Hello Westside Families!! Our Explorers are doing a phenomenal job with their expectations and learning thus far this semester, and we couldn't do it without our dedicated staff! Please take time to say THANK YOU to your child's teacher or any staff member for helping maintain a strong and safe educational environment during this recent outbreak. Many are covering extra classes or other duties on top of their own to ensure your children receive the same high-quality education day after day. As principal, I am in awe over their dedication and perseverance!

Reminder that Monday, January 17th, BPS schools will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, 1/18.

If you did not return your child's report card envelope and any paperwork, please do so on Tuesday when they return.

Again, here are a few reminders of our current COVID protocols:

• If your child tests positive, please call the school. With valid results, we can excuse their absences.
• If your child has symptoms or is feeling sick, please keep them home if possible. Any student who exhibits symptoms at school will have to be picked up.
• If a household member tests positive, students who are ASYMPTOMATIC may attend school per parent discretion. If you choose to quarantine them, they can stay home up to 7 days from date of exposure.
• However, if they develop symptoms, please keep them home and follow the flowchart presented by BPS here at this link.

We appreciate your support with the health and safety of all here at Westside. We are still utilizing all our protocols at school including deep cleanings and sanitizing, hand sanitizer stations, social distancing and optional masks.

As always, feel free to reach out to us with any positive feedback or concerns. We look forward to another amazing semester together!

~Mrs. Stephanie Woodbury, Principal

(321) 956-5050 or Woodbury.Stephanie@BrevardSchools.org

Do you have loose change laying around in your car, laundry room, or couch cushions?

PTO is hosting our first PENNY WAR to raise funds for the school!

Pennies will gain points for your grade level while silver coins will take points away from other grades! Feeling REALLY generous? Dollar bills of any denomination add bonus points!!

Which grade level will win the pizza party?? Watch our Facebook page for daily updates on who is in the lead!

Westside is currently hiring the following positions:

5th Grade Teacher

2nd Grade Teacher

PreK ESE Instructional Assistant

Custodian (5.5hrs)

If you, or someone you know is interested, please reach to Mrs. Jessica Waugh at (321) 956-5050 for more information.

• State and Federal Funding for Schools- Teacher allocations and curriculum materials
• Title 1 Status- Being a Title 1 school provides funding for our Parent Engagement Nights such as our Math Night we hosted first semester and our Science and Literacy Night coming soon...all FREE to families!
• Summer Enrichment Programs- helps students prevent the summer slide or catch up in areas that need support.
• Tutoring Programs
• EBT eligibility
• Discounts on SAT and ACT Testing fees
• Discounts on technology and internet services

Even if you think you won't qualify, please take a moment to apply to see if you are eligible! It only takes a few minutes and could greatly support Westside! Click HERE

Bicycle Safety- Please Wear your helmet.

It’s the LAW…FLORIDA STATUTES TITLE XXIII. MOTOR VEHICLES

CHAPTER 316. STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL

316.2065. Bicycle regulations

(d) A bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and is fastened securely upon the passenger's head by a strap, and that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z 90.4 Bicycle Helmet Standards), the standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation (1984 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling), or any other nationally recognized standards for bicycle helmets adopted by the department. As used in this subsection, the term "passenger" includes a child who is riding in a trailer or semitrailer attached to a bicycle.

(e) Law enforcement officers and school crossing guards may issue a bicycle safety brochure and a verbal warning to a bicycle rider or passenger who violates this subsection. A bicycle rider or passenger who violates this subsection may be issued a citation by a law enforcement officer and assessed a fine for a pedestrian violation, as provided in § 318.18. The court shall dismiss the charge against a bicycle rider or passenger for a first violation of paragraph (d) upon proof of purchase of a bicycle helmet that complies with this subsection.

Riding a bicycle requires that each rider take responsibility for knowing and following bike safety rules. In addition, the rider must respect the rights of walkers, vehicles, and property owners.

RULES:

1. Always wear a properly fitted bike helmet when riding a bike.

2. Observe safe bicycle rules while traveling to and from school.

3. Respect the rights of walkers, vehicles, and the property of others.

4. Ride single file, one person per bicycle. Always stay on the right side of the street or sidewalk.

5. Always stop your bike at an intersection, look left right left, then walk your bike through the intersection.

6. At school, each bicycle will be locked and parked in the bicycle rack.

7. While on school property, observe the rules and walk bikes.

8. Obey all signals and instructions given by the crossing guard.

If you have a financial need for a helmet please contact your child’s P.E. teacher at 321-956-5050 or Mckinney.beth@brevardschools.org so I can provide a helmet for your child.

Thank you. Mrs. McKinney~Physical Education teacher

The 2021-2022 Schoolwide Improvement Plan for Westside Elementary has been reviewed and approved. The current plan is available on our school website and a hard copy is in the front office located in the Family Engagement Binder. Copies and translations are available upon request. Online Link: https://www.brevardschools.org/domain/9278 (School Website) OR https://www.floridacims.org/districts/brevard/schools/2212 (CIMS Website)

• January 17th- Holiday for All (MLK Observance)
  
• January 24th- SAC Meeting
• January 26th- Club and Group Photos
• February 2nd- 5th Grade Brevard Symphony Orchestra Trip
• February 15th- Title 1 Science Night