October 28 2018

Week of 10.29.18

Dear Westlake Parents and Guardians:

I was reminded over this weekend our important role with our children in helping them navigate decisions.  My eldest daughter would love it if I’d just make all the decisions for her (the difficult ones at least), but in doing this she would never have the opportunity to practice her decision making skills.  It is truly a skill even we as adults struggle with sometimes to weigh the costs and benefits of a particular decision or to problem solve on a situation.  With my eldest daughter I found it to be a valuable experience to walk with her through a major decision she had to make recently, looking at all the aspects of the decision without judgement. This process taught me more about her own inner workings to boot!

Check out this video from Parent Toolkit on helping our children around decision making and I hope you find something useful from it.

Tips to Support your Child’s Decision-Making

Gifted and Talented Testing

Testing for 6th (only newly enrolled since September 10th), 7th and 8th grade students to be considered for Gifted and Talented identification will take place in December.  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 Monday, November 5th. Please contact either Michelle Cantwell or Christy Smith for further information.

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.

Time to “Fall Back”

Daylight Savings time is nearing it’s end.  Remember to set your clocks back an hour between Saturday and Sunday November 3rd and 4th.  Enjoy the extra hour of time on the weekend!

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Posted October 28, 2018 by wlmsad12 in category Weekly Blog Posts