PTA News
Garden Cleanup
This Friday, August 15th at 4:00, we're going to get the front gardens ready for school to start. Bring your children, gloves, and tools, and we'll make sure the flower beds are ready to greet teachers, staff, and students. Please note the building will not be open.
Teacher Welcome Brunch
We're welcoming the teachers and staff back to school with a yummy brunch on Tuesday, August 26th at 10:30.
We'll be decorating the space with artwork and letters created by Westowne students. The theme is "How I spent my summer." Have your children create art and write letters, and then bring them in to the the garden cleanup or Sneak a Peak. Contact us if you need an alternative way to turn in your child's contribution. Help us make this event memorable!
Ask questions, share ideas, share information--and join us on Facebook.
eScrip Online Mall
Do you shop online? It's easy to support a great cause!
eScrip is the program Safeway stores uses to donate funds to schools. It also offers a reputable and secure online mall that will give a percentage of each purchase to Westowne. Stores include Target (2.4%), Starbucks (4.2%), and Lands' End (4.2%), among many others. Simply register with your Safeway card and the credit or debit cards you shop with. The next time you shop online, sign in at eScrip then follow their links to your favorite stores, and a percentage of your purchase will go to Westowne. You can even download the AutoEARN software so you can go directly to the online stores without the extra step.
And the next time you shop at Safeway, remember the change in their school funds program: purchases made with a credit card don't count, so consider using another form of payment like a debit card.
Share Your Photos
We are putting together an informational video about the PTA for Back to School Night and need photos of students and events. We know you take loads of photos of your kids just like we do. Mind sharing some with us? You'll get to see their shining faces at Back to School Night!
Either post your photos in this shared folder or send us an email. Thanks!
School News
Sneak a Peek
Monday, August 25th, from 3:00-4:00, visit Westowne's open house to meet your children's teachers and see their classrooms.
Suggested Sneak a Peek to-do list:
- Bring in "How I spent my summer" themed artwork and letters--which we will display the next morning at the teacher's brunch
- Bring in student and classroom supplies to lighten your child's first day load
- Join the PTA!
Back to School Nights
Westowne and the PTA will host two Back to School Nights this year. These evenings focus on giving parents information about what to expect this school year. Mark your calendars:
- Tuesday, September 2, 6:30-8:30 for 3rd - 5th grade
- Tuesday, September 9, 6:30-8:30 for preschool - 2nd grade
Shoe Boxes
Mrs. Albert is planning an art project that requires shoe boxes. Kid-size boxes are ideal, but larger boxes are okay, too. Bring them in at Sneak a Peek or send them in with your kids once school starts. Thank you!
Volunteer Training Online
All BCPS volunteers need to complete training each year. BCPS now offers online training to make the process easier and faster for many parents. Get a head start by completing it from home now. This helpful guide will get you started with the safeSCHOOLS Training.
School Supplies
Student supply lists are available on Westowne Elementary 's website.
The SchoolKidz orders are expected to arrive soon. Stay tuned for pickup details for next week.
Community News
Tax-Free Week
Maryland's Tax-Free Week is happening right now, August 10th through August 16th. Purchase qualifying clothing and shoes for back to school, and skip the taxes.
New Neighborhood Shop
Coffee, dessert, and jazz in our neighborhood! Check out Tabba Tabba Coffe and Dessert Bar at 5808 Edmondson Avenue.