Westwood Intermediate/Middle School
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February 22, 2023 - NEWSLETTER
Westwood Families,
I hope each of you are staying safe during the winter storm. Given the weather, it looks like we will all be participating in the Spirit Week theme on Thursday of a white out.
The Panthers for a Purpose Week of Giving is going strong despite the weather. Westwood staff was able to donate over $200 to the Panther Foundation, and we are excited to continue to support the community of learners in SLP through the work of the foundation. Friday is a Panther Spirit Day – to wear Panther gear or school colors. There are a lot of other activities. Check them out in the newsletter.
Grade 8 students will get their high school course selections for next year in by the deadline on Friday, February 24. Students register in Infinite Campus. Families will get a confirmation of choices in May and should contact their high school counselor with any change requests.
Office hours are Thursday, 3:30 – 5 p.m. Due to the weather, we will have them via WebEx and email. If you need to meet with your child’s teacher in person, please reach out to schedule a time.
We have a few weeks left in this second trimester and just a few weeks until our spring break. Despite the weather, let’s stay focused and end the trimester strong. Students should be completing the asynchronous work posted in Schoology for these flexible learning days this week (today and tomorrow). Teachers are available throughout the day to meet with students over WebEx or connect via email and Schoology messaging.
We look forward to seeing students in person on Friday. 😊
Tom Larson
Principal
8th grade families: Course Registration for 2023-2024 closes Friday
These are the final days for 8th grade students to make their course requests for next year in Infinite Campus. Registration closes Friday, February 24, 2023. You can access all resources -course catalog, registration guide and recorded presentations at SpringLakeParkSchools.org/HSRegistration.
A confirmation of next year’s course selections will be sent to homes in the month of May. If a student wishes to request a change, they should contact their counselor. Final course schedules will be provided to students in August before the first day of school.
Westwood broadcast group bridges learning and community
The results are in! After surveying the entire Westwood Intermediate and Middle School student population Mandarin Orange Chicken was named the favorite lunch choice. The least favorite? Macaroni and Cheese. (Yes, you read that right!)
The survey was a segment included in Westwood’s first-ever Panther News Broadcast. The topic was designed to appeal to the entire community. The broadcast was written, filmed and edited by a group of students who are learning new skills, exploring potential career paths and building community at Westwood.
25 dedicated students are navigating the world of news broadcasting as they develop real skills and create connections school-wide. Read more about their experience and watch the first Panther News Broadcast.
Don’t miss out on “Frozen Jr.” live at the Fine Arts Center
"We can't hold it back anymore!" This amazing cast of young actors is inviting you to join them for a story of true love and acceptance between sisters. Westwood students in grades 7-8 will present "Frozen Jr." on March 2-4. Don’t wait - get your tickets online now!
Panthers for a Purpose Giving Week is Here!
There are many ways to participate in this week of giving and SLP Panther pride. Thank you for your participation and generosity as we support this year's Fund-A-Dream. This year's Fund-A-Dream is Career and College Pathways, courses and programming to support students in exploring potential career paths.
Show your spirit and submit photos for a chance to win:
Dress head to toe in our school colors. Send in photos (pantherfoundation@district16.org) to be entered into a drawing to win a gift card to the Panther Store:
- Thursday, February 23 – White Out
- Friday, February 24 – Panther Spirit Day!
Browse and bid on silent auction items:
- The auction officially opened today! Browse more than 300 packages featuring trips, Panther gear, restaurant gift cards, adult libations, unique experiences and MORE! Start bidding now! Visit the Panthers for a Purpose Event Website for details and bidding tips.
Dine-to-Donate
- See a schedule of community restaurants that are partnering with us this week. Dine at one of the four locations during the week, mention the Panther Foundation/SLP and a portion of your sales will go to the Panther Foundation!
Special Events
Find Panther Party details for Saturday and everything you need to know about this year's event on the Panthers for a Purpose website.
Panther Pride!
Starting the week off with Blue Day! Meet Westwood's Office Staff. From left to right: Jacqui Smith-Spraggins, Rachel Resch, Blanca Vazquez-Francisco
Professional Development Day
Meet Happy Hour, School Style! Last Thursday, our staff participated in-service learning community building.
Senses
6 AIM brought their senses alive and did their learning with shaving cream. Students were able to show what they know by drawing their thoughts on the shaving cream filled desk. We had a blast!
Peace and Pancakes
Ms. Olson and Ms. Golanowski, celebrated kindness in their classroom over a pancake breakfast that was served to students. We supported our learning with the book “Peace and Pancakes” written by Anne M. Picard.
PTO Meeting on Monday, February 27
We hope to see you at our next PTO Meeting on Monday, February 27 at Westwood from 6-7 p.m. If you can't make it it will be broadcast live on our Facebook page and the recording will be available for 30 days following the meeting.
PTO is using BAND (app/website)
To stay in the loop about all your favorite committee and PTO events, join the PTO BAND groups. For more information start at https://band.us/@wwpto
February 22-23: Flexible/Virtual Learning Days at home
February 23: Office Hours - 3:30-5 p.m. (WebEx or Email)
- February 18-25: Panthers for a Purpose Week of Giving
- Saturday, February 25: Panthers for a Purpose Party
- Monday, February 27: PTO Meeting in the Den, 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 28:
- Transition to middle school for 6th grade families info session - 10 a.m. or 6 p.m., using this WebEx link
- Elective registration for 2023-2024 for 7th grade families info session - 10 a.m. or 6 p.m., using this WebEx link
March 2-4: Westwood spring musical - "Frozen Jr."
- Thursday, March 9: End of Trimester 2
- March 10-20: No school, spring break
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