Sunday, February 11

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Happy Sunday! Yesterday morning I was lucky enough to catch up with one of my close friends. Her name is Shy and we met when I met Paul. You know, The Paul😂 She is actually the brains behind the work that Paul does with schools and what he works on with us. She and I are constantly brainstorming about how to build capacity around our mutual passion for school culture and relationships. We want everyone to know about it, and of course, to make it a priority. She had some big, awesome things happen with their business in the last few weeks that make this dream a reality. I think most of you know this by now, but you are all essentially part of a case study about what a 'People First' school looks like, sounds like and feels like. We have all created a school built around relationships from the ground up. Westbrook will be an example as the concept of 'People First' is brought to other schools. 

Whenever I get asked questions about how to get things to work at a school, my answer is always- Relationships. 
How do you increase inclusion on you campus? Relationships. 
How do you get your teachers to try new things? Relationships. 
How do you have hard conversations with parents? Relationships. 
How do you support student learning? Relationships. 
In my opinion, there are few things you can do well without strong relationships. 

I don't know why this is what I wanted to share this today, but the conversation I had with Shy made me so excited because school culture and relationships are absolutely my passion. I was so fired up! (You know how you get when you talk about something you are passionate about.) I guess I just wanted to say thank you for how you have built relationships with me, with one another and with your students. It is truly what makes Westbrook such a great place to be! Thank you for being on my team. 

February is Black History Month: One of our parents decorated some windows around campus, and the walls in the library, with facts about Black Leaders. There is a box in the office and some cards for students to write down facts. Students can grab a card, find some fact and put it in the box for a drawing at our Friday morning Flag Salute. If there is a student that would like to create a scavenger hunt for me to share, that would be amazing. Below is a message from the parent to share with your students. If you have any questions, let me know!  If you have parents reach out that would like to take on another heritage month, please send them my way. 

"Happy Black History Month! You've probably noticed all of the amazing Black History Month facts in the windows and in the library of both past and current Black leaders. Now it's time to see just what you know! There will be a box in the front office with cards. Write down a fact that you've seen, put in the box, and wait to see if your card is pulled to win a prize! Don't forget to write your name on it! 

Teachers and parents - please encourage the students to check out the information and submit their facts/cards!"

Spring Testing Dates: I will be sharing the upcoming testing dates with parents, but it would be good for you to share the information in your classroom communication as well. 

ELPAC testing will take place from April 3-12.  The ELPAC is given to students who have been identified as English Learners. 

CAST 5th grade only - April 22-26 (CAST = California Science Test)
CAASPP grades 3-5 - April 29-May 10
CAASPP Makeups- May 13-17

Online Merchandise Store:  We have an online merchandise store and our new style sweatshirt is available. Our original style t-shirt and sweatshirt are there too. Take advantage and buy some gear! All orders will be delivered to Westbrook. No delivery fees.  I  absolutely LOVE seeing Westbrook gear in the wild! 😁 
Shop Here: 
https://westbrook.justprintitink.com/

Upcoming Dates: 
February 12: No School
February 14: Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
February 19: No School
February 23: PTC Meeting at 6pm
March 21: Open House
March 25-April 1: Spring Break
April 12: Move-A-Thon

Parent Blog: Here is the link to the Parent Blog
* There is a lot of info in this blog including the QR code to sign up to volunteer for our Move-A-Thon. Feel free to take things to add to you parent communication. 

Coming Up This Week:
Monday, 2/12~ No School!
Tuesday, 2/13~ 
Wednesday, 2/14~ Rori Off Site PM; SSP meetings by invitation only
Thursday, 2/15~ Evacuation Drill at 10:30am; 2:20pm PLC Leadership Meeting
Friday, 2/16~ Morning Flag Salute at 7:50am

Happy Birthday 🎉

2/11: Bret lane
2/14: Jessica Quezada


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