Westside Pack Post
November 2024
Principal's Message
October was a busy month at Westside! Our kindergarten families practiced their reading while dressed like pirates, our 2nd graders had a visit from the Idaho Falls Fire Department to learn about fire safety, and our teachers participated in Stop the Bleed training where we learned life saving measures for emergency situations. We also enjoyed celebrating Halloween and our students loved showing off their costumes. Time is flying by and we are loving every second we get to spend with your kiddos. We are ready to finish off 1st trimester this month!
Kelsey Anderson
Westside Elementary - Principal
Upcoming Dates to Remember
November 1, 8, 15, and 22 - Early Release Friday
November 5 - At-Home Learning Day
November 7 - PTO Meeting at 2:45 pm
November 13 - Picture Retakes
November 15 - 3rd Grade Field Trip to the Frontier Center (Civic Auditorium)
November 20 - Homestead Pizza Night
November 21 and 22 - FAME
November 22 - End of 1st Trimester
November 25-29 - No School
December 4-5 - Parent Teacher Conferences
December 5 - Early Release at 1:25 pm
December 6 - At-Home Learning Day
Bell Schedule and Calendar
Counselor's Corner
In September and October, we focused on the character traits of respect and responsibility. In September, our students learned the definition of respect and what it looks like. In the younger grade levels, we reviewed problem solving using Kelso’s Choices. Students in the upper grade levels learned about self respect and looked into the things they respect about themselves. In October, we focused on responsibility. Discussion topics included problem solving, positive self-talk, making mistakes, and what it looks like to be responsible for ourselves at school. Students talked about the differences between teacher and student responsibilities. Teachers were able to see what students expect of them when they come to school and teachers were able to share their expectations with students. Some of my favorite memories as a school counselor are being in the classrooms watching students learn socially and feeling proud of their social skills.
Amy Gallagher
Westside Elementary - Counselor
At-Home Learning Days
Prior to at-home learning days, teachers will send work home with students. Work will be a review of concepts already taught in class and will be provided for all subjects. Students can complete the work on their own time and should bring that work back to school after the at-home day. If you have questions, please reach out to your student's teacher.
Picture Retakes
Picture retakes are scheduled for Wednesday, November 13th. If you would like your child's picture retaken, they need to bring their original pictures back to school on November 13th. If your child was absent on picture day, they can have their picture taken on retake day. If you have questions, ask your child's teacher or call the office and speak to one of our secretaries.
Fine Arts Mini Experience (FAME)
Once a month, all students will have the opportunity to learn more about music and art through a 30 minute Fine Arts Mini Experience (FAME) taught by a PTO volunteer. FAME is an art and music program designed to familiarize students with historically well-known artists, composers, and their works. The content is presented by focusing on specific art and music elements as parts of a composition and by providing a connection, be it life experiences or artistic similarities of featured artists.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Prior to Thanksgiving Break, teachers will be sending home assigned conference times. We do our best to accommodate families with multiple children with back to back conference times.
Each conference will last 15 minutes and we have a lot of information about your child’s progress to share with you, including their 1st trimester report cards. As you prepare for your conference, we have a few suggestions for you:
- Plan what you would like to ask the teacher and bring your questions with you.
- Ask your child if there is anything they would like you to discuss with their teacher.
- Ask the teacher about activities you can do at home with your child to reinforce or extend new skills and concepts.
- When possible, it is beneficial for both parents to attend the conference.
Title 1 at Westside
Westside is a school wide Title 1 school. Wondering what that means? All students have the opportunity to receive Title 1 services such as interventions in subjects they may struggle with and/or enrichment in subjects they excel with. Check out this PowerPoint for more information:
Attendance
This year one of our big focuses will be attendance. It is extremely important for students to be at school every single day. We understand that students can't control when they are sick and there will be some absences. Students are allowed 5 absences per trimester, excluding medically excused absences. Students must attend at least 4 hours per day for a full day of attendance to be counted and 2.5 hours per day for a half day to be counted. If your child is absent, please call the office at (208) 525-7666 to report their absence. We miss your student when they are gone because all of our students are an important part of our Westside community!
Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures
Blue - drop off and pick-up zone
Yellow - crosswalks
Green - park and walk your student to their door
Breakfast and Lunch
We need everyone to fill out the free and reduced lunch application! The results of this form help determine the amount of funding we receive for programs such as Title 1 and All Day Kindergarten. You may be surprised that you qualify for breakfast/lunch assistance! The form only needs to be filled out once per family. Fill out the form here: https://linqconnect.com/
Work at Westside
- Lunch and Recess Duty Aide - 12 hours per week
- English Language Tutor - 19 hours per week
Find more information and apply here: https://www.applitrack.com/d91/onlineapp/default.aspx?AppliTrackPostingSearch=location:%22Westside+Elementary%22
PTO Updates
October was a great month because of you! Thank you to all the volunteers that made our Halloween class parties so successful. We couldn't have done it without you! We had a successful Chick-Fil-A night in October where we made $517.00 to put towards new playground equipment. This is only the second time they have had anyone make over $500.00. Way to go Westside!
We are looking forward to our restaurant night at Homestead Pizza on November 20th. They are very generous and give back 50% of all food sales and 25% of fundraiser bucks, so please consider supporting this great opportunity! Also, keep an eye out for news about the Scholastic Book Fair coming right after Thanksgiving break!
Please consider joining us for our PTO meetings! The next meeting will be Thursday, November 7th at 2:45 pm in the library at Westside.
Thank you for your donations and support for our efforts to get Westside new playground equipment. We are getting closer to our goal!
Community Resources for Christmas
Are you looking for Christmas support? Check out this wonderful opportunity in our community!
Mrs. Anderson
Email: andekels@sd91.org
Website: https://www.d91.k12.id.us/16/home
Address: 2680 Newman Drive, Idaho Falls, ID, USA
Phone: (208) 525-7666
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrskelseyanderson/