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Dear Westgate Families,
I hope this finds you well and having a wonderful week.
It was so exciting to see everyone last Friday at our annual Fall Festival. It has been so long since our community was able to come together in that capacity, and we loved seeing all of our students and families. Thank you to our amazing PTA who planned this fun event, as well as, our parent and student volunteers who made it possible. The games, food, and movie were a huge hit for all that attended.
If you entered into the raffle, winning raffle numbers can be found here. I know our teachers are excited to celebrate these winners in a variety of fun activities in the weeks to come.
As always, thank you for your support of all things Westgate and wishing you a safe and healthy weekend ahead!
All my best,
Hallie Demetriades
Principal
PTA After School Enrichment Programs - Registration Ends 10/18
Our PTA is offering a number of after school programs right here at Westgate. Classes include Volleyball, Fitness Fanatics, Poetry & Art, and Chess. Classes begin the last week of October and run for 10 weeks. Space is limited so sign up today here. Registration is due no later than October 18th. We hope that many of our students can participate in these exciting after school activities.
K - 8 Science Basal Instructional Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is soliciting public review and comment on basal instructional resources under consideration for K - 8 Science. A basal resource review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers will meet in November and December of 2021 to review and recommend new K - 8 Science instructional resources to the School Board. Citizens are encouraged to review materials under consideration and complete the online public comment form so that valuable community feedback may be shared with the School Board and committee as part of the review process.
K - 8 Science basal instructional materials may be accessed online October 14th through November 14th. Digital materials for public review and comment will be available at the following link https://www.fcps.edu/node/39027 beginning October 14th.
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FCPS is Hiring Substitute Teachers
FCPS is looking for kind and caring substitute teachers to ensure our students continue to thrive when teachers need to be out of the building. Substitute teaching is a great opportunity for stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, and anyone who wants a flexible work schedule. Subs save the day- apply today!
https://www.fcps.edu/careers/career-opportunities/substitute-teaching-opportunities
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Charleston Wrap Fundraiser
The PTA Charleston Wrap fundraiser started this week! The goal is to raise funds for our special events this year and to support our amazing teachers. Spread the word! If you haven’t done so already, register online, send 10 EMAIL or TEXT invitations to friends & family, and start sharing our fundraising link. School code: 12222
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Social Emotional Screener for students in grades 3-12
This month, FCPS will be screening all students (grades 3-12) to assess where they are socially and emotionally following their return to school 5 days in-person this fall.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. These skills are important for collaboration and perspective taking. They also help students manage their feelings, address challenges, and reach their goals.
Research shows that when schools embed SEL into the school day with fidelity it improves children’s lives, the culture of the school, and teacher well-being. Schools report increased academic success, enriched relationships between teachers and students, and decreases in disruptive behavior. When school staff are able to proactively identify and address the social and emotional needs of students they can actively promote these positive outcomes.
Results from the second interim study report compiled in spring 2021 as part of the FCPS Study of Teaching and Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic by the Office of Research and Strategic Improvement (ORSI) showed that students at all three school levels reported elevated stress levels this year compared to last year. FCPS wants to make sure we are identifying any issues early so that we can better support our students as they return to our buildings.
The screener collects information about students’ SEL skills, feelings, relationships, school environment, and well-being. Screener results are used with other information to support students academically and personally.
For more information please see the FCPS website.
Join the PTA Today!
Our PTA is amazing and we would love for you to join and be a part of this great community of Westgate families. Signing up is easy and help us reach our goal and sign up today! You can sign up here.
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!
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