W.E.stchester Weekly
March 15, 2023
News from the Principal
Greetings WE Families,
My oh My! If there has ever been a week of appreciation and admiration for the work that I get to do, it certainly was this week. It started with gifts and cards of appreciation and a surprise parade on Monday for National Principal Day. There is no place like an elementary (especially WE) school to make you feel loved.
Wednesday was our School Canvas visit. This was an opportunity for Dr. Whitaker, our incoming superintendent and district leaders to get to know what Westchester Elementary is all about. It was evident from students to staff that WE are Crew! The culture of Crew is truly what makes Westchester feel so welcoming. Our student focus group did an amazing job. To quote one student, “I wouldn’t change a thing!” That is a powerful compliment from a student.
Field Day is here! The children have been waiting patiently for this annual school event. Coach Henry sure does knows how to plan a terrific day. We have tremendous support from our amazing parent volunteers as well. I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. It is water balloon time as well! I have had many children warn me and give advice as to what I need to wear. That is just another reason why I love the students at Westchester.
As I close out this weekly message I have never felt more gratitude for the amazing job that I get to do each day.
From your grateful principal,
Christine Knox
Calendar of Events
On the Scene at Westchester
Fun in the Library
Arlo was eager to show Ms. Knox how to play Numbers with an Osmo. Ask your students also about the Pizza game.
Join the fun!
Ms. Henry's Class Won
Ms. Henry's class stayed in the lead for most participants in the Fuss Free Fundraiser. PTA gave each class member a medal.
Grade Level Supply Lists 23-24
Westchester Elementary parents...Did you know the average parent has to visit two and a half stores to get everything on their child's back to school supply list? Not when you order from 1st Day School Supplies! In just a few clicks you'll have everything you need and only the brand names you trust and respect like Ticonderoga, Crayola, Elmer's and Clorox.
Better yet, you'll save up to 30% when you order from 1st Day school Supplies compared to shopping at big box retailers like Target, Walmart and even on Amazon.
So, what are you waiting for? Buy early and save this year with 1st Day school Supplies.
MAP Testing Information
Dear Westchester Families,
During the weeks of May 1 through May 19, Westchester teachers will be administering the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test for Reading and Math. MAP is a computerized adaptive test which helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child's academic growth. Students take the MAP test in the fall, winter, and spring. By taking it three times a year, teachers and parents are able to see how their student is growing in the areas of Reading and Math throughout the school year. We will use this data to help us make informed instructional decisions for our students.
We will administer the MAP test to our K-1 students between 5/1 and 5/4. Second grade students will begin MAP during the week of 5/8. Makeup testing may extend through May 19 for all students as needed. The tests will be administered by classroom teachers and proctors in their classrooms.
Times below include device set-up, logging in, and breaks.
Before testing
Teachers will share these 3 videos (What’s This Test About, Get Reading For the Test, Practice Test) to show students what the test might look like and how they will use the computer to answer the questions.
May 1st, 2nd, 4th
K students- 9:00-9:35
1st grade students- 10:00-10:35
May 8th, 9th (Reading) May 15th, 16th (Math)
2nd grade students- 8:30-9:30
May 17-19
Makeups as needed
If you have any questions please reach out to our Instructional Coach, Christie Manasso cmanasso@csdecatur.net
Family resources::
May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Students are enjoying visiting these slides and reading stories in the media center. You should ask your student what they have learned so far about AAPI! If you and your student would like to share any information about your culture, please reach out to Brooke Nation bnation@csdecatur.net. Students enjoy sharing over the announcements or they can put together a slide deck for our library time.
May is also Jewish Heritage Month!
PTA News
PTA VP
I am running for PTA Board Vice President for the 2023-24 school year, and am looking forward to getting to do what I can for our WE community.
I love volunteering, and I have enjoyed being able to support the WE staff and our families in our family's first year at the school.
I am a project manager and package designer by day, manage a small theater company in my free time, and struggle in my attempt to keep up with the world of Pokemon.
My husband, Ted, and I have two delightful kids, Greg (6) and Iris (3).
CSD News and Announcements
Extra Mile Awards
Students: Do you know a teacher or CSD employee who has gone “the extra mile” this year? Nominate them for the CSD Extra Mile Award! The Extra Mile Award is an annual award that allows students to show appreciation for the teachers or staff they feel go above and beyond what is expected of them.
Students (not parents) at any grade level can write an essay describing how their teacher (or staff member) goes the extra mile (parents can help younger children write the essay). The essays should be detailed and describe how the employee goes above and beyond.
Click here to submit a nomination. The deadline is May 31.
These awards will be presented at the CSD Opening Day Celebration in July.
Questions? Contact cburnett@csdecatur.net or 404-371-3601
Westchester and CSD Communication Survey
Hi Westchester Families,
Please complete this survey to help us best plan for and implement communication structures that will keep our Westchester families informed of the important happenings in our school community. All schools will be conducting a similar survey.
The results of these surveys will be shared with other school and district leaders to help inform areas of strength and growth throughout the district.
This survey should take you approximately 10 minutes to complete, and will provide us with valuable information about our communication platforms, frequency, and content. Thank you for your support.
Community Partner Announcements and Updates
Decatur Education Foundation
It's time to Step Up for Teachers! The yard signs are being ordered and will be available for pickup soon! www.stepupforteachers.com is live and ready for your tributes to CSD teachers, paraprofessionals and staff. For a small donation,
you leave a message of appreciation, we'll notify the honored
person and post it on our website. For a gift of $50 or more, you
can select between a "We Step Up" or a "Class of 2023" yard sign. If you would like a sign but cannot contribute, please email drew@decatureducationfoundation.org with your tribute and your
sign preference. Together we make a difference for our teachers,
our schools and our kids.
Reminders from Last Week
Visit past newsletters for answers to your questions🤗
Westchester Elementary School
Email: bnation@csdecatur.net
Website: https://www.csdecatur.net/Westchester
Location: 758 Scott Boulevard, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404-370-4400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westchesterelementarycsd