The Westgate Wire

Parent/Teacher Conference Sign-Up Coming Soon!

We will have our winter Parent/Teacher Conferences on Monday, February 16th. The Sign-Up Genius to schedule your conference will be shared with parents via email on Thursday, January 15th at 7:00 p.m. Please look for an email from Dr. Buch.

Kids Heart Challenge

Westgate Elementary School families,

We’ve officially launched Kids Heart Challenge with the American Heart Association - let’s rally to change lives and be heart heroes for kids!

Through Finn’s Mission, you’ll learn the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR and how to recognize a stroke. Here are the next steps to take today:

Sign Up for Kids Heart Challenge by downloading the free “AHA Schools” app for Apple or Android or by clicking HERE.

Be a hero: Send 10 texts TODAY to help save lives.

Complete Finn’s Mission: Learn Hands-Only CPR, earn your lifesavers cape and be entered to win two Super Bowl tickets!

By signing up and raising funds, you can help us earn gift certificates for physical activity and recess equipment to support the health & wellness of our school community.

I can’t wait to see our school create a community of lifesavers this year.

Erin's Law Presentation

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention lessons will begin after winter break at Westgate. Illinois Public Act 097-1147, requires public schools to provide child sexual abuse prevention education for children in prekindergarten through twelfth grades. Age-appropriate instruction helps students recognize unsafe situations, keep themselves safe, and understand how to respond to unsafe situations. School social workers work with each grade level to provide age-appropriate information on topics such as safe versus unsafe touching, the touching rule, secrets, and reporting.

The following link includes more information, including presentations and opt-out forms:

http://www.sd25.org/Page/663

If you choose to opt your child out of the presentation, please share the form with Dr. Buch.

Important Information on Common Illnesses in School-Age Children

School-age children are susceptible to various common illnesses.

We encourage you to take a moment to review this Information Letter on Common Illnesses for valuable guidance.

To help prevent these illnesses, please remind your child to practice healthy habits, including:

Washing hands frequently.
Staying well-hydrated.
Avoiding the sharing of personal items, food, or drinks.
Refraining from touching their eyes.
Covering their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter as we work together to keep our students healthy and safe.

Parent Night Out

It's officially time to get registered for the best Back to the 90's Parent Night Out Ever! Don't take my word for it-see what Zack and Will have to say!

Come to Arlington Ale House, Saturday January 31, 2026 to party like it's 1999 with a bunch of totally awesome Westgate parents. Amazing BINGO prizes, special in-person raffle items, and more! Register now before the holiday madness sets in!

REGISTER HERE or https://forms.gle/xR8pVwxtWycNPZ1V6

New to Westgate and not sure you feel comfortable attending this awesome event? Reach out to Kelley Balmer (kelley.balmer@gmail.com) or Ali Smazik (alisonsmazik@gmail.com)