The Compass
Week of August 28, 2023
*Join Us at Open House Thursday!*
Navigation Notes
Hello Westside Families! A shout out to all the families who items to "stock the fridge" for our hardworking staff including the Koagel family, the Rodriguez family, the Comoletti family, the Chabeli family, the Steinberg family, the Woodbury family, and the Youngs from Kona Ice! If you'd like to help "stock the fridge" for the next round, please click HERE.
It's that time of year...pumpkin spice and an uptick in tropical storms. Please know that BPS is watching the current weather patterns closely and will keep all families informed and updated if the storms will affect schools.
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This Thursday we are hosting our Back-to-School Open House! Here are some details for your planning purposes:
- Doors will open at 5:00pm.
- We will have 3 sessions so parents with multiple students can visit each classroom to learn all about the upcoming year. (see schedule on flyer above)
- Book Fair will be open from 5:30p-7:00p in order for all families to have access
- PTO will be kicking off a "Cereal Drive" to help name our new mascot! One box or bag of cereal = 1 vote. See image below! They will also be selling Spirit Shirts for $10-$12 (cash)
- If you have gently used or new toys you want to donate to our PBIS store, please bring and drop off in the Commons.
- Kona Ice will be on site for a sweet treat to end the night!
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We had a great turnout for our Friday Family Lunch last week and will be continuing again this week. See below for more information and guidelines.
Don't forget next weekend is Labor Day Weekend, so there will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, September 4th. School will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 5th.
Have a Wonderful Week! ~Mrs.Woodbury, Proud Principal
Woodbury.Stephanie@brevardschools.org (321)956-5050 ext. 52802
Westside's Book Fair is HERE!
Our Book Fair is officially open and will run for 2 weeks until Sept. 8th! Students have been previewing and creating "wish lists" for this week and will be able to shop during their Media time.
Mr. Jost and PTO could use some extra hands to help students find their books, so please use the link below to sign up! Volunteers can help with their child's class only OR take a longer shift :) Any amount of service is helpful!
Book Fair Volunteer Sign Up Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A9AE2FA4FEC61-book1
Mr. Jost has created links for parents regarding Book Fair shown below:
Thank You Westside Families for your Prize Donations! Our Staff LOVED winning these items to enhance their classrooms!
Join PTO!
VOLUNTEERS make our world go round!! Once you have been cleared to volunteer through BPS District Security, you will need to sign up for our Volunteer Orientation at the link below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A9AE2FA4FEC61-volunteer
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-First PTO meeting: Wednesday, September 6, 3:30p in the media center (you do not need to be a registered volunteer OR a member of PTO to attend). Westside teachers and staff are also welcome and encouraged to attend.
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-PTO is looking for food trucks and small business partners for the fall festival (Nov 4). Please email the PTO if you have recommendations or if you own a small business/food truck and would like to participate.
SAC Meeting
Progress Monitoring Begins
Students in grades 3-6 will take their iReady Diagnostic this week and their FAST next week (9/6 & 9/7).
Students in grades K-2 will take their FAST on 9/12 & 9/13.
Kindergarteners have been learning their letters and sounds! This week they did rhythmic drumming for counting and patterns, and made dirt cake for the letter D!
Friday Family Lunch Day
For your reference, here are the guidelines for Friday Family Lunch:
- Only adults on the approved pick-up list for a child will be allowed to have lunch with students. You will need to present your photo ID at the front office and receive a visitor's tag. When done, you must sign out before leaving campus.
- A designated area will be provided for the adult and student.
- Adults will only be allowed to eat lunch with THEIR child and we request only two adults per child please.
- Adults who are not registered volunteers will be monitored by school staff at all times.
- Adults will be permitted to be on campus for lunch for their child's 30-minute lunch block (times listed at end of newsletter for all classes). Once your child's lunch is over, we kindly as you to sign out and exit campus. If you have multiple children and want to have lunch with all of them, you must wait for additional lunch times in the front office, glass booth, or your vehicle.
- You may bring in food from outside sources for your child only. Any leftover drinks or snacks will not be allowed back in class however.
Rainy Day Procedures
If we are moving to Rainy Day procedures, you will be sent an email/text to alert you of the change. This mostly affects bikers/walkers. **Please note that if there is lightning in the area, we will HOLD ALL dismissal methods until it is safe to have students outside.
To help us connect your child to you on days with inclement weather, please be sure to follow the procedures printed on the back of your orange car tags and shown below. Please do NOT walk to the building entrance to collect your child , but follow one of the options below.
Rainy Day Dismissal for Bikers/Walkers
- At registration, you indicated what your child's Rainy Day plan would be and staff are following those directions. If you want to change or check on the option you chose, please reach to your teacher.
- Option 1: School will hold child safely until rain clears. At that time they will be released to walk/ bike home.
- Option 2: Join FRONT car loop with orange tag and follow car loop procedures listed on back of car tag.
Thank you for your cooperation for future rainy days! If you do not have an orange tag, or lost yours, please come to the front office to pick up a new one or be issued one.
New Legislation = New Forms
First, the Parent Consent Nickname form will need to be completed and returned to your child's school if you/they wish to be called or use a nickname or any deviation from their legal name. Some examples the form would be needed:
- Your child's legal name is Christopher but you wish for him to go by "Chris" or legal name is Isabella and you want her to be called "Bella".
- Your child's legal name is Christopher James and you want him to go by "CJ"
- Your child's legal name is _________ Jr. and you want him to be called "Junior"
- You would NOT need to complete the form if your child's legal name, for example, is Isabella Marie and you want her to be called "Marie". This is her legal middle name, so a form would not be needed.
I have attached various versions of the form you will need in order for your child to use a nickname or any deviation from their full legal name. Additionally, all legal documents (IEPS, Report Cards, etc) will still show their full legal name.
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The Student Participation form is also new and will be distributed on an "as needed" basis. You may sign multiple versions of this form for different activities your child will be involved in or participate. This form gives permission from the legal guardian for the child to participate any school-sponsored activities either before, during or after school. Some examples include but not limited to:
- Clubs such as Art Club, Running Club, Chorus and more
- PBIS Events students have earned each quarter
- Academic Support Programs before/after school
Again, these forms will be distributed by the sponsor or point of contact for each activity. Please review, sign and return to that individual. Students who do not have signed forms will not be able to participate.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Woodbury.
Breakfast & Lunch Have Never Been So Good!
EVERY CHILD, EVERY DAY eats for FREE at Westside!!
Did you know there are many new, exciting options in our cafeteria for breakfast and lunch? You can find our monthly menu attached at the bottom of this newsletter and discover all our Food Services Program has to offer by clicking HERE.
You can even order party treats made to order from our cafe! Email our Cafe Manager at: Ryan.Stacey@brevardschools.org