The Compass
Week of September 11, 2023
Wear Red, White, and Blue on Monday for Patriot's Day
Navigation Notes
Greetings Westside Families! Our 3rd-6th graders did a great job staying focused and trying their best on the F.A.S.T. testing last week. You can see their results on their Focus accounts or in your Parent Portal. Please do not panic about low scores at this time as this assessment is measuring what the students should know by the END of the year. Your child’s teacher can give an accurate picture of their current abilities at this point of the year.
F.A.S.T. Testing will begin this week for grades K-2nd on Tuesday & Wednesday (some students with accommodations may test alternate days). This is the first of three Progress Monitoring assessments required by the state to determine if your child has mastered grade level expectations. Scores will be available on your Parent Portal in Focus shortly after your child completes the assessment. Your child will take the same assessment two more times and must pass it with a Level 3 by the end of the year to support promotion. Please encourage them to get a good night's sleep, eat breakfast and be HERE and ON TIME.
This Friday we are honoring the 20th anniversary of the book The Dot by Peter H Reynolds and celebrating International Dot Day. This day focuses on boosting courage so that someone's creative potential is released. Students can wear clothing with dots on it, and we will be doing different creative activities through the week.
Have a Wonderful Week! ~Mrs.Woodbury, Proud Principal
Woodbury.Stephanie@brevardschools.org (321)956-5050 ext. 52802
Registered Volunteers Needed!
Please follow the sign-up genius link below or contact Bobbie Wallace (Wallace.Bobbie@brevardschools.org) or the PTO (WestsidePTOpalmbay@gmail.com) to indicate your interest and availability.
Club Corner
Monday, September 11th
- Beginning Orchestra @2:30-3:30pm
Tuesday, September 12th
- Beginning Orchestra @2:30-3:30pm
- Modern Artists @2:30-4:00p
Wednesday, September 13th
- None
Thursday, September 14th
- Intermediate Orchestra @2:30-3:30pm
- Great Van Gogh's @2:30-4:00p
Friday, September 15th
- Jammers @1:15-3:00p
- Pint-Sized Picasso's @1:30-3:00pm
Explorer Adventures in PE!
Upcoming Important Dates
- Sept. 11: Patriot’s Day
- Sept. 12-13: FAST testing for K-2nd
- Sept. 15: International Dot Day
- Sept. 18: Interims issued
- Sept. 27th: Orlando Science Center Night 5-7pm
Join PTO!
VOLUNTEERS make our world go round!! Once you have been cleared to volunteer through BPS District Security, you will need to sign up for our Volunteer Orientation at the link below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A9AE2FA4FEC61-volunteer
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-Our next meeting will be Wednesday, October 4th at 3:30p in the media center (you do not need to be a registered volunteer OR a member of PTO to attend). Westside teachers and staff are also welcome and encouraged to attend.
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-PTO is looking for food trucks and small business partners for the fall festival (Nov 4). Please email the PTO if you have recommendations or if you own a small business/food truck and would like to participate.
SAC Meeting
Progress Monitoring Begins
Students in grades 3-6 will take their iReady Diagnostic this week and their FAST next week (9/6 & 9/7).
Students in grades K-2 will take their FAST on 9/12 & 9/13.
EVERY CHILD, EVERY DAY eats for FREE at Westside!!
Did you know there are many new, exciting options in our cafeteria for breakfast and lunch? You can find our monthly menu shown and discover all our Food Services Program has to offer by clicking HERE. You can even order party treats made to order from our cafe! Email our Cafe Manager at: Ryan.Stacey@brevardschools.org
September's School Lunch Menu
Class Lunch Schedule
Friday Family Lunch Day
For your reference, here are the guidelines for Friday Family Lunch:
- Only adults on the approved pick-up list for a child will be allowed to have lunch with students. You will need to present your photo ID at the front office and receive a visitor's tag. When done, you must sign out before leaving campus.
- A designated area will be provided for the adult and student.
- Adults will only be allowed to eat lunch with THEIR child and we request only two adults per child please.
- Adults who are not registered volunteers will be monitored by school staff at all times.
- Adults will be permitted to be on campus for lunch for their child's 30-minute lunch block (times listed at end of newsletter for all classes). Once your child's lunch is over, we kindly as you to sign out and exit campus. If you have multiple children and want to have lunch with all of them, you must wait for additional lunch times in the front office, glass booth, or your vehicle.
- You may bring in food from outside sources for your child only. Any leftover drinks or snacks will not be allowed back in class however.
Rainy Day Procedures
If we are moving to Rainy Day procedures, you will be sent an email/text to alert you of the change. This mostly affects bikers/walkers. **Please note that if there is lightning in the area, we will HOLD ALL dismissal methods until it is safe to have students outside.
To help us connect your child to you on days with inclement weather, please be sure to follow the procedures printed on the back of your orange car tags and shown below. Please do NOT walk to the building entrance to collect your child , but follow one of the options below.
Rainy Day Dismissal for Bikers/Walkers
- At registration, you indicated what your child's Rainy Day plan would be and staff are following those directions. If you want to change or check on the option you chose, please reach to your teacher.
- Option 1: School will hold child safely until rain clears. At that time they will be released to walk/ bike home.
- Option 2: Join FRONT car loop with orange tag and follow car loop procedures listed on back of car tag.
Thank you for your cooperation for future rainy days! If you do not have an orange tag, or lost yours, please come to the front office to pick up a new one or be issued one.
New Legislation = New Forms
First, the Parent Consent Nickname form will need to be completed and returned to your child's school if you/they wish to be called or use a nickname or any deviation from their legal name. Some examples the form would be needed:
- Your child's legal name is Christopher but you wish for him to go by "Chris" or legal name is Isabella and you want her to be called "Bella".
- Your child's legal name is Christopher James and you want him to go by "CJ"
- Your child's legal name is _________ Jr. and you want him to be called "Junior"
- You would NOT need to complete the form if your child's legal name, for example, is Isabella Marie and you want her to be called "Marie". This is her legal middle name, so a form would not be needed.
I have attached various versions of the form you will need in order for your child to use a nickname or any deviation from their full legal name. Additionally, all legal documents (IEPS, Report Cards, etc) will still show their full legal name.
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The Student Participation form is also new and will be distributed on an "as needed" basis. You may sign multiple versions of this form for different activities your child will be involved in or participate. This form gives permission from the legal guardian for the child to participate any school-sponsored activities either before, during or after school. Some examples include but not limited to:
- Clubs such as Art Club, Running Club, Chorus and more
- PBIS Events students have earned each quarter
- Academic Support Programs before/after school
Again, these forms will be distributed by the sponsor or point of contact for each activity. Please review, sign and return to that individual. Students who do not have signed forms will not be able to participate.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Woodbury.