Principal's Corner
As you may know this is the week of Milestones testing for grades 3-5. We will begin GA Milestones testing bright and early . The Georgia Milestones (GMAS) is an assessment designed to provide information about how well students are mastering the state standards in Reading and Math (grades 3-5) and Science (5th).
You may ask, "How can I help prepare my student as a parent?" You can help by encouraging your student to do their best, and make sure they are present and arrive on time. You can also ensure that they eat breakfast and that they get a good night's sleep. Encourage them, stay positive, and tell them to not stress, but do their best and show what they know.. We believe in them and know they can do it! I want to say thank you to all as parents/guardians for playing such a vital role in encouraging them and supporting them!
Our student's are awesome and our teachers are hard workers. We look forward to a successful finish to this school year. If within these last weeks of school you intend on having someone that is not on the check out list attend an event or pick your child up from school, please make sure you stop by and add them to the list. We will have field day coming up on May 1st. An important note will be coming home this week in Thursday folders concerning checking students out on that date.
We ask that you emphasize with your child the importance of our PBIS expectations. Our expectations are to have respect, own our behavior, and work towards success. We call it following the Braves Way, All Day, Everyday!
To attend the Grow Day celebration (K-5) and/or Milestones celebration (3-5) later this school year, students must do the following during testing:
B.R.A.V.E.S
B -BEST at WEST (Try your best)
R -Respect your testing environment
A -Analyze (Double check your work)
V -Visualize (Make a graphic organizer)
E -Examine (Use scratch paper)
S -Stay focused (Take your time)
Please discuss this with your students and encourage them to do the things listed above. We plan to have so much fun celebrating in May!!!
Important Safety Information Regarding Safe Words & Actions
Unfortunately, schools in general are facing an increase in students using unsafe words and actions. At WSE we are aware that we have some students, who sometimes say things they do not always mean. However, words and actions that threaten others must be taken seriously. Safety is the main priority . Any threat of violence against students or staff may result in school discipline and has the potential for law enforcement involvement. Please talk to your children about the importance of their words and the consequences. Even if playing, it is unacceptable in a school setting. Thank you for your support with this.
Please view the following videos regarding this important topic and the Safe Words & Actions.
CCPS Finish Strong Parent Video
CCPS Finish Strong Student Video
April Parent Pro Tech Information:
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Could a predator reach your child online? Many predators use games, chats, and social apps to build trust. Learn the warning signs of online grooming.
Grades K-2:
Some games and chats let strangers message your child. Learn where those settings hide and how to block them.
Learn more on Parent ProTech
Grades 3-5:
Does your child use chat features in games or apps? Teach them how to block or report strangers.
Get tips on Parent ProTech
Grades 6-12:
Grooming doesn’t always look scary. It can start with compliments or casual chat. Make sure your teen knows how to recognize manipulation online.
Learn more on Parent ProTech
Please keep in mind the following dates :
April
4/20-4/24 GA Milestones Week
4/27-5/1 GA Milestones Make Up Week
May
5/1 Field Day
5/4 Upcoming Kindergartners are welcome to tour West Side Elementary School and be screened on
May 4th from 3:30-5:30. All registration should occur online prior to this date. Please call West Side Elementary with any questions (706)866-9211.
5/4- 5/8 Teacher Appreciation Week
5/8 Milestones Water Day (3-5)
5/15 Grow Day Celebration (K-5)
5/21- 5th Grade Promotion
5/22 Class Parties
5/22-Last Day of School for Students (Half Day)
Only 5 more weeks of school left this school year!
If you would like to volunteer, please contact our Parent Engagement Facilitator, Dani Johnson. Her email is djohnson.wse@catoosa.k12.ga.us.
Great attendance helps increase academic gains. Our weekly attendance rate was down to 94%. Please help us reach 98% this week! We want to celebrate our students for being present at school. Our tardy rate was 3%. Let's work hard to get to school on time. Help us continue to decrease that number. Remember students are tardy at 7:50.
Please remind your students of our PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) Expectations:
- Have respect
- Own our behavior
- Work towards success
Just a few reminders:
- Please plan on dropping students off in the car rider line. IMPORTANT: Please do NOT exit the vehicle during arrival/dismissal. If you need to exit the vehicle in the morning, please park in a parking spot and then walk your child in the school. In the afternoon, you can pull up to the front if you need to exit your vehicle to assist your child with buckling. When arriving at the school for the car rider line, all cars must turn right on Sutton from North Ave. No left turns should be made from Sutton Avenue into the school car rider line. If you must are tardy or must enter in the front entrance please park in a space. For safety purposes, please do not park in the fire lane.
- Doors open at 7:00am. Tardy Bell rings at 7:50am and announcements begin at 7:40am. Instruction begins at 7:50 this year. Students need to be in their seats ready to learn at this time. If you have to drop your students off in the front of the building because they are tardy, you must walk your student in and sign them in. We would love to have students here by 7:35 so they can participate in announcements. If the car rider line is closed. Please drive to the front to walk your student inside. If you would like to eat breakfast, ID will be required to enter the building and you must sign in at the front office. Your visitor sticker allows you entrance to the cafeteria only. After you eat, please let your child walk to class alone while you sign out at the front office and exit the building. This policy is for safety purposes. It is important that I know who is in the building and where they are.
- Information about Birthday Treats: Please contact the teacher in advance if you want to send in birthday treats. We can only have store bought birthday treats. Due to allergies and the safety of students, we cannot give out homemade items
- In the afternoon, please remember that all students should be picked up by 3:00 pm unless they are enrolled with the YMCA at West Side.
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Attendance Information:
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When a student is absent, please send in documentation for why the student was absent.
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You can send in parent documentation for 5 days during the first semester (Aug-Dec) and then 5 days during the second semester (Jan-May). Once you reach the 5 parent note limit, absences will be unexcused unless a doctor's note is given.
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After multiple unexcused absences, parents will be required to sign an attendance contract per Catoosa County Attendance Policy.
Please make sure that you are connected to your child's teacher on Class Dojo! There will be important information posted there throughout the year from teachers and administrators. If you have any concerns please feel free to reach out to your child's teacher. If you need to reach administration at any time, please reach out via email or phone call. Have a great week. We are thankful that you are a part of West Side where our mission is to ensure high levels of learning for all students!
WEST is the BEST! We love our students!
School Safety
You may find the following resources helpful when talking with your child about school safety:
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