Westfield Arrow
Aiming to Keep You Informed
APRIL 26, 2024
From the Office
On Wednesday, our Westfield Student Council members, along with a group of 5th grade students from DuJardin and Erickson, visited Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg to help support children around the world with nutritious meals. Students collected monetary donations to go along with their volunteer hours. We are very proud of the students who participated in this service project and we appreciate Mrs. Foley & Mrs. Hilden for sponsoring the event!
School Calendar Changes - Please note
On Monday, April 22nd, the Bloomingdale District 13 Board of Education approved two specific changes to this year's school calendar. Friday, May 17th will now be a 12pm (Noon) Dismissal. The original Noon dismissal was scheduled on January 12th, but due to an emergency school closing, the date was rescheduled. The second calendar change is for the last day of school on June 5th. Wednesday, June 5th will now be a 1:40pm dismissal for students.
8th Grade Career Day
Mr. Sparks and the 8th Grade team are working with representatives from Junior Achievement to plan out this year’s Career Day for our 8th graders and they are looking for potential volunteer speakers. If you would be interested in presenting to our 8th grade students, please see the Career Day flyer in today’s Arrow. Thank you!
Attn: 7th Grade Parents & Guardians - Exploratory Course options
Each spring, we allow current 7th grade students in partnership with their parents/guardians the opportunity to request their exploratory courses for next year in 8th grade. Please be on the lookout for the survey and respond by May 10th. The survey link will be shared with 7th grade parents & guardians later this evening.
Spring MAP Testing - May 7th & 8th
- Dates: Tuesday, May 7th, and Wednesday, May 8th.
- Testing on both days will take place in the morning
- Lunch (period 5) remains at the same time: 11:38am - 12:22pm.
- Afternoon classes on May 7th will run 1, 2, 3 & 4
- Afternoon classes on May 8th will run the normal line-up of 6, 7, 8, & 9
- Links from NWEA MAP that you may find useful: Parent FAQ & MAP Fact Sheet
If possible, please avoid student absences on testing days. Thank you!
Looking Ahead
Friday, May 10th - Early dismissal at 1:40pm for students . . . Friday, May 17th - Noon dismissal for students . . . Friday, May 24th - No School for Students . . . Monday, May 27th - Schools closed for Memorial Day.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Stefan Larsson
Principal
Amanda Vreeland
Assistant Principal
Upcoming Dates
- APRIL 30 Spring Band Tour
- MAY 6-10 Teacher Appreciation Week
- MAY 7-8 MAP Testing
- MAY 10 1:40pm Dismissal
- MAY 13-17 Book Fair
- MAY 14 5th-to-6th Grade Transition NIght (see info below)
GRADE LEVEL NEWS:
The teams will be updating the links weekly during the school year with news and any upcoming
- 6th GRADE TEAM
- 7th GRADE TEAM
- 8th GRADE TEAM
- EXPLORE TEAM (grades 6, 7, 8)
- P.E. TEAM (grades 6, 7, 8)
- WF SPECIALISTS (grades 6, 7, 8)
Warriors of the Week
Each week the staff recognizes students for demonstrating outstanding character based on attitudes or actions that follow the Character Counts Pillars and our WARRIORS Mission and Vision:
''We are W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S.; our mission and vision for the future are for all staff and students to be Welcoming, Ambitious, Respectful, Responsible, Innovative, Optimistic, Reflective, and Successful."
Westfield This Week
Garden gnomes in Club Create
Historical fiction 'Book Cafe' in 6th Grade
Pacer test in PE
Sewing machines in FACS class
Rack and pinion steering in STEM class
Clay pinch pots
Kinetic energy in 8th Science
Natural Selection lab
3-D Mini-Munny toy in Art class
Feed My Starving Children Volunteers
Learning the history and operations
Team stations
Making meal kits
Student Information
Put a Lid on It! - Art Show Gallery
Bloomingdale Art Museum, Galleries 1 and 2
NOW through May 11
Come learn about hats from around the world! From fashion statements to protection to style, you will feast your eyes on a fascinating variety of head coverings from here, there and everywhere.
A special addition to the show will be uniquely designed headpieces by student artists from Westfield Middle School.
LAST CALL 8th Graders! Upload Your Baby Picture for the Yearbook
LAST CALL!!! Use the QR code to fill out the form and upload your baby/toddler picture (aged 0-3 years) for the 2023-2024 Westfield Yearbook. OR...email Mr. Wojcicki THIS WEEKEND!!
Questions? Email Mr. Tim Wojcicki at twojcicki@sd13.org
It's Not Too Late to Order a Yearbook
If a passcode is requested: 1014041382501890
Help for Student Chromebooks
If a student needs Chromebook/Password/Repair assistance from the Technology Department, the student must use the link below to request support:
Parent Information
Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-10
If you'd like to show appreciation to your student's Westfield Teachers/Staff, here is a 'Favorite Things' List:
Erickson Elementary's 30th Birthday
Please join Erickson Elementary in celebrating its 30th birthday on May 10th! All are welcome to join and wave to the WGN Helicopter in celebration of the big day!
Save the Date! - 5th to 6th Grade Transition Night - May 14th at Westfield
Current 5th Grade students and their parents/guardians are invited to visit Westfield Middle School on May 14th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm for 5th-to-6th Grade Transition Night. Information will also be shared directly with 5th grade parents via communication from DuJardin and Erickson Elementary schools.
5th Graders will begin the evening with Westfield Student Council members and will be provided a short presentation and a tour of the building. Parents will begin the evening in the Athletic Gym and will be provided a presentation by Westfield Administration and Staff highlighting the unique aspects of middle school.
The presentations will begin at 6:00pm. Please enter through our Athletic Entrance, Door 32, located along the front parking lot. Following the presentations, parents will have the opportunity to visit with staff members, tour the building with their child, and visit our Book Fair. We hope to see all of our incoming 6th graders and their parents/guardians at Westfield on May 14th!
Parents, Guardians, Friends: Showcase Your Career for Westfield 8th Grade Students on Career Day
1. Volunteer to speak and present your career with three 40-minute presentations
2. Recommend a speaker for Career Day/Junior Achievement
Date: Tuesday, May 28th
Time 11:30am - 3:15pm
Where: Westfield Middle School
Contact: Al Sparks or Akilah Brown
Attention 8th Grade Parents & Guardians: Important End-of-the-Year Dates
- 8th Grade Celebration Field Trip to Great America - Wednesday, May 22nd
- 8th Grade Dance - Thursday, May 23rd (co-hosted by PTO; email/form sent to parents)
- Career Day/Jr. Achievement Presentations - Tuesday, May 28th 12:30-3:30pm
- Warrior Excellence Awards Assembly - Wednesday, May 29th 12:30-1:15pm (by invitation)
- Graduation Rehearsal #1 - Wednesday, May 29th 1:30-3:30pm at Westfield (mandatory)
- Graduation Rehearsal #2 - Thursday, May 30th 8:30-11:00am at Westfield (mandatory); 8th Grade ONLY dismissal at 11:00am with bus service
- Graduation Ceremony - Thursday, May 30th at 6:00-6:45pm at Lake Park HS-WEST; LAST SCHOOL DAY FOR 8th GRADE ONLY
We are planning to hold the Graduation Ceremony outdoors again this year at the Lake Park West Stadium. One of the advantages of being outdoors means that each graduate is able to invite more guests. Unfortunately, if weather forces us to hold the ceremony indoors in the auditorium, each graduate will be limited to only 4 guests due to the capacity of the auditorium. Four, indoor tickets for the ceremony will be distributed to 8th graders along with their graduation gowns at graduation rehearsal on May 29th.
The 8th Grade Dance is co-sponsored by our PTO and is typically held off site at a local venue. All school rules apply for students while attending the event and students may lose their eligibility to attend the dance due to behavior infractions. There is no cost to students for this event.
The 8th Grade Trip is led by our 8th grade teachers.The 8th Grade Dance and 8th Grade Field Trip are optional events for 8th graders. If you have any questions about the trip or need financial assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our 8th grade Team Leader, Mr. Al Sparks or our School Counselor, Ms. Lindsay Fenton.
The Warrior Excellence assembly is held during the school day and attendance by guests is by invitation only. Parents and guardians of students nominated for an award will be sent an invitation to attend the assembly once nominations are finalized.
Get Ready for 2024-2025 at Westfield!
Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year
Parents & Guardians should have received login credentials from District 13 on March 1st. As the District moves to a NEW REGISTRATION PORTAL for the 2024-2025 school year, ALL families (New and Returning) will be required to prove residency. Previous documents submitted are not able to be transferred to Alma. Please reference this REQUIRED RESIDENCY DOCUMENT for more information on the proof of residency documents.
NEW! Westfield Middle School Student Supply List 2024-2025
Parents my purchase their student's own supplies, or Scan the QR code on the flyer to order a supply kit for the 2024-25 school year.
A current, physical examination is required by the Illinois Department of Public Health for all children entering 6th grade -- completed by a Physician and signed by a parent/guardian.
STATE OF ILLINOIS HEALTH EXAM FORM
>> TO ALL 7th and 8th GRADE PARENTS re: SPORTS PHYSICAL for 2024-25
A yearly sports-physical exam is required if your 7th or 8th grade student wishes to participate in sports -- BEFORE their sport season starts.
SPORTS PHYSICAL FORM
Questions? Email Westfield's Nurse: dawnrider@sd13.org
Attention 7th Grade - Spanish Course Option for 2024-2025
Westfield Middle School offers a year-long elective course of Spanish 1 for 8th grade students. This elective option is offered to 8th graders in-place of either their normal Exploratory rotation or in some cases during Acceleration period for our highest performing students. Your student’s profile of study habits and academic performance, including, but not limited to your child’s MAP scores and ELA grades, will be taken into consideration for placement into Spanish 1. Placement in this course is also limited by the number of seats available in each class.
Traditionally, participation in 8th Grade Spanish has allowed students: (1) admission to Spanish 2 in high school and (2) the potential to take Honors level advanced Spanish classes and AP Spanish during their high school career. In addition, Lake Park High School has informed each of the feeder middle schools that they are considering offering the option for 8th grade students to earn High School credit for taking Spanish 1 in middle school starting in 2024-2025. We are excited about this opportunity for our students and we are hopeful that Lake Park will move forward with this option. Once Lake Park finalizes their decision, we will share an update with parents & guardians and begin the process of surveying our current 7th grade students to see who wishes to take Spanish 1 at Westfield for the 2024-2025 school year. The 7th grade Spanish Course survey will be in the form of a parent letter shared via email and in our Arrow newsletter. We hope to begin the process by mid April.
District 13 Fee Payment System
MSB is a user-friendly, online payment system with a single sign-on. You can create an account, add your student(s), and see ALL of your students in one account.
Parents/Guardians:
- Registration fees for the 2023-2024 school year were posted the first week of June. Parents received an email from do-not-reply@myschoolbucks.com
- If it is not in the inbox, please check the spam folder.
- Parents must create an account in MSB. Please follow the Parent Instructions
Westfield Families:
Along with the registration fee, 8th-grade students will have their graduation fee applied to their account to be paid at the beginning of the school year. Sixth-grade students will have their lock fee applied to their account to be paid at the beginning of the school year.
A Charge for Chromebook Repairs
District 13 will absorb the first $50.00 of the Chromebook repair annually.
These repair costs will be charged through My School Bucks.
'How-To' for Parents/Guardians:
Absent Student? Attendance Email is Here for You
- Absent from school
- Arriving late to school/Picked up early from school
- Riding a different bus/different stop
Westfield also has a 24/7 voicemail: 630-529-6211.
School Attendance Reminder
Regular school attendance is extremely important. We understand that circumstances will arise that require a student to miss part or all of a school day, whether for personal illness, appointments, family emergencies, out-of-town trips, religious holidays, or other. In many cases, these absences will be excused; however, it is the responsibility of school administration to determine whether an absence is considered excused or unexcused in accordance with state law. It is our goal at Westfield to work with each family to ensure that students consistently attend school and arrive on time to school to avoid learning loss and disruptions to the learning environment. We appreciate your assistance in making sure your child is on time to school each day and missing as few school days as possible. Thank you!
Per the school code of Illinois, a student who is absent without cause for 5% or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days is considered to be chronically truant. As a school, we are required to report school attendance to the DuPage Regional Office of Education and to the Illinois State Board of Education. If you need any assistance with supporting your child's regular school attendance, please do not hesitate to contact our School Counselor, Lindsay Fenton (lfenton@sd13.org) or our Social Worker, Sheila Zagotta (szagotta@sd13.org)
To report an absence, Parents and Guardians may use the Westfield Attendance Email or call the Main Office at 630-529-6211.
Community, Advocacy, Resilience, Engagement and Support (CARES)
Bloomingdale School District 13 has launched an innovative mental health initiative to provide and improve access to quality mental health services throughout the community. See the flyer for more information and a QR code to sign up for services.
Take Learning on the Go With the IXL App
Your child can take IXL with them anywhere with the IXL app for tablets and smartphones! This app is tailor-made for mobile devices to create a fun and immersive experience that learners love.
Illinois School Report Card - Exemplary Rating!
On October 30, 2023, the Illinois State Board of Education released the 2023 Illinois Report Card for schools. Westfield received a summative designation of Exemplary for 2023. The Exemplary rating is given to schools performing in the top 10% of schools statewide, with no underperforming student groups. This is the second year in a row that Westfield has received the Exemplary rating. We would like to congratulate everyone in the Westfield Community, including our students, staff, and parents. We are extremely proud of the students and staff at Westfield!
Schools are rated on a number of factors, including student scores on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) in both ELA & Math and on the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). This year the School Report Card also included the percentage of students who showed growth on IAR in ELA & Math. For a quick comparable, here are some scores from Lake Park feeder schools showing the percentages of students who Met & Exceeded on IAR and ISA along with the growth of students relative to other students in the state in ELA & Math.
From Westfield's Nurse
Help for Your Child's Seasonal Allergies
Hay fever, or seasonal allergies, can happen in the spring, summer and early fall. Seasonal allergies typically trigger the following symptoms:
- Runny nose and congestion
- Cough
- Itchy nose or throat
- Watery, itchy, and/or red eyes
- Sneezing
- Mucus that runs down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
- Swollen and bruised-looking area under the eyes
- Tiredness, usually because of poor sleep due to nasal congestion
Here are some ways to help reduce your seasonal allergy symptoms:
- Avoid high exposure to pollen: When the weather's going to be warm, avoid mowing the lawn yourself and stay away from moldy piles of leaves. People with seasonal allergies also should avoid irritants such as strong chemicals and pollution.
- Keep your home and car clean of pollen: On days when pollen counts are high, keep your doors and windows closed. Stay inside, especially during afternoons and evenings when pollen levels are highest. Cool your home using air conditioning, but stay away from humidifiers and swamp coolers.
- Clean off outdoor pollen residues: After being outside on high-pollen days, shower to wash away pollen and put on clean clothes. Use saline nasal wash to help clear allergens from your nose.
- Know your allergies: A simple blood test or a skin test at the doctor’s office can identify what you’re allergic to. Identifying these allergens is important to developing an effective treatment plan.
- Talk to your doctor: Ask your doctor about treatment options and follow that treatment plan.
8th Grade Parents: Physical Required for High School
Parents, make your child's Doctor appointment soon!
A full physical plus updated immunizations are required for high school registration.
It's Getting Warmer--Stay Hydrated!
- Staying hydrated is key to achieving academic, sports and health goals.
- Don't wait until you're thirsty! Fill up those water bottles and take sips all day.
- Also with the warm weather season approaching, have your student dress appropriately for the weather and apply Suntan lotion 50- 100 SPF when they are going to be outside during their school day.
Students Can Avoid Computer Eye Strain
- 20-20-20 Rule: Take a break from the screen every 20 minutes--look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Post a note on monitor that says, "BLINK"
- Adjust the brightness, contrast, font size
- Install non-glare screen protector; wear blue-blocker glasses
- Stay off cell phone/e-reader before bedtime
Is Your Child Participating in Before-School Activities?
For students to have enough energy to make it through to lunch, please--send a breakfast snack and a drink with your child in the morning. Thank you!
Excused Physical Education Class
- Please note that all PE excuses need to be sent to the Nurse's Office, not the PE teacher.
- A parent may excuse a student from PE for 3 days. Thereafter, a Doctor's note is required.
About Your Child's Medication:
- The district's medication administration policy mandates that all medication administered at school requires a Medical Doctor's order. This includes over-the-counter medications; students may NOT keep over-the-counter meds in their backpacks or in their lockers--including cough drops, Advil, etc. This is an important safety concern!
- If your incoming 6th grader requires an inhaler, Epi-Pen, or any oral medication, please obtain the medication form and appropriate health care plan from your physician when your child has their exam. Forms may also be obtained on the district website.
- Questions? Please contact Mrs. Rider, Westfield Nurse at dawnrider@sd13.org
- DOCTOR MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION FORM
- PARENT AUTHORIZATION
Westfield Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Westfield PTO Contacts >> NEEDED: PTO Board Members for 2024-25
- Vice-President: Linda Korbel westfieldmpto@gmail.com (retiring from WF)
- Secretary: Loriann Hoyle (retiring from WF)
- Treasurer: Ranna Kothari (retiring from WF)
- Hot Lunch: Jill Shannon jsha25@yahoo.com (retiring from WF)
- PTO Email: westfieldmpto@gmail.com Email here if you're interested in Board positions!
2024-2025 Parents/Guardians: Want to Volunteer at Westfield?
- CLICK HERE to fill out what you would like to do.
- Questions? Email westfieldmpto@gmail.com for information.
Spiritwear for Mom & Grandma!
- Give Mom and Grandma the gift of Westfield spirit this Mother's Day! Get FREE SHIPPING on all orders with code: MOM24 through Saturday.
- Shop: https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/IL/Bloomingdale/Westfield+Middle+School/collection_detail.html?personalized=true&fr=Mom
- Shop everything: https://1stplace.sale/31131
Order Hot Lunch Online for WEDNESDAYS and FRIDAYS
Wholesome Food Services is pleased to bring you a delicious variety of great lunch choices from local restaurants.
>>Action Needed from Returning Families:
Please remember to update your student's ordering profile!<<
- You can place orders up until 1 PM the day before delivery (unless otherwise stated)
- You can order up to 60 days in advance
- You can cancel up until 8 AM on the day of delivery
>>New to the program?
Registration is free, and there is no obligation!
- Go to www.wholesomefoodservices.com
- Select Sign Up
- Click Create Account and follow the prompts to set up your account
- Set up a profile for each student by selecting Add New Profile under the Profiles tab
- Select School name
- Select Order Now to view menus and place orders
- Enter your credit/debit card information to pay securely online
Need help?
Call our 24/7 customer support line at 800.872.0226 or email us at support@wholesomefoodservices.com.
Wholesome Food Services donates a portion of your lunch purchases to your school.
So far, we have donated over $500,000 to schools!
Volunteers Needed for Hot Lunch WEDNESDAYS and/or FRIDAYS
Sign up to be a Westfield for lunch just one day or all days:
Scan Receipts for Education All Year-Round!
Westfield Middle School collects Box Tops for Education™.
All you need is your phone!
- Download the Box Tops app
- Use the app to scan your store receipt within 14 days of purchase
- The app will identify Box Tops products on your receipt and automatically credit your school’s earnings online
Twice a year, Westfield will receive a check for whatever the school needs!
Questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact Loriann Hoyle (Box Top Coordinator) at westfieldmpto@gmail.com Thanks for your support!!
PTO Membership Dues 2024-2025
- All-School parties and dances
- Classroom 'wish' lists
- Teacher appreciation
- Scholarships
- Field Trips
- Student awards
Throughout the School Year
Otus: Student Progress
How Parents Can Log in to Otus:
- Sign in to Otus (if you have not set up your family account, please follow the directions in this video or this article to do so.)
- PLEASE READ FIRST: Your student already has an Otus account from the school district. To avoid confusion, it's best to use your own name rather than your student's name when creating the Family account. Both the video and the article have the same information. Please view whichever is more convenient for you.
- (If you have created your family account, but need to connect your student's code, have your child log in to Otus and click Edit Profile. Their student code is located at the bottom of that page.)
- To check your child's progress on Otus, click on Gradebook, then choose which class you would like to see progress in.
- To check your child's completed assignments on Otus, click on Gradebook, then click the three dots in the top right corner to change the "Grading Scale" to "Completion Scale."
Reminders
School Day Hours: 8:30am- 3:30pm.
Students are guided into the building by staff between 8:10 - 8:20am and are expected to be seated in their 1st period class at 8:30am. All classes are 44 min with a 3 min passing period. Lunchtime, Flextime, & Study Hall for all grades are between 11:38 - 12:22pm. Students will be dismissed from school at 3:30pm. All students attend the following courses: ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, Exploratory, and Acceleration.
Social Worker, Sheila Zagotta (szagotta@sd13.org)
School Counselor, Lindsay Fenton (Lfenton@sd13.org)
Athletic Competitions - Spectator Information
Family members of student athletes are always welcome to attend our athletic competitions.
Westfield students who wish to attend athletic events away from Westfield must be accompanied by an adult.
Spectators are expected to treat all visitors, players, coaches, referees, and staff with respect at all times. No profanity or inappropriate language will be tolerated. Visitors who are unable to follow School District 13 policies will be asked to leave and may risk losing the privilege to attend future events at the school. We encourage all visitors to immediately report any inappropriate behavior to the nearest staff member.
Code of Conduct reminder
We continually review our student behavior expectations with individual students, classes and whole grade-levels throughout the school year to help ensure that all students and staff are being treated with respect and kindness.
We ask that you take a moment to see how your student is doing now that we are a few weeks into the school year and to consider the following tips:
- Encourage your child to immediately report any inappropriate behavior to a staff member so we may work to address and correct the behavior.
- Reach out to our School Counselor or Social Worker for support when needed, even if it's simply to run something by them.
- Review your child's texting and social media accounts periodically. At no time, is it appropriate for a student to use their device to target or harass another person. If you find that most conversations have been deleted, this may be a sign of negative or inappropriate conversations or interactions taking place. Remember, it's ok to remove the device if it is not being used appropriately.
- Trust that when teachers reach out to you regarding your child's behavior that our teachers are hoping to partner with you to best support your child.
- Ask your child what they did today to make another person's day more positive.
Thank you for partnering with us to best support our students and staff!
Westfield Social Media Communication
How-To Videos
Gmail:
- How to delete all email (6th grade)
- How to appropriately write an email
- You can only email other sd13.org email addresses
- Creating Bookmarks
- Starring and snoozing Emails
Google Classroom:
- How to Join Classroom(with Code)
- How to Join with Teacher Invite
- Check Stream and classwork page
- How to Turn in assignments
FlipGrid:
Chromebook: