Westside Elementary

February is Heart Awareness Month According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. February is the month dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease. This month is dedicated to increasing knowledge about prevention, educating ourselves on the dangers of, and to helping get on track to better heart health! Let’s talk about warning signs and symptoms, because early action is very important. Do you know the symptoms? Help you or your loved ones prevent death or serious injury by knowing these warning signs: *Chest pain or discomfort *Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach *Shortness of breath *Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats Many sudden cardiac deaths occur outside a hospital. This suggests that many people with heart disease don't act on early warning signs. Remember the adage, “Knowledge is Power.” As knowing these, acting fast, and acting EARLY can reduce these unsettling statistics. Most recognize chest pain as a symptom of a heart attack, but knowing all major symptoms and knowing to call 911 when someone is experiencing a heart attack is what saves lives. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

We've got another winter weather challenge for our Zebra families. Let's make some Ice Marbles. Put a few drops of food coloring or Kool-aid powder into a balloon then fill with water. Place outside and let it freeze. Depending on how big the balloons are and how cold it is, this will take about 24 hours. Hold them up to the light to see if they are frozen all the way through. Join Finley, Alayna & Brecken from Westside and submit your photos in the comments of the CPS FB page. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

All Claremore Public Schools offices and campuses will be closed for Presidents Day on Monday, February 15, 2021. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

For all you "planners" out there... the CPS Academic Calendar for 2021-22 has been approved by the Board of Education. It goes without saying, but just in case, this is official unless we have any unforeseen situations come up in the future. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE https://www.claremore.k12.ok.us/page/academic-calendars

February is Black History Month. In honor of so we have highlighted some Famous Black Americans that have persisted and were determined to make a difference. _____________________________________________________________ Raven Wilkinson 1935-2018 Raven's love for dance began at age five, when her mother took her to a performance by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Fifteen years later, she made history by becoming their first full-time African American dancer. It was not an easy journey. The life of a ballerina is never easy, but Raven also faced prejudice and discrimination because of her race. The Ballet Russe toured through the segregated South, and it was risky to have an integrated cast. Friends warned her that they would never take her because she was black. Her talent was undeniable, though, and in 1955, Raven was accepted on a trial basis. She was fair-skinned, so she was encouraged to wear white makeup. She kept her race a secret but refused to lie when she was asked outright. Even though she had a successful two years with the Ballet Russe, racism put limitations on her career. Exhausted and heartbroken, she left dance for awhile. In 1967, she was invited to join the Dutch National Ballet and moved to Holland for six years. As she was nearing the age of forty, she believed her dancing career to be over, so she retired and moved back to the United States. Almost immediately she received a call from the ballet master at the New York City Opera and was asked to dance with them at Lincoln Center. Raven danced until she was fifty and continued acting in the opera until 2011. Every step of the way was a challenge, but Raven persisted. Her strength and grace led the way for dancers such as Misty Copeland to take on the role of principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre and defy long-standing beauty and body standards for ballerinas. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Due to the icy conditions, CPS will continue Distance Learning, Thursday, February 11th & Friday, February 12th. Additionally, the child nutrition team will not distribute meals this week. Check in to your Google Classrooms and follow the instructions. Your teachers are working from home and are available to assist you. There will be no after school activities, including athletic practices or games. We will post updates on the CPS communication platforms. If you have not downloaded our CPS App on your phone, we suggest doing that to receive the most updated information. It's available through the Apple Store & Google Play for free. Be safe, stay warm, make a memory, and remember it's A Great Day to be a Zebra. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

February 10th marks the 100th Day of School! Stay tuned to our Facebook page where you will see Photos and Videos from the day! #100daysbrighter #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Introducing... Mrs. Cindy McCaughan Teacher in an Elementary Setting Thank you for your dedication to Westside! __________________________________________________________ My name is Cindy McCaughan and I have been an Elementary Education Teacher for 7 years. I was an Early Intervention paraprofessional for many years while working on my Bachelor of Arts in Education. My husband Ron and I have a son and daughter-in-law, Caleb and Taylor and their new son Axel. We also have a daughter Gabriella. I am an avid reader and LOVE to travel. One of my favorite places to travel and relax is Homer, Alaska.

February is Black History Month. In honor of so we have highlighted some Famous Black Americans that have persisted and were determined to make a difference. ______________________________________________________ Garrett Morgan 1877-1963 Garrett was always interested in how things worked. He had no schooling past grade school, but he didn't let that hold him back. By the age of fourteen, he had worked as a handyman, and by eighteen, he had taught himself enough to get jobs at sewing machine companies around Cleveland. In 1901, Garrett sold his first invention (a part for a sewing machine), and a few years later, he was able to open up his own shop! He soon became a successful businessman and inventor. In 1914, Garrett filed a patent for his next invention. After witnessing a fire, he noticed that the firefighters combated the blazes with no protection over their eyes or face. He thought that a mask could shield the men and keep them from inhaling smoke. He devised a safety hood that covered the face, using a hose to access fresh air from below. Many people were reluctant to buy inventions made by a black man, so he often hired white actors to conduct demonstrations so customers would give his creations a chance. Eventually, his business grew, and fire departments in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York were using his hood! Garrett wasn't just an inventor and businessman, though--he was also a hero. After a tunnel explosion in 1916, Garrett, using his safety hood, rushed in to pull out workers. He saved two lives! In 1923, he filed a patent for his next invention. At the time, automobiles were on the rise and were sharing the road with horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and pedestrians. Traffic signals went from STOP to GO with no notice, and it was dangerous. After Garrett witnessed a terrible crash, he had an idea for a warning signal. This was a precursor to the red, yellow, and green signals used today! Garrett paid attention to the world around him and looked for opportunities everywhere. He proved that inventing wasn't just about coming up with new ideas but could also be about improving upon existing ideas, helping people, and making the world a safer place. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Introducing.... Mrs. Rachel Hammack Teacher in the Elementary Setting Thank you for your dedication to Westside. _________________________________________________________ Rachel Hammack has taught 2nd/3rd grade elementary for 2 years. Prior to that she was a paraprofessional for 9 years. She has a degree in Fashion Merchandising and currently in school at NSU to receive her special education degree. She lives in Claremore with her husband Alex and they have four children, Austin, Tyler, Nathan, and Carrie. She has two daughter-in-laws, Kyler and Shelby and a son-in-law, Jack. Rachel has one grandson, Cohen, who is 4 month old. She graduated from Claremore High School, attended the University of Oklahoma and loves to watch any OU sport, babysit her grandson, and spend time with her family. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

I have decided to stick with LOVE... hate is too great a burden to bear. -Martin Luther King, Jr. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Introducing... Mrs. Cindy McCaughan Special Education Teacher Thank you for your dedication to Westside! __________________________________________________________ My name is Cindy McCaughan and I have been a Special Education Teacher for 7 years. I was an Early Intervention paraprofessional for many years while working on my Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. My husband Ron and I have a son and daughter-in-law, Caleb and Taylor and their new son Axel. We also have a daughter Gabriella. I am an avid reader and LOVE to travel. One of my favorite places to travel and relax is Homer, Alaska. _____________________________________________________________ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Introducing... Mrs. Rachel Hammack Special Education Teacher Thank you for your dedication to Westside! _______________________________________________________ Rachel Hammack has taught 2nd/3rd grade special education for 2 years. Prior to that she was a paraprofessional for 9 years. She has a degree in Fashion Merchandising and currently in school at NSU to receive her special education degree. She lives in Claremore with her husband Alex and they have four children, Austin, Tyler, Nathan, and Carrie. She has two daughter-in-laws, Kyler and Shelby and a son-in-law, Jack. Rachel has one grandson, Cohen, who is 4 month old. She graduated from Claremore High School, attended the University of Oklahoma and loves to watch any OU sport, babysit her grandson, and spend time with her family. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

As parents, how we speak to our children is so important. Showing your child you believe in them through encouraging words is something that will empower them in ways unimaginable as they grow up — and those feelings of support and reassurance will stick with them well into adulthood. Giving a child a sense of empowerment doesn't have to feel like you're giving up your authority; it just means you're validating who they are and reassuring them that they're enough, they're important, and they can do whatever they put their mind to. A great message for all of our Westside students. Read through this list of empowering phrases you should be saying to your child daily to help them to feel confident and encourage their sense of self. 1. Your dreams are important. 2. You can do anything you set your mind to. 3. You are enough. 4. You make me proud. 5. It's OK to feel scared. 6. You can't always change the things you can't control. 7. Your attitude can change any situation. 8. It's OK to make mistakes. 9. Even if you make a mistake, you can fix it. 10. Your opinion matters. 11. You can try again tomorrow. 12. Always be true to yourself. 13. Nobody is perfect. 14. You are a great friend. 15. Don't let anyone put down your ambitions. 16. You can change the world. 17. Being kind does not make you weak. 18. Your words are meaningful. 19. You deserve to be happy. 20. You have amazing ideas. 21. You don't have to be perfect to be great. 22. I believe in you. 23. Let's try it your way. 24. Follow your heart. 25. Never stop trying. 26. You can do it! 27. You don't have to do what everyone else is doing. 28. You are worth it. 29. Your ideas are great. 30. Anything is possible. 31. Dream big. 32. You have a choice. 33. You can say no. 34. You can say yes. 35. Don't be afraid to be you. 36. You're making a difference. 37. You're important to me. 38. I value you. 39. Go with your gut. 40. You're not too young to do anything. 41. You don't need to be just like your friends. 42. It's your decision. 43. Never give up. 44. You are stronger than you think. 45. If you believe in something, it's important. 46. Don't compare yourself to anybody else. 47. I trust you. 48. You don't have to be perfect, you just have to try. 49. You can do hard things. 50. Don't quit until you're proud. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

"We must never forget that Black History is American History" We recognize Black History every month, but in February we take that extra time to focus on Black History. You know names like Martin Luther King, Jr, Ruby Bridges, and Rosa Parks. But do you know Raven Wilkenson? Bessie Blount Griffin? Harry Belafonte? Throughout this month, we will be posting about some of these famous people in Black History and what they've done for the United States and the world. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Welcome to #FridayFunnies, where we share funny things that happen in the classroom! Today's edition comes from the land of short attention spans.....Pre-K. _______________________________________________________ Teacher talking to child face to face about his behavior. Student: You're really beautiful. Your eyelashes are like butterflies. (pause) But your eyebrows are like caterpillars. _________________________________________________________________ This concludes today's edition of #FridayFunnies, join us next Friday for more laughs! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Miss Ashton Palmer just wanted to let everyone know that she is on her way to becoming a professional YouTuber. You may want to ask for her autograph now. 😂Miss Palmer commented, "I do have one problem though. I can’t stop thinking about my kid’s parents seeing how weird I am. When I teach new vocab words I say them in funny voices and have the kids repeat it using that voice." The second picture is her “listening” to my students while they repeat it. I think I know how Dora feels now. #DoDoDoDoDoDora #Wherearewegoing? #clapclapclap #NowhereWe'redistancelearning #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Introducing... Mrs. Susan McGill Fifth Grade Teacher Thank you for your dedication to Westside! ___________________________________________________________ Susan McGill is a Claremore graduate that attended all of her years in our school system. Following high school she earned her Bachelor degree from NSU with an Early Childhood and Elementary Education degree. She has been teaching since 1997 and has been at Westside since 2000! Susan is married to Shane and they have two kids, Noble and Grace, attending Claremore High School. Her dad, Darrell, is the biggest Claremore sports fan in town, rarely missing a game or activity! Their favorite activities are sporting events, shopping, cooking, and gardening! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE _______________________________________________________________ Students are working on fractions in class! Creating a variety of opportunities to practice making, adding, and subtracting fractions makes learning FUN!

It is important to keep our kids safe while online, and Claremore Public Schools is committed to providing software for our devices and resources for our parents. We have partnered with FamilyZoneUSA to ensure students’ cyber safety at school and at home. This #TechTipTuesday will show parents how to set up an account with FamilyZone and obtain the instructions on how to setup FamilyZone on all personal electronic devices that are not school-issued. https://youtu.be/Pi0u67bpoAk #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Well the verdict is in! Punxsutawney Phil did indeed see his shadow! That means 6 more weeks of winter, for those who believe.