Westchester Weekly

Each fall semester the gifted review team looks at existing student data to discuss students’ needs and determine if further evaluation for gifted identification is needed. If you are interested in having the team discuss your child’s needs, you may complete the Recommendation for Review Form before Wednesday, September 30. No additional information is needed. The Gifted & Talented Specialist for Westchester Elementary is Jennifer Querubin. For more detailed information about the review process, please contact the Gifted & Talented Specialist for your school at jquerubin@csdecatur.net

We believe that true community built on connection means moving beyond broad labels. Every family brings a unique story, set of traditions, and rich cultural identity to our shared table—and we want to celebrate those distinct roots together.

Help us learn more about your family’s cultural identity! Please take a few moments to fill out WE Celebrate Our Heritage to share your background, traditions, and story with us.

Your responses will help us build a more vibrant, authentic community where every specific heritage is recognized and valued.

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Hispanic Heritage Month is coming in two weeks, from September 15 to October 15. We are so excited because this will be the first of many cultural heritage celebrations we will have throughout the school year at Westchester.

Last week, we invited families to share whether they have Hispanic roots or a connection to Hispanic heritage. Thank you to those who have already responded!

Now, let’s take the next step and think together about how we can celebrate! What traditions, music, stories, foods, games, or family experiences could we share with our students?

There is no “right” way to participate—we simply want to learn from one another and celebrate the richness of our community.

This year, we will shine a special spotlight on Spain, with a few surprises along the way! 🇪🇸

Of course, all Hispanic countries and cultures are welcome!

¡Muchas gracias por coolaborar!
Señora Rodés
Spanish Teacher

There's still time to make a donation! A one-time voluntary donation in the suggested amount of $85 (no amount is too big or too small) per child would be appreciated. In an effort to increase equity in our school, all funds will be allocated across the staff members and classes.

Deadline to contribute is Wednesday, September 9.

The funds collected will cover the cost of:

• Staff & Teacher Appreciation Week
• Teacher/Staff Birthday, Holiday and End-of-the-Year Gifts
• Classroom Celebrations

You may make your donation via Venmo below (last four digits are 1030).

Please email Anne Haist, Room Parent Coordinator, at annehaist11@gmail.com should you have

any questions or wish to discuss other payment options.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Is your student interested in joining the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council for their age group? These councils are designed for two-way communication between students and the Office of the Superintendent. Students Advisory Council members attend monthly, after-school meetings at the Wilson Center to share their perspectives and experiences with the superintendent on a variety of issues.
Meeting dates are linked in the application below. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 11, 2026, and selected students will be notified by Friday, September 18. Learn more and apply for the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council here.

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.

YMCA School Break Camp provides a safe, engaging, and active environment where children can spend their break participating in:

• Team-building games and activities
• Arts and crafts
• STEAM and enrichment opportunities
• Physical activity and recreation
• Character-building experiences led by caring YMCA staff

We understand that school breaks can create childcare challenges for working families, and our goal is to provide a fun, affordable solution that keeps children active, learning, and connected.

Read this week's CSD Weekly for district-wide news and information.

Feedback Wanted on Pre-K Access Survey

CSD has opened a survey to examine the priorities of Pre-K families in Decatur, including location, transportation, and changing community needs. All families and community members are invited to take the survey, regardless of their children's ages.

School principals recommended parents from their respective schools to participate in a working group to assist CSD in determining how best to engage with families, staff, and the broader community about Pre-K accessibility, and how to use community feedback to inform decisions about potential Pre-K locations. This survey is the committee's first community touch point.

The committee will use survey feedback data to define the community's values and priorities regarding any potential changes to Pre-K locations. The data will be used to make a recommendation to the Board of Education at the December board meeting. Data results will be posted. Community members can follow along and view upcoming survey findings, insights, and decision outcomes directly on the Pre-K Access Project webpage.

Please take the survey here through September 16:

English: https://tally.so/r/jaA2Y4

Spanish: https://tally.so/r/jaAY5R

Somali: https://tally.so/r/VLOAaj

Dari: https://tally.so/r/J9vZOz

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