The Compass

Vision:

Together, WE will achieve greatness!

Mission:

Through collaboration, high expectations, and compassion,

WE inspire students to explore their greatest potential!

PBIS Pillars:

We are Safe, Respectful, and Responsible!

This is the 3rd week of our yearlong challenge to see which grade will SEAS the DAY and be at school the most! Did you know that missing just one day of school a week equals a month of lost instructional time? Or by being just 30 min late to school every day equates to over two weeks of missed learning? Every minute counts for your child's education, so help us help them maximize their dive into learning!

Happy (almost) Fall, Westside Families! There has been so much good learning and engagement happening inside our walls these last couple of weeks. Check out this video montage of our students working hard and having fun! Diving Into Learning at Westside

PTO is going to host our Superhero Penny Wars starting THIS week! Their goal is to donate 50% of the profits to Candlelighters of Brevard who support families of childhood cancer. This organization is very near and dear to our hearts at Westside as we have many childhood cancer survivors who attend or have siblings battling. The other 50% will go towards school improvements in various departments. On Friday, everyone is invited to dress as their favorite "HERO" !

Vision & Hearing Screenings will happen on Monday/Tuesday for those students who the registering parent gave permissions to do so. Additionally, 6th graders who have permissions will have scoliosis screenings on Wednesday.

Kona ICE will be at dismissal on Wednesday if you want to scoop up a cool treat for the way home!

Our office will be open this week on Monday-Friday from 7:30am-3:30pm. If you would like to speak to one of our office staff, please call during these hours at (321)-956-5050. Remember that transportation changes MUST be received in writing per BPS policy.

Have a Wonderful Week! ~Mrs.Woodbury, Proud Principal

Woodbury.Stephanie@brevardschools.org

Are you wondering what your child is learning about each week in class? We will begin featuring the different topics for each grade level here in Curriculum Cove! You can also click the button link below to find out the Grade Level Expectations for Brevard Public Schools.

Each year, schools must notify all families of any teacher who is currently teaching Out-of-Field regarding multilingual students. This means the teacher has an emerging bilingual student in their class, and is working towards, but has not completed, their ESOL Endorsement through the Department of Education. Below is a list of teachers who are in this category currently:

• Catherine Behnken
• Joshua Bender
• Sandra Bettocchi
• Jennifer Cook
• Vashti Dean
• Alex Edwards
• Ebony Lindo
• Ja'nya Miller
• Cathleen Nichols
• Renee Pariseau
• Shannon Pearson
• Shelby Roberts
• Mattie Spriggs

Families are invited to have lunch in our new Commons Cafe area every Friday during their child's lunch block. Please look for your child's class lunch time in the chart above and check in at the office with a picture ID.

For your reference, here are the guidelines for Friday Family Lunch:

• Only adults on the approved pick-up list for a child will be allowed to have lunch with students. You will need to present your photo ID at the front office and receive a visitor's tag. When done, you must sign out before leaving campus.

• A designated area will be provided for the adult and student.

• Adults will only be allowed to eat lunch with THEIR child and we request only two adults per child please.

• Adults who are not registered volunteers will be monitored by school staff at all times.

• Adults will be permitted to be on campus for lunch for their child's 30-minute lunch block (times listed at end of newsletter for all classes). Once your child's lunch is over, we kindly as you to sign out and exit campus. If you have multiple children and want to have lunch with all of them, you must wait for additional lunch times in the front office, glass booth, or your vehicle.

• You may bring in food from outside sources for your child only. Any leftover drinks or snacks will not be allowed back in class however.

Our school needs your support to thrive! There are many ways you can get involved in your child’s school by joining our Parent Teacher Organization. For more information, email our PTO at WestsidePTOpalmbay@gmail.com.

Here are some ways you could support our school through PTO or Volunteering:

At home:

❖ Cutting out/organizing materials for your child’s teacher.

❖ Being a class mom and recruiting other class parents to support class events or field trips.

❖ Calling parents with reminders.

❖ Creating a classroom newsletter for your child’s teacher.

❖ Reaching out to businesses for donations or partnerships.

❖ Preparing decorations for school events or celebrations.

❖ Packaging materials or prizes for a classroom.

At school**:

❖ Making copies or cutting out laminated items for teachers

❖ Working with students on academics inside a classroom

❖ Attending monthly PTO meetings to offer input and plan activities for school.

❖ Setting up/chaperoning/breaking down for family events

❖ Monitoring parent lunch times

❖ Assisting in classroom celebrations or attending field trips

❖ Sorting student work and putting it in their take-home folders.

❖ Covering classes or recess times briefly.

❖ Promoting our PTO tables for t-shirt sales or fundraisers

❖ Working the Book Fair or other fundraising events

❖ Helping host Staff Appreciation Days

❖ Participating on our PTO Board

**Requires district approved Volunteer Status. Call District Security at (321)633-1000 to apply

• Sept. 23rd- Penny War Begins
  
• Sept. 25th - KONA Ice at Dismissal
• Sept. 27th- Superhero Day!
• Oct. 9th- Walk & Roll to School @7:15am
• Oct. 18th- Report Cards Issued

Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

**Early Dismissal Fridays** 8:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

*Campus Doors Open/Breakfast Begins at 7:30 a.m.*

ALL students receive FREE breakfast daily!

Please do not drop off students prior to 7:30 a.m. as there is no supervision until that time.

The expectation is that students are in their seats, ready to learn at 8:00am.

Families dropping their child off by car should use the SIDE CAR LOOP ONLY between 7:30-8:00 a.m. We are no longer allowing drop off in our Front Loop due to safety concerns. However, parents may fully park in our front lot and escort students to our crosswalk. Students should not be walking through our parking lot unsupervised.

If arriving AFTER 8:00 a.m. parents MUST park and accompany their child to the office to sign them in through our Focus Kiosk. *NEW* Please bring your smartphone to use the digital Student ID bar code in your Parent Portal to check your children in tardy. *We suggest taking a screenshot of this bar code for quick reference when needed*

Parents are not permitted to walk students to their classrooms. Please say good-bye prior to your child entering the building. Our dedicated staff will ensure your child arrives to their learning location.

Biker/Walkers will use the sidewalks & crosswalks supervised by our Crossing Guards. Please provide a secure bike lock as Westside is not responsible for stolen bicycles or scooters.

We will begin our dismissal process Monday-Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Last checkout @1:45 p.m.

***Early Dismissal Fridays-1:15p.m.*** Last checkout @ 12:30 p.m.

For the safety and security of our students, no dismissal changes will be accepted over the phone. All changes must be in writing with a proper signature.

Pre-K and Kindergarten Bus Riders: Parents/Guardians must register approved adults to meet the child at the bus stop every day with proper ID in hand. Students will NOT be released off the bus unless the ID matches the approved list on the back of the students’ bus tag.

Car Riders: Each family will be issued a Car Tag that will correspond with your children. Be sure to have this visible in your car every day. Vehicles that do not have the proper tag will need to wait for clearance from a staff member. Please find car loop locations and procedures on the BACK of your school-issued car tag.

Bikers/Walkers: All students who ride their bikes to and from school must have a helmet that fits securely. Bikers will need to WALK their bike off campus to sidewalks or through Crosswalk before getting on their bikes. Parents may meet students at the bike rack in the afternoons, but cannot enter the bike rack area. If you are parking along the road to meet your child, please be sure to be completely off the roadway and NO PARKING is allowed between the sidewalks and the wooded areas for safety reasons. Cars should NEVER drive over the sidewalks at any time.

If we are moving to Rainy Day procedures, you will be sent an email/text to alert you of the change. This mostly affects bikers/walkers. **Please note that if there is lightning in the area, we will HOLD ALL dismissal methods until it is safe to have students outside.

To help us connect your child to you on days with inclement weather, please be sure to follow the procedures printed on the back of your yellow car tags and shown below. Please do NOT walk to the building entrance to collect your child , but follow one of the options below.

Rainy Day Dismissal for Bikers/Walkers

• At registration, you indicated what your child's Rainy Day plan would be and staff are following those directions. If you want to change or check on the option you chose, please reach to your teacher.
• Option 1: School will hold child safely until rain clears. At that time they will be released to walk/ bike home.
• Option 2: Join FRONT car loop with yellow car tag and follow car loop procedures listed on back of car tag.

Thank you for your cooperation for future rainy days! If you do not have an yellow tag, or lost yours, please come to the front office to pick up a new one or be issued one.

Safety is our #1 Priority!

Families wishing to check-out a child from school, must have a current photo ID and the adult must be the custodial parent or legal guardian listed on registration form. If another adult is checking out the student, we must have written permission signed by the custodial parent or legal guardian. Any custody changes must have legal documentation signed by a judge in our office for the school to honor the guidelines.

Per state statute, we will conduct Safety and Fire drills throughout the school year. Parents will be notified through FOCUS when these occur. Additionally, parents are not permitted to be in our facility without proper identification obtained through the front office with current driver's license.

Adults wishing to volunteer or attend field trips/events must register with Brevard Public Schools and complete the fingerprinting process. More information can be found on the BPS website or by calling District Security at (321) 633-1000.

You can also share any tips on our FortifyFL or SpeakOut hotlines. Use the links below to report any safety concerns with our campus or students.

Students who have cell phones must have a signed contract and keep devices powered OFF and in their backpacks once they enter campus and throughout the school day. Students who need to contact their family will be allowed to call from a school-based phone. If you need to contact your student, please call our front office and connect you. Messaging/Calling your child via smartwatches or phones during the school day is prohibited and a disruption to the learning environment. Students who violate this policy may have their device confiscated by administration until end of the school day or parent pick-up.

Dress your child for Success!

Students are required to follow the BPS Dress Code Policy (po5511) while on campus and at school-sponsored functions such as field trips. Students should be dressed in attire that promotes the safety and appropriateness for elementary-aged students.

Some Highlights for Elementary Students include:

• Backless shoes such as Crocs, flip flops, or slides are prohibited. *Students are active outside each day, so footwear that protects the feet and allows them to run and play are encouraged!
• Undergarments should not be visible.
• Caps or hoods may be worn while students are outdoors but must be removed inside the building.
• Clothing containing printed profanity or inappropriate content is prohibited.
• Clothing with rips or tears above the knee exposing skin or undergarments should be avoided.

Brevard Public Schools has updated the Student Code of Conduct and Parental Agreements for the 2024-2025 school year. Please following the link below to review and understand the expectations. Infractions of the Code of Conduct will be addressed through our BPS Discipline Plan.

Please make school personnel aware of any medical conditions/needs that your child has on their Health profile in Focus including any severe allergy information.

Students are NOT permitted to carry medications in their possession except those outlined in the BPS policies. If your child needs medication during the school day, please contact the clinic for further information. You will need to bring the medication in its original packaging, or prescription bottle, or it will not be accepted. Paperwork will also need to be completed for these medications. Our Clinic will be open on Thursday, Aug. 8th & Friday, Aug. 9th, to accept any prescriptions.

Parents/Guardians will be called if your child is running a fever, feeling ill, or is injured. The clinic will follow the directives chosen by the registering parent on the Health forms in FOCUS.

Every student will receive FREE breakfast and NO CHARGE for lunch again this school year! You can also create an account for your child to purchase a la carte items such as chips, ice cream, baked goods, or specialty drinks by enrolling in: www.MyPaymentsPlus.com.

With MyPaymentsPlus, you can:

View your child’s account balance online anytime

Quickly and safely add money to your child’s account.

View what your child is purchasing in the lunch line.

Set up notifications for low balance alerts.

Please contact our School Cafe Manager, Stacey Ryan, with any questions: (321)956-5050.

Westside will be offering a variety of clubs to enrich students again this year! Our sponsors will be at Meet the Teacher and Open House to share these opportunities. We encourage all students to get involved!!

Westside also offers Before & After School Childcare. Please use the link below to connect to the online application. For questions, call Roxanne Knowles, Site Coordinator, at (321) 956-5055.

In collaboration with an A+rated insurance provider, your school is recommending a LOW COST, NO DEDUCTIBLE Student Accident Insurance option that is a one-time payment, per child, per school year.

WHAT IS STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE? Coverage that provides financial assistance with your out-of-pocket medical expenses when your student suffers an accidental bodily injury. OR if you have no insurance, this coverage will provide basic accident protection for your students.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR KIDGUARD® STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE? All students from pre-K through grade 12 are eligible for KidGuard® Student Accident Insurance.

WHY CONSIDER KIDGUARD® STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE FOR YOUR STUDENT?

• KidGuard may help to offset high deductibles/co-payments of your primary health insurance.

• KidGuard is ideal for families whose children have no health insurance coverage.

• KidGuard may work for students who play interscholastic sports where unexpected injuries are more likely to occur. Please visit the website to see if sports are covered at your school.

WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

[1] 24-Hour Basic Accident Insurance Plan: full-time, 24/7 protection during school sponsored and supervised activities during the regular school term AND while at home AND during summer months.

[2] School Time Basic Accident Insurance Plan: protection only during school sponsored and supervised classes and activities during the regular school term.

[3] Optional In-Hospital Sickness Benefit: up to a maximum policy benefit of $5,000 for the 12-month period of coverage. No benefits are payable for outpatient expenses.

[4] Some plans provide options for interscholastic sports. Visit the website to see if sports are covered. All policy terms, provisions, and exclusions apply.

For more information, visit www.schoolinsuranceofflorida.com or click the link below. PLEASE READ THE ONLINE SUMMARY OF COVERAGE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS AND FOR THE POLICY TERMS, PROVISIONS AND EXCLUSIONS FOR YOUR SCHOOL’S PLAN.

Website: https://www.brevardschools.org/WestsideES
Location: 2175 Degroodt Road Southwest, Palm Bay, FL, USA
Phone: (321) 956-5050
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Elementary-School/Westside-Elementary-School-205330823211996/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westside2212?igsh=MW1zaWg0MDdmanFqdA==