News

Emerson Middle School's "4th Annual A Cappella Jam" returns Saturday May 5

This year, Emerson's Annual A Cappella Jam features crosstown talent from the top A Cappella singing groups at UCLA and USC, including the award-winning Resonance and Random Voices from UCLA and Troy Tones and SoCal VoCals from USC. We are also excited to feature a special performance by the all-male The Gentlemen Project and, as always, Emerson's own student a cappella group.

The A Cappella Jam is a benefit concert to support arts education at Emerson Community Charter Middle School. The event is made possible by a generous grant from the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation that provides funds for the music program at Emerson.

PLACE: Emerson Community Charter Auditorium, 1650 Selby Avenue

DATE & TIME: Sat., May 5 at 7pm.
TICKETS: General Admission: $12;  VIP (Rows 1-9): $16

BUY TICKETS:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-a-cappella-jam-crosstown-harmony-tickets-44527268258?aff=efbeventtix

Come early for dinner. FOOD TRUCKS start selling at 5:00 p.m.

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/EmersonAcappellaJam/?ref=bookmarks

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

PICK PICO  2018

FUN.  FOOD.  FREE

May 20

11a-3p

Lunchtime Recycling Program Week of April 23

Love being green? During the week of April 23, we will be continuing WWC’s fantastic Lunchtime Recycling Program! We need 10 parent volunteers to each donate 30 minutes of time during that week. 

The purpose of this program is to boost awareness and educate students about the importance of recycling/reusing and the value of composting food waste. You will be volunteering for one 30-minute lunch session (or more than one!) with a teacher and student.

Please show up 5 minutes before your time slot to receive orientation on how to help be part of a wonderful solution!

This is the last month of the school year where the Parent Green Team will offer support at lunch time. Show your love for their school & the environment!

Thank you to all those who have already taken part!  If you have any questions, please contact Sonya Chapnick at: sonya@yogagently.com 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4aaaa829a02-lunchtime2

Save the Date:  FAMFEST  
Friday, May 4  5:00 pm 

More details to follow this week.

SBM Meeting on Thursday, April 19 at 6:00 pm

Agenda will be posted on the website on Monday evening

Donate a Box of Cheerios to ROOM 4

Room 4 is excited to extend their "Westwood Charter Gives Hunger the Boot"
campaign through April 13th. Come by Room 4, before or during Open House, to donate a box of Cheerios for the LA Food Bank!  

ArtShare Gallery Exhibit at Open House  - Submissions Due Wednesday

Submit your child’s art work to be displayed during open house. Any work can be submitted, it did not need to created during ArtShare. Turn work into the front office by Wednesday, 4/11 at 4:00pm.

Please make sure to include your child’s name, grade and Room Number.

Open House is Thursday, April 12

K-2 (6:00-7:00 PM) and 3-5 (6:30-7:30 PM)

Come join us to celebrate student progress on Thursday evening.  The hours for Open House are staggered to reduce congestion and to allow families with multiple children sufficient time to visit classrooms.

 K-2 classrooms will be open from 6 – 7pm and 3 & 4/5 classrooms will be open from 6:30 – 7:30pm.  

Make sure you stop by the auditorium to visit the ArtShare Gallery.  Please note that our playground is closed during Open House.  Children should accompany their families, act as docents, and participate in the celebration of the student work displayed.

WISE Board Officer Openings

Are you interested in serving on the WISE Board?

As an officer on the WISE Board, you can become involved

in a meaningful way with the WWC community.

The WISE Board nominating committee is looking to fill the following four officer positions for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years (officers will be elected in May 2018):

Vice President - Programs and Services. All candidates for this position must be willing to serve a two-year term for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years. The Vice President - Programs and Services shall, subject to the control of the Board, generally supervise, direct, and control the non-fundraising business of WISE, including, but not limited to, parent and student educational programs, service learning, community outreach and honorary programs. The Vice President - Programs and Services shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board.

Parent Orientation Coordinator. All candidates for this position must be willing to serve a two-year term for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years. The Parent Orientation Coordinator will be responsible for facilitating communications and contacts among parents at WWC. The Parent Orientation Coordinator will oversee development and publication of the annual school directory, coordinate volunteer sign-ups at the beginning of the school year, and create and distribute beginning-of-the-year information packets for parents. The Parent Orientation Coordinator shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board.

Treasurer. All candidates for this position must be willing to serve a two-year term for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years. The Treasurer shall be responsible for bookkeeping. The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct books and records of accounts of the properties and business transactions of WISE. The Treasurer shall render to the President and directors, whenever they request it, an account of all transactions of the Chief Financial Officer and the Treasurer and of the financial condition of WISE. The books of account shall at all times be open to inspection by any director. The Treasurer shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board.

The WISE Board nominating committee is also looking to fill the following officer position as a shadow position for the first semester of the 2018-19 school year and then as an officer position for a two-year term from December 2018 to December 2020 (will be elected as shadow in May 2018 and become officer in December 2018).

Room Rep Coordinator - Elect to Officer. The Room Rep Coordinator will act as a liaison between WWC administration, teachers and parents. The Room Rep Coordinator will ensure that there are family reps for each grade and room reps for each class. The Room Rep Coordinator will oversee the room rep process and follow up with family reps and room reps as needed. The Room Rep Coordinator will organize and communicate important information from WWC staff and WISE to the parent body via Sunday emails as well as standalone emails as necessary or through room reps. The Room Rep Coordinator also will coordinate the Back to School Lunch for staff.

All candidates for these positions must also be able to attend the monthly WISE board meetings.

If you are interested in being considered for any of these positions, please submit a brief statement to the WISE Board nominating committee (no longer than 250 words) explaining your interest and describing your involvement to date with WWC. All submissions must be emailed to Leslie Wang (les_tao@yahoo.com) no later than Tuesday, April 10. If you have questions about these positions or the nomination process, please feel free to talk with any member of this year's nominating committee.

The members of the committee are Rakhee Batra, Pam Belperio, Krisha Garvey, Vanessa Kerner, Joni Weiss and Leslie Wang.

WE WANT YOU! No science background necessary.

Please join us on Thursday, April 5, and be a part of Science Slam.

The meeting will begin at 8:15 am in the cafeteria.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.westwoodcharterscienceslam.org/.

Interested in participating but can’t attend the meeting? Email wwcscienceslam@gmail.com and we will work it out.

Principal's Coffee Wednesday, April 4 at 8:15 am in Library   

THE POWER OF "GROWTH MINDSET"

Come meet with Kathy to discuss growth mindset and the power of “not yet.”  What is a growth mindset and why is it important for student success?  

Kathy will provide an overview, facilitate a discussion, and provide resources for further learning.  Resources shared will be posted to our website following the Coffee. 
 

ArtShare Art Submission Dues Friday, April 6

Dear ArtShare Parents! Anyone wishing to submit their child’s artwork for the ArtShare Gallery night April 12th (same night as WWC Open House) may do so on Friday April 6th. Heelah Saleem will be available from 8:05- 8:45 am after drop off and at pickup from 2:45-4:00pm in the library to collect your submissions. The artwork can be work created during ArtShare or art created independently by your child previously or during Spring Break. We welcome paintings, drawings, multimedia- anything your child is proud to present to the school.  Please contact heelahm@yahoo.com if alternate submission arrangement time is necessary. Thank you!

Are you interested in serving on the WISE Board?  As an officer on the WISE Board, you can become involved in a meaningful way with the WWC community. There are four open officer positions.
 
The WISE Board nominating committee is looking to fill the following four officer positions for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years (officers will be elected in May 2018):

Treasurer 
Vice President - Programs and Services.
Parent Orientation Coordinator 
Room Rep Coordinator - Elect to Officer.
 
All candidates for these positions must also be able to attend the monthly WISE board meetings. 

All submissions must be emailed to Leslie Wang (les_tao@yahoo.com) no later than Tuesday, April 10.

If you are interested in being considered for any of these positions, please submit a brief statement to the WISE Board nominating committee (no longer than 250 words) explaining your interest and describing your involvement to date with WWC. If you have questions about these positions or the nomination process, please feel free to talk with any member of this year's nominating committee.

The members of the committee are Rakhee Batra, Pam Belperio, Krisha Garvey, Vanessa Kerner, Joni Weiss and Leslie Wang.

The 4/5 students in room 4 have launched a "Give Hunger the Boot" campaign.

They have entered a Rube Goldberg contest which involves designing crazy contraptions that carry out a simple task. This year the task is to pour a bowl of cereal. 

They connected this to a service learning project to raise awareness of childhood hunger and the benefits of healthy nutrition because no child should go hungry.

Many upper grade classrooms have signed up for an opportunity to come and see the three class contraptions then vote for the 
most interesting. The one with the most votes will be entered into the official  2018 Rube Goldberg On-Line Contest. 

The 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes (and a few lower primary) are asked to bring a box of General Mills Cheerios (the standard Cheerios in the yellow box) to Room 4 when they view and vote. 

However, they wish to include the entire school in our "Give Hunger the Boot" campaign. Any student who wants to drop by and view the contraptions is welcome! They also hope that each student at WWC will donate a box of Cheerios so that "WWC Gives Hunger the Boot". 

They hope to collect 400-600 boxes of Cheerios. These will be delivered to the LA Food Bank and they are hosting a cereal drive now through March 22nd for the entire school. Feel free to drop by room 4 during snack, lunch, and recess to view our contraptions, donate your box of Cheerios, and together "WWC Will Give Hunger the Boot"

Thank you so much,
Room 4

WISE MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 AT 8:15 AM IN LIBRARY 

COME LEARN ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING AT WWC 

SCIENCE SLAM MEETING 

The season of Science Slam is about to begin! Join us on Tuesday, March 20, in the library to 
learn more about the event and to meet the members of this year’s steering committee. 
The meeting will begin at 7 pm.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.westwoodcharterscienceslam.org/.
Questions? Email wwcscienceslam@gmail.com

Lunch Time Recycling Sign up for the week of March 19

Love being green? During the week of March 19, we will be continuing WWC’s fantastic Lunchtime Recycling Program! We need 10 parent volunteers to each donate 30 minutes of time during that week. 

The purpose of this program is to boost awareness and educate students about the importance of recycling/reusing and the value of composting food waste. You will be volunteering for one 30-minute lunch session (or more than one!) with a teacher and student. Please show up 5 minutes before your time slot to receive orientation on how to help be part of a wonderful solution!

This program will recur every month until the end of the school year.

Thank you to all those who have already taken part!  If you have any questions, please contact

Sonya Chapnick at: sonya@yogagently.com 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4aaaa829a02-lunchtime3

WWC ONLINE AUCTION IS HAPPENING NOW...   

CHECK OUT ALL THE WONDERFUL ITEMS   

Westwood Charter Elementary School will be auctioning off a number of fun and unique items to bid on to raise money for our organization.  Have fun!

https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?auctionId=306612776

ArtShare 2018, The Power of Me
March 5th -9th 

Still have a few more slots open check them out!

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0945A5AF2CA6F49-artshare1

Questions: Contact ArtShare Committee
Corisa Cobden, corisacobden@gmail.com & Heelah Saleem, heelahm@yahoo.com

SBM MEETING  Thursday at 6:00 PM in LIBRARY.      
SBM Meeting -  2018-19 Budget priorities will be discussed.  Final agenda will be posted online Monday evening.

PRINCIPAL'S COFFEE  WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 at 8:15 AM in LIBRARY

TOPIC -- SCHOOL BUDGET FOR 2018-19        

Principal's Coffee - March is budget season!  This month Kathy will review how Westwood allocated funds for this school year.  She will also provide information about the 2018-19 School Budget and you will be able to provide input on how the budget is prioritized.  The 2018-19 budget will also be discussed during the SBM meeting on Thursday.

PARENT WORK PARTY - FRIDAY, MARCH 2 AFTER DROP OFF

The next Parent Work Party is Friday, March 2nd after morning drop off.  We will meet in the cafeteria and work on projects for our wonderful Westwood Charter teachers.  We will have bagels and coffee for our volunteers.  If you are new to WWC or looking for a way to get involved with the school community, PWP is a great place to start!  

Kindly RSVP to Sharon Rosas at sharonbeth0819@me.com so we can plan accordingly.  

Spring Emergency Drill Scheduled for Thursday at 10:40am.      
The annual spring emergency drill will be conducted at Westwood on Thursday, March 1, at 10:40am.  Movement on our campus will be limited during the drill (approximately 10:40-11:10am) and the school entrance will be closed during the drill.  Please plan accordingly as all people on campus must remain for the duration of the drill and there will be no entries to our campus during the drill.  
During a shelter in place, students are moved (or remain) inside for their safety because there is an environmental or chemical threat to the well-being of students. Shelter in place uses school buildings to provide protection from the outdoor environment. There are several reasons why a school may initiate a shelter in place, including chemical spills in the area, brush fires, any kind of airborne contaminants, or a swarm of bees. During a shelter in place, school administrators and district officials work closely with government agencies to maximize student safety.
 
Westwood conducts a variety of emergency drills throughout the year.  Teachers explain the drills to their students in age appropriate language, students practice the drill, and have an opportunity to ask questions or discuss the drill. Details about specific drills can be found here.

Staff and parents are encouraged to download the LAUSD emergency plan app for smartphones and tablet devices. Information is available at https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/6692 

WISE MEETING  MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26 at 7:00 PM.        Please join us on Monday evening and learn more about what's happening at our school and various committees! 

ARMCHAIR AUCTION 2018

Armchair Auction is here! The incredibly popular teacher outings will be offered again this year and is an important part of the Spring Auction, having raised more than $35,000 for the last several years! These special outings are an opportunity for students to spend quality time with their teachers. They are once in a lifetime opportunities!

Each classroom teacher has donated an activity for the children in their own class. In addition, there are opportunities for the whole school for a special time with other staff members. Bid Sheets will be distributed later this week, so please be on the lookout in your kid’s folder and then read the whole sheet carefully so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!

LUNCHTIME RECYCING PROGRAM WEEK of FEBRUARY 26.                                                              

Love being green? During the week of February 26, we will be continuing WWC’s fantastic Lunchtime Recycling Program! We need 10 parent volunteers to each donate 30 minutes of time during that week. 

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

For questions: Sonya Chapnick  sonya@yogagently.com

KINDERGARTEN CONVERSATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 at 9:00 AM.      

Kindergarten Conversation will be held on Wednesday, February 21, at 9am in the auditorium and will be followed by a brief parent tour of kindergarten classrooms. Parents of prospective kindergarten or TK students are invited to join us for this informative conversation.  Check our website for enrollment information and Kinder/TK FAQs.   Enrollment for students residing within our residential boundaries begins March 5th. 
 

Sign ups for Girls on the Run (GOTR) are happening now!  

Find out more about the program here.

Teams that are filled to 15 girls by FEB 16th, will be eligible to receive:

 ·  Up to 20 FREE tickets for team GIRLS and/or chaperones to the LA CLIPPERS GAME on Sunday, April 1st at 12:30pm 
 ·   Each ticket includes a FREE t-shirt, goodie bag, and a VIP Pass for the Pre-game warm-up
Don't miss this incredible opportunity! Winners will be drawn at random among all eligible teams. Increase your chances to win by registering your girls ASAP.  

There are only 50 spots available so make sure to get those registrations in so your team can be entered to win!

GARDEN WORK PARTY  --  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 AT 8AM

Hello there!

While green and bountiful, the Westwood Charter Garden is in need of your help! 

I would like to invite you and your family to join me on Saturday, February 24th from 8am-10am for a Garden Work Party. With the help of you and your children, the garden will be able to thrive that much more fully in this drier than expected winter season. 

With your help at this Garden Work Party, I hope to accomplish the following:

-Cover the outdoor classroom flooring with wood chips (will help to contain dust back there)
-Plant seedlings in veggie and butterfly gardens 
-Clean up around the garden beds/outdoor classroom/planted areas behind the 4/5 classes
-Mulch trees throughout campus with donated mulch

These days are truly delightful! Delicious snacks and coffee are always provided for volunteers, as well as, incredible opportunities to build community by getting to know other students and parents passionate about helping the WWC garden grow! All students and parents are welcome!

Below include the meeting instructions for the Saturday, February 24th Garden Work Party:

Time: 8am-10am

Location: Please enter the school at the back gate on Overland Avenue, just north of Mississippi Avenue. There will be a sign denoting where to enter.

Special instructions: Please feel free to bring your own gloves, shovels, water bottles, hats, and sunscreen!

I look forward to gardening with you! If you're interested in attending the work day, please let your room rep know, so that we can count you in for attendance. 

Any questions please email me tate.wwcgarden@gmail.com

Appreciatively,

Ms. Tate (WWC Garden Teacher)

LUNCHTIME RECYCING PROGRAM WEEK of FEBRUARY 26.                                

VOLUNTEER 

Love being green? During the week of February 26, we will be continuing WWC’s fantastic Lunchtime Recycling Program! We need 10 parent volunteers to each donate 30 minutes of time during that week. 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4aaaa829a02-lunchtime2

For questions : Sonya Chapnick  sonya@yogagently.com

SBM MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 AT 6:00 PM

Agenda will be posted on our website Monday evening.

PRINCIPAL'S COFFEE, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 AT 8:15AM IN LIBRARY

Principal's Coffee - This month Kathy will share information about the Gifted And Talented Education (GATE) identification process, GATE program options, and highlight  ways to support your gifted child at home.  

SAVE THE DATE  - Parent/Student Community Council (PSCC)

Monday, February 5. 2018 at 6:30 pm in our Auditorium 

We warmly invite you to be a part of our first Parent & Student Community Council of this school year.  This evening allows you to gather with fellow parents, students and Westwood teachers to be a member of our special community in an intimate and meaningful way. 

Featured Teachers This Month

Annalee Kennedy    

Amanda Tanaka

Diana Greenstein

Kelly Oschack

Mandy Pierce

Rachel Cannella

Council is the pracice of speaking and listening from the heart.  Through compassionate, heartfelt expression and empathetic listening. Council offers an effective means of communicating. It provides a common experience and shared vision for sound decision-making and conflict resolution. It is also a valuable learning tool that enables children to express themselves thoughtfully and with confidence. 

Please RSVP to Diana Greenstein at dig0408@lasud.net

ArtShare is Coming the Week of March 5    

Parent Volunteers Needed!!!!

We need volunteers to host workshops and share their talents with our students. Any art form is welcome. If interested, please contact co-chairs, Corisa corisacobden@gmail.com and Heelah heelahm@yahoo.com, for more details.

Parent Work Party Friday, February 2 after drop off in cafeteria

The next Parent Work Party is Friday, February 2nd after morning drop off.  We will meet in the cafeteria and work on projects for our wonderful Westwood Charter teachers.  We will have bagels and coffee for our volunteers.  If you are new to WWC or looking for a way to get involved with the school community, PWP is a great place to start!

Kindly RSVP to Sharon Rosas at sharonbeth0819@me.com so we can plan accordingly.  

UPCOMING DATES 

Principal Coffee Dates from 8:15 am to 9:15 am in Library 

Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2

WISE Meeting Dates  in Library: 

Jan 17 at 8:15 am, Feb 26 at 7:00 pm. Mar 21 at 8:15 am, Apr 23 at 7:00 pm, May 23 at 8:15 am

SBM Meeting Dates  6:00 pm, Library 

Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 8, Apr 19, May 10

Friday, January 26^th is Jump Rope for Heart! 

We are proud to partner with the American Heart Association to help kids and adults with special hearts. Did you know Westwood Charter raised over $27,000 for the AHA last year? Our donations support doctors and scientists at UCLA, USC & beyond! This research will save lives! We hope all students will sign up to participate this year!

Sign up online for Jump Rope For Heart!

• Visit http://www2.heart.org/goto/westwoodcharter and select the SIGN UP button.
• Your student earns a Glow in the Dark Scare Squad Wristband just for signing up!
• Your student’s name will be added to the Westwood Scare Squad Bulletin Board!

Get the Free Mobile App: Jump/Hoops

• Use the app to bring the Scare Squad to life like Pokémon Go!
• Use the app or website to easily text or email family and friends right from your child’s webpage to raise donations
• Post to social media to raise even more awareness for this special cause! The more people we reach the more lives we can save!

PLEASE NOTE!

• Parent Letters will be sent home on January 12^th with more information.
• Students will earn the Scare Squad Wristband and the 7 Scare Squad Monsters right away!
  • Scare Squad Monsters are given out at $10, $20, $35, $40, $100 and $200
• Please include your child’s T-shirt size when you sign up. Students raising $50 receive a T-shirt after our event.
• We are raising ONLINE (app/website) donations only.

Please have students wear red on January 26^th to support the cause!

Winter Break Dates Dec 18 to Jan 6

School will resume on Monday, January 8, 2018

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

SBM Meeting on Thursday, December 14th, has been cancelled due to a blank agenda. Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 11th.

Local District Supt. Cheryl Hildreth sent an automated call on Friday, 12/8, to confirm that school will reopen on Monday.  This decision was based on improved air quality and the lifting of mandatory evacuations that impacted our school communities.

The safety of our students and employees is always our top priority. District crews worked this weekend to install new air filters at the closed schools and ensure that facilities are ready for teaching and learning to resume. However, we may continue to limit outdoor activities until air quality returns to normal levels. Please visit lausd.net for updated information and on-going resources for our students and families. 

We realize that this has been a trying time for our families and employees. We are very grateful for your cooperation and understanding and look forward to seeing you back at school again on Monday.

LAUSD has closed Westwood Charter and several other schools in Local District West for the remainder of the week due to the poor air quality resulting from the fires.  Students and staff should not come to school Thursday and Friday.  We will reopen on Monday, December 11, 2017. 

Additional information and updates can be found on the district’s website at http://home.lausd.net/ and specific information about school closures can be found at http://home.lausd.net/apps/spotlightmessages/1251

Seeking Contributions for the Westwood Charter Multicultural Week Museum December 11-15

Westwood Charter's Multicultural Week will be December 11th-15th. In addition to the classroom "feast" and parent presentations, the library is transformed into a "museum" featuring items contributed by Westwood Charter families over the year. These items include a wide range of objects from pieces of traditional clothing, to statues, to small books, etc. The items are arranged by country of origin and all classrooms have the opportunity to tour the museum during their library time.

We are seeking new contributions for the museum this year. Please consider donating an object to the museum that reflects your family's origins/visits/culture. These items will be kept permanently at Westwood Charter and displayed each year in the museum. Although children are discouraged from handling the items, please don't contribute anything that is extremely fragile or expensive. Please include a tag or sign with the object indicating your family's name and the origin of the item, which will be included in the display.

If you have an item to donate, please bring it to the office (preferable in a plastic bag with the item/sign) and a place it in the black plastic bin we have put there for the multicultural museum. We are accepting donations all next week (Dec. 4-8) If you want your item to be included, be sure to drop it off by next Friday, December 8th so it can be included in the museum.

Please feel free to email us with any questions. 

Thanks,

Angelike Dexter (angeliked@gmail.com) and Beth Glenn-Mallouk (bethaglenn@hotmail.com)

Multicultural Week Co-Chairs

Principal's Coffee

Wednesday, December 6 8:15 am in Library

Guest Speaker: Dr. Barbara Moreno

How to Talk with Your Children When the World Seems Scary

A Westside favorite, Dr. Barbara Moreno, a child and family therapist, will lead the conversation. Her many years of experience as a social worker, parent, teacher and psychotherapist forms a strong base for her successful and relevant parent support groups.

Participants will explore the impact of worry and anxiety on the family when events around us feel scary.

They will take home practical tools and insights on ways to reassure their children and to

help them better deal with their distress.

Westwood parents continue to give her work with them outstanding reviews:

"This was a sensitive and relevant workshop.Thanks."

"I love the logical, compassionate and intelligent approach to . . parenting."

-- 

Allana Friedman

Curriculum Coordinator

Westwood Charter Elementary School

Holiday Parent/Student Community Council (PSCC)

Tuesday, December 5 6:30pm in Auditorium

GRATITIUDE

We warmly invite you to be a part of our next Parent/Student Community Council on Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. in our Auditorium.  This evening allows you to gather with fellow parents, students, and Westwood teachers to be a member of our special community in an intimate and meaningful way.

Featured Teachers This Month

Annalee Kennedy

Christina Close

Diana Greenstein

Krysten Hall 

Manday Pierce

Therese Rumi

Council is the practice of speaking and listening from the heart. Through compassionate, heartfelt expression and empathetic listening, Council offers an effective means of communicating. It provides a common experience and shared vision for sound decision-making and conflict resolution. It is also a valuable learning tool that enables children to express themselves thoughtfully and with confidence.

Your child participates in Council on a regular basis at our school. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to experience with your child, what has become common practice at Westwood Charter. COME BE A PART OF THE CIRCLE!

Please RSVP to Diana Greenstein dlg0408@lausd.net 

Be A Part Of The Parent Green Team! Week of November 27

Love being green? During the week of November 27, we will be continuing WWC’s fantastic Lunchtime Recycling Program! We need 10 parent volunteers to each donate 30 minutes of time during that week. 

The purpose of this program is to boost awareness and educate students about the importance of recycling/reusing and the value of composting food waste. You will be volunteering for one 30-minute lunch session with a teacher and student. 

SIGN UP ON THIS SIGNUP GENIUS and please show up 5 minutes before your time slot to receive orientation on how to help be part of a wonderful solution!

If you have any questions, please contact Sonya Chapnick at: sonya@yogagently.com 

Parent Work Party Friday, December 1after drop off in Cafeteria

The next Parent Work Party is Friday, December 1 after morning drop off. We will meet in the cafeteria and work on projects for our wonderful Westwood Charter teachers. We will have bagels and coffee for our volunteers. If you are new to WWC or looking for a way to get involved with the school community, PWP is a great place to start! Kindly RSVP to Sharon Rosas at sharonbeth0819@me.com so we can plan accordingly. 

Come learn how you can make a difference in just 45 minutes…

Volunteer during Lunch recess!

Join us in the library this Wednesday, November 29th at 8:10am to 

find out more.

If we could post a video of how their faces light up, and the way they say "Chill Zone!", you would know what motivates us to keep this program going! 

We'd love to see you there.

Feel free to contact us:

marzchoi@gmail.com

jenna.carlston@sothebyshomes.com

(310)256-0895

SBM Meeting Thursday, November 16 at 6 pm in Library

Agenda will be posted on our website on Monday evening

Emergency Drill Practice on Tuesday from 8:30am - 9:00am

Each month we practice a type of safety drill. On Tuesday, Westwood will practice a "Shelter In Place" drill from 8:30am-9:00am. During the drill, access to our campus will not be available. Please make sure your child arrives to school on time and does not need to leave campus during the drill. For more information on Shelter In Place drills, and other types of drills, click here.

WISE Meeting Monday, November 13 at 7 pm in Library

Parents are invited to come hear about upcoming events, including the launch of a new app for all things WISE and our school directory. 

Come Get WWC and HOOT Gear! Wednesday, November 8 at dropoff

Our fabulous WWC student store team will be in the front of school Wednesday, November 8, at dropoff selling new and vintage WWC and HOOT gear. Come stock up! Some t-shirts will be selling for as low as $5. Cash or credit card accepted.

Any questions, please contact Jody at Kjbakhtiar@yahoo.com or Olga at okobrinsky@gmail.com

Middle School Info Night Wednesday, November 8 at 7pm in the Auditorium

The English Learner Advisory Council (ELAC) Meeting 

Wednesday, November 8  at 8:15am in the library 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact: Allana Friedman, Curriculum Coordinator (310) 474-7788.

Parent Work Party is Friday, November 3rdafter morning drop off. 

We will meet in the cafeteria and work on projects for our wonderful Westwood Charter teachers. We will have bagels and coffee for our volunteers. If you are new to WWC or looking for a way to get involved with the school community, PWP is a great place to start! 

Kindly RSVP to Sharon Rosas at sharonbeth0819@me.com so we can plan accordingly. 

Principal's Coffee Wednesday, November 1 at 8:15 am

This Wednesday Kathy will review the magnet school application process, e-Choices. Come learn about the wide range of choices available in LAUSD, when you should start applying for middle school, and the criteria for gifted and highly gifted magnets.  



Resources shared during the coffee will be posted to our website for parents who are unable to attend the coffee. Click here past for Principal’s Coffee resources.

Red Ribbon Week 

Week of October 23

The week of October 23 - 27, Westwood Charter will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week by focusing on healthy bodies and strong minds. 

Each day we are asking the children to be supportive by wearing the following items:

Monday, 10/23: Celebrate the beginning of Red Ribbon Week -            wear red

Tuesday, 10/24: "Be a JEAN-ius by Being Drug Free” – wear jeans

Wednesday, 10/25: “Making Good Choices is No Sweat” – wear sweats

Thursday, 10/26: “Sock it to Drugs” wear mismatched or crazy socks      

Friday, 10/27: “Health is a Hoot” – wear your Hoot t-shirt or a Westwood Charter shirt

Thank you for your support.

Art Share needs a committee chair, show you care.

If you love art, we need you!

If you are the executive type,

we need you too!

You must be available the week of March 5th,

and leading up to the event. 

For more details

contact Jenna:

(310)256-0895

jenna.carlston@sothebyshomes.com

SAVE THE DATE: Middle School Info Night, November 1 at 7pm

in the Auditorium

WISE Meeting: Wednesday, October 18 at 8:15 am in

Library

Come find out about the happenings at WWC, meet the board members and hear about all the great programs on campus! 

Great Shake Out 2017 (Earthquake Drill) will be held on Thursday, 10/19, at 10:35am. No one will be admitted to or picked up from our campus from 10:30 – 11:45am. 

Please plan accordingly. For additional details, please read the letter from Mrs. Flores.

Friday, October 12 at 6:00 pm in Library

SBM Meeting  

Agenda will be posted on website Monday evening.

Wednesday, October 11 at 8:15 am in Library 

English Learner Advisory Council (ELAC) Meeting

We will be contacting ELAC Training of Officers. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:  Allana Friedman, Curriculum Coordinator (310) 474-7788. 

The Office of Board Member and Vice-President Nick Melvoin will be hosting roundtables alongside community partners throughout Board District 4 to solicit input on an innovative initiative to create a smartphone app to improve parent communication and provides relevant and timely school district updates. Parents are invited to share your ideas about how we can better engage with you through smartphone technology. Please let us know if you will be able to make it.  

RSVP to Participate in Community Roundtables at https://www.boardmembermelvoin.com/rsvp-to-tech-app-roundtable

SWEET FRIDAYS Sign Up Now!

Sweet Friday, is where parent volunteers are asked to either bake or pick up breakfast treats for our fabulous teachers and staff. We are looking for parents during the school year and volunteers are needed NOW! 

To spread the appreciation across all of our grade levels, this year we have assigned grade levels for each Sweet Friday along with what to bring and how much.  Please sign up to bring one or two items on a Friday for each of your child's class.  

Family 3  - Aug 18- Oct 6

Family 2  - Oct 13 - Dec 8

Family 4/5 - Dec 15 - Feb 16

Family K  - Feb 23- Apr 13

Family 1 - Apr 20 - Jun 8

Let's make sure we show our teachers how sweet we think they are!

Please click the signup genius link below to sign up.

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/9040B49AFAB2AA57-2017 

If you have any questions please contact Heather Wigginton. 

Thank you!

Heather Wigginton 

Sweet Friday Chair 

wigginton.heather@gmail.com 

Make Up Picture Day Thursday, September 28

FIRST PARENT & STUDENT COMMUNITY COUNCIL (PSCC)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 @ 6:30PM 

NEW YEAR... TRY NEW THINGS..

Featured Teachers This Month 

Kathy Flores

Diana Greenstein

Elisa Crispi

Krysten Hall 

Lisa Whelan

Mandy Pierce

Sue Childs

Stephanie Wallace-Wolf

TO RSVP:  DIANA GREENSTEIN

Parent Volunteers Needed to Help Discard Old Textbooks

Wednesday, September 20 after drop off.   

Please meet in copy room!

We also want to thank all of the parents who came out last week to help clear our auditorium of old textbooks.

MANDATORY HOOT REP MEETING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 AT 8:15AM

Calling all HOOT Reps!  Planning for this year's HOOT already is underway, and it's time to get you all involved in the fun.  

There is a mandatory meeting for all HOOT Reps on Wednesday, September 20, after drop-off at 8:15am in the library.  All Hoot Reps must attend.  If you are a Hoot Rep and cannot attend, you must find another parent to represent your class at the meeting. 

The HOOT Rep meeting is mandatory for HOOT Reps.  But all parents are invited.  Any parent who is interested in becoming more involved with the HOOT, including the famous WWC haunted castle, also is encouraged and welcome to attend!  This year's HOOT is on October 29 from 10am-4pmand promises to be amazing.

If you have any questions, please email hoot@westwoodcharter.org

Your HOOT Chairs,

Amy Altman, Vanessa Kerner, Brandi Popovich, Judy Posner and Lisa Woods

WISE MEETING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 @ 7:00 PM IN THE LIBRARY

E&E Rep Kickoff Meeting Thursday 9/14 at 8:10 am-9:00am in Cafeteria

Attention all E&E reps! Please come to the cafeteria after drop-off for our kickoff meeting. See you there!

Paige Allocco  pallocco@yahoo.com

Steven Brogden  stevenbrogden@yahoo.com

E&E Fund Drive Co-Chairs

ELAC Orientations and Elections

Wednesday, September 13 @ 8:15 am in library

Parents of English Learners:  You are encouraged to make a difference in the governance of our school by participating in ELAC (English Learners Advisory Council).

Please join us for orientations and elections in the library on Wednesday, September 13^th

ELAC orientations at 8:15am

ELAC elections at 8:45am

Every school with more than 21 English learner students must have an elected ELAC.  ELAC will perform tasks furthering the development and school attention to English learners.

I am looking forward to seeing you there.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me, 

Allana Friedman at (310) 474-7788. 

Lost & Found: Last chance to claim lost items! Unclaimed items will be donated this upcoming Tuesday, September 12.

Please remember to check Lost & Found regularly for any items that may have been misplaced to help keep our campus clean and clear of clutter.

Items left at Lost & Found will be donated approximately every two weeks, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, with the first donation taking place on September 12. Occasional changes to the donation schedule will be announced in advance in the Sunday evening Constant Contact email.

Thank you for your support,

Remy Glick

Eydie Grossman

Leslie Wang

Joni Weiss

RE-ENROLL FOR RALPHS PROGRAM

September 1 marked a new term with the Ralphs Community Rewards Program. You need to re-enroll, or set it up for the first time.  

Our school gets about $13,000 a year from Ralphs.  This is easy money to earn, and its not extra out of our own pockets.  If you are enrolled in the program and use your rewards number when you check out at Ralphs, the store gives the school a portion of the sale.  

Here's how you re-enroll:  

1.  www.ralphs.com

2. log in (top right corner)

3. click on "Welcome Valued Customer" (top right)

4. Select "My Account"

5. At the bottom of the page is the section "Community Rewards," click on "Enroll"

6. input: 80592, click Search

7. Select W.I.S.E, click Enroll

Woohoo! You're earning money for WWC until September 1, 2018!  

*If you don't yet have a Ralphs Rewards online account, but have a rewards number (I use my phone number) you need to sign up for it first then follow the steps above. 

**If you aren't registered for a Ralphs rewards card you can get on up upon check out at the store. Then go home and follow the directions for setting up an online account and follow steps 1-7 above.  

Please email Laura Redford lauraredford@gmail.com with questions.

PARENT WORK PARTY
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 AFTER DROP OFF IN CAFETERIA
The first Parent Work Party of the 2017-2018 school year is Friday, September 8th after morning drop off.  We will meet in the cafeteria and work on projects for our wonderful Westwood Charter teachers.  We will have bagels and coffee for our volunteers.  If you are new to WWC or looking for a way to get involved with the school community, PWP is a great place to start!  
 

Kindly RSVP to Sharon Rosas at sharonbeth0819@me.com  so we can plan accordingly.

PLEASE JOIN KATHY FLORES FOR THE FIRST PRINCIPAL'S COFFEE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 @ 8:15 AM IN LIBRARY 

TOPIC: LAUSD's PARENT PORTAL CALLED "PASSPORT"
 

Please join Kathy Flores for the first principal's coffee. Kathy will provide an introductions to the LAUSD's parent portal called "PASSPORT." Come learn how you can access your student's information online. 

For more information: 

https://achieve.lausd.net//cms/lib/CA01000043/Centricity/Domain/577/PASSport%20Flyer%20July%202016.pdf
 

https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/10470
 
We look forward to seeing you Wednesday morning. 

SBM ELECTIONS Tuesday, August 29 - Meet the Nominees 8:10 am in the cafeteria

Thursday, August 31 - SBM Elections 7:45 am to 8:30 am at the main entrance

The School Based Management Council (SBM) is the governing board of the school. Most matters pertaining to school operations fall under the purview of SBM including budget, safety, and policies. In addition, the council approves the school calendar, fundraisers and events, develops solutions for areas of need within the school and acts in an advisory role to the schools administration. 

If you are interested in self nomination or nominating someone please email Lisa Woods at lisabwoods@yahoo.com by Monday, August 28, 2017 at 4:00pm. 

Elections will take place on Thursday, August 31 from 7:45-8:30am at a table set up at our main entrance. The three candidates who receive the greatest number of votes will be elected to the open SBM parent representative positions and will serve a two-year term (beginning in September 2017 and ending in June 2019). The two individuals who receive the next greatest number of votes will be elected as the alternates for one year term.

Additional information for those interested in an SBM position:

• All nominees are invited to speak at the nominating meeting on Tuesday, August 29 at 8:10am in the cafeteria. Submission from the floor is also welcomed at this time. 
• All nominees are asked to submit a statement in writing by Tuesday, August 29 at 10:00am to lisabwoods@yahoo.com. The statements will be sent out to the WWC community later that day through Constant Contact.

If you have any additional questions please contact Lisa Woods at lisabwoods@yahoo.com. 

Thank you. 

PICTURE DAY Thursday, August 31 
See homework folders to order pictures from My Lifetouch. You can also go online at: https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/

Reminder NO School on Friday, September 1 and Monday, September 4. School will resume on Tuesday, September  5

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT 
FAMILIES 3-5 
Thursday, August 24 at 6:30 pm

Back to School Night for Families 3 and 4-5 is this Thursday, August 24from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Please proceed directly to your child's classroom at 6:30 pm.

Back to School Night for Families K, 1, 2 and 1-2 is on Thursday, August 31 at 6:30 pm.

This year STAR will not be able to provide childcare for back to school night.

WISE MEETING  
Wednesday, August 23 at 8:15 in the library
Calling all parents!  Please join us for the first WISE Board Meeting of the school year on Wednesday, August 23 at 8:15am in the library.  All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.  

The agenda for the meeting is as follows:

1. WISE Board member introductions and job descriptions

2. Approval of minutes and documentation of Board votes from the summer

3. Update and welcome to the school year from Mrs. Flores

4. Discussion of requirements for ongoing and regular school volunteers

5. Board member updates

6. Committee budget requests

School Cafeteria Information

The school cafeteria will offer a few new menu options this year.  The menus for August and September can be viewed at https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/11718.  

The Online Meal Application and Online Account (My Payments Plus) can be accessed at https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/852. Read about the new LAUSD Meal Charge Policy here

It's drama time at Westwood Charter

Registration is now open for Westwood Charter's After School Theater Program  

Guys and Dolls, JR for 3-5 graders 

Disney's Aristocats Kids for k-2nd graders.

Class size is limited, register now!!!

Same great teachers - plus some great new additions!!

Upstage Westwood (3rd -5th Grade) Guys and Dolls, JR 

http://www.upstageschools.com/shop/guys-and-dolls-3-5/

This class is specifically for 3rd through 5th graders and 

will meet on Wednesdays OR Fridays beginning September 13th & 15th. 

Show weekend is April 19-21, 2018April 19th-21st  

Upstage Westwood Juniors (Kindergarten-2nd Grade)  Disney's Aristocats Kids

            http://www.upstageschools.com/shop/aristocats-kids-k-2/

This class is for kindergarten* through 2nd graders and 

will meet on Tuesdays OR Thursdays beginning September 26th & 28th. 

Show dates are February 24 and 25February 24th & 25th.

*Kinder pick up available 

 Contact Julie Bank at julie@upstageschools.com for more info.

SWEET FRIDAYS

Breakfast treats & coffee for our fabulous staff.

Sign Up Now!

Sweet Friday, is where parent volunteers are asked to either bake or pick up breakfast treats for our fabulous teachers and staff. We are looking for parents during the school year and volunteers are needed NOW! 

To spread the appreciation across all of our grade levels, this year we have assigned grade levels for each Sweet Friday along with what to bring and how much.  Please sign up to bring one or two items on a Friday for each of your child's class.  

• Family 3  - Aug 18- Oct 6
• Family 2  - Oct 13 - Dec 8
• Family 4/5 - Dec 15 - Feb 16
• Family K  - Feb 23- Apr 13
• Family 1 - Apr 20 - Jun 8

Let's make sure we show our teachers how sweet we think they are!

Please click the signup genius link below to sign up.

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/9040B49AFAB2AA57-2017 

If you have any questions please contact Heather Wigginton. 

Thank you!

Heather Wigginton 

Sweet Friday Chair 

wigginton.heather@gmail.com 

First Day of School

School begins on Tuesday, August 15^th at 8:05am and we will have staff members on the playground with classroom assignment lists.  When you arrive, please proceed to the yard where your child's teacher will be waiting to meet their new class.   Kindergarten teachers and teachers in the bungalows will meet their students outside their doors while teachers in the main buildings will meet their classes on the field.  Each teacher will have a large sign with their room number for easy identification. 

Our first bell will ring at 8:00am with the second bell at 8:05am to signal the start of the school day.  When the bell rings, teachers will take their classes to the classroom.  Please help us reduce traffic congestion and confusion by saying goodbye to your child at the gate or the lineup area.

DISMISSAL WILL BE AT 1:45PM EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY TO ALLOW TEACHERS TO PARTICIPATE IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.  DISMISSAL WILL BE AT 2:45PM ON MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, AND FRIDAY. KINDERGARTEN CLASSES WILL BE DISMISSED AT 1:41PM AND 2:40 PM TO REDUCE THE CONGESTION AT OUR DISMISSAL GATES.  

REMEMBER TO ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME AT DISMISSAL AS THERE WILL BE SIGNIFICANT CONGESTION AROUND CAMPUS.

Please join us on Friday, August 11th, to meet your child's new teacher, classmates, and reconnect with old friends!

The Kindergarten Social will be held from 2:00-2:45 pm. Families may check in beginning at 1:30 p.m.

The Back to School Picnic (Grades 1 -5) from 4:00-6:00 pm. Students may meet their teachers from 4:00-5:00 pm. Prime Time will be offering games at 4:30 pm.

Postcards with 2017-18 room assignments for Grades 1-5 will be mailed home the week of August 8th. Kindergarteners will receive their class assignments on Friday at the Social.

Thank you to Ron Wynn for sponsoring water and frozen treats!

School resumes August 15. See you then!