Westchester Weekly
News from the Principal
Greetings WE Families,
Wow! We certainly had a wonderful Meet and Greet this morning. This is always a special event. There is so much excitement, anticipation, laughter, and joy. The 2026-2027 school year is officially off to a terrific start.
If you have not done so, please be sure to communicate your child's transportation plan in Pick Up Patrol, complete the Lunch Program application and the Annual Update in the Parent Portal. We need to ensure we have up-to-date, accurate student information.
On Monday morning, we will open the doors as soon as our buses arrive. Kindergarten parents may walk with their child to the classroom for a quick hug and kiss. Please do not linger, as this allows the students to get acclimated to the classroom morning routine. All first- and second-grade students will give hugs and kisses at the door and proceed to their classroom independently. We have additional staff in the halls to guide them to their new classrooms.
Beginning Tuesday, August 4, we will unload our buses at 7:50 a.m., and they will go to the cafeteria. At 8:00, all car riders and walkers will enter the building, and all students can go to their classrooms. Again, there are staff members along the way to assist and
Be sure to check out all the other information in the CSD and WE Weekly News each week to stay informed for a great school year.
Remember to mark your calendars for these upcoming Westchester events:
August 3rd: First Day of School
August 26th: Early Release 12:50 p.m.
August 27th: Curriculum Night 6:00 p.m.
August 28th: Community Circle - All invited
We are back and ready to roll. I am so excited for you to see you on Monday.
From your very grateful principal,
Christine Knox
We can't wait to see you all!
Down in Decatur, on Scott blvd
The living’s easy, but we’re working real hard
Do do DO do do DO do do DO do do DO do do-do
So if you see us give us a howl
Hungry for learning, we’re on the prowl
Do do DO do do DO do do DO do do DO do do-do
We’re Westchester proud
We’re on the hunt we’re after you
Teach letters and sounds
We’re small but we’re proud
And we’re hungry like the wolf
We’re top of the line
We count and we rhyme
We’re on the hunt we’re after you
We sing and we thrive
(Our kids are just 5!)
And we’re hungry like the wolf
Ah-woooooooooooooo!!!
Calendar of Events
STAR Assessments
Dear Westchester Families,
During the weeks of August 3 through August 14, we will be administering the STAR Math (K-2), STAR Early Literacy (K-2), and STAR Reading (2nd grade) 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 through Thursday communication folders following the conclusion of testing..
If you have any questions please reach out to our Instructional Coach, Christie Manasso.
To keep all students safe, City Schools of Decatur requires a current background check on file for all volunteers and chaperones. This is especially important for anyone chaperoning a field trip (exploring with a small group of students) or supervising students without a staff member present. Background checks must be renewed every 12 months.
Here is how to complete your background check:
Step 1: Pay the Fee via Infinite Campus: Log into the CSD Public Store. Click on City Schools of Decatur School Store > CSD Misc. Fees > Background Check Fee ($38). Enter your name and phone number in the comments section before checking out. Be sure to save/print your receipt, as you will need it for your appointment!
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment: Book a 10-minute slot using the online appointment calendar. Appointments are held at the Wilson Center (125 Electric Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Note that appointment slots open up 21 days in advance.
Step 3: What to Bring: Please bring your driver's license and your payment receipt to your appointment. You will fill out a short form, and results (submitted via the GBI) are typically returned within 24 hours.
💡 Note: If financial assistance is needed to cover the $38 background check fee, please reach out directly to Principal Knox.
Westchester Birthday Book
The Westchester Birthday Book program gives you the opportunity to both honor your child on their birthday and help our book room collections to grow. This year, we are focusing on purchasing more yotos for our listening stations as well as more books for our book room.
To honor your child with a birthday book donation, pay with Square or simply send $20 cash or check (made payable to Westchester Elementary School) by Friday, August 14th.
We welcome friends or other family members to participate in this program, as well. Families are not limited to one book. A paper form will be sent home on August 6th in their communication folders.
Pick Up Patrol (PUP)
The communication tool, Pick Up Patrol, will be used again to provide transportation information. You can access the website on your phone. You should receive an email soon with more information, and we will make sure you are all set up by the first day of school. This will allow you to communicate any transportation and attendance changes through PickUp Patrol more conveniently.
Room Parent Sign up
Dear families,
Would you consider being a room parent? The role is a very important and fun one! Ideally 2-3 volunteers per class works best to divide the tasks. The responsibilities include:
~ support the teacher(s)
~ act as a liaison between the parents and teacher(s)
~ send communications to parents
~ create any necessary sign-ups
~ plan, organize and execute class celebrations
~ manage classroom funds provided by the Room Parent Coordinator
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
First Day of School
We will welcome students on Monday, August 3, 2026. Our school hours are 8:20-2:50. Students may be dropped off in the mornings beginning at 8:00. Breakfast will be offered between 8:00 and 8:15 each morning. We will begin our morning Crew Meetings promptly at 8:20. Please plan for your child to arrive as close to 8:00 as possible so they are ready to start their school day.
New State Law: Personal Electronic Devices
Students will not be allowed to use personal electronic devices during school, such as cell phones and smart watches, starting this school year. Devices brought to school must be kept in backpacks.
District News
The PTA works to enhance the educational experience of all WE students by supporting teachers and staff, organizing fundraisers for items not covered by the school budget, and planning and hosting community-building events. Through fundraising efforts, the PTA supports many offerings and initiatives, including classroom libraries, teacher and parent grants, field trips, facility enhancements, yearbooks for every student, and various community-building events.
Westchester School Leadership Team (SLT)
Our SLT is an important team created and guided by CSD’s charter. SLT members serve as an advisory body to inform school-level decision-making. Parent representatives serve a two-year term. It is important to have our community voice included. This year, we will hold an election as all members have completed their second year.
Reminders
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.
Elementary School
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
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en