Words to the Wise
November
Happy Fall from Westowne Elementary!
We are well into the Ravens season as they currently stand at 4-3. Halloween has passed, but I am sure students are still excited from the busy holiday weekend. The PTA Used Book Fair was a success, and we are now cruising towards Thanksgiving! At this time, we are 9 weeks into the school year and the first marking period ended on October 30. Conference Days are sneaking up and will be held on November 16 and 17, coinciding with American Education Week. December will also be busy as we look forward to the Winter Band, Orchestra, and Chorus concert and of course, Winter Break!
Please remember to check FOCUS and/or Schoology to ensure your student is keeping up with work and their grades are showing progress/passing. If you have questions and/or concerns, please contact the homeroom teacher to set up a time to discuss student progress via in-person conference or phone call. It is important to address any needs/concerns early and to develop any accommodations or interventions that may ensure student success. Remember, the Quarter 1 Marking Period ended on October 30, and report cards will be distributed on November 12, 2026.
Please remember that schools will be closed on Election Day, November 3. American Education Week will be held during the week of November 16 – 20, 2026. A visitation schedule may be found below in the SMORE Newsletter. Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, and Elementary (grades K-5) Conference Day will be held on Monday, November 16, 2026, and there will be no school for students. Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 Conference Day will also be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026…no Pre-K 3 or Pre-K 4 sessions on this day. Schools will close 3 hours early on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, through Friday, November 27, 2026, for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
As we move into the beginning of November and look forward to Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving, remember that you may also celebrate the following national celebration days!
- National Cinnamon Day—11/1
- Cookie Monster Day—11/2
- National Candy Day—11/4
- Odd Socks Day—11/10
- World Kindness Day—11/13
- National Clean Out your Refrigerator Day 11/15
- National Sardine’s Day—11/24
- Turtle Adoption Day—11/27
Here’s to a great and busy November!
Principal Palmer
November Dates
- Tuesday, November 3- Schools Closed for Election Day
- Thursday, November 12- Report Cards Distributed
- Monday, November 16 - Friday, November 20- American Education Week *see below for more details
- Monday, November 16- Schools Closed for Conference Day
- Tuesday, November 17- Conference Day for PreK 3 & Prek 4 *SCHOOL OPEN FOR GRADES K-5
- Wednesday, November 25- Turkey Trot
- Wednesday, November 25- 3 Hour Early Dismissal (dismissal starts at 12:55)
- Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27- Schools Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Double Good Popcorn
When: Monday, November 2nd at 6:00 pm through Friday, November 6th at 6:00 pm
Why: The WES PTA gets 50% of every sale that goes towards PTA programs and initiatives
How: Create a pop up store- https://popup.doublegood.com/event/a3ce937a-cb57-11f1-adfb-6bc0b6703f6d:
- Download the DOUBLE GOOD app
- Join with event code: UBEKZZ
- Share your link family and friends
This fundraiser is 100% online and the popcorn ships to the buyers doorsteps.
Top 10 sellers will receive a prize provided by the Westowne PTA.
Chick-fil-A Restaurant Night
When: Wednesday, November 11th from 6:00 am - 8:00 pm
Where: Chick-fil-A at the Ingleside and Security Square locations
Why: The WES PTA gets a portion of sales to support PTA programs and initiatives
How: Use the code FUNDRAISE in the mobile app when ordering from the Ingleside or Security Square Chick-fil-A locations
What: House Program Challenge of non-perishable food tiems
Who: WES students, families, and staff
When: Wednesday, November 4th through Friday, December 4th
Where: Place in your house color box in the front lobby
Why: To help families in need
Items Needed:
- Canned vegetables (prefer corn, green beans, potatoes)
- Canned fruit
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly
- Canned chicken
- Canned tuna
- Canned pasta
American Education Week from Monday, November 16th - Friday, November 20th. All visits are from 9:30am-11:00am except for the PM PreK visit which is from 1:30pm- 3:00pm. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to see your child learning. See flyer for more details.
American Education Schedule.pdf
Monday, November 16-School Closed for Elementary Conference Day
Tuesday, November 17- Kindergarten from 9:30- 11:00 am
Wednesday, November 18- 1st and 5th grades from 9:30- 11:00 am
Thursday, November 19- 2nd and 3rd grades from 9:30- 11:00 am
Friday, November 20- 4th grade and AM PreK from 9:30- 11:00 am & PM PreK from 1:30- 3:00 pm
November Spirit Week will be from November 23rd- November 25th.
Monday, November 23- Twin Day
Tuesday, November 24- Pajama Day
Wednesday, November 25- Sports Gear Day *Turkey Trot*
Our next Partners in Math Success Parent Workshop will be held on Tuesday, December 8th from 6-7 pm. At the workshop you will learn about your child's upcoming math unit, ways to help at home, and will receive a game that you can play with your child at home to reinforce skills that have been taught. See flyer for more details.
Westowne Partners in Math Success Flyer Unit 4.pdf
RSVP by December 1st- https://forms.gle/h4xukSXTRF1CdtNd8
Who: 5th grade Orchestra, 5th grade Band, Chorus Club
What: Winter Concert
Where: WES Cafeteria
When: Tuesday, December 13, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm
WES Winter Concert Flyer 2026.pdf
For more information:
Band/Orchestra- Ms. Sweeney at bsweeney@bcps.org
Chorus- Ms. Johnson-Fennell at mjohnsonfennell@bcps.org
Thank you to Just Landscaping for coming to Westowne and helping to beautify the courtyard garden. We appreciate you helping to make Westowne look amazing. We can't wait to see what the Green Team does out in the garden.
Sign Up for BCPS Text Message Updates
Send "Y" or "Yes" to 67587 to receive BCPS text messages with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts, and more.
Stay Connected- Talking Points
Download the Talking Points app to stay connected with your child's teacher. This is a great way to keep an open line of communication between you and your child's teacher. After you download the app, sign-in using the email address on file. You should be automatically connected to your child's teacher. For support with Talking Points, please contact the main office. See Talking Points Overview for more information- Talking Points Overview.pdf
If you need to change the language of the messages follow these steps:
1. Download the Talking Points App
2. Click on Settings
3. Click Personal Information
4. Select the language you would like
Create a Parent Schoology Account
Creating a parent Schoology account is a great way to see what your child is doing in school. Follow the directions to create your account today! Directions for downloading the Schoology app- Downloading the Schoology App.pdf.
English- Creating a Parent Account in Schoology.pdf
Spanish- Creating a Parent Account in Schoology- Spanish.pdf
For information about how to navigate Schoology- Parent Navigation of Schoology Desktop.pdf
Create a Parent FOCUS Account
Creating a parent FOCUS account is a great way to stay connected to what your child is doing in school. You can monitor your child's grades and attendance throughout the year. Click the link to create your account- https://baltimore.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/auth/
Creating a Parent Account in Focus- English.pdf
Creating a Parent Account in Focus- Arabic.pdf
Creating a Parent Account in Focus- Burmese.pdf
Creating a Parent Account in Focus- Chinese.pdf
- 9:00 AM- Doors Open for Students
- 9:15 AM- Late Bell for Students
- 10:00 AM- Robo Call for Absent Students
- 3:55 PM- Dismissal Bell
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Arrival
Arrival time for students is 9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Students arriving after 9:15 a.m. are marked late. If your student arrives after 9:15, an adult will need to park in the parking lot and walk your student to the Front Office to sign them in. Please do not park in the bus loop.
Dismissal
To support a safe and orderly dismissal, there are no early dismissals or changes to student dismissal after 3:30 p.m. If there is a change to your child's regular dismissal procedure, it should be communicated in writing to your child's teacher and the front office as early in the school day as possible. Please do your best to limit changes.
Car Rider Tags
If your student is a car rider, please make sure his/her car rider tag is displayed everyday at pick-up in the car rider line.
BCPS Bus Locator APP for Families
BCPS is pleased to announce the countywide implementation of BusWhere, a location-tracking software that allows subscribers to see bus locations in real time on a mobile phone or computer. Via the BusWhere app, subscribers may receive notifications as the bus approaches a designated bus stop or if there are significant delays.
For more information, check out the BusWhere information sheet- BusWhere information.pdf. If you have additional questions please get in touch with the BCPS Office of Transportation at 443-809-4321 or utilize the BusWhere Assistance Request Form- https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=3cPDSRs_g0GOdLONSDpa_bVjgy6GIuVGmGJmus4Mp_NUNllMSjRYWExBNVlQSEUwRFZFNlcyWExBRyQlQCN0PWcu
Transportation Concerns
Voice your concerns about bus issues you are having to the BCPS Transportation Department at 443-809-4321 or https://www.bcps.org/operations/transportation/contact_us.
BCPS Cell Phone Policy
BCPS will continue the same cell phone policy during the 2026-2027 school year. Cell phone use is prohibited during the instructional day in all BCPS elementary and middle schools other than for school-sanctioned uses or times.
- All students should have phones OFF and AWAY throughout the school day.
- Headphones/ear buds, smartwatches, or other similar wearable technology are prohibited unless used for a specific instructional purpose.
- Students are not permitted to utilize cell phones or other electronic devices during arrival, dismissal, and on the school bus.
Students and/or their families assume all risk and liability for damage, theft, or loss of personal technology.
Recording students or staff with cell phones or other recordable personal technology may be illegal and violates BCPS policy; students who use devices to record disruptions of any kind are subject to disciplinary action and may be referred to law enforcement.
Consequences for violating school and/or BCPS policy or rules may be either school- or system-based and are to be assessed by school-based staff.
Attendance Notes
If your child is absent, it is important to communicate about the absence(s) with the school. Please do one of the following so that your child's absence(s) can be coded correctly:
- Fill out the Westowne Electronic Attendance Note- https://forms.gle/62DnbwVSxoPBsm8k6
- Send in a blue note (you can get in the front office)
- Send in a doctor's note, note or obituary from funeral home, court summons paperwork, or note from religious organization
The attendance goal is to be in school for 94% or more of the school year which means your child cannot miss more than 10 days of school (based on 180 school days at the same school). Students are considered chronically absent if they miss more than 17 days of school when enrolled for 180 school days at the same school.
Attendance Matters- WES SOARS to 95
Research shows that attendance is one of the leading predictors of academic achievement and adult success. Our school attendance goal for students this year is to maintain an attendance rate of at least 94%. Check out this flyer for more information about the importance of having good attendance at school.
Parent Attendance Tips-Elementary.pdf
Parent Attendance Tips-Elementary (SPANISH).pdf
Data from the October:
Attendance Rate for all students- 95.54%
PreK- 87.11%
Kindergarten- 94.59%
1st grade- 94.84%
2nd grade- 94.54%
3rd grade- 96.20%
4th grade- 97.24%
5th grade- 96.01%
What does it mean to be chronically absent?
A student is considered chronically absent if they have missed 10% or more of the total number of school days which means your child has missed 18 or more days of school if attending WES for the entire school year (180 days). Last year at WES there were 95 students or 16.35% of students were chronically absent from school. This was a decrease from the year before but we can do better!
Did You Know?
Brining your child to school late or taking your child out before the end of the school day counts as time missed from school per the Maryland State Department of Education. All students participate in learning from bell to bell. When they arrive late or leave early, they miss opportunities for learning, small group instruction, and application of newly learned skills. Minutes add quickly to hours and days! Arriving late and leaving early from school should not be a regularly occurring practice. Help your student SOAR to 94 with bell-to-bell instruction! If there is a barrier to regular and timely attendance, contact an administrator or our Community School Facilitator, Rachel Mills, at rmills@bcps.org.
How can you help your child SOAR to 94?
- Establish a bedtime routine that includes a bedtime (students in elementary school need 9-11 hours of sleep a day)
- Pick out clothes the night before
- Pack backpack with homework the night before
- Establish a morning routine
- Schedule appointments around school hours
- Use the attendance tracker to help you track days absent from school
Attendance Tracker-Elementary.jpg
WES Attendance Incentives
Make a Splash, Be in Class!
Will your child SOAR to 94?
Each day classes can move strokes down the swimming pool to the finish line. If the class has 94% or better attendance, the class will move one stroke down the pool. If the class has 100% attendance, the class will move two strokes down the pool. Once your class has moved the length of the pool to the finish line, each child in the class will received a small prize.
The WES Has World Cup Attendance incentive has ended. Congratulations to the classes that have scored goals this quarter!
The following classes have scored three goals and earned three prizes"
Ms. Love
Ms. Aubin
Mr. Hairston
Ms. Stebbins
Ms. Cronin
Ms. Brady
The following classes have scored two goals and earned two prizes:
Ms. Lambertson
Ms. Geraghty
Ms. Lorber
Mr. Leach
Ms. Green
Ms. Berberian
Ms. Locantore
Ms. Singer
Ms. Strelecki
Ms. Ruppel
Ms. Steele
Ms. Garagiola
Mr. Landel
Ms. Venit
Ms. Stock
The following classes have scored a goal and earned a prize:
Ms. George
Ms. Kerrigan
GRADE LEVEL CHALLENGE
The grade level with the highest attendance percentage for the month of November will earn outdoor recess equipment. The PreK class with the highest attendance percentage for the month of November will earn bubbles.
The grade level with the highest attendance percentage for October was 4th grade. The PreK class with the highest attendance percentage for October was Ms. Gutin's AM PreK class.
For the Bookworms From the School Library
School library books should be brought in each week to return or renew. Overdue book notices will be given out to students once or twice a month starting in November. If your child gets a notice about a book, please return the book(s) to the school library as soon as possible.
Physical Education Corner
Turkey Trot
This year's Turkey Trot will be Wednesday, November 25th in the morning (between 9:30 -10:00 am). The event will be outside, so please dress appropriately. Third, Fourth, and Fifth grade students who qualified for the event will be bringing home permission slips sometime next week.
Here are a few reminders for P.E. class:
- Wear tennis shoes/sneakers that tie or have velcro straps. Crocs, flip flops, slippers, water shoes, boots, and open toe sandals are not safe for active participation in P.E. class. Safe activities will be provided if students forget safe shoes. Students must also wear tennis shoes/sneakers that tie or have velcro straps for playing at recess. Helpful Hint: Students can leave an extra pair of tennis shoes in their locker or cubby.
- Girls should wear shorts under a skirt or dress. Comfortable play clothes are recommended for all students for class. Post earrings are safe for P.E. class. Large hoop earrings or earrings that hang below the ear lobe are not safe for P.E. class.
- Please send in a note to your child's homeroom teacher if your child will need to be excused from P.E. for a medical reason. The note will be copied for the P.E. teachers and the school nurse.
- See the schedule below for when your child has P.E. class.
Curriculum Resources
Math Matters!
We have officially wrapped up Quarter 1! Please take a moment to check the Focus Parent Portal for your child's math achievements.
In November, students will be diving into Unit 3, exploring new concepts and skills. Don't forget to check out the Bridges Parent Newsletters for details on what your students will be learning!
Parent/Guardian Corner: Tips for Supporting Math Learning at Home
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage your child to explain their thought process. Questions like "How did you arrive at that answer? " or "Can you show me another way to solve this?" promote deeper understanding.
CLICK THIS LINK FOR GRADE LEVEL SPECIFIC MATH NEWSLETTERS-November
ELA News
This month, all grades will be working on Module 3. Check out your child's specific grade level newsletter to explore what topics they will be reading about, what skills they will be learning, and what will inspire their writing. Have conversations with them related to the topics they are learning in reading to build background and make connections to their lives. Be sure to check Schoology weekly to support your child's learning!
CLICK THIS LINK FOR GRADE LEVEL SPECIFIC ELA NEWSLETTERS- November
Amira At Home
Amira is a reading system that supports your child at their instructional level. She provides early literacy as well as more advanced literacy skills across a variety of areas. Students in grades 1-3 can use Amira at home. This is option for kindergarten students. See flyer for directions for how to log your child into Amira.
Counselors Corner
During the month of November, our virtue of the month is Gratitude. Gratitude is exemplified by recognizing and appreciating the good things in our lives and the people who make a difference. To model gratitude, we will be participating in a school-wide canned food drive. See above for more details.
Lastly, Monday, November 2nd, is House Day! Please have your child wear their house color to show house unity. If you are unsure of your child's house color, please contact their homeroom teacher. Thank you for your continued support! If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's school counselor.
Community School Corner
Cafeteria Corner
You can add money to your child's cafeteria account for snacks through MySchoolBucks- https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/getmain?requestAction=home. See form for more details.
Safe Food Practices
Due to allergies and preferences students are NOT ALLOWED to share food with other students. It is important that parents report all food allergies to the school nurse. Please also teach your students to not share with or take food from other students. See flyer that you can use with your child.
Join the PTA
Joining the PTA helps fund different activities for your child such as family events, field trip sponsorships, and teacher classroom grants. Membership is $10 for an individual and $15 for a family. Our goal is 150 memberships. See flyer for more information.
Join PTA- https://westowne.givebacks.com/shop
The next virtual PTA meeting will be on Wednesday, November 18th at 7:00 pm. More details to follow.
Volunteer Training
If you would like to volunteer or attend a field trip, you must complete the BCPS Volunteer Training.
Step 1: Complete a BCPS Volunteer Application- https://cdnsm5-ss3.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_9046799/File/Updated%20Documents/Application%20for%20Volunteer%20Services%20ADA.pdf or get a paper copy from the school.
Step 2: Complete the Online Volunteer Orientation- https://bcpsvolunteers-md.safeschools.com/register/0c626573
Step 3: All Volunteer Applications and Certificate from the online training must be given to Rachel Mills or emailed to rmills@bcps.org.
For more information- https://www.bcps.org/cos/communications/FACE/b_c_p_s_volunteers
Native American Heritage Month
National Native American History Month is celebrated during the month of November. During this month it is important to celebrate the Native American history and culture in the United States. Check out these different resources that you can learn more about.
- Origins of National Native American Hisotry Month- https://www.infoplease.com/history/native-american-heritage/heritage-month-history
- Native Americans in Maryland- https://www.native-languages.org/maryland.htm
- Native American Facts for Kids- https://www.native-languages.org/kids.htm
- Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian- https://americanindian.si.edu/
- National Endowment for the Humanities- American Indian History- heritagehttps://edsitement.neh.gov/teachers-guides/american-indian-history-and-heritage
- The National Park Service- American Indian Heritage- https://www.nps.gov/subjects/americanindians/index.htm
Catonsville High School Craft Fair
Support Catonsville High School at our Annual Craft Fair! Join us on Saturday, November 7, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at CHS for a day of shopping, food, and community fun. Discover unique gifts from local crafters and vendors while supporting our high school students. Admission is Free. Catonsville High School is located at 421 Bloomsbury Ave.
Follow us for vendor previews and updates:
Eco Explorers
Irvine Nature Center's afterschool program, Eco Explorers, will return to Westowne this year for K-5 students. They will meet on Mondays, from 4:1 to 5:15 and cover a variety of nature topics with experiments, crafts, animal encounters, and more. The Winter session begins on Monday, January 4. Registration is now open on Irvines' website - enroll for the winter session. See the flyer for more details.
Irvine Nature Center- https://www.explorenature.org/after-school-eco-fern-club/
Baltimore County Public Library
The Baltimore County Public Library has different events throughout the month for all age groups. Check out the offers at the Catonsville Branch during the month of October- Baltimore County Public Library Catonsville November Events.pdf
Baltimore County Rec and Parks Fall Program Guide
Are you looking for different programs for your child this fall? This is a guide to programs offered by the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks. Details, registration and any changes or updates are online at https://baltimorecountymd.gov/civicrec
Recreation and nature councils, non-profit and independent volunteer-led organizations, provide information on their offerings, which for convenience are also listed on CivicRec. To locate a program from this guide in CivicRec, scan a QR code, search by the four-digit session code, or search by program title.
Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum
Did you know the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum is located in Catonsville?
The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum is a 126.6-acre site dedicated to telling the inspiring story of the life and times of Benjamin Banneker, often considered the first African-American man of science.
Museum Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on County holidays, see Main Offices closures.
Location: 300 Oella Ave. Catonsville, MD 21228
Park Hours: Open sunrise to sunset.
Features:
- Exhibitions—In history, art, culture and science, and a permanent exhibit on the life of Benjamin Banneker
- Split log colonial cabin—Furnished with reproduced artifacts like those Banneker could have used
- Gardens—Colonial herbs, vegetables and an orchard
- Restored 19th-century farmhouse
- Onsite trails—Including conservation paths and the historic Number 9 Trolley Line Trail.
Nature Explorers after school program- Benjamin Banneker Historical Park Musuem-NatureExplorers.pdf
Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts is for boys and girls in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. See flyer for more information about Cub Scouts.
Every Kid Outdoors
Do you have a 4th grader? Did you know that all 4th graders can get into National Parks for free? The Every Kid Outdoors program can sign up to get a pass to visit our National Lands and Waters for free. For more information click here- https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm.