November 26 2017

Week of 11.27.17

Westlake Parents and Guardians:

I hope you enjoyed your time last week and feel ready for these few weeks leading up to Winter Break and the end of the first semester.  I’m sure you have noticed that the beginning of the school year honeymoon is over with your child(ren).  Middle school is very much a time of transition between childhood and adolescence and so I wanted to take a moment to share a resource with you about this transitional time especially with the end of the first half of the school year in our sights.  Check out this article and video:

Guiding Our Children Through Transitions: Middle School

 

Gifted and Talented

Testing for students to be considered for Gifted and Talented identification will take place in January.  If you are interested in having your student tested, please visit the Gifted and Talented page on the Westlake website to access the two forms you need to submit no later than Friday December 1st. Please see previous posts on the principal‘s blog or contact either Michelle Cantwell or Christy Smith for further information.
michelle.cantwell@adams12.org
Christy.l.smith@adams12.org
Category: Weekly Blog Posts | Comments Off on Week of 11.27.17
November 12 2017

Week of 11.13.17

Westlake Parents and Guardians:

Last week the Westlake staff spent time reflecting on the meaning of gratitude as well as identifying what we are grateful for.  One of themes that came out from our work together was our gratitude for working in and being part of the very special Westlake community.  We are grateful for getting to opportunity to be in the lives your children and to be partners in this most in important work of learning with you, the parents and guardians.

As a parent myself it can be frustrating to see my own kids get caught up in the culture of commercialism that surrounds the holidays.  I found this article from Parent Toolkit around helping kids to understanding true thankfulness.  Check out this article and I hope you find something of meaning for you and your family as I did.

Truly Thankful: 5 Tips to Teach Kids Real Gratitude

There are a number of events going on this week so please be sure to take a moment to check out the weekly events calendar from the link above that looks like a yellow sticky note.

 

Operation Free Bird

November 18 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Sheriff’s Foundation Bowl

Operation Free Bird is an event sponsored by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, The Adams County Sheriff’s Foundation and 200+ community partners that give back to those less fortunate in the areas we serve. Each family that attends the event receives everything needed for a holiday meal. During the event, the participants are afforded the opportunity to visit with a number of resources to include medical, dental, grooming, job services and public assistance information.

 

Please follow this link for more information on Operation Free Bird.

 

Classes for Adults

There is an upcoming opportunity for adults to go to class too!  Offerings include:

  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes
  • Basic Reading, Writing and Math Classes
  • GED Classes

Classes are located at:

Crossroads Middle School

10900 Huron St (Huron & Kennedy)

Northglenn, CO 80234

5:30 pm

ESL Registration January 16, 17 and 18

ABE & ASE Registration January 16 and 17

$55 registration fee. Payment plan available. No fee for Adams 12 parents.

Books $25-$35 each.

Classes begin January 22 or 23, two days per week 5:30-8:30.

Phone: 303.289.4396

Email: adulted@adams14.org.

Website: http://www.adams14.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Adams14ALC/

 

Take care and enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday!

Category: Weekly Blog Posts | Comments Off on Week of 11.13.17
November 5 2017

Week of 11.06.17

Westlake Parents and Guardians:

Daylight Savings has ended and I hope you all remembered to set your clocks back.  I also hope you found a great use for the additional hour you experienced over the weekend.  I always feel it is a gift of time in the Fall when we set our clocks back and I can get more out of my day.  This looks to be a great, short week with Veterans’ Day observance on Friday.  Please check out the following information and let us know if you have any questions.

Gifted and Talented Testing

Testing for students to be considered for Gifted and Talented identification will take place in January.  If you are interested in having your student tested, we will need the two attached forms submitted no later than Friday December 1st.  If you have additional testing data or paperwork that you want considered, you may submit that as well.
Since we have to have teachers fill out paperwork and gather testing data, we will not be able to take any forms after this deadline.  If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Cantwell at can003515@adams12.org, or Christy Smith at smi019942@adams12.org
NEW Identification Recommendation form–Parents
Spanish
Parent/School partnership form
Spanish

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3RELHCqQ2KreWFHd3NIMHhGWDA/view

Parents/Guardians of 8th Graders

If you would like your 8th grade student’s baby photo featured in the yearbook, forms will be available int he office. We will need digital photos, 5 dollars, and a quick note from your parents or guardians. There is limited space. Please submit your photos by November 30th.  Please contact Jessica Lunnon with any questions.

lun004903@adams12.org

Volunteers Needed

This quarter we have a Study Skills class that is in need of tutors to help support positive learning outcomes for students.  If you are interested in volunteering in this way please sign up on the link below.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080f4baea723a57-study

Change of Date- School Improvement Team

Due to some scheduling conflicts the next SIT meeting will be November 29th from 6-7pm in the library.  All interested parents/guardians are welcome to attend and we hope to see you there!

Coffee with the Principal

Please join me this Tuesday at 9:30am for Coffee with the Principal.  We will be looking at various aspects of our school and visit some classrooms for you to experience what your child is experiencing during their day at Westlake Middle School.  See you on Tuesday!

 

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Westlake has started its Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit our local community.  This Drive lasts until November 9th.  We are asking for items to make a Thanksgiving meal- sweet potatoes/potatoes, green bean casserole, dessert, turkey and veggies are some of these items we hope to provide for families in need.  Please checkout the Westlake website page for more specifics on food items needed.  Food is given a point value and the competition is between first hour classes for each grade level.  Turkeys will come in the last few days of the drive, if you are planning on donating a turkey please let your teacher know ahead of time.  Thanks for your generosity Westlake!
We are also planning for a toy drive for Holiday needs.  We are looking for elementary and middle school aged items to support these families during the difficult time around the holidays.  Keep checking back for posted materials as we get closer to the end of the food drive.
Category: Weekly Blog Posts | Comments Off on Week of 11.06.17