W.E.stchester Weekly
News from the Principal
Greetings WE Families,
It has been a great week. I can tell that Fall is approaching. We are entering into the layered clothing phase with cooler mornings and warm afternoons. Fall Break is approaching and I am hearing from many children about the adventures that will come. I am a firm believer that experiences outside of school are wonderful learning opportunities.
The Decatur YMCA is bringing a team of volunteers to Westchester on Saturday, September 14 at. 9 a.m. to remove the nandina shrubs along the front of the auditorium. We will be calling for more volunteers to assist with this project in the near future.
Last spring, the first-grade students raised money during their Plant Expedition. During their study, they learned about plants that are native to our geographic area and others that have been displaced to this area and can cause harm. The money that was raised will be used to purchase plants that are native to Georgia and plant them on our campus. That is where the additional volunteers will be needed. So, we are looking for parents who love to “play in the dirt” and can assist our second graders with the planting. Laura Qadri, a resident plant expert, has been instrumental in helping our students and teachers with this learning experience. Thank you, Laura!!!! We anticipate planting next month after we order the plants. I will let you know more closer to the anticipated time.
I want to welcome our 2024-2025 School Leadership Team members. Our first SLT meeting is Tuesday, September 17 at 4:30 p.m.. If you have any questions or concerns that you would like for us to discuss, please click here to share your thoughts. The SLT is an advisory board that partners with school leaders to ensure that we are providing a high-quality education for your children. Parent voice is an important part of the work we do.
Patrick Yang, second grade parent
Amanda Kaehler, second and kindergarten parent
Shirell Meeks, first grade parent
Dominique Willis, first grade parent
Kincaid Lowe, kindergarten parent
Christine Knox, Principal
Latonya Henry, Assistant Principal
Rebecca Peacock, School Counselor
Calendar Reminders:
Friday, September 20: Community Circle and Early Release
Monday, September 23-27: Fall Break
September 30-October 11: Parent Teacher Conferences
From your very grateful principal,
Christine Knox
Reminders
School Lunch Policy: Please be sure to maintain a positive lunch balance for your child. This will help us avoid any unexpected lunch changes for students. Check your Parent Portal frequently to make sure your child has adequate funds for the cafeteria. You may also find the Parent Portal app (for Apple or Android) to be more convenient.
We are seeking SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS!
The PTA Fall Festival committee is seeking donations from our community for our silent auction (to be held at the October 26th Fall Festival). If you respond 'yes' to any of these questions, we hope you'll consider supporting the auction. We have an ambitious fundraising goal this year, and each company sponsorship, in-kind donation, and item will make a difference for our school.
- Do you own or work at a company that would sponsor our event at any level?
- Do you have a personal or professional skill or service that could be donated to the silent auction like massage therapy, photographer, landscape architect, interior design, etc.?
- Do you know a person, business, or organization that you'd be willing to connect us to for the auction? Feel free to email sarahwade2013@gmail.com, and thank you in advance!
Your 2024 Fall Festival Committee, Marci Roberts, Amelia Boylan, Angelina Buzby, Emilie Lindberg, Katie Paisley, Sarah Wade
Tween actress Mia Armstrong celebrates her fun, funny, beautiful childhood living with Down syndrome in this debut picture book.
Mia likes many of the things other people like--going to the beach, the color blue, drawing. But she doesn't like when strangers stare at her because she looks different from them.
Down syndrome allows Mia to see and understand the world in a way that may not make sense to others. She considers it her superpower--and instead of it making her strange, she considers herself a masterpiece. As we all are.
In this sparkling picture book, Mia offers a glimpse into the life of a child with Down syndrome, helping some readers see themselves in a book and helping others understand those friends, classmates, and family members who are neurodivergent.
Important Information about Gifted Review
Each fall semester, the Gifted Review Team looks at existing student data to discuss students’ needs and determine if further evaluation for gifted identification is needed. If you are interested in having the team discuss your child’s needs, you may complete a Recommendation for Review Form (found at the website below) and turn it in to the Gifted & Talented Specialist at your child’s school before Wednesday, October 2. No additional information is needed.
The Gifted & Talented Specialist for Westchester Elementary is Jennifer Querubin. For more detailed information about the review process and to obtain a copy of the Recommendation for Review Form, please contact the Gifted & Talented Specialist for your school at jquerubin@csdecatur.net or visit the following website: https://www.csdecatur.net/Page/581.
A Season of Giving is a neighbor-led organization that brings joy to local children and seniors through gift-giving.
For Assistance: To apply for gift assistance, please complete our online application at Apply by October 31st. We are excited to support children through 12th grade again this year.
Sponsor a Gift: Donors can purchase gifts based on individual wish lists for children or seniors. If you would like to be a sponsor, please fill out the form at Sponsor.
Donate Directly: If you prefer, you can make a donation, and we will do the shopping for you. Simply Donate at our website!
Volunteer: We would greatly appreciate your help! If you're interested in volunteering, please go to Volunteer and sign up.
Need Help or Have Questions? If you encounter any issues with the forms or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at aseasonofgivingdecatur@gmail.com.
Thank you for your support and generosity of the Season of Giving!