PTA News
Pajama Spirit Day
Show your school pride by wearing PJs to school for first Pajama Spirit Day of the year tomorrow, September 2nd. Don't want to wear your pajamas to school, but still want to do something fun? This month you can show your Maryland Pride by wearing red, gold, and black instead of or with your PJs!
Your PTA organizes Pajama Day and encourages those who can to make a donation to fund fun and educational events like Fall Fest, Literature Night and Field Day. The donation is very appreciated but entirely optional. If desired, please send cash or check made out to Westowne PTA in your student’s folder on Friday, September 2nd.
Please remember, slippers and stuffed animals are not allowed at school. Also, the class with the most donations will get a class party at the end of the school year!
PTA Back to School Night Details
Parents and caregivers of K-2nd graders, as well as all PTA members, are invited to attend on Tuesday, September 6th at 6:00.
Next week's event includes the PTA's fall general membership meeting. The PTA board will host an information session, as well as the financial review from last school year and the budget vote for this year.
Please note, this event is not for students. Children who attend should remain with their families throughout the evening. Also note, classroom sessions are only being held for kindergarten, first, and second grade.
While you're there, stop by the PTA tables for:
- memberships,
- O's ticket sales for the Sunday, September 25th game,
- the school directory sign up,
- light refreshments,
- a raffle for a LeapStart Interactive Learning System courtesy of LeapFrog and PTO Today,
- and a fresh batch of NEW spirit wear t-shirts in student sizes! Here's a peek at the colors and design.
Westowne's going to Camden Yards on Sunday, September 25th, at 1:35. Tickets are $15 each, support the PTA's 5th Grade Committee, and will be available for purchase at Back to School Night. Sit in Westowne's section and and see our school on the jumbotron!
School Directory
This year, your PTA is creating a school directory with the help of Join Our Class. Parents and caregivers may choose how much contact information to share (such as just your student's grade, name, and an email address). Participating in the directory is the best way to reach your children's classmates and to give out party invitations, which cannot be distributed at school.
Sign up at the PTA table Back to School Night or use the attached form sent into school in your child's folder.

directory_sign_up_2016.docx |
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. Bill (4th grade) would like empty tennis ball canisters for a classroom game.
- Ms. Johnson (Media Specialist) needs cube-shaped tissue boxes to stock the library for runny noses.
PAWS to Read
Ms. Johnson, Westowne's Media Specialist, would also like help getting students involved in the Pets on Wheels PAWS to Read program that takes place monthly at the Arbutus library. Participating students will get to read aloud to a trained dog or cat, which can strengthen reading skills in a fun, low pressure way.
A parent volunteer is needed to help get Westowne started in this program. If you'd like to help, please email the PTA. We will connect you with Ms. Johnson and the program so you can work out the rest of the details.
Corporate Sponsors
We'd like to thank the following businesses for supporting the Westowne community this year:
Platinum Level Event Sponsors
- Focused Support, LLC
School Phone Number
Please note Westowne's phone number has been changed to 443-809-0854.
Drop Off & Pick Up
Drop off and pick up like a pro with the help of this map. Also watch for improvements to this plan as school grounds, sidewalks, and the staff parking lot are completed this fall.

Here's the home of our very near future crosswalk! In the meantime, hang in there walkers, and see our crossing guard, Ms. Bev, farther up Harlem so she can help you safely cross.
The BCPS Calendar is available online. Remember these important dates this month:
- Monday, September 5th - Schools closed
- Monday, September 12th - Schools closed for students
Mrs. Albert, our art teacher, is running an Art to Remember program. Families will get to purchase keepsake items featuring their child's original artwork, and a percentage of the proceeds will go to the Westowne Art Department. Students are working on their art projects in September so that order forms may go home next month.
Community News
Every Kid in Park
Every Kid in a Park grants passes for free admission for one’s family to all U.S. national parks, forests, monuments, and wildlife refuges. Fourth graders, their parents, or their teachers can sign kids up for the passes online and plan their next adventure.