Westpark Eagle Announcements
August 31, 2017
Labor Day - Monday September 4, 2017
Westpark PTA - Spirit Wear
Hello Westpark Families,
Thank you so much for your interest in our school Spirit Wear.
Game On! items were distributed last week to your kids' classrooms.
Did you miss the deadline to order them?
This Friday, September 1st at 9:00 am you will have another opportunity to buy it in our PTA webstore. https://westparkpta.myschoolcentral.com/ptaez/(S(qysv0yg2kcyqacml1g5eu4p5))/apps/webstore/pages/WebStore.aspx
Very limited stock will be available.Social Emotional Learning Focus:Active Listening
During August, Westpark students focused on Active Listening. Active Listening is when we are not only hearing what someone is saying, but also attempting to understand, empathize, and make inferences from what we heard. This skill is often taken for granted- how many times have we heard what someone says and wanted to jump at the opportunity to fire back? How many times have we been given a direction, immediately look around and ask, with a hint of embarrassment, “What are we doing, again?” Here is a small way adults can practice active listening all while teaching children what it looks and feels like when they experience it.
This week, try being present with one child at a time for 10 minutes- that’s right, one. When you have some down time, set a timer, put electronics down, t.v. off, and find a comfy place to begin a conversation with your child. Try asking questions that will get them talking, so keep them child- centered, “What’s your favorite color?”, “Who’s your favorite character…?”, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” If your child gives the reluctant, “I don’t know.” Just wait. Try to hold back suggestions or your own opinions on the matter, make it clear you are interested and curious; remember, we’re practicing listening, not evaluating. Be prepared- it’s easier said than done. If you are trying this for the first time and you get interrupted or you find your focus stray to the text you just got, take a deep breath and try tweaking something so you will be able to focus a little longer the next day. Find what works for you, while you are the one practicing this skill, you are simultaneously teaching your child what it looks like when someone actively listens!
Gifted and Advanced Learner Parent Night | Thursday, September 14, 2017
Portola High School Theater (1001 Cadence, Irvine, CA 92618)
6:00 p.m. Session 1 : An Introduction to IUSD’s GATE Screening Process
7:30 p.m. Session 2: An Introduction to IUSD’s GATE Program
*Meetings are intended for adult attendance only. Please arrange for childcare to attend this evening event.
ELA Adoption Parent Letter and Materials.
Fall break is 3 weeks away! Kick it off with the Angels!
Reflections Contest 2017-2018
Need an activity to do while on Fall break?
PTA Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. Students of all grades and abilities may participate and explore the arts based on the 2017-2018 theme: "Within Reach"
o Entries from all grades and all abilities welcome. Categories include dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts. Click here for the summary of rules from last year's program.
- All entries must be new pieces of artwork inspired by this year’s Reflections theme! No “recycled” entries from art class, dance recital, school assignment, previous Reflections entry, etc.
- Students can participate once in every category if they choose.
o Every reflections entry needs a completed student entry form. (Entry form to come.) The artist statement is very important and the judges use it as part of their judging criteria.
Reflection entries are due by October 20th, 2017. Please contact the Reflections Chair, Christina Austin, with any further questions. Her contact info is: christinaaustin@iusd.org.
FREE Parenting Classes @ Westpark!
This class teaches parents the tools for building life skills such as responsibility and self- motivation, while also encouraging self-respect, self- discipline, cooperation, good behavior, and problem solving. Learn positive discipline strategies that work better than punishment while you promote mutual respect for everyone in your home. Classes are free of cost and childcare is provided while you participate in the class. This eight week long course meets on Thursdays, 2:30p- 3:30p, provided on Westpark’s campus. Save your sanity on a daily basis and help your child become capable and resilient as they grow!
Thursdays, October 12th- November 30th 2:30p- 3:30p
Classes are provided by Katie Aldama, M.S., P.P. S., Westpark counselor, Certified Positive Discipline Teacher
To register contact Katie Aldama, katiealdama@iusd.org or (949) 936- 6421
See you there!
Deanna Rutter, Principal
Email: deannarutter@iusd.org
Website: http://www.iusd.org/wp/
Location: 25 San Carlo, Irvine, CA, United States
Phone: 949.936.6400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Westpark-Elementary-IUSD-808403539276802/
Twitter: @WPIUSD