It was great catching up with many of you at the Back to School Nights last month! Mark your calendars for the first PTA meeting this year. On Tuesday, October 13th, we'll share all the exciting events coming up this fall. Take a look at the PTA's calendar for a sneak peek.
PTA News
Schwan's Cares - Grocery Delivery
Starting today, support the 5th Grade Committee while filling holes in your pantry. Schwan's offers over 350 grocery items to choose from that you are probably already purchasing for your families. Choose your delivery date and time, and they deliver it right to your door.
Grocery purchases contribute 20% and gift certificates contribute 40% for the next 45 days. Anyone in a delivery area can participate--like extended family, including both new and existing costumers.
Check out the PTA's 5th Grade Committee Schwan's campaign.
Class Directories
BCPS policy does not allow parents to distribute materials (including sending birthday invitations and other personal communication) through the school. If you would like the opportunity to communicate with fellow parents, please provide your contact information. The lists will then be compiled by a PTA room parent volunteer and shared with parents/guardians within your child's class.Again, opting-in to the class directory is the only way your child may send or receive invitations from classmates. Complete the form that was sent home in your child's folder or quickly complete this online directory form.
Afterschool Clubs
Registration for the fall club are closed. Thanks to everyone for the enthusiasm. For those whose children have confirmed spots, please remind them each week to go to their club instead of dismissal.
Boundary Committee
The Southwest Area Boundary Committee had its second meeting last night. Information and the meeting videos may be found online. Initial draft maps were presented and should be available online soon. Use this website to provide feedback directly to BCPS about the proposed changes.
In order for parents and community members to provide feedback to Westowne's Boundary Committee representatives, we have created a devoted email address: westowneboundary@gmail.com.
Westowne's representatives include the following
The content discussed via email will be available to all of the Westowne committee members and the PTA board. The content may be used as deemed appropriate and beneficial to Westowne and the greater SW area.
The next Boundary Committee meeting will be held Wednesday, October 14th at 6:00 at Catonsville High School. Only committee representatives may participate at this meeting, but community members should attend to observe.
Corporate Sponsors
We'd like to thank the following businesses for supporting the Westowne community this year:
Platinum Level PTA Sponsors
Teacher Support
Parents are encouraged to check with their teachers periodically to find out what classroom supplies they may need. Feel free to share the need in the PTA's Facebook group so other parents can help, too.
Here are some of the recent requests:
School News
Volunteer Training
Westowne welcomes parents' and caregivers' help in the classrooms, chaperoning field trips, or volunteering for events. All volunteers need to complete an application and training. BCPS offers an online format to make the process easier and faster for many people. Once complete, turn in the documents in the school office.
Don't have access to the internet or printer? The Westowne library is open for volunteer training on the first Friday of the month at 8:30 AM.
Volunteer Opportunity
Anyone who has completed the training and turned in their paperwork is welcome to arrange times with their children's teachers to volunteer. Volunteers are also welcome to lend extra support during the lunch, especially from 11:30-12:30. Come when you can, help open juice boxes, hand out sporks, and encourage owl-standing behavior in the lunch line.
Picture Day
Westowne's picture Day is Wednesday, October 7th.
Screen Free Day
For three years, Westowne has celebrated Screen Free Week each spring with a series of evening activities to help families turn off TVs, computers, and game systems. This year, "go screen free" about once a month with Screen Free Days. On Friday, October 9th, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM, the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum will stay open late just for Westowne families. The cabin will be open and a special "visitor" may stop by.
Battle of the Books
Last year, 16 of Westowne's 4th and 5th graders participated in BCPL-Catonsville's first Battle of the Books. Westowne will compete again this year. The team needs 4th and 5th grade students who enjoy reading, like to demonstrate what they know, and can make a six month commitment to the team. Ms. Johnson, our school library media specialist, will host an information session next month.
Want to support Westowne in the Battle of the Books? Sign up online to help by donating copies of the books the team will be reading.
Bullying Prevention Week
On Monday, October 5th through Friday, October 9th, BCPS Bullying Prevention Week will feature special activities each day, bullying prevention pledges for students to sign, and a special parent/student presentation featuring an address and performance by nationally-acclaimed actress, singer, and anti-bullying advocate Meredith O’Connor on Monday evening at Loch Raven High.
Students are encouraged to wear the day’s theme color and reflect on the value of the day:
Monday - wear blue for kindness.
Tuesday - wear green for equity.
Wednesday - wear yellow for empathy.
Thursday - wear red for respect.
Friday - wear purple for positivity.
School Closings
The BCPS calendar is available online. Remember these important dates this month:
Community News
Fell's Point Fun Festival
This weekend, October 2nd through 4th, stop by the 49th annual Fell's Point Fun Festival for vendors, food, and live music. Find all the festivities at Broadway and Thames Street.
How to Close the Reading Gap
Join Decoding Dyslexia Maryland (DD-MD) & Community Partners for a critical discussion on literacy practices, problems, and solutions in Maryland public schools. This free townhall's keynote speaker is News Anchor Deborah Weiner from WBAL11 Baltimore and includes student, parent, and teacher panelists. Please RSVP online.
Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 2:45 - 6:00 PM in Ellicott City
Free Fall Baltimore
The city's month long extravaganza of no-charge cultural activities, kicks off today with free admission at the Maryland Zoo, a workshop in which participants can make illuminated headdresses, a festival showcasing chalk paintings created on the streets of Little Italy and more. Read all about it in the Baltimore Sun or on the Free Fall Baltimore website.
Westowne in the News
Warm is Not so Welcome in Catonsville and Arbutus Area Classrooms
Back to School for New Board Member Representing Catonsville and Arbutus
Many thanks to Mr. Bowler for his lengthy service to the School Board and the southwest area. Welcome, Mr. Stewart!
PTA News
Schwan's Cares - Grocery Delivery
Starting today, support the 5th Grade Committee while filling holes in your pantry. Schwan's offers over 350 grocery items to choose from that you are probably already purchasing for your families. Choose your delivery date and time, and they deliver it right to your door.
Grocery purchases contribute 20% and gift certificates contribute 40% for the next 45 days. Anyone in a delivery area can participate--like extended family, including both new and existing costumers.
Check out the PTA's 5th Grade Committee Schwan's campaign.
Class Directories
BCPS policy does not allow parents to distribute materials (including sending birthday invitations and other personal communication) through the school. If you would like the opportunity to communicate with fellow parents, please provide your contact information. The lists will then be compiled by a PTA room parent volunteer and shared with parents/guardians within your child's class.Again, opting-in to the class directory is the only way your child may send or receive invitations from classmates. Complete the form that was sent home in your child's folder or quickly complete this online directory form.
Afterschool Clubs
Registration for the fall club are closed. Thanks to everyone for the enthusiasm. For those whose children have confirmed spots, please remind them each week to go to their club instead of dismissal.
- Intro Lego Robotics runs Thursday afternoons, beginning today though November 12th.
- Music Makers Club begins Tuesday, October 13th.
Boundary Committee
The Southwest Area Boundary Committee had its second meeting last night. Information and the meeting videos may be found online. Initial draft maps were presented and should be available online soon. Use this website to provide feedback directly to BCPS about the proposed changes.
In order for parents and community members to provide feedback to Westowne's Boundary Committee representatives, we have created a devoted email address: westowneboundary@gmail.com.
Westowne's representatives include the following
- Chris Burke, community member
- Kecia Johnson, parent
- Lisa Musacchio, teacher
- Scott Palmer, principal
The content discussed via email will be available to all of the Westowne committee members and the PTA board. The content may be used as deemed appropriate and beneficial to Westowne and the greater SW area.
The next Boundary Committee meeting will be held Wednesday, October 14th at 6:00 at Catonsville High School. Only committee representatives may participate at this meeting, but community members should attend to observe.
Corporate Sponsors
We'd like to thank the following businesses for supporting the Westowne community this year:
Platinum Level PTA Sponsors
- Thomas Huot of RE/MAX New Beginnings
- Focused Support, LLC
Teacher Support
Parents are encouraged to check with their teachers periodically to find out what classroom supplies they may need. Feel free to share the need in the PTA's Facebook group so other parents can help, too.
Here are some of the recent requests:
- Ms. Alter would like a small CD player for her classroom.
- Ms. Geisler needs empty plastic Crystal Light containers.
- Ms. Woo needs empty full-sized Pringles containers.
School News
Volunteer Training
Westowne welcomes parents' and caregivers' help in the classrooms, chaperoning field trips, or volunteering for events. All volunteers need to complete an application and training. BCPS offers an online format to make the process easier and faster for many people. Once complete, turn in the documents in the school office.
Don't have access to the internet or printer? The Westowne library is open for volunteer training on the first Friday of the month at 8:30 AM.
Volunteer Opportunity
Anyone who has completed the training and turned in their paperwork is welcome to arrange times with their children's teachers to volunteer. Volunteers are also welcome to lend extra support during the lunch, especially from 11:30-12:30. Come when you can, help open juice boxes, hand out sporks, and encourage owl-standing behavior in the lunch line.
Picture Day
Westowne's picture Day is Wednesday, October 7th.
Screen Free Day
For three years, Westowne has celebrated Screen Free Week each spring with a series of evening activities to help families turn off TVs, computers, and game systems. This year, "go screen free" about once a month with Screen Free Days. On Friday, October 9th, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM, the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum will stay open late just for Westowne families. The cabin will be open and a special "visitor" may stop by.
Battle of the Books
Last year, 16 of Westowne's 4th and 5th graders participated in BCPL-Catonsville's first Battle of the Books. Westowne will compete again this year. The team needs 4th and 5th grade students who enjoy reading, like to demonstrate what they know, and can make a six month commitment to the team. Ms. Johnson, our school library media specialist, will host an information session next month.
Want to support Westowne in the Battle of the Books? Sign up online to help by donating copies of the books the team will be reading.
Bullying Prevention Week
On Monday, October 5th through Friday, October 9th, BCPS Bullying Prevention Week will feature special activities each day, bullying prevention pledges for students to sign, and a special parent/student presentation featuring an address and performance by nationally-acclaimed actress, singer, and anti-bullying advocate Meredith O’Connor on Monday evening at Loch Raven High.
Students are encouraged to wear the day’s theme color and reflect on the value of the day:
Monday - wear blue for kindness.
Tuesday - wear green for equity.
Wednesday - wear yellow for empathy.
Thursday - wear red for respect.
Friday - wear purple for positivity.
School Closings
The BCPS calendar is available online. Remember these important dates this month:
- Friday, October 16th - School closed for students
- Friday, October 30th - School dismissed three hours early
Community News
Fell's Point Fun Festival
This weekend, October 2nd through 4th, stop by the 49th annual Fell's Point Fun Festival for vendors, food, and live music. Find all the festivities at Broadway and Thames Street.
How to Close the Reading Gap
Join Decoding Dyslexia Maryland (DD-MD) & Community Partners for a critical discussion on literacy practices, problems, and solutions in Maryland public schools. This free townhall's keynote speaker is News Anchor Deborah Weiner from WBAL11 Baltimore and includes student, parent, and teacher panelists. Please RSVP online.
Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 2:45 - 6:00 PM in Ellicott City
Free Fall Baltimore
The city's month long extravaganza of no-charge cultural activities, kicks off today with free admission at the Maryland Zoo, a workshop in which participants can make illuminated headdresses, a festival showcasing chalk paintings created on the streets of Little Italy and more. Read all about it in the Baltimore Sun or on the Free Fall Baltimore website.
Westowne in the News
Warm is Not so Welcome in Catonsville and Arbutus Area Classrooms
Back to School for New Board Member Representing Catonsville and Arbutus
Many thanks to Mr. Bowler for his lengthy service to the School Board and the southwest area. Welcome, Mr. Stewart!
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