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Good Afternoon Westgate Families,
Wow! What a fantastic first few days of school! It has been such a pleasure having our students and staff back in our classrooms this week. Class communities are busy building relationships, reviewing routines and expectations, and exploring new curriculum. The halls are buzzing with excitement of all that is in store for the year ahead. Parents, thank you for all you have done this summer to make them ready for learning this week.
We also hope that many of you are able to make it to our PTA Picnic on the Playground tonight, August 25, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
As a reminder, please make sure you are filling out and returning anything in your student's first day folder, specifically the Emergency Care Card, as soon as possible.
Lastly, if you are utilizing the Kiss and Ride line in the morning, please do not let your child out of your vehicle until you see an adult present. Students should remain in the vehicle until the first bell rings at 8:40 a.m. Students are not allowed to be let out unattended prior to this time. Thank you for adhering to this very important safety measure.
As always, thank you for your continued support of all things Westgate and we look forward to partnering with you for a great year ahead!
All my best,
Hallie Demetriades
Principal
Picnic on the Playground - Today, August 25!
Today, Thursday, August 25, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., all Westgate families are invited to the PTA's welcome back event- Picnic on the Playground. Reconnect with old friends and meet some new ones! Bring a blanket to sit on and a picnic dinner for your family. We will be selling snowballs and drinks at the event for modest prices so bring cash. We look forward to seeing many of our Westgate families later today!
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Westgate Spirit Wear - On Sale!
Westgate Spirit Wear is on sale now through September 16. Show off your school pride and be ready for upcoming spirit days. Also, consider shopping ahead for holiday gifts. There are a variety of colors to choose from to let your spirit shine. Youth and adult sizes are available.
Order here by Sept 16. Spirit wear purchases will be distributed at school to bring home. Your order will arrive in mid-October. We can't wait to see our students rocking their Westgate pride!
Direct link to purchase:
http://www.awabylisa.com/westgate-elementary-spirit-wear.html
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Families – we still need your consent for digital resources!
Before your student’s teacher can start using certain technology tools (found here) in the classroom, we need your consent. Here is a link to the form where the enrolling parent or guardian will need to indicate whether or not their student is allowed to use the list of digital resources this year. Please complete this form by August 31st. If you have any questions, you can reach out to Ally Gilmore, our School Based Technology Specialist @ aagilmore@fcps.edu. Thank you!
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Attention 4th, 5th and 6th Graders!
JOIN BAND OR STRINGS AND CHORUS AT WESTGATE! Sign-ups are happening now. 4th graders can choose to be in strings. 5th and 6th graders can choose to be in either band or strings. 5th and 6th graders can also choose to be in chorus in addition to band or strings.
Please click the link below and fill out the google form. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Erickson for band at pgerickson@fcps.edu, Mrs. Howell for strings at khhowell@fcps.edu, or Mrs. Schubert for chorus at vjschubert@fcps.edu.
English - https://forms.gle/xNFUs17LpricnqVDA
Spanish - https://forms.gle/Ln8f7f8vRbSYPb2q6
We hope to see you in band or strings this year!!!
Superintendent Community Conversations - Marshall Pyramid - September 22
Please save the date for a very special event! Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS superintendent, will host a Community Conversation at Marshall High School from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This event will be a unique opportunity to help Dr. Reid get to know our school community and learn more about her vision for our district.
Language interpretation will be provided, as available, as well as child care and light refreshments. Please register here to attend.
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PTA After School Coordinator - Needed for 22-23
Last year more than 100 families participated in PTA afterschool programs. That represents approximately 20% of our student population. These programs are beloved by the community and without parent participation, we will not be able to offer them in the fall.
The Westgate PTA is seeking an interested parent to lead the After School Program for this school year. Responsibilities include working with teachers to create programming, promoting and overseeing sign ups, and ensuring teachers and families are connected throughout the classes. If you are interested in this opportunity please contact the PTA at president@westgatewolvespta.com
Monitor Positions 2022-23 School Year
Westgate is seeking candidates to serve as student monitors for the coming school year. If interested, please follow the application process below. Please share this opportunity with others that may be interested. We are interviewing until all positions are filled.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- provide supervision of students throughout the school day to include but not limited to the classroom, hallways, lunch, recess, specials and at arrival/dismissal
- help maintain order and assist in managing the behavior of students
- operate technology
- perform administrative and non-instructional duties
- ensures all layered prevention/safety protocols and procedures are implemented and followed
- work with students individually and in small groups
QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school. Must be comfortable managing student behaviors in large and small groups, ensuring all layered prevention/safety protocols and procedures are implemented and followed; and has general familiarity/skills with basic office technology in support of teachers, students, and the classroom.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Pay: $16.34/hour (no benefits) Hours: 8:10-3:40, 7 hour paid day with a 30 minute unpaid lunch
TO APPLY:
Email your resume and contact information for your two most recent supervisors to Hallie Demetriades at hcdemetriade@fcps.edu and Summer Manos at ssmanos@fcps.edu.
Safeway Spirit Campaign @ Anderson Rd. Store
This August, as we prepare to go back to school, Westgate Elementary School is participating in Safeway Foundation’s 6th Annual School Spirit fundraising campaign.
Safeway Foundation and our local Safeway store at 1688 Anderson Rd., McLean, VA will be collecting monetary donations on behalf of Westgate Elementary School. All funds raised at the store will be donated to our school to help us with supplies and/or projects. Make sure you name "Westgate ES" when you are checking out.
We hope you will join us by showing your school spirit and donating at our local Safeway store!
Immunizations for 2022-23 School Year
As we begin to look ahead to the 2022-23 school year, I encourage everyone to Be Wise, Immunize! Immunizations are required for public school entry and help keep children protected from many diseases. Many children missed their well check-ups and their recommended childhood immunizations during recent years of disruptions from COVID-19. It is critical to catch up now to keep children healthy and protect them from serious diseases.
I encourage you to check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2022-23 school year as soon as possible. If your child needs a vaccine to complete their records, you can make an appointment with your healthcare provider or visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a schedule of child immunization clinics.
Remember to request documentation of your child’s immunizations and bring that to Westgate as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact us at 703-610-5700.
Plan to Submit Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications This Summer
Families must submit an application and be approved to be eligible for free and reduced-price meals for the 2022-23 school year.
Interested families are encouraged to submit the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application ten days prior to the first day of the 2022-23 school year. The online application will be available and accessible via the FCPS homepage.
Students approved for Free and Reduced-Price Meals may qualify for additional benefits such as waived or reduced fees for instruments, uniforms, field trips, FCPS class fees, and Parktakes classes. Schools also benefit from funding opportunities based on Free and Reduced Price Meal application numbers.
Watch your email and our website for more information. Learn more about the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program online. If you have questions or need assistance with the Free and Reduced-Price Meals application, please contact Westgate's main office at 703-610-5700.
Boy Scout Recruitment
Calling all boys and girls rising kindergarten through 5th grade! Cub Scout Pack 1127 of McLean is open for 2022-2023 registration, and WE WANT YOU!
If your kids are interested in hiking, camping, cooking, woodworking, forensics, games, and/or music, then they are probably interested in Scouting! It’s a fantastic way for your children to learn life skills and appreciate the outdoors, all while building self-esteem, confidence, and comradery with their age group. Cub Scouting helps support your family by providing fun and meaningful ready-made opportunities for you.
We have two upcoming events for you to come out and meet our Pack!
1) Thursday, September 8, 7:30-8:30pm, Parent Information Night, by Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83368914516?pwd=K29vejJpWjViNEtONGhrWG9JYWFyQT09 | Meeting ID: 833 6891 4516| Passcode: 1127Rocks) –For Parents only - Come learn all you’ll ever want to know about Scouting and Pack 1127!
2) Thursday, September 15, 7-8pm, Pack Campfire (grounds of Trinity United Methodist Church, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd, McLean) –You will get to meet our Scouts and Leaders, learn about Scouting, and have some fun at a campfire!
If you have any questions about Scouting or Pack 1127 or you’d like more info about registration before the 9/8 information session, complete the Google form HERE, and we’ll reach out to you! Or you can contact Ellie Pelaez at elliepelaez@gmail.com.
See you soon!
Paperless Opt-Outs Available
As a part of our ongoing efforts to streamline paper processes, parents can now select a number of opt-out’s electronically via ParentVUE. Once you have signed into your ParentVUE account, simply select the “Student Info” tab and click on “Edit Information.” You will find opt-out’s listed there. Parents that do not yet have a ParentVUE account will still be able to use paper forms for notification. If you need to set up your ParentVUE account, you can create one online via the FCPS ParentVUE Registration page.
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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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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