Westridge Wildcat News
Friday December 16, 2022
Message From the Principal
Hello Westridge,
This will be the last Newsletter you get from me. I've enjoyed my time at Westridge so much. This is an incredibly special community and you all have welcomed me with open arms from day 1. Laura Weaver is coming back from her maternity leave after Winter Break and starting up with us. Laura and I worked closely together this Summer before her leave started, planning out the year, and we've been checking in a lot recently about the transition. I'm hoping because of this the transition back for Laura should just feel like a little blip on the radar for you all. You are SO lucky to have such an incredible, thoughtful leader in Laura. I'm confident this Spring will continue to go well for everyone.
From our Westridge family to yours-- have a great Holiday.
Thanks everyone,
Noah
In This Newsletter:
Save the dates!
Who Was Bee Winner!
Lakeridge Dance Team Night
Continuing Reminders:
Closed campus
Winter i-Ready
Opt Out Form- State Assessments
STEM News and Needs
Nurse Notes
Meet the Westridge Staff!
Reporting Tardies and absences
Statewide Assessment Notice
Save the Dates!
12/19-1/2: No School (Winter break)
1/3: Classes resume
1/16: No School - MLK Jr. Day
1/18: Kindergarten Registration opens for 23-24
1/19: PTSO Meeting 7pm
1/27: No School - Grade Prep Day
PTSO Event's Page Calendar can be found here for more info on Parents Nights out and Meet Ups!
Reminder: Closed campus during school day
Please remember that our playground, field and blacktop are closed to the public during the school day. Please do not bring dogs to the field or younger (non-school aged) children to the playground until AFTER school (2:40pm / 2:00 on Thursdays) Thank you!
Who Was History Bee
Over 90 3rd-5th graders participated in the Classroom Who Was History Bee! The top 15 students continued on to the Who Was School Bee where students answered a variety of questions about famous people in history. Our top 5 finishers were Luca G., Rutley S., Grayson K., Felix H., and our school winner Scott A.! Scott gets the opportunity to represent Westridge at the online regional bee in March! Congratulations to everyone who participated and a special congratulations to Scott, our Westridge Champion! Scott's winning question was-- Which girl kept a diary about her family's experience hiding from the Nazis? (Anne Frank)
Winter Break Read-A-Thon
Your elementary student is invited to join in LOSD’s first-annual Winter Break Read-A-Thon! It’s a fun program developed by our high school students. Your child will learn more about it during library time. Keep reading for more information and watch the video:
What is a “Read-A-Thon”?:
All elementary school students in LOSD are encouraged to read as much as they can over winter break! Read alone, with an adult, listen to an audiobook…whatever inspires a love of literacy!
Family and friends are asked to pledge an amount for each book their student reads to a corresponding class fund.
One-time donations and/or continuous pledges per books read are accepted.
All donations support our local Lake Oswego Public Library and SMART Reading, an Oregon-based organization whose goal is to provide access to books and reading sessions to students in need.
Our Goal:
To encourage elementary school students to read at least five books over winter break.
To inspire elementary school students to raise $20 each to help us reach our district-wide goal of $5,000+ in donations!
To promote healthy reading habits throughout our local district, and to improve literacy across Oregon!
How to participate:
We are using a website called 99Pledges to keep track of reading and collect donations.
Here's how it works:
Click here to create an account for your student. Scroll down to the bottom, and click "Add Participant".
Once you fill out the quick form, you will receive an email from 99Pledges. The email will have two links: one to manage your page and one to share with others to collect donations.
Once your student's page is created, send the link to relatives and friends so they can help support your student in their reading goals! When sending the link, share how many books your student plans to read so their donors can pledge accordingly.
Each time your student finishes a book, update the book tracker on the website!
Prizes:
Every LOSD school that raises$3,000 or more by the end of the Winter Break Read-A-Thon will be entered into a drawing for a school-wide donut party! (Note: We will have alternative prizes for students with dietary restrictions or allergies).
The school that reads the most books will be crowned "The FIRST-EVER LOSD Read-A-Thon Champions!", and will receive a giant banner to put in their library, presented by us at a celebratory school assembly!
On top of this, a prize will be awarded to the student who reads the most in each grade across the district!
Thank You!
Thank you to our amazing LOSD community for all the time and support you dedicate to our local community and kids. It’s because of your support we can host fun events such as these. We wish you all the best this holiday season, and happy reading!
Questions?
Email us at:
li00665990@loswego.k12.or.us (Alicia Li)
scipi05456@loswego.k12.or.us (Jeb Scipio Del Campo)
bohn802784@loswego.k12.or.us (Sam Bohn)
Lakeridge Dance Team Night!
Medical Guidance from Health Authorities
Please take a few minutes to review the information and resources below regarding Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) updates and resources for respiratory viruses, including Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Monkeypox (mpox), plus Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease (HFMD). This information can also be found on our District Nurse website page.
Oregon health officials recently issued a call to action in response to the rapid spread of RSV and Influenza virus. State health officials recommend that people:
Stay home when sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow, or with a tissue that you immediately throw away after use.
Clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces, including doorknobs, faucets, chairs, countertops, and tables.
Regularly wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing into a tissue.
Avoid sharing cups, water bottles, and other drink containers, or eating utensils.
Get a flu shot and stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including new bivalent boosters. There is no vaccine for RSV.
Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces.
Monkeypox (mpox)
Monkeypox is passed from person to person by close physical contact (not just sexual), but unlike some other disorders affecting skin it remains infectious until all scabs are gone and skin is dry. As such, a very precise and accurate diagnosis of skin lesions, particularly in high-contact sports such as wrestling is important. We continue to advocate for early testing and treatment of students who are ill as well as close collaboration with local and state health departments during times of outbreaks. Most importantly, prevention is the hallmark of controlling these illnesses in our students. With OHA’s announcement this Fall of pediatric mpox (monkeypox) cases in Oregon, it’s important to share information on tools available to manage this illness.
OHA Monkeypox Website – Regularly updated and includes evidence-based information about this illness.
Monkeypox Vaccination Providers – Use zip code to explore healthcare locations providing vaccines.
CDC Monkeypox Toolkit for Schools and Early Care and Education Programs – Provides a user-friendly format for existing monkeypox considerations in schools.
AAP Monkeypox Website – American Academy of Pediatrics site with information and resources.
Influenza (the Flu)
The flu was nearly nonexistent during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic but is now making a significant comeback and earlier in the year than normal. Many students have already been affected and many more will be. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP) recommend early testing for those who are symptomatic to differentiate the Flu from COVID-19. Also, most antiviral medications against the Flu are most effective if started in the first 48 hours.
OHA Flu Prevention Website – Information for prevention and vaccines.
CDC Influenza Resource Center – Information and resources in multiple languages.
AAP Influenza Recommendations – American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for prevention and control.
AAFP Influenza Website – American Academy of Family Physicians resources for prevention.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a common respiratory virus that is transmitted through respiratory droplets, direct contact, and by touching contaminated surfaces. For most children, RSV produces mild illness, however, children under 2 years old are especially susceptible to RSV and are at increased risk of severe illness and hospitalization. It is important to note that many school-age children have siblings at home who may be younger and more susceptible to severe illness and hospitalization. The ways we can prevent the spread of RSV and other respiratory illnesses are familiar and include frequent and thorough handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, masking, and disinfection of high-touch surfaces.
OHA RSV Website – Information about symptoms and prevention.
Oregon’s RSV Report – Updates RSV activity in Oregon every Wednesday.
CDC RSV Resources – Information about prevention, symptoms, and care.
AAP RSV Guidance – American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
There has been a notable increase in outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Oregon this year, particularly this Fall. HFMD is an infection caused by a virus. Although HFMD is common in children younger than 5, several recent outbreaks have involved high school or junior high students, including student-athletes. Common symptoms of HFMD include fever, mouth sores, and rash (commonly on the hands and feet). HFMD spreads through fluids spread through coughs and sneezes, fluids from blisters or scabs, contact with feces, and contact with objects and surfaces that have the virus on them. Most people with HFMD recover on their own in seven to 10 days. Treatment of HFMD is symptom-based: drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration and use over-the-counter medication to relieve fever and pain from mouth sores.
OHA HFMD Information for ADs, Coaches, Athletic Trainers, and Parents (English)
OHA HFMD Information for ADs, Coaches, Athletic Trainers, and Parents (Spanish)
CDC HFMD Website – Information about symptoms and prevention.
Winter i-Ready
This Winter, all elementary students will complete two online i-Ready assessments. Like Fall, one is for math and the other is for reading. i-Ready is a diagnostic that will help us determine your child’s strengths and areas for growth, personalize their learning, and monitor their progress throughout the school year. i-Ready allows us to meet your child where they are and provides us with data to inform and tailor instruction to accelerate growth. This is the second of three i-Ready assessments we give each year, and the results will be shared with parents.
Nurse Notes:
WHEN TO KEEP YOUR STUDENT HOME FROM SCHOOL
Please follow this link to see when and for how long to keep your student home due to various symptoms.
Is your child up to date? Check here and be sure to update school records before you leave for Winter Break.
Meet the Westridge Staff!
Each week we will get to know a few Westridge staff members with a Q&A session!
This week, we met up with classified staff members Katie Cupp and Kim Farthing
Katie Cupp:
Q: What is your job here at Westridge?
A: Special Educational Assistant - DELTA
Q: How long have you worked at Westridge?
A: This is my first school year
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Orange County Florida
Q: What did you do after high school?
A: Worked in the mental health Field, group homes, PSW, DSP work, and a few other odd jobs
Q: Tell me about your family or any pets!
A: My family is large and I have lots of siblings. My younger siblings are my world. I have a twin out of the state and I don't have any pets yet but I want too.
Q: What are some interesting or fun facts about you?
A: I know how to play the electric bass, I used to play upright bass, viola, and cello while I was in school. I adore disney and weird and strange facts. And I'm pretty good at drawing. I'm new to the metro area and Lake Oswego and I'm currently hunting down good coffee spots.
Q: What are somethings you love to do in your free time?
A: I love to read, draw, paint, and roller skating.
Kim Farthing:
Q: What is your job here at Westridge?
A: Special Educational Assistant - DELTA
Q: How long have you worked at Westridge?
A: Over 10 years with Special Education and 14 years as a parent!
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Webster NY suburb of Rochester NY
Q: What did you do after high school?
A: Went to SUNY Geneseo then moved to Santa Barbara, CA
Q: Tell me about your family or any pets!
A: Married to Marty 3 years and have 2 sons Nate and Daniel
Q: What are some interesting or fun facts about you?
A: I started water skiing when I was 5. My family went every weekend from May to October. I don't anymore.
Q: What are some things you love to do in your free time?
A: Garden, Knit, Cook and spend time with Marty, Nate, and Daniel
Oregon State Assessment Opt-Out Form
Each school year, Oregon students take assessments to meet federal requirements. The purpose of these assessments is to provide data that schools can use to ensure that every child is on track and achieving learning goals.
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.
Reporting tardies, absences and illnesses:
Office phone number and voicemail: 503-534-2371
Attendance Secretary: Andrea Murphy (murphya@loswego.k12.or.us)
Principal's Secretary: Jodi Steward (stewardj@loswego.k12.or.us)
Safe Oregon
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.)
Stay connected with the LOSD AP:
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: hurdn@loswego.k12.or.us weaverl@loswego.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.losdschools.org/wr
Location: 3400 Royce Way, Lake Oswego, OR, USA
Phone: 503-534-2371