Westside Communicator
News from School to Home
Testing this week!
Testing week for our 3rd and 4th graders!
April 17 & 18- 3rd grade ACT Aspire Testing
April 19 & 20- 4th grade ACT Aspire Testing
The night before the test:
1. Make sure your child goes to bed on time so he or she is well-rested.
2. Keep your routine as normal as possible. Upsetting natural routines may make children feel insecure.
3. Be positive and confident in the fact that you know your child will do his/her best.
4. Plan ahead to avoid conflicts on the morning of the test.
The morning of the test:
1. Get up a few minutes early to avoid rushing and make sure your child arrives at school on time.
2. Have your child eat a nutritious breakfast. There is a strong correlation between eating breakfast and memory and cognitive functioning.
3. Have your child dress comfortably.
4. Be positive and communicate that this is your child’s chance to show what he/she knows.
The most important thing you can do right before the test is to build confidence about doing his/her very best.
After the test:
1. Talk to your child about his/her feelings about the test.
2. Discuss what was easy and what was hard; discuss what your child learned from the test.
3. Explain that performance on a test does not define him or her as a person. It is just one opportunity to demonstrate learning.
Increase in Security at Westside Coming Soon
Our new office doors have went up over the weekend and they look great. More great things are coming in WS in the areas of security. Make sure you read over the questions below. A few things have been added.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: When will the new system go into effect?
A: The new visitor management system will go into effect April 2018. Installation began over the weekend and will be completed soon. I think you will be excited when you see the new office going in at our building. The office will be remodeled to make sure we can see any visitor coming into the building or trying to gain access.
Q: What time will the school doors be locked in the morning?
A: Elementary school doors will be locked at 8:00 a.m.
Q: What doors can we enter?
A: Only 3 doors will be open until 8:00 a.m. during student arrival time. The prefered place is drop off at back car rider line. Teachers will help with getting students from cars and area will be supervised. The front door: parents can park and walk in students ( especially Pre-K) as always. If you do not have a pre-k badge you will need to go straight to the office. The back door by the pavilion will stay unlocked for our walkers and bike riders until 8:00. After that the doors will remain locked for the remainder of the day. This is NOT an area to drop your student off in a car. After 8:00 a.m. everyone will need to enter at front door on 2nd street.
Q: What if my child is late to school? Will he or she need to be buzzed in?
A: If your child is late to school, our practice remains the same. You will need to escort them to the office and check them in, which will require you to go through the visitor management system. You will need an id when entering the building. Please do not park in front of the building in the fire lane to do this. Park in an official parking spot.
Q: Will parents, visitors, and volunteers at the school need to follow the same procedures?
A: Yes. All parents, visitors, and volunteers will need to follow the visitor management system in order to enter the building. To ensure a productive learning environment, visitors will only be allowed to visit classrooms by appointment.
Q: How will visitors who are unfamiliar with the new procedures know where to enter the building?
A: Signs will be posted outside exterior doors directing visitors to the main entrance. In addition, information on how to access the intercom will be posted at the main entrance.
Q: How will school staff determine whether or not to grant access into the building?
A: School staff may use a list of clarifying questions to determine whether the person(s) has a legitimate reason to enter the building. If there is any concern about granting access into the building, school administration will be contacted.
Q: If I see someone I know, can I knock and get them to let me in?
A: We are training all students and staff to not open doors for anyone. We need to make sure that everyone is following the correct protocol. You may be fine to open the door for, but students have a hard time diferennintaig between who is safe and who is not safe. Please do not put our students or staff in an uncomfortable position by knocking.
We thank you, in advance, for your patience and understanding during this transition time. We know that it will take a little extra time getting into the building, but we are dedicated to the safety of your children. We appreciate your assistance with this.
Fitness Frenzy Dates
11- Kindergarten
14- 1st grade
15-2nd grade
16- 3rd grade
17- 4th grade
Graduation Ceremonies
8:30- 4th Grade Graduation
1:30- Kindergarten Graduation
May 22
9:00 Pre-K Graduation
Lunch Charges
Birthday Treat Day
Special Months listed below:
April 27
May- End of year party TBA
Follow us on Twitter
If your WS superhero does something great...post it and tag us!
So many great things are happening.....we want you to see it ALL!
We also have a new hashtag for the year. Its #UnstoppableWS
Twitter: @westsidecabot
Box Tops & Coke Rewards
We are still collecting Box Tops! Please collect those and send to school with your student.
If you have any questions about Box Tops or Coke Rewards please contact our PTO reps at the email below.
Email: cabotwestsidepto@gmail.com
Westside Elementary School
Email: sherri.jennings@cps.k12.ar.us
Website: www.cabotschools.org
Location: 1701 South 2nd Street, Cabot, AR, United States
Phone: 501743-3566
Twitter: @WestsideCabot