|
What We Do
We support the students of Westowne elementary by providing financial, organizational and educational support to the school. We promote parent involvement through volunteer programs, after-school activities and information sessions. We raise funds to support these efforts through annual fundraisers and direct-donation campaigns. PTA Programs & Events
Show your support for the school by being involved with these fun activities: Advocacy – Throughout the year, we attend board of education and citizen advisory meetings so that we are informed about decisions that affect the education of our children. We lobby for adequate staffing, resources and support for our teachers and students, especially those who have learning differences. Our action groups include Gifted & Talented, Special Education, and School Funding & Facilities. After-school Clubs – The PTA partners with school faculty, community organizations, and volunteers to provide several after-school clubs that promote educational enrichment. LEGO Robotics, Art History, Chess, Yoga, and other educational classes are held throughout the school year. We strive to keep club fees minimal so they are accessible for all students. Parents with specialized skills and areas of interest are encouraged to help us provide a greater range of club options. If you have club ideas, please email the PTA. Cultural and STEM Assemblies – A variety of cultural and STEM assemblies are funded by the PTA and chosen based on their value to curriculum and the level of enjoyment experienced by the students. Fall Festival – Usually held in October, this weekend event hosts a silent auction and raffle, games, and a teacher-decorated pumpkin contest. It is a great way to meet the Westowne community. Field Day – The PTA funds this end-of-the-year celebration of physical fitness and good sportsmanship featuring outdoor games, Westowne's Wacky Water Games, and other fun activities. A lot of extra hands are needed so save the date to volunteer with your child's classroom. Fifth Grade Committee – It may be hard to believe that your child will ever be a fifth grader, but the time will come when they will celebrate the end of their elementary school years. What better way for the fifth graders to say goodbye to teachers and each other than a recognition celebration funded by the PTA? Fifth graders also receive a commemorative T-shrit and a memory book documenting their special moments at Westowne. We are always in need of photos that span the fifth graders' elementary school experience. Make your child's last year at Westowne special by being involved with the Fifth Grade Committee's fundraisers and programs. Visit the Fifth Grade Committee website. FUNding Fridays - Once a month, Westowne students and staff are encouraged to show their school pride by dressing in a theme such as school colors, pajamas, beach wear, etc. Those who wish, can make a donation to the PTA, and the class that raises the most wins a pizza party at the end of the year. Holiday Shoppe – Prior to the winter break, students shop for gifts for their families during school hours. This event allows all students to shop for low-cost gifts for their families. Most items range in price from $0.25 to $5. The shop is stacked with donations, and we welcome gently used items, especially toys, knickknacks, and gifts for dad. Donations can be made throughout the year. This is also a labor intensive event that needs lots of volunteers in order to be a success. Come volunteer when your child's class does their shopping. Movie Nights - The PTA hosts movie nights that bring students and their families together to enjoy free kid-friendly movies. Restaurant Night - Mostly a fundraiser with a great social component, our monthly Restaurant Nights are an opportunity to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with other Westowne families. The restaurants donate a portion of the night's receipts to the PTA. Scholarships - The PTA offers two modest scholarships to graduating seniors from Catonsville High School and Western School of Technology & Environmental Sciences who attended elementary school at Westowne. Students may apply for the Westowne PTA scholarships through their high school counselor. There is also a generous, donor funded Westowne PTA Scholarship available to one Catonsville High School graduate who attended Westowne for all five years. Scholastic Book Fair – The PTA holds a spring book fair (fundraiser) to promote literacy and encourage the love of reading in all students. Students buy Scholastic books sold during school hours and at Literature Night. During Literature Night, parents can stock the teachers' classroom libraries by purchasing books on their wish list. Skate Night – We host a skate night at a local roller rink so children and families can enjoy a night of skating. Spirit Wear - Students love to show their spirit in specially designed Westowne logo clothing and OWL bumper stickers. The PTA provides an opportunity to purchase spirit wear at events such as Back-to-School Night and on our website. Teacher Appreciation – We shower the teachers and staff with welcome back festivities, holiday treats, and a full week of celebrations in the spring. The teacher’s lounge is transformed into a culinary experience and students shower their teachers with gifts of appreciation. Recycling Center – Because we are a Green School, we collect recyclable materials that aren't accepted by our county recycling system. This trash is recycled through programs such as Terracycle, Crayola ColorCycle, Funding Factory, and Planet Green Recycle. The recycling center is at the top of the stairwell in the green pod and accepts the following items:
$ = earns money for the school |
How the PTA provides support for Westowne:
School assemblies School and classroom supplies Subsidies for field trips Special events, like Literature Night, Fall Fest, Field Day and Movie Nights Teacher Appreciation Week After-school enrichment programs, like chess and LEGO Robotics Support for the Green Club and Green School program |
