights upcoming events and fundraisers that the Event Committee sponsors.
ORIGINAL WORKS
Original Works transforms each child’s artwork onto individual, quality products that can be shared with family and friends. Your children will be working with our art teacher, Miss H, and their Advocacy teacher in September to create their own artwork, which can then be turned into one-of-a-kind keepsakes and fantastic gifts for grandparents and relatives. The students will finish creating their masterpieces prior to Fall Break and order forms will be available in October, with orders being delivered in time for the holidays.
ROCKIN' RUN FUN RUN - Friday, October 18
The Westgate Rockin' Run Fun Run will be supporting the Music Department this year!
We are looking forward to a great event. The event will be that morning, and we are working now on official times for each class to make their run. Please stay tuned and keep an eye out for emails and news notifications with more details later this month!
Take Note: This event will happen the Friday after we return from Break!
**New this year- Parents will be invited to watch their kids run.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
New this year: Shop before or after parent/teacher conferences! Stay tuned for more information coming through the app and emails!
- Monday, Sept 23: Class previews (no shopping during these times – teachers/students get to check out what’s available & make their wish lists) 9-11am & 1-3pm. Shopping hours: 3:30-5pm
- Tuesday, Sept 24: Shopping hours: 11am-1pm and 3:30-5pm
- Wednesday, Sept 25: Shopping hours: 11am-1pm and 3:30-5:30pm
- Thursday, Sept 26 (half day of school): Shopping hours: 11am-12:30pm
- Friday, Sept 27 (no school – in person conferences): Shopping hours: 8am-12pm and 1-4pm
WESGATE WILD HALL OF FAME - Andi Rosenblatt
Let’s get to know our 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year nominee
Andi Rosenblatt is a 3rd and 4th grade teacher here at Westgate who was nominated to be the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year by a member of our community through the Colorado Department of Education. This nomination is, “our state's oldest and most prestigious honors program which recognizes the contributions of the classroom teacher”. It highlights a dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled educator who is respected by colleagues, excels in their field, fosters a culture of respect and success, connects with the community, and demonstrates leadership and innovation. When asked how she felt about this nomination, Ms. Rosenblatt said that she was originally at a loss for words, which does not happen often.
"It means the world to me! It is a great honor to be recognized for something I love so much alongside so many amazing teachers," stated Rosenblatt, "This nomination is a reflection of how strong the community is at Westgate."
Refelecting on her successes and shortcomings as a teacher early on in her career, she said that each year she learns something new about herself, teaching, and children. She knows she will continue to learn so much more throughout her life. One thing she would tell herself as a first-year teacher is that taking time to build trusting and thoughtful relationships with students matters more than anything else. Without a strong foundation of support and structure in the classroom, learning cannot happen successfully.
Having graduated from Dickinson College with a B.A. in Psychology, a minor in Educational Studies, and a Health Studies Certificate, Ms. Rosenblatt decided to follow in the footsteps of four of her relatives by pursuing teaching. Following college, she received her teaching certification in a culturally responsive teaching program through the Public Education Business Coalition (PEBC). While in this program, Ms. Rosenblatt was an assistant teacher in a 3rd grade classroom at an elementary school in the Cherry Creek School District. She started working in the 3/4 POD at Westgate at the start of the 2021 school year and continues her learning through different workshops run by PEBC.
In her free time, Ms. Rosenblatt loves to walk her dog Ollie, cuddle with her cat Otis, and be outside as much as possible. She plays soccer, tennis, and pickleball, and enjoys trying new restaurants around Denver. Every summer, Ms. Rosenblatt travels home to the East Coast to visit her family and friends (and to go to the ocean). Her favorite books growing up were anything written by Margaret Peterson Haddix, The Mysterious Benedict Society, and The Phantom Tollbooth. Her favorite comfort movie is Freaky Friday.
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Have you joined the parent Facebook group?
Find on Westgate Community School Parents' 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.