October 29 2017

Week of 10.30.2017

Westlake Parents and Guardians:

It is hard to believe we are ending October this week and beginning November.  Students are deep in to the learning in the various content areas as the second quarter has begun.  Many years ago I learned the importance of allowing students and my own children the opportunity to really grapple with learning and not “come to the rescue” too quickly ending the learning for my students or children.  As parents it can be difficult to watch our children struggle, however, it is ok for your child to experience challenge and struggle when learning new concepts.  Tremendous learning can come from this type of struggle with new concepts in a supported environment.  I encourage you as a parent to find the just right balance in learning at home as you know your child best.

Halloween Costume Guidelines and Reminders

At Westlake Middle School it has been a tradition to allow students and staff to wear appropriate costumes for Halloween.  This year, it is our intention to maintain the positive and fun spirit of this event. When selecting your costume, please show respect and consideration for the diverse cultures that make up our Westlake family. For example, it would be inappropriate to come to school dressed as a person from a different race or ethnicity, as it would be hurtful or offensive to others. While students are not required to wear costumes on Halloween, those students who do wish to participate are reminded of the following guidelines and reminders:

  1. Costumes that would otherwise violate the Student Dress Codes Policy (Superintendent Policy Code:  5060) will only be allowed if approved by an administrator prior to wearing to school.  For safety reasons, masks or makeup should not cover the student’s face in a manner that makes the student unrecognizable.  Masks or makeup that conceal student’s identity may be worn only during designated times such as during a costume contest.
  2. Toy or facsimile guns are not allowed.
  3. Other toy weapons (knives, swords, bats) should be pre-approved by administrators and are only allowable if the item is clearly a toy.
  4. Costumes that are overly graphic, promote violence or otherwise might logically be assumed to be offensive to others are not acceptable.
  5. Costumes that are sexually suggestive and would otherwise violate the school’s dress code are not appropriate.
  6. Costumes should not include items with sound effects, lights or other components which would disrupt the classroom learning environment.
  7. Regarding costumes that may not be clearly addressed by these guidelines, students should be instructed to have the costume pre-approved by an administrator prior to wearing to school.
  8. Costumes may not mock another student, faculty member, race, gender, religious or lifestyle preference.

Halloween Guidelines Addendum (RE:  Clown Costumes)

As you may recall, last year the Five Star District prohibited students and staff from wearing clown costumes on school grounds due to social media threats nationwide. Although we have not been made aware of any similar threats this year, district  leadership made the decision to leave this prohibition in the 2017 Halloween guidelines.  As always the safety and security of students and staff is our first priority, therefore students and staff are prohibited from wearing clown masks or costumes on school grounds. This adjustment was made in the best interest of the school community and creates a safe environment for students and staff at Halloween celebrations this year.

Keep in mind,  district and school leadership will reevaluate the guidelines each year and make adjustments as needed to ensure a safe celebration for the entire school community. Students who violate or are suspected to be in violation of this policy will be referred to school administration.

Looking for Volunteer Tutors

Are you interested in helping to support students at school through a volunteer opportunity?  Please consider volunteering as a tutor in our Study Skills class for 8th graders Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12:24-1:19.   If you would like more information or are ready to volunteer please contact Jessica Lunnon at jessica.n.lunnon@adams12.org.  Thank you for your considering this opportunity!

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October 22 2017

Week of 10.23.17

Westlake Parents and Guardians:

As I’m sure many of you as parents and guardians have experienced, I had a moment over the weekend with my own kids wondering if I am doing enough to teach them the skills they will need in the future to be successful, contributing citizens in our community.  If you’ve had the same moment as I have had countless times check out this resource from Parent Toolkit around helping your child to learn to take responsibility as well as the other many areas of resource throughout the Parent Toolkit website.  I hope you find something that will help you as I know I sure have!

Halloween Costume Guidelines and Reminders

At Westlake Middle School it has been a tradition to allow students and staff to wear appropriate costumes for Halloween.  This year, it is our intention to maintain the positive and fun spirit of this event. When selecting your costume, please show respect and consideration for the diverse cultures that make up our Westlake family. For example, it would be inappropriate to come to school dressed as a person from a different race or ethnicity, as it would be hurtful or offensive to others. While students are not required to wear costumes on Halloween, those students who do wish to participate are reminded of the following guidelines and reminders:

  1. Costumes that would otherwise violate the Student Dress Codes Policy (Superintendent Policy Code:  5060) will only be allowed if approved by an administrator prior to wearing to school.  For safety reasons, masks or makeup should not cover the student’s face in a manner that makes the student unrecognizable.  Masks or makeup that conceal student’s identity may be worn only during designated times such as during a costume contest.
  2. Toy or facsimile guns are not allowed.
  3. Other toy weapons (knives, swords, bats) should be pre-approved by administrators and are only allowable if the item is clearly a toy.
  4. Costumes that are overly graphic, promote violence or otherwise might logically be assumed to be offensive to others are not acceptable.
  5. Costumes that are sexually suggestive and would otherwise violate the school’s dress code are not appropriate.
  6. Costumes should not include items with sound effects, lights or other components which would disrupt the classroom learning environment.
  7. Regarding costumes that may not be clearly addressed by these guidelines, students should be instructed to have the costume pre-approved by an administrator prior to wearing to school.
  8. Costumes may not mock another student, faculty member, race, gender, religious or lifestyle preference.

Halloween Guidelines Addendum (RE:  Clown Costumes)

As you may recall, last year the Five Star District prohibited students and staff from wearing clown costumes on school grounds due to social media threats nationwide. Although we have not been made aware of any similar threats this year, district  leadership made the decision to leave this prohibition in the 2017 Halloween guidelines.  As always the safety and security of students and staff is our first priority, therefore students and staff are prohibited from wearing clown masks or costumes on school grounds. This adjustment was made in the best interest of the school community and creates a safe environment for students and staff at Halloween celebrations this year.

Keep in mind,  district and school leadership will reevaluate the guidelines each year and make adjustments as needed to ensure a safe celebration for the entire school community. Students who violate or are suspected to be in violation of this policy will be referred to school administration.

Join us for Culture Club’s first community event!

Latino/Latina Heritage Celebration

Westlake Middle School’s Culture Club would like to invite you to participate in our first of many cultural events for our school community.  This first event will focus on celebrating and learning about Latino/Latina heritage.  The goal is to give our school community a first hand experience with the various cultures that make up our school community.  Students will receive a passport book for their “travels” through the various cultures through the year with stamps for the countries they visited. Please join us October 25th from 6pm-8pm for this exciting opportunity to come together as a community and learn about one another. Come experience “Bread Around the World” with us at our first of many cultural events.

If you are interested in sharing your Latino/Latina heritage through sharing a cultural tradition, cuisine, art work, performance, or by any other means please contact Veronica Martinez at veronica.martinez@adams12.org or Rosie Fryhover at rosemarie.fryhover@adams12.org.

Opportunity for Part-time work

Are you looking for part-time work as well as ways to be involved at Westlake Middle School?  Then the check out the Student Monitor position we have available currently at Westlake.  Follow this link to access the job posting for more information as well as to apply.  If you have any questions please call Dr. Heide at 720.972.5200 or e-mail rachel.e.heide@adams12.org.  Come join the Westlake team!

 

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October 15 2017

Week of 10.16.17

Dear Westlake Parents and Guardians:

As we leave Parent Teacher Conferences behind us we head into Quarter Two. During the first quarter students built foundational skills and concepts in the various content areas and will be continuing to gain new learning as they head into the rest of the year.  Your partnership is very important to us and is a key element in ensuring the success of your child in middle school.  One of our areas of focus this year is around supporting literacy in every content area.  Literacy is more than reading and writing including listening and speaking as well.  Check out this article and video from Parent Toolkit around helping support literacy at home.  Please reach out to us any time with questions or concerns any time.

 

Opportunity for Part-time work

Are you looking for part-time work as well as ways to be involved at Westlake Middle School?  Then the check out the Student Monitor position we have available currently at Westlake.  Follow this link to access the job posting for more information as well as to apply.  If you have any questions please call Dr. Heide at 720.972.5200 or e-mail rachel.e.heide@adams12.org.  Come join the Westlake team!

Latino/Latina Heritage Celebration

Westlake Middle School’s Culture Club would like to invite you to participate in our first of many cultural events for our school community.  This first event will focus on celebrating and learning about Latino/Latina heritage.  The goal is to give our school community a first hand experience with the various cultures that make up our school community.  Students will receive a passport book for their “travels” through the various cultures through the year with stamps for the countries they visited. Please join us October 25th from 6pm-8pm for this exciting opportunity to come together as a community and learn about one another.

If you are interested in sharing your Latino/Latina heritage through sharing a cultural tradition, cuisine, art work, performance, or by any other means please contact Veronica Martinez at veronica.martinez@adams12.org or Rosie Fryhover at rosemarie.fryhover@adams12.org.

Student of the Month- Looking for Sponsorship

We are excited to be starting up a new tradition at Westlake to recognize students who are doing exceptionally well in areas related to our school expectations of PRIDE and our Vision.

Positive Choices

Respect and Responsibility

Integrity

Determination

Excellence

Vision:  Igniting a passion for learning and service:  Dream, Risk, Achieve!

This is going to be called Student of the Month.  During the first week of each month, each core will nominate two students to be recognized.  Then these students and their parents will be invited to a breakfast here at the school for them to be publicly recognized by the principal for their hard work and growth and achievements.

To make this happen, we are looking for businesses or individuals that would like to sponsor a breakfast.  We are anticipating that each breakfast will be $200 – $300.  This would be similar to a race or other event that has sponsors.  We would advertise in writing through our website, principal’s blog, Twitter, etc. and at the breakfast what business sponsored the event.  If you are interested or know a business that would be, please contact Jon Novotny (Asst. Principal – 720-972-5204) or Dr. Heide (Principal – 720-972-5203) by phone or email.

 

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October 9 2017

Week of 10.09.17

Dear Westlake Parents and Guardians-

What a beautiful weekend we had!  The weather was gorgeous as were the colors of the leaves all over town.  We know that cold stormy weather is on the horizon, however, and to that end please make sure you’re aware of the new district delayed start just in case we may need it this week.  Our delayed start schedule can be located by following this link to our school website.  If you have any questions please call the main office.

Westlake Middle School- delayed start schedule

Parent Teacher Conferences

On Wednesday and Thursday this week Westlake will be holding Parent Teacher Conferences.  By now you should have received communication from your student’s teachers regarding conferences.  If you have not received anything please get in contact with one of your student’s teachers and/or call the main office and we will get you the information you need.  We look forward to seeing you this week and partnering with you around ensuring our students are receiving all they need to be successful now, in high school, and beyond.

Latino/Latina Heritage Celebration

Westlake Middle School’s Culture Club would like to invite you to participate in our first of many cultural events for our school community.  This first event will focus on celebrating and learning about Latino/Latina heritage.  The goal is to give our school community a first hand experience with the various cultures that make up our school community.  Students will receive a passport book for their “travels” through the various cultures through the year with stamps for the countries they visited. Please join us October 25th from 6pm-8pm for this exciting opportunity to come together as a community and learn about one another.

If you are interested in sharing your Latino/Latina heritage through sharing a cultural tradition, cuisine, art work, performance, or by any other means please contact Veronica Martinez at veronica.martinez@adams12.org or Rosie Fryhover at rosemarie.fryhover@adams12.org.

Student of the Month- Looking for Sponsorship

We are excited to be starting up a new tradition at Westlake to recognize students who are doing exceptionally well in areas related to our school expectations of PRIDE and our Vision.

Positive Choices

Respect and Responsibility

Integrity

Determination

Excellence

Vision:  Igniting a passion for learning and service:  Dream, Risk, Achieve!

This is going to be called Student of the Month.  During the first week of each month, each core will nominate two students to be recognized.  Then these students and their parents will be invited to a breakfast here at the school for them to be publicly recognized by the principal for their hard work and growth and achievements.

To make this happen, we are looking for businesses or individuals that would like to sponsor a breakfast.  We are anticipating that each breakfast will be $200 – $300.  This would be similar to a race or other event that has sponsors.  We would advertise in writing through our website, principal’s blog, Twitter, etc. and at the breakfast what business sponsored the event.  If you are interested or know a business that would be, please contact Jon Novotny (Asst. Principal – 720-972-5204) or Dr. Heide (Principal – 720-972-5203) by phone or email.

Safety Reminders

This week we had an event at the crosswalk on 135th where a Legacy student on a bike and a car collided.  Outside of a few minor bruises and scrapes I believe the student is ok.  With this event happening I’m reminded that students are learning skills of safety for self and others.  Please take a moment to talk with your student about safely navigating the neighborhood on bike or foot.  Below are a few talking points to consider:

  • Stop before crossing the street on foot or bike
  • Wear a helmet when riding a bike, skateboard, or other wheeled transportation
  • Remove ear buds/headphones while riding or walking in order to be able to hear approaching traffic

As adults we can also by help by being aware of the danger of the blind ally way crossing 135th and slowing before approaching that intersection.  Thank you for your attention to this matter and helping our students stay safe while traveling to and from school.

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October 1 2017

Week of 10.02.17

Westlake Parents and Guardians:

The month of October is National Bully Prevention Month.  At Westlake Middle School we are engaging in activities and learning for around what it means to be an ally.  In addition to a variety of events and learning over the course of the month, students are invited to accept a video challenge either as an individual or with a group of students to create a video that displays what being an ally to others looks like and sounds like.  We look forward to the creativity our students display through this process!

Check out this article from Teaching Tolerance entitled Anatomy of an Ally for more information on what it means to be an ally.

Coffee with the Principal

Please join us this Tuesday from 9:30am to 11:00am for the first of a series of Coffee with the Principal.  We will be discussing the various areas of focus across the school in which students and teachers are engaging.  We will have some time for Q and A as well as some time to visit some classrooms across the building.  Of course, coffee will be provided as well as some light snacks. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

Hug and Go Lane and East Parking Lot

As a reminder, if you are dropping your students off or picking them up from the hug and go lane, please pull all the way forward and continue to pull forward as cars depart.  Pulling all the way forward allows other parents to also access the hug and go lane to pick up/drop off other students.  Thank you for your help in making this process as smooth as possible.

Our staff typically park in the east parking area of the school.  Throughout the beginning of the school year finding a spot to park has been increasingly difficult for staff.  Please free up parking for our staff by using the hug and go lane or street parking to drop your student(s) off in the morning.  Thank you for your help on this issue.

October 2nd is Official Count Day!

Over the course of September and October we look at daily attendance in order to inform how many students we officially have for the school year.  This number is important as it is what determines the funding we receive via per pupil funding.  Not only does attendance impact funding, but, more importantly, it impacts student learning.  Please help support your student’s learning as well as the school community by ensuring students attend school regularly unless they are ill.  In the case of student illness please call the school attendance line.

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