On Tuesday, September 23rd, the PTA sponsored the annual Parents and Pastries event at Westside. Parents were invited to join their students for a donut and chocolate milk breakfast. This was also a wonderful opportunity for parents to read with their children.
For the first part of the school year, sixth grade students at Westside have been learning about how microorganisms are everywhere, and how they affect us both in negative and positive ways. Students had the opportunity to swab areas around the school to see which areas are most germ-ridden. They also simulated the reproduction of bacterial cells with beans. This experiment helped students visualize what happens to one bacterial cell after a few hours.
To begin the new school year, Principal Matis encouraged teachers to 'Be the Magic'. Not only did Mrs. Matis dress up as famous Disney characters during teacher development (Mulan, Belle, the list goes on), but she also motivated the entire faculty to look for and create little "Wow!" moments that promote a positive learning environment. As a part of the teacher development, teachers will be reading a copy of the book Lessons from the Mouse which is a guide for applying Disney World's secrets of success an organization, a career, and life in general.
This week, students in the first grade performed their young authors program for parents and students.
On Thursday, May 22nd, students in the sixth grade constructed catapults made from household materials as part of a design challenge.
On May 23rd, Westside kindergarten students donned their graduation robes, and performed a short program for parents.
Recently, fourth grade students at Westside participated in the Hershey Track Meet at Springville High School. Many students placed in their respective events.
Recently, Lisa Erickson, our amazing librarian here at Westside, was awarded the UELMA (The Utah Educational Library Media Association) Paraprofessional of the Year Award. Any teacher at Westside can tell you how conscientious Lisa is about ensuring that sutdents have access to literature that interests them. She is always willing to share her ideas to get students reading, and will often recommend books to students she thinks they will enjoy. Mrs.
