December 17 2017

Week of 12.18.17

Westlake Parents and Guardians:

As we look to end one year and begin another, we can reflect on the accomplishments of the year and set goals for the next.  One of the major areas of focus for the Westlake School community this year has been around literacy across all content areas.  Being able to read, write, listen, and speak are critical elements to learning any content area and we are committed to supporting students in gaining these very important skills.  One way to support this effort with your child is to engage in our school book.  Please consider being a part of this effort.

Students, parents and community members, this year, we have selected Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (the young adult version) to be our all school book.  This is the amazing story of Joe Rantz and the 1936 Olympic rowing team’s miraculous journey to win gold in Berlin.   A story of courage, perseverance and the power of teamwork, this will be a text to connect our whole community with our vision, Dream, Risk, Achieve.

We are asking students and families to get involved by reading this exciting text. You may also think about organizing a book discussion with your own family or pull together other families you know to discuss the ideas in this book. We have discussion questions and you can use this book club guide for tips on how to facilitate your conversation.

Here at school in January, we will be hosting grade level book clubs run by our administrators, and teachers will have some activities and discussions they can use in their classrooms. This event will be culminated on February 22nd with a movie night when we will be showing The Boys of ‘36 the PBS documentary about this inspiring story.

The book is available for a discounted price from both Amazon and Walmart. Many teachers here at school have copies to loan to students and books will be provided for students who are participating in grade level book clubs.

Happy Holidays!

On behalf of the Westlake Middle School staff, we want to wish you a very happy holiday season.  In whatever way your family celebrates the holidays, know we are grateful to be a part of your lives through educating your children.  Together, we are one community moving toward a common goal of creating pathways of success for the children of our community.  Happy Holidays!

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December 10 2017

Week of 12.11.17

Westlake Parents and Guardians:

The work we are so fortunate to do by educating young minds is the most rewarding work.  However, it is truly the partnerships with parents and guardians that gives this work the traction to be successful.  I want to take a moment to thank the Westlake PTO for their tireless support towards making significant contributions to our school community.  The parents and guardians who are a part of PTO are truly making a difference in our community by volunteering time and effort to support the goals of our school.  If you would like to be a part of this tremendous group please consider joining them for the next meeting on February 7th at 6:30pm.  Thank you, PTO, for all you are doing to support our school community towards achieving our hopes and dreams!

How do you celebrate New Year’s in your culture?

Westlake’s Culture Club wants to learn more about how different cultures celebrate New Year’s.  Please take a moment to share with us various traditions or cultural experiences you and your family are involved in to celebrate the new year through this survey.

New Year’s Around the World Survey

Westlake’s Culture Club will be holding a cultural night in January to celebrate New Year’s around the world so stay tuned for more information and let us know if you are interested in sharing your culture in our upcoming event.

School Community Book

Students, parents and community members, this year, we have selected Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (the young adult version) to be our all school book.  This is the amazing story of Joe Rantz and the 1936 Olympic rowing team’s miraculous journey to win gold in Berlin.   A story of courage, perseverance and the power of teamwork, this will be a text to connect our whole community with our vision, Dream, Risk, Achieve.

We are asking students and families to get involved by reading this exciting text. You may also think about organizing a book discussion with your own family or pull together other families you know to discuss the ideas in this book. We have discussion questions and you can use this book club guide for tips on how to facilitate your conversation.

Here at school in January, we will be hosting grade level book clubs run by our administrators, and teachers will have some activities and discussions they can use in their classrooms. This event will be culminated on February 22nd with a movie night when we will be showing The Boys of ‘36 the PBS documentary about this inspiring story.

The book is available for a discounted price from both Amazon and Walmart. Many teachers here at school have copies to loan to students and books will be provided for students who are participating in grade level book clubs.

PTO Dine Out!  Come join us at ModMarket

The next PTO Dine Out is just around the corner.  Come join us for some great food and support the Westlake PTO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lost and Found

Please encourage your child(ren) to check the lost and found as it is currently bursting with items.  Items that are not collected before break will be donated.

Category: Weekly Blog Posts | Comments Off on Week of 12.11.17
December 3 2017

Week of 12.04.17

Dear Westlake School Community:

Happy December!  The year is flying by as students are working towards learning goals and preparing for their next school year and beyond.  If you are interested in seeing the classrooms in action I would encourage you to either join us for Coffee with the Principal where we talk about our school community and visit classrooms or schedule a time with one of the administrators to visit some classrooms individually.  We invite you to be a part of our school in this way to see and experience for yourself the daily experiences your child is having at Westlake Middle School.  Our next Coffee with the Principal is scheduled for January 23rd at 9:30am or feel free to call the office and request one of the administrators (Dr. Heide, Mr. Weisbart, or Mr. Novotny) to visit classrooms with you.    We hope to see you soon!

How do you celebrate New Year’s in your culture?

Westlake’s Culture Club wants to learn more about how different cultures celebrate New Year’s.  Please take a moment to share with us various traditions or cultural experiences you and your family are involved in to celebrate the new year through this survey.

New Year’s Around the World Survey

Westlake’s Culture Club will be holding a cultural night in January to celebrate New Year’s around the world so stay tuned for more information and let us know if you are interested in sharing your culture in our upcoming event.

Category: Weekly Blog Posts | Comments Off on Week of 12.04.17