|
Dear Westgate Families,
I know this has been another historical week in our country's history. As mentioned in the FCPS communication regarding the verdict in the Derek Chauvin murder trial, we realize that many of our staff and students are experiencing a range of emotions. Know that our staff is equipped with resources regarding processing current social justice events in their classrooms. We will continue to provide students and staff a safe place to reflect, learn and grow from these events.
In addition, this week also marked the first time we had all of our in-person students back in the building four days a week. It has almost felt "normal" as we have welcomed more conversations, laughter, and collaboration within our classrooms. Students are doing a tremendous job supporting one another and transitioning to true concurrent instruction. Our virtual students continue to thrive and are eager and willing participants to class discussions and activities. We learned very quickly that our students remain resilient, flexible, and positive during all the changes they have experienced. As always, a continued thank you goes out to our amazing teachers for planning such robust and diverse lessons to meet the needs of all of their students.
We have much more learning in store for our students as we finish out the school year and we are excited to see their continued growth. Be on the lookout for the end of year ceremony details (see below) and important dates as we sprint into June. Thank you for making this transition back to four days a week a smooth and supportive one for our students.
All my best,
Hallie Demetriades
Principal
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 3rd - 7th!
The first week of May is nationally recognized as Teacher Appreciation Week, and the PTA has three fun ways students can say thank you. Our educators proactively and safely met the challenges of the 2020/21 academic year—and for that we are tremendously grateful. Between May 3-7, please encourage your child to show teacher appreciation by:
- Keeping cameras on all week during class so our teachers can see the entire class — easy!
- Submitting a thank you message via flipgrid. Your student will know what to do with this link: https://flipgrid.com/65b2dabe
- For a message to a specific teacher, remember to include her/his/their name in the description box when submitting the videoMailing a student-made letter, card, or picture to the school by April 28 to Westgate: Westgate Elementary School, 7500 Magarity Rd. Falls Church, VA 22043
- Or, email teacher appreciation ecards between May 3-5 directly to your child’s teachers! Students can pick from a number of free options:
E-cards
Greetings Island
Hallmark
Let's make our teachers feel loved and appreciated!!
|
Westgate Walk/Bike to School Day - May 5, 2021
Westgate Walk/Bike to School is Wednesday, May 5th, 2021. Instead of driving or taking the bus to school that day, lets try walking or biking to school that morning!
Walk and Bike to School Day connects with many issues that communities care about, like creating safer and more walkable routes to school; building a sense of community or school spirit; and inspiring families to use their feet for the school commute more often. These events are an easy way for students and families to try walking and bicycling to school, getting good exercise and having FUN. Also, they might be surprised at how little time it takes and how much everyone really enjoys it.
Hope to see you Walking or Biking to School on May 5th, 2021!!!
Cheers,
Coach H. and Mr. Bishop
|
Student Intention Form for 2021-22 School Year
To help us plan for next school year, please complete this Student Intention Form here by May 15 if your child will NOT be returning to Westgate for the 2021-22 school year. If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Green, our registrar, at TMGreen@fcps.edu.
SOL Schedule - Grades 3 - 6
Please see below for the most updated SOL schedule for students in Grades 3-6. You should have received an email from Westgate regarding SOL testing regardless if your child is currently receiving in-person or virtual instruction. If you have any questions concerning SOL testing you may reach out to our Assistant Principal, Mr. Cooper @ egcooper@fcps.edu.
End of Year (EOY) Celebration Ceremonies
To celebrate our students as we finish out this most unique school year, we will continue the tradition of our EOY classroom ceremonies. All ceremonies for Grades 1 - 5 will be virtual and both in-person and virtual students and parents will be able to participate in the event. You will receive a link from your child's classroom teacher closer to the date so you may virtually join the event. Our 6th grade students will have a streamed in-person ceremony (students only) and specific details surrounding that will be sent directly from your child's classroom teacher. We hope that many of you will be able to take part in these celebrations!
Friday, June 4 - PreK @ 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, June 10
9:15 a.m. - 5th Grade
10:15 a.m. - Kindergarten
11:15 a.m. - 2nd Grade
12:30 p.m. - 3rd Grade
2:00 p.m. - 1st Grade
2:45 p.m. - 4th Grade
Friday, June 11 - 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony @ 10:00 a.m. (More details to come)
|
Westgate Yearbooks
Even through this unique school year, we are excited to again be offering a Westgate Yearbook! This year’s yearbook is $15 and order forms will be going home in the next few weeks. We will also place it for order on Myschoolbucks by April 15. If you pay through Myschoolbucks no order form is necessary.
In addition, Westgate will be doing a special 6th grade section of the yearbook again this year. It will include baby and family photos. If you have a 6th grade student and wish to include your child’s photos, please email them to westgateyearbook@fcps.edu or send them to school in an envelope with your child’s name and teacher. They will be scanned and returned.
Due to current pandemic circumstances, yearbooks will not be finished prior to the end of the school year. However, you will still be able to purchase them in advance and can pick them up when they are delivered this summer. We are excited to be able to provide this opportunity for students again this school year.
|
Amazon Smile - Support our School!
Looking for an easy way to support Westgate? We have an AmazonSmile account! Every time you shop at Amazon and select the Westgate PTA as your designated charity, and .5% of your purchase will be donated to Westgate. You can click here (https://smile.amazon.com/ch/54-1561076) to get started! Just remember, to shop at smile.amazon.com instead of the regular Amazon page each time you make a purchase! Supporting Westgate couldn't be easier!
|
FCPS Technology/Support for Families
Parent Technology Help Desk
FCPS has launched a toll-free Parent Technology Help Desk to assist families with technology issues. The number is 1-833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS). It will be answered 7 a.m.-11 p.m., seven days a week. Parents who need help in a language other than English should let help desk staff know, and an interpreter will join them on the line. (FCPS has Parent Information Phone Lines available in eight languages to assist with general questions about FCPS.)
FCPS has also created an online portal for older students and parents/guardians to request technology help.
|
|
