W.E.stchester Weekly

Don't forget to mark your calendars for these upcoming Westchester events:

• May 1st: Field Day

• May 5th: 5:30 Dr. Whitaker's Spring Listening Session @ WE

• May 12th: Board Meeting

• May 20th: 2nd Grade Moving Up Ceremony

• May 22nd: Last Day of School Community Circle- All invited

From your very grateful principal,

Christine Knox

Stay engaged and up to date with CSD. Mark your calendars for the following dates

• Dr. Whitaker's Listening Sessions:

• May 5 (WE) (updated)

• May 14 (online)

• Board of Education Meetings:

• May 12 - General Meeting

• Bring a water bottle, a change of clothes, and maybe a hat.
• Put on sunscreen before you come to school.
• Volunteers must bring their ID to check in and check out.
• Bring your best attitude for a super fun day!

In the 2026 Metro Atlanta K-8 Team Qualifier Chess Tournament on Sunday, March 29, Westchester was represented by three players: Rhys Vanderlind, Luca Catalano, and Levy Gosterisli. This was the first time any of our players from Westchester have attended this important event, and we are very proud of these three players for setting an historic first for the chess program at Westchester. Both Rhys and Levi were in the K-1 section, and Luca was in the K-3. Westchester, unfortunately, did not have enough players to qualify as a full team (which takes four for K-1 and five for K-3), but even so, our high K-1 "Team Score" still put Westchester at number 11 out of 22 schools! And Rhys, who his dad said has been really working on his game every day, came in as the fourth-best player in this K-1 section – no mean feat! We are very proud of these three young chess players from Westchester, and we hope that they will inspire more players to join them in the next tournament!

Dear Westchester Families,

During the week of May 4 through May 8, we will be administering the STAR Math, Early Literacy and Reading tests. STAR is a computerized adaptive test which helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child's academic growth. Students take the STAR tests in the fall, winter, and spring. By taking it 3 times a year, teachers and parents are able to see how their student is growing in the areas of reading and math throughout the school year. We will use this data to help us make informed instructional decisions for our students. The tests will be administered by classroom teachers and proctors in their classrooms. STAR family reports will be shared at the end of the school year.

If you have any questions please reach out to our Instructional Coach Christie Manasso cmanasso@csdecatur.net .

STAR Family Information

Practice Test Items

Dear Westchester Families,

At our school, we know that the term "Asian" covers a vast, vibrant, and incredibly diverse range of histories, languages, and traditions. While "Asian American" or "Asian" is a helpful category for some things, it doesn't quite capture the specific beauty of a Lunar New Year celebration in a Vietnamese household versus a Diwali feast in an Indian one, or the unique traditions of a Hmong, Filipino, or Korean family.

To ensure our school community is truly inclusive and that every student feels seen, we want to move beyond broad labels. We are reaching out to invite you to share the specific cultural heritage(s) your family identifies with.

Why are we asking?

Our goal is to move from "general inclusion" to intentional celebration. Knowing more about your background helps us:

• Accurately represent your traditions in our curriculum and school events.

• Communicate more effectively (and sometimes in preferred languages).

• Connect families who share similar heritages or interests.

• Celebrate holidays that actually matter to your home life.

We understand that identity is personal and sometimes complex. Please know that sharing this information is completely optional, but your voice is vital in helping us build a school culture that feels like home for everyone.

Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us learn.

Warmly,

Westchester Elementary

Read the April 30, 2026, issue of CSD Weekly, the district-wide newsletter.

Decatur Robotics is hosting its annual showcase, featuring teams from Talley St., F.Ave, BHMS and DHS, Saturday, April 25, from 2-4 p.m. at the DHS Cafeteria. Drop in anytime to see the students' robots and projects.

Decatur Soccer invites youth ages 5-13 (rising K-8th grade) to register for its 3v3 Soccer Tournament, powered by Decatur WatchFest 26, a fun, flexible, and community-focused event led by DHS soccer players and coaches. Join us Saturday, June 20, 8:30-noon at the Decatur High School Stadium with plenty of parking and just a short walk from the Decatur MARTA Station and Decatur WatchFest.

Kids can form a team of up to five players and sign up at the link below for just $75 per team (payable separately via GoFan). With no uniforms required (pennies provided) and small-sided 3v3 match play run by our DHS players, this format keeps things simple while maximizing touches, engagement, and fun for every player.

The tournament is open to girls, boys, and co-ed teams (co-ed teams will play in the boys bracket), with divisions based on rising school year: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, and 6-8. This is a great way to celebrate Decatur WatchFest and FIFA World Cup 26™ while supporting the Decatur Soccer program, and giving your child a fun soccer experience without a big time commitment. Just gather a group, register here, and show up ready to play!

Check here for Westchester newsletters.

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.

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
PTA: https://westchester.ptboard.com/