Westbrook School
February 26, 2021
From the Principal...
Dear Westbrook Families,
It’s hard to believe that February is coming to an end and that spring is coming soon! Our February was very busy! We celebrated Black History Month, the 100th day of school, Valentine’s Day, and Presidents’ Day! We have seen our students be authors, illustrators, scientists, friends, community members, mathematicians, and more! We continue to be so proud of our students for their hard work and perseverance!
Upcoming Half Day - March 5th
In the afternoon of March 5th, our teachers will be collaborating to support student learning.
No students will report to the building on half days.
Please see below to see how your child’s schedule may be impacted on half days:
Circle of Friends - NO SCHOOL
Kindergarten - NO SCHOOL
1st Grade Remote Learners - Students will login for synchronous instruction with their teacher in the morning from 9-11am.
1st Grade Hybrid Learners - Both AM/PM students will receive instruction remotely in the morning from 9-11am. Students will receive synchronous instruction with their teacher during this time.
Safety Practices at Westbrook
Safety is of the utmost importance for us. Our layered mitigation measures of mask-wearing, hand hygiene, disinfecting/sanitizing, social distancing. and symptom screening help us to keep our students and staff safe. It truly is a community effort! Please continue to practice mask-wearing and social distancing during arrival and dismissal times.
Movement Breaks - Resources
Throughout the day, our students engage in movement breaks or “brain breaks” Movement breaks can be used to help students get their “wiggles” out, energize students, or calm students down to focus on the next activity. Vigorous movements such as jumping jacks, running in place, gallops, or side shuffles help to energize students. Activities such as yoga poses, stretching exercises, and breathing exercises helps students to calm their bodies and focus for the next activity. Below are some ideas and websites for you to use with your child to help them get energized or increase focus for the next activity.
Suggestions:
Sing/Dance to “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”
Play hide-and-seek
Make an obstacle course out of household items
Practice animal walks: bear walk, crab walk, froggy jumps
Throw balled up socks into a basket
Draw an obstacle course using chalk
Applications/Websites:
GoNoodle - short movement breaks
Calm App - mindfulness/stretching
Exercises: flexibility, strength, agility, warm-ups/cool-downs, & movement breaks
Exercises: aerobic, muscle-strengthening, & bone-strengthening
Hybrid Students
I wanted to give families a reminder that those students who are enrolled in a hybrid section should plan to come to school unless directed otherwise due to COVID symptoms, exposure, or other illness. Staying home out of convenience is problematic for teachers and staff as it requires a different approach to planning to ensure materials are ready for students both in person and remotely. While we are happy to accommodate students who are required to stay home, we do ask that you plan to send your children to school rather than keep them home out of convenience. This will allow us to be most effective in meeting the needs of our students. Thank you for your help!
Mount Prospect Police Department - Officer Friendly Visits
We want to thank the Mount Prospect Police Department for their partnership! This week, the rest of our first grade classes received virtual visits from Officer Friendly. The topic of the visit was about how to be a good neighbor and citizen. Officer Greg Sill visited our kindergarten students in the fall and shared information about safety and how police officers support the community. Thank you Officer Greg Sill and the Mount Prospect Police Department!
Wishing you and your family well,
Kristin Vonder Haar
Follow Us on Twitter and Instagram
Please follow us on Twitter and Instagram! Our username is: westbrook_school_d57
Our wonderful PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) also has an Instagram account! Their username is: westbrookpto
Upcoming Westbrook Dates
February 26 - Report Cards Distributed
March 5 - Half Day 1st Grade Only - All Students Remote
March 5 - No School for Circle of Friends and Kindergarten
March 17 - Westbrook PTO Meeting
March 22- March 26 Spring Break, No School
March 29 - Classes Resume
April 2- No School - Buildings Closed
April 6 - Staff Institute Day - No School
Friday, March 5 - Calendar Reminder
Circle of Friends - NO SCHOOL
Kindergarten - NO SCHOOL
1st Grade Remote Learners - Students will login for synchronous instruction with their teacher in the morning from 9-11am.
1st Grade Hybrid Learners - Both AM/PM students will receive instruction remotely in the morning from 9-11am. Students will receive synchronous instruction with their teacher during this time.
PTO READ AWAY - MARCH
PTO READ AWAY
March Read Away Calendar
Westbrook School for Young Learners
Email: wb-office@d57.org
Website: https://www.d57.org/westbrookschoolforyounglearners_home.aspx
Location: 103 Busse Road, Mount Prospect, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 394-7340
Twitter: @westbrook_d57