PTA News
5th Grade Bake Sale
The PTA's 5th Grade Committee works on special events to make sure our oldest students have a memorable year. On Election Day, November 4th, from 7:00 AM - noon, the committee will host a bake sale. Bring individually wrapped, labeled homemade goods--marked with "nuts" if they include them--to school on Monday, November 3rd or drop them off at the start of the sale. And on your way to the polls, stop by to pick up something fresh and delicious baked by your friends and neighbors.
Fall Festival Recap
We hope everyone had fun at the Fall Festival! It was a very successful event. So many families came out to support the school and spend time together, and so many people came together to run the show. We are grateful for your company, help, and the chance to get to know you better.
We'd also like to send a special thanks to the team running the show: Tracy Horch, the raffle and silent auction were fantastic. Noel Smith, the used book sale was such an impressive and beneficial addition to the festival. And Hope Riley, we appreciate your tireless and cheerful oversight of the entire event!
What was your favorite part? Do you have feedback for the PTA? It's not too soon to begin planning for next year. Send your suggestions to us.
Were you one of the many people who donated goods and services to the festival? Your donations are tax deductible. Fill out the form at the bottom of this post and have China, Jessica, Justine, or Kimberly sign it for you.
Assembly
On Wednesday, November 5th, Westowne students get to attend an assembly featuring Eric Energy. Let your kids know to expect an exciting, science-filled morning.
Do you have ideas for future assemblies? We'd love to hear your suggestions. And thanks to Westowne parent Wendy Stevens for coordinating assemblies for our school this year.
Pajama Day & Movie Night
Friday, November 7th should be a lot of fun! Send your kids to school that day in their pajamas, and bring them back later that day for movie night--no need to change.
Everyone can wear their pajamas. Monetary donations (sent to school that day) are a welcome but optional way for us to raise funds for the upcoming assembly. The class who raises the most funds this school year will win an end of the year party. The current front runners are Mrs. Jones', Ms. Connolly's, and Ms. Murray's classes.
We'll be showing "Muppets Most Wanted" (PG) that evening. Doors open at 6:00 for pizza and popcorn. The show starts at 6:30. Help us plan for concessions by preordering pizza with the flyer that came home this week. We look forward to hanging out in the gym with the Westowne community!
Treasurer
We need three brave volunteers to help with one of the least glamorous but important of PTA tasks. With the change of treasurers, we need to review account activity and financial records from July 1 to September 30. We need your help because we are required and dedicated to having membership hold us accountable for our spending. It should take just an hour or two sitting down together. Email us to volunteer or ask questions.
Labels for Education
Safeway offers many opportunities to earn money for our school. In addition to the eScrip program that provides funds for shopping at Safeway and online shopping at a wide range of stores, Safeway also partners with Labels for Education. Once you register your card and select Westowne, every time you buy a participating item that has a Label for Education on it, we receive a deposit into our account. You can still clip and redeem UPCs to also earn the face value of the Labels for Education points.
ADHD Blog
In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, Westowne parent Wendy Stevens shares the strategies she developed when advocating for her child with ADHD. In her third and final post, she shares suggestions for determining if your child's school accommodations are meeting his or her needs.
Restaurant Night: Peace a Pizza
Join your friends and family at Peace a Pizza on Monday, November 10th from 4:00 - 8:00. Bring the flyers that will be sent home with your children or mention Westowne PTA when ordering. Twenty percent of your dine-in or carry-out order will be donated to the PTA to fund events like spring's Literature Night. And while you're there, check out the larger space and dessert shop.
Parent Contact Form
This week, you should have received a Parent Contact Form in your child's folders. We are asking for your permission to share your email addresses and phone numbers with the PTA. We will also share your contact information with your child's class so that you can more easily communicate with fellow parents. Please complete one form per child and send it back to school. Thank you!
School News
Spirit Friday
On Friday, October 31st, dress up for fall to celebrate the changing of the season. Just assure your child's red, yellow, orange, and brown outfit or your child's costume follows the school dress code. Have fun but leave the masks and toy weapons at home.
Weekly Reminders
The schedule this coming week warrants some reminders:
- Friday, October 31st - dismissal 3 hours early
- Monday, November 3rd - dismissal 3 hours early
- Tuesday, November 4th, Election Day - no school
Community News
Catonsville Library
Our local branch of the Baltimore County Public Library offers free programs for all ages. For school aged children, upcoming events include "Celebrate Day of the Dead!" this Saturday, "Dragons & Dreams" November 6th, and "LEGO Fun" November 15th. Call the branch ahead of time to register.
Monster Dash
This Saturday, November 1st from 10:00 AM - noon, Catonsville Middle School's PTSA is hosting a Monster Dash. This 1K run around the school grounds is open to the community with a $5 and canned good donation. Costumes are encouraged.

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