West Happenings: September 2024
- 9/9-9/20 - Fastbridge Testing
- 9/9 - Mileage Club Begins during Lunch Recess
- 9/10 - First WPO Meeting is TONIGHT in the Library 7 PM
- 9/11 - Wear Red, White and Blue for Patriot's Day
- 9/12 - Go for Gold Fall Fundraiser Kick Off (Info will be sent home)
- 9/12 - Parent/Student Night 6:30-8 PM
- 9/13 - Last Day to be Included in the West Elementary Directory
- 9/17 - Georgio's Food Fundraiser 11 AM - 9 PM
- 9/23-27 - All School Spirit Week
- 9/23-27 - Erin's Law Presentation during STEM Classes
- 9/25 - Early Release at 2 PM
- 9/26 - Picture Day 9 am - Noon
- 9/27 - PBIS: Olympic Day
- 9/27 - Fundraiser Culmunating Activity
We have exciting news! Our Parent Night on September 12th has a new format! We are inviting parents and their students for an evening to experience some classroom and encore activities with their teacher and classmates.
Our Parent Night is on September 12th from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Families will visit each classroom that their student(s) to participate in an activity. It is a great opportunity to see first hand what your West Wildcat student is learning and where they are spending their school day. Families will also be able to visit their Encore classes. Our night will be more of an “open house” style which is different than the past years when there were our night was split into two sessions. Your family can attend classrooms and Encore classrooms on a schedule that you create. For example, you can visit Encore teachers first and then move to the classrooms. You may also come at any time between 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Please mark your calendars for this fabulous family night! We hope to see you on Sept. 12th !
Erin's Law Presentation
In accordance with a state mandate regarding Erin’s Law (Public Act 96-1524), Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 will be teaching the Be Seen and Heard©2.0 curriculum, a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse awareness program for students in grades K-8. Be Seen and Heard©2.0 is an age-appropriate, engaging curriculum created by professional speaker Victor Pacini that focuses on the difference between safe and unsafe touch and the importance of having trusted heroes, someone the child trusts and can turn to for help.
To learn more about Erin’s Law or the Be Seen and Heard©2.0 curriculum, visit www.erinslaw.org or www.victorpacini.com. Victor has created an informational video for families regarding his Be Seen and Heard©2.0 curriculum. To view, please go to:
Peace of Mind Video for Parents - English
Peace of Mind Video for Parents - Spanish
It is important to emphasize that, due to the sensitive nature of this topic, the information associated with this program is presented thoughtfully and varies depending upon a student’s grade level. West Elementary will present this program during the week of September 23-27th. If you prefer your child not participate in this personal safety instruction, please submit your objection in writing to your child’s principal, Beth Klinsky mailto:baklinsky@d47.org by September 18, 2024
If your child is not in attendance on the day and time of the presentation and we have not received an opt out notice from you, your child will be scheduled for a make-up presentation with a school clinician sometime within a few weeks of the above presentation date.
For any questions about the content of the program or Erin’s Law, please contact Carolyn Stadlman in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at (815) 788-5036.
To learn more about Erin's Law or the Be Seen and Heard© 2.0 curriculum, visit the following websites:
About Victor Pacini:
About Erin’s Law:
Join the West Elementary Directory
There are 3 days left to be included in the directory for this trimester! This year, the directory will be sent out each trimester to account for any new families that have started at West since the beginning of the year. You will only need to enter the directory one time so please make sure you are signed up now so that you can receive the directory when it is sent out the week of 9/16. https://forms.gle/WNuGDQXqRpEZVsju9
Color Portraits PrePay for Picture Day on Thursday, September 26th.
This is a prepay site and ordering will be closed at Midnight the day of Picture Day to process the orders. If parents missed prepaying they will have a chance to order pictures with their child's Ticket Code. When placing an order after Picture Day with a Ticket Code a shipping fee will be added on and picture packages will be shipped directly to your home. Ticket Codes will be delivered with the bulk picture package order approximately three weeks post Picture Day. Just click on the link to prepay. Color Portraits Pre Pay Link
Mileage Club Volunteers Needed!!
We are in need of several more volunteers to help make the first week of Mileage Club a success. The club is run during lunch recess. Please consider volunteering to hand out and scan student cards. A Mileage Club note should have come home last week.
- For those of you who are new, Mileage Club volunteers hand out and collect mileage club tracking cards, scan lap progress (on provided iPads) and most importantly provide encouragement! A coordinator with experience/knowledge of the tasks required will be in attendance to help explain the program and answer any questions you may have during your shift(s). Please click here for additional volunteer information.
Fall Mileage Club will begin on Monday, September 9th and ends on Friday, October 18th.
Thanks for considering.
Volunteer Opportunity: Class Party Sign-up
Every year there is one sure thing your child looks forward to at school - the CLASS PARTIES!!! And, what better way to get involved than being one of the parent volunteers to help plan and participate in the fun.
Sign-up: https://www.signupgenius.com/tabs/13571DE02A0CDEBC53-westparties1
- Up to 5 Volunteers (1 party planner and 4 party volunteers) are permitted per classroom.
- Please read the Class Party Packet for full details and expectations (PDF attached in Sign-up)
- In order for all to have a chance to help with parties, we kindly ask you sign up for one party per classroom for the school year. As we get closer to a party date and if a class is still in need of volunteers, we will communicate the opportunity to sign up for an additional party.
- If you are unable to volunteer but would like to offer your support, please contact Stephanie (stephanie_mchugh@hotmail.com).
Artsonia
Our school is a member of Artsonia.com, an online student art museum. Artsonia manages school art galleries in a safe and educational manner, developing students’ pride, self-esteem and involving parents and relatives in student arts education.
The benefits of Artsonia include:
*showing artwork in the school gallery
*parents can review website comments
*add family to your child’s fan club
*support the school arts program
Students are signed up and artwork will be in their portfolios this year. If you do not want to participate as a family, please contact Mrs. Magel - hmagel@d47.org or Mrs. Bellino- kbellino@d47.org with any questions, comments or concerns.
West Families in need of School Supplies
If any family is in need of School Supplies, please contact, Beata Moreschi, School Social Worker. She can help with back to school supply needs, which includes backpack, school supplies, gym shoes, etc. Please contact her at 815-788-5558 or bmmoreschi@d47.org.
Upcoming Events:
- Our first WPO Meeting will be held tonight at 7 pm in the Library. (Childcare is provided and there are raffle prizes and refreshments! Meetings are live-streamed for those that can not attend.)
- West Go For Gold Fall Fundraiser Kick Off on September 12th
- Georgio's Food Fundraiser September 17th from 11 AM - 9 PM
West: Go for Gold Fall Fundraiser Kick Off on September 12th.
Get Ready to Go for Gold, West Elementary Families!
It’s that exciting time of year again—West Elementary’s Go for Gold Fall Fundraiser is kicking off on 9/12, and we need your support to make it the best one yet! This is the WPO’s biggest fundraising event of the year, and 100% of the funds raised go directly back to our students and school to enhance their learning experiences and support West Elementary!
Our ambitious goal is $35,000—and we know we can reach it with your help! Here's what the funds will support:
A new Gaga Ball Pit: Perfect for fun and active play during recess!
A vibrant mural for our cafeteria: Bringing a splash of color and creativity to our lunchroom!
Funding field trips: Ensuring every student has the chance to explore and learn beyond the classroom!
Enhancing playground equipment: Giving our kids even more ways to play and grow!
But that’s not all! As an extra incentive, students have the chance to earn cool prizes and experiences for reaching donation milestones -- not to mention a week of cash raffles! And if we hit our $35,000 goal, all students will celebrate with a Kona Ice party—a sweet treat to mark our collective success!
Let’s unite as a community and make this fundraiser a huge success! Start spreading the word, rally your family and friends, and get ready to contribute. Every donation makes a difference, and together, we can achieve great things for our school and students!
Stay tuned for more details and exciting updates on how to donate (it's never been easier)! Let’s Go for Gold and make this year unforgettable! Thanks for making WEST the BEST!
WEST SPIRIT WEAR
Attention West Families: We are SO excited to announce that West Elementary has its very own spirit wear store! You can now purchase a wide array of items year round shipped directly to you. From t-shirts, to shorts, hats, accessories and jewelry, there is something for every West fan. Shop now and get up to 25% off the back to school sale! 12% of every sale goes back to West. We can't wait to see all of your fun and exciting spirit wear this year! Click the link here to check it out: West Spirit Wear
Menus
Click here to find out what will be on the breakfast or lunch menu for your elementary school.
Peachjar E-Flyers
To view your school's Peachjar E-Flyers, click here. For more information about Peachjar or to learn about community events and activities, visit our website.
Elevate Award
Nominate an outstanding D47 Educator for an ISBE Teacher of the Year Award
Take five minutes to join the Illinois State Board of Education in recognizing the incredible people involved in Illinois schools -- from teachers, to principals, to coaches, to counselors, to paraprofessionals, to school board members, and many more. ISBE will use submissions for the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards, RISE Awards, and other educator recognition opportunities. Click here for the nomination form. Deadline is Oct 15.