Westchester Weekly
All-Star Newsletter April 22, 2021
Principal's Corner
Greetings WE Families,
Happy Earth Day! Wendell Berry said it best, "The Earth is what we all have in common." Earth belongs to all of us, so let's love, respect, and take care of our her.
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 3rd - 7th. Our PTA is planning to shower our teachers and staff with appreciation all week long. Our teachers and staff work so hard at WE. I thank you in advance for whatever you may do to celebrate the dedication of our crew at Westchester.
In the upcoming weeks, you will begin to receive specific details regarding the 2021-22 school year. Thank you for your patience. I know information might be more delayed than you would desire, but we want to ensure that mitigation strategies are in place to keep our community safe and well.
We are in the final stages of identifying students for summer learning. Parents will receive notice of student participation the first week of May. We are excited to be able to give learners an extra boost. We want all of our students to be positioned for success. Let me know if you have any questions about the summer program and I'll be happy to help you.
Thank you for being such a wonderful community! WE wouldn't be the same without you.
Kindly,
Kimberly R. Watson, PhD
Principal
Westchester Elementary School
(404) 370-4400 Phone
(404) 370-3844 Fax
Upcoming Calendar Events
April- World Autism Month and National Poetry Month
April 15th- Lunch Bunch
May 4th-7th- MAP Testing
May 9th- Mother's Day
May 17th- Volunteer Appreciation
May- Talent Show TBA
May 19th- Career Day
May 20th- Virtual Author Visit with Lisa Wheeler & Loren Long
May 21st- Virtual Talent Show
May 28th- Last Day of School
Community Circle Dates-
Here are the upcoming dates:
4/30- Ivey's Crew
5/14-Duszak's Crew
WE MAP Parent Letter Spring 2021
4/22/21
Dear Westchester Parents and Families,
During the week of May 3rd, we will begin administering the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test. MAP is a computerized adaptive test which helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child's academic growth. In a typical school year, students would take the MAP test in the fall, winter, and spring. By taking it 3 times a year, teachers and parents are able to see how their student is growing in the areas of reading and/or math throughout the school year. Because we will only take the MAP test this school year in the spring, we will use this data to help us make better-informed instructional decisions for next year and to see trends in our longitudinal data over time as it connects to our goals as a school.
We will administer the MAP test to our K-2 in-person students in the morning, May 4-7. Virtual students whose families indicated interest in taking the MAP test on the district-sent survey will take MAP in-person ONLY in the afternoon, May 4th-7th. MAP will not be administered to any students virtually.
Kindergarten and first grade students will take the MAP math test in 2 sessions over 2 days. Second grade students will take the MAP reading and math tests in 2 sessions over 2 days. The tests will be given by classroom teachers and proctors in their classrooms. All CSD COVID mitigation strategies will be followed.
Schedule for Westchester In-person students: (Times include device set-up and logging in. Times are subject to change)
May 4th:
K students- 8:30-9:30 (session 1)
1st grade students- 10:00-11:00 (session 1)
May 5th:
K students- 8:30-9:30 (session 1)
1st grade students-10:00-11:00 (session 1)
May 6th:
2nd grade students- 8:30-9:30 (Reading)
May 7th:
2nd grade students- 8:30-9:30 (Math)
Week of May 10th: Makeups as needed
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Schedule for Westchester Virtual students who have opted to take the MAP test in-person:
(times include device set-up, breaks, and logging in). Please complete the Covid Compact prior to May 4)
May 4th:
Kindergarten and 1st Grade- 1:00-2:30 (math)
May 5th (as needed- only for K/1 virtual students who did NOT finish their test the day before):
Kindergarten and 1st Grade- 1:00-2:30 (math)
May 6th:
Second grade- 1:00-2:30 (reading)
May 7th:
Second grade- 1:00-2:30 (math)
May 11th and 12th: Makeups as needed (affected families will be contacted about details)
K/1/2- 1:00-2:30
Parents, if you have any questions please reach out to the Instructional Coach, Christie Manasso: cmanasso@csdecatur.net
Best,
Christie Manasso
2020-2021 Memory Books
Teacher Wishlists
Did you know that the teachers at Westchester have a public Amazon Wishlist? The list was comprised with the help of the PTA parents and is a way to support our teachers in any extra supplies or goods that would assist them in their process. Parents may browse the list and make purchases, which will then be shipped directly to the school. This is available as an option for those who would like to recognize our teachers in this way, and there are absolutely no expectations for people to participate. For more information, reach out to Laura Schiener (las3271@gmail.com) or Jessica Murdock (jessicahelenmurdock@gmail.com).
2nd Grade Moving Up Celebration
2nd Grade Parents,
WE are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of your children. WE're sad to see them leave us, but WE know they will be great at F.A.V.E. and we're sending them on in such a fantastic way. After surveying parents, meeting with 2nd grade teachers, PTA, and our SLT, we have planned a grand celebration for our scholars.
On Wednesday, May 26th, our 2nd graders will wear celebratory t-shirts or caps to school (virtual or in-person), view their celebratory video in their classes (all 2nd graders will contribute to the video), receive a congratulatory certificate, and parents will have the option to bring their child to WE in the afternoon for a cold treat (Kona Ice or King of Pops). Additionally, a beautiful congratulatory backdrop will be on display for 2 days so that parents can come to WE and take pictures with their 2nd grader.
The 2nd grade team will communicate details with parents over the upcoming weeks. The team is so excited to have this opportunity to send our students on with a big smile. Our students have earned it!
Kindergarten Registration
Counselor's Corner-Career Day is Coming!
W.E. are hosting a virtual career day on Wednesday, May, 19th from 8:30-11:00 am! Students will have the opportunity to choose to view live virtual presentations about various career options. Please fill out this Google form if you are interested in sharing your career with a 30 minute small group presentation to Westchester students, and check out the K-2 Georgia Career Clusters to see what jobs our students learn about!
Decatur Parents Speaker Series- TODAY
Bullying, Cyberbullying, & Parenting
TODAY Thursday, April 22, 7pm - 8pm
On Zoom- see link below
https://www.decaturparents.net/events/speaker-series/bullying-cyberbullying-parenting
City Schools of Decatur Summer Program
CSD is delighted to share that we will offer an in-person summer program for students that qualify in grades K through 12. The program will run June 7-June 25 from 8:30 to 11:30am. Students will be invited to participate in the summer program based on eligibility criteria described below. Participation in the summer program is not required or mandated for any student. However, we highly encourage students who qualify to engage in this opportunity as it will set them up for success in the next grade level. For the summer program, which will be held at Talley Street Elementary and Decatur High School, availability of student transportation is limited.
District News
DYC Presents Carpool Cinema
The Decatur Youth Council is hosting a free outdoor movie activity at Decatur Legacy Park on Saturday, April 24. Admission begins at 7 p.m. Showtime is at dusk (around 8:20 p.m.) We will be showing Disney's Lilo & Stitch.
If you plan to attend the outdoor movie screening, be advised that:
- You must view the movie from your vehicle. Walk-up viewing is not allowed at this activity to help us maintain a safe, socially distanced environment.
- You must practice social distancing at all times if you exit the vehicle.
- Parking spaces will be first come, first serve.
- Portable restrooms will be available in a designated area of the park.
- Concessions will not be available to purchase. Each ticket includes a snack bag for four with popcorn, water, and candy.
- Consider picking up dinner from a local restaurant to enjoy while you wait for the movie to begin.
Tickets are free, but availability is limited to the first 50 ticket holders. One ticket per vehicle. Tickets are available at https://www.freshtix.com/events/dyc-presents-carpool-cinema
Questions? Contact DYC staff liaison, Meredith Roark, at meredith.roark@decaturga.com.
CSD Nutrition
News from CSD Nutrition
CSD School Nutrition has several important updates for our community. Meals remain FREE until the end of the 2020-2021 school year. All students will receive 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches per week. We currently have 4 CSD TakeOutSpot locations to better serve our students. Please email us at meals@csdecatur.net with questions about our meal service plan.
Elementary In-Person Meal Service UPDATE
We are continuing to offer daily take-home meals (1 breakfast & 1 lunch) to our in-person K-5 students. We do not require any order forms to be filled out IF your child wants meals with no special considerations. If your child is vegetarian or has a special dietary need, please see that section of our update for online forms to fill out. Please encourage your kids to take meals, as it helps us function financially and shows support for what we do.
Elementary Virtual Meal Pick-Up UPDATE
We are still offering DAILY meal pick-up for K-5 elementary school students at Fifth Avenue and Talley Street from 11:40 AM - 12:15 PM. This will allow our K-5 virtual students to receive meals and help support our nutrition program. This will continue after Spring Break.
Virtual Siblings Meal Pick-up UPDATE
We are continuing to allow our in-person siblings to pick up meals for their virtual siblings. Note that this service is only for meals without special considerations. (If you have a virtual student who is a vegetarian or has a special dietary need, see that section of our updates.) Please fill out this form to help us know what school site to send extra meals to https://forms.gle/WurGn6iSJYFaYjfb7
Vegetarian & Special Diet UPDATE
If your child is a vegetarian or has a special dietary need, please fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/BM7ArRokp13i9seX8.
We ask that our virtual students pick up their meals at one of our 4 CSD TakeOutSpots instead of receiving meals via their in-person siblings to protect their health & safety. Vegetarian students should fill out the google form, and no further action is required. Students with special dietary needs should fill out the google form, have a healthcare provider fill out the paperwork "Medical Statement for Accommodating Disabilities," and contact sblack@csdecatur.net for further assistance. Please see the Special Diets tab on our webpage for more details.
Decatur Education Foundation News
t's that time of year again -- time to Step Up for Teachers! And what a year it's been. Show your favorite teacher just how much you appreciate their hard work during this unprecedented school year with a loving tribute. Just go to www.stepupforteachers.com, make a $25 donation and leave your tribute. We'll notify the honored teacher or CSD staff member and deliver a "We Step Up for Teachers" yard sign to your door in the coming weeks. If you’d like to leave a tribute but can’t make a gift at this time, you can email your tribute to info@decatureducationfoundation.org. The Step Up campaign supports our teachers in the classroom through Teacher Innovation Grants that are awarded every fall. Let's show them some love! To see all of the wonderful tributes, you can visit decatureducationfoundation.org/tributes-2021.
As a special gift from DEF to our DHS seniors, we are giving every member of the senior class of 2021 a “Congratulations Class of 2021” yard sign! It’s a little something to brighten a lackluster final year of high school. Details about sign pick-up are coming soon.
Staff Shoutouts!
Each month, the District Dispatch features shoutouts from parents and students to our excellent teachers and staff at one of our schools. This month we are featuring Westchester Elementary School teachers and staff.
If you would like to shoutout your child’s teacher or a staff member, send an email to Sarah Jones at sjones1@csdecatur.net. Also, at the end of the school year, nominate your child’s teacher for the Extra Mile award. Keep an eye out for more information on how your student can nominate a teacher or staff member as we get closer to the end of the school year. You can find the past shoutouts on this page https://www.csdecatur.net/shoutouts.
Important CSD Contacts
Here are few other webpages that might be helpful to parents are:
Important CSD Contacts: https://www.csdecatur.net/domain/1658
www.csdecatur.net/opening - a repository for all documents, announcements, and communications about how CSD is handling the 2020-2021 school year.
www.csdecatur.net/nutrition - How to order meals
www.csdecatur.net/transportation
www.csdecatur.net/bustracker - How to sign up for the new Predictable Ryde Bus tracking app used for meal delivery, soon for the Fly-brary, mobile book delivery and when in-person learning resumes to track students on their buses
https://virtual.csdecatur.net/tech-help (how parents and staff can put in a tech support request)
https://virtual.csdecatur.net/students - classroom login information
https://virtual.csdecatur.net/parents - Virtual Learning Handbooks
Westchester Elementary School
Email: bnation@csdecatur.net
Website: https://www.csdecatur.net/Westchester
Location: 758 Scott Boulevard, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404-370-4400