Westfield Arrow

Tomorrow, February 22nd, our Band & Choir members will be participating in the annual Illinois Grade School Music Association Solo & Ensemble Contest, being held this year at Erickson Elementary from approximately 8am - 3pm. Our Choir Director, Mrs. Karma Krzysiak and our Band Director, Mr. Craig Hatter, are proud to be partnering with the IGSMA and the fabulous staff at Erickson Elementary School to host this year’s event. The annual Solo & Ensemble Contest is a wonderful way for our hard working students to showcase their talents to a wider audience. Good luck to all of our performers!

Author Visit with 6th & 7th Grade

Yesterday, our 6th and 7th grade students had the opportunity to visit with author Lindsay Currie during an assembly. Mrs. Currie (pictured with several WF students during a special writing session) provided our students with insight into the world of an author, including where her inspiration comes from for her stories, the resilience needed along the way when she has faced obstacles, and the writing process she uses when writing new books. We hope the students enjoyed the visit!

Attention 8th Grade Parents & Guardians - Tentative end-of-the-year dates

We would like to share tentative dates for some of our 8th Grade end-of-the-year events. As we get closer to early April we will provide you with more details for each event.

• 8th Grade Dance - Wednesday, May 21st
• 8th Grade Celebration Field Trip - Thursday, May 22nd
• Warrior Excellence Awards Assembly - Tuesday, May 27th
• Graduation Ceremony - Wednesday, May 28th at 6:00pm

We are planning to hold the Graduation Ceremony outdoors again this year at the Lake Park West Stadium on May 28th at 6:00pm. One of the advantages of being outdoors means that each graduate is able to invite more guests. Unfortunately, if weather forces us to hold the ceremony indoors in the auditorium each graduate will be limited to approximately 4 guests due to the capacity of the auditorium. Tickets for the ceremony will be distributed to 8th graders along with their gowns.

The 8th Grade Dance is co-sponsored by our PTO and is typically held off site at a local venue. All school rules apply for students while attending the event and students may lose their eligibility to attend the dance due to behavior infractions. There is no cost to students for this event.

The 8th Grade Trip to Six Flags Great America is led by our 8th grade teachers. The 8th grade team will be sharing details of the trip with students and their families once the plans have been finalized. The 8th Grade Dance and 8th Grade Field Trip are optional events for 8th graders. If you have any questions about the trip or need financial assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our 8th grade Team Leader, Mr. Al Sparks or our School Counselor, Ms. Lindsay Fenton.

The Warrior Excellence assembly is held during the school day and due to the capacity of our gymnasium, attendance by guests is by invitation only. Parents and guardians of students nominated for an award will be sent an invitation to attend the assembly once nominations are finalized.

Reminder - 8th Grade Graduation Pictures

All 8th graders will have their graduation pictures taken on Wednesday, February 26th during the school day. Poses will be taken in dress clothes and with a gown. Students will be assigned a time and will be given a gown to wear for their photos. We do not use caps at Westfield as part of the graduation ceremony, therefore caps will not be available for the pictures. Please see the flyer below for more information regarding graduation pictures.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Stefan Larsson

Principal

Amanda Vreeland

Assistant Principal

• FEBRUARY 21 Early Dismissal at 1:40pm
• FEBRUARY 26 8th Grade Graduation Pictures (see info below)
• FEBRUARY 28 No School - Teacher Institute
• MARCH 3 No School - Casimir Pulaski Day
• MARCH 7 End of Trimester 2
• MARCH 7 Comic-Con at Lake Park HS 4-7pm

The academic teams will be updating the links weekly during the school year with news and any upcoming information.

• 6th GRADE TEAM
• 7th GRADE TEAM
• 8th GRADE TEAM
• EXPLORE TEAM (grades 6, 7, 8)
• P.E. TEAM (grades 6, 7, 8)
• WF SPECIALISTS (grades 6, 7, 8)
• BAND NEWSLETTER

Each week the staff recognizes students for demonstrating outstanding character based on attitudes or actions that follow the Character Counts! Pillars and our WARRIORS Mission and Vision:

''We are W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. Our mission and vision for the future are for all staff and students to be Welcoming, Ambitious, Respectful, Responsible, Innovative, Optimistic, Reflective, and Successful."

• All 8th grade students will have their picture taken on FEBRUARY 26th during the school day. [No payment required to take a picture.]
• On Feb. 26, time cards will be given to students during 1st period Warrior Time.
• Students will go to the photographer at the time on their card and take pictures wearing a provided graduation gown and outfit of their choice; students may change in/out of nicer clothes. See flyer for more suggestions.
• Proofs will be distributed to students in a few weeks, and parents will receive an email with an individual code, from which parents may order prints from Color Portraits.
• Re-takes will be on MARCH 26th.

On Monday, February 24 at 3:40-4:50pm, paint a 'Galaxy Night Sky' Watercolor with Cyndi Bringer, former Westfield Teacher. Use your own color choices and create a masterpiece.

Just fill out the form, pay the $10 fee, and you're in!

Questions? Email Art Teacher, Mrs. Matt at dmatt@sd13.org

Only two more weeks to join the team!

The Student Technology Team will begin meeting in March during Warrior Time with additional opportunities before and after school.

Opportunities for participants may include:

• Helping the Technology Department make basic chromebook repairs
• Testing new technology that we’re considering deploying
• Making recommendations about improving technology at school
• Helping teachers with classroom technology problems
• Designing and presenting technology lessons for students at DuJardin and Erickson

If you're interested, please use this link to apply: https://forms.gle/yDYFLKeC1NNLL9H39

If a student needs Chromebook/Password/Repair/Loaner assistance from the Technology Department, the student must use the link below to request support:

Technology Support TICKET

Yearbooks will be delivered to Westfield in May 2025.

If a passcode is requested: 1014041382501890

ORDER YEARBOOK WITH TREE RING

As a reminder, absences may be considered excused for reasons of 1) personal illness/Dr. appointment/mental health, 2) bereavement, 3) family emergencies, 4) observance of religious holidays, and 5) request in writing, approved in advance by the administration. Please, use the Westfield Attendance Email: wfattendance@sd13.org, or call the Office 630-529-6211-both available 24/7 to report an absence or late arrival. Thank you!

ISBE ABSENTEEISM AND TRUANCY POLICY

If your graduating senior attended a Bloomingdale District 13 school and plans to attend college, they are eligible to apply for a $750 college scholarship.

The deadline is APRIL 11th.

D13 2025 PTO SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements and contributions made by African Americans throughout U.S. history. Although students at Westfield learn about the achievements and history of African Americans throughout the school year, we also believe it is important to use the month of February to encourage students and families to learn more. We encourage students to have conversations at home about the contributions made by African Americans throughout the history of the United States. The links below from History.com and the Smithsonian have wonderful resources. History.com: Black History Month & National Museum of African American History & Culture

We appreciate everyone who drives extra slow along Fairfield when students are present and for your patience when the roadway is congested during drop-off and pick-up times. To help us keep our students safe as they arrive at school each day, please review the following vehicle drop-off procedures. Thank you!

• The school parking lots are only for Bus traffic and staff vehicles during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times.

• Students arriving by car must be dropped off on the Westfield side of Fairfield Way to avoid hazards for students and undue congestion along the street.

• For their safety, students are not allowed to cross Fairfield unless they use a designated crosswalk.

• Designated crosswalks are located at the corner of Fairfield Way & Hingham Lane, the corner of Fairfield Way & Schick Rd. and at both of our parking lot entrances and exits. We ask that No U-turns are made near crosswalks or in front of the school.

• Drop-off by the main doorway is not required in middle school. When the weather allows, it may be best to have your child safely exit the vehicle further down along Fairfield and walk along the sidewalk to the school.

• Our District 13 Buildings & Grounds staff maintains the sidewalk and patio areas along the front of the school property, from the edge of Circle Park by our parking lot entrance up to the corner of Fairfield Way and Schick Rd. This maintenance includes snow removal and salting of the front walkway. When notified by students or residents, we do alert the Village of Bloomingdale of any hazards along sidewalks outside of school district property.

• When using the designated drop-off lane along the front of the school, please pull all the way forward whenever possible. Our paraprofessionals who assist with morning supervision will continue to do their best to ask drivers to pull forward.

ALMA: is used to register students, contains attendance information, grades and progress reports. ALL families have login information for ALMA.

Please utilize this site to view grades, attendance, and for trimester and quarterly progress.

CLICK HERE for Alma Parent Login Instructions at westfield.getalma.com

OTUS: is our District's Data Warehouse (https://my.otus.com/login).This site contains historical (K-8) data and current student assessment data: MAP data, IAR data and CoGat data. Please review this OTUS PARENT LETTER to learn more about accessing your child's information in OTUS. If you are a returning student, you created an OTUS account last year and can view the assessment data.

If you have not paid your 2024-2025 school fees, please sign onto My School Bucks to pay your fees. Detailed instructions to create your account can be found here.

In order to be notified when fees are posted to your student(s) account, you must have an account set up with a valid email address. Payments are due by September 1st of each year.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Please sign into My School Bucks ,then, create an account and attach your student(s).

2. Click on the 'Person Icon' in the upper right hand corner

3. In the drop down that appears, select 'My Students.'
4. On the My Students page, click the blue 'Add Student' button.

>> Once the fees are posted to your student(s) account(s), you will receive an email notification from My School Bucks. If you have not received an email, this means the fees were probably posted prior to you creating an account.

Westfield Families:

• Along with the registration fee, 8th-grade students will have their graduation fee applied to their account.
• Sixth-grade students will have their lock fee applied to their account.

MY SCHOOL BUCKS INSTRUCTIONS

Fee Waiver Application

STEP 1: Download the FirstView ® ParentView App. Go to firstviewapp.com or find FirstView ® in the App Store or Google Play. Follow the instructions to download the app to your smartphone. *You can also access the ParentView in your browser at https://web.firstviewapp.com/login

STEP 2: Set Up Your Profile. Open the FirstView ® app from your home screen and begin the registration process. You’ll be asked to: a) Select State: Illinois b) Select District: D11-12-13-108 c) Enter Student ID You’ll then be prompted to REGISTER*.

STEP 3: Follow a Stop. Once you have confirmed your account, login and select Profile to “Add A Student”. This is specific to your student: 1) Enter Student ID 2) Security Code. Once you select “Done”, you will be able to see stop information in your Profile. The Scheduled Stop times will also appear on your FirstView ® Map. You may track multiple student’s stops.

STEP 4: Set Notifications Go to Settings and select “Notification Recipients” to add email notifications for up to 3 recipients, including yourself. From this screen, you can also edit your Profile or follow another student’s stop. Alerts and notifications from your district or the bus depot will appear under Notifications in the menu.

Your child can take IXL with them anywhere with the IXL app for tablets and smartphones! This app is tailor-made for mobile devices to create a fun and immersive experience that learners love.

On October 30, 2024, the Illinois State Board of Education released the 2024 Illinois Report Card for schools. Westfield received a summative designation of Exemplary for the third year in a row! We would like to congratulate everyone in the Westfield Community, including our students, staff, and parents.

The Exemplary rating is given to schools performing in the top 10% of schools statewide, with no underperforming student groups. Schools are rated on a number of factors, including student scores on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) in both ELA & Math, the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA), and the school environment. We are extremely proud of the students and staff at Westfield!

To ALL 7th and 8th GRADE PARENTS re: SPORTS PHYSICAL:

A current, sports-physical exam is required if your 7th or 8th grade student wishes to participate on Westfield, after-school, sports teams -- BEFORE their sport season starts and in time for tryouts. (6th graders already have mandated forms submitted.)

[WESTFIELD SPORTS: Cross Country/Basketball/Cheer/Poms/Volleyball/Track & Field]

SPORTS PHYSICAL FORM

Questions? Email Westfield's Nurse: dawnrider@sd13.org

• Please note that all PE excuses need to be sent to Mrs. Rider, Westfield's nurse, not the PE teacher. Mrs. Rider will communicate with the PE Department.
• A parent may excuse a student from PE for 3 days. Thereafter, a medical doctor's note is required.
• Extended PE absences require updated MD notes on a monthly basis.

• When exercising vigorously or sweating, children from 9-12 years of age need to drink about 3-8 ounces of water every 20 minuters to stay hydrated.
• Teens need to drink about 34-50 ounces of water per hour.
• Energy drinks contain high concentrations of caffeine and other stimulants. They are NOT regulated as foods. The labels DO NOT reveal the exact amount of caffeine in each drink; it can be equivalent to 4 to 5 cups of coffee.
• In children, energy drinks can cause life-threatening, irregular heart rhythms, shaking, stomach aches, headaches and nervousness.

• The district's medication administration policy mandates that all medication administered at school requires a Medical Doctor's order. This includes over-the-counter medications; students may NOT keep over-the-counter meds in their backpacks or in their lockers--including cough drops, Advil, etc. This is an important safety concern!
• If your incoming 6th grader requires an inhaler, Epi-Pen, or any oral medication, please obtain the medication form and appropriate health care plan from your physician when your child has their exam. Forms may also be obtained on the district website.
• Questions? Please contact Mrs. Rider, Westfield Nurse at dawnrider@sd13.org

1. DOCTOR MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION FORM
2. PARENT AUTHORIZATION

1. Keep walkways clear at home by shoveling and salting.
2. Wear boots with good traction (not Crocs, slippers, etc.).
3. Walk cautiously allowing extra time.
4. Always use handrails if available.

• What is Whooping Cough?
• Pertussis Fact Sheet
• The DuPage County Health Department MEDICAL ALERT & FACT SHEET

HEALTH RESOURCE INFORMATION FROM THE CDC

Hot Lunch needs you! Please sign-up using the link below -- even if you can only offer occasional assistance! Westfield hot lunch happens Wednesdays-Thursdays-Fridays 11:38am-12:22pm.

It's easy, it's quick, plus, you get to see your middle schooler in action!

CLICK HERE to volunteer for hot lunch

> > ALREADY HAVE A WESTFIELD HOT LUNCH ACCOUNT? CORRECT YOUR STUDENT'S GRADE!

Please remember to update your student's ordering profile here! This information ensures accurate distribution of your student's lunch for the 2024-25 school year.

> > NEW TO WESTFIELD HOT LUNCH?

1. Go to www.wholesomefoodservices.com; select 'Sign Up'

2. Click 'Create Account' and set up a profile for each student by selecting 'Add New Profile' under the 'Profiles' tab

3. Select School name; select 'Order Now' to view menus and place orders

4. Enter your credit/debit card information to pay securely online

ORDER HOT LUNCH HERE

Westfield Parents and Guardians! Sign up to volunteer for the school year 2024-2025:

• Committee Chairpersons still needed: Hot Lunch, Parties/Dances, Teacher Appreciation, Spirit Wear, Social Media, Box Tops
• Questions? Email westfieldmpto@gmail.com for information.

Shop at https://1stplace.sale/31131

On sale now: 2/3 - 2/9 Pajama Pants 25% Off

• President: Cynthia Perez
• Vice-President: Melissa Graham
• Treasurer: Agata Rojba
• Secretary: Kavita Maharaj
• Westfield PTO Email: westfieldmpto@gmail.com

Benefits of your $20 membership for all students:

(Please, pay with MySchoolBucks) MEMBERSHIP FORM

• All-School parties and dances
• Classroom 'wish' lists
• Teacher appreciation
• Scholarships
• Field Trips
• Student awards

Westfield Middle School collects Box Tops for Education™.

All you need is your phone!

• Download the Box Tops app
• Use the app to scan your store receipt within 14 days of purchase
• The app will identify Box Tops products on your receipt and automatically credit your school’s earnings online

Twice a year, Westfield will receive a check for whatever the school needs!

Questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact the PTO at westfieldmpto@gmail.com Thanks for your support!!

School Day Hours: 8:30am- 3:30pm.

Students are guided into the building by staff between 8:10 - 8:20am and are expected to be seated in their 1st period class at 8:30am. All classes are 44 min with a 3 min passing period. Lunchtime, Flextime, & Study Hall for all grades are between 11:38 - 12:22pm. Students will be dismissed from school at 3:30pm. All students attend the following courses: ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, & Exploratory.

ATTENDANCE EMAIL FOR LATE OR ABSENT STUDENTS: wfattendance@sd13.org

• Standards & Expectations for Student Behavior
• Westfield Student Handbook

• Social Worker, Sheila Zagotta (szagotta@sd13.org)

• School Counselor, Lindsay Fenton (Lfenton@sd13.org)

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS Registration is open for all events!

1. SHADOW at SFHS – 7th grade students see classes with a student host, have lunch, and experience college prep with a Franciscan spirit.

• Select days, Monday-Friday

1. CAMPUS TOURS (Talk & Tour) – Visit for a tour during school hours.

• Select days, Monday-Friday

Register for events at https://www.sfhscollegeprep.org/admissions/visit-st-francis-high-school

St. Francis High School, a co-educational Catholic institution in Wheaton, Illinois, is dedicated to college preparation and has been fostering students' spiritual, academic, physical, and social growth for over 65 years.

The Bloomingdale School District has a Virtual Backpack that is filled with flyers and information from District 13 and various organizations located throughout Bloomingdale.

Please click on the link if you are also interested in activities or information from outside organizations.

DISTRICT 13 AND COMMUNITY VIRTUAL BACKPACK FLYERS

We are W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S.

Website: sd13.org > Schools > Westfield Middle School

Location: 149 Fairfield Way, Bloomingdale, IL 60108

Phone: 630-529-6211 Fax: 630-893-9336

We are working with students to create "How-To" Videos to support students and parents. Below are some of the topics we have videos for so far. We will continue to cover different topics as they come up. (*If the video is not linked here it is in the process of being made and edited, but we wanted you to know it is coming!)

Gmail:

• How to delete all email (6th grade)
• How to appropriately write an email
  
• You can only email other sd13.org email addresses
• Creating Bookmarks
• Starring and snoozing Emails

Google Classroom:

• How to Join Classroom(with Code)
• How to Join with Teacher Invite
• Check Stream and classwork page
  
• How to Turn in assignments

FlipGrid:

• Accessing
• Creating
• Responding/Replying

Chromebook:

• Pinning Apps to Chromebook Shelf

• How to set up Google Classroom email summaries for Parents and Guardians