September Newsletter

It's hard to believe we're already three weeks into the school year! Our students have done an incredible job settling into their new routines, and the energy in our school is wonderful. It's inspiring to see them navigating their schedules, connecting with friends, and engaging with their classes.

Now that the initial transition is behind us, we can really focus on what's to come.

This month, we're also emphasizing the importance of academic ownership. While our teachers are here to guide and support, we want to empower students to take responsibility for their own learning. This includes managing their time, keeping track of assignments, and seeking help when they need it. A great way to support this at home is to create a dedicated space for homework and to regularly check in on their progress. Ask your child about Mustang Corral Time.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Picture Make-up day is for new students or students who missed picture day the first time. We can do retakes under the following conditions.

• We will print ID cards for Make-up students who did not get an ID card previously.
• We will not reprint ID cards for students taking retakes.
• We will not do retakes for students who have already purchased pictures. The expectation would be that, for example, the student had their braces taken off since the original picture day.
• Picture time is 9:00-11:00

Loren at Loren Orr Photography has shared with us that the 202025 West Junior High School Picture Day galleries are ready for viewing. To view your student's gallery, please follow the instructions noted below.

1. Click on the following link: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001280611
2. When prompted, please enter your student's school ID/Lunch number in the Online Code prompt.
3. When prompted, please enter your email address in the Email Address prompt.
4. Hit the Login button.

After you have logged in, you can review the pictures and select backgrounds. Multiple single or package photography products are available. Please note that all orders are completed online, and your order will be shipped directly to your home. If you order in the first 7 days that the galleries are available, please use the coupon code " SPORTSFREESHIP" to receive free shipping.
Please contact Loren at Loren@Lorenorr.com or call him at 208.320.2782 if you have any questions.

If your child was absent, picture retake day is Wednesday, September 3rd.

Teen Retail Clothing Vouchers

I have clothing vouchers available for enrolled students at West. If your child needs school clothes please contact me and I will give them a voucher. The vouchers are accepted at JCPenney in the mall and can be used for clothing and shoes.

Support for students that are housing displaced

Part of my role at West is to ensure students have the support they need to continue to attend our school if there has been a disruption or change in their housing. This can be due to an eviction or economic hardship. If your family is in one of the following housing situations, please contact me to see if your child will qualify for extra resources and support for school stability.

-In a shelter or transitional housing

-In a hotel, vehicle, or campground due to the lack of an alternative accommodation

-Doubled up with family or friends due to a lack of housing resources

Social Learning Groups will start in September

If you or your child are interested in one of the groups I run at West, please contact me. Small group settings can have a big impact on increasing your child’s confidence by building positive relationships and coping skills as they learn to navigate junior high. The following groups are available during the first semester. -Healthy Relationships -Resiliency -Friendship -General Support

Your child must have permission to participate in a group. To access a permission form or if you have questions about group content, please give me a call or send me an email. For your child to start a group in September I will need their permission returned to me by September 5th.

My contact information is 208-854-6849 or barbie.campbell@boiseschools.org.

Clear Skies Therapy is a local mental health agency that provides our school with an on site therapist one day a week. There are a few spots still available and the therapist is hoping to start providing services the second week in September. If you are interested in learning more please contact your child's counselor, or Mrs. Campbell the social worker. This support is for students that do not already have a counselor in place in the community and are looking to start services.

Please see the flyers below on Resiliency Courses offered both in person and online.

Hope Squad is a program offered throughout secondary education in the Boise School District. We are in our second year and gearing up for more excitement and activities. This year, our group consists of 13 students from all three grade levels. Our mission is to build positivity and connection to our school community as well as be a helping hand to those struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Our students are working diligently to bring activities and meaningful interactions to the school community, but funding is needed. A donation of any amount would make our goal of building community possible. You can follow the link or use the QR code to make a tax deductible donation. Stay tuned for more updates on our events and progress this school year.

Hope Squad Donation Link

This is a friendly reminder about our first Parent-Teacher Booster Club meeting on Thursday, September 11th, at 7:00 PM in the school library.

This is a great chance to connect with other parents and help make West a fantastic place for our children to learn and grow. We'll be discussing exciting plans for the school year and how we can all pitch in.

Your support and ideas are key to our success! We hope to see you there.

September 1-No School-Labor Day

September 3-Picture re-take day (9:00am-11:00am)

September 11-PTBC Meeting at 7:00pm in the library. All are welcome

September 12-Wear College Gear-AVID 45th anniversary

September 16-Signs of Suicide Program in 3rd period (see information below)

Every child deserves a safe and welcoming education environment. As part of our ongoing commitment to student well-being, the month of September, school staff will be teaching all junior high school and high school students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about their own or a friend's mental health, especially when there are thoughts of suicide.

To aid in these discussions and as a part of our curriculum, we have adopted and are going to continue to use a program called SOS Signs of Suicide. The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help.

SOS has been used by thousands of schools for over 20 years. Studies have shown that it effectively teaches students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students' self-reported suicide attempts.

Through the program, students learn:

• that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help

• how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend

• to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend

• who they can turn to at school for help

Students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend. Following the video, students will complete a brief screening and exit form. This form is used as a tool to determine if a student may be at potential risk, to facilitate conversation, and to notify parents. It is also a means to open a door to notify an adult about any concerns. School staff will conduct brief meetings with any student asking to talk.

We encourage you to visit www.mindwise.org/parents for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn.

We also encourage you to review:

• A youth suicide prevention handout

• Boise School District Suicide Prevention and Intervenion Website

• Boise School District Mental Health Website

As a part of our curriculum, the screener included with the SOS program does not require parents to opt-in. However, we will always respect your decision for your child. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's participation in this program please contact your child's school principal or school counselors.

Thank you for your continued support and your engagement in your child's education and well-being.

Sincerely,

Boise School District Administration

West has a 24 hour food and hygiene pantry that available for any members of our community at any time. It is completely stocked by donations from our families. We are very proud of this student-centered project. Items we are always in need of include:

Granola Bars

Cereal

Canned Goods (tuna, soup, fruit and vegetables, etc.)

Pasta

Single serve mac and cheese

Single serve apple sauce

Please no home-canned goods or expired items. Donations can be dropped off in the main office. Also, look for our "parking lot drop off" events happening throughout the year. Thanks again for making our community stronger by helping our neighbors.

From feedback from students, there are two things they would like to see improved at West. The first is to not have classes interrupted by announcements throughout the day. Students suggested having a TV in the main hallway that would scroll the announcements all day. We are pleased to announce that we had enough funds donated on our Back to School Night to purchase the tv!!!! Thanks to everyone who contributed!

Another item students are asking for is more flexible seating like the ones in the main entrance hallway.

If you would like to help contribute to our flexible seating, please scan the QR Code or click on the link to donate.

https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form?svcid=renxt&formId=54380edf-3073-43b8-b9e2-8e85c9face6a&envid=p-SdsX_pjE80CDMOl1UUUVDA&zone=usa

Students in Ada County are back to school! Drivers - please watch for kids walking or biking.
Share these simple safety tips with your kids to keep them safe.

• Cross only at marked crosswalks and follow the signs and lights

• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing

• Wait until cars stop completely before you cross

• Look left, then right, then left again before crossing

• Use safety flags if they are available

• Pay attention to what’s around you

• Keep your eyes up and turn the music down

• Wear bright colors to be seen, especially when it’s dark or cloudy

Keep our students safe and be an engaged driver.

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.

📱 New Communication Platform Launches August 6

We’re excited to launch ParentSquare, a new communication platform that brings together all your school and district messages in one place. Starting August 6, Boise School District families and select student grade levels will be able to:

• Receive updates from teachers, schools, and the district

• Complete forms/permission slips, RSVP/Sign ups and more

• Message teachers and staff (with real-time translation)

• Customize how and when you receive notifications

Watch for an invitation to activate your ParentSquare account soon!

Learn more: www.parentsquare.com, or watch the following 3-minute ParentSquare Video overview: https://vimeo.com/370906560?p=0s

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.

https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Policy/PolicyListing.aspx?S=36030877

Janet Cherry - Principal

Jon Zwainz - Assistant Principal

Website: https://west.boiseschools.org/
Location: 8371 W. Salt Creek Ct., Boise, ID 83709
Phone: 208-854-6450