2013-2014 G.O.L.D.E.N. (Giving Others Lifelong Desire for Exercise and Nutrition) Wellness Award Winners!

WESTLAWN =WELLNESS! At Westlawn, we sharpen our minds and our bodies! Thanks to Mary Tillett, Pete Howe, and Marquis Jones, Westlawn  physical education teachers, for motivating students and staff to practice healthy eating habits and engage in physical activities!

2013-2014 G.O.L.D.E.N. (Giving Others Lifelong Desire for Exercise and Nutrition) Wellness Award Win

The Fairfax County Public Schools Wellness Task Force is pleased to announce that 170 schools qualified for the GOLDEN Wellness Award for the 2013-2014 school year. They appreciate all of the time and effort promoting student health through a variety of creative school community activities. Food and Nutrition Services hopes to sponsor a reception and award celebration with the School Board next fall.  Please click here to see the complete list of winners and award categories.

Westlawn Kicks Off Its Parent Engagement Programs

Families gathered, socialized, and heard about the new Parent Engagement Programs that Westlawn will have next school year. The parent engagement programs include: Family Literacy, Early Literacy and Leadership Development for Hispanic Families, Parents as Educational Partners, and Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY). A BIG thank YOU to Mrs. Gutierrez, Westlawn’s parent liaison, for her hard work, dedication, and advocacy throughout the year for Westlawn families.

IMG_0475[1]IMG_0477[1] IMG_0478[1] IMG_0476[1]IMG_0480[1] IMG_0483[1] IMG_0486[1] IMG_0487[1]

 Family and School Partnerships

Family Literacy: The Family Literacy Program is a beginning English program for all parents who want to learn English. Parents are encouraged to bring their children, kindergarten through 6th grade. We will have Enrichment Teachers working with the children while the parents learn English.

Early Literacy: The Early Literacy Program is a free, interactive parenting education program for Fairfax County families who have young children from birth to five years of age and whose home language is Arabic, Korean, or Spanish.

Parents as Educational Partners: The PEP program is designed for parents of English learners. The focus is on interactive activities and ongoing education rather than sporadic events. The parents are provided information and school vocabulary that      allow them to better navigate the US school system and become more involved in their children’s education, The curriculum includes opportunities for parents to improve their      English language skills in the context of the school environment.

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY): HIPPY is a home-based school readiness program that helps qualifying parents prepare their three-, four-, and returning five-year-old children for success in school. Parents receive the tools, skills, and confidence they need to be their children’s first teachers in the home. Age-appropriate activities, material, and guidance are provided to support parents in this role.

For more information, contact Ms. Ferguson at laferguson1@fcps.edu or Mrs. Gutierrez at smgutierrez@fcps.edu

Congratulations Mrs. Campos and Ms. Ferguson!

Nomination2014

Congratulations to Mrs. Campos who was nominated  Teacher of the Year and to Ms. Ferguson for being nominated Outstaning First Year Principal of the Year!

Mrs. Campos and Ms. Ferguson were recognized at the FCPS Honors Awards Ceremony for their nominations.

Jaimi Campos demonstrates exemplary talent in every aspect of her job. Her students appreciate the positive, affirming atmosphere she creates. She has high expectations and show students warmth, care, and respect. Jaimi is devoted to developing parents as collaborative partners by engaging them in the learning process. She is a skillful team leader, caring mentor, and active committee participant.

Linda Ferguson is a visible leader. She is a people-person with infectious energy and enthusiasm. This committed and determined first-year principal brings strong leadership to Westlawn Elementary. She is a constant innovator and highly skilled communicator. Linda is dedicated to serving a diverse community of learners. During her first year, she is committed to bringing administrative and staff stability to the Westlawn community, where the school is an extended part of each family.

http://www.fcps.edu/hr/programs/recognition/fcpshonors.shtml

http://www.myfcpsphotos.com/Events/2014-photos/FCPS-Honors-05-21-14#!/

We are grateful!

On behalf of all Westlawn teachers, support staff and administrators.

Thank you Westlawn Families for making each and every one of us feel very special during Teacher Appreciation Week! We were overwhelmed with your generosity and acts of kindness. The week started with a wonderful luncheon sponsored by our PTA. On Tuesday, we were awed with beautiful flowers from you and our students. On Wednesday, we started our day with delicious bagels and pastries and in the afternoon, were treated to healthy smoothie drinks. We arrived Thursday to thoughtful thank you notes. We ended out week with an assortment of delicious desserts to eat with our lunch. You are awesome! We are so thankful to work in such a caring and committed school community!

We sincerely appreciate all that you do for us!  Thank you!

1,000 Angelic Voices!

Yes, 1,000 angelic 6th grade voices sang at the All County Choral Festival at Hayfield Secondary School!  Congratulations to Westlawn 6th graders Zain, Damaris, Elaine, Frank, Amy, and Christie for being selected to participate in this honored event. Thank you to our music teachers, Ms. Davenport and Frank for their instruction and guidance of our students. This is a time honored and pretegious event. Thank you to our School Board members and FCPS Leadership Team who attended and support the Arts in FCPS.

Joshua N. Pedde conducted the All County Chorus. Mr. Pedde is the assistant artistic director for the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. Mr. Pedde has conducted on numerous stages nationally and internationally.

Channel 21 secures the rights for the broadcast of this concert which it plans to stream on May 5-29, June 1-29. Go to www.fcps.edu and click on “Fine Tuning TV Guide” at the bottom of the page for the specific times. To access photos, go to http://www.myfcpsphotos.com/Events/2014-photos/6th-Grade-All-County-Choral#!/ Events-2014 Photos – Sixth Grade All-County Choral Festival.

IMG_0408IMG_0400 IMG_0399 IMG_0396