Happy New Year! It is hard to believe that the holidays are behind us and that the school year is almost half over! The second marking period will end on Friday, January 13, 2017, with report cards being distributed on Thursday, January 26, 2017. Here’s to keeping all of those New Year’s resolutions!

As we complete the second marking period, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our families for supporting Westowne Elementary and the instructional program. Students come prepared to learn and parents understand that school is extremely important and expect students to give one hundred percent. Thank you for spending time each evening to listen to daily events, assist with homework, and to encourage efforts to meet the academic challenges of each grade level. Westowne is very fortunate to have many parent volunteers visit and assist teachers and students on a daily basis. Many volunteers complete work at home to support the instructional program and special events planned for the year. During the remaining months, the faculty, staff, and administration look forward to working with you to ensure a successful year for every student. A special thank you to the Westowne PTA for their commitment and dedication to all staff and students. It is always great to have so many supportive and involved parents. Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!

In an effort to ensure students refocus on instruction as quickly as possible after the break, all teachers will reinforce/reteach routines in the following areas: classrooms, bathrooms, hallways, cafeteria, and recess. I ask that all parents assist with this effort and remind students about proper behavior while in school. It is very important that classroom disruptions are kept to an absolute minimum so instructional delivery is consistent and meets all students’ needs. I have attached the Westowne Code of Conduct below to assist you if you decide to hold a conversation with your child(ren). By reinforcing our schools high behavioral expectations at home, I hope to ensure an overall calm and safe learning environment. Thank you in advance for your support!

Code of Conduct

Effective instruction is best implemented in a structured and nurturing environment. Hence, this Code of Conduct will be instituted systemically by faculty and administration and be posted in each classroom. The four components of the Code of Conduct will be recited daily during morning announcements:

I am Respectful

I am Responsible

I am Safe

I am Prepared

Dear Westowne families:

Happy New Year! I hope you had opportunities to relax and make meaningful memories with your family and friends over Winter break. It is with great pride and excitement that I write this letter to inform you that I have been selected to participate in the Baltimore County Public School (BCPS) Associate Principals’ Cohort. This cohort is designed to provide emerging leaders with a variety of experiences that will expand upon their leadership styles and skillsets. As a part of this cohort I will also participate in a brief internship at a neighboring BCPS school.

Beginning January 9, 2017 through February 3, 2017 I will report to Hillcrest Elementary School, to work closely with Principal Elmendorf in my role as associate principal. To ensure educational programming remains consistent at Westowne Elementary, Ms. Ilene Uram, retired BCPS assistant principal will be serving in my role during my absence. Ms. Uram was an assistant principal for many years within BCPS and currently enjoys opportunities to be back in the school house supporting leaders when needed.

As I make this transition to Hillcrest for the month of January, I am aware of the anticipation and eagerness that accompanies change in any organization. I know that change can provoke both excitement and anxiety. Please know that while I am eager to get to know the Hillcrest community and learning about their hopes and dreams for the school, I am also committed to ensuring the daily educational programming at Westowne maintains its high standing. Throughout my internship I will maintain close communication with Principal Palmer and the rest of the Westowne administrative team. I will also be available via email and phone to all families and staff to ensure continued student and school support.

I am looking forward to this wonderful opportunity and am elated to return to Westowne in February with new experiences, reflections, and an expanded outlook on leadership.

Sincerely,

Amanda B. McBride

Assistant Principal

The Lion King Jr. tickets will be available for online sales starting January 6th. The performances will be on Friday, February 17th at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, February 18th at 3:00 p.m. The following weekend performances will be on Friday, February 24th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 25th at 3:00 p.m. Save the dates, and be sure to order your tickets. Tickets will be sent home with students.

Hakuna Matata!

The Westowne Drama Club Team

This is a link on the Westowne website to the payment site.

In the spirit of cooperation and for the safety of our students, parents must not drop students off in the loop in front of the building after 8:30 a.m. and/or before 4:30 p.m. This loop is reserved for for buses and deliveries during school hours. Also, please remember that the late bell rings at 9:15 a.m. If you arrive with your student after 9:15 a.m., parents need to park in the main parking lot and walk students to the office and sign them in. They will receive a late pass to give to the homeroom teacher. If you need to conduct any business in the main office/school, please park in the parking lot and utilize the main entrance. Thank you for you understanding and assistance.

Starting on Monday, we will begin Grab and Go breakfast. This means that students will continue to get breakfast through the cafeteria line, but will no longer eat in the cafeteria. They will collect their breakfast items and bring them to the classroom to eat. Breakfast items will be bagged and will not include hot items that would use syrup. This change will assist getting students to class on time and prepared for the day. Students must not open and eat items while walking to class.

Jan. 12 - 7:00 PTA Meeting (moved to accommodate the Winter Concert)

Jan. 24 5:00-8:00 McDonald's Restaurant Night, Frederick Road location only

Jan 31 6:00-8:00 - MD Science Center Family Night

February Dates

Fri., Feb. 3 - PJ Spirit Day

Thurs., Feb. 9 - Skate Night at Hot Skates in Woodlawn 6:00-9:00

Tues., Feb. 14 - 7:00 PTA Meeting

As always, here's our calendar: http://www.westownepta.com/calendar.htm