Welcome, KC Leaders!

What makes our classroom special?

In classrooms throughout Westgate, there are students with a variety of abilities and learning styles. Many services are available to the students. They include literacy support, speech and language, social work, and occupational and physical therapy, as well as special education and English language services. All of these services allow our students the opportunity to succeed in their school environment.

In the KC classroom, a small number of students may require a greater intensity of learning services. Based on individual needs, some children may need individual or small group instruction outside the combined classroom. To accommodate this need, it is ideal to have an additional classroom, teaching assistants, and a certified special education teacher. 

Our class is combined in its entirety during beginning and ending routines, science and social studies instruction, gym, music, art, lunch, and recess. When a student is academically and socially, he or she will also receive instruction in the large group, for reading, writing, and/or math. At the same time, a teaching assistant often accompanies the student until he or she is able to be independently successful.

Early in the year, we acknowledge our individuality as leaders and learners. We discuss how different people are, throughout not only our classroom and school, but the world as well. We share examples anywhere from wearing glasses or struggling with a sport, to the challenges many face in social and academic skills. Students are very receptive to this discussion, and it supports acceptance and understanding to follow for a lifetime.

We look forward to spending the year with your children and watching them grow individually and as a learning community.

Sincerely, 

       Mrs. Kuehl, Ms. Carey, Mr. Lamich, and Mrs. Pattanaik