Westridge Wildcat News
April 8, 2022
Message from the Principal
Dear Westridge Community,
We had a fantastic week thanks to your continued partnership with our school community. This partnership was demonstrated most recently by your attendance at conferences-thank you! Thank you also for your support of the book fair, which was a huge success!
Now it is time that I ask you to continue your support of our amazing school community by prioritizing safety during arrival and dismissal. Recently, there have been safety concerns brought forward by our families regarding safety on neighborhood streets, most especially Westminster Drive. While this is not an official drop off zone, our neighbors have been graciously allowing families to utilize this cul de sac for drop off and pick up. Please be extra considerate of our neighbors when using this or any adjacent street.
Whenever you are driving in a school zone please remember to go slow, be alert, and be patient. Arrival and dismissal takes time, and I realize sometimes we don’t feel like we have the time. That said, our students’ safety is of the uppermost importance.
Here are a few tips to consider for arrival and dismissal:
Use our arrival and dismissal line instead of neighboring streets
Walk whenever possible
Never block neighbors’ driveways
Go slow, go slow, go slow!
With gratitude,
Jules Laaperi
she/her/hers
Principal
Save the Dates!
4/11: Respond to Racism Story Time 5pm (details below)
4/12: Lockdown Drill (details below)
4/18-5/9 - OSAS Testing (details below)
4/21: 3rd Grade Musical 5:30pm
4/22: Earth Day Westridge Spring Clean Up 2:40-5:00pm
5/27: No School (Grading day)
5/30: Memorial Day - No School
6/10: Last day of school - Early dismissal at 11:00am
3rd Grade Musical!
Lockdown Drill, April 12th
Our staff is charged with two important responsibilities we focus on with confidence every day. We must provide an outstanding education that prepares all students for a bright future. At the same time, we must provide a safe environment so that children can stay engaged with their learning.
On Tuesday, April 12th our teachers and students will be practicing the process of what we would do in an emergency Lockdown. Teachers will prepare students ahead of the drill and continue to reassure students that this is a drill and that everyone is safe at school.
We taught students this process (but didn't practice) in November. If you would like to prepare your child ahead of time, here are some resources you can review as a family. For our Kindergarten through Third grade students teachers will use this Lock Down Story Book to guide discussions and in 4th and 5th grade students will watch and discuss this video.
A lockdown means there is a possible threat inside the school. This is not business as usual. Hallways are cleared, all classroom doors are locked, and lights are turned out. Students and staff are instructed to stay quiet and out of sight during a lockdown.
We follow the Standard Response Protocol @ https://iloveuguys.org/The-Standard-Response-Protocol.html
We thank you for your help and cooperation, as we work to provide safe learning environments for all students in the Lake Oswego School District.
Oregon State Assessments Testing Schedule: Grades 3-5
OSAS Schedule and Reminders
Oregon State Assessment will take place in April and May. Teachers will also be sending out information in their newsletters.
Prepare your student for testing by ensuring:
- They are well rested
- Have healthy breakfast, lunch and snack options
- CHARGED chromebook
- Encouragement - we believe in them!
If a student has a smartphone or watch, these will need to be kept in backpacks during testing as access to them creates an impropriety, per state assessment regulations.
OSAS Testing dates: Grades 3-5
- Feb 24-March 10 - English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA)
- Monday, April 18 - Friday, April 22 - Science (Grade 5 Only)
- Monday, April 25 - Friday, April 29- English Language Arts Testing
- Monday, May 2 - Friday, May 6 - Math
- Monday, May 9 - Friday, May 20 - Make-ups
Oregon State Assessment Opt-Out Form
State law requires us to inform you that a form is available from the State Department of Education that allows you to opt your child out of the math and English Language Arts assessments for the current school year. Should you wish to opt out your child, fill out the form and submit it to the main office at your child’s school. Please note the submission deadlines listed on the form. Meeting the deadline will help the school with planning and preparation. If you wish your child not to participate in the science assessment for grades 5, 8, and 11, submit this request in writing to the principal of your child's school.
If you have questions or want more information about state assessments, please contact your child’s principal or teacher(s).
Click here for opt-out form for Math and English Language Arts.
Respond to Racism Kids' Story Time April 11th
Kids' story time:
Monday April 11, 2022 @ 5pm
Register at www.respondtoracism.org
Asian Cultural Festival on April 16th!
Mark your calendars! All are invited to the Asian Cultural Festival being hosted by the Lake Oswego High School Asian American Student Union (AASU) on Saturday, Apr. 16, 12pm - 5pm at the high school. The festival will feature Asian culture through performances, free food samples, and over 15 different activities/exhibits including fashion exhibits, arts and crafts, and bollywood dancing with DJ Prashant.
There is free admission to the general event, but due to limited space in the auditorium, tickets are required to watch the performances. The show is from 2 pm to 3:30 pm and includes 10 acts. Performances include lion dancers, martial arts, traditional Asian instruments, cultural dance, and much more. To buy tickets or learn more about the event, please visit AsianFestivalLO.com.
LOSD families can get discounted tickets (only $3 each) with the promo code: LOSDSTUDENT
Smart watches (Apple Watches, etc.) at school:
Smart watches must be in airplane/school mode or off during school hours. Students may use the phone in the office to call home if they need to get in touch with a parent or caregiver.
Students found using their smart watches during school time will receive a warning from an adult. If they require additional reminders the device will be confiscated and held in the office until a parent can pick it up.
Thank you for partnering with us in limiting distractions in the classroom.
Volunteering at Westridge:
In order to volunteer, please make sure you have the following on record with the school:
- Show or email your vaccination card to Jodi Steward or Andrea Murphy (stewardj@loswego.k12.or.us or murphya@loswego.k12.or.us)
- Complete the Statement of Understanding prior to your volunteer shift
- Register with Raptor by bringing your photo ID into the office. (If you've registered in years prior, you do not need to do it again)
Student Attendance:
If you need to pick your child up early from school, please let the teacher and the office know ahead of time.
SafeOregon
Parents-guardians who have concerns about a student’s well-being are encouraged to reach out to their principal, and to maintain strong lines of communication and partnership between students, families, staff, and other resources.
SafeOregon is also an effective way to report a tip regarding safety threats or potential acts of violence to our students or schools.
(Students should also be aware that intentionally providing a false report is a serious offense.)
Contact information for the Westridge PTSO
Find us on Facebook!
Follow us on Instagram @westridge.ptso
Email: westridgeptso@gmail.com
Yearbook Photos: yearbookwestridge@gmail.com
Westridge Elementary School
Email: laaperij@loswego.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.losdschools.org/wr
Location: 3400 Royce Way, Lake Oswego, OR, USA
Phone: 5035342371