Weekend Wire
January 10, 2021
WESTWOOD ROADRUNNERS
Roadrunners, We Are Proud of YOU!
DATES TO NOTE:
1/14--Kid's Heart Challenge Kick Off
1/15--Spirit Day--Dress to Impress
1/18--Martin Luther King Day--No School
1/19 - - On Campus students return to WWES for live instruction
1/20--Materials Distribution--Allen's Class
1/21--Materials Distribution--Chopak/Matsushita/Shumake
1/26--XPloration
1/27--Materials Distribution--Williams/Varga/Wilkinson
1/29--Professional Growth Day--Non-Student Day
COUNSELING CORNER
January 2021
As we enter 2021, many of us are looking to develop some new positive habits and perhaps get rid of some unhelpful habits. Gretchen Rubin, who is an author and human behavior researcher wrote an entire book about habits and the various strategies that we can use to shape them. One strategy is what Rubin calls the Clean Slate. The start of a new year is a crucial time because many people view it as a clean slate and as a result, it offers tremendous opportunity for forming new habits.
However it’s important to know that despite being highly sophisticated human beings, we regularly make irrational decisions that move us further from our goals and new habit formation. We have just enough information at our fingertips to think that we have thought through an idea well; however, on closer examination, there are major gaps in our thought processes (called illusory knowledge).
The brain does the same thing each time we are faced with a decision, whether big or small. The brain fills in the gaps with illusory knowledge—that may or may not be accurate—to draw conclusions and make decisions. It turns out that, most of the time, we are all-out wrong. In fact, roughly 50 percent to 80 percent wrong! This phenomenon explains why we so often talk ourselves out of making choices that we know are good for us, like practicing gratitudes or getting outside to move everyday.
To truly create sustainable positive change, we have to learn to recognize the illusory knowledge in our environment that causes limiting beliefs about our potential (i.e., I want us to sit down as a family and eat dinner together more often, but I don’t really think it will work because we are all so busy). Only then can we begin to reframe our thought processes so we can mindfully fill in the gaps where we might need more facts and information in order to make empowered choices.
Illusory knowledge threatens to derail our decision-making about behavior change by skewing our perception of reality. These traitorous ideas are often hidden in the smallest, quietest thoughts in our heads, whispering falsehoods, spreading seeds of doubt, and holding us back from achieving our full potential. The key to making better decisions is taking the time to look thoughtfully at the details that shape our larger environment.
When we do this we begin to develop the belief that our behavior matters. And when we latch on to this idea, we begin to take ownership of these small moments, recognizing that they are not just fleeting thoughts but critical choices that shape our future. Every day, we have the opportunity to make an active choice that our behavior does matter, both for our success and happiness—not in some distant future, but right now.
And as we have heard from many parenting experts, our children learn how to be in the world by watching us. When our children see that we have the power to let go of habits that are not serving us and implement new positive habits, they develop the understanding that their behavior matters too. This understanding is what helps children to be thoughtful decision makers, to take responsibility for their actions and to work hard to achieve their goals. It is one of the greatest gifts we can give a child and when they step into adulthood they will already be armed with the knowledge that each and every little choice they make is creating their future.
Chromebooks
If you have a District-issued Chromebook that you no longer need or doesn't work, please return it including the charging cord. Be sure to put a note with your child's names attached to the computer and the reason for return. For example, Johnny Doe, sound issues or works fine. You can return it to the library which is located at the front of the school from 7:45-2:15 Monday-Friday. Please knock on the doors for assistance. Email Mrs. Whitelock to let her know you have a computer to return at nwhitelock@powayusd.com. Thank you!
KIDS HEART CHALLENGE
I hope everyone is excited for our upcoming Kids Heart Challenge virtual assembly on January 14th! This interactive Zoom assembly will launch our KHC program that brings our school community together in a fun way to rally around physical and mental wellness.
Virtual Kickoff Assembly: January 14th 815am or 12pm
Option 1: 8:15am
https://heart.zoom.us/j/81443558410?pwd=RmxSNlJ5S3U5aGM1a2MwUlNvVmhMdz09
Meeting ID: 814 4355 8410
Passcode: westwood
Option 2: 12pm
https://heart.zoom.us/j/87435953030?pwd=TTRpQm82NERpeTVERmlvUzJ5MEJ3dz09
Meeting ID: 874 3595 3030
Passcode: westwood
In the meantime, please help your child sign up by downloading the FREE “Kids Heart Challenge” App or visit www.heart.org/khc. We want 100% participation! Students who register before the assembly will get a TOP SECRET virtual zoom background to show off and a special shoutout during the live presentation! We look forward to seeing your child on the assembly. Thank You!
School Spirit Day
Health Office Notes
Please remember to be proactive and prescreen your student at home prior to leaving for school. If your child has any of the following symptoms, please keep them at home. If your child has developed any one of the symptoms below while at school, they must be sent home immediately. Parent(s) will be notified to pick up their student immediately.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Per the CDC Guidelines: The individual may return based on one of the following:
a) 10 days from the day symptom(s) first appeared, AND improved symptoms and no fever (or fever reducing meds) for the last 24 hours.
b) With proof of negative PCR COVID viral test, may return after 3 days if all symptoms are fully resolved; or after 10 days from the day symptom(s) first appeared, AND improved symptoms and no fever (or fever reducing meds) for the last 24 hours.
c) A signed note from a licensed MD, DO, NP, or PA (who manages that condition) must: confirm the chronic diagnosis (i.e., cites labs, date-of record when diagnosed); include provider’s contact information; explain how symptoms are unrelated to COVID-19; and be accompanied by signed consent for school to interact with MD, DO, NP, or PA.
Yearbooks
Your student will want to remember this unique year with a 2020-2021 yearbook! Your student gets to customize two pages just for them which will print in their individual yearbook so it will really be unique and special! Also, for every yearbook purchased a tree is planted!
Purchase yearbooks here:
https://tr5.treering.com/validate Use passcode: 1015978769242468
Or scan here:
We want to see the fun things you did over winter break. Please upload pictures from the break for the yearbook here:
https://tr5.treering.com/school/231813/photos/shared-photo-folders/174306084
Other yearbook photo folders can be found here:
https://tr5.treering.com/school/231813/photos/shared-photo-folders
PTA Membership
The year may look different but Westwood still needs you! Join the PTA so we can all work together to make this year the best possible.
About Us
Principal
Email: kholmes@powayusd.com
Website: https://powayusd.com/en-US/Schools/ES/WWES/Home
Location: 17449 Matinal Road, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: 858-487-2026
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WWESRoadrunners