September 17, 2023

 

Hello Everyone!! I am starting to feel like we are making progress. Not that we haven't been making progress this entire time, but it now feels less like we are going straight up a ladder and more like we are walking up a very large hill. Ha!! If it makes you feel better, we have to also move forward to climb a hill. (Ok, Brooks. Enough with your analogies.)

We are getting settled into our routines, we have identified our students who need extra support and we are moving forward each day. It feels good!! Keep it up, Westbrook! You are awesome. 

Second Step, SWIS and Behavior Concerns: As a team, we are working really hard to differentiate Tier 1 support and Tier 2 support for our students. Because the Westbrook staff comes with so much experience, it makes this task much easier. All of that to say, we are here to support students at the Tier 2 level, but we are going to ask for some things from you before we make that happen. Our SWIS data is going to drive the social groups we create. We will be looking at SWIS and working with the students we see have multiple SWIS entries. We will also look at teacher recommendations that have supportive frequency or duration data if the need does not fit into a SWIS entry. In other words, our tier 2 behavior support will be based on data. Another thing we will look at is Second Step instruction in the class as that is tier 1 instruction. I know these things are happening, I am just reiterating the 'why.' Thank you for all of the work you are putting into this!

This is where we are collectively as a district implementing Tier 1 SEL instruction for the 23/24 school year. Currently we are in phase 1. 

Here is a link to the "Second Step-Digital Scope and Sequence". When planning use the link for Second Step Elementary Digital Program  and not the link for the Second Step Elementary Classroom Kits. You will need to set up a classroom if you have not used the digital program.  

Please reach out to Rori if you need help setting up your classroom or accessing the "engage families" information. 

Check out this ROCKstar team highlighted in the Special Education newsletter!! 

ESSential Staff Spotlight: Kim Butler, FSP Teacher at Westbrook

Kim Butler, Functional Skills Program teacher, and her team at Westbrook- Cheryl, Maria, Mary, Shana, Marci, and Sarah, have rocked the start of the school year at a brand new school! They have a classroom community that is built on structure, routine, and teamwork, where they are supportive of each other as they navigate through any challenges that come their way. They are truly out-of-the-box thinkers and try a variety of techniques for their students when they need extra support. Kim has worked hard with her team to create a schedule that includes opportunities for mainstreaming with general education peers in a variety of settings. Recently, she started a lunchroom initiative using visual supports for inclusivity and accountability for all students in TK and Kinder. We are excited to see how that grows! Thank you all for the fantastic work you do for our students every day!

West Park High School Players will be coming this Tuesday from 8:45-9:45am. There will be 18 players coming. I would love for each of them to have something to do. I do not want to add to your to do list, but this is an important relationship to build. They can simply come read a book to the class, play a game outside, run a small group, practice math facts, sight words or maybe even letter sounds. They could do something with a different group of your students each time they come and using the outdoor tables is a great option. If you need ideas, let me know. This first time will likely require a bit of training. Rori, Jenn and I will do our best to support. 

Please add you name to this list.  I hope to have enough to cover all of your requests. 

Football Help Interest Form

Skate Night: Skate night is Sept. 27 and the forms are in your box. It is $10 at the door and there is a waiver attached to the info flier. Please ask parents to turn that waiver in at the door. If they do not attend, we will collect those waivers later. I hope you can come! Skate nights are the best!

Upcoming Dates: 

Dates to Know has been updated with safety drills. They have also been added to the staff calendar.

Sept. 19- Drill September 19 at 8am. It is a secure drill. Please download and log into Raptor ahead of time. The purpose of this drill will be to work out Raptor issues.

Sept. 19: Dine Out at Kitchen 747

Sept. 26- MoJoes' Scoop Up Event 5-9pm: Sign Up Here

Sept. 27- Westbrook's First Skate Night!! Details to follow.

October 16- Picture Day

Parent Blog: Here is the link to the Parent Blog

Coming Up This Week:

Monday, 9/18: 

Tuesday, 9/19: 8am Drill- Secure. You only have to lock your day and stay in your room. We will be using Raptor for the first time to figure out the kinks. I suspect there may be a few😂

Tuesday the football players are coming from 8:45-9:45.

Wednesday, 9/20: Brooks Off-site AM; PLC is progress report prep; SSP team meeting at 2:20pm (By invitation only)

Thursday, 9/21: Staff meeting at 2:20pm 

Friday, 9/22:  Flag Salute at 7:50am

Happy Birthday 🎉

9/21: Matia Galla 

And late Happy Birthday to Tracy Nelson who celebrated last week!