Dear West Side Families,

It has been a wonderful week welcoming back our Stingers after Fall Break! We are gearing up for a busy, festive month. This month is filled with many opportunities to connect with our school community during conference week, Marietta Homecoming, and Fall Festival! You will see more information about these events included in this edition of Stinger Stories. We look forward to celebrating these special events with your family.

In the classroom, our students are hard at work as they near the end of Quarter 1. Throughout Quarter 1, all K-5th grade students have completed the first Reading/ELA Module One, building content knowledge, developing vocabulary, strengthening reading comprehension, and practicing evidence-based writing and discussion through the study of grade-level texts centered on the module’s essential topic. In math, students developed a strong foundation of number sense and mathmatecial thinking to build upon this year. Report cards for Quarter 1 will be published in Aspen on October 13. You will also learn more about your child's academic progress during conference week.

As always, if there is anything I can do to better serve or support your child please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for entrusting the West Side staff with your child's elementary school years. There's no place like West Side!

Warm regards,

Christina

Christina Wagoner, Ed.D.

Principal

Happy Fall! Our classroom counseling lessons are off to a great start! In kindergarten through first grade, students have been learning about social success and practicing important skills such as focusing, active listening, and understanding the difference between tattling and reporting. Students enjoyed engaging stories including Tattle Tongue, Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen, and Listen Buddy.

In third through fifth grade, students have been building skills in conflict resolution, perseverance, and academic readiness. Through meaningful discussions and engaging stories such as One Word for Kids, The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do, and What Is a Filter?, students are learning strategies they can use both in and out of the classroom.

We are excited to continue supporting our students as they grow socially, emotionally, and academically throughout the school year!

Fall Small Groups Are Underway!

The Counseling Department has begun small groups for K–5th grade students!

Throughout these groups, students are developing:

● Healthy social skills to build positive relationships

● Coping skills to help manage big feelings and challenging situations

● Positive habits and strategies that support school success

Our goal is to provide students with practical tools they can use to feel confident, connected, and successful at school.

Missed the fall referral window? No worries! 😊
Spring small groups will be offered, and we will share more information about referrals and group opportunities in the coming months.

Thank you for partnering with us to support the social-emotional growth and success of our students!

Upcoming Events

Red Ribbon Week
October 26–30
Be on the lookout for fun dress-up days as we celebrate making healthy, safe, and positive choices!

5th Grade Marietta High School Career Pathways Tour
Tuesday, October 27
Our 5th graders will have the opportunity to explore Marietta High School’s Career Pathways and begin learning about future academic and career opportunities.

We’re excited about these upcoming opportunities for our students!

As a first step in our 2026-2027 PTA Legacy Project, we will be relocating two trees adjacent to the Shade Structure and Picnic Tables outside of the Cafeteria to make room for the Kitchen Garden. This will happen sometime in October or November depending on weather and will mark an exciting first step in paving the way for this new space! Your generous donations thus far have also been paving the way and we are so grateful! If you have not made your Direct Donation, we would be so thankful for your support!

This year, individuals who donate a total of $500 or more will be recognized on the West Side Kitchen Garden donor plaque.

If you or someone you know has a business in our community and are interested in supporting the West Side Elementary PTA as a Corporate Sponsor, we would love the chance to talk with you!

This year, Corporate Sponsors who donate $2,500 or more will also be recognized on the West Side Kitchen Garden sponsor plaque. For more information about becoming a Corporate Sponsor, please email us at westsideelementarystinger@gmail.com Your generosity will benefit generations of children in our community!

During Conference Week, October 12-16, school will be dismissed at 1:15 PM. During this week, the After School Program (ASP) will be available to support your family's needs, however, it requires separate registration, even if your student is already enrolled in traditional ASP. The fee for the week is $75, regardless of the number of days your student attends.

To secure your spot, please register your student as soon as possible. Registration is now open and can be completed at the following link: ASP for Conference Week Registration.

We look forward to having your student attend ASP during Conference Week!