Weekend Wire
September 24, 2023
WESTWOOD ROADRUNNERS
WELCOME TO WESTWOOD!
DATES TO NOTE:
09/25--First Full Day of Kindergarten
09/28--XPloration
09/29--Friday Flag
09/29--PTA Open Association Meeting-directly following Friday Flag
10/12--XPloration
10/12--Math Olympiad begins
10/13--Picture Day
10/23-10/27--Red Ribbon Week
10/27--Friday Flag
10/31--Professional Growth Day--Minimum Day 11:45 Dismissal
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP: A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Nurturing Healthy Digital Habits
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In today's rapidly evolving digital age, the presence of digital devices in our lives is undeniable. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and gaming consoles, these tools have become an integral part of our daily routines. While they offer tremendous opportunities for learning and entertainment, it's crucial for families to strike a balance between screen time and real-life experiences. As we embark on this journey of digital parenting, I'd like to share some valuable insights and tips on how to support a healthy relationship with digital tools during family time.
1. Establish Clear Guidelines:
Start by setting clear boundaries and expectations regarding screen time. Collaboratively create a family media plan that outlines when and how digital devices can be used. This plan can include designated "device-free" times, such as during meals, homework, and bedtime.
2. Be a Role Model:
Children often imitate the behaviors of their parents and caregivers. Show them the importance of responsible device usage by being a positive role model. When spending quality time together, prioritize face-to-face interactions and limit your own screen time during family activities.
3. Educational Content:
Encourage the use of digital devices for educational purposes. Explore age-appropriate educational apps, websites, and games that can enhance your child's learning experience. Be involved and engaged in their online activities, offering guidance and support when needed.
4. Encourage Outdoor Activities:
Balance screen time with outdoor play and physical activities. Encourage your children to enjoy nature, play sports, and engage in creative, non-screen-based hobbies. This will help them develop a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle.
5. Create Tech-Free Zones:
Designate specific areas in your home as tech-free zones, such as the dining room and bedrooms. These spaces can serve as havens for quality family time, where devices are not allowed.
6. Screen-Free Bedtime Routine:
Maintain a screen-free bedtime routine to ensure a good night's sleep for your child. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt sleep patterns. Encourage reading books or engaging in calming activities before bedtime.
7. Open Communication:
Foster open communication with your child about their digital experiences. Encourage them to share any concerns or questions they may have regarding online content, social media, or online interactions. Create a safe environment for them to seek guidance when needed.
8. Be Mindful of Content:
Monitor the content your child consumes online, ensuring it is age-appropriate and aligns with your family values. Use parental controls and privacy settings to filter content and protect your child's online experience.
9. Quality Family Time:
Prioritize quality family time without the distractions of digital devices. Whether it's family game nights, outdoor adventures, or simply sharing stories, these moments are invaluable for building strong connections.
10. Regular Check-Ins:
Periodically review and adjust your family media plan to accommodate your child's changing needs and interests. Flexibility is key in adapting to the evolving digital landscape.
Remember, the goal is not to eliminate screen time entirely but to foster a balanced and healthy relationship with digital tools. By implementing these strategies and maintaining open communication, we can provide our children with the skills and guidance they need to navigate the digital world responsibly.
Together, as a community, we can ensure that our elementary students grow up with the knowledge and skills to use digital devices in a way that enriches their lives while nurturing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. I have included additional information from Common Sense Media to support ideas as well.
Thank you for your commitment to supporting our children's growth and development.
Warm regards,
Principal Jennie Mikels
MEET OUR AMAZING TEAMS!!
1st Grade Teachers Mrs. Wise, Mrs. Thoene, Mrs. Matthews, Ms. Greenwood, and Mrs. Stacey Clark.
TK/Kindergarten Teachers - Ms. Chambrone, Ms. Liz Clark, Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Lackerdas, Ms. Benander, Mrs. Style and Mrs. Scott.
PARKING REMINDERS
Westwood Families
As we prepare for our 100 kindergarten families to pick their students up at the normal dismissal time of 1:45pm, beginning on Monday, September 25, we are going to ask for your continued patience in the parking lot.
A few important reminders:
- It is our recommendation to arrive early, park on the street, or walk if possible.
- Please respect our student safety patrol and all staff members in the parking lot who are trying their hardest to keep students and families safe.
- The loading zone along the red curb closest to the school building is for loading only. Please do not leave your car unattended. This line moves very quickly as students are entering vehicles, and the system relies on drivers to stay in their cars at all times. This lane is marked on the parking map with a red line.
- There is also a lane to use to circle around the parking lot if you are waiting to enter the loading lane. The only way to enter the loading lane is at the entrance to the driveway, marked with a red star on the map, or when there is space just past the exit driveway.
- There is a large section blocked off with orange cones just past the front office. This is for the many school buses and after school programs who pick students up. Please do not park in the coned off section. This area is marked with an orange line on the parking lot map.
- Please do not double park along any of the red curbs on the exit side of the parking lot. This prevents other cars and buses from being able to exit. This means the driver cannot leave their vehicle if parked at the curb.
- Please follow all traffic rules including using crosswalks in the school parking lot as well as out on Matinal Rd.
- Please discuss with your student the pickup plan.
START WITH HELLO
Westwood will be participating in the Start with Hello program again this year! Start with Hello (SWH) is an initiative that brings attention to social isolation and helps students feel connected to their school and community.
Westwood's SWH week will occur next week from Monday, September 25th to Friday, September 29th. Themes and activities for each day are included in the flyer. I hope you'll encourage your kiddos to participate! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at tdillard@powayusd.com.
Sincerely,
Teodora Dillard
School Counselor
SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL ELECTIONS
The School Site Council is made up of the principal, three teachers, five parents and one classified staff employee. Each member has an equal voice to provide input and support for school improvement programs and school budget. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month. Members of the School Site Council are elected by their peers to serve a two-year term.
What school site council does?
The Council’s purpose is to propose school wide goals, i.e., “85% of the 2nd-5th graders will score at the Proficient Level or above in Math, as measured by the California Standards Test.” The goals must be directly related to improving student achievement. The council also recommends the allocation of funds, in compliance with federal and state laws, to meet those goals. The goals, review of data, and budget are components of the annual Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA).
We need your help in electing three Parent or Community members on the site council for the 2023 - 2024 and 2024 - 2025 school years. Please vote below.
Please vote for our community members by Monday, September 25, 2023.
THE POSITIVITY PROJECT
This Week's Character Strength: Perspective
Dear Families,
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Perspective. Perspective means you appreciate when people see things in different ways. You have the ability to understand the world from multiple points of view.
Perspective is also referred to as wisdom and is distinct from intelligence. People with this strength are sought out for advice because they see the big picture and can make sense of the world’s complexity. This strength of perspective gives individuals the ability to see to the heart of difficult matters and achieve clarity. Most importantly, they are honest and behave in an ethically consistent manner.
Perspective helps an individual make sense of the world. It provides clarity on what matters and what does not. Being able to see things from multiple angles helps individuals remain calm and learn from mistakes; they are typically highly self-aware. Reflecting on their own feelings, thoughts, and motives helps them understand and empathize with other people. These individuals are strong listeners and ask great questions. Individuals with the strength of perspective help their group get through difficult or uncertain circumstances because they’re poised and can identify opportunities for success.
To practice and encourage the character strength of perspective with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
Have a wonderful week!
ATTENDANCE AWARENESS MONTH
September is Attendance Awareness Month
Help your child be an Attendance H.E.R.O.:
Here. Everyday. Ready. On-time.
Parent partnership is crucial to ensuring our students are receiving the full advantage of consistent school attendance. Students who attend school regularly are significantly more likely to achieve proficient academic levels in reading and math, do better on tests, as well as likelier to graduate and be successful in future endeavors. Help us accomplish this by:
Establishing consistent bed times and wake up times
Planning ahead to avoid scheduling appointments and vacations during school
Communicating with teachers regarding illnesses or religious/cultural holidays
Staying engaged and regularly checking in with your children about their experiences
Emphasizing the importance of attendance with your children
Reaching out to us for help to address any barriers to attendance
Thank you for your support and partnership! For more attendance tips and resources go to bit.ly/attendancehero
PARENTVUE WORKSHOP
FAMILY LEARNING CENTER
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Westwood PTA Needs Volunteers for this year’s Boo Bash, October 27th. The event is $5 per person, but volunteers and their families enter free.
We need a small army of volunteers to make this event successful. Please sign up to help run events, or bring a Trunk or Treat vehicle.
This year we have split the shifts into 2, 1 opening and 1 closing, so you can spend part of the event with your family. Trunk or treat volunteers should bring their own relief person if desired.
With your help, this event will be GREAT!
Sign up HERE
MORE THAN A MEAL
lthough all students now receive school breakfast and lunch at no charge, families are still encouraged to complete the Free and Reduced Price Meal Application.
Please complete either an online application or a paper "Free and Reduced Meal Price Application Form." The paper forms can be obtained from and returned (completed) to any school office.
Our Online Meal Application Process is FAST, SAFE, SECURE, PRIVATE and AVAILABLE anytime, anywhere, and is the preferred method.
You will be notified by mail of your child's eligibility.
Please complete only one application (online OR paper) per family. The information you give will be used to determine your child's eligibility for free or reduced-priced meals.
This information may also be used for other state or federally funded benefits.
YEARBOOK
2023-24 Yearbooks are on sale already! 10% off through the end of September!
PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS
About Us
Principal
Email: kholmes@powayusd.com
Website: https://westwood. powayusd.com
Location: 17449 Matinal Road, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: 858-487-2026
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WWESRoadrunners
Twitter: @RoadrunnersWwes
Nondiscrimination Philosophy and Policy Statement
The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is an equal opportunity employer/program and is committed to an active Nondiscrimination Program. PUSD prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For more information, please contact: Title IX/Equity Compliance Officer, James Jimenez, Associate Superintendent of Personnel support Services, Poway Unified School District, 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128, 1-858-521-2800, extension 2121, jjimenez@powayusd.com. For students, you may contact Title IX Coordinator/504 Coordinator Jamie Dayhoff, Director of Attendance and Discipline, Poway Unified School District, 1-858-521-2840, jdayhoff@powayusd.com.