Westwood Weekly
Staff Newsletter - Week of June 1-3
This Week:
Shout-Outs!
- We have another retiree to add to the list! Congratulations to our night custodian, Dean Daniel! All the best to you on your retirement!
- Also, farewell to Samantha Altomare, our EL Support Teacher, who has been reassigned to another site. Thank you for the support you have provided to us the last couple of years!
- Special thanks to everyone who came out to support the materials exchanges last week - everything went very smoothly (for the most part) due to your help!
Wrapping up the school year always brings up so many different emotions - relief, worry, hope, sadness, excitement, regret, gratitude.... This year is no different. I am looking forward to our parades on Wednesday in the hopes that they will bring me more peace in the closing of what has been the most challenging school year I have ever faced in my 24 years in education, both professionally and personally. I want to thank you all for stepping up and carrying the burden with me. I have felt your support all the way along, and I hope that you feel the same. I am so proud of the work that we've done as a team - you really have been amazing! Thank you for your sincere dedication and commitment to your craft! We have more than earned some time to breathe, relax, and reflect, as well re-connect with our loved ones without the daily pressures and emotions that come along with our daily efforts to care for our students and their families. Now it's your turn to care for yourself!
With that said, I know we will continue to think of our students over the summer, and the challenges they may face, especially with all that is happening across and the world and in our backyard. The events in the last week have been particularly unsettling. Our work as educators continues to be play a critical role in dismantling systemic racism in our society. I would like to encourage you to continue reading White Fragility and responding to the chapters through our shared reflection so we can continue to recognize our own implicit bias and find courage in engaging in dialogue which will move us toward better understanding: White Fragility I also invite you read the following article which specifically highlights some meaningful ways educators can help dismantle racial oppression (article). We can and will do better for ourselves and the next generation.
Finally, as professionals, I know we are always looking fro way to expand our skills - especially in the new era of Distance Learning we have been thrust into. There are a number of PD opportunities to take advantage of over the summer. Please be sure to read through the Distance Learning Update for more information regarding upcoming Google Classroom and Seesaw training. You will also find a link below to the 2nd annual Science Teaching & Learning PD offered through ACOE/Cal State East Bay.
Peace and love to you all!
This Week:
Monday, June 1
-Virtual PD (1:00, Zoom link)
Tuesday, June 2
-Virtual PD (1:00, Zoom Link)
Wednesday, June 3
-5th Grade Drive-Thru Celebration (10am)
-Spirit Parade (6/3, following the 'drive-thru')