Gator Gazette-Summer Edition
Westgate. Home of the Gators. We Can. We Will.
Summer 2020
YELLOW/RED UPDATES FOR FAMILIES
Hello, Elementary Parents and Family Members,
We continue to work on communication to best help all families understand how our Yellow status will work for learners at the elementary level. We encourage you to check out this short, helpful video from Director of Elementary Education Dr. Greg Betts, as he breaks down daily and weekly elementary schedules for our learners:
We have also put together an Extended Campus Learning website detailing the first days of elementary school, schedules, curriculum and more: https://sites.google.com/westside66.net/wcselementaryextendedcampus/elementary-ec-2020-2021
Please continue to contact us at feedback@westside66.net if you have questions not addressed in these resources. Thank you again for your ongoing patience and flexibility to best support all students!
Westside Community Schools
Message from Mrs. Moon...
Hello Westgate Families!
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you and your student to the 2020-2021 school year at Westgate Elementary. Jay Elliott and I are excited to begin our fifth year as an administrative team at Westgate Elementary and we look forward to partnering with you as we begin this year differently than we ever have with COVID-19 guidelines in place for schools. Although our summers weren’t spent the way most of us wanted, we do hope that you were able to find joy in the simple moments with your family and were able to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the summer . As the summer starts to wind down, our thoughts turn to the upcoming school year and the learning we will do and memories your child will make. This is always an exciting time of the year and this year we will begin the year with many social distancing, densifying and virtual learning options for our students and staff. We understand that you may have many COVID related questions and we recommend that you continue to watch for district communication in regards to the most updated District Pandemic Plan (below) and additional Westgate specific information in the coming weeks.
We also have several new staff at Westgate Elementary. These new staff members are excited to meet our students and look forward to being a part of our community.
Please help me welcome our new staff to their new positions:
Hannah Kavan-Second Grade
Hannah Andahl-Newman-Counselor
Ariel Shearer-Art
Current teachers switching grade levels: Erin Beerman-Moving to Second Grade and Jennifer Molinaro-Moving to First Grade
On August 11th families will receive class placements and on August 14th we will share out teacher welcome videos and a video displaying the social distancing and de-densifying and other parts of our Pandemic Plan. Due to COVID-19, we are going to do a Virtual Meet the Teacher Night in order to reduce the amount of traffic in and out of our building prior to August 18th. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the office at 402-390-6495. I look forward to working with you and your child throughout the school year to provide an engaging and safe learning environment that supports student success. Thank you for all you do to support Westgate!
Amanda Moon Principal
Westgate Elementary
402-390-6495
What does Yellow Mode mean?
Virtual Sneak-A-Peek Nights:
- Sneak-A-Peek Nights at all Westside elementary schools will be VIRTUAL for the 2020/2021 school year.
- On August 14th, we will send you the link to access the video shared by your child's classroom teacher, specials teachers, and building administration. In these videos your teachers will share about themselves, what they are excited about for the new school year, and a tour of your classroom.
Extended Learning Campus Student Material Pick-up:
Masks on the First Day of School
Students should arrive in a mask on the first day of school. We will have disposable masks on campus for any student who arrives without one. Students will receive one neoprene and two cloth masks to wear on their first on-campus day.
Preparing Your Child for Wearing a Mask at School VIDEOS BELOW
School Supplies
Metro Back to School Supply Events for Families:
https://www.thisismission.org/upcoming-events/back-2-school-bash
August 1st 2-4PM One World Back-to-School Bash
https://www.oneworldomaha.org/get-involved/backtoschoolbash/
Salvation Army Backpack Distribution
Please double check your homes for school library books and return when you come back to school:) We are currently missing hundreds of books! Thanks for your help with this to ensure our library has our students' favorites!
August
18 - First Day of School 8:30am (First Bell rings @ 8:20)
September
1- Parent Collaboration Night-Virtually
4 - Professional Learning - NO SCHOOL7 - Labor Day - NO SCHOOL
8 - CC Meeting & Parent Advisory 6 pm (Virtually-link will be shared at a later date)
Due to COVID-19 we will not host any on campus events sponsored by Westgate or our Westgate Community Club during the first quarter. Decisions about events after this timeframe will be made several weeks after school begins. All WCS Elementaries will follow these guidelines.
Health and Safety:
The health and safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance. In using guidance from health officials throughout the metro and beyond, as well as District Guidelines and Policies, listed are measures we have developed in order to provide a safe and healthy educational environment for our Loveland students and staff. To view Westside’s full pandemic plan, including the information below, please see above. More information, expectations and procedures will occur throughout each classroom in Westgate upon our return to school. As guidelines change, communication will be made from the District and/or the school.
Masks - Masks will be required. There will be mask breaks taken throughout the day. Masks will be required upon arrival on campus and dismissal of the school day.
Social Distancing - With the wearing of masks, students and staff will maintain social distancing in the hallways and classroom seating to the greatest extent possible.
Hand Washing & Sanitizing - Hand washing and sanitizing procedures will be taught throughout the building and will occur frequently throughout the day. Classrooms will be stocked with hand sanitizer for students and staff to use.
Plexiglass - Plexiglass will be used throughout Westgate most specifically in the office area, tables in the classroom, and small group instruction tables.
Lunchroom - Students will eat lunch in the lunchroom with social distancing measures.
Specials - Specials will occur with Music and P.E. being held inside the gym or outside for instructional purposes. The gymnasium provides space great enough to provide social distancing in these two disciplines. Art and Library will travel to the classrooms.
Student Supplies - Students will use individual supplies, textbooks, and resources. Items will not be shared among the community in the classroom as well as in specials.
Water Bottles - Students should bring their own water bottles that are clearly labeled with their name. Students will fill up bottles in classroom sinks and touchless water-filling stations being installed in future weeks.
First Day of School Photo Opp
School Arrival-New Start time for WCS Elementaries
Our school day begins at 8:30 am. Students may enter the building at 8:20 am. We will have supervision outside starting at 8:10. Please ensure that your child isn't dropped off at Westgate until 8:10, unless attending Club 66. We ask that students not arrive before 8:10 am, unless:
Participating in a school activity
Serving on Safety Patrol Working with a teacher
Attending Club 66 Before & After Care program
WHY CAN’T I ARRIVE EARLY?
Teachers are involved in team meetings, staff meetings and individual planning from 8:00-8:20 am.
Thanks for your continued cooperation.
Attendance
Each school day begins with taking attendance. It is very important that students be in their classrooms by 8:30 am or they will be counted absent.
Please help us with this by calling the office at 402-390-6495 by 8:40 am when your student is not coming to school or will be late for school. Safety is our focus in making this request.
Students coming in after 8:30 am or after attendance is taken in the afternoon must come to the office and sign in. Students coming or going during the day for appointments, illness, etc., must also sign in and out through the office.
Bus News
Buses will pick up students from Onyx at Aksarben and Woolworth Estate Apartments at approximately 8:10 am each morning. Pick up points will be the same as last year. If you are new to the area call Chief Bus Service at 402-392- 2144 for the closes pick up point . Buses will leave Westgate at approximately 3:35 pm for the return trip home.
Bus families can expect a letter the first week of school regarding bus conduct and guidelines. Students will be expected to wear masks while riding on the bus each day.
Westgate Staff 20-21 School Year
District Approved Snack List
Medication/Health Office
The health office must have a written, signed and dated Medication Authorization form from the parent or guardian requesting that his/her child be given medication during the school day (prescription or over-the-counter). This form is available in the office.
All medication must be brought to school and taken home from school by a parent. It must be in the original container, labeled with the child’s name, date prescribed, name of the medication, directions for use, dosage information and the time the medication is to be given.
Cough drops, and any over-the-counter medication must be in the original box/package, and a Medication Authorization form must be filled out. These medications are kept in the health of- fice.
Scrapes and cuts are washed and bandaged, if needed. We do not and cannot use any ointment or cleaning product on an individual. If an injury is severe or questionable, a parent will be contacted.
All medication, including cough drops, must be picked up by a parent at the end of the duration. We will not send any medication home with a child.
As part of our District Pandemic plan, we are contracted with Children's Hospital to utilize their Tele-health services this upcoming year. This process will involve communication between parents and Children's Hospital. We will have a secondary health office at Westgate for students exhibiting COVID like symptoms and will access the telehealth services at that time to ensure the safety of all students and staff. More details to come in the upcoming weeks.
Visitor Policy
Westgate Dress Expectations
In order to ensure a positive learning environment where all feel comfortable and respected, please follow our Westgate dress expectations. We expect our students to wear clothing that:
Is clean, safe, and in good condition. Is considerate of others.
Is free of advertisements, graphics or language on drugs, alcohol, tobacco or violence.
Is free of sexual or disrespectful comments or graphics.
Covers appropriately. Halter tops, bare shoulders, backless tops and short shorts are not acceptable.
Students will be asked to call home for a change of clothing if not dressed properly.
Personal Property Reminder
Students are reminded that all personal items, such as skateboards, ipods, toys, footballs, basketballs, etc., are not to be brought to school unless specifically requested by the classroom teacher. These items are costly and could be damaged or lost.
Specials at Westgate:
*30 minutes specials daily
*Two week rotation of specials (I.E. PE/Library) will be at Westgate for 10 days, then Library/Music will be at Westgate for 10 days. )
2020 - 2021 Breakfast/Lunch Information
Grab and Go Breakfast -
Will be available at 8:20 am each morning at three locations
within the building.
Lunch:
This year, we have applied for a state grant that will allow every student at Westgate Elementary to receive a free breakfast and lunch. You do not need to do anything to enroll in this program, and we will not be accepting lunch money. Students are welcome to eat breakfast at home or bring a hot lunch, but no student will be charged for eating a meal here at school. We still ask families to fill out the Free and Reduced lunch application as this form is important for determining eligibility in other district programs. This form is a part of your returning student registration. Please note that this program is only for students at Westgate.
Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, we are not allowing visitors for lunch or providing students with the option to sign up for "extra" portions.
Free/Reduced Applications - Applications for free/reduced meals must be completed every year regardless of whether you qualified in the past. Forms are available on-line now and anytime at wcsapplyforfreelunch.heartlandapps.com .
Check out Westside Community Schools Online Lunch Menu!
Outdoor Education-6th Grade 2020-2021
Outdoor Education is a time-honored tradition for 6th graders in the Westside Community Schools. The experience at Platte River State Platte traditionally takes place in the fall during the sixth-grade year. Due to an abundance of caution, Outdoor Education will be postponed and moved to the spring of 2021. The District will continue to evaluate and to receive recommendations from local experts as the year progresses towards spring as we want Outdoor Education to be a positive, safe and healthy experience for all sixth graders and our staff.
Club 66 is currently FULL for Fall Enrollment. Please contact Shyann if you would like to be placed on the wait list.
Required Enrollment Documentation
Returning Student Registration-BEGINS AUGUST 3RD!
All returning students must have their information updated so we have current contact information for back-to-school communication this summer. Please get current students registered for the 2020-2021 school year. If you haven't completed your Returning Student Registration, please do so now.
How do I get started?
Login to your parent PowerSchool account at ps.westside66.org. Click on the Returning Student Registration button. Remember that the registration must be completed for each returning Westside student in your home. Once you're finished, your child will be registered for the 2020-2021 school year.
What if I forgot my PowerSchool account login information?
You can reset your password using the “Forgot Username or Password?” link on the login page (ps.westside66.org). Please be aware that the recovery email will be sent to the email address you used to create the account, which may not be your current email address. If you need further assistance please email powerschool.support@westside66.net or call 402-390-2100.
Interested in Learning more about our Westgate Community Club?
Co-President: Angelia Kerst/Jessica Taggett
Vice President: Ken Kirkpatrick
Treasurer: Melissa McMahon
Secretary: Mitch Urosevich
Annual AHERA Notice
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) requires each public school district to annually notify parents, staff, and employee groups of its asbestos management plans. A management plan is in place for Westgate and is available for review either at the school building or at the Westside Service Center, 9437 J St. Omaha, NE.
This school building was originally inspected in the1980’s and re-inspected by a certified inspector every three years thereafter. The three-year re-inspection and a ceiling tile inspection was conducted in 2019, and periodic surveillance will be conducted as required. No abatement activities are currently in progress or scheduled for the 2020-2021 school year at this building.
The Designated Person responsible for managing the District’s AHERA compliance and the contact person for questions or to review a management plan is the Director of Facilities, Russ Olsen (402) 390-8331.