Westside Family Handbook

Westside students learn to think critically and act with compassion in a joyful, supportive community.

Our Vision

Westside is committed to being a collaborative, inclusive school where learners discover their unique strengths, embrace challenges, and develop a passion for learning, in order to contribute positively to their world.

Our Values

The Westside School Community acknowledges that we are on the ancestral lands of the Duwamish People. We make this acknowledgment with gratitude and a commitment to justice for the land itself and the Duwamish People, past, present, and future. We endeavor to join them in honoring and protecting the Water, Earth, Air, and Spirit of our shared home.

Accreditation

Westside School is a State of Washington-approved school and an accredited member of The Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS).  

Memberships

• Enrollment Management Association (EMA)
• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
• Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS)
• Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA)
• Puget Sound Independent Schools (PSIS)

The Board of Trustees is the governing body for Westside School. The Board works alongside the Head of School at a policy level to ensure the highest level of operational stewardship and to support the overall educational quality of the school. The Board oversees the mission of the school and ensures that its strategic and financial decisions are in line with Westside’s mission, vision, and values. The Board is composed of volunteers from within and outside of the Westside Community who commit their time, resources, and expertise to support and elevate the school. 

Board Committees

• Executive Committee: is made up of the Head of School, Board President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and other key stakeholders. This committee plans the Board meetings and acts as an advisory group to the Head of School. 
• Diversity, Equity, and Belonging Committee: Ensures that the board leadership addresses the principles of diversity, equity, and belonging (DEB) in its decisions and practices.
• Building and Grounds Committee: oversees the growth and development of the school’s site and grounds.
• Governance Committee: manages new Trustee recruitment and onboarding, reviews and revises (as needed) governance documents and policies, facilitates the annual Board self-evaluation process, facilitates Trustee education and training, and reviews the School’s annual audit.
• Advancement Committee: oversees the annual goals for admission, fundraising, and strategic marketing and monitors all activities of the school to ensure that the school meets its goals.
• Finance Committee: ensures the long-term financial health of the school. It reviews and approves the annual budget. This committee creates the financial policies.

Board Meetings

Board meetings are held monthly (refer to the school calendar for specific information) and are open to the public for observation; guests may not ask questions or participate in the meetings. Please contact our Board President (westsideboardoftrustees@westsideschool.org) with any questions for the Board. Items may be added to an upcoming meeting agenda for review.

Westside School is committed to supporting your family in being present during the school day. Excessive absences, tardies, or early dismissals can be disruptive to your child’s progress.  If you know your student will be absent, tardy, or need to leave early, please email attendance@westsideschool.org and your child’s classroom teacher (EL/LS) or advisor (MS).  

Appointments, Lessons, and Other Special Events

Help your children maintain consistent attendance in school by scheduling routine medical and dental appointments, outside lessons, and other special events after school hours. If your child has an appointment, please advise us via the attendance email and your child's teacher a day or two in advance so the teacher can plan for your child to arrive late or leave early. Parents must go directly to the reception desk to sign their child in or out during the school day.

Personal and Vacation Time

We strongly discourage parents from taking their children out of school, specifically for extended vacations outside of scheduled school breaks. The classroom experience at Westside School is rich in projects, group activities, and hands-on experiences that cannot be replicated when a child is absent or tardy. The classroom curriculum moves at a constant pace, and no matter how hard you and your child work to cover the content missed, some experiences cannot be made up. 

• Parents should notify their child’s teacher/advisor, Division Head, and email attendance@westsideschool.org, at least two weeks in advance of any such absence. 
• Middle School students are expected to communicate with their teachers and complete any assigned tasks before returning to school.
• Families of students with a significant number of such absences should expect a follow-up from the Division Head to discuss the impact on your child’s learning. 

Extended Medical Leave 

If your child requires extended medical leave for illness or injury, please call or email your Division Head. Our teachers and Division Heads, in cooperation with the Head of School, want to work with your family to support your child for consistent and continued success in school – especially during stressful circumstances. Please let us know how we can help you.

Middle school students are allowed to self-dismiss and sign out a lower school sibling if they are listed on the Middle School students’ self-dismissal form. All students must check out at the Front Desk before self-dismissing and leaving campus. The self-dismiss form is part of the normal back-to-school forms on Magnus Health. Permission to self-dismiss may be revoked at any time by emailing attendance@westsideschool.org.

Westside School is not responsible for children once they leave campus. It is up to parents and guardians to set appropriate guidelines and expectations for self-dismissing. It is up to parents and guardians to communicate their transportation schedule with their children.

Students are only allowed to leave with people who are on their authorized pick-up list. To add someone to your authorized pick-up list, email attendance@westsideschool.org. We must have your permission in writing.

Families will NOT be able to park in the Westside parking lot during the pickup time from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. If you wish to park and walk in the afternoon period, you must park on 32nd Ave or the surrounding area.

Drop-Off Windows

• Preschool: Doors open 8:30 am, class starts 8:45 am.
• Pre-Kindergarten: Doors open 8:15 am, class starts 8:30 am.
• Kindergarten-8th Grade: Doors open 8:15 am, class starts 8:30 am.

Dropping Off in Front of School

Enter the lot by making a left turn coming up from 32nd Ave SW or 33rd Ave SW. Please do not take a right turn into the lot from 104th Ave SW. This helps with traffic congestion. 

Dropping Off on 34th Ave

You may drop off your student on 34th Ave SW. This lane is for drop off only; there is no parking on either side of 34th Ave SW during drop-off or pickup. Please make sure to pull all the way forward to allow for other cars to drop off. 

Pickup Times

Please plan to arrive at your child’s scheduled dismissal time. Families who arrive early may be asked to circle the block until the previous group has finished dismissal.

• Preschool: 2:45 pm - park and sign out at preschool building.
• Pre-K – 2nd Grade: 3:00 pm (line opens 2:50 pm)
• 3rd & 4th Grade: 3:15 pm (line opens 3:10 pm)
• 5th – 8th Grade: 3:30 pm (line opens 3:25 pm)

Dismissal Steps for Grades PK-8th Grade:

1. Car Placards: Please place your family placard on your dashboard so staff can see it easily. This is essential for keeping pickup running smoothly. If you need another copy, please email Maryanne Olstead.

2. Pickup Line: The line starts at the school entrance, goes up 104th Ave., and wraps around onto 34th Ave. SW. Enter the line in order—please do not cut in (see map below).

3. Check-In: When you arrive, a staff member will enter your child’s name into our dismissal system. Please be sure they see you so your child is sent to the correct cone.

Do Not Park in the Pickup Line

Please do not park in the pickup line from 2:30-3:45 pm. This includes the top of the stairs on 34th Ave SW. 

Sibling Pickup

Families with multiple dismissal times may pick up all children at the later dismissal time. Preschool siblings will join aftercare until pickup.

Walking Up

If you prefer to skip the carline and walk to pick up your child, please park in the neighborhood and wait at the top of the stairs. A staff member will walk your child across the street. 

Authorized Pickup

Students may only leave with adults listed on their authorized pickup list. Updates must be sent in writing to attendance@westsideschool.org.

Parking Areas (Morning)

• Westside School Parking Lot
• Non-school side of 104th St. SW
• 32nd Ave. SW
• Surrounding area, avoiding fire hydrants and driveways
• Preschool Building
  • Parking lot or surrounding area

Please DO NOT park in the following areas:

The lane closest to school in the parking lot is drop-off only from 8:10-8:35 am

Either side of 34th Ave. SW. The lane closest to the school is drop-off only from 8:10-8:35 am.

Parking Areas (Afternoon)

• Non-school side of 104th St. SW
• 32nd Ave SW
• Surrounding area
• Preschool Building
  • Parking lot or surrounding area

Please DO NOT park in the following areas from 2:00-4:00 pm:

• Either side of 34th Ave. in front of the school.
• 104th St. SW bordering the parking lot.

Good Neighbor Policy

We intend to be courteous, respectful neighbors. We ask our families to be mindful of fire hydrants, driveways, and speed limits. Please do not park on the west side of 34th Ave SW (across from the school's main entrance) under any circumstance – even if it’s just for a short time.

Students should not attend school when they have a contagious disease, diarrhea, a fever (100.4 or above), have been vomiting within the last 24 hours, have yellow-green mucus discharging from their nose, or when they are in the early stages of a cold. Please send your child back to school only after they are symptom-free and have had a normal temperature for 24 hours without medication. If a student becomes sick at school, their parents/guardians or a specified person will be called to take them home.

Policy on Respiratory Viruses

Following Washington state guidelines, if you have respiratory virus symptoms that are not better explained by another cause (such as allergies), please stay home and follow CDC guidance for staying home and away from others; this includes people you live with who are not sick. Please report all positive cases to Leo Lai and Attendance.

Students and staff can go back to normal activities, including returning to school, when both of the following have been true for at least 24 hours:

• Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
• You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).

You can tell your symptoms are improving when you start to feel better and you feel well enough to fully participate in your activities, such as learning in a classroom. When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps such as practicing good hygiene, wearing masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. You may still be contagious with a respiratory virus after returning to your normal activities, so it is important to take additional precautions.

If your child has special health needs, please discuss this with the teacher and the Front Desk Coordinator to create an Emergency Health Plan if needed.

The Registrar will work with the Front Desk Coordinator and Student Support Team (Director of Student Life, Director of SEL, Director of Teaching & Learning) to create a list of students with special health care needs before the start of each school year. Special Health Care Needs are defined as students with a history of:

• Severe allergies, anaphylaxis, use of epinephrine
• Asthma/use of rescue inhaler
• Seizures
• Diabetes
• Heart-related illness
• Self-harm
• Other conditions identified by guardians and school that would necessitate a specialty care plan.

If your child has food allergies, please fill out a Food Allergy Action Plan form and give it to your healthcare provider to sign before giving it to the Front Desk Coordinator. Westside School has a legal obligation to accommodate a child with an allergy.

Westside School may restrict certain foods, including peanuts and other common allergens, in classrooms where life-threatening allergies are present. If a student is so allergic that touching or being near foods made with the allergen causes a severe, life-threatening reaction, Westside will work with the family to develop an appropriate risk management plan for that student. This may include restrictions in the classroom or with students sharing common eating spaces. 

If your child has food allergies, please fill out a Food Allergy Action Plan form and give it to your healthcare provider to sign before giving it to the Front Desk Coordinator. Westside School has a legal obligation to accommodate a child with an allergy.

Following state law, all students are required to be fully immunized in alignment with CDC regulations. We also strongly encourage all to stay up to date on any boosters as recommended by public health or a healthcare provider.

When head lice are present at Westside School, we notify the parents and take precautions at school by keeping personal belongings separate. Westside School will do all it can to prevent the spread of lice at school. The school expects parents to be responsible for checking and treating their students.

It is very important to follow the directions on your chosen treatment and thoroughly comb your child’s hair. Regular head checks at home are essential to eliminating head lice. We recognize lice are a nuisance, but they are not considered a serious health issue.

Students may return to school after receiving their first treatment and a thorough inspection.

Westside School must abide by the laws of Washington State covering the administration of oral medication to students. 

Oral Medication Statute - OTC and Prescription Medications

We are required to have a written request by a health professional for all medications, including over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen. The following is an excerpt from the statute: “The statute makes no distinction between prescription and non-prescription medications. In other words, simply because a school administers an OTC medication rather than a prescription medication does not relieve the school from the obligation to get a “written, current and unexpired request” from a Licensed Health Practitioner prescribing within the scope of his or her prescriptive authority for the administration of that medication.”

Medications by Routes Other than Oral

The following is an excerpt from the statute covering non-oral medications: “Medications such as ointments, eye or ear drops, suppositories, or injections ordered by an LHP can only be administered by student family members, registered nurses or licensed practical nurses, or self-administered by the student. The administration of medications by routes other than the mouth cannot be delegated to unlicensed school staff except in an emergency.”  For example, an emergency would be a student with allergies who is susceptible to a predetermined, life-endangering situation and requires an EpiPen on campus. In this case, parents and the health care provider must fill out a Food Allergy Action Plan.

If your child has to take any daily or as-needed medications while at school or on a school trip, this information must be recorded in the Medications section of the Health and Emergency Form. Please contact the Front Desk Coordinator if there are any changes or updates to this information throughout the year.

Please be as specific and clear as possible when sharing information about dosage, instructions, etc. Westside School can only accept medication for administration IN ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING and WITH PRIOR CONSENT. If there are unexplained discrepancies between packaging and health form instructions, we will not administer the medication to your child. To store daily, as needed, or as emergency medication on campus, please bring the medication (in original packaging) to the Front Desk Coordinator). To provide daily, as needed, or as emergency medication for an overnight trip, please bring the medication (in original packaging) to your child's advisor or teacher.

Westside has comprehensive and detailed emergency procedures that are clear and well-resourced. Westside School is constantly thinking about upgrades that are appropriate and necessary to improve the safety of our school while not unduly compromising the welcoming culture that is essential to our identity. Please contact Leo Lai with specific questions.

Emergency Care Plan

Students with identified special health care needs will have an Emergency Care Plan developed jointly by student guardians, the Front Desk Coordinator, and the Student Support Team. The Emergency Care Plan will be confidentially stored in the Infirmary. A list of students with Emergency Care Plans and minimal information will be provided to all staff in classroom red Emergency Binders, with individual needs and plans reviewed with teachers during Student Support meetings. 

Emergency Drills

Emergency drills will be held monthly at Westside School. The first few drills will be discussed with the children and will be slowly walked through so as not to frighten or upset the children. Please let us know if your child is upset by any of these drills. We practice fire, earthquake, lockout, lockdown, and shelter drills and talk about what the teachers and students do in the event of an earthquake.  

Snow and Other Emergency Closures

Westside School typically (but not always) follows the closing and late-start schedule for Seattle Public Schools. In the event of a closure or delay, all families will be notified via our emergency notification system of any school schedule change. School closures that exceed the extra days built into our schedule will usually be made up during vacation time or in June.

Please make sure your email and phone numbers are updated in the Family Portal to ensure we can contact you in the case of an emergency, school closure, or delay. Information will also be available on the school’s website and social media accounts.

Student Emergency Comfort Kits

Every Westside classroom is equipped with emergency supplies in preparation for an evacuation or an emergency that requires students and staff to shelter in place. Each year, we ask each family to supply their student with an Emergency Comfort Kit, as part of our preparedness plan. These kits will provide students with personalized comfort items in the event of a major emergency such as an earthquake or severe storm. 

Clothing

Label all children’s coats, hats, and clothing. Send your children to school in clothes appropriate for our Pacific Northwest weather. This includes a raincoat, rain boots, a change of clothes, and closed-toe shoes with rubber bottoms and no heels. Always send a coat or sweater since students go outside every day. Clothing should be comfortable and practical for wearing while doing messy activities. On the days when children participate in physical education, it’s especially important to wear clothing that will not hamper freedom of movement and appropriate shoes. Layered clothing is a good choice.

Personal Possessions

Students should not bring candy, toys, non-academic electronic devices, or money to school - unless one of these items is specifically requested by a teacher. No guns, knives, or other weapons (play or real) are allowed under any circumstances and will be confiscated.

Personal Devices: Phones, smart watches, and all other electronic devices used for communication:

Phones may not be used in school. If brought to school, they must be off and stored in the student’s cubby or backpack during school and after-school-program hours. Personal devices such as smartwatches may be in Watch Only mode. Watch Only mode must be enabled by the parent (not by the student) via the app, during school hours and after-school-activity hours.  Personal devices may only be switched out of School Mode once the student has been formally dismissed (picked up by an adult or self-dismissed from Middle School). The school has an Acceptable Use Policy which must be signed by all students in grades 3-8 - and by the parents or guardians of students in grades PS-2nd who bring a personal device to school.

Lost & Found

If your child is missing a personal item, call the front desk or at 206-932-2511, and we will work together to locate it. Lost & Found is donated regularly throughout the year. We will do our best to return labeled items to students prior to a donation.

Student Photo Policy

Westside uses photographs, videos, and images of activities, faculty, students, and families at school to communicate regularly with our internal community. In addition, we use that media publicly on our website, in publications, on social media sites, and in other marketing efforts.

Westside School assumes the right to include any student’s photo in both print and web publications unless otherwise notified by a family in writing. Our policy is to publish only the first name of any student mentioned in publications or on social media. In all cases, the use of that media is intended solely for the promotion of Westside School.

Families may request that the school not publicly publish or distribute images of their child. To do so, please send an email request to our Communications & Marketing Specialist, Shoshannah Hoffman, at shoshannahh@westsideschool.org.

Technologies are increasingly integrated into our lives, and students should be prepared to navigate and excel using these tools. By integrating technology into the curriculum, Westside School allows children a balanced and well-rounded education.

All school activities where students are involved shall be alcohol and drug-free. All students have the right to attend school in a safe and secure environment that is free from harmful substances. In order to protect students' health, safety, and welfare, Westside School reaffirms the traditional position of prohibiting the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages and other substance-abuse drugs on campus and at all school-sponsored activities on or off-campus where students are present.

No religious belief or non-belief should be promoted by Westside School or its employees, and none should be disparaged. Westside School encourages all students and staff to appreciate and be knowledgeable about each other’s religious and cultural views. The school recognizes one of its educational goals is to advance student knowledge and appreciation of the role religion has played in the social, cultural, and historical development of civilization.

At times, a parent will request that recommendations or forms be filled out for programs or schools outside the Westside community. This may include evaluations, assessments, or school entrance information. Please allow at least one week of advance notice for teachers to complete these forms. If you are requesting copies of records, fill out the organization’s “Transfer of Records” form and submit it to the Registrar, Christie VanSkike, at christiev@westsideschool.org. The school sends these evaluations and records directly to the organization requesting them.

Policy Guidance

Westside School’s Library Policy is guided by the mission, vision, and values of Westside School and its Diversity Statement.  It is also guided by the principles set forth in the Library Bill of Rights and its interpretative statements, including Access to Resources and Services in the School Library Program and The Students’ Right to Read statement of the National Council of Teachers of English. 

Westside’s Mission Statement: Westside students learn to think critically and act with compassion in a joyful, supportive community.

Westside’s Diversity Statement: Westside School is committed to promoting inclusiveness, diversity, and cultural competence in its education, employment practices, school community, and governance. It views inclusiveness as a fundamental value, diversity as a key element, and cultural competence as a vital skill necessary to prepare students to participate in and contribute to a global society. Westside uses the term diversity broadly to encompass differences in the attributes of individuals, families, and communities. 

Statement from the American Library Association:

"Libraries operated by private entities, including privately funded schools, universities, and colleges, are considered private actors and are not subject to the First Amendment. Libraries operated by private institutions must, therefore, rely on library ethical principles to create selection policies that establish sound standards for collection development and support the freedom to read. Because the Library Bill of Rights “affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas,” libraries that are not publicly supported are encouraged to observe its guidelines as they develop their selection policies."

Selection Criteria

The School Librarian is responsible for selecting material to add to or remove from the collection. Other constituents may be consulted. Community members may suggest titles for purchase; purchasing is at the discretion of the librarian, including taking into account whether or not the suggestion meets the selection criteria. 

Materials are evaluated on criteria including but not limited to:

• The mission, vision, and values of Westside School
• The curricular goals of the school, including the diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice goals of the school
• Educational, pedagogical, and librarianship trends
• Professional development needs
• The overall purpose of the content or goals of the author and/or publisher
• Significance, timeliness, and relevance of the content
• Readability and appeal of the content
• Accuracy, quality, and reputation of the content, author, and/or publisher
• Level of appropriateness of content based on age, emotional and intellectual development, ability, learning differences, etc.
• Reviews by reputable education and library journals
• Access and format, e.g.: collection materials in addition to print books
• Available space and budget

Gifts & Donations

All gifts and donations to the school, which are restricted to the library, are subject to the selection criteria. Material items, whether solicited or unsolicited, will not automatically be added to the collection. If materials are deemed inappropriate or become inappropriate for the library collection, they will be removed and discarded. Financial contributions will be spent at the discretion of library staff. 

Retention Policy

The librarian will regularly evaluate library materials and collections based on selection criteria, including changing curricular needs and reading interests, physical space, age and wear of the material, and updates to the accuracy and relevancy of the content, author, and/or publisher. Weeding (the library term for removing materials) is a vital part of collection development and allows a library to maintain a healthy and active collection. Materials removed from the physical collections may be donated or discarded by other means, depending on the condition. 

Reconsideration of Materials

In the event that the relevancy of materials is called into question, the following steps should be considered and applied.

• The person questioning the relevancy must submit their request in writing to the Head of School and librarian.
• The expectation is that the complainant will have read, viewed, or listened to the materials in their entirety before submitting the complaint.
• This statement must include specific reasons for requesting reconsideration of the inclusion of the materials within the collection. 
• The Head of School and librarian may schedule a conversation with the individual to clarify and discuss the issue. 
• The librarian and, if needed, other faculty and administrators shall read, view, or listen to the materials in question in their entirety. 
• After careful research and consideration, a written recommendation shall be submitted to the Head of School, who will make the final decision regarding the reconsideration.
• All materials will be kept in circulation until a decision has been made to remove them from the collection. 

Policy adopted by Westside Educational Leadership Team and HOS, October 2024

Westside Family HUB

The Westside's Family HUB holds important information such as recent communications and links to family resources. The Westside Family HUB is translatable into Traditional Chinese, Spanish, Amharic, Vietnamese, and Oromo. 

Westside Family HUB

Veracross Family Portal

The Veracross Family Portal is your central hub for managing student and family information. Use the portal to view report cards, complete health and permission forms, update your contact details, and access the school directory.

Veracross Family Portal (Password Protected)

Westisde Mobile App

Download the updated Westside School Mobile App for quick access to announcements, calendars, news, and the staff directory.

Download the Mobile App

Each grade level has a classroom HUB, where families can find grade-level newsletters, class lists, schedules, calendars, and other important information. These pages are password-protected, and the password can be found in communications from the start of the school year. If you need help with access, please contact Shoshannah Hoffman. Only current families and approved guests will have access to these pages. 

Classroom HUBS

On Tuesdays of each week that school is in session, families will receive the weekly Insider Newsletter via email. This publication will contain important school information, updates, and a weekly column from our Head of School. Archived Insider Newsletters can be found here. 

Questions about the Insider Newsletter can be directed to Communications & Marketing Specialist, Shoshannah Hoffman. 

Neither our families nor our employees may be subject to solicitation of outside businesses nor events while on the Westside School campus without permission. We will post Westside School or Westside School Family Association (WFA) sponsored events in the weekly Insider newsletter and on social media.

Teachers will communicate with families via email and phone calls. Each week, classroom teachers will send out grade-specific information to families via classroom newsletters. These newsletters give an overview of current projects, upcoming classroom events, and photos from the week. Early learning and lower school send out newsletters every week. Middle school sends out newsletters every other week. Archived newsletters can be found in the Classroom Hubs. 

Communication is an essential element of our school community and is the foundation for a successful relationship. The success of our mission is directly related to how families understand what we do and why we engage in specific activities.  

Teachers

The Westside School team works hard to keep families informed about their children's academic and social progress and related school events. Any concerns about your child's progress should be addressed first directly to the teacher. We are confident you will establish a relationship of candor and trust with our teachers and be able to discuss any concerns freely.  

The best way to reach out to your child’s teachers is to send them a brief email or leave a voicemail. Please allow teachers to attend to their classes during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. These are times when the teacher needs to focus on the students rather than on a parent's question or concern.

Division Heads

The Westside Staff includes several layers of support for faculty teams and parents. If you need further support, our Division Heads are a great resource for questions about division-wide themes or persistent academic or social issues. Our Division Heads and Learning Support Team are available for questions about learning strategies and support.

Westside School has a dedicated and talented staff of administrators. Please reach out to the appropriate administration team member with your question, issue, or observation.

Laura Anderson (lauraa@westsideschool.org), Director of Finance & Operations: Tuition billing, financial aid, facilities, and operations management.

Dr. Daryl Wright (dr.darylw@westsideschool.org), Head of School: School leadership, governance, resource development, strategic direction, community relations, concerns, or commendations

Nicole Caden (nicolec@westsideschool.org) Director of Advancement: Enrollment management, annual giving, major gifts, community relations, marketing initiatives.

Andrew DeLappe (andrewd@westsideschool.org), Business & Operations Associate: Billing and building maintenance.

Gina Griffiths (ginag@westsideschool.org) Early Learning Division Head: Program oversight for Preschool and pre-Kindergarten; parent, teacher, and student communication.

Shoshannah Hoffman (shoshannahh@westsideschool.org), Communications & Marketing Specialist: Westside communications, social media, Westside Stories blog, Insider newsletter, school calendar, family portals. 

Mary Kratz (maryk@westsideschool.org), Interim Middle School Head: Experiential education and curriculum coordination.

Michael Le (michaell@westsideschool.org) Director of Technology: Technology policies and student devices.

Leo Lai (leol@westsideschool.org), Director of Extended Day & Summer Programs: After-school care, after-school enrichment, summer programming.

Alysse Mastrude (alyssem@westsideschool.org), Enrollment Specialist: Admissions.

Catey Roe (cateyr@westsideschool.org), Director of Teaching & Learning: Learning strategies, support, and referrals, additional learning support coaching.

Mike Thomas (miket@westsideschool.org), Director of Athletics & Middle School P.E. Teacher: Team and league coordination, program and coaching oversight.

Holly Megan Thompson (hollymegant@westsideschool.org) Lower School Division Head: Program oversight for grades Kindergarten through fourth; parent, teacher, and student communication.

Christie VanSkike (christiev@westsideschool.org), Registrar, Assistant to the Head & Admissions: Student records, health forms, high school application support.

All Westside Faculty & Staff

The most up-to-date information can be found on the EDP page of the Westside’s website. 

Westside School provides extended care for students who need to be dropped off and/or picked up outside of the school day hours. Our extended care programs offer a safe, fun, and engaging environment for Early Learning students. To maintain the DCYF-required student-to-teacher ratio, Early Learning extended care programs only offer a 5-day-a-week contract. Students are not required to attend all 5 days. 

Early Learning Extended Hours

• Early Birds: Drop-off Window 7:30-8:00 (care is provided until the start of the school day)
• Stay and Play: Dismissal - 5:30 pm (students can be picked up at any time in this window)

All students must be picked up no later than closing time. Consistent late pickups for a student may result in extended day services being terminated.

Contracted After-Care

Families who register for after-care at the start of the school year will be enrolled through June. Late registrations are based on availability and will begin on the first day of the following month. Mid-month enrollment is not available. Payment is made monthly in advance via autopay, charged on the 1st of each month for that month's care. To cancel extended care, families must provide written notice at least 30 days prior to the next charge by emailing the Early Learning Division Head.

2025-2026 Early Learning After-Care Pricing

Childcare on In-Service and Conference Days

Childcare may be available on select in-service and conference days.

Enrichment classes are designed for kindergarten-8th grade students and offered once a week after school. 

Transition time and snack: All students enrolled in an enrichment class will have a brief transition period between their grade level dismissal and the enrichment class start time. They will be supervised and served a Westside-provided snack.

Dismissal and EDP: Students not enrolled in EDP on the day of their enrichment class are expected to be picked up at the class end time. Students who are not picked up within 10 minutes of the class end time will automatically be enrolled in EDP and asked to pay the standard drop-in fee of $44/afternoon.

Students with an EDP contract who are scheduled to attend aftercare the day of the enrichment class will be directed to their EDP space after the class is over. Pickup will be before 5:30pm and follow the same procedure as regular EDP.

Cancellations: Each class has a minimum number of students required to run. Classes cancelled by Westside School, due to low registration, will result in a 100% refund.

Withdrawals/Refunds: If circumstances change and your family needs to cancel the class, requests for refunds must be made by a specified date, which can be found on the EDP page of the website. 

Find out more about Enrichments

Westside's values extend from the classroom to the field or court -- our student athletes work together collaboratively, play fairly, exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship, and most of all, have fun. All of our sports are "no cut" sports.

Westside's Athletics Program includes soccer, cross country, basketball, volleyball, and Track & Field.

Find out more about Westside Athletics

At Westside, we believe that face-to-face communication with our parents, both formal and informal, is vital to our students' success. Throughout the year, we have three formal conferences with families. One occurs before school starts to give us a chance to hear from our caregivers about their goals for their child’s year, as well as to share any information that may be helpful, so we can better meet their child's needs. The second conference is scheduled for the end of October, so we can share student work, progress, and observations with parents. Finally, we have the third conference in April. These conferences are a chance to connect one more time and articulate each child's learning between spring and the end of the year. 

In Westside’s Early Learning Program, our classrooms are designed to support children as they build confidence in themselves, explore the world around them, and develop the foundations for lifelong learning. Clear, thoughtful communication with families is an essential part of this work and a cornerstone of our home-school partnership.

In Preschool and Pre-K, we share each child’s progress through a comprehensive Progress Report that reflects how children approach learning and how they are growing over time. This report, along with family conferences and your child’s ongoing portfolio, offers a holistic view of development and learning across the school year.

What the Early Learning Progress Report Includes

Rather than focusing on grades, the Early Learning Progress Report highlights a child’s learning process, emerging skills, and unique strengths. It includes a set of Learning Indicators and a narrative Learning Story that together provide insight into your child’s development across six key areas:

• Approaches to Learning
• Social-Emotional Development
• Language, Literacy, and Communication
• Math and Science
• Expression
• Physical Development and Health

Teachers gather information through daily observations, classroom interactions, and one-on-one assessments. In early childhood, learning is deeply relational, and adult support plays an important role. As children grow, the type and amount of support they need shift naturally. Our assessment reflects both what children are able to do and how much guidance they require along the way.

How Development Is Described

To describe learning clearly and consistently, we use a shared developmental progress key. This framework reflects both skill development and levels of adult support:

• I - Independently: Begins and completes tasks without adult support
• M - Minimal Adult Support: Generally works independently with occasional support
• B - Benefits from Adult Support: Regularly needs guidance or reminders
• R - Requires Adult Support: Needs consistent adult support to engage or complete tasks
• O - Observed: Skill has been seen but not yet assessed
• N - Not Observed Yet: Skill has not yet been observed in the classroom

This approach recognizes that development is not linear and that children grow at their own pace.

Learning Stories: Making Learning Visible

In addition to Learning Indicators, Early Learning teachers use Learning Stories to document, reflect on, and celebrate children’s learning. Learning Stories capture meaningful moments of play, exploration, collaboration, and problem-solving, offering a window into how children learn in everyday classroom experiences.

Each Learning Story includes:

• A narrative observation of a child during daily learning experiences
• An analysis highlighting strengths, interests, and learning approaches
• Reflections on possible next steps to support or extend learning
• An invitation for families to respond and reflect with their child

Learning Stories are written directly to the child and are meant to be shared with them. This child-centered approach helps make learning visible and valued, and it invites children to see themselves as capable, engaged learners.

A Holistic and Collaborative Approach

Together, Learning Indicators and Learning Stories provide a balanced and meaningful picture of each child’s development. Families are essential partners in this process. The narrative format encourages shared conversations at home, offers space for family insights, and supports ongoing collaboration between teachers and families.

By weaving together observation, reflection, and interpretation, we aim to honor the whole child and support learning in ways that are personal, thoughtful, and responsive.

Our teachers support their students by knowing them as individuals, helping them navigate the daily ups and downs of friendships and cooperative learning groups, challenging them academically at developmentally appropriate levels, and encouraging them to solve problems for themselves rather than solve for them. They administer quizzes, math and spelling tests, pre-tests and post-tests on numerous units of study, and so much more.

At Westside, we have measurable achievement goals for our students: we want them to become outstanding readers, impressive writers, accomplished mathematicians, and curious scientists, and to be exceptionally well-prepared for high school. Knowing how each student is doing compared to grade-level expectations is critical to us. As a result, we are very purposeful and thoughtful about the kinds of achievement tests we administer and at what age.

Twice a year, our 3rd-8th grade students take the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Growth Test. We do not administer standardized tests to students in 2nd grade or younger. 

The MAP Growth test is produced by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) out of Oregon. It measures students’ knowledge in math, reading, and language usage and informs us about what our students are ready to learn next. MAP is an online assessment that adjusts to each student’s responses. It is a personalized, untimed assessment that measures performance. 

Our goal in using MAP at Westside is to use it in conjunction with other forms of assessment in order to inform and set goals for each unique learner. With proper implementation twice a year, teachers can receive results with the MAP Growth tests that show what students know and what they are ready to learn. The results can then be used to help personalize lessons at the appropriate level for each student.

World Language courses follow ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) standards and use standards-based grading. Student reports align with ACTFL proficiency levels, showing expected growth and competencies for each grade.

ACTFL defines three levels - novice, intermediate, and advanced - each with low, mid, and high sublevels. Because Spanish and English share similarities, students may reach some standards in Spanish sooner than in Mandarin. Typically, by the end of 5th and 6th grade, students reach Novice Low (NL) to Novice High (NH). By the end of 7th grade, proficiency is usually Novice Mid (NM) to Novice High (NH) in Mandarin and Novice Mid (NM) to Intermediate Low (IL) in Spanish.

Westside Middle School utilizes Schoology to support communication between school and home regarding teaching and learning. This system is used as a tool to organize student learning into a central location. It holds information about the individual courses your child is enrolled in, assignments and their due dates for those courses, feedback, and grades on formative and summative assessments. There is a central calendar for all courses, so families at home can support their child(ren) in their learning. 

• Schoology Information Session Q & A
• Schoology Login Instructions

Team Members Include:

• Catey Roe, Director of Teaching & Learning cateyr@westsideschool.org 
• Kalei Sabaratnam, Middle School Ethics and Equity Teacher kaleis@westsideschool.org 
• Jennifer Cortez, Lower School Learning Support, jenniferc@westsideschool.org
• Meghan Harshman, Lower School Learning Support, meghanh@westsideschool.org
• Mallary Duplant, Middle School Learning Support, mallaryd@westsideschool.org
• Vanessa Lopez, Early Learning and Middle School Learning Support, vanessal@westsideschool.org
• Kajal Maniar, Middle School Counselor, kajalm@westsideschool.org
• Remi Smith, Early Learning & Lower School Counselor, remis@westsideschool.org

In the Classroom

The classroom teacher will give you guidelines to support the children at each level. Whenever you are in the classroom, allow the teacher to discipline the children in the class. However, if you see something that you have questions about, please confer with the teacher.

Admissions

Research shows that families in search of a school for their students deeply value input from current Westside parents and guardians. The Advancement Team hosts many admission events throughout the year where the power of parent participation can make a big difference. Whether as someone ready to meet and greet prospective families or to help with event logistics, Westside appreciates your help! For more information, contact Enrollment Specialist Alysse Mastrude at alyssem@westsideschool.org. 

Westside Family Association (WFA)

All parents/guardians of Westside School students are members of the Westside School Family Association (WFA) and are invited to take an active role in WFA activities, which build community and support the mission of the school. The WFA is a great way to connect with fellow Westside families, become involved in your child’s education, learn new skills, and utilize your expertise to help create fun activities for the whole community. For more information, please contact the WFA at wfa@westsideschool.org. 

Confidentiality

Respect for the confidentiality rights of students and others within the Westside School community is essential. Volunteers must understand that information based on contact with students, staff, or others at school is considered confidential and may not be used in conversation at school or outside school.

Code of Conduct

Volunteers are integral to providing a safe and enjoyable environment at Westside School and are expected to model appropriate behaviors for students. Volunteers should behave honestly and with integrity, act with care and diligence, behave and dress appropriately, and put safety first in all activities.

When visiting campus during the school day, all visitors must first sign in at the Reception Desk.

All Volunteers who plan to work around students must fill out the Westside Volunteer Form each year. 

Volunteer Form

Field Trip Chaperone & Volunteer Guidelines

If you plan to volunteer on school field trips, you must fill out Westside’s Volunteer Form. Parent volunteers do not participate in overnight programs.

All chaperones and volunteers are expected to provide proper supervision to help protect students from injury or diminish the risk of student injury through:

• Presence and attentiveness
  • Be with students at all times and keep them easily in sight. Do not leave the group without having conferred with the teacher.
  • Stay alert to your surroundings and the activities going on during the trip.
  • Be physically able to participate in the activity as needed. 
• Hazard surveillance and intervention, responding appropriately to emergencies to reduce potential injury and damage. (This involves having a CPR/first aid certified staff member who is readily accessible.)
• Observing all pedestrians & location-specific rules.
  • Cross streets together only at the corner or in crosswalks.
  • Students need to walk with the chaperone.
  • Chaperones of younger children may request everyone to hold hands.
• Reporting any incidents not aligned with school values and policies to teachers.

Throughout the school year, Westside intentionally creates opportunities to recognize and celebrate the many cultures, traditions, and identities represented in our community. These celebrations often take place during all-school assemblies, classroom learning experiences, and special events woven into our curriculum. Many classes invite families into the classroom to share their traditions, languages, holidays, and stories, enriching student learning and strengthening home–school connections. Our approach is inclusive and rooted in respect, curiosity, and joy, honoring both shared experiences and the uniqueness of each community member. Through these moments, students learn to appreciate diverse perspectives, build empathy, and celebrate the richness of our collective community.

Each year, we host Grandfriends Day, which invites grandparents and friends of Westside students to share an hour in our classrooms and to let our students show them the many things that fill their days at school.

Westside School has both morning and evening events where we share performances with our school community. The goal of the Westside School Arts program is to develop and reinforce the love and appreciation of the arts. Dance, music, visual arts, and movement instruction at Westside School is based on the belief that all children are expressive and that creative expression is a primary life skill akin to walking and talking. 

Westside Arts Program

Through challenging and inspiring experiences, the Westside Experiential Program supports the school’s mission by fostering individual growth, building teamwork and leadership skills, strengthening relationships within and between students and faculty, and providing opportunities for students to develop a love for adventure. Students build CONFIDENCE, CHARACTER, and COMMUNITY through local field trips, service-learning projects, and overnight programs.

Families will be informed by teachers of trips off campus. Permissions for all field trips are given at the beginning of the year as part of intake paperwork. 

Student Rules

• Participate in field trips as an extension of school by staying engaged, safe, and following the direction of teachers/chaperones.
• Stay seated and wear a seatbelt at all times when in moving vehicles (cars, buses, trains, etc.)
• Practice LNT (Leave No Trace) by minimizing impact on surroundings and leaving spaces better than you found them.
• Keep cell phones at home or out of sight on silent mode unless specified by the teacher for a special purpose.
• Do not bring any extra money unless specified by the teacher for a special purpose.

Funds are available for disbursement to qualifying families each year. All applications for financial aid must be submitted annually for review to Clarity. All information is kept confidential. Visit our Tuition Assistance Page for more information. 

Annual giving plays a vital role in the health and growth of Westside School. Through the generous support and involvement of every member of our school community, funds generated are used to sustain the school’s commitment to providing each student with the highest quality education possible while keeping tuition affordable. Tuition covers approximately 90% of the cost of a Westside education. Westside relies on fundraising to raise the difference.

Each fall, the Westside School Fund is an essential source of support for our programs. It enables us to educate every student, sustain our operations, and ensure the exceptional experience that makes Westside so special. It benefits every student in every grade. 

Tuition at Westside is intentionally set below the full cost of a student’s education, so that more families can access our program. The Westside School Fund fills the difference between tuition and the true cost of educating each student—about $989 per student. Contributions from our community through the annual fund help bridge this gap and ensure every child benefits from the full Westside experience.

Every gift counts and contributes to the important culture of philanthropy at Westside School. Payments can be made up to June 30 (the end of the fiscal year).

The Spring Fundraiser is Westside School’s largest community event and most significant fundraiser of the year. Each spring, Westside families, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends come together to connect, celebrate, and support the school we care so deeply about. This event plays a vital role in strengthening our community and raising essential funds that directly support the Tuition Assistance Program, our students, faculty, and programs—helping ensure a Westside education remains accessible and grounded in our shared values.

From time to time, a school takes on a major fundraising project to enhance the quality of the school. The most recent example was the 2014 Heading Home Campaign, during which the entire Westside community raised funds to purchase and build our current school building.