November 11th: Veteran's Day (No School)
November 12th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
November 16th-20th: K-8 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal all week at 1:30 PM)
November 20th: K-8 Spirit Day - Mix and Match Day
November 23rd-27th: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
December 2nd: Chili Cook Off (5:30 PM)
December 4th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
This week we began Unit 3 in math. Unit 3 focuses on adding and subtracting within 20. We assessed our learning about sound and identified the main idea of texts read.
Nightly Reading: Be sure to have your child read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. Your child can read independently, to someone, or someone can read to your child. RAZKids and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize. Trick word practice counts, too! Remember, The more children practice their reading, the more proficient readers they become!
Current Trick Words:
(click here for word lists and sight word games to support your learner at home)
Unit 2: a, the, and, is, his, of
Unit 3: as, has, to, into, we, he, she, me, be, or, for
Unit 4: you, your, I, they, was, one, said
Unit 5: from, have, do, does
If you are interested in volunteering in class or completing projects at home, please use the links below.
Take Home Projects (if you have previously filled out this form, I have you on my list. Thanks!)
Please log your volunteer hours on the Westlake WAVE webpage
Physical Science 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 (Light Waves) will be assessed the week of November 30th
Week 12
Math
We began unit 3 (Adding and Subtracting Within 20) in math this week. Watch this video to learn more about concepts covered in this unit. Students may log into Imagine Math at home to practice their math facts and skills (access Imagine Math through Clever). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 3 of math. Click here to watch the family support video for Unit 3.
Writing
Next trimester we are focusing on Opinion Writing. Opinion pieces include stating their opinion, writing 3 details to support their opinion, and ending with a concluding sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer distinguish between fact and opinion at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on sounds (am, an), tapping to read words, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day(ham) . Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (from, have, do, does), and dictating words (quick, man, fan, shell, ham). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 5 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on identifying the main idea and details of texts help us more thoroughly understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on plural nouns to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource or worksheet to help your child at home.
Family Survey:
We have a brand new Family Survey that reflects the feedback our communities provided last year during our Strategic Plan development. We want to hear from every family, twice a year, regarding the progress we are making toward our Strategic Plan goals. Please CLICK HERE to complete the Family Survey by Friday, November 20th.
Fall Food Drive:
Our Annual Fall Food Drive benefiting Joey’s Food Locker will run through Wednesday, December 2nd, concluding at our Annual Chili Cook-Off. Food collection bins can be found in the reception area of each campus. Thank you for helping us give back to our Natomas community!
Connect, Engage, Contribute:
What an incredible launch to the school year! As we begin preparing our charter renewal petition, it's important that we share the story of what makes Westlake Charter School special: the powerful partnership between our school and our community.
Every time you connect, engage, or contribute to WCS, you help bring our mission to life. And every contribution counts! Have you connected, engaged, or contributed your time this year? If so, CLICK HERE to log your hours today!
We want to celebrate and capture all of it! Please take a moment to log your volunteer hours. These moments, big and small, help demonstrate the strength of our WCS community and the incredible things we can accomplish when school and community collaborate.
Thank you for showing up, pitching in, and making Westlake such a special place to learn and grow. We couldn't do it without you!
Mystery Reader Challenge:
We value school and community collaboration at WCS. As part of our October and November Mystery Reader Challenge, Westlake would like to welcome our community members into our classrooms to read.
If you have a cool job and would like to come tell us a little bit about your job and read us a book, CLICK HERE to sign up.
If you have a connection to a business or organization in our community and would like to include them in our Mystery Reader Challenge, please CLICK HERE to let us know.
Veterans Day - NO SCHOOL:
On Wednesday, November 11th, Westlake Charter School will be observing Veterans Day. There will be no school and our BASE program will be closed.
K-8 Conference Week:
Conference week is November 16th - 20th. CLICK HERE to schedule your conference. The online scheduler is available to families through November 17th. We strive to have 100% of our families meet with their teacher! CLICK HERE for instructions on how to use the online scheduler. Remember, during conference week, we will dismiss early to allow time for teachers to meet with each of our families. Kindergarten will dismiss at 1:00 PM, and 1st–8th grade will dismiss at 1:30 PM. Our K-8 BASE program will be open after school until 6:00 PM each day.
K-12 Spirit Day - Mix & Match Day:
Mix & Match day will be Friday, November 20th. Dress up in wild colors, mismatched shoes, different colored socks or different patterns (for example, stripes with polka dots, colors that clash, etc.) Don’t forget to show your WCS spirit by posting pictures on all social media platforms and using the hashtag #WCSSpiritDay!
Thanksgiving Break:
Both campuses will be closed for Thanksgiving Break Monday, November 23rd through Friday, November 27th. We look forward to welcoming staff and students back on Monday, November 30th. Our BASE program will also be closed during Thanksgiving Break.
November 6th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
November 11th: Veteran's Day (No School)
November 12th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
November 16th-20th: K-8 Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal all week at 1:30 PM)
November 20th: K-8 Spirit Day - Mix and Match Day
November 23rd-27th: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
December 2nd: Chili Cook Off (5:30 PM)
December 4th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
We focused on addition and subtraction word problems in math this week, paying close attention to the keywords that tell us to add or subtract. We identified plural nouns and asked questions while reading informational texts. We began a new science unit that focuses on sound.
Nightly Reading: Be sure to have your child read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. Your child can read independently, to someone, or someone can read to your child. RAZKids and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize. Trick word practice counts, too! Remember, The more children practice their reading, the more proficient readers they become!
Current Trick Words:
(click here for word lists and sight word games to support your learner at home)
Unit 2: a, the, and, is, his, of
Unit 3: as, has, to, into, we, he, she, me, be, or, for
Unit 4: you, your, I, they, was, one, said
If you are interested in volunteering in class or completing projects at home, please use the links below.
Take Home Projects (if you have previously filled out this form, I have you on my list. Thanks!)
Please log your volunteer hours on the Westlake WAVE webpage
Physical Science 4.1 (Sound Waves) will be assessed the week of November 2nd
Week 11
Math
We have been solving equations and story problems in math this week. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in Unit 2. Students may log into Imagine Math at home to practice their math facts and skills (access Imagine Math through Clever). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 2 of math. Click here to watch the family support video for Unit 3.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on sounds (all, ll, ss, ff), tapping to read words, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day(chill, call). Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (I, they, you, your, was, one, said), and dictating words (chill, lash, puff, fall, lock). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 4 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on asking questions to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on plural nouns to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource or worksheet to help your child at home.
This week we continued to learn about Responsibility through our Character Strong social-emotional learning curriculum. Students practiced finding their focus by moving their bodies. We read the book How Do Dinosaurs Stay Safe? and discussed the Responsibility we have to keep ourselves safe. Click here to download the Grade 1 Responsibility Newsletter
Mystery Reader Challenge:
We value school and community collaboration at WCS. As part of our October and November Mystery Reader Challenge, Westlake would like to welcome our community members into our classrooms to read.
If you have a cool job and would like to come tell us a little bit about your job and read us a book, CLICK HERE to sign up.
If you have a connection to a business or organization in our community and would like to include them in our Mystery Reader Challenge, please CLICK HERE to let us know.
Veterans Day - NO SCHOOL:
On Wednesday, November 11th, Westlake Charter School will be observing Veterans Day. There will be no school and our BASE program will be closed.
K-8 Conference Week:
Conference week is November 16th - 20th. CLICK HERE to schedule your conference. The online scheduler is available to families through November 17th. We strive to have 100% of our families meet with their teacher! CLICK HERE for instructions on how to use the online scheduler. Remember, during conference week, we will dismiss early to allow time for teachers to meet with each of our families. Kindergarten will dismiss at 1:00 PM, and 1st–8th grade will dismiss at 1:30 PM. Our K-8 BASE program will be open after school until 6:00 PM each day.
October 24th: Fall Festival
October 26th-30th: Red Ribbon Week- Dress Up Days
October 26th: K-8 Spirit Day- Be Brave & Active (Wear Active Wear)
October 27th: K-8 Spirit Day - We Keep Our Paws Off Drugs (Animal Print OR Dress Like An Animal)
October 28th: K-8 Spirit Day - From Head to Toe, I am Drug Free (Silly Hat & Silly Socks)
October 29th: K-8 Spirit Day - Be a Hero (Dress As Your Hero)
October 30th: K-8 Spirit Day - I Am Drug Free (Wear Red)
November 6th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
November 11th: Veteran's Day (No School)
Nightly Reading: Be sure to have your child read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. Your child can read independently, to someone, or someone can read to your child. RAZKids and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize. Trick word practice counts, too! Remember, The more children practice their reading, the more proficient readers they become!
Current Trick Words:
(click here for word lists and sight word games to support your learner at home)
Unit 2: a, the, and, is, his, of
Unit 3: as, has, to, into, we, he, she, me, be, or, for
Unit 4: you, your, I, they, was, one, said
If you are interested in volunteering in class or completing projects at home, please use the links below.
Take Home Projects (if you have previously filled out this form, I have you on my list. Thanks!)
Please log your volunteer hours on the Westlake WAVE webpage
Math, Unit 2: Addition and Subtraction Story Problems- Week of October 26th (study guide)
Week 10
Math
We have been solving addition and subtraction word problems with unknowns in math this week. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in Unit 2. Play this game to practice solving how many more/fewer problems. Students may log into Imagine Math at home to practice their math facts and skills (access Imagine Math through Clever). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 2 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics- Unit 4, Week 1
This week in phonics we focused on sounds (ff, ll, ss, zz),tapping to read words,trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (you, your, I, they, was, one, said), and dictating words (bill, cuff, quiz, fuzz). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 4 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on comparing and contrasting to help us understand what we read and what is read to us by finding similarities and differences within books. Use this poster and video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on nouns (person, place, and thing). Please utilize this resource to help your child at home.
This week we continued to learn about Responsibility through our Character Strong social-emotional learning curriculum. Students learned how to recognize when they are distracted and practiced using Rainbow Breathing to refocus. We read the book My Mouth is a Volcano! and discussed how to take Responsibility and learn to manage our own thoughts and words. Click here to download the Grade 1 Responsibility Newsletter
Fall Festival:
Join us for an afternoon of fall fun, carnival games & community TOMORROW, Saturday, October 24th from 3:00 - 6:00 PM at our Annual Fall Festival!
CLICK HERE to purchase pre-sale tickets featuring our NEW Unlimited Play Wristband option!
CLICK HERE to volunteer during the festival or donate a dessert for our popular Dessert Walk!
CLICK HERE to learn more about the vendor fair
CLICK HERE for Silent Auction
See the WAVE section of the Westlake Weekly for more information!
Fall Book Fair:
Our Scholastic Book Fair opens at the Fall Festival tomorrow, Saturday, October 24th and will continue to run from Monday, October 26th - Friday, October 30th. K-8 students will have the opportunity to visit the book fair during their regularly scheduled library visit and/or after school with a parent/guardian at the times listed below. CLICK HERE for the link to set up your student’s e-wallet because cash is not accepted at the book fair. The book fair schedule is as follows:
Saturday, October 24th, 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Monday, October 26th, 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Tuesday, October 27th, 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Wednesday, October 28th, 1:15 - 2:30 PM
Thursday, October 29th, 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Friday, October 30th, 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Red Ribbon Week:
We will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 26th through October 30th. This is a national school-centered activity related to making healthy choices by avoiding drugs and alcohol. Parents can team with WCS by talking to their students about what they learn during Red Ribbon Week and opening conversations with students about making positive choices throughout their lives.
Our K-8 Campus will celebrate Red Ribbon Week with the following Spirit Days. Please remember to follow the dress code guidelines in the K-8 Family Handbook for spirit days.
Monday: Be Brave and Active (active wear)
Tuesday: We Keep our Paws off Drugs! (animal print or dress like an animal)
Wednesday: From Head to Toe, I am Drug Free (silly hat and socks)
Thursday: Be a Hero (dress as your hero)
Friday: I am Drug Free (wear red)
Jibe Walktober Challenge:
Walktober is here! Challenge yourself to walk to school and have your Trip Card scanned as many times as you can between now and October 30th for a chance to win. All classes with at least 50% participation win a party-in-a-box for the entire class to enjoy! CLICK HERE for the flyer. Don’t have a card yet? No problem, just CLICK HERE to register today.
Mystery Reader Challenge:
We value school and community collaboration at WCS. As part of our October and November Mystery Reader Challenge, Westlake would like to welcome our community members into our classrooms to read.
If you have a cool job and would like to come tell us a little bit about your job and read us a book, CLICK HERE to sign up.
If you have a connection to a business or organization in our community and would like to include them in our Mystery Reader Challenge, please CLICK HERE to let us know.
K-8 Conference Week:
Conference week is November 16th - 20th. CLICK HERE to schedule your conference. The online scheduler is available to families October 26th through November 17th. We strive to have 100% of our families meet with their teacher! CLICK HERE for instructions on how to use the online scheduler. Remember, during conference week, we will dismiss early to allow time for teachers to meet with each of our families. Kindergarten will dismiss at 1:00 PM, and 1st–8th grade will dismiss at 1:30 PM. Our K-8 BASE program will be open after school until 6:00 PM each day.
October 24th: Fall Festival
October 26th-30th: Red Ribbon Week- Dress Up Days
October 26th: K-8 Spirit Day- Be Brave & Active (Wear Active Wear)
October 27th: K-8 Spirit Day - We Keep Our Paws Off Drugs (Animal Print OR Dress Like An Animal)
October 28th: K-8 Spirit Day - From Head to Toe, I am Drug Free (Silly Hat & Silly Socks)
October 29th: K-8 Spirit Day - Be a Hero (Dress As Your Hero)
October 30th: K-8 Spirit Day - I Am Drug Free (Wear Red)
November 6th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
November 11th: Veteran's Day (No School)
Nightly Reading: Be sure to have your child read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. Your child can read independently, to someone, or someone can read to your child. RAZKids and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize. Trick word practice counts, too! Remember, The more children practice their reading, the more proficient readers they become!
Current Trick Words:
(click here for word lists and sight word games to support your learner at home)
Unit 2: a, the, and, is, his, of
Unit 3: as, has, to, into, we, he, she, me, be, or, for
If you are interested in volunteering in class or completing projects at home, please use the links below.
Take Home Projects (if you have previously filled out this form, I have you on my list. Thanks!)
Please log your volunteer hours on the Westlake WAVE webpage
History 1.3 (American Symbols)- Week of October 19th
Math, Unit 2: Addition and Subtraction Story Problems- Week of October 26th (study guide)
Week 9
Math
We have been comparing addition to subtraction and solving equations and story problems in math this week. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in Unit 2. Students may log into Imagine Math at home to practice their math facts and skills (access Imagine Math through Clever). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 2 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence and a sequence of First, Next, and Last. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics Unit 3, Week 2
This week in phonics we focused on sounds (sh, ch, th, wh, ck), tapping to read words, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (as, has, to, into, we, he, she, be, me, for, or), and dictating words (quick, puck, shock, rack, moth). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 3 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been identifying the plot (characters, setting, beginning, middle, and end) of stories read. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on nouns (person, place, and thing). Please utilize this read-aloud to review nouns with your child at home.
This week we continued to learn about Responsibility through our Character Strong social-emotional learning curriculum. Students learned what it means to focus and follow directions. We read the book The Girl with Big, Big Questions and discussed the importance of focusing and taking responsibility for our choices. Click here to download the Grade 1 Responsibility Newsletter
Mystery Reader Challenge:
October and November are Mystery Reader Months at Westlake Charter School. We are welcoming families into our Kindergarten - 5th grade homeroom classrooms, and Humanities classes in Middle School to encourage family engagement that centers on literacy. We are encouraging families to sign up to be a Mystery Reader in the following ways:
Classic In-person Surprise Mystery Reader:
Recorded Surprise Mystery Reader: Perfect for families who may work different schedules, and long-distance family members.
In-Person or Recorded Surprise Chapter Mystery Reader: Perfect for older classes where teachers are already doing immersive reading activities that include the teacher reading a book aloud and students reading along.
Below is all the information you will need to connect, engage, and contribute during the Mystery Reader Challenge!
CLICK HERE for more information about the Mystery Reader Challenge
CLICK HERE to sign up to be a Mystery Reader
CLICK HERE for some fun ideas about how to be an excellent Mystery Reader
CLICK HERE for our Family Volunteer Process
CLICK HERE for our Classroom Volunteering 101 training in Everest Academy
K-8 Conference Week:
Save the date for our K-8 Conference week - Conferences will take place November 16th - 20th. Remember, during conference week, we will dismiss early to allow time to meet with each of our families – Kindergarten will dismiss at 1:00 PM, and 1st - 8th grade will dismiss at 1:30 PM. Our BASE program will be open after school until 6:00 PM each day. The online scheduler will be open from October 26th through November 16th.
Jibe Walktober Challenge:
Walktober is here! Challenge yourself to walk to school and have your Trip Card scanned as many times as you can between October 19th and October 30th for a chance to win. All classes with at least 50% participation win a party-in-a-box for the entire class to enjoy! CLICK HERE for the flyer. Don’t have a card yet? No problem, just CLICK HERE to register today.
Jibe Bike Doctor:
Bike Doc is North Natomas Jibe's free basic bike repair and tune up service. This basic repair service is offered at no cost to our community. Students and families of Westlake Charter School are invited to register to bring in bicycles on October 24th. CLICK HERE To register for Bike Doc free bike repair.
October 5th-9th: Fall Break (No School)
October 15th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
October 16th: International Walk To School Day (Walk to School with Mrs. Weiner, Burberry Park)
October 24th: Fall Festival
October 26th-30th: Red Ribbon Week- Dress Up Days
October 26th: K-8 Spirit Day- Be Brave & Active (Wear Active Wear)
October 27th: K-8 Spirit Day - We Keep Our Paws Off Drugs (Animal Print OR Dress Like An Animal)
October 28th: K-8 Spirit Day - From Head to Toe, I am Drug Free (Silly Hat & Silly Socks)
October 29th: K-8 Spirit Day - Be a Hero (Dress As Your Hero)
October 30th: K-8 Spirit Day - I Am Drug Free (Wear Red)
Nightly Reading: Be sure to have your child read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. Your child can read independently, to someone, or someone can read to your child. RAZKids and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize. Trick word practice counts, too! Remember, The more children practice their reading, the more proficient readers they become!
Current Trick Words:
(click here for word lists and sight word games to support your learner at home)
Unit 2: a, the, and, is, his, of
Unit 3: as, has, to, into, we, he, she, me, be, or, for
Unit 4: you, your, I, they, was, one, said
Unit 5: from, have, do, does
Unit 6: were, are, who, what, when, where, there, here
Unit 7: why, by, my, try, put, two, too, very, also, some, come
Unit 8: would, could, should, her, over, number
Unit 9: say, says, see, between, each
Unit 10: any, many, how, now, down, out, about, our
Unit 11: friend, other, another, none, nothing
Unit 12: people, month, been, little, own, want, Mr., Mrs
Unit 13: word, work, write, being, their, first, look, good, new
Unit 14: water, called, day, may, way
If you are interested in volunteering in class or completing projects at home, please use the links below.
Take Home Projects (if you have previously filled out this form, I have you on my list. Thanks!)
Please log your volunteer hours on the Westlake WAVE webpage
History 1.3 (American Symbols)- Week of October 19th
Math, Unit 2: Addition and Subtraction Story Problems- Week of October 26th (study guide)
Week 8
Math
This week we have been solving story problems where we find “how many more” or “how many fewer.” Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in Unit 2. Play Shake and Spill and Shake, Spill, and Cover to develop these concepts at home further. Students may log into Imagine Math at home to practice their math facts and skills (access Imagine Math through Clever). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 2 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence and a sequence of First, Next, and Last. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics-Unit 3, Week 1
This week in phonics we focused on sounds (sh, ch, th, wh, ck), tapping to read words, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (as, has, to, into, we, he, she, be, me, for, or), and dictating words (shop, ship, chin, chat, thud, thin). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 3 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been identifying the plot (characters, setting, beginning, middle, and end) of stories read. Use this resource to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on exclamatory sentences to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource or game to help your child at home.
Fall Break:
Both campuses will be closed for Fall Break Monday, October 5th through Friday, October 9th. We look forward to welcoming staff and students back on Monday, October 12th. Our BASE program will be open during Fall Break. Please CLICK HERE to register for the day(s) you plan to have your Explorer attend.
Mystery Reader Challenge:
October and November are Mystery Reader Months at Westlake Charter School. We are welcoming families into our Kindergarten - 5th grade homeroom classrooms, and Humanities classes in Middle School to encourage family engagement that centers on literacy. We are encouraging families to sign up to be a Mystery Reader in the following ways:
Classic In-person Surprise Mystery Reader:
Recorded Surprise Mystery Reader: Perfect for families who may work different schedules, and long-distance family members.
In-Person or Recorded Surprise Chapter Mystery Reader: Perfect for older classes where teachers are already doing immersive reading activities that include the teacher reading a book aloud and students reading along.
Below is all the information you will need to connect, engage, and contribute during the Mystery Reader Challenge!
CLICK HERE for more information about the Mystery Reader Challenge
CLICK HERE to sign up to be a Mystery Reader
CLICK HERE for some fun ideas about how to be an excellent Mystery Reader
CLICK HERE for our Family Volunteer Process
CLICK HERE for our Classroom Volunteering 101 training in Everest Academy
September 25th: Progress Reports Sent Home
October 1st: Picture Retake Day
October 2nd: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
October 5th-9th: Fall Break (No School)
October 15th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
October 24th: Fall Festival
October 26th-30th: Red Ribbon Week- Dress Up Days
October 26th: K-8 Spirit Day- Be Brave & Active (Wear Active Wear)
October 27th: K-8 Spirit Day - We Keep Our Paws Off Drugs (Animal Print OR Dress Like An Animal)
October 28th: K-8 Spirit Day - From Head to Toe, I am Drug Free (Silly Hat & Silly Socks)
October 29th: K-8 Spirit Day - Be a Hero (Dress As Your Hero)
October 30th: K-8 Spirit Day - I Am Drug Free (Wear Red)
Each week, our phonics instruction will include trick words. Here is a list of the words your student should be able to read by the end of the year. Visit our trick word website for games and songs to support your learner at home.
This week we learned that question sentences end in a question mark and we compared and contrasted characters in stories. We wrapped up our Life Long Ago social studies unit with an exciting on campus field lesson and began our next unit on American Symbols.
Nightly Reading: Be sure to have your child read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. Your child can read independently, to someone, or someone can read to your child. RAZKids and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize. Trick word practice counts, too! Remember, The more children practice their reading, the more proficient readers they become!
Current Trick Words:
(click here for word lists and sight word games to support your learner at home)
Unit 2: a, the, and, is, his, of
If you are interested in volunteering in class or completing projects at home, please use the links below.
Take Home Projects (if you have previously filled out this form, I have you on my list. Thanks!)
Please log your volunteer hours on the Westlake WAVE webpage
History 1.3 (American Symbols)- Week of October 19th
Math, Unit 2: Addition and Subtraction Story Problems- Week of October 26th (study guide)
Week 7
Math
This week we solved put-together/take-apart story problems with missing totals or addends. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in Unit 2. Play Shake and Spill and Shake, Spill, and Cover to practice these concepts at home. Students may log into Imagine Math at home to practice their math facts and skills (access Imagine Math through Clever). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 2 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence and a sequence of First, Next, and Last. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics-Unit 2, Week 2
This week in phonics we focused on tapping to read words, trick words, spelling trick words, sentence dictation, and Word of the Day. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word, saying and spelling trick words (the, a, and, is, his, of), and dictating words (lug, nap, zap, yes, beg, fix, quit, rob, hit, mud). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 2 of phonics.
Comprehension
We focused on comparing and contrasting and found similarities and differences between characters in a text. Use this poster and video to help your reader at home.
This week we continued to learn about Respect through our Character Strong social-emotional learning curriculum. We focused on friendships and noticing if a problem with a friend is big or small. We read the book Interupting Chicken and discussed ways to wait our turn and shop patience when others are talking.
Click here to download the Grade 1 Respect Newsletter
19th Annual Olympic Triathlon:
The 19th Annual Olympic Triathlon Event Day on Friday was the highlight of our one big fundraising campaign each year, which runs through Wednesday, September 30th! CLICK HERE to watch the video with more information about the Olympic Triathlon. Then, if you haven’t done so already, CLICK HERE to set up your family donation page on the PledgeStar website - it’s not too late! You can customize it with your student’s name, a photo, and a donation goal. It is easy to quickly request sponsors via email or text, explaining why Westlake is amazing and how they can help us meet our goal this year.
K-12 Picture Retake Day:
K-12 Picture Retake Day: Our Picture Retake Day is Thursday, October 1st. See below for who should have their picture taken on October 1st:
Students & staff who are new to our school since the original picture day
Students & staff who were absent on the original picture day
Students & staff who would like to retake their photo
CLICK HERE to order pictures
Fall Break:
Both campuses will be closed for Fall Break Monday, October 5th through Friday, October 9th. Our BASE program will be open during Fall Break. Please CLICK HERE to register for the day(s) you plan to have your Explorer attend.
Lost and Found:
The Lost & Found at each campus is overflowing with jackets, lunch boxes, water bottles and more! K-8 families: Swing by to check for missing items behind the Admin Building. WCHS students: Look in the Commons during arrival, lunch, and dismissal. All unclaimed items will be donated over Fall Break.
September 22nd: Life Long Ago On Campus Experience
September 25th: K-8 School Spirit Day (Sports Day)
September 25th: Olympic Triathlon Event Day
October 1st: Picture Retake Day
October 2nd: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
October 5th-9th: Fall Break (No School)
We began solving word problems in math this week. We focused on "change unknown" problems (ie: 3 + __ = 8). This can be a challenging concept for students to learn. Be on the lookout for optional math pages to practice this skill. In grammar, we learned about statements (telling sentences) and identified telling sentences in books read. We learned more about school long ago and used slate boards and chalk like pioneer children.
Nightly Reading: Be sure to have your child read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. Your child can read independently, to someone, or someone can read to your child. RAZKids and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize. Trick word practice counts, too! Remember, The more children practice their reading, the more proficient readers they become!
Current Trick Words:
(click here for word lists and sight word games to support your learner at home)
Unit 2: a, the, and, is, his, of
If you are interested in volunteering in class or completing projects at home, please use the links below.
Take Home Projects (if you have previously filled out this form, I have you on my list. Thanks!)
Please log your volunteer hours on the Westlake WAVE webpage
Week 6
Math
We recently began Unit 2 in our math curriculum. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in this unit. We have been writing expressions and equations to solve story problems and showing our thinking with drawings and numbers. Play Check It Off- Addition and Check It Off - Subtraction to further develop these concepts at home. Students may log into Imagine Math at home to practice their math facts and skills (access Imagine Math through Clever). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 2 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence and a sequence of First, Next, and Last. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on sound review, tapping to read words, tapping to spell words, and reading sentences in the correct order. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word and then tapping to write out a word (lit, lip, lap, rap, rip, nip, sip, sit, set). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 2 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on comparing and contrasting to find similarities and differences between texts or within a text. Use this poster and video to help your reader at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on statement (telling) sentences to help us make our sentences interesting and precise. Please utilize this resource to help your child at home.
This week we continued to learn about Respect through our Character Strong social-emotional learning curriculum. We focused on building and understanding friendship. Students created a Friendship Puzzle to learn how individual actions fit together to build a healthy community. We read the book Amy Wu and the Warm Welcome and discussed how kindness and friendship are things we can all share, even when we don't speak the same language.
Click here to download the Grade 1 Respect Newsletter
19th Annual Olympic Triathlon:
The 19th Annual Olympic Triathlon, our one big fundraising campaign each year, is in full swing! CLICK HERE to watch the video with more information. CLICK HERE to set up your family donation page on the PledgeStar website. You can customize it with your student’s name, a photo, and a donation goal. It is easy to quickly request sponsors via email or text, explaining why Westlake is amazing and how they can help us meet our goal this year. The more students who hit the $150 goal, the bigger the celebration for our school community! CLICK HERE to sign up to work a shift on Event Day, Friday, September 25th.
K-12 Picture Retake Day:
Our Picture Retake Day is Thursday, October 1st. CLICK HERE for the memo. See below for who should have their picture taken on October 1st:
Students & staff who are new to our school since the original picture day
Students & staff who were absent on the original picture day
Students & staff who would like to retake their photo
CLICK HERE to order pictures
Jibe Walk/Bike to School Challenge:
The first Jibe Walk and Bike to School Challenge of the year is here. Just walk, bike, or scoot to school and have your Trip Card scanned as many times as you can between now and September 25th for a chance to win. The three classes with the most participation will receive a prize for the entire class! CLICK HERE for the flyer. Don’t have a card yet? No problem, CLICK HERE to register today.
Fall Break:
Both campuses will be closed for Fall Break Monday, October 5th through Friday, October 9th. We look forward to welcoming staff and students back on Monday, October 12th.
September 22nd: Life Long Ago On Campus Experience
September 25th: K-8 School Spirit Day (Sports Day)
September 25th: Olympic Triathlon Event Day
October 2nd: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
October 5th-9th: Fall Break (No School)
We continued to learn about complete sentences this week. We focused on identifying the telling part of each sentence. In math, we used data to answer questions and took our first math assessment on addition and subtraction. We continued writing our first personal narrative about a time we got hurt. In social studies, we learned more about the home life of pioneers long ago.
Nightly Reading: Be sure to have your child read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. Your child can read independently, to someone, or someone can read to your child. RAZKids and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize. Trick word practice counts, too! Remember, The more children practice their reading, the more proficient readers they become!
Current Trick Words:
(click here for word lists and sight word games to support your learner at home)
If you are interested in volunteering in class or completing projects at home, please use the links below.
Take Home Projects (if you have previously filled out this form, I have you on my list. Thanks!)
Please log your volunteer hours on the Westlake WAVE webpage
Week 5
Math
We have been surveying, looking at data, and answering questions about data in math this week. We have also been exploring addition and subtraction this week. Students may log into Imagine Math at home to practice their math facts and skills (access Imagine Math through Clever). Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in this unit. Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 1 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the letters z and qu. We learned about correct letter formation, which line to write a letter, how to grip our pencil, and how to extend the vowels. Please practice writing, saying, and using these letters in things you write, read, and see. We have been practicing how to tap to read words. Please practice tapping out each sound in a word (sad, sat, sap, sip, sit, mop, map, mad, mud). Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 1 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on identifying the problem and solution in a story to help us understand what we read and what is read to us. Use these posters to help your reader identify story elements in books at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on the telling part of a sentence to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please use these posters and this resource to help your child at home.
This week we continued to learn about respect through our Character Strong social-emotional learning curriculum. Students learned how their words and actions can make others feel. We read the book Big and discussed how our words can hurt someone’s feelings or help them feel strong and confident. Click here to download the Grade 1 Respect Newsletter
Olympic Triathlon:
The 19th Annual Olympic Triathlon, our one big fundraising campaign each year, is in full swing! CLICK HERE to watch the video with more information. CLICK HERE to set up your family donation page on the PledgeStar website. You can customize it with your student’s name, a photo, and a donation goal. It is easy to quickly request sponsors via email or text, explaining why Westlake is amazing and how they can help us meet our goal this year. The more students who hit the $150 goal, the bigger the celebration for our school community!
After School Live - Fall Explorer Enrichment:
Our fall Explorer Enrichment starts soon! CLICK HERE to see the catalog of Explorer Enrichment course offerings and information about how to sign up. E-mail amayle@westlakecharter.com with scholarship inquiries.
Jibe Walk/Bike to School Challenge:
The first Jibe Walk and Bike to School Challenge of the year is here. Just walk, bike, or scoot to school and have your Trip Card scanned as many times as you can between September 14th and September 25th for a chance to win. The three classes with the most participation will receive a prize for the entire class! CLICK HERE for the flyer. Don’t have a card yet? No problem, CLICK HERE to register today.
September 4th: WAVE BINGO Night (6:00-8:00 PM)
September 7th: Labor Day (No School)
September 10th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
September 22nd: Life Long Ago On Campus Experience
September 25th: K-8 School Spirit Day (Sports Day)
September 25th: Olympic Triathlon Event Day
October 2nd: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
October 5th-9th: Fall Break (No School)
This week we began our Life Long Ago unit. We learned about pioneer families and transportation long ago. We continued to practice writing complete sentences and learned that every sentence needs a naming part and a telling part to make sense. We have been working on our first narrative writing piece and are learning about the steps of the writing process (brainstorm, draft, edit, revise, and publish) as we write.
Nightly Reading: Be sure to have your child read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. Your child can read independently, to someone, or someone can read to your child. RAZKids and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize. Trick word practice counts, too! Remember, The more children practice their reading, the more proficient readers they become!
Current Trick Words:
(click here for word lists and sight word games to support your learner at home)
If you are interested in volunteering in class or completing projects at home, please use the links below.
Take Home Projects (if you have previously filled out this form, I have you on my list. Thanks!)
Please log your volunteer hours on the Westlake WAVE webpage
Math Unit 1 (Adding, Subtracting, and Working with Data) will be assessed the week of September 7th (study guide)
NWEA Math: Wednesday, September 9th
Week 4
Math
We are working on Unit 1 in our math curriculum. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in this unit. Students may log into Imagine Math at home to practice their math facts and skills (access Imagine Math through Clever). We have been exploring addition and subtraction in math this week. Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 1 of math. study guide
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Please utilize this resource to help your writer at home. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the letters e, r, p, j, l, h, k. We learned about correct letter formation and which line to write a letter, how to grip our pencil, and how to extend the vowels. Please practice writing, saying, and using these letters in things you write, read, and see. Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 1 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on identifying the characters and setting in a fiction story. Use these posters to help your reader identify story elements in books at home.
Grammar
We have been focusing on the naming part of a sentence to help us make sentences interesting and precise. Please use these posters and this resource to help your child at home.
Friendships can have a major impact on your health and well-being. When each friend feels valued, accepted, and loved, they feel respected. Friendships that share Respect allow us to build trust, feelings of safety, and well-being. This month's focus for 1st grade is on practicing Respect with our friendships.
Click here to download the Grade 1 Respect Newsletter
Olympic Triathlon:
The 19th Annual Olympic Triathlon, our one big fundraising campaign each year, is in full swing! CLICK HERE to set up your family donation page on the PledgeStar website. You can customize it with your student’s name, a photo, and a donation goal. It is easy to quickly request sponsors via email or text, explaining why Westlake is amazing and how they can help us meet our goal this year. The more students who hit the $150 goal, the bigger the celebration for our school community!
Labor Day - NO SCHOOL:
Westlake Charter School and our BASE program will be closed on Monday, September 7th for Labor Day.
After School Live - Fall Explorer Enrichment:
Our fall Explorer Enrichment starts soon! CLICK HERE to see the catalog of Explorer Enrichment course offerings and information about how to sign up. E-mail amayle@westlakecharter.com with scholarship inquiries.
September 4th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
September 4th: WAVE BINGO Night (6:00-8:00 PM)
September 7th: Labor Day (No School)
September 10th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
October 2nd: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me during Back to School Night. You can access the Back to School Night slides HERE. I look forward to working with you and your family this year! This week we focused on joining numbers, how to write complete sentences, and reviewed letter sounds in our phonics program. Students continued to get to know their classmates and learned what it means to be a responsible citizen at home, school, and in their community.
Lunch Number Challenge: When students know their lunch number, it helps the hot lunch line go faster and gives students more time to eat. We are currently challenging our first-grade students to learn their lunch numbers. All first- grade students who memorize their lunch number will earn a prize! This challenge is available to all first graders, even those who usually bring lunch from home.
Nightly Reading: Be sure to have your child read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. Your child can read independently, to someone, or someone can read to your child. RAZKids and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize. Trick word practice counts, too! Remember, The more children practice their reading, the more proficient readers they become!
Current Trick Words:
(click here for word lists and sight word games to support your learner at home)
If you are interested in volunteering in class or completing projects at home, please use the links below.
Take Home Projects (if you have previously filled out this form, I have you on my list. Thanks!)
Please log your volunteer hours on the Westlake WAVE webpage
During the first few weeks of school, students will be assessed on their letter sounds and trick words (sight words).
History-Social Science 1.1 (Citizenship)- Week of August 24th
Math Unit 1 (Adding, Subtracting, and Working with Data) will be assessed the week of September 7th (study guide)
Week 3
Math
We recently began Unit 1 in our math curriculum. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in this unit. We have been exploring addition and subtraction in math this week. Students may log into Imagine Math at home to practice their math facts and skills (access Imagine Math through Clever). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 1 of math. Review the study guide to prepare for the assessment.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence, First, Next, Last, and a Closing Sentence. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the letters c, o, a, g, d, s. We learned about correct letter formation and which line to write a letter, how to grip our pencil, and how to extend the vowels. Please practice writing, saying, and using these letters in things you write, read, and see. Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 1 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on asking questions before, during, and after reading. Asking questions helps readers understand what is being read. Use this poster to help your reader practice this skill at home.
Grammar
This week we practiced writing complete sentences. Use this song to review complete sentences at home.
This week we continued to learn about kindness through our Character Strong social-emotional learning curriculum. Students are having fun practicing kindness, learning new coping strategies, and discovering how even the smallest act of kindness can make a BIG difference. We read the book Enemy Pie and discussed how showing kindness can lead to an unexpected new friend.
Grade Level Field Lesson & School Supplies Donations Competition:
First Grade has now reached 33.96% of our goal and our families have referred three businesses! Let’s go families, let’s make sure First Grade wins big by hitting 50% of our goal!
In the first 30 days of school, we’d like to raise at least 50% of our Field Lessons and School Supplies fundraising goal! Every dollar raised goes to pay for our First Grade Explorers to travel to Field Lessons and pays for school supplies so you don’t have to run around Target looking for “just the right” glue stick!
Using the links below, you can,
Donate to our grade level using this link!
Fundraise by posting our grade level link on Social Media, or send the link to friends and family asking for contributions to your students’ grade level!
New Way to Contribute: CLICK HERE to refer a business that may be interested in sponsoring an Explorer! Our Explorer Partners team will reach out to every business that is referred by a family member and help the business to sponsor an Explorer! When they do, they will become a part of our Explorer Partners Program!
Fall Picture Day:
K-8 picture day will be on Tuesday, September 1st. This is a uniform picture day for our K-8 campus. All students will have their picture taken for the yearbook and student IDs, even if they don’t purchase a picture package. CLICK HERE to pre-purchase your pictures online. Group pictures will be taken for Kindergarten through 5th grade classes only.
Free and Reduced Priced Meals:
Good news! This year, we qualify to complete the SHORT form for Free and Reduced Priced Meals (FRPM). Each year it is incredibly important to our school that we are able to account for every student during this form collection process. We are authorized by the Natomas Unified School District and as a part of our partnership, we commit to collecting these forms from every family. This quick form plays an important role in determining how much funding our schools receive. Every completed form helps ensure Natomas Unified receives the full funding our students deserve. When forms are not submitted, schools can miss out on valuable resources. Even if you believe your family may not qualify, your response still makes a difference. CLICK HERE to complete the 2026-2027 Educational Benefit Form.
August 26th: K-8 Back To School Night (6:00 PM- 6:30 PM OR 6:40 PM- 7:10 PM)
September 4th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
September 4th: WAVE BINGO Night (6:00-8:00 PM)
September 7th: Labor Day (No School)
September 10th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
October 2nd: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
We had a great second week of school! We continued to focus on building relationships, our classroom routines, and building our stamina as learners. This week we learned about complete sentences (begin with a capital letter, make sense, and end with punctuation), found sums in math, and began our phonics curriculum.
Class Ambassadors:
WAVE Class Ambassadors serve as a communication liaison between Westlake teachers, parents, and WAVE. They are important members of the Westlake parent community, as a source of information for upcoming events and activities for their child’s class.
If you are interested in being one of the Class Ambassadors for our class, or need more information, please visit our Westlake WAVE website. I look forward to partnering with you this year!
Lunch Number Challenge: When students know their lunch number, it helps the school lunch line go faster and gives students more time to eat. We are currently challenging our first-grade students to learn their lunch numbers. All first grade students who memorize their lunch number will earn a prize! This challenge is available to all first graders, even those who usually bring lunch from home.
Nightly Reading: Be sure to have your child read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. Your child can read independently, to someone, or someone can read to your child. RAZKids and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize. Trick word practice counts, too! Remember, The more children practice their reading, the more proficient readers they become!
Current Trick Words:
(click here for word lists and sight word games to support your learner at home)
If you are interested in volunteering in class or completing projects at home, please use the links below.
Take Home Projects (if you have previously filled out this form, I have you on my list. Thanks!)
Please log your volunteer hours on the Westlake WAVE webpage
During the first few weeks of school, students will be assessed on their letter sounds and trick words (sight words).
History-Social Science 1.1 (Citizenship)- Week of August 24th
Week 2
Math
We recently began Unit 1 in our math curriculum. Watch this video to learn more about the concepts covered in this unit.
We have been exploring expressions and sums in math this week. Students may log into Imagine Math at home to practice their math facts and skills (access Imagine Math through Clever). Click here for additional information to support your child throughout Unit 1 of math.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a Topic Sentence, Transition Words (First, Next, Last) and a Closing Sentence. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on the letters t, b, f, m, n, i, u. We learned about correct letter formation and which line to write a letter, how to grip our pencil, and how to extend the vowels. Please practice writing, saying, and using these letters in things you write, read, and see. Click here for additional information and activities to support your child throughout Unit 1 of phonics.
Comprehension
We have been focusing on making predictions while reading. Good readers make predictions to help them better understand a text. Use this poster to help your reader at home.
Grammar
This week we focused on writing complete sentences. Use this song to review complete sentences at home.
We’re excited to kick off the new school year by talking about kindness. Our definition of kindness is acting with understanding, generosity, and care. Developing skills around kindness will help us build a strong foundation for a great year of learning, connecting, and growing together. Check out our Family Letter for more information about our PurposeFull People program and some fun ways you can join us in kicking off our most kind year yet!
Grade Level Field Lesson & School Supplies Donations Competition:
First Grade families: In the first 30 days of school, we’d like to raise at least 50% of our Field Lessons and School Supplies fundraising goal! Every dollar raised goes to pay for our First Grade Explorers to travel to Field Lessons and pays for school supplies so you don’t have to run around Target looking for “just the right” glue stick!
Using the links below, you can,
Donate to our grade level using this link!
Fundraise by posting our grade level link on Social Media, or send the link to friends and family asking for contributions to your students’ grade level!
New Way to Contribute: CLICK HERE to refer a business that may be interested in sponsoring an Explorer! Our Explorer Partners team will reach out to every business that is referred by a family member and help the business to sponsor an Explorer! When they do, they will become a part of our Explorer Partners Program!
We’ve now reached 32.24% of our goal. This week the grade level with the most business referrals will win a prize! Let’s go families, let’s make sure First Grade wins big!
K-8 Back to School Night:
Our K-8 Back to School Night is on Wednesday, August 26th. To the best of our ability, we would like to keep this event distraction free by encouraging families to make this a non-student event. This will allow for teachers and families to connect in a distraction-free environment. For families that need supervision, our BASE program will be available to help, however, space is potentially limited. If you know that you will need childcare to attend this event, please CLICK HERE to RSVP for BASE as soon as possible so that we can properly prepare.
Town Hall Sessions: We have three identical sessions, you only need to attend one. Session One is 5:30 - 5:50 PM, Session Two is 6:45 - 7:05 PM, Session Three is 7:15 - 7:35 PM. Dr. Eick will share our vision for the year and engage our community in some exciting announcements about our future.
Kindergarten through 5th Grade Families: We have two identical sessions, you only need to attend one. Session One is 6:00 - 6:30 PM, Session Two is 6:40 - 7:10 PM. A video from your child's specialty teacher(s) will be available.
6th-8th Grade Families: We have two identical sessions, you only need to attend one. Session One is 5:00 - 5:40 PM, Session Two is 6:00 - 6:40 PM. During these sessions, you will meet with your student’s core teachers and specialty teachers. Your students are creating your schedule for the evening.
Fall Picture Day:
K-8 picture day will be on Tuesday, September 1st. This is a uniform picture day for our K-8 campus. All students will have their picture taken for the yearbook and student IDs, even if they don’t purchase a picture package. CLICK HERE to pre-purchase your pictures online. Group pictures will be taken for Kindergarten through 5th grade classes only.
Free and Reduced Priced Meals:
Good news! This year, we qualify to complete the SHORT form for Free and Reduced Priced Meals (FRPM). Each year it is incredibly important to our school that we are able to account for every student during this form collection process. We are authorized by the Natomas Unified School District and as a part of our partnership, we commit to collecting these forms from every family. This quick form plays an important role in determining how much funding our schools receive. Every completed form helps ensure Natomas Unified receives the full funding our students deserve. When forms are not submitted, schools can miss out on valuable resources. Even if you believe your family may not qualify, your response still makes a difference. CLICK HERE to complete the 2026-2027 Educational Benefit Form.
Learning Lab:
The Learning Lab is now open to Middle School Explorers after school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:15 - 3:45 PM. The Learning Lab is staffed by an Instructional Aide to assist Middle School students with their classwork and homework. Families should sign up their Middle School student(s) using School Dismissal Manager.
Jibe Walk and Bike to School Program:
The Jibe Walk and Bike to School Program is back! Students earn prizes and rewards for walking, biking, or scooting to school while parents skip the drop-off line and gain peace of mind knowing they will be notified when their student is scanned in at the school’s entrance. If your student already has a card, they can simply find an adult in an orange apron when arriving on campus to get scanned in. Need a card? Please CLICK HERE to register.
August 26th: K-8 Back To School Night (6:00 PM- 6:30 PM OR 6:40 PM- 7:10 PM)
September 4th: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
September 4th: WAVE BINGO Night (6:00-8:00 PM)
September 7th: Labor Day (No School)
September 10th: WCS Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
October 2nd: WAVE Coffee Talk (8:30 AM)
Hello families! I enjoyed meeting your students this week! We've been busy getting to know one another and learning our classroom expectations and procedures. I'm looking forward to a great year with your children!
Class Dojo:
I will be using Class Dojo to share class photos and send reminders about upcoming events. Many families are already connected from Kindergarten. For those who are not, the easiest way to connect to our class is by using this link.
Nightly Reading: Be sure to have your child to read for at least 15-20 minutes nightly. Your child can read independently, to someone, or someone can read to your child. RAZKids and the local library are great resources for your child to utilize. Trick word practice counts, too! Remember, The more children practice their reading, the more proficient readers they become!
Trick Words:
Click here for word lists and sight word games to support your learner at home
If you are interested in volunteering in class or completing projects at home, please use the links below.
Take Home Projects (if you have previously filled out this form, I have you on my list. Thanks!)
In-Class Volunteer Opportunities (will begin in October)
During the first few weeks of school, students will be assessed on their letter sounds and trick words (sight words).
History-Social Science 1.1 (Citizenship)- Week of August 24th
Math
We have been focusing on number writing in math this week. Practice writing your numbers at home using this resource.
Phonics
This week in phonics we focused on letter and sound review. We will begin our first unit of phonics instruction next week.
Writing
This trimester we are focusing on Personal Narrative Writing. Personal Narratives have a topic sentence, a sequence of events (First, Next, Last), and a closing sentence. Click here to access the documents we will use to organize our writing this trimester.
This week, we focused on getting to know our classmates and building our classroom community. Next Monday, we will complete our first SEL lesson using our new curriculum, Character Strong.
To learn more about this program, watch this video.
K-8 Back to School Night:
Our K-8 Back to School Night is on Wednesday, August 26th. To the best of our ability, we would like to keep this event distraction free by encouraging families to make this a non-student event. This will allow for teachers and families to connect in a distraction-free environment. For families that need supervision, our BASE program will be available to help, however, space is potentially limited. If you know that you will need childcare to attend this event, please CLICK HERE to RSVP for BASE as soon as possible so that we can properly prepare.
Kindergarten through 5th Grade Families: We have two identical sessions, you only need to attend one. Session one is 6:00 - 6:30 PM, session two is 6:40 - 7:10 PM. A video from your child's specialty teacher(s) will be available.
6th-8th Grade Families: We have two identical sessions, you only need to attend one. Session one is 5:00 - 5:40 PM, session two is 6:00 - 6:40 PM. During these sessions, you will meet with your student’s core teachers and specialty teachers. Your students are creating your schedule for the evening.
Fall Picture Day:
K-8 picture day will be on Tuesday, September 1st. This is a uniform picture day for our K-8 campus. All students will have their picture taken for the yearbook and student IDs, even if they don’t purchase a picture package. CLICK HERE to pre-purchase your pictures online. Group pictures will be taken for Kindergarten through 5th grade classes only.
Free and Reduced Priced Meals:
Good news! This year, we qualify to complete the SHORT form for Free and Reduced Priced Meals (FRPM). Each year it is incredibly important to our school that we are able to account for every student during this form collection process. We are authorized by the Natomas Unified School District and as a part of our partnership, we commit to collecting these forms from every family. This quick form plays an important role in determining how much funding our schools receive. Every completed form helps ensure Natomas Unified receives the full funding our students deserve. When forms are not submitted, schools can miss out on valuable resources. Even if you believe your family may not qualify, your response still makes a difference. CLICK HERE to complete the 2026-2027 Educational Benefit Form.
Learning Lab:
The Learning Lab will open to Middle School Explorers after school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:15 - 3:45 PM beginning Monday, August 17th. The Learning Lab is staffed by an Instructional Aide to assist Middle School students with their classwork and homework. Families should sign up their Middle School student(s) using School Dismissal Manager.
Jibe Walk and Bike to School Program:
The Jibe Walk and Bike to School Program is back! Students earn prizes and rewards for walking, biking, or scooting to school while parents skip the drop-off line and gain peace of mind knowing they will be notified when their student is scanned in at the school’s entrance. If your student already has a card, they can simply find an adult in an orange apron when arriving on campus to get scanned in. Need a card? Please CLICK HERE to register.