March Newsletter

March began with Westlake honoring Women in History. We highlighted the many achievements and contributions of women throughout history who have made a difference in various fields. For example, students learned about Amelia Earhart, a pioneering aviator who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her courage and determination continue to inspire people around the world. They also learned about Rosa Parks, an American activist in the civil rights movement who played a pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott. Her bravery in refusing to give up her seat on a bus sparked a movement that helped to end segregation.

At Westlake, we selected a young woman, Ashanti as our “Unsung Hero.” She was given an award at the Union County Unsung Hero Presentation at Kean University in March. Ashanti was selected based on her ability to learn how to empower herself by working independently and have a sense of ownership over her own learning. We believe that her skills learned are crucial for success in school and beyond and that her VOICE will be heard and continue to EMPOWER her.

Picture Day was a great success! Students looked beautiful and handsome, smiling and happy to have their photographs taken. Parents should be receiving an email from Positive Image Photography shortly to select pictures for purchasing! A Big thank you to Mrs. Mund and Ms. Foendoe for finding our photographer and setting up picture day!

Every voice is heard and empowered at Westlake! Through our recognition program of selecting students and staff for the month, we take a tally vote from peer nominations to come up with a collective winner. This month’s student of the month for March is Mohammad and the Principal’s award went to Azan. Our staff of the month went to Megan Curran. Congratulations to all!

All the best!

Claudine T. and Bobby P.

Read Across America was celebrated during the week of March 3rd – March 7th. This nationwide event encourages us to read, listen and celebrate the joy of books. Students from Hillcrest Academy South and Lambert’s Mill Academy visited many classes to have their students read to Westlake Students. The Westlake Administrators read to students as well and it was a joy to engage in learning activities with the students.

March 30th - Westlake Parent Organization (WPO) Bowling Event

at Linden Lanes (It's not to late to sign up)

April is Autism Awareness Month

April 2nd - Yoga with Ms. Shannon

April 7th - State Assessment Testing to begin

April 11th - School Spirit Day - Wear your Westlake shirt, flowers, bunnies or chicks

April 18th - April 25th - School Closed for Spring Break

M.K. is our Student of the Month, he always has a bright smile and is ready to help a friend. M.K. is always busy at Westlake, he works at the Sunshine Cafe and Work Based Learning sites. His positive attitude and work ethic make M.K. a great role model for our younger students.

A.C. is the Principal Award Winner, he is a hard worker. A.C. can be seen walking around Westlake taking pizza orders every Wednesday!

S.W. is the Sunshine Cafe Employee of the Month for March! He is a great worker who always shows up to work with a smile on his face. He loves to learn new skills and is always looking to try new jobs around the cafe!

The Sunshine Cafe has a new special for March in honor of St. Patrick's Day! It is a St. Patty's Day Cookie and a Sparkling Kiwi Refresher!

On March 21st, Westlake celebrated World Down Syndrome Day! We wore crazy socks to symbolize the karyotype of Down syndrome chromosomes that look like mismatched socks!

Thank You to, G.R. and family, who donated bracelets for all students and staff to wear!

The concept of an unsung hero highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the efforts of those who work diligently and selflessly behind the scenes, making a positive impact on the world without seeking the spotlight. This year, Ashanti was awarded the Unsung Hero award at the Union County Unsung Hero awards ceremony held at Kean University.

Ashanti's work at the Sunshine Cafe as a server and barista and work based learning at Lidio's Cafe where she performs various duties, including serving customers, cashiering, cleaning, and restocking, makes her an outstanding and independent worker. Her willingness to learn and embrace new challenges has enabled her to excel and achieve success. Ashanti's caring nature and consistently offers to help students and staff. She quietly makes the world a better place through her actions and character. Congratulations Ashanti for being selected as Westlake's' Unsung Hero!

Teacher Assistant, Barbara Gregory received an outside donation of fidget toys from a young 13 year old boy who made the fidget toys using a 3D printer and wanted them to go to students who would greatly benefit and be more focused using them. She presented them to Mrs. Sara Rocha, our Occupational Therapist for the therapy department and presented them to two students at this time.

Every Wednesday, our classes take turns going to Garwood Lanes for an afternoon of bowling. Students work on socialization skills, taking turns, and gross motor skills while having fun with staff!

Look at all the proud faces and happy smiles!

Our Work Based Learning Students work at the Cranford Movie Theater every Monday! They work as a cashier at the ticket booth and snack counter, as well as taking tickets. They get to help their favorite customer, Westlake students and staff!

Spring has sprung in the Art Room!! Finally, we can put away the winter crafts and begin to focus on the warmer weather. In the past few weeks, we have touched upon St. Patrick's Day, Ramadan, Women's History Month, and the first day of spring! The students have continued to dominate these theme-based crafts while focusing on their fine motor skills.

This month, we also participated in the annual UCESC Bulletin Board decorating contest. A few students were picked to represent Westlake and take the trip over to the UCESC main offices to decorate our board. This year's prompt was to portray the UCESC way by expressing students’ voices and fostering a sense of community. I took a survey of words that the students would use to describe our school and then worked with some of the classes to make crafts that portrayed their answers!! Stay tuned for the results to see where we placed in the competition!!

Our amazing Sunshine Club, set up a March Madness Lunch in honor of the NCAA tournament. Thank you to the Sunshine Club who coordinated all the food, set up, and break down!

Website: www.ucesc.org/schools/westlake_school

Location: 1571 Lamberts Mill Rd, Westfield, NJ, USA

Phone: 908-232-4181

Visit us!