PTA News
PTA Meeting
Join us for the monthly business meeting next Tuesday, March 10th at 7:00 in the library. Enter the building through the doors to the left of the gym. Ask questions, share ideas, introduce yourself, and learn more about the mission of PTA, as well as how Westowne's PTA is meeting those goals with your help.
Literature Night--Think Globally, Learn Locally
Save the date for Thursday evening, March 19th at 6:00, for our Multicultural Literature Night. To top off an evening full of books, crafts, and learning about various cultures, Indian dancer duo Nritya will join us for a performance. We hope you all can come out and enjoy cultures from around the world and in our own backyard.
Would you like to help make this big event happen? We still have space for tables in the Family Culture Fair, especially if you would like to share Middle Eastern, Asian, or Spanish-speaking country experiences with us. We also need extra hands to run the story and craft sessions in the classrooms. Please send us an email.
After School Club Schedule
Due to winter weather, our Chess and Lego Robotics clubs have had to be canceled on several occasions. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We are able to extend the clubs to the following dates:
- March 10, Tuesday, for Chess
- March 25, Wednesday, for Lego Robotics
- March 30, Monday, for Lego Robotics
Claire's Gourmet Sale
To accommodate for the frequent school closures recently, Claire's Gourmet orders are now due this coming Monday, March 9th.
Pickup is scheduled for Thursday, March 26th. If you, friends, and family enjoy Claire's Gourmet, we hope you will enjoy this opportunity. Extra brochures are available in the school office, and orders may be placed online if you set up an account and share your personal participant code with family and friends. Westowne's Organization code is 2465, which you'll need to set up your account.
Shopping Reward Programs
The 2014-15 earning period for the A+ School Rewards Program sponsored by Giant ends March 19th. So far we have raised $1325.25 from this program since October! Thank you to all the families that have designated Westowne Elementary on their Bonus Cards.
Safeway contributions, managed by eScrip, is a year round program. So far we have raised $1232.45. Sign up now to register your Safeway Club Card. While you're at it, take a look at the other ways eScrip helps you support Westowne, like contributions for online shopping and dining out.
OriolesREACH High Five Night
The 5th Grade Committee would like to sponsor a fun night at an Orioles game night for the Westowne community. It's a straightforward project perfect for a baseball fan or 5th grade parent. Proceeds will benefit this year's graduating class. Please sign up to help. Contact Lori Kleppin, who can provide the paperwork, contact information, and help set a date.
Chuck E. Cheese's Night
Teachers get a free pizza or salad bar with a drink, and a trip into the Ticket Blaster, with their school ID. So Westowne faculty and staff, we'd love to see you there!
School News
BCPS Bullying Prevention Town Hall Meeting
BCPS sponsored town hall meetings are a great place to hear what's going on with bullying and prevention from a variety of perspectives. You can also advocate for your children or students directly to a lot of the decision makers in our school system.
Thursday, March 12, 2015, from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Cockeysville Middle School
10401 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Read Across Maryland
March is Read Across Maryland month. Maryland public school students in grades K-12 may enter the “Take the 30/30 Reading Challenge” sponsored by the Maryland State Education Association. Students must log 30 minutes of reading time for 30 days in the month of March to be eligible. Completed forms should be mailed or emailed to MSEA. Please do not send them into school. Entries must be received by 4:45 p.m. on April 2. Participants could win a Kindle Fire or an Amazon.com gift card.
Forms and information was shared during library classes this last week if the weather allowed. Families can also access the information and forms through the website.
BCPS Survey
Last year, about 40,000 BCPS members completed the Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey. Make sure your voice is heard this year by taking the quick and easy online survey. Parents, staff, and students beginning in 4th grade are encouraged to provide their feedback. The deadline for completion is Sunday, March 8th.
Community News
Benjamin Banneker Park Programs
Located in Catonsville on Oella Avenue, the Benjamin Banneker Historic Park and Museum offers free and low cost programs for all ages. Programs often highlight history, science, and music--like Black History topics, preschool educational events, outdoor concerts, and evening or weekend hikes to discover owls and meteorites. Their Facebook page offers the most comprehensive list of their programs. Some events require pre-registration, which can be done by calling them directly.
(410) 887-1081