1. Westchester Updates and Communication In effort to keep all Westchester Stakeholders informed and up to date, the following slides have been created by your Administration Team and STAT Teacher.

2. BCPS Digital Transition A 5 year transformation that began in 2013 and involves a shift in teaching and learning. Digital Conversion for Students One-to-One Devices at Westchester Elementary School Grades 1-3 will receive devices in December of 2015 K and Grades 4-5 will receive devices in the 2016- 2017 school year All students currently have access with their username and password (username and password will be reissued at the beginning of the school year).

3. BCPSOne If you have any questions or concerns accessing BCPSOne please contact Amanda Crabb at acrabb@bcps.org.acrabb@bcps.org BCPSOne has been restructured based on all BCPS stakeholder input. Students can access all digital resources and individual grades through BCPSOne using their username and passwords. Parent logins only allow for the viewing of grades.

4. Boundary Change Process Westchester Elementary School’s population will increase in the 2016-2017 school year as a result of redistricting. To determine new boundaries a committee has been formed to develop and evaluate a variety of scenarios to present to the entire community for selection. School Committee Members include the following individuals: Mr. Byers, Principal Mrs. Merashoff, Assistant Principal Mrs. Noppenberger, 2 nd grade Teacher Community Committee Members include the following individuals: Mr. Tadd Russo Mrs. Allison White Please refer to your handout for additional information and a calendar of meetings.

5. Westchester Construction Update This school year we will be under construction for an addition that includes the following: 10 classrooms Rooftop garden Additional playground Monthly construction progress updates will be available on the website http://www.westchesteres.bcps.org Please refer to your handout for additional information

6. Westcheste r Constructio n

7. Snacks Limited snack breaks are being provided to students who are in school for 4 hours or more prior to having lunch. This includes the following grades: First Grade – Lunch 1:00-1:35 Third Grade – Lunch 1:10-1:45 **Please provide students with a healthy snack option that does not contain nuts or peanut oil. A healthy, safe snack option list was provided to students in grades 1 and 3 on the first day of school.

8. Birthday Cupcakes Must be store bought Please drop off to nurse, in the office by 9:00am on the day of the celebration The nurse will check the ingredients, to ensure the safety of all students, and deliver the cupcakes to the classroom teacher Your child’s teacher will determine the best time to provide a small celebration If you would like to be present please contact your child’s teacher, in advance, to determine the best time A list of alternative birthday treats will be emailed

9. Gifted and TalentedAdvanced Academics Elementary Advanced Academics in BCPS is a continuum of opportunities that allows all students access equitably. Elementary School All students have access to enriched and accelerated learning experiences through a responsive model. Daily small-group instructional time is provided with their academic /intellectual peer group. Students are not identified or coded as “GT” until the end of 5 th grade. Please refer to your handout for additional information.

10. We Need You!!! Westchester needs volunteers who are willing to come during the school day and work with children on academic skills and/or assist in the cafeteria. Come get more information! When: Wednesday, September 9, 2015 Time: 9:30-10:00 AM Where: Westchester Elementary – Library Classroom What: A brief meeting to explain Westchester’s need and expectations for volunteers in the classroom and cafeteria. ***A copy of the invitation was included in the Back to School newsletter!

12. Visit the bcps website for information. http://www.bcps.org/parents/

13. 1. Fall, October 1 st and 2 nd B&O Railroad Museum $6 per student and $6 per chaperone walking the Trolley Trail 2. Spring: Science trip to Banneker walking trip $3 per student 3. In house trip from the MD Science Center $3 per child A flyer will come home about the fees for the field trip. You can pay the $9 up front for both walking trip and not have to worry about field trip payments for the remainder of the year. Unless…there is a BSO trip planned by our music department.

14. Homework Reading- nightly Spelling – Three days a week and a practice test Math- as needed, study math facts regularly Reading Rewards: http://app.reading- rewards.com/pls/apex/f?p=1250:101:0:&tz=-4:00 http://app.reading- rewards.com/pls/apex/f?p=1250:101:0:&tz=-4:00 Padlet: http://padlet.com/knoppenberger/a8l23t19p4c7 http://padlet.com/knoppenberger/a8l23t19p4c7 To Help Your Student be Successful Take Home Folder Agenda Behavior Calendar Absence notes- can be emailed Organization and preparedness Students empty folders Students organize backpacks Develop independence Supply check in We are collecting boxes. Remember the ALL ABOUT ME kite is due Friday.