Westwood Middle School
March Newsletter
Westwood Families-
We hope this update finds you well and looking forward to some warmer days ahead. We are all settled in to the new building and are LOVING IT. Please continue to encourage your student to check Powerschool and stay caught up on all assignments.
The Main Office of any school building is a hub of activity. Students and staff are always on the go, in and out of the space throughout the school day.
It’s an active place for regular check-ins and meetings with students, as well as staff conferences and daily interactions with school principals and counselors. The Main Office is also a confidential space at times for conversations and interactions between school personnel and students.
Parents and caregivers are part of the equation, too. For any number of reasons, parents may be asked to come to their child’s school during the day. When that happens, parents should follow the district’s visitor procedures by using the school’s main entrance buzzer and intercom system to gain entrance to the school, and then signing in at the front desk.
If parents/caregivers do not have a meeting at the school but still need to come to the school during the day to see their child or to speak to a staff member, call-ahead notice or an appointment is required.
This ensures parents will be seen in a timely manner and upholds the safety practices of the school.
To contact the Main Office, please call 440-284-8017
Spirit Week
OST Information
Your 5th, 6th, 7th, and/or 8th grade Elyria student will be taking his/her spring Ohio State Testing in English Language Arts, Math, and Science. The state testing is one way to inform us on how well your child is growing in the knowledge and skills outlined in Ohio’s Learning Standards. These tests help guide and strengthen future instruction so that we can best prepare your child for long-term success. Below you will find your child’s testing dates and information on how you can support your child during his or her assessments.
Ways to help prepare your child for the Spring State Assessments:
Have discussions with your child letting him/her know that the assessments were created to make sure they are on track from grade to grade.
Visit the website for ongoing information, sample test items and practice tests.
https://oh.portal.cambiumast.com/users/students-and-families.stml
Remind your child to bring his/her assigned chromebook to school on their assessment date below. Please make sure the chromebook is fully charged and ready to be used.
March 22- ELA part 1- ALL grade levels
March 24- ELA part 2- ALL grade levels
March 29- Math part 1- ALL grade levels
March 31- Math part 2- ALL grade levels
April 5- Science part 1- 5th/8th
April 7- Science part 2- 5th/8th
From the Counselor
As we approach spring and leave our state of hibernation from the long, harsh, Ohio winter, our spirits are lifted and life becomes a little more bearable. For most of us who have weathered numerous Ohio winters, some degree of SAD, or Seasonal Affect Disorder, has gripped our emotional well-being. Seasonal Affect Disorder is defined as a state of dread which sets in late fall to early winter due to reduced sunlight, shorter days, and colder temperatures.
Now that most of the good intentions and resolutions that have come and gone with the new year, it’s time to focus on the positives of a fresh new season. There are fewer excuses for us to remain in our state of hibernation, and move in a positive direction both mentally and physically. Here are some ideas to focus on as we put away the snow shovel and dig out the patio furniture:
-Think of something positive that will take place in the near future such as; a trip to the beach, a family outing, or an outdoor sporting event. All of us need positive activities to look forward to in order to maintain a positive outlook on life.
-Make an improvement to some area of our life, whether it be changing our diet to take off some of the additional pounds accumulated over the winter, or trying a new activity that warmer weather allows.
Whether you have a physical garden that you nurture, and monitor as it grows and produces fruit, or a virtual plan that allows positive growth in your life, it will prove to be a worthwhile investment. So dig out those sunglasses, pour yourself a glass of iced tea or lemonade, and prepare for brighter days!!
Brad Miller
Westwood Counselor
From the Nurse
Make dental health part of your daily routine and share these reminders with your whole family:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, especially after breakfast and before bedtime. Drinking water after eating also helps to clear your teeth of food particles.
Floss every day. An adult should help children under the age of eight to floss. Older children should be ready to floss on their own.
Limit the number of times you eat snacks, especially the sticky ones and long lasting ones.
Visit a dentist regularly for a routine check up and a cleaning.
Protect your teeth by wearing a mouthguard when playing sports.
Don’t forget to change your toothbrush regularly, and after an illness.
Sweet snack facts:
Eating a lot of snacks with sugar may cause cavities.
Every time you eat sugar, plaque in your mouth mixes with the sugar to make acid. The acid hurts the teeth and causes decay over time. This can be painful!
The school nurse can help you find a dental home for your family!
March Dates
March 7- Track starts
March 8- Band Festival @ PAC
March 9- Mama Jo Fundraiser begins
March 14- 8th HS scheduling in classes
March 17- Final payment for 8th grade DC trip
March 22- OST ELA
March 23- Mama Jo Fundraiser ends
March 25- Late night activity @ Westwood
March 29- OST Math
March 31- End of Quarter 3
Parent Nights
Preregistration runs through March 10.
Preschool
Lock -In
Westwood Middle School
Website: www.elyriaschools.org/westwood
Location: 42350 Adelbert Street, Elyria, OH, USA
Phone: 440-284-8017