Westside Elementary

National Fourth Graders Day is celebrated on the second Monday in January, which this year is January 11th. Fourth-grade students are taking on more challenges in Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Science, as well as Art, Music, World Language, and Physical Education. They work hard, yet still are guided by a wonderful imagination. They really shine when they are in charge of their own learning and usually shimmer brightest when they are able to use their creativity along with their newly-acquired skills. Let’s celebrate the magic of being 9 or 10 and show the world what fourth graders can do! HISTORY OF NATIONAL FOURTH GRADERS DAY National Fourth Graders Day was originally the suggestion of two teachers from New Jersey. Jillian Hagberg and Donna Hennessy are both fourth-grade teachers at the Community Charter School of Paterson who begin each day by having a discussion with their students about the national holiday being observed that day. The fourth graders love learning about the various holidays on the calendar, but noticed that one holiday was missing, National Fourth Graders Day. Fourth grade is a huge transitional stage for kids. Elementary schools started getting promoted in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1647. Since then, students have been stepping their way up the educational and social ladder. In fourth grade, academic expectations take a big leap, friendships become more genuine, and personalities start taking shape. There is also more emphasis on writing in fourth grade. Along with learning different writing styles, kids have to write longer assignments and learn to be more organized. An important aspect of fourth grade is to introduce kids to the larger society — how to behave in social situations, honing their communication skills while interacting with others, creating lasting friendships, and respecting those in authority, starting with their teachers. Building close relationships with their classmates and with their class teacher becomes more apparent, as children become more aware of their surroundings. This supportive and harmonious social environment encourages character development and personality growth in children to form what is essentially the extension of a happy family. The 4th Grade Class of 2021 This has been a school year like no other and we want to pay a special tribute to the fourth graders who have persevered through the pandemic and still created some amazing work. The Teachers of the 4th Grade Class of 2021 This year has especially been hard on teachers. Teachers have had to learn new skills, work with technology, more than ever before. Teachers this year have had to be ready at the drop of a hat to go on quarantine and teach from home. These 4th grade teachers have handled it with grace and ease! _______________________________________________________________ We are so proud of our 4th graders and 4th grade teachers and all their hard work! #itsagreatdaytobeazebra #itsagreatdaytobea4thgrader #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

@Claremore Public School Foundation's biggest fundraiser of the year will look a little different this year due to Covid-19 BUT it will still be fun and competitive with all the #CPSZEBRAPRIDE bragging rights! Please go to their website to register for this virtual competition! https://claremorepublicschoolsfoundation.org/events/

The power of the mind is becoming increasingly more apparent. That’s why you’re seeing focus on activities such as mindset development, meditation, and mindfulness. Our mindset forms the foundation and plays a big role in our overall success and happiness. That’s why it’s so important for us to find ways to improve our mindset. Failing to do so puts you at a significant disadvantage as you will allow your mindset to hold you back. That is why we encourage you to start daily affirmations with your child! Daily affirmations are a great way to build confidence in kids! ____________________________________________________________________ Tell your child: "You are special and you have something you can feel positive about every single day!" Try out these Affirmations! You will LOVE the difference it makes in the life of your child! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

National Law Enforcement Day is a day that is dear to our hearts! We appreciate our School Resource Officers SO much, as well as the Claremore Police Department and Rogers County Sheriff's Office. Thank you all of Law Enforcement in Claremore for ALL you do! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Congratulations to the CPS District Teacher of the Year Finalists... 🥇 Mrs. Andrea Ratcliff teaches Art at Westside Elementary. 🥇 Mrs. Karin Howell teaches 2nd grade at Claremont Elementary. These teachers truly radiate what it means to have #CPSZEBRAPRIDE!

Welcome to this week's edition of #FridayFunnies where we share funny things from the classroom. This week's episode, if you will, comes from a Kindergarten classroom. Teacher (while holding up a picture card of a bird): "Class, this bird's name starts with an R. What is the name of this bird?" Student (quite agitated) : "How are we supposed to know his name?" __________________________________________________________________ This concludes our first #FridayFunnies thank you and as always... It's a great day to be a ZEBRA! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Please make sure to send a jacket or coat with your child! If the temperature is above 32 degrees including the wind chill, we go outside to recess! Your child will thank you! Bundle up! It's cold outside! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

To our Westside Educators, on behalf of the children you serve, THANK YOU for trying to do your best during these difficult times. You are seen. You are appreciated. You are loved. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

The federal government has extended the Free breakfast and lunch program through the remainder of the school year. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

National Cuddle Up Day falls on January 6 for a very important reason. Since January has some of the coldest temperatures of the year, it’s a great excuse to warm up by cuddling with those closest to you! Plus, if you’ve got a fireplace, cozy blankets, or even a puppy, it’s even better. ________________________________________________________________ Students in Mrs. Book's class were in for a treat this week! Mrs. Book for Christmas received this super cute gift (Otis the dachshund) and brought him to share with her class! _________________________________________________________________ Did you know you can even pay someone to let you cuddle with their puppies (in certain cities)? Find a puppy and get ready to cuddle up this January!

National Cuddle Up Day falls on January 6 for a very important reason. Since January has some of the coldest temperatures of the year, it’s a great excuse to warm up by cuddling with those closest to you! Plus, if you’ve got a fireplace, cozy blankets, or even a puppy, it’s even better. ________________________________________________________________ Students in Mrs. Book's class were in for a treat this week! Mrs. Book for Christmas received this super cute gift (Otis the dachshund) and brought him to share with her class! _________________________________________________________________ Did you know you can even pay someone to let you cuddle with their puppies (in certain cities)? Find a puppy and get ready to cuddle up this January!

Introducing.... Mrs. Karly Banks Second Grade Teacher Thank you for your dedication to Westside! ____________________________________________________________ Karly Banks has worked for Claremore Public Schools for eight years and has taught second grade for three years. She received her degree from Rogers State University. Her husband of two years, Kyle Banks, also works at Westside. Their son, Brayden, attends school at Will Rogers Jr High. _____________________________________________________________________ " I am grateful to have a job I love and students I adore! When I’m not teaching I enjoy hiking, kayaking, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family" says Mrs. Banks. _____________________________________________________________________ Students receive brag bracelets for following the 8 Expectations and our Life Principles. _____________________________________________________________________ After reading the story, “Night Tree” Mrs. Banks’ Class extends their learning by creating bird feeders like the characters from the book. ______________________________________________________________________ We spent a lot of time sharing about the traditions we observe. One student brought a special Rosca de Reyes or Three Kings Cake to share a special tradition she celebrates.

The moment you've all been waiting for has arrived! The answer to yesterday's Trivia Question! Drum roll please..... Seriously make a drum roll.... Use your hands pat them on your lap, or the table...... I'll wait..... .................................................................................................................... TA DA..... Answer: The Will Rogers Hotel!

A picture is worth a thousand words. We hear it all the time. It can be especially helpful when communicating in our digital world to show a picture of something rather than typing it out. Or, maybe there is a certain point to be made by saving a portion of what is on the computer screen. Using the Windows Snip & Sketch application will help accomplish that. This #TechTipTuesday will demonstrate the many ways Microsoft’s Snip & Sketch can be used to capture images of what is on a computer screen and shared, posted, or saved for later reference. https://youtu.be/PZ_F60PbNPw

Question: What holiday celebrates little known factoids? Answer: National Trivia Day, January 4. Our obsession for trivia has been part of popular culture for many decades and it’s easy to understand why. Most of us are naturally competitive and social beings and trivia blends the two perfectly. If you enjoy wowing your friends with interesting stats and frivolous facts, today is your day to shine! HISTORY OF NATIONAL TRIVIA DAY One of the first forms of what we know today as a trivia game debuted on the 1940s radio program “Take It or Leave It”. Not too long after this in 1964, “Jeopardy!” entered millions of Americans’ homes through television and remains arguably America’s most iconic quiz show. At the same time during the 60s, trivia night swept across college campuses all over the US (think competitive and social plus beer). Then, in the 70s, pub quizzes emerged in the United Kingdom to entice people to head to their local pubs on traditionally slower evenings. As trivia continued to gain momentum, Trivial Pursuit emerged in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1979 thanks to Chris Haney and Scott Abbott, becoming one of the world’s most famous board games. Since then, our love for obscure facts continues to take the world by storm through online gaming and other technology-driven formats. While some people may find trivia “trivial,” it can be pretty serious business for others. Leagues and competitions are common across the globe and the competitive nature of some has led to drastic measures including cheating. Mobile phones are often banned from competitions to deter secret searches for answers. At the end of the day, it’s the silly facts and camaraderie that endear trivia to so many competitively social people. So for you Claremore folks here's a trivia Question! Question: Where did Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and Helen Robson get married? Hint: It's a place in Claremore! 💍❤🖤🦓 Comment on our Westside Facebook page with your guess! We will post the answer tomorrow! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

NEW YEAR - NEW CAREER Substitute teaching is a remarkably rewarding and worthwhile career path for people from many different walks of life. As a sub, you get to work with children, set your schedule, and experience many different educational opportunities. Are you thinking of teaching? Substitutes can acquire experience, develop transferable skills, and improve your chances of landing a full-time job. Of course, it’s is also a way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of children. Join the ZEBRA family by applying to be a substitute teacher. Contact 💻 www.kellyeducatinoalstaffing.us or call 📱 918.461.0357. Minimum Requirements: ✅ Must be at least 18 years old ✅ Have a High School Diploma ✅ Must pass the OSBI background check #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Introducing... Mrs. Jennifer Collins Second Grade Teacher Thank you for your dedication to Westside! ____________________________________________________ Jennifer Collins has taught for 26 years with the last 20 being at Westside. She has experience teaching kindergarten and currently teaches 2nd grade. Jennifer has been married to Gary for 27 years. Their children are daughter Taylor, son-in-law Jared, and son Hayden. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and is a National Board Certified teacher. She enjoys spending time at the lake with family and friends. _____________________________________________________ Mrs. Collins’ class spent the month of December practicing the life principle of compassion and sharing kindness throughout the building. Their activities consisted of brainstorming ways to show kindness, creating thank you notes for the cafeteria ladies, custodian and office staff. They also gave many compliments and shared treats with other classes.

Good afternoon, these past few weeks have been an excellent respite for our Zebra families, but we are now ready to embrace the educational opportunities 2021 will bring. Tomorrow, Jan. 4th, classes will resume at their regularly scheduled time at all our sites. We will continue to implement our COVID protocols: wear a mask, watch our social distancing, and frequently wash hands . Please come prepared with the mask that was provided at the beginning of the year or a personal one. As we continue to mitigate the COVID-19 virus, we ask you, please stay home and contact your principal immediately if you have any of the following within the last week: 1. have been in direct contact with a COVID case, 2. had a positive test within the 10 days 3. are waiting on the results of a COVID test, or 4. are showing any symptoms. We look forward to the lightbulb moments, personal growth, and all our Zebras filling up the halls with the laughter, chatter, and smiles they bring with them.

Have you ever made a pinecone birdfeeder? I remember making one when I was little. Mrs. Banks's class made some the last week before Christmas Break! What a great and thoughtful project! Those birds will sure be thankful! Maybe even the squirrels too!

ABCD OMG! Kindergarten Teachers at Westside are SO excited about the light tablets they received from a grant from the Claremore Public Schools Foundation! How fun?! Before the students can test out the items Kindergarten teachers have to make sure they work properly right? 😉 If you need us we will be playing with all the née toys and gadgets we received from our grants! 😆 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE