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Westside Elementary 1703 Philip Ave Norfolk, Ne. |
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Norfolk Public Schools |
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Welcome, My name is Mrs. Holcomb. I am the Westside Elementary Guidance Counselor. I am anxious to work with you and your children. If you have any questions about the school guidance program or activities throughout the school year please give me a call at Westside Elementary at 644-2561. |
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Welcome to Westside Elementary Guidance Page
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Show your child how to respect teacher’s time You know how hard it can sometimes be to give your child your full attention. Imagine what it’s like to be a teacher with 25 students, each of whom wants attention NOW. That’s why one of the most helpful things you can do as a parent is to help your child respect the teacher’s time by teaching them to take turns and to cooperate. Here are some fun ways to practice. · Play “ I talk, you talk.” With your child, practice talking and waiting for the other person to finish. · Take turns. Let your child take turns with things he likes ( walking the dog) and things he doesn’t ( clearing the table). · Make cooperation a family affair. Set the timer for 15 minutes and have everyone run through the house picking up clutter. Reward the group effort with some extra reading time. |
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The Westside Counseling Program consists of both Individual and Small Group Counseling. Some of the topics we cover include:
Social Skills New Student Groups Peer Relations Conflict Management
If you feel your child would benefit from one of these groups please contact the guidance counselor or your child’s classroom teacher.
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Help your child ask questions to improve reading comprehension.
One thing that sets good readers apart is the questions they ask. Research shows that good readers ask themselves questions as they are reading. The questions may focus on what’s going on in the story: “ What might happen next?” “ Why did he do that?” Good readers might also ask about words they do not know. “It says she is slumbering. What could that mean?” Help your child become a better reader by showing him how to ask questions as he reads: · When you are reading aloud, stop when you get to an exciting part in the story. Ask your child, “ What do you think is going to happen next?” Listen to what your child says. Ask, “ Why do you think that?” Then turn back to the book and say, “ Let’s see if you are right.” · While you are reading, stop when you read an unfamiliar word. “ James is irritable. What could that word mean?” Together, think about other clues that might show what the word means. · After you finish, ask questions to help your child connect the book to things he already knows. “ Did you ever have a day when you felt irritable like James?”
Source: Lana Santoro and others, “ The Comprehension Conversation: Using purposeful Discussion during read alouds to Promote Student Comprehension and Vocabulary, “ in Effective Instruction for Struggling Readers, K-6, Barbara Taylor and James Ysseldyke, eds, ISBN: 9780-8077-4821-3 ( Teachers College Press. 212-678-3929, www.tcpress.com).
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Westside Grading Scale
K-2 O= Outstanding S= Satisfactory N= Needs Improvement U= Unsatisfactory
Grades 3-5
A= 94%-100% B= 86%-93% C= 78%-85% D= 70%-77% F= Below 70% |
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Westside Elementary Vision Westside is a community whose members inspire each other to maximize their potential as lifelong learners in an everchanging world. Together, we provide academic foundations and positive interactions in a safe, nurturing environment where individual differences are respected. A variety of relevant, experiences lead students to become responsible, resourceful contributing citizens who are prepared for life’s transitions. |
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7 Things to tell the teacher Sharing key information about child can help teachers make a connection. It is important for parents to tell teachers about issues at home that may affect school performance as it is for teachers to report how children are doing in the classroom. Students do best when parents and teachers work together as a partnership. The start of a new year is a great time to open this dialogue with your child’s teacher. Here are 7 things to tell your child’s new teacher: 1. Health Conditions: if your child has any health concerns please share these with the teacher, nurse and counselor. Being allergic to certain foods, or other serious health conditions are items of importance to communicate to teachers. 2. Family Issues: Fill your child’s teacher in if there is a major change in your family that could affect your child, such as a divorce, death or even a move. 3. Personality traits or behavior issues: It is best to make teachers aware of any issues before they could potentially become a problem here at school. 4. Strengths and weaknesses: If you tell the teacher up front, they’ll have more time to help your child improve in the areas they need it most and shine in those they don’t. 5. Learning Style: You as a parent know how your child learns best. If you know they are better at learning hands on let the teacher know. Also, let them know anything you do at home that seems to help your child learn better. 6. Study habits: Tell your child’s teacher about their study habits at home. Teachers can often offer suggestions to make homework time go more smoothly. 7. Special interests: Knowing more about your child’s hobbies and interests can help the teacher forge connections in the classroom. Let the teacher know your son loves a particular comic book superhero or your daughter likes painting. When working together with your child’s teacher and school staff you make the connection in starting off the school year in a proactive approach. |
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Dates to Remember
Sept. 1st No School
Sept. 5th Picture Day
Sept. 8th School Board Meeting
Sept. 9 DQ restaurant night
Sept. 10 11:30 Early Dismissal
Sept. 17 Grandparents Lunch Day
Sept. 19 Positive Action Assembly 1pm
Sept. 29 Fast Meeting 6:30
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