There are still some spots left in the YWCA after-school program. This program is offered free of charge to our students in grades K-5. The program runs Monday-Thursday, 3:00-5:30. Students who attend the program get academic support, enrichment activities, and dinner. If you are interested, let your student teachers know, or email the Program Director Brittney Higgs at bhiggs@ywca-wny.orgs so an application can be sent home.

Oct. 31 - Dress like your favorite Book Character

Nov. 1 - Farmers Market 9-10

Nov. 2 - Monthly Parent Meeting, ZOOM, 5 pm, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88261442478?pwd=aMv2ch9SIalDkr6vEZRaJQs5J3Yiva.1

Nov. 8 - Farmers Market 9-10, Bingo Night, HS Application Night 5:00-6:30

Nov. 9 - End of First Quarter

Nov. 10 - No School Veterans Day

Nov.15 Farmers Market 9-10

Nov. 20 - 1/2 For Students, Parent Teacher Conferences

Nov. 22-Nov.24 - No School Thanksgiving

The Progress Reports are available on the parent portal. You can sign up on the website if you have not registered for the parent portal. https://parentportal.wnyric.org/WestminsterCSD

If you do not have your child's 900 number, please ask them; it is their login for the school computer, or reach out to the school, and we can get it for you.

If you have not checked your child's progress, please do so. Reach out to their teachers for ways to support them at home.

1. Demonstrate a positive attitude about education to your children. What we say and do in our daily lives can help them to develop positive attitudes toward school and learning and to build confidence in themselves as learners. Showing our children that we both value education and use it in our daily lives gives them powerful models and contributes significantly to their success in school.

In addition, by showing interest in their children's education, parents and families can spark enthusiasm in them and lead them to a very important understanding learning can be enjoyable and rewarding and is well worth the effort required.

2. Monitor your child's television, video game, and Internet use. American children, on average, spend far more time watching TV, playing video games, and using the Internet than they do completing homework or other school-related activities. How to Monitor TV Viewing and Video Game Playing and Help Your Child Learn to Use the Internet Properly and Effectively offer some ideas for helping your child use the media effectively.

3. Encourage your child to read. Helping your child become a reader is the most critical thing that you can do to help the child to succeed in school and in life. The importance of reading can't be overstated. Reading helps children in all school subjects. More important, it is the key to lifelong learning. Learn more in Fun Reading Tips and Activities and Fun and Effective Ways to Read with Children.

4. Talk with your child. Talking and listening play major roles in children's school success. It's through hearing parents and family members talk and through responding to that talk that young children begin to pick up the language skills they will need if they are to do well. For example, children who don't hear a lot of talk and who aren't encouraged to talk themselves often have problems learning to read, which can lead to other school problems. In addition, children who haven't learned to listen carefully often have trouble following directions and paying attention in class. It's also important for you to show your child that you're interested in what he has to say. Talking With Your Child offers some great ideas for using conversation to stimulate language development.

5. Encourage your child to be responsible and work independently. Taking responsibility and working independently are important qualities for school success. You can help your child to develop these qualities by establish reasonable rules that you enforce consistently, making it clear to your child that he has to take responsibility for what he does, both at home and at school, showing your child how to break a job down into small steps, and monitor what your child does after school, in the evenings and on weekends. If you can't be there when your child gets home, give her the responsibility of checking in with you by phone to discuss her plans. Learn more in Encourage Responsibility, Independence, and Active Learning.

6. Encourage active learning. Children need active learning as well as quiet learning such as reading and doing homework. Active learning involves asking and answering questions, solving problems and exploring interests. Active learning also can take place when your child plays sports, spends time with friends, acts in a school play, plays a musical instrument or visits museums and bookstores. To promote active learning, listen to your child's ideas and respond to them. Let him jump in with questions and opinions when you read books together. When you encourage this type of give-and-take at home, your child's participation and interest in school is likely to increase.

Book Character Day! On Book Character Day, students and staff dress up as their favorite characters from books they love. We share about the book and our character role in it. We can bring the book and share it with our classmates if we have the book. Our younger students will have a parade around campus. It's an excellent way to celebrate the Love of Reading!

Students are not allowed to wear masks or carry props; please do not send them to school.

Chronic absenteeism, as you know, refers to a pattern of regular and frequent absences from school. While I'm aware that various factors can contribute to this problem, it is essential to recognize the serious consequences it may have on a student's education and overall well-being.

Here are a few areas where chronic absenteeism can impact our child's life:

1. Academic Performance: Consistent attendance is crucial for academic success. Missing school days often means missing valuable lessons, class discussions, and assignments. This can lead to falling behind in coursework and, ultimately, lower grades.

2. Social and Emotional Well-being: School provides opportunities for social interaction, skill development, and emotional growth. Chronic absenteeism can isolate a child from their peers, potentially leading to feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and a lack of engagement with the school community.

3. Future Opportunities: A solid education is the foundation for future opportunities. Chronic absenteeism can hinder our child's long-term prospects, limiting their access to higher education and desirable careers.

4. Teacher's Workload: I want to respect the challenges teachers face in managing absenteeism. Chronic absenteeism can disrupt classroom routines and affect the overall learning environment.

I understand that addressing chronic absenteeism is a complex issue requiring collaborative effort between parents, teachers, and school administrators. I am committed to working together to find solutions that benefit your child's education and well-being. If there are underlying issues causing the absenteeism, I am open to discussing them and working on strategies to overcome these challenges.

I would appreciate your guidance and support in this matter. If there are any resources or interventions that the school can provide to help our child improve attendance, please let me know. I am dedicated to reinforcing the importance of regular school attendance with our child and ensuring they understand its role in their education.

Please attend our parent meeting on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. to discuss solutions. ZOOM https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88261442478?pwd=aMv2ch9SIalDkr6vEZRaJQs5J3Yiva.1