Westfield Arrow
Aiming to Keep You Informed
NOVEMBER 8, 2024
From the Office
In less than two weeks we will be hosting our first annual Warrior Invitational Girls Basketball tournament at Westfield on Thursday, November 21st. The 6th/7th Grade teams will compete in our West Gym and our 8th grade teams will compete in the East Gym. The first games will begin at 4:30pm and our fabulous PTO will be providing concessions in our Commons. There is no entrance fee. Please see the flyer in today's Arrow for more information. We hope to see you on the 21st!
Fall Play Twice Upon A Time - on 11/14 and 11/15
We hope you are able to join us for our fall play production of Twice Upon A Time. There will be evening shows held at Westfield on Thursday, November 14th and Friday, November 15th. Both shows begin at 6:30pm. There is no entrance fee, but donations to our Drama Program are always appreciated!
Veterans Day - November 11th
On Monday, November 11th, we will be hosting several local veterans to recognize them for their service to our country. We also look forward to our guests visiting our classrooms and sharing their experiences with our students. Along with this opportunity for our students at school in observance of Veterans Day, we also encourage students to take the time this weekend to talk with friends and relatives who are veterans and to recognize them for their service.
2024 Illinois School Report Card - Exemplary Rating!
On October 30, 2024, the Illinois State Board of Education released the 2024 Illinois Report Card for schools. Westfield received a summative designation of Exemplary for the third year in a row! We would like to congratulate everyone in the Westfield Community, including our students, staff, and parents.
The Exemplary rating is given to schools performing in the top 10% of schools statewide, with no underperforming student groups. Schools are rated on a number of factors, including student scores on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) in both ELA & Math, the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA), and the school environment. We are extremely proud of the students and staff at Westfield!
Parent/Guardian Culture & Climate Survey - Coming Soon
District 13 is proud to partner with HumanEx Ventures utilizing its research-based culture & climate survey, Insight Ex, to collect feedback from parents and guardians regarding their child's experiences at school. The Westfield staff values the feedback from parents and guardians and we encourage you to complete the survey. The survey window will open on Monday, November 11th and remain open through Wednesday, December 4th. *Please check your email on Monday, November 11th for the survey link. Thank you!
Student Culture & Climate Survey - During the week of November 18th, students will also be provided an opportunity to complete a similar Insight Ex culture and climate survey from HumanEx. Please reach out to the Main Office if you would like your child to opt-out of the student survey.
Lost & Found
Please encourage your child to check our Lost & Found if they are missing an item. We have quite a few clothing items and reusable water bottles. Parent-Teacher Conference time might be an opportunity for parents & guardians to check the Lost & Found as well if you are stopping by the building. Our Lost & Found is located in our Commons area and items will be set out on a table on November 25th.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Stefan Larsson
Principal
Amanda Vreeland
Assistant Principal
Upcoming Dates
- NOVEMBER 11 PTO Meeting at 4:00pm
- NOVEMBER 14 & 15 'Twice Upon a Time' Performances 6:30-8pm
- NOVEMBER 15 Early Dismissal at 1:40pm
- NOVEMBER 21 Girls Basketball Invitational Tournament at 4:30pm
- NOVEMBER 22 End of Trimester 1
- NOVEMBER 25 & 26 Parent Teacher Conferences (no school)
- NOVEMBER 27-29 No School - Thanksgiving Break
GRADE LEVEL NEWS:
The teams will be updating the links weekly during the school year with news and any upcoming information.
- 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) click link for Parent/Teacher Conference
- BAND NEWSLETTER
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
Physiology group project in 8th Science
Westfield mock election
Math competition at Fenwick HS
Soccer in PE
Muscle action lab
Prosecution vs. The Narrator trial in 7th ELA
'The Outsiders' novel in ELA
Art with Perler beads in Creative Cafe
Performances on Thursday, Nov. 14 and Friday, Nov. 15 at 6:30pm
The Westfield 'Scoop' Video News
The Westfield "Scoop" Video News for Nov. 8th
STUDENT INFORMATION
Help for Student Chromebooks
If a student needs Chromebook/Password/Repair/Loaner assistance from the Technology Department, the student must use the link below to request support:
NEW! Crochet in Club Create November 12th
On Tuesday, November 12th, crotchet your own octopus keychain. Fill out the form, pay the fee and you're in!
CLUB CREATE CROCHET FORM for NOV 12
Questions? Email Mrs. Matt, Art Teacher
International Peace Poster Contest
Westfield students aged 11, 12 or 13 years old can submit their own artwork with the theme "Peace Without Limits."
The due date is November 15, 2024. Grand prize earns $5,000!
CLICK HERE for Peace Poster Information
Questions? Email Mrs. Matt, Art Teacher
Order Your Yearbook Early
Yearbooks will be delivered to Westfield in May 2025.
If a passcode is requested: 1014041382501890
PARENT INFORMATION
Report Your Student Absent from School
As a reminder, absences may be considered excused for reasons of 1) personal illness/Dr. appointment/mental health, 2) bereavement, 3) family emergencies, 4) observance of religious holidays, and 5) request in writing, approved in advance by the administration. Please, use the Westfield Attendance Email: wfattendance@sd13.org, or call the Office 630-529-6211-both available 24/7 to report an absence or late arrival. Thank you!
Order Hot Lunch Here
> > ALREADY HAVE A WESTFIELD HOT LUNCH ACCOUNT? CORRECT YOUR STUDENT'S GRADE!
Please remember to update your student's ordering profile here! This information ensures accurate distribution of your student's lunches for the 2024-25 school year.
> > NEW TO WESTFIELD HOT LUNCH?
1. Go to www.wholesomefoodservices.com; select 'Sign Up'
2. Click 'Create Account' and set up a profile for each student by selecting 'Add New Profile' under the 'Profiles' tab
3. Select School name; select 'Order Now' to view menus and place orders
4. Enter your credit/debit card information to pay securely online
WF Spirit Store!
The 2024 Holiday Sale will run November 4th thru mid-December. New product lines and designs make great gifts.
Shop 24/7.
Parent Access to ALMA Student Information System
ALMA: is used to register students, contains attendance information, grades and progress reports. ALL families have login information for ALMA.
Please utilize this site to view grades, attendance, and for trimester and quarterly progress.
CLICK HERE for Alma Parent Login Instructions
Parent Access to OTUS Student Information System
OTUS: is our District's Data Warehouse (https://my.otus.com/login).This site contains historical (K-8) data and current student assessment data: MAP data, IAR data and CoGat data. Please review this OTUS PARENT LETTER to learn more about accessing your child's information in OTUS. If you are a returning student, you created an OTUS account last year and can view the assessment data.
BPL Holiday Open House on Dec. 4th
The Bloomingdale Public Library would like to invite you to a special evening at our yearly Holiday Open House on Tuesday, December 4. We have everything from Santa arriving in a fire engine to lovely harp music. Please see the attached flyer for all details.
We hope you will consider spending some time at BPL to enjoy some refreshments and holiday entertainments. This invitation is open to all!
DISTRICT 13 SCHOOL FEE PAYMENT
Parents/Guardians:
- You received an invoice email of fees for 2024-25 on August 16th. If it is not in the inbox, please check the spam folder.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Please sign into My School Bucks ,then, create an account and attach your student(s).
Click on the 'Person Icon' in the upper right hand corner
- In the drop down that appears, select 'My Students.'
- On the My Students page, click the blue 'Add Student' button.
>> Once the fees are posted to your student(s) account(s), you will receive an email notification from My School Bucks. If you have not received an email, this means the fees were probably posted prior to you creating an account.
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.
First View Bus App for Parents of Daily Bus Students
STEP 1: Download the FirstView ® ParentView App. Go to firstviewapp.com or find FirstView ® in the App Store or Google Play. Follow the instructions to download the app to your smartphone. *You can also access the ParentView in your browser at https://web.firstviewapp.com/login
STEP 2: Set Up Your Profile. Open the FirstView ® app from your home screen and begin the registration process. You’ll be asked to: a) Select State: Illinois b) Select District: D11-12-13-108 c) Enter Student ID You’ll then be prompted to REGISTER*.
STEP 3: Follow a Stop. Once you have confirmed your account, login and select Profile to “Add A Student”. This is specific to your student: 1) Enter Student ID 2) Security Code. Once you select “Done”, you will be able to see stop information in your Profile. The Scheduled Stop times will also appear on your FirstView ® Map. You may track multiple student’s stops.
STEP 4: Set Notifications Go to Settings and select “Notification Recipients” to add email notifications for up to 3 recipients, including yourself. From this screen, you can also edit your Profile or follow another student’s stop. Alerts and notifications from your district or the bus depot will appear under Notifications in the menu.
Athletic Competitions - Spectator Information
Procedures regarding spectators at Home and Away events.
Home Games for Basketball and Volleyball this school year will be played in our East Gym (also known as our New Gym or Park District Gym), located in the back of the building. Please enter through Door 20. Spectator seating will be available along the bleacher side of the Gym and restrooms will be available just outside of the gym in our 6th Grade hallway.
Family members of student athletes are always welcome to attend our athletic competitions, both at Home and Away.
Westfield students who choose to stay to watch a Home Game after-school must remain in the gym for the duration of their stay. Once a student decides to leave the building, they will not be allowed re-entry to Westfield without a parent or guardian present.
Westfield students who wish to attend an Away Game at Medinah, Peacock, Roselle, Spring Wood, or Wood Dale, 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.
From Westfield's Nurse, Mrs. Rider
Student Have Allergies?
Fall is here and so is allergy season. Please, give over-the-counter. non-drowsy medications to your student in the morning prior to leaving for school.
If your student needs a second dose after their lunch, have them stop at the Nurse Office, and a parent will be contacted to bring the medication to school for the parent to administer.
Tips to Keep Healthy
1. Hand washing is the single most important way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases: wash before and after eating, using the restroom, being outdoors.
2. Get fresh air from outside: open a window.
3. Sanitize surfaces.
4. Keep up to date with immunizations: Vaccines & Immunizations
5. Do not share personal belongings such as brushes, makeup, food, drinks.
6. Keep a sick child home.
Information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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
TO ALL 7th and 8th GRADE PARENTS re: SPORTS PHYSICAL:
A current, sports-physical exam is required if your 7th or 8th grade student wishes to participate in sports -- BEFORE their sport season starts and in time for tryouts.
Questions? Email Westfield's Nurse: dawnrider@sd13.org
Westfield Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Hot Lunch Needs Parent Volunteers
Volunteers needed for Hot Lunch! Please sign-up using the link below even if you can only offer occasional assistance! Westfield hot lunch happens Wednesdays-Thursdays-Fridays. Plus, you get to see your middle schoolers in action!
2024-2025 Parents/Guardians: Want to Volunteer at Westfield?
- Committee Chairpersons still needed: Hot Lunch, Parties/Dances, Teacher Appreciation, Spirit Wear, Social Media, Box Tops
- Questions? Email westfieldmpto@gmail.com for information.
2024-2025 PTO BOARD
- President: Cynthia Perez
- Vice-President: Melissa Graham
- Treasurer: Agata Rojba
- Secretary: Kavita Maharaj
PTO Membership Dues 2024-2025
(Please, pay with MySchoolBucks) MEMBERSHIP FORM
- All-School parties and dances
- Classroom 'wish' lists
- Teacher appreciation
- Scholarships
- Field Trips
- Student awards
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 the PTO at westfieldmpto@gmail.com Thanks for your support!!
Throughout the School Year
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.
ATTENDANCE EMAIL FOR LATE OR ABSENT STUDENTS: wfattendance@sd13.org
- Standards & Expectations for Student Behavior
- Westfield Student Handbook
Social Worker, Sheila Zagotta (szagotta@sd13.org)
School Counselor, Lindsay Fenton (Lfenton@sd13.org)
District 13 Virtual Backpack
The Bloomingdale School District has a Virtual Backpack that is filled with flyers and information from District 13 and various organizations located throughout Bloomingdale.
Please click on the link if you are also interested in activities or information from outside organizations.
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.
Westfield Social Media Communication
Westfield Middle School
We are W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S.
Website: sd13.org > Schools > Westfield Middle School
Location: 149 Fairfield Way, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Phone: 630-529-6211 Fax: 630-893-9336
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: