Words to the Wise

Dear Westowne Families,

Welcome back to a brand-new school year! We’re excited to kick off September with energy, enthusiasm, and a renewed commitment to helping each child succeed. There's plenty of local excitement in the air with the Ravens’ season underway. Just like our favorite sports teams, we encourage our students to bring teamwork, dedication, and school spirit to every school day. Whether it's working on group projects, participating in class activities, or joining extracurriculars, we can all learn valuable lessons from our sports heroes right here in Baltimore. Hard work and dedication in the classroom will pay off!

As we transition back to our daily school routines, we’d like to share some important updates and reminders. Please see the arrival and dismissal procedures in this newsletter. We want to make sure our students, teachers, and families are safe. Moreover, please review the new BCPS Cell Phone Policy. Finally, I ask that you pay close attention to the Attendance section of this newsletter. Daily school attendance is crucial for a student’s academic, social, and emotional development.

Success in school is built on a partnership between parents and educators. We value your input and look forward to working closely with you to support your child's academic and personal growth. By staying engaged—whether through attending parent-teacher conferences, helping with homework, or simply discussing your child’s day—you’re fostering an environment that prioritizes education. Please respond to any School Messenger contacts, phone calls, and/or Talking Points messages as this will ensure we are all on the same page.

Our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) plays a crucial role in building a strong school community. By joining the PTA, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other parents, support school events, and have a voice in important decisions that affect your child's education. It’s also a fantastic way to stay informed and involved throughout the year. We encourage all parents to join, and together, we can continue to make our school a vibrant place for learning and growth. Joining the PTA is the easiest way to support the school as this fee goes directly into the PTA budget and in turn, supports the students! If you have not already done so, please make sure you join the PTA. Individual ($9.00) and family memberships ($14.00) are available at the following website: westowne.memberhub.com. You can join the PTA by clicking the View Store button along the top.

We are confident that with your support, this school year will be a winning season for all of our students! Here’s to a great September!

As always, thank you for your continued support.

Warm Regards,

Principal Palmer

• Tuesday, September 9- Back to School Night Grades 3-5 from 6:00-7:30
• Tuesday, September 23- Schools Closed for Students for Rosh Hashanah

• Thursday, October 2- Schools Closed for Students for Yom Kippur
• Friday, October 17- Schools Closed for Students for MSEA Convention
• Monday, October 20- Schools Closed for Students for Diwali
• Tuesday, October 21- Internet Safety Presentation from 6:00-7:00 in the WES cafeteria
• Friday, October 31- 3 Hour Early Dismissal (dismissal starts at 12:55) **last day of quarter 1**

Welcome to our New WES Staff!

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.

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

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 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

The Baltimore County Police Department has partnered with BCPS and AngelTrax to implement a school bus camera safety program. Motorists who illegally pass a stopped school bus with activated flashing red lights will be subject to a $250 fine.

As of the 2025-2026 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.

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.

cell phone expectations flyer.jpg

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 2024-2025 school year:

Attendance Rate for all students- 93.91%

Kindergarten- 92.74%

1st grade- 93.92%

2nd grade- 94.79%

3rd grade- 93.84%

4th grade- 94.06%

5th grade- 94.10%

What does it mean to be chronically absent?

A student is considered chronically absent if they have missed 10% of the total number of school days. Last year at WES there were 103 students or 17.45% 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

Attendance Tracker-Secondary Spanish.jpg

Will your class "kick it"? Will your child SOAR to 94?

Each day classes can make moves down the soccer field to score a goal. If the class has 94% or better attendance, the class will make one move down the field. If the class has 100% attendance, the class will make two moves down the field. Once your class has made 20 moves down the soccer field and scored a goal, each child in the class will receive a small prize.

The grade level with the highest attendance percentage for the month of September will earn outdoor recess equipment.

September is Attendance Awareness Month. BCPS will be celebrating with county wide spirit days each Friday during the month of September. See flyer for more details.

BCPS- Attendance Spirit Days.pdf

Friday, September 5- "School Spirit Counts"- Wear WES gear or the color blue

Friday, September 12- "Step Up for Success"- Wear cool, bright, or creative sneakers or shoes

Friday, September 19- "Your Future is Bright"- Wear neon or bright colors

Friday, September 26- "Team Up for Attendance"- Wear your favorite sports gear

Who is our Community School Facilitator?

My name is Rachel Mills and I'm the new Community School Facilitator at Westowne Elementary. I have been with BCPS for 22 years. I spent my first 21 years at Owings Mills Elementary where I served as the Community School Facilitator, primary math resource teacher, and classroom teacher. I have been a resident in the Catonsville community for over 40 years. I am excited and eager to collaborate with all WES families in this new role!

What is a Community School?

Community Schools bring staff, students, families, community members, organizations, and businesses together to promote student achievement, create safe and welcoming conditions for learning, and support the health and well-being of families and the community. Community Schools are unique because they use a combination of integrated student supports, expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities, active family and community engagement, and collaborative learnership and practices to create conditions where students can thrive. For more information about Community Schools, please access this link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dTXujuJRc0

What is a Community School Facilitator?

My job is to

• build relationships with students, staff, families, and community members
• identify the needs and assets in the Westowne community
• coordinate resources
• work collaboratively to support the unique needs of the Westowne community

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th through October 15th. During this month it is important to celebrate the Hispanic and Latino communities history and culture in the United States.

Check out more information about Hispanic Hertiage Month with the Smithsonian- https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources

For additional resources about Hispanic Heritage Month- https://www.hispanicmonth.org/

Irvine Nature Center's afterschool program, Eco Explorers, will return to Westowne this year, for K-5 students. They will meet on Mondays from 4:15 to 5:15 and cover a variety of nature topics with experiments, crafts, animal encounters, and more. The Fall session begins Monday, September 29. Registration is now open on Irvine's website - enroll for the fall only or for the entire school year. See flyer for more details- Westowne_Eco_full-year_flyer.pdf

For more information click here- https://www.explorenature.org/after-school-eco-fern-club/

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 Schoology account is a great way to see what your child is doing in school. Follow the directions to create your account today!

English- Creating a Parent Account in Schoology.pdf

Spanish- Creating a Parent Account in Schoology- Spanish.pdf

Welcome back for a New and Healthy School Year

I hope you had a safe and relaxing summer. My name is Mrs. Martin, RN and I am pleased to be returning as the School Nurse. I am looking forward to working again with all the children and families at Westowne Elementary School. The Health Suite is open during school hours. Please feel free to contact me at any time regarding your child’s health. Kinyottia Sneed, is the school Health Assistant and will be here on Thursdays. You can reach us at 443-809-0023 or jmartin13@bcps.org. The Health Suite fax number is 443-809-0856.

Your child's teacher will provide you with the form Consent for Administration of Approved Discretionary Medications and Health Contact Information. This year the form is pink (English) or pink (Spanish). It is very important that the Health Suite has current contact information in the case of emergencies. PLEASE NOTIFY THE SCHOOL IF ANY OF THESE NUMBERS CHANGE.

Medication Administration

All medications given on a regular basis, both prescription and non-prescription, must be accompanied by a written order signed by a health care provider. Additionally, a parent/guardian must sign the Parent’s Request to Administer Medication in School form giving their permission for the medication to be administered at school. All medication must be delivered/picked up by a parent/guardian or other responsible adult. Please provide any medications with the orders at the same time.

All prescription medication must be supplied in their original container with the original pharmacy label including:

• Name of student
• Name of medication
• Strength of medication
• Prescribed dosage
• Directions for use, including time of administration
• Name of health care provider
• Date of prescription
• Expiration date, as indicated by the pharmacist

Non-prescription (over-the-counter) medications must be supplied in their original packaging. The student’s name should be written on the box/container.

Change of Clothes

Does your child have an extra pair of clothes in his/her locker? All students should have an extra set of clothes that are stored in their locker in case of an emergency, accident, spill, or fall at recess.

Recess Safety

Students must wear tennis shoes/sneakers that tie or have velcro straps for playing at recess. Crocs, flip flops, slippers, water shoes, boots, and open toe sandals are not safe for active participation in recess. Helpful Hint: Students can leave an extra pair of tennis shoes in their locker or cubby.

Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)

Information from the Baltimore County Department of Health about help with applying for the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP). Check out the flyer for more information.

Flyer in English- MCHP flyer.pdf

Flyer in Spanish- MCHP Are You Covered flyer_Spanish.pdf

Vaccine Information

Information from the Baltimore County Department of Health about required school vaccines that are offered at low to no cost at various Health Centers around Baltimore County. All students must be current on their vaccinations by September 15th or your child will be excluded from school until the requirements have been met.

Vaccine Clinics.pdf

Math Matters!

In the coming school year, students will embark on another exciting journey through the world of math! This year, we are diving into a range of engaging and challenging topics that will spark curiosity and build a strong foundation for future learning.

Throughout the year, our math curriculum will be enriched with workplace games, group activities, and projects designed to make learning math an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We are excited to see our students grow and thrive as they discover the many ways math connects to the world around them.

Parent/Guardian Corner: Tips for Supporting Math Learning at Home

Promote a Growth Mindset:

Encourage a growth mindset by emphasizing that learning math is about practice and persistence! Remind your child that mistakes are opportunities to learn and improve.

At WES we use the story problem solving routine to solve math problems:

Step 1- Imagine- picture the story in your mind.

Step 2- Think- What do we notice? What do we wonder? What are we trying to figure out?

Step 3- Plan- Write and label a number sentence that represents the situation.

Step 4- Solve- Use manipulatives, pictures, and mental math to find your unknown.

Step 5- Share Your Strategies- Does your answer make sense? Share your strategy for solving the problem with the class.

CLICK THIS LINK FOR GRADE LEVEL SPECIFIC MATH NEWSLETTERS- September

ELA News

Welcome back to school, families! Now is the best time to begin setting up routines with your children that help get them excited about reading and help keep you connected with what they are learning in the classroom. Take a look at the upcoming month's reading modules for your children to explore what topics they will be reading about, what skills they will be learning, and what will inspire their writing. Engage with your children by asking questions about the subjects, seeking their opinions, and sharing your own perspectives. Don't forget to encourage reading at home, too! Have a great time exploring, reading, and connecting with your child!

CLICK THIS LINK FOR GRADE LEVEL SPECIFIC ELA NEWSLETTERS- September

Autism Caregiver Support Meeting

This support meeting will provide an opportunity for caregivers to gain support and awareness about supporting their child with autism. Meetings are virtual. Link for meeting is provided on the flyer. There are meetings on Friday, September 12 and Friday, October 3 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. See flyer for more details.

Autism Support Meeting Flyer Sept-Oct 2025 .pdf

BCPS Magnet EXPO!

BCPS will hold The Magnet EXPO! on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at CCBC Catonsville Wellness & Athletic Center (800 Rolling Road 21228) from 9:30 am to 12 pm.

Application Information Meetings for parents will be held on Thursday, September 11 at Kenwood High School (510 Stemmers Run Rd., Essex 21221) and Tuesday, September 25 at Milford Mill Academy (3800 Washington Ave., Windsor Mill 21244). Both meetings will be held in the school's auditorium and will start at 6 pm.

See flyer for more details- Magnet Flyer 26_27 final.pdf

2026-2027 Magnet Application Cycle opens at noon on Monday, September 8, 2025. The application deadline is Tuesday, October 21st at 1 p.m. For more information click here- https://www.bcps.org/curriculum/programsandoptions/educational_opportunities_and_services/magnet_programs

If you have any questions, please contact our magnet liaison,Wendy Lafferman, wlafferman@bcps.org.

You can show support by wearing yellow on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, which is World Suicide Prevention Day.

We know 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year and 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24 (NAMI, 2022). Please be aware of the warning signs of a mental health challenge and ways you can respond.

Warning Signs

Here are some warning signs that may indicate a student is having a mental health challenge/crisis:

• Unexpected/dramatic decline in school performance
• Noticeable changes to mood and/or behavior (i.e., someone who is always cheerful is now quiet and somber, someone who loves a hobby is now disinterested, etc.)
• Changes in appetite, sleep, hygiene
• Frequent physical complaints
• Isolating themselves from friends
• Comments or gestures that may hint that someone is thinking of ending their life. (**If this happens, notify an administrator immediately.)

Tips for How to Respond

• Have a conversation - If you notice these signs and you have a good relationship with the student, consider talking to them one-on-one. Say something like” “I’ve noticed that you _______ (insert noticeable mood/behavior change). Is everything ok?” The student may just need to talk to someone they trust.
• Notify/Consult someone on your Behavior Threat Assessment Team (School Counselor, School Psychologist, School Social Worker, School Nurse, Administrator, SRO, PPW) and discuss your concern(s).
• Report – If a student makes a comment/gesture indicating possible thoughts to end their life, do not leave the student alone and notify an administrator immediately.

If you have further questions, please reach out to the School Counselors, School Psychologist, and/or School Social Worker. Additional resources can also be found in the Mind Over Matters Campaign website. View this resource from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center – Ideas for Action that can be done in September and year-round.

All of the 1st to 5th grade classes are getting back into the weekly library routine and the kindergarten classes are being introduced to the library and Miss C. Johnson, the library media specialist. Be on the lookout for this year's Book Care Pledge to come home with your student on a bright green paper soon. It will explain the expectations students are asked to follow when borrowing school library books. When parents/guardians, complete and return the form they are indicating that they understand what is expected of their student and that they give permission for their student to check out school library books.

If you have any questions about Library Media class, our work and lessons, school library books, and/or book check out, please contact Miss Johnson, the school librarian. The best ways to reach Miss Johnson are via email at cjohnson13@bcps.org or via phone through the school office (443) 809-0854.

A tip for keeping your student's school library books safe and protected this year! Consider getting a box of 1- or 2- gallon size zipper plastic bags (or another waterproof bag/pouch that size). When students place their school library books in a large zipper plastic bag or waterproof pouch BEFORE putting the book in their backpack, then the bag will help to protect the book from water bottle spills, snagging/ripping on things in the backpack and other possible damage!

Thank you to the families who donated pencils, tissues, and wipes to the school library. They are sincerely appreciated and will be well-used this year!

WES Families,

Welcome back to the 2025-2026 school year! Here are a few reminders for P.E. class.

Mr. Malecki and Mr. Nowicki

• 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.

Thank you to the following organizations that donated backpacks and school supplies to Westowne:

Catonsville United Methodist Church

St. Agnes Knights of Columbus

The Beacon Home Team

Frederick Villa Healthcare

Zion Lodge #4 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland

Thanks you to First Fruits Farm for donating the produce and food that was available to families during Sneak-a-Peek.

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

BCPS Parent University- https://www.bcps.org/cos/communications/FACE/parent_university

Parent University September Events.pdf

BCPS Parent University Lunch & Learn Workshop: "It Takes a Village: Tapping into Community Resources to Get Involved in Your Child's Early Learning Community"- Friday, September 5, at 12:30 p.m. This virtual workshop, presented by Dr. Keisha Wizzart from The Center for Family Success, will explore how community programs, support services, and partnerships can provide essential help and connection for young families as well as how early education settings can build community. Participants will learn how to build support networks with other families, teachers, and parents and access resources that promote school readiness and family stability. Registration is required- https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=3cPDSRs_g0GOdLONSDpa_TzYnBSgMrpFq7I284czGKtUQkNGUVBWQUpEMU0wSlVXUllQUjA1WVFDRi4u&route=shorturl

Resource website from Towson University for teachers and families of Multilingual Learners- https://wp.towson.edu/tesol/

BGE Customer Relief Fun- BGE Customer Relief Fund.pdf

Catonsville Emergency Assistance- CEA's mission is to provide neighbors in need in the Greater Catonsville area with emergency food, eviction prevention, utility assistance and service referrals. For more information click here- https://catonsvillehelp.org/ and/or Catonsville Emergency Assistance.pdf

Additional Food Assistance Resources

The Baltimore County Department of Social Services offers programs and services designed to help residents in financial need who meet income-eligibility requirements, as well as resources to provide food assistance for Baltimore County families, including:

• Senior Food Assistance- Seniors experiencing food access needs may call 410-887-2594 or email aginginfo@baltimorecountymd.gov
• Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) Food and Nutrition Services—Learn more about the food assistance programs offered through BCPS.
• SNAP Emergency Allotments—The Maryland Department of Human Services has been approved to issue SNAP emergency allotments to all current SNAP households. Learn more about SNAP to see if you qualify for monthly benefits to help purchase food.
• Pet Food Assistance—Learn how to receive pet food assistance from the Baltimore Humane Society or make donations to their Bmore Kind Pet Food Bank.

The Food Pantry Locator is available here.

These materials are neither sponsored by nor endorsed by the Board of Education of Baltimore County, the Superintendent or this school.

Are you looking for ways to give back? First Fruits Farm is a great volunteering opportunity for the whole family. For more information about how to get involved click here- https://www.firstfruitsfarm.org/volunteer.

Catonsville Rec Basketball is registering for the winter season. Check out the flyer for more information about the program and how to register your child. Catonsville Rec Basketball Registration_2025.pdf

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.