Westridge Wildcat News
October 29, 2021
Message from the Principal
Dear Westridge Community,
What an incredible week! Students learned new content together, prepared for conferences, and celebrated with one another at their Harvest Parties. This week was a perfect reflection of what makes us Better Together. Teachers planned meaningful educational experiences for students. PTSO and Room Parents prepped parties in boxes for our classroom communities. Families, caregivers, and staff came together to partner with one another to craft goals, celebrate successes, and make instructional plans for our students. As October comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible Westridge community.
Have a safe and happy weekend,
Jules Laaperi
she/her/hers
Principal
This week at Westridge!
First Grade Harvest Party Fun
Warm Welcomes by the amazing Jodi Steward
Harvest Flair!
Save the Dates!
October 31- Deadline to donate to the Westridge Wildcat Fund (link and info below)
October 28-29: Conferences - No School
November 11- Veterans Day - No School
November 12: OBOB Registration Deadline
November 22-26: No School (Inservice/Holiday)
December 3: Picture Retake Day
Action Items:
- Check the lost and found before and after school this week. It will be outside the front of the school every day next week. Items will be donated on Friday afternoon.
WE ARE GRATEFUL TO OUR PTSO!
LOSD Tech Consent and Device Damage and Loss Protection Program – Response required
LOSD requires that a Student/Parental Technology Consent form be completed each school year. If you have not filled out a consent yet this school year, please take a moment to submit the information (one form per student).
To access the form directly, click here: https://forms.gle/zcx71ndZvkABjpPW7
Within the consent form, you will accept or decline participation in the Device Damage and Loss Protection Program. The Program is optional and provides an inexpensive solution for families to reduce the financial burden if an accident, loss, or theft of a District-owned device occurs.
The extended deadline* for enrolling in the annual Protection Program is Monday, 11/8/21.
There is a $20 annual program fee, per student, with a $60 maximum fee per family. Fee waivers are available for qualifying families, and can be found on the Computer Network Service page of the District’s website.
Payments may be made by check or online via the Community School website. We are not able to accept cash.
For payment by check:
· Make check payable to Lake Oswego School District
· Note “Tech Program” and student name(s) in the memo field
· Drop it at your home school’s main office, or mail to the District Office (2455 Country Club Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, Attn: Cami Bunnell/CNS)
To make an online payment:
· Visit the Community School’s website here: https://www.onlineregistrationcenter.com/register/207-7292
Please note – You must enter either a student’s name or N/A in each of the six name fields to move on to the payment page.
For a complete description of the Program (covered claims, exclusions such as chargers and damage/loss due to negligence, etc.), please visit the Computer Network Services page on the District’s website here: https://www.losdschools.org/Page/7761 .
*Devices are not considered to be covered under the program until a Consent Form is submitted.
November Character Trait: Gratitude
Dearest Westridge Families,
This month through our Social Emotional Learning (SEL), we will be exploring the character trait of GRATITUDE. Gratitude has been shown to be one of the best ways to reduce anxiety, increase happiness, & improve relationships. The practice of gratitude is a tool that both grounds us and also inspires hope, peace, and joy. For when we are grateful, we are stronger to “be the good” to our world.
The definition students will be learning this month is Gratitude: choosing to notice and appreciate things in our life, things in others, and things in the world.
We want to make sure we share with students is that Gratitude is 1) a choice that we get to make over and over again on where we put our focus and 2) does not always have to be about something positive. We can feel grateful even for tough or challenging things in our life! There is plenty of research that shows a strong connection between Gratitude and reduced anxiety, increased happiness, and better relationships. Over the course of the month, we will talk about amazing people who demonstrate Gratitude in various ways. We will talk about what we are grateful for in ourselves and in others. Lastly, we will even find Gratitude in some things we would not expect to be thankful for!
We believe involving families in our Social Emotional Learning is important. The letters linked below include activities, conversation starters, reading lists, and more for you to explore GRATITUDE further as a family:
K-2 Gratitude Family Letter (English) 3-5 Gratitude Family Letter (English)
K-2 Gratitud para Familias (En Español) 3-5 Gratitud para Familias (En Español)
Thank you for teaming with us to empower our students socially and emotionally. Please reach out if you or your student would like more support.
Together,
Gary Kieser
Westridge Elementary School Counselor
PTSO News!
OUR DIRECTORY SPOT APP IS UP AND RUNNING
If you have not checked out the App, please do so ASAP so that you have access to the full school directory as well as links to all necessary information from lunch menus, PTSO newsletters, links to spirit wear and our Westridge Wildcat Superfan Sponsors.
Download the Directory Spot App from your app store.
Launch DirectorySpot, enter your email address as your Username
click on "Reset Password."
WILDCAT FUND
We have 92 families that have contributed to our Wildcat Fundraiser! Can we count on your family to contribute to funding our Curriculum Enrichment, Classroom Events, Battle of the Books, Carnival and so much more... WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT. https://bit.ly/FundourWildcats
Thanksgiving Baskets:
Hope Community Church is partnering with us to provide free Thanksgiving Food Baskets! If you and your family are interested, please connect with your school counselors or school social worker to learn more by Friday November 5th.
Thank you!
School Counselor: Gary Kieser kieserg@loswego.k12.or.us
School Social Worker: Kylie Goertz goertzk@loswego.k12.or.us
Lakeridge Middle School presents Elf!
November 18 and 19 at 7 p.m.
November 20 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Lakeridge Middle School Auditorium
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month
What is Oregon’s State of Mind on Dyslexia?
Oregon developed its first legislative guidelines for dyslexia in 2015 with the passing of Senate Bill 612 followed by 1003 in 2017. By law each school is required to complete a universal screening on all kindergarten and first grade students to identify those who are at risk for dyslexia. This law also mandates that each K-5 school have an extensively-trained educator who is able to recognize the warning signs of dyslexia and support students, teachers, parents, and the community. LOSD currently uses Dibels as our dyslexia screening tool. We have also selected LETRS Literacy training to support our educators in meeting the expectations of Senate Bill 612. If you have more questions please reach out to your school’s literacy specialist.
There also are three major federal laws that directly affect children with dyslexia. They are the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Oregon Department of Education Dyslexia Resources: Oregon Department of Education : Dyslexia : Regional Programs and Best Practices : State of Oregon
Gifted and Dyslexic?
Some kids with learning and attention difficulties have exceptional skills in certain areas. These kids are often called “twice-exceptional” (2E) learners.
LOSD Student Services and TAG (Talented & Gifted) Services are both responsible and should work in cooperation to meet the needs of twice-exceptional students. The student’s abilities will determine appropriate instruction.
To read about twice exceptional students, visit UNDERSTOOD.ORG:
Twice-Exceptional Students | 2E Learners | Gifted and Learning Disabilities
Each week this month, we featured a message about dyslexia in this newsletter. If you have questions or concerns regarding our child’s learning, please call the school principal, TAG coordinator, and/or literacy specialist. You can also contact your school’s representatives for TAG-AC (TAG Advisory Committee) or SSPAC (Student Services Parent Advisory Committee). Please see here to learn how to contact your school representative.
We are here to help you and your child succeed.
Student Attendance:
If you need to pick your child up early from school, please let the teacher and the office know ahead of time.
Hunger Fighters Oregon Food Pantry
Westridge Elementary School
Email: laaperij@loswego.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.losdschools.org/wr
Location: 3400 Royce Way, Lake Oswego, OR, USA
Phone: 5035342371