Park West School: October 2011

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

October 26th School Newsletter

PWS UPDATE

Park West School Newsletter

Phone: (902) 457-7800 E-mail: parkwest@hrsb.ns.ca Website: parkwest.ednet.ns.ca

Principal: Mr. D. Carter Vice Principals: Ms. M. Chiasson, Mr. B. Melanson

October 26, 2011

Receive the PWS Update electronically! You can receive the PWS Update electronically via e-mail. If you wish to be among the first to receive the latest editions of our school newsletters by having it sent to your e-mail address simply e-mail your request to Mr. Carter at dcarter@hrsb.ns.ca The PWS Update is published approximately every two weeks.

8:25: that’s the time school starts in the morning. Our students need to be here on time. Too many of our students are arriving late for school in the morning. Being late for school without a valid excuse is unacceptable here at Park West. When students arrive late for school (either in the morning or after lunch) they are disrupting school and classroom routines, missing out on receiving classroom instruction and important information. Arriving on time allows them the opportunity to prepare for learning (getting their materials organized, removing outdoor wear, going to lockers, etc.). Entrance bells ring at 8:25 am and 12:50 pm. Students should be on school grounds and ready to enter the building at those times. We are striving to teach our students the value of time management, punctuality, respect for others, and good citizenship. We are preparing them for life. Our society values punctuality. We need them to be here ON TIME…..and we need your help to make this happen. Parents….PLEASE assist us!

Let’s Talk About Student Progress: Parents and Teachers will meet to discuss student progress on Wednesday, November 9 (12:50-3:50 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm). Our students will be dismissed for the day on November 9 at 11:35 a.m.. There will be no classes for them in the afternoon. Teachers, including specialists (French, music/band, resource, phys. ed., guidance, learning centre, ESL, etc.), will be available to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress. Elementary teachers will meet in their classrooms with parents by appointment. Parents of elementary students will have the opportunity to request appointment times with their child’s teacher. Junior High teachers will meet with parents in the gymnasium on a first-come/first-served basis. Jr. High parents are encouraged to take advantage of the availability of afternoon meeting times when possible, as the evening tends to be busier. To accommodate all parents most appointments will be for ten minutes each. If more time is required to discuss your child’s progress then a longer appointment can be made for another time. We look forward to seeing you. More information (including appointment request forms) will be sent home next week.

Dance Fever: The Park West School PTA presents a Spooktacular Hallowe’en Family Dance on Thursday, October 27^th (5:30 – 8 pm) in the school gym. All families of grades primary to six students are invited. All students MUST be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $15 per family at the door. There will be a 50/50 draw and lots of treats for sale.

In Remembrance: To commemorate Remembrance Day, to honour our Veterans, and to appreciate and celebrate peace in a meaningful way, Park West will be hosting a Remembrance Assembly on Thursday, November 10, 10:30 am. The assembly will feature special music, student participation, our school band, and a special time to remember those who have sacrificed for us. Parents and community members are invited to this special event. We are encouraging those who are veterans, in the military, members of police forces, members of Girl Guides of Canada and Boy Scouts of Canada, or others who wear an official uniform to wear them if attending. All students are requested to wear Red and Black on that day. The Royal Canadian Legion has provided us with poppies for this occasion. Students are invited to buy a poppy at the office by making a small monetary donation.

Newcomers Meeting: One of the most unique and enviable features of Park West School is our diversity. We are proud of this. Families from all over the world, from many different countries, have chosen to make their homes here in our community. We want all students, and their families, regardless of their origins, to feel at home here at Park West. Our vision is to be a school that is inclusive, safe, accommodating, and welcoming. We are working hard to nurture a culture of acceptance. To ensure this continues in a collaborative manner Mr. Carter, Ms. Chiasson and Mr. Attya (our YMCA Newcomers Support Worker) would like to invite those parents in our community who may be ‘newcomers’ to Canada, or who may have origins in another country, or anyone who wishes to attend, to a meeting tonight (October 26),at 7:00 pm in the school library. We encourage all interested members of our school community to attend this very important meeting and participate in the dialogue as we review our efforts and progress in becoming a truly inclusive multicultural school. It will also be a time for school administration to receive suggestions from you as we plan for the future. We want to move forward in a positive and meaningful way….and we want you to be part of it.

Concert at Park West: Popular entertainer and inspirational speaker Terry Kelly will be here at Park West to present his “We Can Do Anything” show to all students (grades P – 9) in the gym on Tuesday, November 8, 1 – 2 pm. The cost of this performance is being covered by student fees. “We Can Do Anything” is directed at leaving Terry’s audience with an increased awareness of the importance of self-esteem and a renewed sense of pride. “We Can Do Anything” is about individual triumphs, overcoming real or imagined disabilities, sharing, caring and love. Through stories, songs and open communication between performer and student, Terry Kelly proves that a belief in oneself is the key that will open doors to a rewarding and successful future. Students become involved with Terry’s high energy and positive message. Original songs like “Mama Likes to Rock n’ Roll”, “We Can Do Anything” and “The Lucky One”, captivate the listener’s attention. Terry’s down-to-earth approach and genuine interest shine throughout the presentation. Described by one student as “Totally Awesome”, Terry Kelly grabs the attention from the first moment to the last song. “We Can Do Anything” is a show full of hope and optimism, both enjoyable and inspiring. Parents are invited to attend this special concert with us.

Happy Diwali: Today (October 26) some members of our school community are celebrating Diwali (which means “row of lights”). Diwali is a five day festival and is considered to be the Hindu New Year. The festival celebrations begin with a cleansing of homes and people, and new clothes are put on. Many Hindus now send Diwali cards, similar to ones with good wishes sent at Christmas time. Happy Diwali! (taken from Celebrate! The History and Folklore of Holidays in Nova Scotia, by Clary Croft).

Come to the Fair! It’s time for the fall Scholastic Book Fair at Park West School! The book fair will run from Tuesday, November 8th through Thursday, November 10th, during regular school hours (until 3:30 daily). For your convenience, it will also be open during parent teacher interviews on the afternoon and evening of Wednesday, November 9. The Scholastic Book Fairs are our most important library fundraiser of the year. Because of your support, we are able to put quality books on our library shelves. Customers will be able to pay with cash, credit card, debit card and cheque. If a parent/guardian is interested in helping with the book fair please contact Ms. Comeau at 457-7800 ext. 5271039 or email acomeau@staff.ednet.ns.ca. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Grade 9 Trip Meeting: There will be an information meeting on Wednesday, November 16 at 8:00 pm for all grade 9 students (and their parents) who wish to participate in the spring trip to Quebec City. This is the next step in the trip planning process. It is essential for parents to attend this important meeting if they wish for their son/daughter to participate in this travel opportunity. Interested grade nine students should attend with their parents. There will be an opportunity for interested parents to establish and join a fundraising committee. We are looking for a parent to chair this committee. If you are interested in being the chair of this committee please contact Mr. Carter (our principal and trip organizer).

Mark Your Calendar: Start planning ahead for December and the Christmas season at Park West. Our Christmas Music Concert, featuring our band, strings, and choir, will be held on November 30 (6:30 – 7:30). Our elementary Christmas Concerts, featuring all students in grades primary to six, will be held on December 6 and 7 (1:15 pm and 6:30 pm). Our elementary Christmas concerts will feature music celebrating the Christmas season, as well as other December holidays, such at Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Eid. We are encouraging ALL STUDENTS to participate in this special event. Our hope is to have the entire Park West School community celebrate together regardless of your faith or family traditions. At Park West we are nurturing a “culture of acceptance”. Let’s celebrate together! More information will be available soon.

Walk to School - Safety Tips: The Active & Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) Committee at Park West School hopes that all students along with their parents, caregivers and families are participating in our Walk to School Events during October, and will continue to participate throughout the year. Walking to school promotes health, physical activity, concern for the environment and safe and walkable communities. Remind students to keep track of some of their walking on their We Often Walk (WOW) cards: Students walk to school or at school, check off the boxes on their WOW card when they do (up to 3 times in any week), and hand the WOW card in at the end of the month for a prize draw. When walking to school, keep the safety tips below in mind:

- always follow the traffic rules - children learn by example

- teach children the meaning of traffic signs

- choose a route to school and practice it with your child(ren) before your child(ren) travel it on their own

- use crosswalks, or cross at a corner

- never cross between parked cars

- make eye contact with drivers

- walk bikes, skateboards and scooters across the crosswalk

A reminder, if volunteers can be found, we also would love the start a Walking School Bus program at the school. For further information or to help with ASRTS and the promotion of walking to school, please contact Kelly Greenwood at 428-8391 or by email at klgreenwood@eastlink.ca

For Sale: The school is selling a surplus furniture and equipment.

- one GE Spacesaver stackable washer and dryer. The washer requires a new pump. Sold as is. Asking price: $100.

- Several sturdy commercial quality L – shaped office desks. Asking price: $75 each.

All funds from the sale of these items will stay in our school to support teaching and learning. Contact Mr. Carter (dcarter@hrsb.ns.ca) if you are interested.

At Park West We’re Working On: (1) getting our students here on time – school starts at 8:25 am; (2) getting our students and their parents to use the crosswalks and sidewalks on our school grounds; (3) ensuring our elementary students walk, not run, in the hallways; (4) encouraging students who eat lunch in the cafeteria to clean up after themselves (not leaving garbage on their tables and on the floor); (4) encouraging students to dress appropriately for the weather – it’s starting to get cold; (5) getting students to not litter on our school grounds; (6) encouraging our students to show pride and respect by stopping and standing at attention during the playing of our national anthem every morning; (6) reviewing school supply lists at all grade levels for the 2012-2013 school year; (7) reviewing the use of agendas at all grade levels for next year; (8) decreasing the number of fundraising initiatives at our school to lessen the burden on families; (9) improving our fire drill routine to ensure the safety of our students in the event of an emergency; (10) improving student achievement in mathematics and literacy (reading and writing) through the goals in our School Improvement Plan.

Dates to Remember:

*October*
26	Newcomers Meeting	*7 pm*
28	Provincial Conference Day *(no school for students)*
31	*Spooky Day* at Park West: students are invited to wear Hallowe’en costumes to school in the AFTERNOON ONLY. No weapons please.
*November*
3	Junior High Dance ($6 admission)	*6:30 – 8:30*
4	PTA Treat Day – popcorn for sale for $1
8	Terry Kelly Concert	*1:00 pm*
9	Parent-Teacher Meetings	*Afternoon/Evening*
10	Remembrance Ceremony	*10:30 am*

Happy Hallowe’en Happy Diwali

Monday, October 24, 2011

Book Fair November 8-9-10

Park West School is having a Scholastic Book Fair:

Tuesday Nov. 8

Wednesday Nov.9

Thursday Nov. 10.

The fair will be open:

8:35 am - 11:35am

1pm - 3:30 pm

Also, it will be open during Parent/Teacher Interviews.

Cash, credit card, debit card and cheques will be accepted.

If a parent/guardian is interested in volunteering with the book fair please contact Ms. Comeau at:

457-7800 ext. 5271039

acomeau@staff.ednet.ns.ca

Your help would be greatly appreciated!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

PTA HALLOWEEN DANCE

The Park West PTA Presents…

SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN DANCE

Date: Thursday October 27^th(PD day Friday the 28^th)

Time: 5:30pm-8pm

Who: Primary to grade 6 families

ALL STUDENTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT

$10 per family if you register prior to Oct. 26th

*Admission will be $5 each for child/student attending with a family other than their own.

$15 per family at the door

$2 pizza~$1 ice cream~$1 glow bracelets~$1 water~

$1 candy bags~$1 popcorn ~ 50/50 draw~

You may also pre-register by e-mail:

dmurrans@hotmail.com

*****Please note. Tickets are not sent home for this event. Your name will be on a list at the door the night of the dance!

………………………………………………………………………

Family Name:______________________________ Phone #___________________

Student’s Name:______________________________

Teacher’s Name:_________________ # Family Members Attending:____________

Parent’s Signature:____________________________

Enclosed Cheque :____________ or Cash____________________

All cheques to be made payable to Park West PTA

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

PTA HALLOWEEN COSTUME EXCHANGE

The Park West PTA Presents…

The Third Annual Park West

Halloween Costume Exchange!!

· A chance to REUSE clean and gently-used Halloween costumes and help families reduce costs involved in purchasing new costumes!

· Cost - $5.00 per costume

· Send in your costume donations to the office today. Donations will be accepted starting Tuesday October 4^th.

When: Wednesday Oct.19th from 6pm–7pm

Where: Park West School Cafetorium

Who Can Participate in the Halloween Costume Exchange?

Anyone who needs a Halloween costume OR anyone who has a Halloween costume to donate.

Do I Need to Donate a Halloween Costume In Order to participate?

No! Not everyone saves Halloween costumes from year-to-year, so even if you don't have a Halloween costume to donate, you can still come to the exchange to find one at an awesome price! However, we would surely appreciate it if you'd spread the word to your friends about the Halloween Costume Exchange program in case they may have Halloween costumes to donate.

Where do I drop off my donations?

Please bring them to the office, and there will be a box that you can put them in. Donations will be accepted up until Wednesday, Oct.19th.

Monday, October 3, 2011

October Newsletter

PWS UPDATE

Park West School Newsletter

Phone: (902) 457-7800 E-mail: parkwest@hrsb.ns.ca Website: parkwest.ednet.ns.ca

Principal: Mr. D. Carter Vice Principals: Ms. M. Chiasson, Mr. B. Melanson

October 3, 2011

Introducing……..the PWS UPDATE: This is the first regular edition of our new school newsletter, PWS UPDATE. It will be published approximately every two weeks. It will be the only item sent home from school printed on yellow paper. Printed copies will be sent home with the youngest student in each family. It will be posted on the school website. You may also wish to receive it electronically via e-mail. We urge you to read each edition thoroughly and to keep past issues for reference. Here at Park West we value good communication. We are striving to keep you informed and involved.

A Message from Ms. Chiasson (Vice Principal): I am thrilled to be returning to Park West School. I was the music/art teacher here for 5 years before moving on to administration. I have enjoyed spending time re-connecting with former students and parents/guardians. It is a privilege to be working with a dynamic admin team as well as a wonderful staff. Along with our school team, I look forward to working with you, parents, guardians, and community members in supporting, enriching the lives of each of our students. Together, we will learn and grow.

A Message from Mr. Melanson (Vice Principal): I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself through our school newsletter. I am very excited to be part of Park West’s new Administrative Team. I would like to thank everyone for the friendly welcome I have received from the Park West community. I have been teaching in Dartmouth at various Grade levels for the past 17 years. I have been a Vice Principal for the past 6. I have taught many different age groups and subjects over the years and I consider myself fortunate to work in a job that provides me with the opportunities to meet and work with such a variety of people. I live in Dartmouth with my three children, aged 12, 8 and 5. I am looking forward to a great year at Park West. The school has already proven to be an interesting, exciting place to work and I am excited to be working towards contributing to the positive learning of our students with such a dedicated group of professionals and supportive community.

Seeking Nominations: “The School Advisory Council (SAC) is a legally recognized body composed of the principal and representatives of teachers and support staff, students, parents, and community members who work together in an advisory capacity to increase the quality of education being provided by the school. The fundamental purpose of the school advisory council is to ensure that all students receive the best possible learning opportunities by engaging all partners in an ongoing process of problem solving and shared decision making.” Our SAC has a vacant position for a PARENT MEMBER. That individual must have a child presently attending Park West School. The term is for three years. The expectations include attending meetings once per month on a Wednesday evening at 5:45 pm to 7:00 pm. Nominations for this position are now being accepted. Nomination forms are available from the school office and are due back to the office on October 11. You may nominate yourself or someone else. If more than one nomination is received there will be an election to fill the position. The next meeting of the Park West SAC is October 19.

Family Movie Night: Our Junior High Student Leadership Corps is sponsoring a Family Movie Night here at Park West on Friday, October 14 for students in grades primary to six. Doors open at 6 pm, and the movie starts at 6:30. The cost is $2 per person or $5 for a family of four. Popcorn, hot dogs, and water will be available for purchase. The movie is Tangled. Children in grades primary to two must be accompanied by an adult.

School Spirit Day: Our first monthly School Spirit Day is this Friday (October 7). We are encouraging all students, staff, and visitors to our building, to dress in the theme of autumn for “Fall Day”. Reds, browns, yellows, and oranges….pumpkins and harvest……coloured leaves are all prominent at this time of year. The Park West Spirit Day Trophy will be awarded to the class with the greatest participation. Let’s have some fun and show our school spirit!

Safety First: Our school administration team (principal and vice principals) is working with our partners (the Dept. of Education and Scotia Learning, the owners of our school building) to develop a new vehicular traffic safety policy for our school grounds. In the meantime, for the safety of our students, we are asking that the current policy of “no vehicles on our school grounds” be respected. Parents and students who walk on the grounds are expected to use the sidewalks and crosswalks. Many walkers are creating unsafe conditions by crossing our driveway at unmarked places and walking through the parking lot amongst cars. Let’s work together to make our school a safer place for all.

A Safe School: In an effort to keep our school safe and secure we continue to closely monitor individuals entering our building during school hours. Anyone (that includes parents, other family members, maintenance workers, volunteers, and other visitors) entering our school during school hours MUST report to the office to register. At this time you may be requested to register in our Visitors Sign-In Book and wear a “visitor” ID tag. All permanent staff members at Park West now wear official HRSB photo ID tags. Substitute teachers, volunteers, and visitors are provided with appropriate ID tags as well. Any individuals found in our school without an ID tag and/or authorization may be questioned. Other than normal student entry times, entry to the building is via the main doors only. We appreciate your support and cooperation as we strive to maintain a welcoming yet safe and secure facility for our students and staff.

Shalom: On September 28 and 29 the Jewish community celebrated Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, with the themes of peace, happiness, and future success. Yom Kippur (known as the Day of Atonement) follows ten days from Rosh Hashanah and will be observed on October 8. Yom Kippur is the most holy of days in the Jewish calendar. Penitence, prayer and fasting are important components of this day. An evening service (called Kol Nidre) is held and the fast is broken. To all members of our Park West family who observe Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we extend to your our best wishes.

Parent Concern Protocol:

· If you have a question or concern regarding your child, the channel of communication begins with your child’s teacher, or the teacher with whom you have the concern. A teacher deserves the first opportunity to address your concerns. Communication can be done via telephone or email, or make an appointment to meet in person.

· If an issue cannot be resolved at this level, please contact the Principal or Vice Principal.

· Parent concerns related to school administration/operation issues should be addressed with the Principal or Vice Principal. Mr. Carter, Ms. Chiasson and Mr. Melanson are very approachable and are happy to address your concerns.

· Email, telephone calls (we have voicemail), and meetings by appointment work best for effective communication.

· Minor discipline issues are handled by teachers. Major issues are addressed namely by our Vice Principals.

Allergy Alert: Park West is a nut and latex aware school. We have many students and staff members who have life-threatening allergies. Contact with nuts or latex could be fatal for them. Also, we are a scent-free school. Students and visitors should not wear scented products while in our school building (especially perfumes, colognes, and after-shaves).

New Epi-Pen Policy: The Halifax Regional School Board (HRSB) has a new policy for students requiring epinephrine auto injectors. Students needing epi-pens must now carry the pen injectors on them at all times while at school.

October is “Walk to School” Month: The Active & Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) Committee at Park West School invites all students along with their parents, caregivers and families to participate in our Walk to School Events during October, and throughout the year. Walking to school promotes health, physical activity, concern for the environment and safe and walkable communities. This year, Park West joins schools in over 40 countries around the world as they celebrate walking to school during the month of October and throughout the year. To promote the International Walk to School Month, We Often Walk (WOW) cards will be handed out in school. The theme of this months WOW card campaign is WE WALK WEEKLY. Students walk to school or at school, check off the boxes on their WOW card when they do (up to 3 times in any week), and hand the WOW card in at the end of the month for a prize draw. Anyone interested in helping with Walk to School Month activities or other ASRTS events throughout the year are invited to join our committee. Current plans include a winter event and a spring walk/wheel event. If volunteers can be found, we also would love the start a Walking School Bus program at the school. For further information or to help with ASRTS and the promotion of walking to school, please contact Kelly Greenwood at 428-8391 or by email at klgreenwood@eastlink.ca

At Park West We’re Working On: (1) Keeping our school grounds beautiful by teaching our students to put garbage in garbage cans. (2) Making our school safer by ensuring our students walk while inside the school…not run. (3) Reminding our students (and their parents) to use the sidewalks and crosswalks while walking on our grounds. (4) Asking our students to not wear hats and ball caps in class. (5) Reminding our junior high students to store cell phones and other electronic devices in their lockers or out-of-sight,

Dates to Remember:

*October*
5	*School Bus Evacuation Drills for students (P – 9)*
10	*Thanksgiving (no school)*
11	*SAC Nominations due for parent position*
14	*Family Movie Night (grades P – 6)*	*6:30 pm*
19	*SAC meeting / PTA meeting*	*5:45pm /7 pm*
26	*Newcomers Meeting*	*7 pm*
28	*Provincial Conference Day (no school for students)*

Happy Thanksgiving