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Good Afternoon Westgate Families,
Happy last day of school! It is hard to believe that we have finally made it to the finish line. It has been a wonderful year full of learning, growth, relationships, and cherished memories. Thank you to each and every one of you who has been a part of your student's educational journey this year.
We wish all of our sixth graders and our families that are leaving Westgate the very best as they embark onto new journeys next school year. We also look forward to welcoming our returning students back in August. We will be in touch throughout the summer with upcoming events, important dates, and friendly reminders.
As always, I feel so fortunate to be a part of such a compassionate, positive, and caring school community that partners collaboratively for our students. I wish you nothing but a happy and healthy summer break, and I look forward to another successful school year ahead come August.
All my best,
Hallie Demetriades
Principal
Meet Westie & Our New Logo
As many of you may have heard, seen, or even met, Westie the Wolf made several appearances this week! Westie joined students at all of our end of year celebrations, kiss and ride, bus arrival, and so much more! Westie has already become a beloved member of our Westgate family and we are so excited for all things Westie in the year ahead! In addition, we have updated our Westgate logo to showcase this new addition. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter @WestgateElem to see Westie and all our Westgate students in action during the upcoming school year!
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Summer Reading Adventures
Encourage your students to keep reading all summer long! Summer Reading Adventures will help students set and reach reading goals this summer.
Questions? Email Mrs. Scherbenske mbscherbensk@fcps.edu
WESTGATE SUMMER READING
Westgate Summer Reading Site
Check the Summer Reading Site for everything you need to get started. Sign in with your student’s Google login for programs and book recommendations.
Westgate Summer Library Hours
Visit Westgate’s Summer Library Hours. That’s right - the library will open for summer checkout! Stop by on July 5, July 26, and August 9 from 4:00 - 6:00 and say “hi” to Mrs. Scherbenske
Summer Reading Log
Help your student complete the Summer Reading Log. Pick up a sheet in the library or print your own from the Summer Reading Site. Read all summer and return it to Mrs. Scherbenske for a prize!
FAIRFAX PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING
Remember to visit the Fairfax Public Library to participate in that reading program too. Check the Summer Reading Adventure page to get started.
Office Closed 6/26 - 7/7
Due to construction, the Westgate main office will be closed from Monday, June 26 - Friday, July 7. If you need immediate assistance, please leave a message on our main line 703-610-5700 or email mdsevilla@fcps.edu. We will be monitoring both phone messages and emails during this time. Thank you for your understanding as they conduct needed renovations to our building.
Kindergarten Registration & Assessments
Do you have a rising Kindergarten student that needs to be registered for next school year? If your child is turning five on or before September 30, 2023 they are eligible to attend Kindergarten for the upcoming school year (2023-24). If you have not done so already, please start the registration process by visiting our website here at Kindergarten Registration. We are also asking that all rising kindergarten students sign up for kindergarten assessments. You can sign up for them here at Kindergarten Assessments . If you are unable to attend an assessment during that week, the teacher will provide your student with the same assessment when school is back in session. If you have any questions about the registration process, please call and schedule an appointment with Tracy Green, our registrar. She can be reached at 703-610-5700 or at tmgreen@fcps.edu. Please know that in-person registration will be on hold from June 16 - July 14. You may still use the online portal but Ms. Green will not be back in touch until the week of July 17th.
Rising Kindergarten Playdates
Do you have a child who will be starting Kindergarten at Westgate in the Fall?
Come out and meet other new students and their families for our upcoming playdates. PTA members will be on hand as well to answer any questions you may have. Please help spread the word!
Playdates include:
- Tuesday, July 11th 4:30-6pm @ Olney Park **NEWLY ADDED
- Wednesday, July 19th 4:30-6pm @ Olney Park
School Supplies for 2023-24 School Year
The PTA is once again offering online school supply ordering. These kits are exactly what the teachers have requested for the next school year. It's one stop, easy shopping for our community. You order online and in the fall the supplies will be shipped to the school and the PTA will deliver them to your child's classroom. This is not a fundraiser, just a courtesy to our community. Deadline for ordering is June 25. Order Today!
Order Online: https://www.educationalproducts.com/shoppacks/
School Code: WES461
Multilingual Parent Information Line
☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.
Westgate Attendance Information
Report an Absence/Tardy:
Absences and Tardies should be reported to school by 9:30 A.M. Automated Attendance Notifications are sent out by the county if school is not notified by this time.
Report an Absence or Tardy in one of these manners:
-Student’s First and Last name
- Grade or Teacher’s name
- Reason for the absence/Tardy: Include symptoms if they are ill, especially if they have fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat and/or cough. If your child has a diagnosis from a Health care provider, please include that information.
NOTE:
Your child may return to school when they have been symptom free without the aid of medication for 24 hours.
Share Program
Can you name a local McLean organization that started over 50 years ago, is 100% run by volunteers, and serves about 1500 local families a year?
It's Share! Check out shareofmclean.org to learn about our food and clothing room, furniture program, technology program and much more.
Whether you can donate time, furniture, or money, we'd love to have you Share! If you find yourself in need of help at this time, our website has information on how to "Get Help."
FCPS CARES
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Westgate. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!
Zones of Regulation
This year we are excited to have implemented the program, Zones of Regulation at Westgate school wide. This program teaches students how to name their emotions and build strategies to help manage them. Emotions are categorized by blue, green, yellow, and red and each color represents a state of alertness. The green zone is the calmest and a place where we are ready to learn. You can find out more by clicking this here (English) or here (Spanish).
Free, On-Demand, Online Tutoring
Does your child need homework help or feedback on their writing? How about a practice quiz to get ready for a test? FCPS students who’ve used Tutor.com have provided positive feedback:
- “This tutor was very helpful! She didn't tell me the answers. When needed, she helped me solve them! She was very kind and she really helped me!” –Elementary Math Student
- “This was an awesome tutor! She explained why I needed to do specific steps, and she gave me practice problems! Best tutor I have had!” –IB Chemistry Student
Unless they’ve been opted out, students can access Tutor.com through Schoology. Every session is personalized to meet students’ needs from remedial to advanced levels. Sessions focus on conceptual learning and critical thinking—not quick answers.
Learn more on FCPS’ Tutor.com webpage.
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Want to Work for FCPS? Subs, Monitors, and Others Needed!
FCPS is always looking for kind and caring substitute teachers and substitute instructional assistants to ensure our students continue to thrive when teachers and instructional assistants need to be out of the classroom. Substitute teaching is a great opportunity for future teachers, stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, part-time employees, and anyone who wants to make a difference.
FCPS has started offering bonuses for substitutes who are available to teach on high volume days. Additionally, substitutes who work more, will earn extra bonuses when they reach 50, 100, or 150 days worked in a school year.
Substitute Teacher and Substitute Instructional Assistant information sessions are held virtually on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Candidates will receive an email link to the virtual information session the Monday before the session. Sign up for an information session.
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.
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