November Update

As we enter November, I've been reflecting on how much I have to be thankful for, especially our Western Academy community.

Education has had such a profound impact on my own life. It opened doors, gave me opportunities I never imagined, and helped me accomplish more than I ever thought I was capable of. That's why I believe so strongly in the power of education and the importance of helping every child recognize their own potential. I'm incredibly grateful for our dedicated teachers and staff who make that possible every day, our families who trust us with their children, and our students who continue to inspire me.

I'm truly thankful to be part of this special WACS family. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Looking for a local business or service? Check out our WACS Business Family Directory and support businesses owned or operated by members of our school community.

End of 1st Elementary Trimester

Teacher Work Day - No School for students

ESOL Parent Meeting, 9:15 am - 9:45 am

Middle School Q1 Honor Roll Celebration

World Kindness Week

• Nothing Bundt Cakes Spirit Night, 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  
• Elementary Report Cards Go Home

Fall Holiday - Veterans Day

Elementary Choir Performance at the Village of Royal Palm Beach's Annual Veterans Celebration

SAC & Board of Directors Meetings, 6:30 pm

• MS Quarter 2 Progress Reports Sent Home
• Elementary Honor Roll Party
• PTC's Family Paint Night

Salvation Army Angel Collection

MVP Assembly for Middle School - The Dangers of Vaping and Marijuana (See Dr. Salter's post below.)

Thanksgiving Break! School is closed.

Holiday Shop opens

🏆 The new U.S. News & World Report Best Schools rankings are in, and we’re proud to share a snapshot of Western Academy’s continued academic success! 🌟 We are so proud of our students, staff, and families for helping make these accomplishments possible! 💚💙

Planning to enroll a younger sibling at WACS next year? Siblings who are new to Western Academy must submit an application. Current fifth-grade students interested in joining our Advanced STEAM Academy for sixth grade must also apply.

✅ All other currently enrolled WACS students do not need to reapply.

This month, I'm excited to recognize someone who does so much behind the scenes for our students, families, and staff. Mrs. Bell's role as our ESE and 504 Coordinator is incredibly complex, and she approaches it with dedication, compassion, and a genuine desire to help every student succeed. Much of what she does goes unseen, but her hard work makes a difference in the lives of so many children. I'm grateful for everything she brings to our WACS family, and I'm excited for you to get to know her a little better!

Hello,

I'm Mrs. Bell and I currently serve WACS as the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and 504 coordinator. I am a proud alumna of the University of South Florida!!!! I have been a Stallion since 2017 and I've taught social science for 7th and 8th grade, ESE and Intervention. I've been an advisor for the National Student Council and Clinical Educator for new teachers.

In my role of ESE/504 coordinator I facilitate meetings based upon students' educational needs for support and enrichment. I work with our teachers, district personnel, service providers and families as an LEA of compliance for our school. I do my best to be a good listener, patient, communicate with empathy and be solution oriented.

Lastly, I am the proud wife of a Navy Veteran and mother to two boys Amory in 103 and Tilden in VPK!!! I can be described as an ambivert, glass half full optimist and team player personality. If I could wear sneakers everyday for the rest of my life, I would. I enjoy reading and coloring, watching sports live (especially basketball and baseball), and vacations.

Being ESE/504 coordinator has taught me that perfection shouldn't be the goal, progress is not always linear and using the word "normal" is actually a form of judgement. I am grateful that what I do is complex and I celebrate even the smallest of wins. I am proud to be a WACS Stallion!

Mrs. Bell
ESE & 504 Coordinator

Thank you to the middle school students, families, and staff who participated in our recent assembly on prescription drug misuse and fentanyl. We also heard honest feedback from some students who felt that parts of the presentation did not connect closely enough to their everyday experiences. That feedback matters, and we are committed to making future prevention conversations more practical, age-appropriate, and relevant to our school community.

Substance-use risks do not look the same for everyone. A meaningful conversation should include realistic situations students may encounter, such as being offered a pill at a party, receiving medication from a friend, seeing drug-related content online, or feeling pressure to keep a concerning situation secret. Students should know that they can pause, ask questions, leave an uncomfortable situation, and reach out to a trusted adult without fear of judgment.

One important safety message remains clear: students should never take prescription medication that was not prescribed to them or use medication in a way that differs from a health care professional’s direction. Pills obtained from friends, social media, or unofficial sources may contain unexpected substances, including Fentanyl. Unfortunately, Fentanyl may also be disguised in a variety of candies and since it is impossible to determine what an unregulated pill or type of candy (Not in a package) contains by appearance alone, the safest choice is not to take it.

If a student is worried about someone’s immediate safety, they should contact a trusted adult or emergency services right away. No student should feel responsible for handling a potentially dangerous situation alone. Our goal is to provide accurate information, practical tools, and support without stigma.

Families can help by having calm, ongoing conversations about medication safety, peer pressure, and how to seek help. Rather than waiting for one formal presentation, use everyday opportunities to listen, ask open-ended questions, and remind your children that asking for help is a sign of good judgment. Our next middle school assembly will be on November 16th about Marijuana and Vaping. Please take some time to talk with your children beforehand about the dangers of marijuana and vaping, including the risks of addiction.

We appreciate the students who shared their perspectives after the assembly. Their feedback will help us build prevention education that is more engaging, responsive, and connected to students’ lives. We are one family and together we can battle drug abuse and peer pressure.

Thank you,

Dr. Salter

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) has asked us to share important information about electric bicycle (e-bike) and electric motorcycle (e-moto) safety. We encourage all families to review the attached flyers, which explain the differences between these vehicles, important safety rules, and potential legal consequences. 💚