Friday
February 12
Spirit/Pizza Day
2nd Grade to Pacific NW Ballet
Monday-Friday
February 15-19
Mid-Winter Break
NO SCHOOL
Monday
February 22
Afterschool Enrichment Classes Start
Tuesday
February 23
Chinese New
Year Assembly
9:30am
Friday
February 26
SPIRIT/Pizza Day
Re-enrollment contracts due
Wednesday
March 3
Assembly 9:30am
Friday
March 12
SPIRIT/Pizza Day
February 11, 2010
From Jo Ann - Parent Survey
Serving Learning - Help for Haiti
Money, Money, Money!
Catalog Advertising
Auction RSVP
Innerspark Summer Camp Reigstration Online
Chinese New Year Assembly
Library Challenges
Items of the Week - Vacation Getaways!
From Jo Ann
Parent Survey
Every year, Westside families are asked to participate in our annual Parent Survey. The online survey can be reached at here. The survey is confidential and anonymous. It’s used by both the Board of Trustees and the administration to collect thoughts and opinions on how our program meets expectations, and provides year-to-year data that’s important to our on-going effort to recognize trends. Both the Board of Trustees and I appreciate hearing what you think. Thank you for your participation.
Service Learning: Help for Haiti
By Renee Smith, First Grade Teacher
How much do we tell the kids? What should they see of the catastrophic news on TV? Do we hide the front page of the paper? These are questions parents ask, and one that parents answer in their own ways. But no matter what, every first grader in Renee’s class raised hands when asked why Haiti was in the news.
We want to help. It’s the natural reaction for all of us. And we want our children to learn what they can from tragedy: to care, sacrifice, and work to relieve suffering when we can.
An opportunity for us to serve arrived via one of our parents, Cause Haun, whose shoe business, See Kai Run, had contributed to an organization called Soles4Souls (souls4soles.org). One thing led to another, and here we are! Renee’s first grade and Stuart’s third grade are “paired up” to collect new or gently used shoes for Haiti.
There are as many individual ways to help as there are individuals. Families contribute in their own ways. This program fits Westside’s need to respond in a tangible, hands-on way. It’s a way children can feel and understand giving. “No shoes? Here, I’ll share.” It fits our curriculum in its recycle nature, and our passion for global awareness. It is also something that is sorely needed in Haiti, where the ground is hot enough to burn.
First grade has made signs and hung them up around the school. We have set out two giving boxes, one by the main doors and one by the first grade rooms. Please also include a small donation of $2 per pair of shoes to help with the shipping costs. Third grade will help us as we gather the shoes and collect the money. We plan to collect as many shoes as possible between now and March 5th, when they will be sent to Soles4Souls en route to Haiti. All sizes and varieties of shoes are welcome. We hope you will participate. If the shoe doesn’t fit, get rid of it!
(Soles4Soles was recently on Extreme Home Makeover. More information is available here.)
Money, Money, Money
By Jill Weaver, 2nd grade teacher
In second grade we are studying money. We are reviewing how to add money as well as continuing to learn how to subtract money. Students retain this information better and continue to explore money values if given many opportunities to use money in real-life situations. Here are a few activities to explore at home together.
• At the end of the day, empty the change from your pocket or purse and let your child count it.
• Have your child accompany you to the grocery store and use a calculator to help you add up the total cost of the items you buy.
• Let your child make change for purchases costing less than $1.00.
• Give your child a “clothing allowance” and let him/her select clothes from a catalog that fall within the budget you have set.
• When you go out to eat, let your child help you determine the cost of the meal by using the restaurant menu.
Working with money is motivational for children, especially when some of that money is their own. By giving your child a small amount of money and letting him/her choose how to spend it, you will provide a real-life application of skills we are working on at school.
Catalog Advertising
There’s still time for you to place an ad in the auction catalog. Advertise your company, thank your child’s basketball coach or advertise anything else you might want. Ads are 5 by 8 for a full page, and cost just $100 ($50 for a non-profit ad). Questions? Contact advertising chair Kristin Mariani at kmariani1@yahoo.com.
Auction RSVP
Did you RSVP online? It’s fun and easy! However, you don’t get to list who you’d like to sit with… so if you do RSVP online, just send an email to janar@westsideschool.org with your preferences. Every effort is made to meet your requests! (The online link is also on our home page.)
New & Improved!
Innerspark Summer Camp
Registration is online now!
This year, Innerspark is new and improved! Camps are being offered for 6-weeks, and are available for current K-5th graders. Our own Tara Potter (aftercare coordinator, kindergarten assistant) is heading up camp for grades 2-5. Campers will be out and about, exploring Seattle and enjoying summer in the great outdoors. Third grade teacher Joe is once again heading up camp for grades K and 1. Each week features and new and different them. Check out the website for program details.
Chinese Assembly
By Ching-Hsien Shu, Chinese Teacher
All parents are invited to our Chinese New Year assembly on Feb. 23 at 9:45am. Every grade will sing a song for their families and friends. There also will be other fun activities such as the lion/fan dance and the Kitchen God will visit the school and hand out red envelopes to students.
Library Challenges
By Sarah Wildflower, Librarian
The younger children who use the library learn to use it by finding their favorite books. Some girls know that most princess books are found in the fairy tale section, and can help other children find princess books when they are looking for them. Other children specialize in pets, Star Wars, or Rainbow Fairies. When they reach 2nd grade, students start learning more about how to use the library by doing library challenges. A library challenge is a slip of paper with the necessary information to find a book. For example:
Call Number: Picture books Bunting, Authors: Bunting, Eve and
Diaz, David, Title: Smoky Night
Students often work in teams, and I usually do the first few challenges with them. We start by dissecting the challenge. The first part is the call number – which section is this in? (They are often tripped up looking in the wrong section. Has that ever happened to you?) Once we have determined where the book is, we find where that section is in the library. We find where the section starts and ends, and then guess where “B” is going to fall in it. Once we have a shelf to start looking at, we narrow it down even further. When we find “Carle,” we know that we need to go back, When we find “Andarle,” we know that we need to go forward. Once we’ve found the “B” section, it’s trickier. We look at each letter. I look at the call number of the book on the shelf while they look at the call number on the slip.
I say, “My first letter is B.”
They say, “So’s mine.”
I say, “My second letter is R.”
They say, “Mine is U.”
I say, “We’re at R and we need to get to U. Which way do we go?”
They say, “We need to go forward.”
We pull books slightly out so we can tell that we want to look halfway in between “Andarle” and “Carle,” then halfway between “Bruel” and “Carle,” until we’re between just a few books. Once they have found “Bunting,” they then search for the correct title.
The Westside Library is organized the same way as the public library; middle and high school libraries are also organized the same way. We use the Dewey Decimal System to organize books by subject, separating children’s fiction and picture books, and organize by author’s last name. Once children have learned to navigate this library, to find any book on the shelf, they will be able to do the same in any other library they meet.
I require that each 2nd and 3rd grader either borrow a book (showing that they know how to find the particular kind of book they like) or do a library challenge each week. And every few weeks I have everyone do library challenges. When a student fails to complete one, my only consequence is that the next week, I am ready to do a library challenge with them first thing. That way, they not only have a chance to make it up, but also have the guidance to figure out what was making it too hard before.
I’ve found that the children who at first complain about having to do a library challenge have become some of my most enthusiastic students. Where in October, I heard, “Do I have to?” I now hear “We’ve done all the three star challenges, can we please have the four star ones now?” and “We did eight!”
Westside’s Auction Getaways
By Kate Petrich, Auction Procurement Chair
We’ve got our own Westside “Expedia.com” right here! For your vacation planning, here is a preview of some outrageously wonderful vacation homes offered to you by some of our generous Westside families. Please contact me (katepetrich@gmail.com) for more details. (Unless otherwise noted, all vacation homes are valid on a mutually agreeable date.)
One Week in Honolulu Hawaii
Stay one week in a private, luxury, two-bedroom apartment in Honolulu. Love planes and/or history? This place is close to Pearl Harbor and has outrageous views of the airport, where you can watch F15’s, 747’s, and an occasional submarine surfacing! It comfortably sleeps 4 or 5, has a fully-equipped kitchen and 21/2 baths, plus features everything for great family fun - toys, foosball and a beach just 10 minutes away. Thank you Lisa Hadley & Angel Colmenares
Seven Nights at Tahoe’s Incline Village, NV
Enjoy a seven night get-away to beautiful North Shore Lake Tahoe! This upscale, 3-bedroom, 21/2 bath condo sleeps six, features a hot tub and sauna, and is just one block from a private beach. Nearby amenities: ski resorts (Diamond Peak, Mt. Rose, North Star, Squaw Valley, Royal Gorge, Sugar Bowl), a recreation center (available to guests for a nominal fee), casinos and more! Includes a $300 rental car allowance. Available Sept 2010 - June 2011. Thank you Kim Valenzano & Shelley Gaddie
Three Nights at a Mt. Rainier/Crystal Mountain Vacation Home
Spend three nights and four days in this cabin on the bank of the White River. It’s perfect for winter skiing or summer hiking/fishing. Located just 10 minutes west of the entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park and the Crystal Mountain turn-off. Comfortably sleeps 8-10. Thank you Krista & Pitt Means
Six Nights at an Anderson Island Beach House
Retreat to this South Sound Beach House for seven days and six nights. Located on Anderson Island, this beach house has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 bunkhouse, and easily sleeps 8-10 people. Anderson Island has a golf course, restaurant, and country store. The ferry leaves from Steilacoom. Thank you Judith Arvidson and Davie Farrell
One Week at a Rocky Mountain Cabin
One week in a 100-year old log cabin on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park, Colorado) is sure to recharge your batteries. The cabin has a tennis court, and hiking, fly fishing and horseback riding are all nearby. Thank you Hallidie & Donald Haid
Four Nights at a Winthrop Mountain Home
Enjoy four nights & five days perched high above the Methow Valley in a three bedroom mountain home. With either plenty of snow, or sunny warm weather, expect a flourish of eagles, deer, coyotes, and stupendous views. Like an eagle’s nest placed on 20 acres of beauty, the home has access to hundreds of miles of biking, hiking, and cross-country ski trails. It’s near Bear Creek golf course and Winthrop. The home comfortably sleeps up to eight people, and offers a fully equipped kitchen, three bathrooms, outdoor fireplace, and hot tub. Thank you Megan & Dan Dahl
Three Nights at a Mazama Trailside House
This five bedroom/four bath rustic ranch house on the Methow Valley trail sleeps 12 and has convenient access to 200km of cross-country ski trails or mountain biking. Step back to 1970...no wi-fi, no flat screen, most cell phones don’t work... a perfect stress reducing opportunity! Mutually agreeable date. Not available: 12/18-1/3, MLK, or President’s Day weekends.
Thank you Mollie & Kris Jensen
Loon Lake Weekend with the Alexander Land Family
Join Westside first grader Alexander Land and family at their cabin in Eastern Washington. This rustic, lakefront cabin was built in 1946 by Alexander’s grandfather and great grandfather. Includes 2-3 night stay and 2 homemade gourmet dinners. Swim in warm Loon Lake, play on the sandy beach, kayak, mountain bike in the Huckleberry Mountains, fish off the dock or by boat, hike and explore the surrounding forests. Enjoy the sunsets, nightly beach fires with s’mores at this very special kids’ paradise. Big bonuses: no TV, Internet or phone. The cabin is located 5-1/2 hours from Seattle and is north of Spokane. Accommodates a family of five. The weekend selection to be coordinated between families during the summer of 2010. Thank you Pam Allen & Jason Land
Two Nights at Pacific Beach
Escape to a cozy three bedroom, one bath beach cottage on the Washington Coast for two nights. Located in quaint Pacific Beach, it’s just down the road from Seabrook, and just steps from the beach. Kids and dogs are welcome, or make it a romantic weekend for two--long beach walks and evenings in front of the fireplace. Includes a spacious, fully-fenced yard, full kitchen, wrap-around deck, Cable TV, DVD/VCR, kid-safe gas fireplace, I-Pod/MP3-compatible stereo, and a movie library. Thank you Katy & Carl Guess
Five Nights in Whistler
Five nights at The Westin Resort & Spa will spoil you rotten. The 2-bedroom, 2-bath condominium sleeps six and is ideally located at the base of world-class Whistler Mountain. So, whether your stay includes golf at the championship courses nearby, canoeing on the River of Golden Dreams, or skiing the two highest vertical rise mountains in North America, your stay will be an experience worth reliving time and time again. Mutually agreeable dates, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and mid-winter break. Book early for best accommodation times. Thank you Mary & Stan Harrelson
Two Nights at Roche Harbor Resort
Two nights lodging at Roche Harbor Resort in the luxurious Quarryman Hall or McMillin suites. As an added bonus, enjoy a certificate good toward dinner for two or a spa treatment. Book early for best availability, but there are no date restrictions. Thank you Denise & Mark Tabbutt
One Week at a Sunserra Vacation Home
Spend up to six nights and seven days at this home in Crescent Bar, Washington. The home sleeps up to 8 with two master suites, a kids’ bedroom with twin over double bunk, hot tub, and media room. It’s only 2.5 hours from Seattle and only 45 minutes to Mission Ridge skiing. Community amenities include pool, tennis, spa, exercise room, golf, and jet ski rentals. Thank you Laura Newcomer & Robert Hadley
One Week Stay in Vail
Seven nights lodging at Marriott’s Streamside Resort in Vail, Colorado. A one bedroom/loft that sleeps up to six (four with privacy) and features two full baths and a fully equipped kitchen. Shuttle service to the base of Vail and other Summit County Resorts are right out your door. Thank you Teri & John Muench
Five Nights in an Ojai Villa
Are you ready for five nights in “Shangri-La”? This charming community is known as a haven for artists, musicians and health enthusiasts. A village of about 8,000, Ojai is filled with delightful shops and art galleries. Walk its oak-shaded paths taking some time to drink in the serenity of it all. Located in Southern California, about 12 miles inland from Ventura, this fabulous Mediterranean villa has all of the amenities you need: 5-bedrooms (sleeps up to 13), 5-baths, gourmet kitchen, tranquil swimming pool, hot tub, 2-acres of land with citrus trees and a spectacular view of the Ojai Valley. Ojai offers limitless possibilities for day trips, including walking, and equestrian trails just one block from the villa. Thank you Friend of Westside
Stay tuned for next week’s “Get it Done” article listing items that can help you with projects big and small!