Gower West News
February 16, 2024
What's Happening at West?
Science Showcase & STEM Night
Gower West was full of the next generations scientists, doctors, engineers, mathematicians, programers, statisticians and architects last night for our annual Science Showcase & STEM Challenge! The event was attended by 250 parents and students who enjoyed a variety of STEM challenges developed by Gower Staff, area agencies and businesses whose primary focus is in the area of STEM, and our very own Science Showcase participants, 33 total, some of whom will move on to the Brookfield Zoo Science Fair and Regional Science Fair in the coming weeks! Thanks to Mrs. Laratta, Mrs. Morgan and Mrs. Tokash for their efforts in coordinating the event and several Gower Staff members who led the challenges for students. Thank you to families for joining us and supporting STEM opportunities! We hope you enjoyed all the evening had to offer!
Kids Heart Challenge
Thursday Gower West participated in the culminating activity of the Kids' Heart Challenge during Physical Education classes. Students rotated through stations of exercises and activities that promote a lifetime of heart health. Stay tuned for next week's newsletter where we will publish the final totals for the 2024 Kids' Heart Challenge! We can't wait!
Kindness Week & Valentine's Day
Gower West students took full advantage of Kindness Week by participating in a variety of kind acts for classmates, our school and our community! Here are some ways we demonstrated kindness to others:
- Sending valentines to children at St. Jude's hospital
- Sharing affirmations with others
- Created kindness journals
- Made cards for classmates
- Colored valentines and designed placements for residents of local senior living facilities
Valentine's Day at Gower West was FULL of kindness! Students exchanged valentines with one another and participated in an assembly, "It's Cool to be Kind" with the artist Gincy. Prior to the assembly students were asked to finish four sentence starters:
- It is important to be kind because...
- Showing kindness makes the world a better place because...
- It means a lot when people show kindness to me because...
- One way that I can show kindness to other people is...
Congratulations to This Week's W.O.W.s!!!
The Survey is Open!
Your School. Your Voice.
Help Gower West Elementary School be the best it can be by completing the 5Essentials Survey! We want to hear your opinion! The Illinois 5Essentials Survey provides a comprehensive picture of a school's organizational culture in an individualize report measuring five "essentials" critical for school success: Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, involved Families, Supportive Environment and Ambitious Instruction. The Illinois 5Essentials Survey can be accessed through this link. The survey will take, at the most, 15 minutes of your time.
Please share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness. Help us reach our participation goal of 45%. Students will earn a reward before Spring Break if we meet our goal! Thank you in advance for your time and input.
As of today, we have 66 parent surveys completed out of 529 possible for 13% response rate. Keep sharing your thoughts on how Gower West can improve and affirm what we are already doing so we can get to our goal of 45%!! We appreciate YOU and your feedback!
Purchase GW Spirit Wear
The Gower West "Deal of the Week" is 25% off water bottles! Don't wait! Stay hydrated and support Gower! Free shipping on purchases of $75 or more! Shop Now!
Your purchase of spirit wear supports Gower West Elementary School, specifically rewards for Gower Gladiators who are respectful, responsible, and kind! We appreciate your support!
Your Cooperation Please!
Keeping Students Safe at Recess
Recently, staff have noticed cars driving slowly through our parking lots and on Cherry Tree Lane during students' recess times. Oftentimes people in the cars (and those walking by) are yelling out to students, calling students over to them, or just standing and watching students play.
Our supervisors are vigilant and while watching students at recess, they are also watching for suspicious vehicles and individuals on and around our campus and have been directed to report such suspicions immediately to the office and to call 911 if necessary. The drivers and individuals walking through the neighborhood trying to gain the attention of our students may be parents, grandparents, other relatives or neighbors with no ill intent, BUT WE DON'T KNOW THAT. If you need to speak with your student during the school day, please contact or report to the office to sign in before engaging with students. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe.
Upcoming Events at Gower West
Please Mark Your Calendars
Monday, February 19
No School Presidents' Day
Tuesday, February 20
2:25 Spanish Club
2:25 BAM Theatre
2:25 2nd/3rd grade Brownies
7:00 Board of Education meeting
Wednesday, February 21
Happy Valentine's Day!
Wear red, white, pink, and purple
7:10 4th grade Chorus
NO 3rd grade Basketball
2:25 Science Olympiad
2:25 Young Rembrandts
Thursday, February 22
7:10 3rd grade Chorus
2:25 Beginner Band Rehearsal
Friday, February 23
College and Career Day
Preschool Family Participation Day
2:25 BAM Theatre
Saturday, February 24
8:00 - 1:00 Science Olympiad Tournament
Help Us Make it a Success!
VOLUNTEER SIGNUP - We need to fill over 70 positions for the day of the event. To see what positions are available and sign up, CLICK HERE.
RAFFLE DONATIONS - Last year we had over 80 prizes! For a list of ideas and to donate, CLICK HERE.
To enter the Big Raffle, complete and submit the Raffle Tickets flier. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the event.
GOODIE GRAB DONATIONS - Approximately 50 treats are given out during our most popular game! CLICK HERE to to register your donation or complete and submit the Goodie Grab flier.
Proceeds from the Fun Fair are used to cover the cost of Teacher Wish List request!
Fun Fair fliers and links can also be found in the Gower West Virtual Backpack and posted on Gower PTO social media. Thank you for supporting the Gower PTO!
SAVE THE DATE! 9/28/2024
The Gower Foundation is thrilled to be planning the 2024 Gower Gala and is looking for sponsors to help make this event a success. The first step is to offer sponsorship packages exclusively to businesses owned by Gower families, prior to making them available to the community on February 7th. Download the sponsorship details here.