W.E.stchester Weekly

Let’s finish this by January 30th.
Keep up the great work!! Let’s get to 70% or higher. Ask a spouse or neighbor if they have completed their Climate survey. Let’s finish this by January 30th.
News from the Principal
Greetings WE Families,
BBBBRRRRRR! The winter weather has arrived. This is our typical January weather, in which the temperatures drop, and we get warnings of “inclement weather.” It is always a challenge to help our little ones remember to dress for the weather, which means layers. That also means that our Lost and Found collection starts to grow. Be sure to check the collection when you stop by the school. You might be surprised to see what has turned up.
The students and teachers have been working diligently. As we begin new modules in ELA, students will explore various texts to gain new knowledge about topics and apply what they learn through reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Kindergarten will explore “Then and Now” to answer the essential question, “How has life in America changed over time?”
In what may be a timely topic, first graders will delve into a study of “Powerful Forces” to explore the question, “How do people respond to the powerful force of the wind?”
As we approach the MLK holiday, the second-grade students are learning about the impact of civil rights heroes, searching for answers to “How can people respond to injustices?”
I am in awe of our youngest learners and their thoughtful approach to books, videos, and art. They gather knowledge and learn to use it to form their opinions and share their thoughts in meaningful ways. The guiding questions above offer insight into the topics the students are reading about, allowing you to have meaningful conversations at home.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
January 28th: 12:50 p.m. Early Release
January 30th: Community Circle - All invited
Have a wonderful weekend. Monday there is no school because of the MLK holiday. See everyone back on Tuesday, January 20th.
From your very grateful principal,
Christine Knox
Calendar of Events
👀Art🎨
Turn your art into Ms. Howarth by January 31st!
District News
Take GaDOE's Annual School Climate Survey
Please take a moment this week to make your voice heard and participate in the Georgia Department of Education climate survey for your school! Your participation and feedback are greatly appreciated. The data collected will help determine the School Climate Star Ratings for the 2026-27 school year, which will enable schools to improve or build upon their successes.
Community Events
Author Events with LSOS
Little Shop of Stories is so incredibly excited and honored to welcome Yvonne Clark-Rhines and Monica Clark-Robinson to Decatur on January 29, from 6pm-7pm, to read and discuss their book, Teaching for Change: How Septima Clark Led the Civil Rights Movement to Voting Justice! Be sure to save your spot for what is sure to be a very special storytime and author talk! Read below for more details: https://littleshopofstories.com/event/2026-01-29/yvonne-clark-rhines-and-monica-clark-robinson-teaching-change
Bookish powerhouses Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis have come together to create the picture book of our dreams and they're stopping by Decatur to tell us all about it! Come hear all about the tale of Rumpelstiltskin from Mac and Carson for an afternoon of picture book magic! Registration is required, please read below for more details:https://littleshopofstories.com/event/2026-02-01/mac-barnett-and-carson-ellis-rumpelstiltskin
Speaker Series: Talking to Kids About Dangerous Substances
An ongoing speaker series from DEF, Decatur Prevention Initiative and the Decatur Parents Network returns Thursday, January 22, with a documentary viewing and panel discussion on "Navigating the Changing Drug Landscape: Talking to our Kids About Dangerous Substances." This event is free and open to any adult. Find more information and register in advance here.
Thursday, January 22, 6:30-8 p.m., DHS Learning Commons (Library/Media Center). Enter the bus drop-off area off of Commerce Drive.
DEF
Newsletters are posted on the Website!
Reminders💡
Early Check-Out Cut-off is 2:00pm
School Lunch Policy: Please be sure to maintain a positive lunch balance for your child. This will help us avoid any unexpected lunch changes for students. Check your Parent Portal frequently to make sure your child has adequate funds for the cafeteria. You may also find the Parent Portal app (for Apple or Android) to be more convenient.
Westchester Elementary School
Who to Contact: Please see who the best contact is for your questions for a quicker response.
Website: https://westchester.csdecatur.net/
Location: 758 Scott Boulevard, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404-370-4400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westchesterelementarycsd