Westwood Intermediate/Middle School
April 20, 2022 - Newsletter
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Westwood Families,
I hope everyone had a good, long weekend. We have eight more weeks of school, and we want all of our students to finish strong. This means that students are:
- Staying on top of assignments and studying for tests and putting forth their best efforts to show their learning.
- Asking questions and seeking help when they may not understand.
- Reviewing feedback in Schoology and adjusting based on teacher feedback.
- Working with teachers and staff on their learning plans.
Please check in with your student to see how they are doing as we head into these last eight weeks.
We also expect students to be following our expectations for being a part of Westwood. We want families to be aware of these expectations and help reinforce them at home. These include:
- Treating others the way they want to be treated so that our school is safe for each student and adult.
- Using words and actions that will be inclusive of others so that each person has a sense of belonging at Westwood.
- Being an owner of Westwood to create a school we are proud of.
- Using their voice to express what they need so that I am–You are–We are successful at Westwood.
- Using respectful words and actions that align to situations and environments and being open to feedback from others.
Westwood is a wonderful place to learn and work and each of us have a role in making it so.
We will end this week with dance/lock in events for Westwood 5/6 and 7/8 on Friday. Thank you to our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for their sponsorship and support of these fun, community building activities.
Sincerely,
Tom Larson
Principal
Introducing: Coffee with the Counselors event series
This spring, the SLPHS counseling team is inviting you for coffee. Coffee with the Counselors is for high school and current 8th grade parents and guardians. Join us for coffee and casual conversation with counselors and other experts covering six common topics. All events will take place at 7:30 a.m. at SLPHS.
Please fill out this form to let us know what event(s) you'll be joining us for. Sign up for as many sessions as you would like. Not able to attend but still interested in learning more or connecting with a counselor? Reach out to your student(s) counselor and set up a time to meet in-person or virtually.
April 27: Eating Disorders; Supports and Resources
Learn what substance abuse, eating disorder, dental and medical resources are available for your student at the high school and your family in the community.
May 4: Career Readiness: How to help your student be career ready
There is so much talk about college vs. tech school vs. career. Learn about amazing post high school plans that include little to no college and all of the ways SLPHS provides opportunities for students to explore career options before leaving high school.
May 11: College Readiness: How to help your student be college ready
It is important students are prepared for college while still in high school. Learn how to help your student be college-ready and receive a timeline to help you stay on track with college planning and preparation.
May 18: Credit recovery options at SLPHS
Learn about the opportunities SLPHS provides for students who have fallen behind academically and what we are doing to make ensure every student graduates on time.
May 25: PSEO vs. Concurrent enrollment: What is the right fit for your student?
A guest speaker will go over all the "pros" and "cons" between PESO and Concurrent Enrollment and why your student may want to choose one over the other.
Summer SPARK!
Ignite the SPARK in your child, your family or yourself this summer! Try a new sport or activity, strengthen your skills, meet new friends and make the most of your summer! View this week's highlights below and see all summer program options here.
- 3D Printing & CAD (grades 3-6)
- City Shapers with STEM Builders (grades 1-6)
- Video Production for YouTube (grades 5-9)
- Discovery Days (ages 3-5)
- Summer Trek (Learning Ventures) grades 1-7
Family Program:
Family Adventures at Silverwood Park: Get the whole family outside this summer and learn some new skills with the help of the artists and naturalists at Silverwood Park! Each month, SLP Community Ed and Silverwood Park are teaming up to offer a unique family friendly experience to help you take advantage of our short, but amazing, Minnesota summers!
- June 25 - Minnesota Symbols and Mixed Media Collage
- July 31 - Fire Building and Charcoal Drawing
- August 21 - Photography-Light and Lifecycle
Adult Program:
Westwood Video Game Club
Do you have a passion for video games? Are video games something you enjoy playing? If so, join the Video Game Club with Mr. Bianco! We will be learning about some of the history of gaming, as well as playing on some of your favorite consoles, such as Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, and even a Nintendo 64 - we might even have other surprise systems to try out!
Westwood Staff Appreciation Week is in May!
The PTO is seeking support for this week of spreading gratitude! Here are ways you can help.
Send a personal note or email to say “thank you” to a staff member during the week of May 6-12.
Have your student write a note or email to say “thank you” to a staff member during the week of May 6-12.
Sign up to provide a food or drink product for the staff appreciation week (Sign up Genius Link)
Donate an item for the “thank you” raffle for the staff. Each day of staff appreciation week, there will be a drawing of names of staff members to win a “thank you” gift. Ideas might include: coffee/tea, chocolate or other treat, SLP Fan items (mug, hat, shirt), yard game, a plant, candle, grill/marinade/rubs, foodie/baker items, stationary, bath/spa, etc. Gift Cards are also greatly appreciated. The office staff provided us with some suggestions for gift cards: Starbucks or Caribou, Nelson’s Deli, Bob’s Produce, Jimmy Johns, Panera, DoorDash, Old Piper Inn, Panther Store, Amazon, Target, Barnes and Noble, other local restaurants/stores, etc.). Donations will be collected at the front office of the school through Monday, May 2. (Sign up Genius Link)
Thank you for supporting this year’s Westwood Staff Appreciation Week.
Intermediate and Middle School Lock-In
Inflatables, obstacle courses, dance, bingo, open gym, photobooth, movies/popcorn and more!
This Friday, April 22
- Grades 7/8 2:30-4:30 p.m.
- Grades 5/6 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Permission slips/flyer went home last week
Cost: $5 wristband
Money collected starting April 18 with wristbands handed out on Friday.
Volunteers are needed to make this event successful! Please sign up here!
Additional Upcoming Events
- Wednesday, April 27 - MCA Math (5-8)
- Wednesday, May 4 - MCA Science (5 & 8 only)
Grupo De Padres Hispanohablantes De SLP
Las reuniones de padres hispanohablantes seran en persona estas fechas: 3 y 17 de mayo y junio 7 - este es el flyer
In case you missed important information from last week's newsletter, check out the topics below and click to learn more.
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