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Westgate Families,
Happy snow day! The weather has certainly impacted us greatly since winter break, and we truly appreciate your cooperation as we have navigated late arrivals, early releases, and school cancellations. I think many of us are ready for warmer weather, and spring!
Please note that we have many PTA events scheduled for March so make sure you read the updates below. Also, we have a student holiday this Monday, February 17, and another 3 hour early release day on Monday, February 24. As always, I appreciate your support of all things Westgate, and wish you and your family a happy and healthy rest of your week ahead.
All my best,
Hallie Demetriades
Principal
Our Diverse Community - Flag Display
The Physical Education Department, Administration, and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) are working collaboratively to enhance our gymnasium with international flags that reflect the diverse backgrounds of our student population. We kindly ask that you review the list at our Parent Teacher Association website here to confirm that the countries representing your family are included. If you find any omissions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Hochstrasser at mthochstrass@fcps.edu or the PTA at president@westgatewolvespta.com. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Girls on the Run Registration Feb 3-23
For girls in 3-6 grade, Girls on the Run (GOTR) is coming back to Westgate! GOTR has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire girls in 3rd-8th grade to build their confidence, kindness, and decision-making skills. Dynamic lessons instill valuable life skills including the important connection between physical and emotional health. Starting the week of March 3rd, the team will meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5pm. The program culminates in a celebratory 5K at the end of the season! The standard program fee is $210 and includes lessons/practices, a t-shirt, GOTR giveaway, entry into the 5K, a 5K medal, and more. Financial assistance is available for anyone who needs it, with the lowest program registration
Registration for the Spring 2025 program is open February 3-23, and the season will run from the week of March 3 through May 19. For more information and to register please go to www.gotrnova.org. You can also email your Westgate GOTR coaches if you have questions:
* GOTR is not affiliated with the Westgate PTA. Registration and all proceeds go directly to the GOTR organization.
🚀 Calling All Future Engineers: Design Palooza 2025 is Here!
Design Palooza will happen on March 27th- you must register in advance to participate by March 4th.
Ready for an egg-citing challenge? This year's Design Palooza is taking engineering to new heights – literally! Your mission (should you choose to accept it): Create an out-of-this-world landing craft that will keep an egg safe during a daring drop. Think you've got what it takes to be the next NASA engineer? Whether you're a kindergartener with big dreams or an 6th grader with brilliant ideas, we want YOU to join the fun!
But wait, there's more! We're also on the hunt for an amazing t-shirt design that captures the spirit of this egg-straordinary event. Got artistic flair? Put your creativity to work and submit your design by March 4.The winning design will be immortalized on t-shirts worn by all our brave egg-stronauts!
🎨 Submit your t-shirt masterpiece to: designpalooza@westgatewolvespta.com T Shirt design submissions due by March 4th
Ready to crack this challenge and participate in Design Palooza sign up by March 4th? Click here to sign up for Design Palooza which will happen on March 27th and join the scramble for glory!
Where science meets fun, and eggs learn to fly!
Join Our Volunteers at Westgate
We hope you had a wonderful winter break and are reaching out as we need your support. The PTA has upcoming events such as BINGO, Volleyball and others that we can only make happen with the support of volunteers. We are looking for individuals to chair these events in partnership with a board member who has run these events in the past. Chairing these events are a great way to get involved and to be sure they can continue to happen at Westgate and the kids love seeing their parents help at school. If interested in getting involved or learning more, please reach out to president@westgatewolvespta.com
Upcoming PTA Restaurant Night: Mark your calendars
Tuesday, February 18th: Taco Bamba, 2190 Pimmit Dr, Falls Church, 703-639-0505, runs from 9am-9pm. Mention the coupon code GIVE20 or Westgate at time of order. When purchasing gift cards or ordering online through Taco Bamba’s website, guests will enter the code: GIVE20 in the coupon code area at check-out.
Literacy Resources for Families
FCPS has created a literacy resource page for families as we have embarked on a new Benchmark curriculum. Families may access these resources here. Please reach out to your child's classroom teacher if you have specific literacy questions.
Head Lice Awareness
Please be aware that our area has experienced a number of head lice cases this fall. We understand that dealing with head lice can be challenging and stressful for families, and we want to work together to prevent the spread. As we enter the winter season, please remind your child not to share hats and coats with friends, or touch heads with others, as this is the way most lice is transmitted.
We kindly ask all parents to remain vigilant by regularly checking their child's hair for any signs of head lice. For more information, visit Lice Treatment and Prevention | Fairfax County Public Schools (fcps.edu) Early detection and treatment are key to preventing the spread of lice in our classrooms and beyond.
PTA Membership
All are welcome at our PTA meetings. Joining the Westgate PTA and donating $15 per family amplifies your voice in our school community, gives you the opportunity to vote on PTA-led events and initiatives, and comes with a free, stylish Westgate magnet to drive around OUR neighborhood with. Your membership also helps the PTA create a more dynamic year of programming and advocacy.
To be a part of this thriving community, we invite you to join the PTA. Dues are $15 per family and you can sign up HERE!
Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate
Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.
- There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.
- There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road. Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often.
- Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer). Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
- There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school. Please do not park in these areas.
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Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.
Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety. Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders. Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.
⏰ Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools
You should have received an email from Westgate via eNotify with a required survey about the Early Release Mondays. Dr. Reid initially communicated the plan for these days in mid-June.
The remaining scheduled dates for Westgate are:
- February 24
- March 17
- April 28
- May 19
Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account
The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.
Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.
Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.
Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):
- Select the “Forgot Password” button.
- Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.
- More information is available here.
Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account. If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Tracy Green at tmgreen@fcps.edu.
Please take action now to ensure your account is active!
School Meals & Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications
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Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast will cost $1.75. Lunch will cost $3.25, and milk $0.60. Money can be added to your child’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com. You can also write a check to Westgate Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House. During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch here .
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Free and Reduced-Price Status
Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September. A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals.
Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 610-5700 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.
Parent Digital Consent System
New this year, families will use the Parent Digital Consent System to complete some forms that have used paper in the past. You will log in using your ParentVUE Account credentials, There, you will be able complete the Digital Resources Consent form for the school year, which is required for all students. You will also be able to find more information about opt-out forms and complete those forms for your student.
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.
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