Message From the Principal
Leaves are beginning to fall, we finally got a little rain, and there's a lot to look forward to here at Westridge. October is Fitness Month and our PTSO and staff are taking this theme and running (or biking) with it. See details below about upcoming events. October is also the month we will be focusing on 'responsibility' as a character trait building-wide. Additionally, it's National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and Dyslexia awareness month-- two additional themes to keep our focus on.
A few notes on dismissal:
First, thank you everyone for your attention with cutting down on the requests for dismissal changes. We've seen improvement with this, and I wanted to send a big 'thank you' from the office.
Dismissal Car line: As I'm sure you all know, Royce Way becomes problematic for community members trying to pass through from about 2:15 to 2:50 each day. I've spoken to many people about this concern, from community members to traffic engineers. The biggest issue here is our own parking lot, which isn't solvable right now. However, there are a few things we can tackle to make the flow work better. So I'm going to ask that we start doing the following on Monday. I need everyone's help to make this work:
1. During dismissal, please don't park in the highlighted places on the diagram below. We need this space for our carline.
2. I'm going to ask that car pick-up people arrive at 2:35 or later-- this will prevent the back-up that starts early.
3. For those coming in the uphill direction, please make sure not to block thru traffic by 'double-parking' while you're waiting.
4. For those coming in the downhill direction, we need to avoid left-hand turns into the parking lot. This also causes the blocking of traffic.
5. For drivers who can manage, I would strongly encourage you find a place in the neighborhood and walk onto campus to pick-up your student. I'd listed some options in the diagram below. Other alternative options could include biking, walking, scootering (I saw a parent scootering this morning!). I'm also very interested in getting a "bike bus" started at Westridge. An example of what this looks like at Alameda Elem. If you have any interesting in piloting something like this please reach out to me! We can (and should) start small.
I'm confident if we work together on this one, we can tackle this long-standing issue. Thanks so much everyone and have a great weekend!
Noah
In This Newsletter:
Save the Dates
Welcome back Wildcats Night: TONIGHT!
Fitness Month
STEM Supplies: Donations needed
Bus Contact Info
Respond to Racism: Kids Storytime
Continuing Reminders:
Tech Forms Due
Lost and Found
Message from the Office
Lake Oswego Jr. High Fundraise
Meet the Westridge Staff!
Welcome Back Wildcats Night
New Application for School Volunteers
Reporting Tardies and absences
Statewide Assessment Notice
Bus Contact Info:
Thank you!
From the Office Staff: Raptor, Volunteering and Visiting!
Dear Westridge Families,
The district has added additional security measures to ensure the safety of all our students. Adults wishing to volunteer at Westridge must complete a Volunteer Background check through RAPTOR, our volunteer security system.
What is the difference between a volunteer and a visitor?
- A volunteer is someone who works directly with students (Room Parent, Art Lit, Mystery Reader, Class Parties etc) and will not be alone with students at any time.
- A visitor is someone who is an audience member to an event during the school day, or attending a meeting with adults(class play, Living Museum, PTSO meetings etc) and will not be alone or working with students at any time.
- All Volunteers/Guest speakers/Independent contractors/casual employees who will be working with students and could be alone with any student at any time must have a background check, fingerprints completed and have shown proof of vaccination.
Please take a moment to fill out the application. It can take up to 3 weeks to get an approval, which will be sent directly to your email. Once you get that approval, you must have your ID scanned by the office staff again to activate the volunteer status in the Raptor system. Volunteers will not be allowed in the building without an approved background check.
When arriving at the school, you'll be asked to sign in at the kiosk as either a visitor or volunteer. Once your badge has been printed out successfully, we will buzz you into the school. We will also ask you the nature of your visit upon entry.
Thank you so much for your partnership in keeping our schools safe!
Volunteer Application for LOSD
Westridge Office Staff
Jodi Steward and Andrea Murphy
Lake Oswego Jr High Fundraiser
Who: World-famous Harlem Wizards will play against twenty-five Lake Oswego Junior High (LOJ) “Salty Sailors,” including the principal, teachers, and staff
What: Tricks, Hoops, and Alley-oops with Music for a great cause
When: Tickets available now for Wed, Oct. 5th at 7pm (doors open at 6pm)
Where: LOHS West Gym
How: Get your tickets online at LOJ Salty Sailors vs Harlem Wizards
Why: Raise funds for LOJ Parent Club to support educational and school community programs
Meet the Westridge Staff!
Each week we will get to know a few Westridge staff members with a Q&A session!
This week, we met up with the First Grade Team:
Krista Solomon, Megan Finley and Katy Pauls
Krista Solomon
Q: What is your job here at Westridge?
A: 1st grade Teacher
Q: How long have you worked at Westridge?
A: This is my 7th year
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Grants Pass, Oregon
Q: What did you do after high school?
A: Went to Oregon State for my undergrad and then went to Willamette University for my Masters.
Q: Tell me about your family or any pets!
A: My immediate family lives in Southern Oregon. They are all teachers or retired teachers. The newest addition is my nephew, Jax!
Q: What are some interesting or fun facts about you?
A: I love animals, drawing, and I'm part Hawaiian. It always shocks people that I've never been to Disneyland!
Q: What are somethings you love to do in your free time?
A: I enjoy being outside, especially paddle boarding in the summer. I like going to Timbers or Blazers games on the weekends. I always love getting a chance to see my family.
Megan Finley:
Q: What is your job here at Westridge?
A: First Grade Teacher
Q: How long have you worked at Westridge?
A: This is my 1st year
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: McMinnville, Oregon
Q: What did you do after high school?
A: Oregon State University, worked for the Seattle SuperSonics and then went back to get my Masters at University of Portland to teach.
Q: Tell me about your family or any pets!
A: My husband Taylor, 2 girls (Payton and Mya) and our mini goldendoodle Sophie.
Q: What are some interesting or fun facts about you?
A: I grew up on a produce farm. I love going back to visit and escape the city life. I nannied in Greenwich, CT for two summers in college.
Q: What are some things you love to do in your free time?
A: I love to travel, hike and do pretty much anything outdoors! I am so thankful to be living in the beautiful PNW so that I can enjoy all of the beauty that is here!
Katy Pauls
Q: What is your job here at Westridge?
A:First Grade Teacher
Q: How long have you worked at Westridge?
A: This is my 10th year
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: University Place, WA
Q: What did you do after high school?
A:Washington State University, then Marylhurst for my Masters degree
Q: Tell me about your family or any pets!
A: My husband, Andy and I have two kids named Ben and Ella. We also have two cats named Flash and Bonican!
Q: What are some interesting or fun facts about you?
A:I love photography, dance, and working on my garden and property with my husband and kids. We love to travel and see the world together too!
Q: What are some things you love to do in your free time?
A: Spend time with my family and friends, linger at the dinner table, laugh together, and go on exciting adventures!
Safe Oregon
Parents-guardians who have concerns about a student’s well-being are encouraged to reach out to their principal, and to maintain strong lines of communication and partnership between students, families, staff, and other resources.
SafeOregon is also an effective way to report a tip regarding safety threats or potential acts of violence to our students or schools.
(Students should also be aware that intentionally providing a false report is a serious offense.)
Stay connected with the LOSD AP:
Contact information for the Westridge PTSO
Find us on Facebook!
Follow us on Instagram @westridge.ptso
Email: westridgeptso@gmail.com
Yearbook Photos: yearbookwestridge@gmail.com
Westridge Elementary School
Email: weaverl@loswego.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.losdschools.org/wr
Location: 3400 Royce Way, Lake Oswego, OR, USA
Phone: 5035342371