FCPS

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Dear Westgate Families,

I hope had a wonderful long weekend with family and friends.  November is Family Engagement month and we have many exciting school events, and opportunities, to connect with one another.  Please take note of the important dates below and we hope to see many of you over the next few weeks.

Also, thank you to everyone that made parent/teacher conferences a priority this fall.  We hope this time gave you valuable insight into your child's progress this school year, as well as, building on our strong school/home partnership. 

Lastly, we have another student holiday this Monday, November 11, in honor of Veteran's Day so please make sure you make alternate arrangements for your child.  As always, thank you for your continued support of all things Westgate and have a fantastic rest of your week ahead! 

Best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 

Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking that all families complete a survey for Federal Impact Aid.  This federal grant program is designed to directly compensate local school districts that have been financially impacted by federal activities.  The form can be competed by the enrolling parent online in SIS ParentVue. We are asking that families to take a moment to access and complete the form.  If you have not activated your ParentVue account, please contact our registrar, Mrs. Tracy Green, at [email protected].  We appreciate you taking the time to complete and submit the form for your student(s).

Charleston Wrap Fundraiser - A Big Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Charleston Wrap fundraiser! We are very appreciative of the support of our caring supporters. We were able to raise over $1,600 for Westgate! Thank you, thank you, thank you!  You may continue to support our fundraiser online until the end of the season by using your participant link. #charlestonwrap #fundraiser #thankyou #pickleornament #pickleball #pickleballornament #christmasornament #giftwrap #wrappingpaper #candles #homegoods #kitchen #chocolate #cookiemix #personalizedgifts #gift #giftgiving #charlestonbags #holidaygift #charlestonwrapfundraiser

General PTA Meeting - November 6 @ 6:00 p.m.

Join us tonight, November 6th, for our next PTA General Meeting! Our wonderful Assistant Principal, Ms. Sutton, will be discussing Advanced Academics Screening. We'll start with a brief review of the PTA calendar and budget before handing the floor over to Ms. Sutton. The meeting will be in the school cafeteria at 6 p.m. For those who cannot join in person, please use this Zoom Link.

Meeting ID: 941 2962 9411 Passcode: wolves

Calling all Westgate Families

November is Family Engagement Month and we have recently, and will continue to, celebrate many student holidays and traditions this fall and winter.  We are inviting you to your student’s classroom to share a tradition, craft, or presentation that highlights your culture or something you hold important as a family.  This can be delivered in a variety of ways.  You can come in person or share a presentation with the classroom teacher for your student to share with the class.  The goal is for our students to learn more about one another through the amazing stories, and the rich history of the families in our school community.  Teachers will be reaching out this week with more sign-up information.  We look forward to seeing many of you in our classrooms over the next month!

Help Needed for the Book Fair - Nov. 15 - 22

The book fair is just around the corner on Nov. 15 - 22.  In order to make the book fair a success, we need parent volunteers.  If you are interested in helping our Ms. Ciarcia during the book fair, please sign up below.  Thanks in advance for your support!

Book Fair Sign-Up

Visit the Westgate Book Fair Website Here

🎩✨ Join Us for an Evening of Magic and Fun with Joe Romano! 📚🪄

The Westgate PTA invites all families to a spectacular evening assembly featuring Joe Romano, magician extraordinaire, on November 21st at 6PM in the school gym! Joe Romano is known for bringing popular children’s books to life through the art of magic and illusion, captivating kids while igniting their passion for reading.

His program, "Books! The Magic is Real!", is a fun and inspiring way to promote our book fair and reading incentive programs, encouraging students to stay motivated throughout the school year. After performing for all students during the school day, Joe will return with a brand new, exciting show for the whole family to enjoy.

This is a FREE event, so bring the entire family and get ready for a magical night that celebrates the joy of reading! ✨📖 We can't wait to see you there!

Westgate’s Thanksgiving Food Drive

It’s that time of year again! From Oct 28 to November 21, we are organizing our Annual Westgate Thanksgiving Food Drive! Let’s support our Westgate community by donating Grocery Store gift cards to ensure families in need have resources to supplement Thanksgiving food items.

 

How you can help:

• Donate a grocery gift card (e.g. Walmart, Aldi or Safeway) to ensure all Westgate families can enjoy a festive meal. $20, $25, $50 increments are recommended.
• Donate small bags of pretzels, goldfish, cheese crackers, graham crackers, nut-free granola bars, Hippeas Chickpea Puffs, and Made Good Granola Bars for teachers to ensure all Westgate students have access to a snack every day.

* Short on time? You can visit our Amazon Wishlist and all donations will be sent to Westgate Elementary School

Where to drop off:

• You or your child can drop off your gift card or snacks at the main office donation box.
• Your child can bring it to school and give it to their home room teacher. Their teacher can drop it off at the main office on their behalf 

Every donation counts! Let's come together as a community to spread warmth, kindness and generosity this Thanksgiving. 

PTA Membership 

All are welcome at our PTA meetings. Joining the Westgate PTA and donating $15 per family amplifies your voice in our school community, gives you the opportunity to vote on PTA-led events and initiatives, and comes with a free, stylish Westgate magnet to drive around OUR neighborhood with. Your membership also helps the PTA create a more dynamic year of programming and advocacy.

To be a part of this thriving community, we invite you to join the PTA. Dues are $15 per family and you can sign up HERE!

Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate

Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.  

• There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.  
• There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road.  Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often. 
• Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer).  Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
• There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school.  Please do not park in these areas.
• Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  

Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety.  Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders.  Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.

⏰ Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

You should have received an email from Westgate via eNotify with a required survey about the Early Release Mondays.  Dr. Reid initially communicated the plan for these days in mid-June.  

The remaining scheduled dates for Westgate are:

• December 9 
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account

The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.

Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.

Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.

Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):  

• Select the “Forgot Password” button.  
• Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.  
• More information is available here.

Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account.  If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Tracy Green at [email protected].

Please take action now to ensure your account is active!

School Meals & Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast will cost $1.75.  Lunch will cost $3.25, and milk $0.60.  Money can be added to your child’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Westgate Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch here .

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. 

Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 610-5700 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  

Parent Digital Consent System

New this year, families will use the Parent Digital Consent System to complete some forms that have used paper in the past. You will log in using your ParentVUE Account credentials, There, you will be able complete the Digital Resources Consent form for the school year, which is required for all students. You will also be able to find more information about opt-out forms and complete those forms for your student.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

November 

6 - PTA Meeting (AAP Referral Process) @ 6:00 p.m. 

11 - No School for Students - Veterans Day

15-22 - Westgate Fall Scholastic Book Fair

18 - Dominos PTA Fundraiser Night

19 - Fall Picture Retakes

21 - PTA Assembly - Book!  The Magic is Real! @ 6:00 p.m. & Book Fair Family Night

27-29 No School for Students/Staff - Thanksgiving Holiday

December 

9 - Three Hour Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.

18 - Band/Strings Concert @ 6:00 p.m.

Winter Break - December 23 - January 3 - No School for Students/Staff 

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043  | Main Office: 703.610.5700

Attendance: 703.610.5757 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Westgate Families,

I hope this finds you having a wonderful week.  It is hard to believe that tomorrow marks the end of the first quarter.  It's certainly been a successful start to the year, and we want to thank you for the continued support of both your student(s), and our staff. 

As a reminder, please note the following schedule changes for the remainder of this week, and next:

• Thursday, October 31 - 2 Hour Early Release at 1:30 p.m.  ALL students will dismiss at this time and no supervision will be provided.
• Friday, Nov. 1, Mon. Nov. 4, & Tues. Nov. 5 - No School for Students 

Have a fantastic rest of your week, and long weekend ahead! 

Best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 

Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking that all families complete a survey for Federal Impact Aid.  This federal grant program is designed to directly compensate local school districts that have been financially impacted by federal activities.  The form can be competed by the enrolling parent online in SIS ParentVue. We are asking that families to take a moment to access and complete the form.  If you have not activated your ParentVue account, please contact our registrar, Mrs. Tracy Green, at [email protected].  We appreciate you taking the time to complete and submit the form for your student(s).

Charleston Wrap Fundraiser - Deadline Nov. 11

Our Charleston Wrap fundraiser has been extended until November 11! There is still time to register here: www.registercw.com! Can you TEXT 10 of your friends & family right now and help us reach our goal of $2,500? #charlestonwrap #fundraiser #fundraisinggoal #weneedyourhelp 

General PTA Meeting - November 6 @ 6:00 p.m.

Join us on November 6th for our next PTA General Meeting! Our wonderful Assistant Principal, Ms. Sutton, will be discussing Advanced Academics Screening. We'll start with a brief review of the PTA calendar and budget before handing the floor over to Ms. Sutton. The meeting will be in the school cafeteria at 6 p.m. For those who cannot join in person, please use this Zoom Link.

Meeting ID: 941 2962 9411 Passcode: wolves

Calling all Westgate Families

November is Family Engagement Month and we have recently, and will continue to, celebrate many student holidays and traditions this fall and winter.  We are inviting you to your student’s classroom to share a tradition, craft, or presentation that highlights your culture or something you hold important as a family.  This can be delivered in a variety of ways.  You can come in person or share a presentation with the classroom teacher for your student to share with the class.  The goal is for our students to learn more about one another through the amazing stories, and the rich history of the families in our school community.  Teachers will be reaching out this week with more sign-up information.  We look forward to seeing many of you in our classrooms over the next month!

Volunteer for the Book Fair - Nov. 15 - 22

The book fair is just around the corner on Nov. 15 - 22.  In order to make the book fair a success, we need parent volunteers.  If you are interested in helping our Ms. Ciarcia during the book fair, please sign up below.  Thanks in advance for your support!

Book fair sign up genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4DA5A923A7FA7-52267805-westgate

🎩✨ Join Us for an Evening of Magic and Fun with Joe Romano! 📚🪄

The Westgate PTA invites all families to a spectacular evening assembly featuring Joe Romano, magician extraordinaire, on November 21st at 6PM in the school gym! Joe Romano is known for bringing popular children’s books to life through the art of magic and illusion, captivating kids while igniting their passion for reading.

His program, "Books! The Magic is Real!", is a fun and inspiring way to promote our book fair and reading incentive programs, encouraging students to stay motivated throughout the school year. After performing for all students during the school day, Joe will return with a brand new, exciting show for the whole family to enjoy.

This is a FREE event, so bring the entire family and get ready for a magical night that celebrates the joy of reading! ✨📖 We can't wait to see you there!

Westgate’s Thanksgiving Food Drive

It’s that time of year again! From Oct 28 to November 21, we are organizing our Annual Westgate Thanksgiving Food Drive! Let’s support our Westgate community by donating Grocery Store gift cards to ensure families in need have resources to supplement Thanksgiving food items.

 

How you can help:

• Donate a grocery gift card (e.g. Walmart, Aldi or Safeway) to ensure all Westgate families can enjoy a festive meal. $20, $25, $50 increments are recommended.
• Donate small bags of pretzels, goldfish, cheese crackers, graham crackers, nut-free granola bars, Hippeas Chickpea Puffs, and Made Good Granola Bars for teachers to ensure all Westgate students have access to a snack every day.

* Short on time? You can visit our Amazon Wishlist and all donations will be sent to Westgate Elementary School

Where to drop off:

• You or your child can drop off your gift card or snacks at the main office donation box.
• Your child can bring it to school and give it to their home room teacher. Their teacher can drop it off at the main office on their behalf 

Every donation counts! Let's come together as a community to spread warmth, kindness and generosity this Thanksgiving. 

PTA Membership 

All are welcome at our PTA meetings. Joining the Westgate PTA and donating $15 per family amplifies your voice in our school community, gives you the opportunity to vote on PTA-led events and initiatives, and comes with a free, stylish Westgate magnet to drive around OUR neighborhood with. Your membership also helps the PTA create a more dynamic year of programming and advocacy.

To be a part of this thriving community, we invite you to join the PTA. Dues are $15 per family and you can sign up HERE!

Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate

Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.  

• There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.  
• There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road.  Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often. 
• Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer).  Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
• There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school.  Please do not park in these areas.
• Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  

Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety.  Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders.  Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.

⏰ Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

You should have received an email from Westgate via eNotify with a required survey about the Early Release Mondays.  Dr. Reid initially communicated the plan for these days in mid-June.  

The remaining scheduled dates for Westgate are:

• December 9 
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account

The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.

Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.

Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.

Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):  

• Select the “Forgot Password” button.  
• Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.  
• More information is available here.

Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account.  If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Tracy Green at [email protected].

Please take action now to ensure your account is active!

School Meals & Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast will cost $1.75.  Lunch will cost $3.25, and milk $0.60.  Money can be added to your child’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Westgate Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch here .

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. 

Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 610-5700 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  

Parent Digital Consent System

New this year, families will use the Parent Digital Consent System to complete some forms that have used paper in the past. You will log in using your ParentVUE Account credentials, There, you will be able complete the Digital Resources Consent form for the school year, which is required for all students. You will also be able to find more information about opt-out forms and complete those forms for your student.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

October 

31 - 2 Hour Early Release @ 1:30 p.m. (All Students Dismiss @ 1:30 p.m. - No Supervision Provided)- End of 1st Quarter

November 

1 - No School for Students/Staff - Diwali & All Saints Day

4 - No School for Students - School Planning Day

5 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday 

6 - PTA Meeting (AAP Referral Process) @ 6:00 p.m. 

11 - No School for Students - Veterans Day

15-22 - Westgate Fall Scholastic Book Fair

19 - Fall Picture Retakes

21 - PTA Assembly - Book!  The Magic is Real! @ 6:00 p.m. & Book Fair Family Night

27-29 No School for Students/Staff - Thanksgiving Holiday

December 

9 - Three Hour Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.

Winter Break - December 23 - January 3 - No School for Students/Staff 

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043  | Main Office: 703.610.5700

Attendance: 703.610.5757 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Westgate Families,

I hope this finds you having a happy and healthy week!  Thank you to our wonderful PTA, and those of you who volunteered to make Fallfest a huge success!  It is always so special when we get our whole community together for an event.

We also want to make sure that you are aware of the important information below regarding next week's unusual school schedule.

• Monday, October 28 - 3 hour Early Release at 12:30 p.m.  Information concerning how your child will dismiss on this day was sent home last week.  Please ensure that any changes to your original plan are communicated to your classroom teacher, and the main office, no later than tomorrow, October 24. Thank you for your partnership in making this day a success. 
• Thursday, October 31 - 2 Hour Early Release at 1:30 p.m.  ALL students will dismiss at this time.
• Friday, Nov. 1, Mon. Nov. 4, & Tues. Nov. 5 - No School for Students. 

As always, thank you for your support of all things Westgate and we hope you have a wonderful rest of your week!

Best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 

From our PTA: Thank You for an Amazing Fallfest!

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this year’s Fall Fest! It was such a great event, and it was so lovely to see so many of our families and students enjoy themselves.

A special thank you goes to all the volunteers who helped make this event possible. We couldn't have done it without you! A huge shout out to Laura, our amazing Fall Fest leader, whose hard work and dedication made the whole event come together.

And of course, we have to give a special mention to Val, who not only manned the cotton candy machine like a pro but also ended up covered in cotton candy herself – talk about commitment!

We also loved having our teachers join us, and the kids were thrilled to see them along the trick-or-treat line. Finally, it was a real treat to have our favorite local band, the Pimmit Hillbillies, perform and bring such great energy to the event.

Thank you again to everyone for making Fall Fest such a success. We can’t wait to see you at our next event!

From our PTA: Stress Free Fundraiser SUCCESS!!

We are thrilled to announce that our stress-free fundraiser is officially complete, and thanks to your incredible generosity, we raised nearly double our original goal—$4,340! Every single dollar will be going to Westgate, and we will be presenting the funds at our next PTA meeting on November 6th.

A big congratulations to the 2nd grade, who won our popsicle party this Friday, October 25!  Thank you so much to all those that donated!

Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking that all families complete a survey for Federal Impact Aid.  This federal grant program is designed to directly compensate local school districts that have been financially impacted by federal activities.  The form can be competed by the enrolling parent online in SIS ParentVue. We are asking that families to take a moment to access and complete the form.  If you have not activated your ParentVue account, please contact our registrar, Mrs. Tracy Green, at [email protected].  We appreciate you taking the time to complete and submit the form for your student(s).

Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Spread the Word!

We are one week away from the end of our Charleston Wrap fundraiser! Have you registered yet? www.registercw.com! Can you TEXT 10 of your friends & family right now and help us reach our goal of $2,500? #charlestonwrap #fundraiser #fundraisinggoal #weneedyourhelp 

General PTA Meeting - November 6th

We’re more than halfway through October, which means we’re starting to look forward to November! We have a couple of fun events and drives planned, including our next PTA General Meeting, where our amazing Assistant Principal, Ms. Sutton, will be discussing Advanced Academics Screening. Join us on Wednesday, November 6th at 6pm for our General PTA Meeting.

Volunteer for the Book Fair - Nov. 15 - 22

The book fair is just around the corner on Nov. 15 - 22.  In order to make the book fair a success, we need parent volunteers.  If you are interested in helping our Ms. Ciarcia during the book fair, please sign up below.  Thanks in advance for your support!

Book fair sign up genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4DA5A923A7FA7-52267805-westgate

Evening Assembly - Books! The Magic is Real

We’re also excited to announce a school assembly—Books! The Magic Is Real—on November 21st for our students. Joe Romano, the talented magician behind the show, will perform twice during school hours. That evening, he’ll return with a brand-new show for all families to enjoy. This event is free and will take place in the school gym at 6 PM.

Finally, since November is the month of giving, we’ll be hosting a food drive to help our families enjoy the holidays. Read below for more details…

Westgate’s Thanksgiving Food Drive

It’s that time of year again! From Oct 28 to November 21, we are organizing our Annual Westgate Thanksgiving Food Drive! Let’s support our Westgate community by donating Grocery Store gift cards to ensure families in need have resources to supplement Thanksgiving food items.

How you can help:

• Donate a grocery gift card (e.g. Walmart, Aldi or Safeway) to ensure all Westgate families can enjoy a festive meal. $20, $25, $50 increments are recommended.
• Donate small bags of pretzels, goldfish, cheese crackers, graham crackers, nut-free granola bars, Hippeas Chickpea Puffs, and Made Good Granola Bars for teachers to ensure all Westgate students have access to a snack every day.

* Short on time? You can visit our Amazon Wishlist and all donations will be sent to Westgate Elementary School

Where to drop off:

• You or your child can drop off your gift card or snacks at the main office donation box.
• Your child can bring it to school and give it to their home room teacher. Their teacher can drop it off at the main office on their behalf 

Every donation counts! Let's come together as a community to spread warmth, kindness and generosity this Thanksgiving. 

PTA Membership 

All are welcome at our PTA meetings. Joining the Westgate PTA and donating $15 per family amplifies your voice in our school community, gives you the opportunity to vote on PTA-led events and initiatives, and comes with a free, stylish Westgate magnet to drive around OUR neighborhood with. Your membership also helps the PTA create a more dynamic year of programming and advocacy.

To be a part of this thriving community, we invite you to join the PTA. Dues are $15 per family and you can sign up HERE!

Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate

Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.  

• There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.  
• There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road.  Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often. 
• Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer).  Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
• There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school.  Please do not park in these areas.
• Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  

Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety.  Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders.  Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.

⏰ Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

You should have received an email from Westgate via eNotify with a required survey about the Early Release Mondays.  Dr. Reid initially communicated the plan for these days in mid-June.  

The remaining scheduled dates for Westgate are:

• October 28
• December 9 
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account

The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.

Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.

Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.

Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):  

• Select the “Forgot Password” button.  
• Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.  
• More information is available here.

Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account.  If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Tracy Green at [email protected].

Please take action now to ensure your account is active!

School Meals & Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast will cost $1.75.  Lunch will cost $3.25, and milk $0.60.  Money can be added to your child’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Westgate Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch here .

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. 

Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 610-5700 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  

Parent Digital Consent System

New this year, families will use the Parent Digital Consent System to complete some forms that have used paper in the past. You will log in using your ParentVUE Account credentials, There, you will be able complete the Digital Resources Consent form for the school year, which is required for all students. You will also be able to find more information about opt-out forms and complete those forms for your student.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

October 

28 - 3 Hour Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.

31 - 2 Hour Early Release @ 1:30 p.m. (All Students Dismissed at 1:30 p.m.)- End of 1st Quarter

November 

1 - No School for Students/Staff - Diwali & All Saints Day

4 - No School for Students - School Planning Day

5 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday 

6 - PTA Meeting (AAP Referral Process) @ 6:00 p.m. 

11 - No School for Students - Veterans Day

15-22 - Westgate Fall Scholastic Book Fair

19 - Fall Picture Retakes

21 - PTA Assembly - Book!  The Magic is Real! @ 6:00 p.m. & Book Fair Family Night

27-29 No School for Students/Staff - Thanksgiving Holiday

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043  | Main Office: 703.610.5700

Attendance: 703.610.5757 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Westgate Families,

I hope this finds you having a fabulous week!  The wait is finally over for our annual Fallfest which is THIS Friday, October 18.  See all the details below on how you can attend, what you can donate and purchase beforehand, and all the exciting things our wonderful PTA has planned!

As we near the end of the first quarter, please know that paper copies of Quarter 1 Progress Reports will not be sent home this year.  However, you will be able to access them electronically starting on November 12 through your FCPS ParentVue account.  Please take the next few weeks to ensure you have an active ParentVue account in order to view your child's progress report.  If you have questions or difficulty accessing your account, please contact the main office for guidance. 

Lastly, you should have received information concerning how your child will dismiss on our next Early Release Monday on October 28.  Please note that if there are any changes to your plan, it needs to be communicated to your classroom teacher and the main office no lather than Thursday, October 24. Thank you for your partnership in making this day a success. 

As always, thank you for your support of all things Westgate and we hope to see many of you at our fantastic Fallfest this Friday!

Best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 

Westgate Coat Drive

Ms. Van Tassel is on a mission to provide warm jackets for kids in need, ensuring every student has something cozy to wear this season. We're currently looking for 8 jackets, with 2 in each size. To make it easier, we've created an Amazon Wishlist for anyone who would like to contribute.

Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Spread the Word!

We’re already halfway through our Charleston Wrap fundraiser! Have you registered yet? www.registercw.com! Can you TEXT 10 of your friends & family right now and help us reach our goal of $2,500? #charlestonwrap #fundraiser #fundraisinggoal #weneedyourhelp

Fallfest 2024 is THIS Friday, October 18

Mark your calendars—Fallfest is this Friday, October 18th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. This year, we've moved the fun to the area behind the school, with activities around the Playground and a silent disco in the gym!

Pre-Order Your Wristbands

Wristbands are available for pre-order until Wednesday at 6 PM (BUY HERE). Pre-ordered wristbands will be distributed to teachers on Thursday (October 17), so be sure to check your child’s backpack. If you think a wristband is missing, email [email protected].

Pizza Pre-Orders

We’ve upgraded our pizza this year with large pies from Lost Dog! If you plan on enjoying pizza at the event, we recommend pre-ordering, as it sells out quickly. [Click here to pre-order your pizza.]

Candy Donations

A big thank you to everyone who has donated candy so far! If you haven't had a chance, please drop off your favorite treats in the bin at Door 1. We have 20 teachers setting up a trick-or-treat course, and we could use all the sweet support we can get.

Cake Donations

Calling all bakers (or shoppers)! Our cake walk is a crowd favorite, but we need more cakes to keep it going strong. Please consider donating a baked good to help make this event a success. ADD YOUR CAKE HERE

Volunteers Needed

We’re so grateful for all our volunteers, but we still need more hands on deck! Whether it’s working concessions, managing sales, or helping with the dance, every bit helps. If you can spare some time during the event, please lend a hand—it takes a village! SIGN UP HERE.

For all your Fallfest questions, check out our website here.

The Westgate stress-free Fundraiser              

Thank you to all the families who have contributed to our Stress-Free Fundraiser! We are thrilled to announce that we have officially reached our goal of $2,500. However, the fundraiser will remain open until October 18th.

The PTA will reward the grade that raises the most money with a popsicle party during recess. This week, 2nd Grade made some big moves and is comfortably in the lead, but there is still lots of time left.

Please feel free to donate online here today! 

How Will the Money Be Used?

Westgate Elementary is proud to offer field trips for every grade throughout the year. These trips provide invaluable hands-on learning experiences that reinforce classroom lessons and allow students to explore new environments, sparking their curiosity and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Field trips are often a highlight of the school year, but they come with costs that can be a burden for both the school and families. While we haven't raised enough to cover all expenses, every dollar contributed will help reduce the costs for both the school and families.

PTA Membership 

All are welcome at our PTA meetings. Joining the Westgate PTA and donating $15 per family amplifies your voice in our school community, gives you the opportunity to vote on PTA-led events and initiatives, and comes with a free, stylish Westgate magnet to drive around OUR neighborhood with. Your membership also helps the PTA create a more dynamic year of programming and advocacy.

To be a part of this thriving community, we invite you to join the PTA. Dues are $15 per family and you can sign up HERE!

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

• Monday, September 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.
• Monday, October 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School.
• Monday, October 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Virginia Run Elementary School.
• Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School.

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. 

After each screening, results will be available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who don’t have a ParentVUE account. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office. 

Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:

• Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
• Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
• Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
• Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
• A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
• Alcohol or drug use.
• Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family. 
• Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Please contact [name], our [school psychologist, school counselor, or school social worker] at [phone/email], to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness. 

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.

Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate

Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.  

• There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.  
• There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road.  Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often. 
• Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer).  Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
• There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school.  Please do not park in these areas.
• Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  

Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety.  Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders.  Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.

⏰ Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

You should have received an email from Westgate via eNotify with a required survey about the Early Release Mondays.  Dr. Reid initially communicated the plan for these days in mid-June.  

The remaining scheduled dates for Westgate are:

• October 28
• December 9 
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account

The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.

Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.

Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.

Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):  

• Select the “Forgot Password” button.  
• Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.  
• More information is available here.

Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account.  If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Tracy Green at [email protected].

Please take action now to ensure your account is active!

School Meals & Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast will cost $1.75.  Lunch will cost $3.25, and milk $0.60.  Money can be added to your child’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Westgate Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch here .

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. 

Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 610-5700 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  

Parent Digital Consent System

New this year, families will use the Parent Digital Consent System to complete some forms that have used paper in the past. You will log in using your ParentVUE Account credentials, There, you will be able complete the Digital Resources Consent form for the school year, which is required for all students. You will also be able to find more information about opt-out forms and complete those forms for your student.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

October 

18 - PTA Fall Fest @ 6:00 p.m.

28 - 3 Hour Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.

31 - 2 Hour Early Release @ 1:30 p.m. (All Students Dismissed at 1:30 p.m.)- End of 1st Quarter

November 

1 - No School for Students/Staff - Diwali & All Saints Day

4 - No School for Students - School Planning Day

5 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday 

6 - PTA Meeting (AAP Referral Process) @ 6:00 p.m. 

11 - No School for Students - Veterans Day

15-22 - Westgate Fall Scholastic Book Fair

21 - PTA Assembly - Book!  The Magic is Real! @ 6:00 p.m. & Book Fair Family Night

27-29 No School for Students/Staff - Thanksgiving Holiday

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043  | Main Office: 703.610.5700

Attendance: 703.610.5757 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Westgate Families,

I hope this finds you having had a wonderful long weekend.  We are excited to have our students back at school and are ready for a meaningful week of learning ahead. 

Please note that Picture Day is this Wednesday, October 9.  Flyers were sent home last week but there is also information below on how you can order. 

Also, Fall Fest is around the corner on Friday, October 18.  We still need volunteers and are collecting candy in our main office, and outside of Door 1.  Please consider donating candy and/or your time to make our annual Fall Fest a success!  

As always, thank you for your support of all things Westgate and have a fantastic rest of your week!

Best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 

Westgate Coat Drive

Ms. Van Tassel is on a mission to provide warm jackets for kids in need, ensuring every student has something cozy to wear this season. We're currently looking for 8 jackets, with 2 in each size. To make it easier, we've created an Amazon Wishlist for anyone who would like to contribute.

Charleston Wrap Fundraiser

REMINDER! Register online today for our Charleston Wrap fundraiser at www.registercw.com! Once you register, you’ll be able to send email & TEXT invitations to your friends & family. Sharing our fundraiser will help us reach our goal. Will you register today and help us kick-off our fundraiser? #charlestonwrap #fundraiser #registertoday #giftwrap #wrappingpaper #candles #homegoods #kitchen #chocolate #cookiemix #personalizedgifts #gift #giftgiving #belpiatto #charlestonbags #holidaygift #charlestonwrapfundraiser

FallfestFallfest is Back on October 18!

Get ready for an incredible night of fun at Fallfest on Friday, October 18th! We’re bringing back some of your all-time favorites, like trick-or-treating with our amazing teachers, the ever-popular Cake Walk, arts and crafts, and carnival-style games.

But that’s not all — this year, we’re kicking things up a notch with new and exciting activities! Join us for a silent disco (don’t worry, the kids will have plenty of music to dance to) and enjoy a special live performance by our very own neighborhood band, The Pimmit Hillbillies!

Please note, Fallfest is moving this year to the Playground behind the school. Tickets will be available for purchase starting Monday, September 23rd. PTA Families, and those who join PTA before September 30th, will receive a coupon code for $5 off, which you can use at checkout. (This code is only valid until October 13th.) For those who haven’t become a PTA Member just yet, click here to join today.

*Only students between ages 5-12 need tickets.

How to Help at Fallfest!

Fallfest is just around the corner, and we need your help to make it an unforgettable event for our kids and community! Here are some ways you can get involved:

1. Donate Bags of Candy: Trick-or-treating is one of the most loved activities at Fallfest, and we need lots of candy to keep it fun and festive! Please consider donating bags of candy. You can drop them off in the bin at Door 1 or have your student bring them to their teacher. The more candy, the better!
2. Bake or Purchase Goodies: Our Cake Walk is a crowd favorite, but we need your delicious contributions to make it a success! Bake or buy a cake, cookies, or other fun treats to offer at the Cake Walk. Sign up HERE. *Quick note, when signing up, each dish—regardless of the number of individual number of items it contains—counts as one.*
3. Volunteer Your Time: We need all hands on deck to make Fallfest run smoothly! Whether it's setting up, running concessions, or helping with clean-up, your support is invaluable. Sign up to volunteer HERE! Let’s work together to make this Fallfest the best one yet! Thank you for your generosity and support!

The Westgate stress-free Fundraiser              

Thank you to all the families who have contributed to our Stress-Free Fundraiser! We are thrilled to announce that we have officially reached our goal of $2,500. However, the fundraiser will remain open until October 18th.

The PTA will reward the grade that raises the most money with a popsicle party during recess. This week, 2nd Grade made some big moves and is comfortably in the lead, but there is still lots of time left.

Please feel free to donate online here today! 

How Will the Money Be Used?

Westgate Elementary is proud to offer field trips for every grade throughout the year. These trips provide invaluable hands-on learning experiences that reinforce classroom lessons and allow students to explore new environments, sparking their curiosity and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Field trips are often a highlight of the school year, but they come with costs that can be a burden for both the school and families. While we haven't raised enough to cover all expenses, every dollar contributed will help reduce the costs for both the school and families.

PTA Membership 

All are welcome at our PTA meetings. Joining the Westgate PTA and donating $15 per family amplifies your voice in our school community, gives you the opportunity to vote on PTA-led events and initiatives, and comes with a free, stylish Westgate magnet to drive around OUR neighborhood with. Your membership also helps the PTA create a more dynamic year of programming and advocacy.

To be a part of this thriving community, we invite you to join the PTA. Dues are $15 per family and you can sign up HERE!

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

• Monday, September 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.
• Monday, October 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School.
• Monday, October 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Virginia Run Elementary School.
• Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School.

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. 

After each screening, results will be available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who don’t have a ParentVUE account. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office. 

Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:

• Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
• Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
• Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
• Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
• A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
• Alcohol or drug use.
• Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family. 
• Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Please contact [name], our [school psychologist, school counselor, or school social worker] at [phone/email], to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness. 

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.

Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate

Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.  

• There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.  
• There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road.  Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often. 
• Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer).  Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
• There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school.  Please do not park in these areas.
• Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  

Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety.  Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders.  Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.

⏰ Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

You should have received an email from Westgate via eNotify with a required survey about the Early Release Mondays.  Dr. Reid initially communicated the plan for these days in mid-June.  

The remaining scheduled dates for Westgate are:

• October 28
• December 9 
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account

The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.

Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.

Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.

Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):  

• Select the “Forgot Password” button.  
• Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.  
• More information is available here.

Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account.  If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Tracy Green at [email protected].

Please take action now to ensure your account is active!

School Meals & Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast will cost $1.75.  Lunch will cost $3.25, and milk $0.60.  Money can be added to your child’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Westgate Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch here .

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. 

Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 610-5700 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  

Parent Digital Consent System

New this year, families will use the Parent Digital Consent System to complete some forms that have used paper in the past. You will log in using your ParentVUE Account credentials, There, you will be able complete the Digital Resources Consent form for the school year, which is required for all students. You will also be able to find more information about opt-out forms and complete those forms for your student.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

October 

14 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday

18 - PTA Fall Fest @ 6:00 p.m.

28 - 3 Hour Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.

31 - 2 Hour Early Release @ 1:30 p.m. (NO Supervision for Students)- End of 1st Quarter

November 

1 - No School for Students/Staff - Diwali & All Saints Day

4 - No School for Students - School Planning Day

5 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday 

6 - PTA Meeting (AAP Referral Process) @ 6:00 p.m. 

11 - No School for Students - Veterans Day

15-22 - Westgate Fall Scholastic Book Fair

21 - PTA Assembly - Book!  The Magic is Real! @ 6:00 p.m. & Book Fair Family Night

27-29 No School for Students/Staff - Thanksgiving Holiday

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043  | Main Office: 703.610.5700

Attendance: 703.610.5757 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Westgate Families,

I hope this finds you having a wonderful week.  Thank you for your support and patience during our first Early Release Monday.  Please know that as we begin planning for our next Early Release Monday on October 28, we will adhere to the following protocols:

• Your child will follow the same dismissal procedure (staying or leaving early) as you indicated for the 9/23 Early Release date.  We will send a similar letter home as we did this time one week prior reminding you of that choice.
• SACC will be open starting at 12:30 p.m. for those students who attend after school SACC.  All students that participate in after school SACC will be dismissed directly to SACC at 12:30 p.m.
• No changes to your child's dismissal procedures will be made after Thursday, October 24.  If you need to change your child's dismissal procedure, you will need to communicate that with your child's classroom teacher or the main office prior to that date.  This is strictly for student safety, as there were many day of changes this past Monday that made it difficult to ensure that all students got home safely, and correctly.    

Thank you for understanding, and we appreciate everyone's cooperation in advance to make next month's Early Release Monday a success.  

As always, thank you for your support of all things Westgate and have a fantastic Friday and weekend ahead!

Best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 

Westgate Coat Drive

Ms. Van Tassel is on a mission to provide warm jackets for kids in need, ensuring every student has something cozy to wear this season. We're currently looking for 8 jackets, with 2 in each size. To make it easier, we've created an Amazon Wishlist for anyone who would like to contribute.

Charleston Wrap Fundraiser

REMINDER! Register online today for our Charleston Wrap fundraiser at www.registercw.com! Once you register, you’ll be able to send email & TEXT invitations to your friends & family. Sharing our fundraiser will help us reach our goal. Will you register today and help us kick-off our fundraiser? #charlestonwrap #fundraiser #registertoday #giftwrap #wrappingpaper #candles #homegoods #kitchen #chocolate #cookiemix #personalizedgifts #gift #giftgiving #belpiatto #charlestonbags #holidaygift #charlestonwrapfundraiser

FallfestFallfest is Back on October 18!

Get ready for an incredible night of fun at Fallfest on Friday, October 18th! We’re bringing back some of your all-time favorites, like trick-or-treating with our amazing teachers, the ever-popular Cake Walk, arts and crafts, and carnival-style games.

But that’s not all — this year, we’re kicking things up a notch with new and exciting activities! Join us for a silent disco (don’t worry, the kids will have plenty of music to dance to) and enjoy a special live performance by our very own neighborhood band, The Pimmit Hillbillies!

Please note, Fallfest is moving this year to the Playground behind the school. Tickets will be available for purchase starting Monday, September 23rd. PTA Families, and those who join PTA before September 30th, will receive a coupon code for $5 off, which you can use at checkout. (This code is only valid until October 13th.) For those who haven’t become a PTA Member just yet, click here to join today.

*Only students between ages 5-12 need tickets.

How to Help at Fallfest!

Fallfest is just around the corner, and we need your help to make it an unforgettable event for our kids and community! Here are some ways you can get involved:

1. Donate Bags of Candy: Trick-or-treating is one of the most loved activities at Fallfest, and we need lots of candy to keep it fun and festive! Please consider donating bags of candy. You can drop them off in the bin at Door 1 or have your student bring them to their teacher. The more candy, the better!
2. Bake or Purchase Goodies: Our Cake Walk is a crowd favorite, but we need your delicious contributions to make it a success! Bake or buy a cake, cookies, or other fun treats to offer at the Cake Walk. Sign up HERE. *Quick note, when signing up, each dish—regardless of the number of individual number of items it contains—counts as one.*
3. Volunteer Your Time: We need all hands on deck to make Fallfest run smoothly! Whether it's setting up, running concessions, or helping with clean-up, your support is invaluable. Sign up to volunteer HERE! Let’s work together to make this Fallfest the best one yet! Thank you for your generosity and support!

The Westgate stress-free Fundraiser              

Thank you to all the families who have contributed to our Stress-Free Fundraiser! We are thrilled to announce that we have officially reached our goal of $2,500. However, the fundraiser will remain open until October 18th.

The PTA will reward the grade that raises the most money with a popsicle party during recess. This week, 2nd Grade made some big moves and is comfortably in the lead, but there is still lots of time left.

Please feel free to donate online here today! 

How Will the Money Be Used?

Westgate Elementary is proud to offer field trips for every grade throughout the year. These trips provide invaluable hands-on learning experiences that reinforce classroom lessons and allow students to explore new environments, sparking their curiosity and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Field trips are often a highlight of the school year, but they come with costs that can be a burden for both the school and families. While we haven't raised enough to cover all expenses, every dollar contributed will help reduce the costs for both the school and families.

PTA Membership 

All are welcome at our PTA meetings. Joining the Westgate PTA and donating $15 per family amplifies your voice in our school community, gives you the opportunity to vote on PTA-led events and initiatives, and comes with a free, stylish Westgate magnet to drive around OUR neighborhood with. Your membership also helps the PTA create a more dynamic year of programming and advocacy.

To be a part of this thriving community, we invite you to join the PTA. Dues are $15 per family and you can sign up HERE!

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

• Monday, September 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.
• Monday, October 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School.
• Monday, October 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Virginia Run Elementary School.
• Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School.

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. 

After each screening, results will be available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who don’t have a ParentVUE account. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office. 

Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:

• Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
• Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
• Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
• Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
• A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
• Alcohol or drug use.
• Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family. 
• Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Please contact [name], our [school psychologist, school counselor, or school social worker] at [phone/email], to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness. 

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.

Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate

Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.  

• There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.  
• There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road.  Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often. 
• Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer).  Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
• There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school.  Please do not park in these areas.
• Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  

Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety.  Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders.  Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.

⏰ Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

You should have received an email from Westgate via eNotify with a required survey about the Early Release Mondays.  Dr. Reid initially communicated the plan for these days in mid-June.  

The remaining scheduled dates for Westgate are:

• October 28
• December 9 
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account

The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.

Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.

Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.

Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):  

• Select the “Forgot Password” button.  
• Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.  
• More information is available here.

Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account.  If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Tracy Green at [email protected].

Please take action now to ensure your account is active!

School Meals & Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast will cost $1.75.  Lunch will cost $3.25, and milk $0.60.  Money can be added to your child’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Westgate Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch here .

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. 

Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 610-5700 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  

Parent Digital Consent System

New this year, families will use the Parent Digital Consent System to complete some forms that have used paper in the past. You will log in using your ParentVUE Account credentials, There, you will be able complete the Digital Resources Consent form for the school year, which is required for all students. You will also be able to find more information about opt-out forms and complete those forms for your student.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

October 

3 - No School for Students/Staff - Rosh Hashanah

4 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday

14 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday

18 - PTA Fall Fest @ 6:00 p.m.

28 - 3 Hour Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.

31 - 2 Hour Early Release @ 1:30 p.m. (NO Supervision for Students)- End of 1st Quarter

November 

1 - No School for Students/Staff - Diwali & All Saints Day

4 - No School for Students - School Planning Day

5 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday 

6 - PTA Meeting (AAP Referral Process) @ 6:00 p.m. 

11 - No School for Students - Veterans Day

15-22 - Westgate Fall Scholastic Book Fair

21 - PTA Assembly - Book!  The Magic is Real! @ 6:00 p.m. & Book Fair Family Night

27-29 No School for Students/Staff - Thanksgiving Holiday

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043  | Main Office: 703.610.5700

Attendance: 703.610.5757 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Westgate Families,

I hope this finds you having a fantastic week!

As I shared on Monday, our Assistant Principal, Summer Manos, has accepted a promotion in another district and will be relocating at the end of month.  Ms. Manos has been a tremendous asset to our students, staff, and community over her past three years at Westgate. While the news is bittersweet due to her ongoing positive impact at our school, we are beyond excited for this promotion, and wish her the very best in her new role. The Region 5 Leadership Team will support Westgate with an Interim Assistant Principal (if needed) as we advertise and interview for the position. I will keep the community informed of any updates along the way.

We also hope to see many of you at our first PTA meeting tonight, September 11, at 6:00 p.m.  I will be sharing some small updates regarding Early Release Mondays, and Ms. Sutton will be sharing an Advanced Academics overview.  Please see below for meeting details.

As always, thank you for your support of all things Westgate and have a wonderful rest of your week ahead!

Best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 

PTA General Meeting - September 11 at 6:00 p.m.

Join us on Wednesday, September 11, at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. In addition to our General PTA Agenda, our Principal Hallie Demetriades will join us to talk about the early release Mondays and Ms. Meg Sutton will join us to share more information about the Advanced Academics Program and answer questions.  In-person attendance is strongly encouraged for audio and participation, but Zoom link is here if you are only able to attend virtually.

Don’t forget the Ledo’s fundraiser is the same night as the PTA meeting! Pre-order dinner and make sure you mention WESTGATE! A percentage of the sale from both nights will go to the Westgate PTA. You may even catch other Westgate families or bring your meal to the PTA meeting.

Zoom Link Here

Meeting ID: 941 2962 9411

Passcode: wolves

Restaurant Night - Ledo's Pizza - Sept. 11&12

Who doesn't love pizza night? Head to Ledo's pizza (7510 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA) on September 11th and/or 12th and make sure you mention WESTGATE! A percentage of the sale from both nights will go to the Westgate PTA. You may even catch other Westgate families!

Westgate Spirit Wear Ends THIS Friday, Sept. 13

Westgate spirit wear is now on sale. You can order directly through the website here. 

Find "Spirit Wear Store" and select Westgate Elementary Spirit Wear. The order can be sent directly to your child's classroom. 

The last day to order is September 13th. 

This is a great way for you and your child to feel connected to the community and show your Westgate spirit!

Stress Free Fundraiser to Support Field Trips

At Westgate, every grade enjoys at least one field trip each year. These trips are a valuable experience but can be quite expensive for both the school and families. Families are typically asked to contribute to bus rental costs. To ensure this tradition continues and that every student can participate, we're aiming to offset these costs through fundraising. Every dollar raised will go directly toward supporting these trips. As a bonus, the grade that raises the most money will win a popsicle party at recess! Please consider donating: Fundraiser Link.

Since this is our first year doing this, we made a $2500 goal and we are nearly there! Thank you to all those who have donated, every additional dollar above the goal will go towards field trips to continue to offset costs.

FallFest is Coming October 18 - WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Our annual FallFest is just around the corner. We have a lot of fun activities planned, but we can’t do it without your help. Please consider volunteering some of your time that evening to help us set up, run activities, or clean up after. Whether you have a knack for hanging decorations, arranging tables, or just lending a helping hand, we’d love to have you join us!  Volunteering is also a great way to meet other members of the Westgate community!

Please sign up here!

Food Drive Volunteer Needed

We are seeking a dedicated volunteer to serve as our Food Drive Chair! In this role, you will partner with Ms. Van Tassel to coordinate a community-wide push for gift card donations to support families in need. Your efforts will help ensure that all families can enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving meal this year. If you are interested, please email [email protected].

Room Parent Volunteer

Are you interested in being a room parent this year? Please e-mail [email protected] to volunteer!

Responsibilities include: Distributing Teacher and PTA Announcements, Coordinating Classroom Activities, Organizing Teacher Recognition, General Classroom Liaison.

Join 5th and 6th Grade Chorus!

Do you have a 5th or 6th grader that loves to sing?  If so, please have them join chorus!  Your singer will come home with a yellow chorus handbook to read about all the important information as well as chorus dates.  You can also access the chorus handbook on your singer’s general music Schoology classroom.  If your singer wants to be a part of this amazing group of singers, please complete THIS google form by Friday, September 16, 2024. 

Band & Strings Sign-up for 4th - 6th Graders

Attention 4th, 5th and 6th grade parents!  Your child can sign up to be in the Westgate Strings or Westgate Band!  4th grade parents – your children can sign up to play strings.  5th and 6th grade parents – your children can sign up for either band or strings.  Be part of the fun and watch your children grow as they learn how to play an instrument and perform two concerts!  Sign up here - https://forms.gle/LWdnBRfVCtZAo1AZ8.  Spanish version here - https://forms.gle/PJJ9qArb57iGUnxr5.  Questions?  Please contact Mr. Erickson at [email protected] or Mrs. Howell at [email protected].” 

Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate

Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.  

• There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.  
• There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road.  Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often. 
• Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer).  Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
• There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school.  Please do not park in these areas.
• Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  

Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety.  Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders.  Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.

PTA Membership 

The PTA's primary focus is fostering a strong partnership between teachers and families to build a vibrant school community.

We play a vital role in funding and planning school-wide events and supporting teachers through supplementing resources not covered by the regular Fairfax County school budget. Thanks to the incredible support from many of you, we've been able to subsidize field trips, organize fantastic community events like FallFest and Bingo Night, increase teacher reimbursements, and offer a diverse range of after-school programs.

But we need your support!!

To be a part of this thriving community, we invite you to join the PTA. Dues are $15 per family and you can sign up HERE!

Becoming a member grants you voting privileges at all PTA meetings and, as an added benefit this year, provides discounts for select events throughout the year as well as a special Westgate PTA magnet!  

Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account

The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.

Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.

Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.

Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):  

• Select the “Forgot Password” button.  
• Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.  
• More information is available here.

Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account.  If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Tracy Green at [email protected].

Please take action now to ensure your account is active!

School Meals & Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast will cost $1.75.  Lunch will cost $3.25, and milk $0.60.  Money can be added to your child’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Westgate Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch here .

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. 

Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 610-5700 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  

Parent Digital Consent System

New this year, families will use the Parent Digital Consent System to complete some forms that have used paper in the past. You will log in using your ParentVUE Account credentials, There, you will be able complete the Digital Resources Consent form for the school year, which is required for all students. You will also be able to find more information about opt-out forms and complete those forms for your student.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

September

11 - PTA Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

23 - Student 3 Hour Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.

October 

3 - No School for Students/Staff - Rosh Hashanah

4 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday

14 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday

18 - PTA Fall Fest @ 6:00 p.m.

31 - Student 2 Hour Early Release @ 1:30 p.m. (NO Supervision for Students)

 

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043  | Main Office: 703.610.5700

Attendance: 703.610.5757 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Westgate Families,

I hope this finds you well and enjoying this beautiful fall weather.  It's been another great week at Westgate for students and staff as we get into the groove of the school year.  

Please make sure you stay on top of important dates and activities as things get busy this fall.  We hope to see many of you at our first PTA meeting next Wednesday, September 11, at 6:00 p.m.  Details below on the topics we will discuss, and ways in which you can attend.  

Thank you to everyone that attended our Back to School Night last week.  We loved connecting with our families and sharing about the exciting year ahead.  As we mentioned earlier, individual parent/teacher conferences will begin in October and run through the beginning of November. 

As always, thank you for your support of all things Westgate and have a wonderful Friday and weekend ahead!

Best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 

ESOL Meet and Greet - Sept. 6 & 10

Join us for coffee and donuts and learn more about Westgate’s ESOL program, meet the new ESOL teachers, and get information about Westgate. We will have two sessions: September 6th and September 10th from 8:45-9:15 am. Ana Trevino will be there to interpret in Spanish on Tuesday, September 10th.

Please let us know which date you plan to attend using this form: https://forms.gle/Gq88tt4r9WSsEfMR9

After School Programs - Sign-up Ends Sept. 6

Are you looking for enrichment activities after school? The Westgate PTA sponsors an After-School Program in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. The Fall session registration opens on August 27th at 7pm. The last day to register is September 6th. Classes will start on September 16th and end on November 22nd. For a list and description of class offerings and to register, please see the Westgate PTA website After-School Activities page. Classes fill up quickly! Please email Jessi at [email protected] with any questions. You can register here starting on August 27. 

Westgate Spirit Wear is on Sale NOW!

Westgate spirit wear is now on sale. You can order directly through the website here. 

Find "Spirit Wear Store" and select Westgate Elementary Spirit Wear. The order can be sent directly to your child's classroom. 

The last day to order is September 13th. 

This is a great way for you and your child to feel connected to the community and show your Westgate spirit!

PTA General Meeting - Sept. 11 at 6:00 p.m.

Join us on Wednesday, September 11, at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. In addition to our General PTA Agenda, our Principal Hallie Demetriades will join us to talk about the early release Mondays and Ms. Meg Sutton will join us to share more information about the Advanced Academics Program and answer questions.  In-person attendance is strongly encouraged to hear and participate to the fullest, but Zoom link is here if you are only able to attend virtually.

Zoom Link Here

Meeting ID: 941 2962 9411

Passcode: wolves

PTA Stress Free Fundraiser - EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS

At Westgate, every grade enjoys at least one field trip each year. These trips are a valuable experience but can be quite expensive for both the school and families. To ensure this tradition continues and that every student can participate, we're aiming to offset these costs through fundraising. Every dollar raised will go directly toward supporting these trips. As a bonus, the grade that raises the most money will win a popsicle party at recess! Please consider donating here! 

Help us get to our goal of $2500. Currently raised $1650 with 5th grade is in the lead! 

Room Parent Volunteer

Are you interested in being a room parent this year? Please e-mail [email protected] to volunteer!

Responsibilities include: Distributing Teacher and PTA Announcements, Coordinating Classroom Activities, Organizing Teacher Recognition, General Classroom Liaison.

Join 5th and 6th Grade Chorus!

Do you have a 5th or 6th grader that loves to sing?  If so, please have them join chorus!  Your singer will come home with a yellow chorus handbook to read about all the important information as well as chorus dates.  You can also access the chorus handbook on your singer’s general music Schoology classroom.  If your singer wants to be a part of this amazing group of singers, please complete THIS google form by Friday, September 16, 2024. 

Band & Strings Sign-up for 4th - 6th Graders

Attention 4th, 5th and 6th grade parents!  Your child can sign up to be in the Westgate Strings or Westgate Band!  4th grade parents – your children can sign up to play strings.  5th and 6th grade parents – your children can sign up for either band or strings.  Be part of the fun and watch your children grow as they learn how to play an instrument and perform two concerts!  Sign up here - https://forms.gle/LWdnBRfVCtZAo1AZ8.  Spanish version here - https://forms.gle/PJJ9qArb57iGUnxr5.  Questions?  Please contact Mr. Erickson at [email protected] or Mrs. Howell at [email protected].” 

Restaurant Night - Ledo's Pizza - Sept. 11&12

Who doesn't love pizza night? Head to Ledo's pizza (7510 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA) on September 11th and/or 12th and make sure you mention WESTGATE! A percentage of the sale from both nights will go to the Westgate PTA. You may even catch other Westgate families!

Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate

Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.  

• There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.  
• There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road.  Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often. 
• Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer).  Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
• There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school.  Please do not park in these areas.
• Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  

Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety.  Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders.  Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.

PTA Membership 

The PTA's primary focus is fostering a strong partnership between teachers and families to build a vibrant school community.

We play a vital role in funding and planning school-wide events and supporting teachers through supplementing resources not covered by the regular Fairfax County school budget. Thanks to the incredible support from many of you, we've been able to subsidize field trips, organize fantastic community events like FallFest and Bingo Night, increase teacher reimbursements, and offer a diverse range of after-school programs.

But we need your support!!

To be a part of this thriving community, we invite you to join the PTA. Dues are $15 per family and you can sign up HERE!

Becoming a member grants you voting privileges at all PTA meetings and, as an added benefit this year, provides discounts for select events throughout the year as well as a special Westgate PTA magnet!  

Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account

The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.

Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.

Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.

Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):  

• Select the “Forgot Password” button.  
• Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.  
• More information is available here.

Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account.  If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Tracy Green at [email protected].

Please take action now to ensure your account is active!

School Meals & Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast will cost $1.75.  Lunch will cost $3.25, and milk $0.60.  Money can be added to your child’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Westgate Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch here .

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. 

Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 610-5700 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  

Parent Digital Consent System

New this year, families will use the Parent Digital Consent System to complete some forms that have used paper in the past. You will log in using your ParentVUE Account credentials, There, you will be able complete the Digital Resources Consent form for the school year, which is required for all students. You will also be able to find more information about opt-out forms and complete those forms for your student.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

September

11 - PTA Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

23 - Student 3 Hour Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.

October 

3 - No School for Students/Staff - Rosh Hashanah

4 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday

14 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday

18 - PTA Fall Fest @ 6:00 p.m.

31 - Student 2 Hour Early Release @ 1:30 p.m. (NO Supervision for Students)

 

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043  | Main Office: 703.610.5700

Attendance: 703.610.5757 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Westgate Families,

I hope this finds you having a wonderful week!  We continue to have a great start to the school year and appreciate your patience and support during these first couple weeks of school.

We hope to see many of you tomorrow, August 28, for Back to School Night (BTSN).  Our first session will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. and our second at 6:15 p.m.   Aside from introductory videos, both sessions will be exactly the same.  This is an opportunity to learn more about your child's classroom and what they will be learning about this school year.  Individual parent/teacher conferences will be scheduled at a later date.  If you have questions for any of our specialists (AAP, ESOL, Math, Reading, Art, Music, PE, Counseling, & Library) they will be located in the cafeteria right before, during, and in-between the BTSN presentations.  Special Education Teachers will be rotating in and out of the classrooms they support. 

Lastly, if you have not responded to the Early Release Monday Survey that was sent to all families via eNotify in early August, and today via Talking Points, please do so immediately.  We need this information so we can accurately plan for our first early release day on Monday, September 23.  

As always, thank you for your support of all things Westgate and have a fantastic rest of your week!

Best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 

Back to School Night - Wednesday, August 28

Please join us Wednesday, August 28 to learn more about your child's teacher and the school year ahead at our annual Back to School Night.  We will be offering two sessions for BTSN.  The first session will run from 5:30 - 6:10 p.m. and the second from 6:15 - 6:45 p.m. 

*As a reminder, this is a parent only event.  Please make alternate childcare arrangements for your student if you plan to attend.* 

After School Programs - Sign up on August 27

Are you looking for enrichment activities after school? The Westgate PTA sponsors an After-School Program in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. The Fall session registration opens on August 27th at 7pm. The last day to register is September 6th. Classes will start on September 16th and end on November 22nd. For a list and description of class offerings and to register, please see the Westgate PTA website After-School Activities page. Classes fill up quickly! Please email Jessi at [email protected] with any questions. You can register here starting on August 27. 

Westgate Spirit Wear is on Sale NOW!

Westgate spirit wear is now on sale. You can order directly through the website here. 

Find "Spirit Wear Store" and select Westgate Elementary Spirit Wear. The order can be sent directly to your child's classroom. 

The last day to order is September 13th. 

This is a great way for you and your child to feel connected to the community and show your Westgate spirit!

Room Parent Volunteer

Are you interested in being a room parent this year? Please e-mail [email protected] to volunteer!

Responsibilities include: Distributing Teacher and PTA Announcements, Coordinating Classroom Activities, Organizing Teacher Recognition, General Classroom Liaison.

Join 5th and 6th Grade Chorus!

Do you have a 5th or 6th grader that loves to sing?  If so, please have them join chorus!  Your singer will come home with a yellow chorus handbook to read about all the important information as well as chorus dates.  You can also access the chorus handbook on your singer’s general music Schoology classroom.  If your singer wants to be a part of this amazing group of singers, please complete THIS google form by Friday, September 16, 2024. 

Band & Strings Sign-up for 4th - 6th Graders

Attention 4th, 5th and 6th grade parents!  Your child can sign up to be in the Westgate Strings or Westgate Band!  4th grade parents – your children can sign up to play strings.  5th and 6th grade parents – your children can sign up for either band or strings.  Be part of the fun and watch your children grow as they learn how to play an instrument and perform two concerts!  Sign up here - https://forms.gle/LWdnBRfVCtZAo1AZ8.  Spanish version here - https://forms.gle/PJJ9qArb57iGUnxr5.  Questions?  Please contact Mr. Erickson at [email protected] or Mrs. Howell at [email protected].” 

Restaurant Night - Ledo's Pizza - Sept. 11&12

Who doesn't love pizza night? Head to Ledo's pizza (7510 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA) on September 11th and/or 12th and make sure you mention WESTGATE! A percentage of the sale from both nights will go to the Westgate PTA. You may even catch other Westgate families!

Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate

Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.  

• There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.  
• There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road.  Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often. 
• Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer).  Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
• There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school.  Please do not park in these areas.
• Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  

Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety.  Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders.  Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.

⏰ Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

You should have received an email from Westgate via eNotify with a required survey about the Early Release Mondays.  Dr. Reid initially communicated the plan for these days in mid-June.  This survey was due August 19 and is crucial to our planning.  Please fill out asap if you haven't done so already.  

The scheduled dates for Westgate are:

• September 23
• October 28
• December 9 (Change from November 25)
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

PTA Membership 

The PTA's primary focus is fostering a strong partnership between teachers and families to build a vibrant school community.

We play a vital role in funding and planning school-wide events and supporting teachers through supplementing resources not covered by the regular Fairfax County school budget. Thanks to the incredible support from many of you, we've been able to subsidize field trips, organize fantastic community events like FallFest and Bingo Night, increase teacher reimbursements, and offer a diverse range of after-school programs.

But we need your support!!

To be a part of this thriving community, we invite you to join the PTA. Dues are $15 per family and you can sign up HERE!

Becoming a member grants you voting privileges at all PTA meetings and, as an added benefit this year, provides discounts for select events throughout the year as well as a special Westgate PTA magnet!  Pick yours up at Open House or the Back to School Picnic.

The Westgate stress-free Fundraiser              

Every year, Westgate Elementary provides enriching Field Trips for students at every grade level. While these trips offer tremendous value to our students, they can be costly for both the school and our families. To ensure we can continue this important tradition, the PTA is raising funds to help offset these expenses. All contributions will go directly toward subsidizing Field Trips.

We are accepting donations now through October 18th (Fallfest). You can donate via the link below, or by cash or check made payable to Westgate PTA. Please be sure to indicate your child’s grade, as the grade that raises the most money will enjoy a popsicle party during recess!

Please feel free to donate online here today! 

Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account

The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.

Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.

Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.

Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):  

• Select the “Forgot Password” button.  
• Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.  
• More information is available here.

Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account.  If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Tracy Green at [email protected].

Please take action now to ensure your account is active!

School Meals & Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast will cost $1.75.  Lunch will cost $3.25, and milk $0.60.  Money can be added to your child’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Westgate Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch here .

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. 

Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 610-5700 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  

Parent Digital Consent System

New this year, families will use the Parent Digital Consent System to complete some forms that have used paper in the past. You will log in using your ParentVUE Account credentials, There, you will be able complete the Digital Resources Consent form for the school year, which is required for all students. You will also be able to find more information about opt-out forms and complete those forms for your student.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

August

28 - Back to School Night - 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

• Session 1 - 5:30 p.m. - 6:10 p.m.
• Session 2 - 6:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

30 - No School for Students/Staff  

September

2 - No School for Students/Staff - Labor Day 

11 - PTA Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

23 - Student 3 Hour Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.

October 

3 - No School for Students/Staff - Rosh Hashanah

4 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday

14 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday

18 - PTA Fall Fest

31 - Student 2 Hour Early Release @ 1:30 p.m. (NO Supervision for Students)

 

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043  | Main Office: 703.610.5700

Attendance: 703.610.5757 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Westgate Families,

It has been a wonderful first few days of school for our students and staff.  We are so happy to be back at Westgate doing what we love most which is teaching our amazing students!  Thank you to everyone that has ensured student safety remains a priority as we navigate arrival and dismissal procedures for new and returning families.  We also appreciate your patience as bus routes continue to be closer to "on time" the further we get into the week. 

We hope to see many of you tomorrow, August 22 at 5:30 p.m. for our PTA Back to School Picnic.  If you pre-ordered pizza it will be waiting for you, and if you didn't, feel free to bring dinner from home and enjoy the company of other Westgate students, staff, and parents!

As a reminder, please make sure you activate and login to your ParentVue account.  ParentVue will serve as your way to update your emergency contacts, opt in or out to certain school related activities, access your child's quarterly progress report, and report student absences.  Please see the information below on how you activate your account and update pertinent information.     

Lastly, if you have not responded to the Early Release Monday Survey that was sent to all families via eNotify on August 7, please do so immediately.  We need this information so we can accurately plan for our first early release day on Monday, September 23.  

As always, thank you for your support of all things Westgate and have a fantastic week ahead!

Best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 

Back to School Picnic - August 22, 5:30-7:00 PM

Reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and spend time with your student's teacher at our annual Back to School Picnic. Feel free to bring your own dinner and enjoy the evening.  Also, the deadline for pre-ordering pizza has already passed.  We look forward to seeing many families tomorrow!

After School Programs - Sign up on August 27

Are you looking for enrichment activities after school? The Westgate PTA sponsors an After-School Program in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. The Fall session registration opens on August 27th at 7pm. The last day to register is September 6th. Classes will start on September 16th and end on November 22nd. For a list and description of class offerings and to register, please see the Westgate PTA website After-School Activities page. Classes fill up quickly! Please email Jessi at [email protected] with any questions. You can register here starting on August 27. 

Room Parent Volunteer

Are you interested in being a room parent this year? Please e-mail [email protected] to volunteer!

Responsibilities include: Distributing Teacher and PTA Announcements, Coordinating Classroom Activities, Organizing Teacher Recognition, General Classroom Liaison.

Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate

Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.  

• There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.  
• There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road.  Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often. 
• Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer).  Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
• There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school.  Please do not park in these areas.
• Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  

Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety.  Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders.  Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.

⏰ Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

You should have received an email from Westgate via eNotify with a required survey about the Early Release Mondays.  Dr. Reid initially communicated the plan for these days in mid-June.  This survey was due August 19 and is crucial to our planning.  Please fill out asap if you haven't done so already.  

The scheduled dates for Westgate are:

• September 23
• October 28
• November 25
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

Back to School Night - Wednesday, August 28

Please join us Wednesday, August 28 to learn more about your child's teacher and the school year ahead at our annual Back to School Night.  We will be offering two sessions for BTSN.  The first session will run from 5:30 - 6:10 p.m. and the second from 6:15 - 6:45 p.m. 

*As a reminder, this is a parent only event.  Please make alternate childcare arrangements for your student if you plan to attend.* 

PTA Membership 

The PTA's primary focus is fostering a strong partnership between teachers and families to build a vibrant school community.

We play a vital role in funding and planning school-wide events and supporting teachers through supplementing resources not covered by the regular Fairfax County school budget. Thanks to the incredible support from many of you, we've been able to subsidize field trips, organize fantastic community events like FallFest and Bingo Night, increase teacher reimbursements, and offer a diverse range of after-school programs.

But we need your support!!

To be a part of this thriving community, we invite you to join the PTA. Dues are $15 per family and you can sign up HERE!

Becoming a member grants you voting privileges at all PTA meetings and, as an added benefit this year, provides discounts for select events throughout the year as well as a special Westgate PTA magnet!  Pick yours up at Open House or the Back to School Picnic.

Westgate Spirit Wear is on Sale NOW!

Westgate spirit wear is now on sale. You can order directly through the website here. 

Find "Spirit Wear Store" and select Westgate Elementary Spirit Wear. The order can be sent directly to your child's classroom. 

The last day to order is September 13th. 

This is a great way for you and your child to feel connected to the community and show your Westgate spirit!

The Westgate stress-free Fundraiser              

Every year, Westgate Elementary provides enriching Field Trips for students at every grade level. While these trips offer tremendous value to our students, they can be costly for both the school and our families. To ensure we can continue this important tradition, the PTA is raising funds to help offset these expenses. All contributions will go directly toward subsidizing Field Trips.

We are accepting donations now through October 18th (Fallfest). You can donate via the link below, or by cash or check made payable to Westgate PTA. Please be sure to indicate your child’s grade, as the grade that raises the most money will enjoy a popsicle party during recess!

Please feel free to donate online here today! 

Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account

The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.

Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.

Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.

Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):  

• Select the “Forgot Password” button.  
• Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.  
• More information is available here.

Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account.  If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Tracy Green at [email protected].

Please take action now to ensure your account is active!

School Meals & Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast will cost $1.75.  Lunch will cost $3.25, and milk $0.60.  Money can be added to your child’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Westgate Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch here .

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. 

Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 610-5700 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  

Emergency Care Card Form - Complete prior to  August 19 in ParentVue

Emergency Care Card Forms are important in helping us contact you in case of an emergency. Parents can help by assuring that the school has the most up-to-date information. 

Please update any information by using the ParentVue/Online Verification Update system.   To read more about the OVU, visit the OVU page on the FCPS site. To access your ParentVue to update/verify, visit the ParentVue Login page. 

Emergency Care updates are due the first day of school.

Parent Digital Consent System

New this year, families will use the Parent Digital Consent System to complete some forms that have used paper in the past. You will log in using your ParentVUE Account credentials, There, you will be able complete the Digital Resources Consent form for the school year, which is required for all students. You will also be able to find more information about opt-out forms and complete those forms for your student.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

August

22 - PTA Back to School Picnic - 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

28 - Back to School Night - 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

• Session 1 - 5:30 p.m. - 6:10 p.m.
• Session 2 - 6:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

30 - No School for Students/Staff  

September

2 - No School for Students/Staff - Labor Day 

11 - PTA Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

23 - Student 3 Hour Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.

 

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043  | Main Office: 703.610.5700

Attendance: 703.610.5757 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Westgate Families,

The wait is almost over!  We are thrilled to welcome our students back this Monday, August 19.  It is hard to believe that we are about to start another school year and yet we are so excited to have students back in our hallways in a few short days!  

We hope you will make it a priority to attend our annual Westgate Open House this Friday, August 16.  As a reminder, this is an event for students to come to Westgate, meet their teacher, drop off supplies, and see their classroom.  School supply lists can be found here.  Open House for Kindergarten students only is from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. while grades 1st-6th will be from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.  If you have both a kindergartener and an older student you may come in at 10:00 a.m., but the upper grade classrooms will not be open until 10:30 a.m.  We will have plenty of staff members to help you find your way to your child's new classroom!

Immediately following our respective Open Houses, we will have Popsicles on the Playground from 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. so that our students and families can continue to build relationships and meet one another. 

Prior to our first day of school, please make sure you activate and login to your ParentVue account.  ParentVue will serve as your way to update your emergency contacts, opt in or out to certain school related activities, access your child's quarterly progress report, and report student absences.  Please see the information below on how you activate your account and update pertinent information.     

As always, thank you for your support of all things Westgate and we can't wait to see many of our families this Friday, August 16 at Open House!

Best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 

⏰ Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

You should have received an email from Westgate via eNotify last week with a required survey about the Early Release Mondays.  Dr. Reid initially communicated the plan for these days in mid-June.  Please complete this survey no later than August 19 so we can plan accordingly.

The scheduled dates for Westgate are:

• September 23
• October 28
• November 25
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

School Supply List for 2024-25

School supply lists for the 2024-25 school year can be found here.  If you preordered supplies through the PTA this spring, it will be delivered directly to your child's classroom.  We encourage families to bring their child's school supplies to Open House on Friday, August 16.

Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account

The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.

Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.

Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.

Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):  

• Select the “Forgot Password” button.  
• Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.  
• More information is available here.

Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account.  If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Tracy Green at [email protected].

Please take action now to ensure your account is active!

Boo Hoo Breakfast - August 19

All parents of kindergarteners are welcome on the Westgate Elementary picnic area (by the playground) after morning drop off Monday, August 19 at 8:50 for doughnuts and coffee. This is an opportunity to meet other parents who have kindergarteners and to have a few teary-eyed moments as your little ones embark on an amazing new journey at Westgate. We hope to see you there and meet new families!

Back to School Picnic - August 22, 5:30-7:00 PM

Reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and spend time with your student's teacher at our annual Back to School Picnic. Bring a blanket and some dinner, or order pizza from Westgate PTA.

Pre-order pizza here by 5:00 PM on August 20!

New this year: Inside Scoop Ice Cream Truck!!

PTA Membership 

The PTA's primary focus is fostering a strong partnership between teachers and families to build a vibrant school community.

We play a vital role in funding and planning school-wide events and supporting teachers through supplementing resources not covered by the regular Fairfax County school budget. Thanks to the incredible support from many of you, we've been able to subsidize field trips, organize fantastic community events like FallFest and Bingo Night, increase teacher reimbursements, and offer a diverse range of after-school programs.

But we need your support!!

To be a part of this thriving community, we invite you to join the PTA. Dues are $15 per family and you can sign up HERE!

Becoming a member grants you voting privileges at all PTA meetings and, as an added benefit this year, provides discounts for select events throughout the year as well as a special Westgate PTA magnet!  Pick yours up at Open House or the Back to School Picnic.

Westgate Spirit Wear is on Sale NOW!

Westgate spirit wear is now on sale. You can order directly through the website here. 

Find "Spirit Wear Store" and select Westgate Elementary Spirit Wear. The order can be sent directly to your child's classroom. 

The last day to order is September 13th. 

This is a great way for you and your child to feel connected to the community and show your Westgate spirit!

School Meals & Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast will cost $1.75.  Lunch will cost $3.25, and milk $0.60.  Money can be added to your child’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Westgate Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch here .

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. 

Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 610-5700 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  

Emergency Care Card Form - Complete prior to  August 19 in ParentVue

Emergency Care Card Forms are important in helping us contact you in case of an emergency. Parents can help by assuring that the school has the most up-to-date information. 

Please update any information by using the ParentVue/Online Verification Update system.   To read more about the OVU, visit the OVU page on the FCPS site. To access your ParentVue to update/verify, visit the ParentVue Login page. 

Emergency Care updates are due the first day of school.

Back to School Night - Wednesday, August 28

Please join us Wednesday, August 28 to learn more about your child's teacher and the school year ahead at our annual Back to School Night.  We will be offering two sessions for BTSN.  The first session will run from 5:30 - 6:10 p.m. and the second from 6:15 - 6:45 p.m. 

*As a reminder, this is a parent only event.  Please make alternate childcare arrangements for your student if you plan to attend.* 

The Westgate stress-free Fundraiser              

Every year, Westgate Elementary provides enriching Field Trips for students at every grade level. While these trips offer tremendous value to our students, they can be costly for both the school and our families. To ensure we can continue this important tradition, the PTA is raising funds to help offset these expenses. All contributions will go directly toward subsidizing Field Trips.

We are accepting donations now through October 18th (Fallfest). You can donate via the link below, or by cash or check made payable to Westgate PTA. Please be sure to indicate your child’s grade, as the grade that raises the most money will enjoy a popsicle party during recess!

Please feel free to donate online here today! 

Parent Digital Consent System

New this year, families will use the Parent Digital Consent System to complete some forms that have used paper in the past. You will log in using your ParentVUE Account credentials, There, you will be able complete the Digital Resources Consent form for the school year, which is required for all students. You will also be able to find more information about opt-out forms and complete those forms for your student.

Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate

Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.  

• There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.  
• There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road.  Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often. 
• Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer).  Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
• There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school.  Please do not park in these areas.
• Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  

Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety.  Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders.  Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

August

16 - Westgate Open House 

• Kindergarten 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• 1st - 6th Grade 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Popsicles on the Playground 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

19 - First Day of School!

• PTA Kindergarten Boo-Hoo Breakfast for Parents @ 8:50 a.m. on Westgate Playground

22 - PTA Back to School Picnic - 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

28 - Back to School Night - 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

• Session 1 - 5:30 p.m. - 6:10 p.m.
• Session 2 - 6:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

30 - No School for Students/Staff  

September

2 - No School for Students/Staff - Labor Day 

11 - PTA Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

23 - Student 3 Hour Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.

 

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043  | Main Office: 703.610.5700

Attendance: 703.610.5757 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Westgate Families,

I hope this finds you soaking up these last couple weeks of summer break.  We are so excited to welcome our students back to Westgate for the 2024-25 school year on Monday, August 19.

As a reminder, we will hold our annual Westgate Open House next Friday, August 16.  This is an event for students to come to Westgate, meet their teacher, drop off supplies, and see their classroom.  School supply lists can be found here.  Open House for Kindergarten students only is from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. while grades 1st-6th will be from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.  If you have both a kindergartener and an older student you may come in at 10:00 a.m., but the upper grade classrooms will not be open until 10:30 a.m. Please note that your student's teacher assignment will be sent electronically prior to Open House.

Immediately following our respective Open Houses, we will have Popsicles on the Playground from 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. so that our students and families can continue to build relationships and meet one another. 

As always, thank you for your support of all things Westgate and have a fantastic week ahead.  We can't wait to see everyone next week!

Best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 

School Supply List for 2024-25

School supply lists for the 2024-25 school year can be found here.  If you preordered supplies through the PTA this spring, it will be delivered directly to your child's classroom.  We encourage families to bring their child's school supplies to Open House on Friday, August 16.

School Meals & Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast will cost $1.75.  Lunch will cost $3.25, and milk $0.60.  Money can be added to your child’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Westgate Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch here .

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. 

Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 610-5700 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  

Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account

The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.

Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.

Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.

Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):  

• Select the “Forgot Password” button.  
• Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.  
• More information is available here.

Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account.  If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Tracy Green at [email protected].

Please take action now to ensure your account is active!

Emergency Care Card Form - Complete prior to  August 19 in ParentVue

Emergency Care Card Forms are important in helping us contact you in case of an emergency. Parents can help by assuring that the school has the most up-to-date information. 

Please update any information by using the ParentVue/Online Verification Update system.   To read more about the OVU, visit the OVU page on the FCPS site. To access your ParentVue to update/verify, visit the ParentVue Login page. 

Emergency Care updates are due the first day of school.

⏰ Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

You should have received an email from Westgate via eNotify with a required survey about the Early Release Mondays.  Dr. Reid initially communicated the plan for these days in mid-June.  Please complete this survey no later than August 19 so we can plan accordingly.

The scheduled dates for Westgate are:

• September 23
• October 28
• November 25
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

Back to School Night - Wednesday, August 28

Please join us Wednesday, August 28 to learn more about your child's teacher and the school year ahead at our annual Back to School Night.  We will be offering two sessions for BTSN.  The first session will run from 5:30 - 6:10 p.m. and the second from 6:15 - 6:45 p.m. 

*As a reminder, this is a parent only event.  Please make alternate childcare arrangements for your student if you plan to attend.* 

Parent Digital Consent System

New this year, families will use the Parent Digital Consent System to complete some forms that have used paper in the past. You will log in using your ParentVUE Account credentials, There, you will be able complete the Digital Resources Consent form for the school year, which is required for all students. You will also be able to find more information about opt-out forms and complete those forms for your student.

Join the PTA Today! 

Our PTA is amazing and we would love you to join and be part of this great community of Westgate families! Signing up is easy and you can help us reach our membership goal by signing up today! You can sign up here.

Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate

Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.  

• There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.  
• There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road.  Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often. 
• Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer).  Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
• There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school.  Please do not park in these areas.
• Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  

Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety.  Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders.  Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

August

16 - Westgate Open House 

• Kindergarten 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• 1st - 6th Grade 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Popsicles on the Playground 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

19 - First Day of School!

• PTA Kindergarten Boo-Hoo Breakfast for Parents @ 8:50 a.m. on Westgate Playground

22 - PTA Back to School Picnic - 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

28 - Back to School Night - 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

• Session 1 - 5:30 p.m. - 6:10 p.m.
• Session 2 - 6:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

30 - No School for Students/Staff  

September

2 - No School for Students/Staff - Labor Day 

11 - PTA Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

23 - Student 3 Hour Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.

 

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043  | Main Office: 703.610.5700

Attendance: 703.610.5757 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Westgate Families,

I hope this finds you having a wonderful summer break making lasting memories with family, and friends.  We are beyond excited to be welcoming students back into our building less than a month from today!

As a reminder, the first day of the 2024-25 school year is Monday, August 19.  School supply lists can be found here.  Also, we will hold our annual Westgate Open House on Friday, August 16.  This is an event for students to come to Westgate, meet their teacher, drop off supplies, and see their classroom.  Open House for Kindergarten students only is 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. while Grades 1-6 will be from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.  If you have both a kindergartener and an older student you may come in at 10:00 a.m. but the upper grade classrooms will not be open until 10:30 a.m.  Immediately following our respective Open Houses, we will have Popsicles on the Playground from 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. so that our students and families can continue to build relationships and meet one another. 

**Please note that your student's teacher assignment will be sent electronically prior to Open House.**

Lastly, we will offer new family and kindergarten tours on August 5 and 6 at 9:30 a.m.  We welcome anyone that may not have had an opportunity to visit Westgate prior to join us.  We will also be offering optional kindergarten assessments at that time.  If you are able to attend, and have not signed your rising kindergarten up for an assessment, you may do so here.  

We will continue to update you with more information as we get closer to the first day of school.  We look forward to welcoming our students and families back to Westgate in a few short weeks.  As always, thank you for your support of all things Westgate and have a fantastic week ahead!

Best,

Hallie Demetriades

Principal 

Kindergarten Registration 

Do you have, or know of a rising kindergartener scheduled to come to Westgate next year?  All students that turn five by September 30, 2024 are eligible to attend Kindergarten this fall.  Please spread the word that registration is underway as we are excited to meet our newest Wolves.  Please consider registering asap since our staffing reflects the number of registered students.  If you have already registered, please sign up for a summer assessment here.  Registration information for kindergarten and new students can be found on our website here.

Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Families that are earning less than 185% of the poverty level can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost.

Families must complete the Free and Reduced Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Look for the application in August, view criteria, and up-to-date information on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.

SIS ParentVue

Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. 

Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. 

Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

🗺️ School Board Updates Boundary Policy

The Fairfax County School Board approved updates to the Boundary Policy (Policy 8130) at its July 18 Regular Public Meeting, completing a years-long comprehensive review of the policy for the first time in nearly four decades. The updates provide a clear roadmap for any future boundary adjustments to help ensure better student achievement through enhanced instructional quality, budget optimization, and strengthened student well-being.

The revised policy does not propose specific boundary changes, nor were specific boundaries considered during the policy review. Instead, the updates create a framework for the division superintendent to follow when considering any potential future adjustments, which must prioritize robust community engagement throughout the process. Read more about the updated policy.

⏰ Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

During the Academic Matters segment at the June 27 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid discussed limited early release Mondays for elementary students during the upcoming school year. The goal is to provide elementary teachers with additional time to meet new professional development requirements for the Virginia Literacy Act and other demands on their time.

A Steering Committee of school leaders, teachers, and families is working to support both families and teachers in this effort. See the list of early release dates and other information.

Summer Reading Resources

Westgate students enjoyed a visit with librarians from the Tysons Pimmit Library to learn about their Summer Reading Program. See the information below to help your student get excited about summer reading!

FAIRFAX COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Enjoy the 2024 Summer Reading Program at the Fairfax County Public Library. You can register online or in person and there are programs and prizes for all ages, including adults! Families can stop by their closest library and pick up a reading log. Help students record their summer reading to earn a coupon book full of wonderful prizes and freebies!   Summer Reading Program

BARNES & NOBLE

Read 8 books, fill out the Barnes and Noble form, and turn it in at their store for a FREE BOOK! Look for more information about the reading program and special reading events: BN SUMMER READING

BOOK LISTS AND ONLINE RESOURCES

FCPS Online Resources

Enjoy online resources such as MYON, MackinVia Tumblebooks, and Pebble Go all summer! You’ll find databases, ebooks, and audio books to enjoy. These can count for your summer reading log. See the attached list of passwords you’ll need to access these resources.  https://www.fcps.edu/resources/library/online-databases-and-e-books

Join the PTA Today! 

Our PTA is amazing and we would love you to join and be part of this great community of Westgate families! Signing up is easy and you can help us reach our membership goal by signing up today! You can sign up here.

Arrival/Dismissal Safety Reminders for Westgate

Please remember to be mindful of our important safety procedures during arrival and dismissal.  

• There are NO left hand turns allowed in, or out of, Kiss & Ride during arrival or dismissal.  
• There are NO illegal u-turns allowed in front of the school on Magarity Road.  Please enter kiss and ride from the correct side (towards rt. 7) and follow the traffic pattern, as we've witnessed both student and staff safety being compromised too often. 
• Please ONLY cross your child at the dedicated cross walk (with police officer).  Crossing you children at any other location is not safe.
• There is NO parking on either side of Magarity Rd. right in front of the school.  Please do not park in these areas.
• Cars are not permitted in the bus loop between 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and between 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  

Our number one priority at Westgate remains student safety.  Thank you for adhering to these very important safety reminders.  Please note that the Fairfax County Police Department will be closely monitoring this situation.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

August

5 - New Family/Kindergarten Tour @ 9:30 a.m.

6 - New Family/Kindergarten Tour @ 9:30 a.m.

16 - Westgate Open House 

• Kindergarten 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• 1st - 6th Grade 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Popsicles on the Playground 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

19 - First Day of School!

• PTA Kindergarten Boo-Hoo Breakfast for Parents @ 8:50 a.m. on Westgate Playground

22 - PTA Back to School Picnic - 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

28 - Back to School Night - 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

• Session 1 - 5:30 p.m. - 6:10 p.m.
• Session 2 - 6:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

30 - No School for Students/Staff  

September

2 - No School for Students/Staff - Labor Day 

11 - PTA Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

23 - Student 3 Hour Early Release @ 12:30 p.m.

 

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043  | Main Office: 703.610.5700

Attendance: 703.610.5757 | Web | Twitter