Westridge Family Notes
Westridge Elementary School | August 6, 2021
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year! We can't wait to meet you and kick off our time at Westridge Elementary!
It has been a busy summer at Westridge Elementary getting ready for students to return on Wednesday, August 25. Cleaning of all classrooms and learning spaces is moving along -- a big thank you to Mrs. Thompson, and our custodial team! Teachers have been engaging in professional learning and getting their rooms ready for students to arrive. We are excited about the great learning opportunities we have planned for students during 2021-2022 school year!
Classroom teacher assignments have been finalized and will be released next week on Friday, August 13. You will need login to your Infinite Campus Parent Account, which is also used for Tiger Enrollment.
As always, feel free to call the school or email us (brewerb@wdmcs.org) and (barnesj@wdmcs.org) with any questions. See you soon!
Yours in Education,
Mrs. Beth Brewer, Principal
Mrs. Jeannette Barnes, Assistant Principal
Back to School Night: Monday, August 23
Back to School Night is Monday, August 23. Orientation for families that are new to Westridge Elementary will start at 3:00 pm in the Media Center. All returning families are encouraged to arrive between 4:00-5:00. Classrooms will be open for students and families from 4:00-5:30 to meet their teacher, see their classroom, and drop off their school supplies. There will not be a formal presentation from teachers. If you ordered supplies through the PTA, they will be waiting for you in your classroom.
- - First Day of School: Wednesday, August 25
- - First Day of Preschool: Tuesday, September 7
Early Dismissals
Don't forget...every Wednesday is an early dismissal at 3:10 pm. This includes the first day of school. Please make necessary arrangements.
New Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
Information for Kindergarten Families
We're glad your kindergarten student will be joining us this fall! During our Back to School Night, you will have an opportunity to sign up for a 1:1 meeting with your child's teacher to help them learn more about your student's strengths, preferences, and goals.
Please note that Kindergarten will dismiss early at 12:30 pm on August 25, 26, and 27 (the first three days of school).
If you haven't already done so, we encourage you to check out our district's Kindergarten Roundup video.
Information for 5th & 6th Grade Families
There have been some varying practices across the district around supporting content instruction including teachers rotating students to departmentalize core content.
With the switch to use Canvas, virtual classrooms, and the need to quickly pivot to a virtual setting, there was no departmentalizing during the 2020-2021 school year. Students received core content instruction from their homeroom teacher.
It has been recommended that as a district system we continue to have elementary students receive core instruction from their homeroom teacher for a variety of reasons centered on some key areas of benefit to student learning:
Implementation of our instructional framework for best practices
Embedded social emotional learning instruction throughout the day with a teacher who supports individual student goal-setting and growth and relationships
Integrated approaches (i.e. new social studies standards require an inquiry-based approach and direct integration with literacy standards)
Timely feedback for students throughout the day
Relationships and family engagement around growth and learning
Grade level collaborative teams (PLCs) can engage in collaborative planning around the standards and tasks, as well as can calibrate student evidence toward proficiency
Teachers will still be encouraged to create opportunities for students to collaborate and get to know students/teachers from other sections.
Message From School Nurses
Allergies are taken very seriously. Products with peanuts are discouraged, and latex products are not prohibited to bring to school. We want to do our best to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Message from the PTA
August Dates
Mark your calendars for these back-to-school events!
Classroom Teacher Assignments Shared with Families: Friday, August 13
New Family Orientation: Monday, August 23 at 3:00-4:00 pm
Back to School Night: Monday, August 23, 4:00-5:30 pm
First Day of School: Wednesday, August 25 (3:10 dismissal for Grades 1-6)
Early Dismissal for Kindergarten: 12:30 pm on August 25, 26, and 27
First Day of School for Preschool: September 7
Westridge Elementary School
Beth Brewer, Principal
Jeannette Barnes, Assistant Principal
Website: https://www.wdmcs.org/schools/westridge/
Location: 5500 E.P. True Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: 515-633-5400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wdmwestridge