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Good Afternoon Westgate Families,
I hope this finds you having a fantastic week!
It was wonderful seeing so many families at both our Back to School Night, and at our first PTA meeting last night. Huge kudos to Ms. Sutton, our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, for providing a thorough overview of the AAP resources and supports available in FCPS, and at Westgate.
As a reminder, Spirit Wear orders are due this Friday, September 15. See below for the link and we hope to see many of our students sporting our new Westgate logo this school year.
Lastly, keeping students and staff safe is a priority for all of us. We have a crisis management and emergency preparedness plan for our school that is reviewed and updated regularly. Our plan includes procedures on how to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Students and staff regularly practice these drills every school year. We also practice lockdown drills.
We are writing you to let you know that we will have a lockdown drill sometime between September 14 and September 15. Please know that only students in Grades 1-6 will participate in our fall lockdown drill. We will send out another notification once the lockdown drill has been completed.
Additional information on lockdown drills, including parent tips and FAQs, can be found on the Emergency Planning and Crisis Response web page. You may also review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.
Keeping our school safe and secure for all students and staff involves the participation of the entire school community, and we thank you for this partnership and involvement.
As always, thank you for your support of all things Westgate, and have a wonderful rest of your week and weekend ahead!
All my best,
Hallie Demetriades
Principal
Spirit Wear for Sale - Ends THIS Friday, September 15
Love our new mascot? Show your pride with spirit wear featuring Westie. There are a variety of YOUTH and ADULT sizes available! Order here by September 15. Go Wolves!
Join the PTA Today!
Our PTA is amazing and we would love you to join and be part of this great community of Westgate families! Signing up is easy and you can help us reach our membership goal by signing up today! You can sign up here.
Chorus at Westgate!
Hello 5th and 6th Grade Families,
This past week, your singer was given information about joining the chorus here at Westgate. This is a group that meets during the school day every week to rehearse and prepare for two concerts a year. This is a completely voluntary elective but is a full year commitment. It does not conflict with the participation in Band and/or Strings. Please have a short discussion with your singer about this opportunity. If they would like to join chorus, please read over the chorus handbook and complete this chorus form to be officially in the group. The deadline to sign up for chorus is Monday, September 18, 2023. We can’t wait to make music with your singer!
Mrs. Schubert & Ms. Jennelle
General Music & Chorus Teachers
Room Parents Still Needed
We are still in need of room parents for some Westgate classrooms. If interested, please email: roomparents@westgatewolvespta.com or reach out to your teacher!
Fall Fest- Volunteers Needed
Our biggest event of the year is back. Mark your calendars for October 13! If you are interested in volunteering for the email, membership@westgatewolvespta.com. The more volunteers, we have- the better the event!
Westgate Restaurant Night - Ledo's Pizza - September 13 & 14
Who doesn't love pizza night? Head to Ledo's pizza (7510 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA) on September 13 and/or 14 and make sure you mention WESTGATE ES! A percentage of the sale from both nights will go to the Westgate PTA.
Permission to Use Digital Resources
Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent/caregiver consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Digital Resources - Parent Consent page. This page also includes directions for providing permission using your SIS ParentVUE account. Each digital resource used in FCPS has had an instructional and technical review. Information about the educational technology tools approved for use within FCPS can be found in the online Digital Ecosystem Library.
Parents can find more information about FCPS-approved digital resources on the Digital Resources in FCPS webpage.
2023 Student Rights and Responsibilities
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. In late June, the School Board approved changes to the SR&R for the 2023-24 school year. Updates include a revision of dress code expectations, bystander expectations for students witnessing harmful or unsafe behaviors, bullying, and substance abuse responses. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Friday, September 29.
2023 Derechos y Responsabilidades de los EstudiantesEl folleto de Derechos y Responsabilidades del Estudiante (SR&R) de FCPS explica las expectativas para el comportamiento del estudiante y las respuestas de los adultos para mejorar la seguridad escolar y crear un ambiente escolar justo, equitativo y de apoyo. A fines de Junio, la Junta Escolar aprobó cambios al SR&R para el año escolar 2023-24. Las actualizaciones incluyen una revisión del código de vestimenta. Las actualizaciones incluyen una revisión de las expectativas del código de vestimenta, las expectativas del espectador para los estudiantes que presencian comportamientos dañinos o inseguros, la intimidación y las respuestas al abuso de sustancias. Lea la carta de la Superintendente Dra. Michelle Reid a las familias sobre el SR&R.
Los padres/cuidadores deben hablar con sus hijos sobre las expectativas para este año escolar. También, por favor ingrese á SIS ParentVUE y firme para confirmar su revisión del SR&R, o firme y devuelva la hoja de firma que se encuentran en la página 3 del folleto de SR&R a la escuela de su hijo antes del Viernes, 2 de Septiembre.
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) I
Each school pyramid has a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) assigned to provide substance abuse prevention, education, and intervention services. Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists are part of the FCPS Office of Student Safety and Wellness. Like school social workers, school psychologists, and school counselors, we do not provide treatment services, but we support students while they are in the buildings. AFTER CHECKING THE NARCAN BOXES IN THE AED BOXES, PLEASE LET ME IF YOU NEED ANY ADDITIONAL BOXES OR IF YOUR SUPPLY IS UP TO DATE.
Key roles of a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist:
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug education for students, parents, staff, and the Fairfax County Community
- Intervention services upon violation of the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook or suspected substance use involvement
- Assessing a student’s level of substance use and, if appropriate, making referrals to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board for additional services or other community resources as appropriate
- Group and individual interventions for students and in addition prevention services for students, staff, parents, and the Fairfax County community
- Most importantly, building positive relationships with students to provide support and encouragement
Resources:
Free Virtual Parent Support Group
Free Online Narcan Training for Opioid Overdoses (English & Spanish)
Free Lock Boxes for Medications & Firearms
Spiritual Support by Phone for Adults
Spanish Podcast: Tips on How Parents Play an Important Role in Substance Abuse Prevention
Juvenile Court Parent Support Group
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
For further Information & support: Ally Jacobi, MSW ajacobi1@fcps.edu Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
Attendance Matters!
🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Watch this video with tips from Fairfax Pyramid principals and visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
¡Asistir hoy, lograr mañana!
El comienzo del año escolar es el mejor momento para desarrollar fuertes hábitos de asistencia. Los estudiantes que asisten a la escuela con regularidad tienen más probabilidades de rendir bien en lectura y matemáticas, desarrollar fuertes habilidades sociales y emocionales, y graduarse de la escuela secundaria a tiempo. Ayude a posicionar a su hijo para el éxito futuro.Vea este video con consejos de los directores de la Pirámide de Fairfax y visite la página web de Asistencia de FCPS para obtener consejos y estrategias.
SIS ParentVue
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child.
Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
Attention 4th, 5th and 6th graders!
JOIN BAND OR STRINGS AT WESTGATE!
Sign-ups are happening now. Fourth graders can choose to be in strings and 5th and 6th graders can choose to be in either band or strings. You can still be in chorus if you’re in 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 or Mrs. Howell for strings at khhowell@fcps.edu.
English - https://forms.gle/MZ9maGbeQcafeCVK8
Spanish - https://forms.gle/xDyVALudrVwZ2XPW8
We hope to see you in band or strings this year!
Free & Reduced Meal Applications
🍎 Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications Available
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals receive breakfast and lunch at school at no cost.
Families in FCPS that are earning less than 185% of the poverty level can receive meals for their students at no cost. Families should complete the application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits.
Apply on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage.
🍎 Las Solicitudes para Comidas Gratuitas y a Precio Reducido Están Disponibles
Según los Centros para el Control de Enfermedades, desayunar en la escuela se asocia con mejores índices de asistencia, menos días de ausencia escolar y mejores calificaciones en los exámenes. Los estudiantes que califican para comidas gratis o a precio reducido reciben desayuno y almuerzo en la escuela sin costo alguno.
Las familias en FCPS que ganan menos del 185% del nivel de pobreza pueden recibir comidas para sus estudiantes sin costo alguno. Las familias deben completar la solicitud antes del comienzo de cada año escolar. Las solicitudes aprobadas también pueden calificar a los estudiantes para beneficios adicionales.
Aplique en la página web de Comidas Gratuitas y a Precio Reducido.
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan
✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12
The 2023-30 strategic plan sets five main goals to create positive change in FCPS. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. Our equity commitment and a set of measures in each goal will measure our success.
Our first goal in the strategic plan is to help all students develop academic skills, curiosity, and a love for learning. These skills and attitudes are crucial for success from pre-K to 12th grade. Our related equity commitment is to ensure authentic and affirming partnerships with families and key stakeholders through collaborative decision making that results in each student's success.
Visit the Strategic Plan webpage to learn more about how we will measure the success of Goal 1.
✨ El Plan Estratégico 2023-30 - Objetivo 1: Un Comienzo Fuerte: Pre-K-12El plan estratégico 2023-30 establece cinco metas principales para crear un cambio positivo en FCPS.
Estas cinco metas muestran dónde debemos enfocar nuestra atención y nos ayudarán a alinear nuestros esfuerzos. Nuestro compromiso de equidad y las medidas de cada meta medirán nuestro éxito.Nuestra primera meta en el plan 2023-30 es ayudar a todos los estudiantes a desarrollar habilidades académicas, curiosidad, y amor por aprender. Estas habilidades y actitudes son cruciales para el éxito desde Pre-K hasta 12º grado. Nuestro compromiso de equidad es asegurar relaciones auténticas y afirmativas con las familias y personas claves a través del trabajo colaborativo en la toma de decisiones que resulten en el éxito de cada estudiante.
Visite la página web del Plan Estratégico para saber más sobre cómo mediremos el éxito del Objetivo 1.
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.
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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