The Westgate Wire

October 20, 2023

Click here for the Westgate Back to School Family FAQs 2023-2024

News from Dr. Buch, Mrs. Yoder, and Mrs. Giacomin-Ferris

Below are a few important things to put on your radar regarding our Halloween celebrations at Westgate...

We will celebrate Halloween on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 31st. We will have an all school parade outside beginning at 1:45 p.m. (weather permitting). Morning kindergarteners will have a separate parade in the morning. More details will shared in the coming week.
As a reminder, costumes should be appropriate for school with no overly bloody or scary images.They should also not have any weapons (knives, swords, guns). If your child’s costume has a mask, please be sure they can see through it and walk safely inside and outside the building.
If you plan to take your child home for lunch on Halloween and have not already done so, please complete this form by October 25th. This will help us plan for the number of students going home or staying for lunch at school. We will provide details about possible changes to the lunch hour on October 27th.
We are aware that some students may not celebrate Halloween. Please contact your child's teacher by October 23rd if you do not want your child to participate in the Halloween activities.

Breakfast at Westgate

Breakfast is offered at your school this year! The cost of breakfast is $1.75. If you qualify for the free/reduced price meal program, you receive breakfast for free or a reduced price of $.30. Breakfast includes one entree, up to two options of fruit and a milk.

Students can enter the main doors starting at 8:45 am and grab a breakfast from the breakfast cart. Students will sit in the cafeteria to eat. Breakfast is open until 9 am. Check our menu to view our daily options!

Pumpkin Decorating is Back!

It's Pumpkin Time!! Decorate a pumpkin (real or artificial) as your favorite book character. All pumpkins will be displayed in the LMC and students will get the chance to vote for their favorites. Send in your decorated pumpkin on Wednesday, October 25.There will be tables in the front of the main doors during morning drop-off. We can't wait to see your creations. If you need an extra form, click the link below.

Pumpkin Flyer

CogAT Assessment-3rd/5th and new 4th graders only

Third, Fifth and new Fourth graders at Westgate will be taking the CogAT assessment between October 25th-27th. The CogAT is a district-administered assessment used as part of the advanced program placement process. The CogAT measures the learned reasoning and problem-solving skills:

All 3rd graders + new 4th graders: Quantitative area
All 5th graders: Quantitative and Verbal areas

Information from ABC/25

ABC 25 Open House - October 30th will be an open house at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.

Membership Drive to School by the AH Police Department! (see attachment). 25% school membership results in an additional $2,500 grant for Westgate school! Any member family that has joined by 10/27 gets entered for a chance to win a ride to school in a squad car!

National PTA Reflections Program

Submissions for Reflections are due Friday, November 3rd!!

Reflections is a national art competition hosted by the PTA at every level. Your child can submit an original work of art in response to the national theme in the primary (grades K-2), intermediate (grades 3-5), or Special Artist (special needs of all ages and with accommodations available) divisions and in one of 6 art categories.

This year’s theme is I Am Hopeful Because….. and projects will be due to Karen Radek in a couple of weeks!!!

Reflections flyers are posted in the school and linked here; and official rules can be found at this link. You must use this entry form with your submission!! For additional questions, contact Karen Radek (Westgate’s Reflections chairperson) at karenradek@gmail.com