Talk of the Hawks

Thank you to everyone in our community that donated to this year's Field of Flags in honor of Veterans Day. Because of your generosity, we were able to raise $2,065 for DAV (Disabled American Veterans) to provide much needed services to our nation's disabled veterans. As a result, we were sent 192 flags to be planted on the West Hills Campus. Students will have an assembly on 11/6 where they will learn more about the importance of this project and get a chance to go and see the field up close. Again, we thank everyone who made this project a success!

West Hills Intermediate is committed to supporting all students in reaching their full potential academically, socially, and behaviorally. To do this, we’re enhancing our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program with targeted Tier 2 supports. These evidence-based interventions are designed to provide additional support to students who may need a little extra help with behavior and social skills.

If your child is identified as someone who could benefit from Tier 2 interventions, you will receive a letter outlining the supports available and an opportunity to connect with us to ask questions. These supports are an important part of creating a positive learning environment, helping students build the skills they need to succeed both in school and beyond.

Please be aware that students are not permitted to bring any kind of medication, whether prescription or over the counter, to school for any reason. All medication must be delivered to the school in its original packaging by the parent along with a physicians order for prescription medication. If you have any questions about bringing medication to school for your child, please don't hesitate to reach out to our school nurse.

November 7th @ 7:00 - PTO meeting at WHP

November 11th - Veterans Day: No School

November 28th-December 2nd - Thanksgiving Break: No School

HELLO WEST HILLS!

Welcome to November! We are certainly moving right through this school year. I feel like just yesterday I wrote the October Newsletter. I hope that everyone had a safe and healthy month and it is now time to move on to the next chapter.

The Intermediate will be participating in career day on November 27th. We are still looking for community volunteers to come and speak with our students about your chosen careers. Career Day is a very valuable experiences that our students will enjoy and gain knowledge.

We have two great buildings here at West Hills. Being able to experience everyone participating in Unity Day and Red Ribbon Week was a lot of fun and it was so nice seeing our children working together for the cause.

Continue to set goals for yourself. Wake up each day saying that you are going to be a better person than you were the day before. Will we always succeed in that goal? Maybe not and that is okay. We learn from our mistakes and life experiences. We will do better tomorrow. It is a pleasure being here with you and watching you grow into young adults. You are all capable of achieving any goals you set for yourself with a little hard work and determination.

Try your best, continue to learn all that you can, and be the person that others want to be around. You all can and will be everything that you want to be. Have a great month everyone!! BE KIND, BE STRONG, BE WELL and

Always Choose Kindness,

Mr. Walters

Welcome back!

Medication: A physician’s order is needed for any medication to be given at school. This includes both prescription medication and over the counter medication. Medications need to be delivered to the school by a parent or guardian, and need to be in the original prescription bottle or original packaging.

6th Grade: Please turn in state mandated physical and immunization reports when they are completed by your family physician.

Have a great school year!!!

Meetings: PTO meetings this year will be held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm at West Hills Primary. The November meeting will be held on November 7th.

Mrs. Grubbs and Mrs. Hogan's 5th-grade science classes recently held a thrilling STEM catapult challenge! Students transformed everyday items into powerful catapults, aiming to launch a piece of candy corn the farthest distance. As they experimented and refined their designs, they also practiced converting between units of measure, making the challenge even more engaging. Congratulations to all the finalists, and a special shout-out to the winners for their impressive engineering skills and accurate measurements!

The gifted sixth graders from the ASD showcased exceptional talent and teamwork at the THAD Competition on October 15 at Elderton High School. Their impressive performance earned them multiple placements across various events, demonstrating both skill and creativity. Notably, they excelled in the K’nex Challenge, securing first place and highlighting their innovative problem-solving abilities. The students' achievements not only reflected their hard work and dedication but also served as a proud representation of the ASD community. More field trips and competitions are on the horizon for other grade levels as well.

As the spotlight on author Lois Lowry comes to a close, fourth and fifth grade students have successfully wrapped up their reading of Number the Stars. They will be engaging in a Socratic Seminar, along with various projects, to deepen their understanding of the novel's themes. Meanwhile, the sixth graders are finalizing their study of The Giver, where they will participate in activities designed to meet educational standards and further explore the complexities of the story. This comprehensive approach ensures that all students gain valuable insights into Lowry's impactful work.

The 5th and 6th Grade Band will be performing at the Band Extravaganza on January 15 at Armstrong High School. Everyone is welcome and the performance starts at 7.

Congrats to the following students who were selected to participate in this year's PMEA District 3 Chorus fest!

Chorus Fest 2025:

1. Gianna Bavera

2. Victoria Bissell

3. Naomi Botsford

4. Colton Hodak

5. Kaeleigh Jackson

6. Alex Leitmeyer

7. Ava Oesterling

8. Lily Shinneman

9. Keagan Stutzman
   
   

These students will be rehearsing after school on Wednesday leading up the event at Brookville High School on Friday January 17th! Congratulations 6th grade students!

5th and 6th grade choir students are reminded to wear red, white, and blue for our Veterans Day outside performance for the school. This will just be a school assembly and is not open to the public. Families are encouraged to come see our school's field of flags while it is up this month.

Just another reminder about our upcoming holiday concert on Thursday December 19th at 6:30pm. Students are asked to dress nicely in holiday colors. Men should wear khakis, black, or navy pants with button shirts, collared shirts or polos. Ties are encouraged by not required. Ladies are asked to wear nice dress slacks and a blouse or a nice holiday dress with flat shoes. School dress code does apply. We want students to be comfortable because they will be standing for the entire concert.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Mrs. Bricker at dbricker@asd.k12.pa.us

Hello Family,

You should have your child's custom catalog for the Square 1 Art fundraiser catalog - featuring their own name and art on the cover, WITH FREE STICKERS OF THEIR ART!

Get a head start, and start ordering keepsakes and gifts featuring your child's art online NOW, if you like! Simply search for your child's art using Art Search, and enter state, school name, and your student's name. Your student's art and code will appear, and you may order! NEW - *Ship to Home FREE. (*Customer pays a small processing fee at checkout and order ships to home.)

Order by: 11/8/2024

Upload additional art if you like, using Art Upload!

If you have questions, or need anything at all, contact customer care online .

Thank you for supporting our school!

Kylie Shaffer

Square 1 Art fundraiser coordinator

West Hills Intermediate

square1art.com/shop

Reading aloud is one of the most important things parents can do with their children. Make your read alouds interactive and fun — a conversation between you, your child, and the story (the words and the illustrations). Reading aloud everyday can become a cherished family tradition. This link will give you tips on reading with your child!

Email: bpetras@asd.k12.pa.us
Website: https://wis.asd.k12.pa.us/
Location: 175 Heritage Park Drive, Kittanning, PA, USA
Phone: (724) 543-1121
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/West-Hills-Intermediate-111184674071872