Westside Elementary

Westside Elementary

1703 Philip Ave

Norfolk, Ne.

Norfolk Public Schools

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

Welcome to Westside Elementary Guidance Page

 

 

Teach your child to be safe this school year. 

A new year is just around the corner and safety is a number one issue here at Westside Elementary.  Take the time to review these user friendly tips to be safe this upcoming school year.

Be sure your child know important information and can tell it to others whom he or she knows can be trusted to help.  These include: 

His or her first and last name.

Street Address

Parents or Guardians names

Phone numbers

Choose the safest route to and from school or the bus stop.  Walk it together several times. Point out:

Traffic lights– wait on the curb for the right light.

Crosswalks– cross here only.  Look left, right, then left again.  Walk, don’t run.

Driveways– Watch for cars pulling in or out.

Bus Stop– Stay off the street.  Keep close to the bus stop.

Sidewalks– they are the safest place to walk.

Create an emergency plan in case you can’t pick your child up on time.  Make sure your child is aware of your plan change whenever you may be delayed. Teach your child to never get in with or talk to a stranger.  ststranger.stranger. 

 

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.

 

Start the School year Right

Forget last year’s late-night homework sessions and missed rides–  the start of a new school year is a great time to reevaluate family routines and set guidelines to help your child succeed.  This year, make going back to school more than buying the school supplies.  Think ahead to help your family ride out the surprises the year will bring and follow these tips to start off right.

· Lay the groundwork:  Create a homework schedule.  Communicate your expectations to your child about homework.  Talk about the homework rules and daily routines then enforce these rules.  Keep a positive attitude.  Instead of focusing on what your child has to do for homework emphasize what they are getting to learn. 

· Ease anxiety:  Starting a new grade or school can be frightening.  Parents can ease these anxieties by preparing their child for school.  If your child walks, rides a bike or has a car pool walk or ride this route with them so they know where they are going to be going.  This is also a good time to strategize what to do in case of an emergency or a bullying situation. 

· Meet the teachers:  Make an appointment to meet the school staff if you have concerns or questions for the teacher.  Go and meet and greet the teachers on the “ Open house date-  Westside Open house is Thurs. Aug 14th at 6:30-7:30. 

· Get involved:  Find a way to be involved in your child’s education this year.  Volunteer to help in the classroom or something as simple as asking your child what the best part of their day ways or what they learned at school each day. 

· Keep nutritious food on hand for breakfast and make sure your child eats before coming to school.  Get a copy of the school lunch menu and pack lunches for your child when there is something they do not like to eat.

· Create or build a parent network:  You never know when you may want to talk to another parent for help or advice.  Seek them out at school events and parent meetings.

Enjoy your children and create an educational experience which will last them a lifetime.

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%

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. 

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.

Dates to Remember

August 14th

Westside Open House

And Ice Cream

Social:  6:30-7:30

 

August 18th

First day of classes

One-half day for Kdg.

 

August 19th

One-half day for Kdg.

 

August 20th

All students all day.

 

August 25th

6:30-7:30 FAST meeting

 

August 29th

Cookie Dough Kick-off sale

 

September 1st

No School Labor Day

 

September 5th

Student Picture Day