September Newsletter

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• "Para traducir al espanol: haga clic en "translate newsletter" que esta en la caja negra al lado derecho del boletin. En el menu de "select language" escoga "Spanish".
• للترجمة إلى اللغة العربية: انقر فوق "ترجمة النشرة الإخبارية" في المربع الأسود على الجانب الأيمن من الرسالة الإخبارية. من قائمة "تحديد اللغة" ، اختر "العربية".
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• Si aad ugu turjunto Af-Soomaaliga: dhagsii "Tarjumida warsidaha" sanduuqa madow ee ku yaal dhinaca midig ee warsidaha. Laga soo bilaabo "Dooro luqadda" menu, dooro "Af-Soomaali".

As we settle into the rhythm of a new school year, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued support. Your partnership is invaluable in fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment for our students. This month we're excited to highlight some of the wonderful activities and accomplishments happening here at West. Our students have been actively engaged in learning, showing school pride, different athletic competitions and various activities at lunch.

Please remember to check your child's agenda each Monday to get an idea of the activities, topics and assignments your child will be doing in their classes each week. This is just one thing we are doing to help students learn organizational tools that will benefit them at school and in their daily lives.

The first meeting of the PTBC will be on Thursday, September 5 at 7:00pm in the library. We encourage all to attend to learn more about the what PTBC does for the students and staff at West Junior High. Thank you.

Our picture day was August 28. All students who were present that day should have had their picture taken. You will receive an email with a link to your child’s Picture Day on-line gallery. By not pre-paying, you get to view your child’s picture before you order. Once you log into your child’s on-line gallery, you can select the picture you want and pick from several different backgrounds and photo options. All orders are placed on-line and your order will be shipped directly to your home. An on-line coupon code will provide you with FREE shipping if you place your order within the first 7 days that the on line galleries are available. Make-Up Picture Day is on September 25th for those students that were absent on Picture Day. Please feel free to contact Loren Orr Photography at 208.320.2782 or loren@lorenorr.com if you have any questions.

September 2-No School- Labor Day

September 3-7th grade tennis begins

September 5-First PTCB (Parent Teacher Booster Club) meeting of the year at 7:00 in the library. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

September 10-Signs of Suicide Lesson for all students during 3rd period.

September 14-AVID Carwash

September 25-Picture Retake/Makeup Day

Fall Sports pictures are on Sept 10th. Just like with school pictures, you will receive an email with a link to your child's pictures and instructions on how to order about two weeks after the photo date.

We are excited about Fall Sports and hoping to see all parents, guardians, and fans at West Sporting Events.

Reminders: The 7th Grade Tennis Team will begin practice on September 3rd and our Fall Sports Pictures will take place on September 10th.

If you are interested in West Gear for Fall Sports or just West Mustangs Apparel, here is the link to the West Online Web Store, with a portion of all proceeds benefiting West.

If you are looking for another way to support West Athletics, get involved in our SnapRaise Fundraising Campaign or DONATE NOW.

As a reminder, we do not accept flower or food deliveries for students during school hours. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

We understand that these gestures are often meant with good intentions, but they can sometimes create distractions or even health concerns. To maintain a focused learning environment, we ask for your cooperation in refraining from sending such deliveries.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

If you have not already completed your Annual Update in IC (this includes phones numbers, emergency contacts, email addresses, etc.) please do so as soon as possible. This is also where you can fill out the form regrading Consent for Health Care. Here is the link: https://boiseschools.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/boise.jsp

If you would like to complete a hard copy of the Parental Consent to Health Care Form, please see below. Once completed, you can email it to the nurse ann.allard@boiseschools.org or drop it off in the main office.

Please do not park in the neighborhood while waiting to pick up your child after school. In addition, please do not park in the neighborhood during events. There is plenty of paved parking in our front parking area and we can also use the Frank Church parking lot if necessary. Let's be good neighbors.

Hello West families, Here is information about the social emotional groups that are available at school this year.

Healthy Relationships-The curriculum was created through the Women’s and Children’s Alliance and will run for eight weeks. Our students are always navigating relationships whether that be with family, friends, or dating. Topics include social influences on relationships, qualities and characteristics of healthy relationships, and recognizing unhealthy relationships. Participants will learn and practice the skills necessary to advocate for themselves.

Alateen-This group supports young people coping with a loved one’s alcoholism. Group members share experiences, strength and hope in a safe space. (This group will only be offered during the second semester if there are enough students interested.)

Resiliency-This group is for students who struggle managing emotions. They will gain skills and learn how to regulate themselves when they are in difficult situations at school or at home. This group is beneficial for students that have anxiety, depression, or anger that can get in the way of their thinking.

General Support-This group is for students that would like to have discussions with their peers on how to navigate junior high. Topics may include conflict, friendships, and academic challenges, There is no set curriculum as the content is based on which topic the participants choose to work on each week.

If you have questions or would like your child to participate, please email barbie.campbell@boiseschools.org with the following information: 1. Student’s name 2. Group name 3. Participation in first or second semester 4. And state your permission for your child to participate in a group.

I would like to start groups the second week of September.

Thank you,

Mrs. Campbell, LMSW

West Jr. High Social Worker

208-854-6849

Thank you for supporting our cell phone policy so that we can provided the best environment for your child to learn while at school. We do need your help in encouraging your child though. Please remind your child that all electronic equipment needs to be in the students locker except for before school, break, lunch and after school. During class time and passing periods students should keep these items in their locker. Phones are not allowed in locker rooms or bathrooms.

Once again, if you need to get a message to your child, please call the main office and we will deliver a message to your child.

• Students will follow the Boise School District attendance policy (3121). Students will be physically present 90% of the time in classes. We are an in-person school, so if your child cannot attend in person, please contact your child's counselor for options including Boise On-Line School. If your child is absent, please call the attendance line within 48 hours. That number is (208) 854-6454.
• Students will be assigned lunch detention on the 2nd tardy in an individual class.

If you need to pick your child up during the regular school day, a permit-to-leave is required. Please call the attendance line (208) 854-6454 and state your name, your child's name, the time you will be picking up your child, if your child will be returning to school or not and your contact number. Please provide at least 1 hour notice.

West is very proud of our students and their continuous desire to help those in our community. We have a food and hygiene pantry that is available to anyone in our community 24 hours a day. In addition, we are part of Days for Girls program which supplies feminine products to our students for free. These are our two major areas where we ask for support from our families to keep these programs available. If you are able to donate, you can drop off these items any time in the main office. Our food pantry is in need of the following items:

granola bars

individual servings of mac and cheese

cereal

soups

oatmeal

fun individual snacks

fruit snacks

peanut butter

jelly (no glass jars please)

toilet paper

shampoo

bars of soap

Our Days for Girls Program is in need of tampons and pads (all sizes)

In addition to these, the school is always in need of tissues, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. These can also be dropped off in the main office at any time throughout the year.

The Boise School District complies with federal law (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) as it relates to the release of student directory information to the public. To learn more, log on to www.boiseschools.org and navigate to Parents & Patrons > Parent Information > FERPA Form. Or, please call the Clerk of the Board at 208-854-4123 to obtain a copy of the FERPA form.

Academic research has shown that social media can have a profound and negative impact on student health and well-being. As part of our ongoing commitment to prioritize student well-being, enhance the educational experience, and ensure that our students remain focused on their academic journey, we are implementing new guidelines regarding access to social media on district-provided student devices. As a reminder, students are responsible for using District technology in a considerate, legal and responsible manner, and to abide by the District’s Student Technology Use Policy.

Limitations on District-Provided Devices

Effective immediately, district-provided student devices, such as Chromebooks, will allow access to only two social media platforms: YouTube and LinkedIn. These platforms have been selected because they offer substantial educational content and professional networking opportunities that can aid in students' learning and career development.

Advantages of This Move for Your Student

• Enhance Students' Emotional Well-being. By limiting access to these platforms, students are less exposed to cyberbullying, social comparison, and distractions that can contribute to anxiety and depression. Reducing social media usage during school hours can help students develop better concentration, build stronger social skills, and improve overall mental health, leading to a more positive and productive learning experience.

• Encouraging Digital Well-Being: This initiative supports digital well-being by reducing the time spent on potentially distracting or non-educational social media channels, promoting healthier online habits.

• Enhanced Focus on Education: By limiting access to select social media platforms, we aim to minimize distractions, helping students to concentrate better on their studies and educational activities.

• Promoting Productive Use of Technology: Access to YouTube and LinkedIn on district-provided devices will allow students to explore a vast array of educational videos and professional networking opportunities, fostering a more productive use of technology.

• Creating a Safe Online Environment: By carefully selecting accessible platforms, we can provide a safer online environment that prioritizes educational content and positive interactions.

Parental Controls on Devices

Parents and guardians retain the ability and responsibility of deciding what applications their child is able to access on their child’s device(s), whether or not they are district-provided. Please refer to our helpful parent guide about how to turn on the built-in parental controls on your child's phone, and/or how to set up the GoGuardian Parent App so you can control screen time, block additional websites, and/or turn off the internet on district-provided Chromebooks outside of school hours.

We believe these changes will contribute positively to our students' academic success and overall development. In addition, your individual school may be limiting student use of cell phones during the school day. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your school.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we strive to create the best possible learning environment for our students.

Sincerely,

Boise School District Administration

The Boise School District offers emergency text messaging for parents/guardians. Learn more and sign-up.

Bryce England - Assistant Principal

Email: janet.cherry@boiseschools.org
Website: https://west.boiseschools.org/
Location: 8371 W. Salt Creek Ct., Boise, ID 83709
Phone: 208-854-6450
Twitter: @WestMustangsBSD