What's Happening at Western
Some thoughts for the starting school year
11/26/25
Dear Western families,
I am going to keep this nice and short so we can all get our Thanksgiving break started. This time of year is when we reflect on all that we are thankful for in our lives. Besides what I am thankful for in my private life, I am truly thankful for being a part of the Western community. You have the best possible staff working with your children. They put their heart and soul into teaching and supporting your children, and they also support one another along the way. Our kids keep us on our toes each day, but that helps keep us all young. Some of us, especially me, need help staying young! They are really a great group of kids, who just need our guidance every once in a while to make good decisions and prioritize what is needed. I want to thank all of our families for your collaboration and continued support for our students and staff. I am so proud to be the principal of Western and a part of this wonderful community.
If we ask your children what they are most thankful for this year, many of them will probably say that they are thankful that season five of Stranger Things is available on Netflix tonight. Of course, they would say that AFTER they say how thankful they are for the love and support of their families. I will be on the couch watching multiple episodes of Stranger Things tonight. The show is not something I would normally on my thankful list, but it does allow me to have valuable time with my daughters and husband which is hard to come by these days. So, I will include it on my thankful list for that reason.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Enjoy this long holiday weekend.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Monday, December 1st, 2025: Basketball Tryouts Begin
Monday, December 1st - Friday, December 5th, 2025: Book Fair
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025: Theater Club Virtual Parent Meeting, 6:30pm
Thursday, December 4th, 2025: Garden Catering Theater Club Fundraiser, 11am-6pm
Monday, December 8th, 2025: MP2 Progress Reports
Tuesday, December 9th, 2025: Orchestra Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 10th, 2025: Chorus Winter Concert
Basketball Tryout Details
Below is the schedule for basketball tryouts, which start on Monday, December 1st.
Monday, December 1st:
Boys basketball 3:00pm-4:30pm
Girls Basketball 4:30pm-5:30pm
Tuesday, December 2nd:
Boys basketball 3:00pm-4:30pm
Girls Basketball 4:30pm-5:30pm
Thursday, December 4th:
Girls Basketball 3:00pm-4:30pm
Boys Basketball 4:30pm-5:45pm
If students have a late practice they will attend a study hall prior to complete their homework before tryouts. The location of the study hall will be announced in the morning.
Photo Retakes
Photo retakes are in! Your child has been notified and instructed to stop by the main office to pick it up. If you have not received it, please remind your child.
Western’s Book Fair Ordering Information
This year, students have the opportunity to purchase with an eWallet at our Fall Book Fair - it's an easy way for you to give them Book Fair money without worrying that they will lose it!
Learn about the eWallet here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DFD8W1c-pwozSjJ7Ur3xWbISTT8MhUaW/view
Set up your student's eWallet here:
https://riverbendbookfairs.square.site/
Promo Code: WMSLMC
Also, you are also able to support Western by shopping online! If you (or a friend - feel free to share this info!) have a title that you'd like to purchase, you can order from the Book Fair website now through December 12, and the books will be delivered to the school and distributed in time for the holidays!
The Care Closet — Help Us Keep Our Students Warm This Winter!
If you find yourself cleaning out your closets over this holiday weekend, please consider donating to our Care Closet. We are expanding the Care Closet to include clean, gently used clothing—beginning with winter essentials. Below are items we are looking for:
We’re currently seeking donations of:
Winter gear: hats, scarves, gloves, jackets, and boots
Everyday clothing: sweaters, pants, jeans, shirts, shorts, and shoes
Basics: socks and undergarments (new only, please)
Storage: clothing racks, shoe racks, and hangers
Our community is deeply grateful for your continued kindness and support. Together, we can make sure no student is left out in the cold this winter.
Donations can be dropped off to Mr. Ludvinsky in M1, the main office, or the guidance suite.
Nominate a Western Difference Maker
A reminder that this year only one staff member from each school will receive the Difference Maker Award each month. I am asking for our staff and parents to help in nominating staff for this award. If you or your child believe one or more staff members make a difference in our school community or in your own lives, please use this link to nominate them and explain why they are deserving of this award.
Parent Community Resources
Last year we consulted with district mental health staff and one of our 6th grade parents to provide community resources for our parents. The Parent Community Resource document is linked below and includes MANY, MANY community resources to support parents and students at Western. Western is here to support parents and students in any way, but we also know that families may want to handle personal matters more privately. Please take the time to review it in case you find yourself in need of some support for you, your child or family. This will remain linked in my SMORE each week and will also be posted on our website.
After school activities
Here is our after-school Club Catalog. Take a look with your child to see what they may want to get involved in. Remember, they are FREE!
