The Westgate Wire
September 11, 2026
Variety Show Planning Committee Parent Volunteers Needed
The Westgate Variety Show will be held on Friday, January 29th. We are looking for parent volunteers to be part of the planning committee for this year. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out this google form or email Cara Giacomin-Ferris at cgiacominferris@sd25.org
4th/5th Grade Book Club
We are excited to get 4th/5th Grade Book Club up and running for the year. Our theme for the year is "Reading Through the Genres," and we are starting with a fantasy novel. Please see the included flyer and sign up as soon as you know your child is interested. We have a very limited number of openings, which will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Happy reading!
Supporting Positive Student Behavior
Across District 25, our schools are committed to creating safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments for every student. To help ensure consistency across all of our buildings, District 25 uses a common framework to define and respond to student behaviors, including tools that help distinguish between minor and major behaviors.
Grounded in our shared expectations to Be Safe, Be Ready, Be Mindful, this approach focuses on clearly teaching expectations, helping students reflect on their actions, their impact on others, and providing opportunities to continue to grow. While each situation and student is unique, using common tools and processes across District 25 helps create a consistent approach for students, staff, and families.
Families can learn more about District 25's approach, including the Elementary School Framework and Middle School Framework, at Safe25.
Health Office Reminders
We appreciate the families who have already submitted their child’s required health forms.
It is crucial that all necessary forms are provided to avoid any interruption in your child’s education as the State of Illinois REQUIRED EXCLUSION date of October 15th.
Also, please be sure to direct all health office questions to our school nurse, Karen Genualdi at kgenualdi@sd25.org.
Westgate Spirit Days!
Fri, Sept. 25- College Wear Wed, October 21- Pajama Day Fri, November 13- Hat/Crazy Hair Day December - Winter Spirit Week (Stay Tuned) Fri, January 29- Winter Animal Day Fri, February 26- Pajama Day Fri, March 19- Westgate Spirit Day Fri, April 30- Jungle Day
Chess Club is Back!
Westgate Chess Club kicks off Friday, October 2! Chess Club runs in three seasons each year — fall, winter, and spring — so this is the first chance of the year to give chess a try. Beginners and experienced players are welcome, and students can even bring a friend and try the first class for free! The fun continues all year, including our much-loved Bughouse Tournament in the spring! Check out the attached flyer for details and registration.
We also need one PTA volunteer each Friday to help welcome students, provide an extra set of eyes, and stay through pickup. Illinois Chess Teachers runs the lesson, so it is an easy, fun way to help out and get a front-row seat to what the kids are learning. Sign up for a Friday here!
D25 Families: Heritage Fest Is Looking for Booth Hosts
Saturday, September 19 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Arlington Heights Historical Museum
110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights
Heritage Fest is looking for families to host booths celebrating their culture, traditions, and heritage. If your family has participated in a D25 Multicultural Fair, this could be a great opportunity to share your culture with the broader Arlington Heights community.
Heritage Fest is presented by the Arlington Heights Park District, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Arlington Heights Historical Museum, and Village of Arlington Heights.
Westgate PTA News
Important Dates
9/18-PTA Fall Fest from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
9/21- Yom Kippur-No School
10/22-10/23- Parent/teacher Conferences
11/3-Election Day-No School
11/20-Report Cards sent via email
11/23-11/27- Thanksgiving Break- No School
12/21-1/4-Winter Break-No School