West News
September 2019
Message from Mrs. Diederich
This year, during our PBIS rallies and class meetings, students will be learning about how to be a leader. We will be learning about what each of us can do to grow our leadership skills!
This is a busy time of year! Please take a moment each day to check your child's communication folder. The routine of reviewing the day by going through the backpack and folder is a key skill for every child to learn. Being organized and ready for the next day helps your child start his/her day prepared, and keeps you in the loop with any communication from your child's teacher and our main office. As we transition to using less paper, some communication, such as newsletters from teachers and the main office, may come via email. If you prefer to have paper communications, please let your child's teacher know. We know our families are busy, so we appreciate you taking the time to review our communications!
I look forward to this school year, getting to know your child(ren)!
Elisa Diederich
Principal Designee
Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, September 10th
Bike Safety for 3rd Grade 9:00 - 9:30
Title 1 Meeting 5:30 / PTO Meeting To Follow 6:00
Friday, September 13th
Bike Rodeo for 3rd Grade 1:00 - 2:00
Monday, September 16th
(Rescheduled) Spectra - Dental Assessment 12 - 3
Wednesday, September 18th
Early Release 1:30
Thursday, September 19th
Spectra - Dental Assessment 7:30 - 3
Monday, September 23rd
Caulfield Studios School Picture Day
Friday, September 27th
NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Development
Annual Title 1 Parent Meeting
West is a Title 1 school, receiving federal funds to support the needs of our students. Please attend our Annual meeting to keep you updated on how funds are used and how we target instruction for students.
Our review will be Tuesday, September 10th at 5:30pm in our library. Our monthly PTO meeting will follow.
Newsletter Inserts
DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS
We send newsletters out electronically. Please make sure we have your email address on file in the office. We will have paper copies of the newsletter in the office for families who need a hard copy.
SCHOOL SECURITY
All doors will be locked by 8:30 am each day. If you would like to visit or pick up your child, please use door #1 located on 25th St. N. by the flagpole. All schools in the district have a "Push to Talk" security system. After 8:30 am, all visitors will need to be "buzzed" in by the Main Office. Parents and visitors are required to come to the office, sign in, and pick up a visitor's pass upon arrival before they enter the rest of the school building. If you are picking up OR dropping off your student during the school day, you will need to come into the school office. All students must be checked in and signed out through our office.
ENCORE
ENCORE After School Program is offering additional after school care to families who need coverage on early release days. Space is limited. Please see attached flyer for more information.
SCHOOL DISMISSAL
Students are dismissed at 3:00 and must be picked up promptly, walk straight home after school, ride the bus or go to ENCORE. Students will meet parents and guardians outside at their assigned door. Older siblings may meet their youngest sibling at their assigned door for dismissal. Due to safety concerns students should not stay and play on the playground.
Door Assignments are as follows:
Door #1 - 2nd and 3rd graders
Door #2 - 4th and 5th graders
Door #5 - Preschool and Kindergarten
ABSENCES AND TARDIES
If your child(ren) are going to be late or absent from school, please inform the school office by calling the attendance line number and leaving a message before 8:25 am at 701-746-2329.
Attendance is very important. If your child is not in school, he/she is missing out on very important learning. We monitor student attendance closely and follow the Grand Forks Public Schools "Stay in School" policy.
PARENT/GUARDIAN AND EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Please keep the school office up-to-date on any address, phone number, and email changes. It is very important that we have all the current and correct information on file. We need updated emergency contact information in the event of an emergency.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Our office receives may telephone calls from parents who want to leave messages or make different after school arrangements for students. We ask that you limit these calls to emergencies only. As a school, we limit announcements so student learning is not interrupted. Please remind you child in the morning before they leave for school about rides, appointments, etc. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
FREE/REDUCED MEAL APPLICATION can be found here: https://apply4schoolmeals.dpi.nd.gov/
BIRTHDAY SNACKS
Due to an increased number of students with food allergies, we no longer celebrate student birthdays with a "birthday snack" in the Grand Forks Public Schools. Parents are welcome to find other non-food items to send to school if they wish. For example, a book, game, pencil or school supplies may be donated to your child's classroom.
PETS AND ANIMALS AT SCHOOL
Pets or animals are prohibited on school grounds during school hours due to potential safety and health concerns.