Westgate Weekly News


Good Afternoon Westgate Families,

I hope this finds you enjoying the beautiful weather this week!  It is hard to believe we are rounding out our 4th week of school.  We had our first PTA meeting of the year this past Tuesday and I appreciate all who volunteered their time and energy for upcoming events and committee chair positions.

Our annual Fall Fest and Movie Night is one month away and we couldn't be more excited for this fun community event.  This takes place on Friday, October 14 starting at 6:00 p.m.  Students are able to play games and participate in fall themed fun from 6:00 - 7:15 and the movie begins shortly thereafter.  This all happens behind Westgate on our fields.  There are plenty of ways to get involved either by volunteering, donating candy, or providing raffle items.  To make Fall Fest a reality we need a lot of parent support so we hope you are able to contribute in some way to this exciting evening for students and families. 

As always, thank you for your continued support of all things Westgate and I hope you have a great weekend ahead.

All my best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 


Westgate

Westgate Spirit Wear - Ends Today, Sept. 16!

Westgate Spirit Wear is on sale now through today, 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 TODAY. 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


Virtual AAP Screening & Identification Meeting - Wednesday, Sept. 28 @ 5:30 p.m. via Zoom 

Please join us on Wednesday, September 28 @ 5:30 p.m. for a meeting regarding the AAP Screening and Identification process for Full-Time AAP services.  This presentation will provide families with information about how current FCPS students are screened for Full-Time (also called Level IV) AAP services and will be led by Lyn Malvin, Educational Specialist for Gifted and Talented in FCPS.  You can join us via here here on September 28! 

Join Zoom Meeting Details:

https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/92851130506?pwd=ZWxRbW9oY0d1QUtFVndleGxJV1E0QT09

Meeting ID: 928 5113 0506

Passcode: wolves


CW

Charleston Wrap - Spread the Word!

Support our fundraiser by spreading the word with at least 10 friends & family! TEXT, email and share on social media using the handy tools available online! If you haven’t done so already, register today at www.registercw.com and start sharing our fundraising link now so we can reach our goal. Our fundraising goal is $3,000 and we need everyone’s help!  


Attention Westgate Parents - Fall Fest!

As part of our fun-filled Fall Fest, happening on Friday, October 14th, we will be having a raffle, which we hope to fill with many exciting prizes. The raffle committee is seeking donations for this very popular part of our community event. Does your employer have a box at a local sporting event? Maybe you have a personal connection to a local business that would be willing to donate a gift certificate or free service? 

Please contact fallfestival@westgatewolvespta.com if you are able to contribute to our Fall Fest raffle. All donations are greatly appreciated!


Fall Fest

SR&R Signature Sheet Due September 30

FCPS’ updated Student Rights & Responsibility booklet is available online and in the ParentVue section of the Student Information System (SIS). The SR&R booklet explains expectations for student behavior, and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. 

Each year, we ask parents to review, sign, and return the SR&R to their child’s school. In ParentVue, you may now download and digitally sign the SR&R. Every parent/caregiver with a ParentVUE account will see the SR&R upon login to ParentVUE until the SR&R acknowledgement has been completed.

Your name in the digital signature box must match the parent/caregiver’s first and last name in SIS exactly before the signature will be accepted.

Please take a moment to log into ParentVue in your child’s SIS account to access the SR&R. Signatures are due by September 30.Visit the SIS Parentvue Account Overview page for help logging in to your account. Please contact us at 703-610-5700 if you are having difficulty accessing the booklet.


Tutor.com is Live!

FCPS students continue to have unlimited access to live, 24/7, 1-to-1, online tutoring services through Tutor.com at no cost to families during the 22-23 SY. Student participation is optional and parents/guardians can opt their student(s) out of accessing the services. Detailed information and FAQs are available on the Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services website.

Students can access Tutor.com via a link in Schoology. Additional information about how to log in and access a tutor is provided to families via the following: Elementary - How It Works and Middle & High - How It Works. Questions not answered in the posted resources may be sent to onlinetutoring@fcps.edu.


heritage

Sept. 15- Oct. 15 National Hispanic Heritage Month 

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of the members of our community whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.


attendance

Importance of Strong Attendance Habits

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include: 

  • Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
  • Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
  • If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
  • Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
  • When possible, avoid medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.

Visit our website for more attendance resources. Attend today, achieve tomorrow! 


room parent

Searching for PTA Room Parents!

The PTA is still looking for a Room Parent to represent each class. The role of the Room Parent is to communicate PTA events and happenings to the other families in the classroom. About 50% of our classrooms have volunteers, but we have many classrooms still in need! If your child’s classroom teacher is still advertising the role, please consider this light volunteer opportunity and reach out to them.  We appreciate your help in advance! 


Dr. Reid

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 7:00-8:00 p.m.  *Please note this is a recent time change* 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. 


tip line

Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security has a safety tip line that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or ombudsman@fcps.edu.


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. 


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.


Sub

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 


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

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!