October 14 2018

Week of 10.15.18

Dear Westlake Parents and Guardians:

There is something magical about the first snowfall of the year.  It seems so cozy to snuggle up inside with a cup of hot chocolate while the snow gently falls outside.  With the first inclement weather, it is important to remind everyone of the delayed start schedule should the district use it as well as how to receive notification about school closings.  Please take a moment to follow the links below to the delayed start schedule and information about where to look for school closing information.

Daily Schedules including Delayed Start

Adams 12 Five Star Schools Inclement Weather Communication Info

 

Halloween Costume Guidelines

Adams 12 Five Star Schools encourages the opportunity for students and families to engage in celebration that is respectful to all cultures, religions, races, and beliefs.  In our continued efforts to maintain a respectful, safe and secure learning environment, the following guidelines for Halloween celebrations have been developed. These guidelines apply to students, staff, and participants of all Halloween celebrations both during and after the school day.

Halloween Guidelines

  1. Costumes that would otherwise violate the Student Dress Code (Superintendent Policy 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. The following are considered not appropriate for school or school events:
  • Costumes that are overly graphic, promote violence or otherwise might logically be assumed to be offensive to others
  • Costumes that are sexually suggestive and would otherwise violate the school’s dress code
  • Costumes with sound effects, lights or other components which would disrupt the classroom learning environment
  • Costumes that could be considered insensitive to various races, genders, cultures and religions.
  • Toy or facsimile weapons of any kind (guns, knives, swords, bats, etc.) are not allowed
  • Costumes or dress of any kind that may be potentially disruptive to the educational or school environment

 

 In alignment with Superintendent Policy 5060, school administrators may ask students or participants  to change into school appropriate attire and/or remove masks, makeup, or costumes.

 

Halloween Guidelines Addendum (RE:  Clown Costumes)

As you may recall, in 2016 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 2018 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.

Update to School Accountability Committee meeting dates

Our first SAC meeting has been rescheduled due to some scheduling conflicts.  The dates are listed below so please join us for this important meeting:

All meetings are held in the library at 4:15pm

November 7th

December  12th

February 20th

April 10th

Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Posted October 14, 2018 by wlmsad12 in category Weekly Blog Posts