Friday
Sept. 12
Spirit/Pizza Day
Laura’s 2nd
Grade Coffee
Monday
Sept. 15
4th Grade Coffee
Tuesday
Sept. 16
5th Grade Coffee & Middle School Info
Wednesday
Sept. 17
Margie’s 1st Grade Coffee
Board Meeting
6:30pm
Thursday
Sept. 18
Renee’s 1st Grade Coffee
Friday
Sept. 19
Erin’s 2nd Grade Coffee
Movie Night
(see article)
Monday
Sept. 22
Nancy’s PS/PK Coffee
Tuesday
Sept. 23
Stuart’s K Coffee
September 11, 2008
Upcoming Events - Movie Night
Upcoming Events - Wine Social
Volunteers Needed!
Thank You!
From Jo Ann - The History of Education
From the Library
Assembly Update
Thanks to Room Parents & Thanks for Parent Folders
Spirit/Pizza Day Reminders
Owls, Bats & Creatures, OH MY!
WPO Welcome
Afterschool Enrichment
Upcoming Events!
Family Movie Night, Friday, Sept. 19
Mini-Double Feature: You’re Not Elected Charlie Brown
(only 25 minutes, rated G) and Nim’s Island (rated PG)
By Kate Petrich, WPO President
Come for one or both! Free Admission!
5:45pm Doors open for Pizza/Spiritwear Sales
6:00pm You’re Not Elected Charlie Brown Pre-Show
6:25pm Nim’s Island (1hr 35min)
Something for everyone! Come to our FIRST EVER mini-double feature. We’ll begin with a short 25 minute showing of You’re Not Elected Charlie Brown, for the junior movie goers who need to get home to their pillows, followed by a movie for the older children, Nim’s Island.
Everyone - friends, neighbors, grandparents, parents, students – is invited and admission is free! Kids are welcome to come dressed in their PJ’s; bring pillows, mats, sleeping bags, etc., to make movie viewing comfy. (Big chairs will be set-up for parents in the back). Westside spiritwear, pizza and other concessions will be for sale.
Jan Ellis, our Movie Night chair, facilitated a vote among the 4th and 5th graders to select Nim’s Island. For those of you who haven’t seen this tropical adventure story, it’s rated PG for “mild adventure” (scary storms), but is “good family fun… a positive story with a great role model for girls and boys.” For more on Nim’s Island, please click this link: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/Nims-Island.html. So come hungry and enjoy. Fun volunteer jobs are still available. For more information, please contact Jan Ellis jan326@comcast.net or call 206-244-9836. Overflow parking is available in the Explorer West lot off 30th Ave SW.
Wine Social
Saturday, September 27 at the admin house
Drop in between 5 and 8pm or stay the whole time!
As we begin another year at Westside, it’s great to connect with friends and families from all grades. Often, individual classes and/or grades get together, but rarely do we get the opportunity to socialize across all grades.
A couple years ago, Westside began the tradition of a wine social. We are bringing that tradition back this year, and hope to continue this event annually. Please join us on Saturday, September 27. Feel free to drop-in for a glass of wine and some cheese before your evening out, on your way home, or stay the entire time. Doors open at 5pm. Hope to see you there! (This event is for adults only.)
Volunteers Needed
Library Volunteers
Do you like to read? Bet your kids do too. If you would like to foster this lifelong desire to read, please volunteer at the Westside library. We are looking for volunteers for the following schedule:
Monday
9:30-12:00 (Renee’s class and 3rd)
1:30-2:45 (Nancy’s class and Margie’s)
Tuesday
8:30-10:40 (Erin and Laura’s classes)
1:30-2:30 (Kindergarten).
The early morning shift each day would shelve books, then check books out; the afternoon would only check out books. If you are interested, please sign up online. If you have questions, please contact Amy Huber amyhuber@comcast.net, WPO Volunteer Coordinator.
Pizza Day Volunteers – Especially for the Second Pizza Day
We still need a few volunteers for pizza days. Your time commitment can be as little as 30 minutes, from 11:45 to 12:15pm, AND you get to eat lunch with your child after the pizza’s been served. If you’re available, even 75% of the time, please sign up!
Here are the dates:
First Pizza Day of the Month (9/12, 11/7, 12/5, 1/9, 2/13, 3/13, 5/1, 6/5)
Second Pizza Day of the Month (9/26, 10/17, 11/21, 1/23, 2/27, 3/27, 4/17, 5/15)
Sign up online! Questions? Please email pizza chair, Kathleen Whitson, at Kathleen.whitson@gmail.com.
Thank You
It’s always great when parents volunteer to pitch in and help out! We have a part-time maintenance person, Thai, who works on a variety of projects and general building maintenance, but his hours are filled and there’s still more to do! So when a parent volunteers to lend a hand, it’s much appreciated. Thank you to Amanda Cox and Bellamy Sitkiewicz (K) for weeding the front garden last weekend, and to Joel Wasserman for painting the first grade deck (2nd grade and PK).
Coffee and caffeine is a huge part of many of our parents’ and teachers’ mornings! A big thank you goes out to the Bizzarri family (K Stuart) for donating a large, air-pump coffee pot for the curriculum coffees, meetings and events and Lori Lieske (5th grade and Erin’s 2nd grade class) for coordinating this donation and setting it up.
From Jo Ann
The History of Education,
Part 1 - Traditional Schools
Westside School is an Independent School Accredited by Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS). Our accreditation membership is entirely voluntary. By going through this process, we regulate ourselves, through self- and peer evaluation. Thus we assure the public that not only are our standards are in place but that the school is indeed meeting those standards.
An independent school program is developed from the school’s stated mission and philosophy and from knowledge of the needs of its students. The educational program stems from a set of guiding beliefs and assumptions about the ways in which its students learn. Consistent with PNAIS philosophy, the school’s program includes a balance of humanities, fine arts, language, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education and technology, as appropriate to the program. The member school promotes student development in at least these domains of human learning: intellectual, emotional, aesthetic, physical and social. Westside School’s program encourages open inquiry and provides for an appropriate balance among the following components of learning: factual mastery, skill development, creativity, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
This is very different from schools as they have existed throughout history. In Medieval society – out of which European and later American education traditions evolved – schools did not aim to produce the sort of thinking, reasoning individuals that would be required in later democratic societies. People were expected to be counted on to follow a codified set of principles, particularly in regard to religion. Rather than developing young people who could solve problems, schools developed young people who could read the Bible. Classical schools discussed the philosophy of the Greeks and Romans. Schools presented their information in an organized, formalistic framework.
As it evolved in the United States, the Traditional School continues this formality, with teachers imparting codified knowledge to desk-bound children. These schools are predominantly static in subject matter, authoritarian in methods and, for the young people, mainly passive and receptive. Today while a traditional approach to education is still a choice, there are many alternative variations. (To be continued: Article Two “Alternative Approaches”)
From the Library
By Sarah Wildflower, Librarian
It’s great to be starting a new school year. The library is now open to families after school on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 2:45-4:00. If you want to visit with your children, and maybe check out more books that you would like to read to them, you are welcome to stop by. Please allow a few extra minutes the first time you visit to have a library card made.
Hopefully, if you have seen a library book, it has a green bookmark in it that says which day to return the book. Nancy’s afternoon class, first grade, third grade, and fourth grade come to the library every Monday. Claudia’s pre-kindergarten class, Kindergarten, second grade, and fifth grade come to the library every Tuesday. The website will have the library schedule as well. All books are borrowed for one week, with the option to renew repeatedly.
I know that you don’t always know when your child has borrowed books, so I try to send home a receipt with your child; if a book becomes two or three weeks overdue, I will send you an email. If you have an older child that you would like to also receive these emails, please let me know so that I can include them.
Please help your children remember to develop responsibility with their library books. It can be helpful to make a special spot to store library books at home – perhaps on a nightstand or dresser, or on a table by the front door.
The library is open to parents from 2:45-4:00 every Monday and Tuesday. Come in and visit with your children!
Assembly Update
One World Taiko a Great Success
On Friday, September 5th the sound of drums echoed through our campus. Westside School welcomed the Japanese drum team One World Taiko to kick-off the school year. Taiko drumming is an ancient, animated art form from Japan. This was a spirited, loud, and fun filled event enjoyed by all.
Upcoming Assemblies
On Thursday, October 9th Rene Bibaud will astound one and all with her internationally acclaimed Ropeworks presentation. On Wednesday, November 5th we will have the pleasure of welcoming from China the famous Chinese Acrobats. In the spring we will welcome back the opera with a presentation of Tales of Hoffmann: Doll Act. All of these events will be held in the Westside gym starting at 9:30.
Other Assembly Dates
Professional presentations are great, but the most memorable assemblies are presented by the children. Here is a tentative schedule of those dates. (You are welcome to attend any and all assemblies.)
Friday, December 5th Both First Grade Classes
Thursday, January 22nd Both Kindergarten Classes
Monday, February 2nd Both Second Grade Classes
Tuesday, March 3rd Third Grade
Wednesday, April 8th Fourth Grade
Friday, May 1st Fifth Grade
Thank You to Room Parents and Thank You for Parent Folders
By Kate Petrich, WPO President
Thank you to this year’s room parents for volunteering up for this important job. Many thanks also to Pam Snider and her husband, Jeff Kelsey, for the hours spent preparing this year’s fabulous new parent folders.
The WPO requests that you try to check your parent folder about once a week or so. Because some parents aren’t able to check their folders very often, if you put something important in one, you may want to tell the parent. Trying to find a parent folder? There’s only one folder per family, so if a family has more than one child at Westside, their parent folder is filed with the oldest sibling’s class. We also have separate sections for room parents and WPO officers. (See why this labeling job was so tedious? Thanks Pam & Jeff!).
Pizza Day & Logowear
By Kate Petrich, WPO President
Tomorrow is our first Spirit/Pizza Day of the year! The pizza will be supplied by Pizza Time. Drinks and side dishes are not included, so pack that separately if you wish. It’s not too late to sign up for the remaining pizza days if you missed this first one – just get your form and payment for the remaining days into the folder on the table outside the office. If you discover that your growing child now needs more pizza slices than you thought, you can also add slices to your order for the remaining pizza days as you need to.
Wearing logo wear, especially on Spirit/Pizza Day, is a great way for kids and parents to show their spirit. We have some logo wear at school for sale, (contact Kate Petrich at katipetrich@aol.com). For a wider color/style selection order online, or find the link on the parent/student network.
Owls, Bats, and Creatures, Oh My!
By Erin Woods, 2nd Grade Teacher
As we kick off the new school year, both sections of second grade will become explorers of the night! We are interested in everything that moves, slithers, and scampers while the moon is high in the sky. You guessed it! During the month of September, we will be studying Nocturnal Animals. The unit will include classroom visits with a live owl AND live bats. We will also be dissecting owl pellets and comparing and contrasting different types of animal bones. The students will wrap up the unit by researching and presenting a report on a nocturnal animal of their choosing.
The Nocturnal Animal Unit of Study is a great hook to engage our students in joyful learning right off the bat. (No pun intended.) This summer Laura Holmes, Judith Arvidson, and I attended a three day professional development course at Islandwood on teaching science through inquiry-based learning. Since then, Laura and I have been collaborating on ways we can implement even more inquiry-based learning into our curriculum and this unit is a reflection of that. Children are natural scientists and are innately curious about the world around them. Our goal for fostering and guiding the students’ sense of wonder will be to create active, imaginative, and life-long learners. So beware! If you aren’t a fan of things that go bump in the night, steer clear of the Westside second grades!
Welcome From the WPO Officers
By Kate Petrich, WPO President
Hello new parents, and welcome back to returning parents! My name is Kate Petrich, and I am delighted to be this year’s Westside Parent Organization (WPO) President. On behalf of the WPO Officers, I’d like to welcome everyone to an exciting year at Westside.
As you may know, the Westside Parent Organization (WPO) uses funds raised through Pizza Days, Halloween Fest, and other activities to pay for, among other things, school assemblies, Movie Nights, Family Dance, and teacher development beyond what Westside offers. As a parent at Westside, you are automatically a member of the WPO. Conversely, we are only as strong and healthy as your participation. Your getting involved in simple things from carpooling to helping on Pizza Day strengthens our community and our school. Furthermore, studies show that when parents are involved in their children’s school, their children do better at school. Learn about the activities coming up this year. Ask event chairs how to be involved, or keep reading the update for volunteer opportunities. They will be posted online as them come up.
Click here to read more about the WPO. For the handbook, click on the first link and read the WPO Parent Handbook (pdf file). The web page will also give you a list of WPO officers. We need your insight to help us improve what we do, so please contact any of us with your comments or questions.
As Westside continues to become more and more paperless, please familiarize yourselves with the your teacher’s website. Our generous room parents will be working hard this year helping with communications as well, and are also a tremendous resource for you.
Best Wishes for a great year, WPO Officers
After School Enrichment Classes
Session One
The always popular after school enrichment classes will be returning the week of September 29th. Sign-up online. Simply log on to westsideschool.org and look for the link on the Parent/Students Network page. Registration will be available on Monday, September 15, afterschool. Click here. We plan to offer four sessions throughout the year with a variety of classes.
Act Out!
When: Monday (Five week session starts Sept. 29)
Grades: Third through Fifth Grade
Time: 3:20-5:00pm
Cost: $75.00
Limit: 12 Actors
Come one come all to five weeks of theater fun! We will explore the art of theater through theater games and improvisation. These new skills will help us to tell our favorite stories on stage. We will focus on ensemble work, physical expression, and expanding our imaginations. We are pleased to have Keni Cohen work with our students this year. Keni is a parent of Kindergartner Sophia and a renowned acting instructor. He has worked with numerous schools and is a regular instructor at the Seattle Children’s Theatre.
Chess
When: Tuesday (Five week session starts Sept. 30)
Grades: First through Fifth Grade
Time: 3:20-4:30pm
Cost: $65.00
Learn to play chess, or practice what you already know! Chess can strengthen problem solving skills, teach children to make difficult and abstract decisions and enhance math abilities memory and critical thinking skills. The ever popular Elston Cloy (and former Washington State Youth Champion) returns to guide the chess class.
Science Adventures
When: Wednesday (Five week session begins Oct. 1)
Grades: First through Fifth Grades (No Kindergarten)
Time: 3:15-4:30pm
Cost: $75.00
Limit 14 Scientists
FANTASTIC PHYSICS Wanted! Scientists interested in finding out “how things work!” Take a closer look at the mysteries of magnetism and the secrets of cup stacking. Bowl your way through Newton’s laws of motion and learn about levers as we catapult through Fantastic Physics.
Computer Workshop - Google SketchUp
When: Wednesday (Five week session begins Oct. 1)
Grades: 4th and 5th Grade
Time: 3:30-4:30pm
Cost: $50
Limit: 6 Students
Westside’s own computer geek Kevin Jones will take the students deep into the world of Google SketchUp. Google SketchUp is software that you can use to create, modify and share 3D models.
Yoga
When: Thursday (Five week session begins Oct. 2, no class October 30th)
Grades: Kindergarten through Fifth Grade
Time: 3:20-4:30pm
Cost: $65.00
Limit 20 Yogis
Cynthia Voth & Joanna Bond return to help kids get in touch with their bodies, strengthen and relax their muscles, and develop coordination, focus and confidence. Each class will include sharing, breathing/centering (pranayama), postures (asana), games that incorporate the postures, and a closing relaxation. Yoga can be a fun exercise for kids. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.
Kindergarten Chess Club
When: Thursday (Five week session begins Oct. 2, no class October 30th)
Grade: Kindergarten
Time: 2:45-3:45
Cost: $65.00
Learn to play chess, or practice what you already know! Chess can strengthen problem solving skills, teach children to make difficult and abstract decisions and enhance math abilities memory and critical thinking skills. The ever popular Elston Cloy returns to guide the chess class.
Registration for all classes will be available on Monday, September 15, afterschool!