SCHOOL CLOSURE

Top

ATTENDANCE

Westgate Wildcats who come to school on time every day have a much greater chance of succeeding than those who don’t.  We encourage all or our students to come to school well prepared every day.  At the end of the school year perfect attendance awards will be given to students who have been at school and on time every day.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK

When students are tardy, or will miss school due to illness, the school needs to be notified in writing (by sending a note to the teacher) or by telephone (please call the attendance line at 222-6302).

TAKING STUDENTS OUT OF CLASS

In the event that you need to have your child released during the school day, for a doctor's appointment etc. you will need to come into the school office and sign a release slip.  This helps us to know who is picking a child up from school, and allows us to protect the safety of your child.  Please do not ask us to release a child by phone or with only a note.

If there are any legal restrictions about the custody of children, you must provide a copy of the court document to the school. 

VISITING SCHOOL

We welcome and invite you to visit Westgate at any time!  If you’d like to observe a classroom, we ask for a 24-hour advance notice.  If you’re volunteering or visiting, we ask that you sign-in at the office when you arrive.  If you would like to join your child for lunch and want to purchase a school lunch, please inform the office by 9:00 a.m. and we will have a lunch available for you.

Top

SCHOOL SERVICES

SCHOOL BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROGRAM

A school breakfast is available for your child at Westgate.  The breakfast is available from 8:05 to 8:30 a.m.  Breakfast for students is $1.00.  If your student is eligible for a free lunch, he or she can also receive a free breakfast.  Lunch for students is $2.15 (reduced price is $.40), this includes milk.  Milk purchased alone is $.45.  Adults may also purchase lunch.  The cost is $3.00 ($2.90 without milk).

Breakfast and lunches may be paid for daily, weekly or monthly.
If you wish to pay weekly or monthly, please send check or money order in an envelope marked with your CHILD'S NAME, ROOM NUMBER, And AMOUNT OF MONEY AND NUMBER OF BREAKFAST AND/OR LUNCHES YOU ARE PURCHASING.  Your child can give this to his/her teacher in the morning.  You may also choose to pay online by visiting www.mymealtime.com

You will receive an application form for free and reduced lunch.  If you think you may qualify, fill out the form and return it to school.  Forms are available in the school office throughout the year.

WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES

If it is necessary to withdraw your child from school, we ask that you (the parent or guardian) notify his/her teacher either by a note or a personal visit to school.  We will issue your student a withdrawal slip on his/her last day at Westgate.  This withdrawal slip must be presented to the student’s new school when he/she enrolls.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

Most medication can be given at home.  However, we will be happy to give your child medicine which must be taken at school, once you have filled out the proper forms.  State law and school policy only allow oral medications and inhalers to be given at school.  School personnel (other than the nurse) are not authorized to give eye and/or ear drops or ointments.  If the medication has to be taken at school, it must be in the original, labeled bottle (envelopes and plastic bags are not acceptable), and a “Medication at School” form must be on file at the school.  The pharmacy will provide you with an extra bottle if needed.  Please speak to our school nurse if you need a “medication at school” form for your child, or more information.

MEDIA

Many of the programs and activities at Westgate get media attention.  We have been televised promoting activities such as our all day Kindergarten program, technology, classroom practices and other programs or events.  Throughout the school year we receive requests from TV stations to videotape the children engaged in various activities.  Please let us know in writing if you do not want your child to participate in such events.

PARKING LOT/PICK UP AREAS

We need your help to keep our students safe in the parking lot!  If you pick up your child, Please enter by the church on the East side of the building and exit by the gymnasium.  This is a one-way driveway!  If you will be patient and wait to pick up your child until you pull up to the CROSSWALK, it will help all of us prevent students from running into traffic and getting hurt.  We also have a bus drop off and pick up in the back of the school on Conway Street.  ONLY busses will be allowed in the bus zone.  Your help is appreciated!  Let’s do it for the safety of our kids.

Top

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM WILDCATS

DISCIPLINE

A safe and pleasant school climate is the main goal of Westgate staff and students.  Children are encouraged to learn and practice appropriate school behavior.  The good news at Westgate is that most students do this! 

In order to achieve excellence at Westgate, students are asked to observe the following rules:

1. Be prepared to learn each day and have necessary supplies and materials.
2. Arrive and leave at the appropriate time.
3. Be respectful and cooperative with staff and other students.
4. Be kind and considerate of others during work and play.
5. Be safe by following classroom, playground and school safety rules.
6. Use school and personal property properly.

Each classroom has its own set of rules and consequences.  Parents are encouraged to learn the rules of their child's classroom and to work with the teacher to help the child learn to manage himself/herself.

Students who choose not to follow the rules may experience the following:

1. A discussion of the problem with student and teacher.
a. Appropriate consequences according to teacher's judgment and disciplinary steps will be given.
2. Teacher contact with parent.
3. Office referral to principal.  Principal or teacher may use any of the following:
a. Contract or plan developed by student and teacher/principal.
b. Student, teacher, parent conference.
c. In-school Time-Out.
d. After school detention (with parent notification).
e. Other alternatives deemed appropriate including suspension or expulsion.

Once in a great while a student chooses ongoing behavior which jeopardizes the learning environment or the safety of Westgate.  In such rare cases, the principal will implement the Kennewick School District Disruptive Student Policy (# 3314).  This may result in a behavior plan for the student, and ultimately, possible alternative placement.

WEAPONS

(Kennewick School District Policy 3314)
The Kennewick School District has a zero-tolerance for weapons violations, violence, threats, acts that could result in bodily harm, or any other conduct that results in a disruption of the educational process.  As a matter of practice, law enforcement may be called anytime a student possesses a weapon at school.  Please see the Kennewick School District website at www.ksd.org more information.

RESPECT THE DIFFERENCE

Racial, Ethnic, Sexist or Homophobic remarks are NOT WELCOME HERE.  If your child experiences such remarks they should report it to an adult at school immediately.

RECESS EXPECTATIONS

1. Please don’t bring toys from home for recess.  Playground equipment is distributed to each classroom for recess use.
2. Inappropriate or unsafe behavior will usually result in the child being "parked".  Parents should ask their child to explain the "Park It" program.  (See "Park It" program in this booklet).
3. If a student is "parked" more than once during a recess he/she may be asked to go to the "Walk of Peace" area to think about his/her behavior.
4. Continuing problems may result in missed recess time or a more severe consequence such as suspension. (in-school or out-of-school)
5. Fighting or disrespect to adult supervisors always results in a direct referral to the principal.
6. MP3 players, iPods, and other electronics should be left at home.  Items that are brought to school will be taken away, and a parent will be required to pick them up. 

STUDENT DRESS

Students should wear clothing to school that is safe and promotes a healthy lifestyle.  Clothing should be appropriate for participation in school activities (including P.E.) and current weather conditions.  Examples of clothing that are not allowed include:  tube tops, spaghetti straps, tops that show the stomach, high heels, thong-type sandals or open heeled shoes that flip-flop, untied shoe laces, or any clothing that is gang-related, baggy or advertises tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.  Belts may not hang more than 4 inches past the buckle.   Hats must be removed in the building during the school day. See policy # 3224

WILDCAT HOMEWORK

Most Westgate teachers will assign homework on a regular basis.  Homework assignments will be given for work which is incomplete or not finished during class time, missed as a result of absences, or as reinforcement when more practice is needed.

1.     Generally, students who are performing up to their individual abilities will have no more than the following amount of homework on any given day.  Adjustments may be made with respect to individual performances.

Grades K-1                 15-30 minutes
Grades 2-3                 15-45 minutes
Grades 4-5                 30-60 minutes

2.     It is recommended that students having less than this amount of homework should spend time reading, practicing math facts, studying spelling words, or extending areas that they are studying in the classroom.

Top