Westport Mission & Vision
Mission: Leverage the strengths of the Westport community to ensure academic growth for ALL!
Vision: Westport will be a venue for academic success!
Westport’s Collective Commitments: Our Team will:
Make decisions which are student-centered and aligned to our WHY!
Be present to model consistent processes and expectations!
Leverage learning opportunities to increase instructional minutes!
Presume positive intent in order to maintain positive mindsets!
Principal Message
As we begin to close out the first quarter I have been reflecting on our Mission and Vision as a building, and where we are all at as a Westport community in achieving those goals.
First is the celebrations and success we have had:
Athletic teams winning and success throughout the fall season.
Successfully moving 2 students through the IMPACT room and successfully integrating them back into the classrooms of Westport.
Successful SPSU and Meet the teacher events.
Social Committee “Boo Buckets”, Fabulous potluck event for the staff, Friday “Popping Into the Weekend” fun, etc
Successful completion of Fire, Intruder, and Storm drills.
3rd & 4th Grade field trips were a success
We have graduated 2 students out of SPED services so far this year.
I know there are sooooo many more and I would ask you to take time Monday to share with your teams and students some of your personal ones.
As I think about Westport and what a “Venue for Academic Success” looks like I have reflected on what our classrooms might look like and what we may want for our school. Academic Success might have a variety of instruction, environment, and teachers/students might look like. Moving into the second quarter our next successes will need to focus on transforming the different areas of the building into what the “Venue of Academic Success” looks like.
Venue of Academic Success
*Student engagement in Content and Learning
*Teacher's excited to be w/Kids & engaged in the content
*Students who are engaged with each other in the learning
*Students are excited to be a part of the engagement and learning becomes exciting for them
As we deepen our engagement in these areas our building will become more intentional in walk-thru feedback and focus, guiding coalition expectations will be more intentional in moving through the learning environment of the building, and deeper diving into our data and the instructional moves we make because of the data, and our continued focus on high impact instructional strategies.
Westport Boundary & Time Changes
The past week during the Board of Education meeting, SPS offered recommendations on the expansion of transportation eligibility for elementary, intermediate and students at K-8 campuses; the adjustment of several school boundaries to address utilization of facilities; and the formation of an advisory committee to look at additional middle school boundary adjustments.
For a preview of these recommendations, please see the following presentations:
At the conclusion of the meeting, this message was sent to all staff and families districtwide. In addition, detailed messages will be sent to the Westport community regarding the specific impacts for those stakeholders.
For those who were not able to attend the staff session after school yesterday, I shared the recommendation of boundary and transportation changes in SPS. If you have specific questions or concerns, please feel free to come to me and I will do my best to answer them.
As I shared last night, I wanted to provide everyone with a LINK, where we can capture any of these thoughts or questions.
Expectation Reminders
The second quarter is a good time to think through and plan for reteaching and reminding everyone about expectations. Our expectations at the beginning of the year remain the same for faculty & staff as well as students. Please plan some activities in your classes over the start of the second quarter to reteach your expectations.
Listed below are some reminders about expectations in our building:
Teachers need to help monitor hallways before school, during class changes, and after school.
Jeans and t-shirts on spirit days only.
Students from other grade levels should not visit classes they are not assigned to.
All backpacks should be in lockers.
Lesson Plans & assessment data inputted in a timely fashion
Students should not be eating in hallways and classrooms.
Student bathroom use should be monitored. Reminder doors are locked during class times, and an adult will be needed to supervise bathroom use due to extreme bathroom vandalism. Please refer to the original email sent about procedures.
There will also be a few adjustments for second quarter:
Teachers will begin documenting tardies. Procedure will be emailed to all MS staff from Dr. Davis.
6th Grade Lunch. Procedures will be emailed to all MS staff from Dr. Olivera.
Staff Benefits Open Enrollment
Each year, SPS employees have an opportunity to review, change, and/or confirm their insurance benefit selection. This open enrollment period takes place each fall with any changes in plan design or employee selections being implemented January 1 of the next calendar year.
This year’s enrollment period is October 21, 2024, through November 1, 2024. Your benefit selections will take effect Jan. 1, 2025.
Prior to enrolling, please take time to review your current benefit elections through the Alight Worklife (formerly SmartBen) platform by logging in here. Your User ID is your SPS Employee Number + SPS (ex: 12345SPS). Your password is the last 4 digits of your Social Security number + SPS (ex: 9477SPS).
Passive Enrollment
If you do not actively elect coverage in Alight/SmartBen, your current coverage will be carried forward to the new plan year.
Flexible Spending/Dependent Care and Health Savings Accounts
If enrolled in a FSA/Dependent Care or HSA, you must re-elect every year. Your elections do not automatically rollover.
Health Savings Account (HSA) - Employer contribution increases from $912 to $936.
Medical - Premium increase of 3 percent
Dental - Premium increase of 5 percent
Dual Employee Tier
If both spouses work for SPS and have children on the plan, they will be able to enroll together on the same plan ultimately saving the overall cost share with deductible/coinsurance. Both employees will still be eligible for the employer paid premium benefit
Life and Long-term disability insurance - New York Life THIS YEAR ONLY
New York Life is allowing increases to coverage (this year only) for benefit eligible employees to enroll in coverage up to $150,000 and/or $50,000 for spouses without going through medical underwriting (Evidence of Insurability). If coverage election exceeds these amounts, Evidence of Insurability will be applicable. This will allow all eligible employees and spouses to increase up to the plan Guaranteed Issue and also elect the buy up LTD with no Evidence of Insurability for the 1/1/2025 plan year.
COMING SOON!
RX Navigation - Scripta RX is a Pharmacy navigation application that guides members to the right medications at the best price reducing pharmacy spend. The application provides easy to use comparison tools, helps members switch through pharmacist support and in-app features, provides member engagement campaigns, will reduce out of pocket costs and drive better health outcomes.
My Milestones by Commerce is a web-based financial platform that offers robust educational tools and resources at no cost. Employees will benefit from features like:
· Personalized quizzes and assessments to help identify current financial state.
· Comprehensive content on topics that matter to individuals.
· Discovery and education sessions for a deeper dive.
Why choose a High Deductible Health Plan with an HSA?
Benefit Resources
· SPS Health Plan Premiums/Options 2025
· SPS Medical Plan Premiums - Semi Monthly
Student Spotlight
Please add student pictures throughout the year to the School Family slideshow that plays during school in the commons. The students love seeing themselves being celebrated on the big screen!
Join us this week in celebrating our Wildcat Athletes of the Week!
The following elementary classes will be celebrated Monday morning during Pack Time for their ROARING attendance!
Halloween Dress Up
Teachers & Staff Only
As a continuation of the Initiative to promote this year’s Read to Succeed initiative and 2% growth goal, we will dress up like our favorite childhood book character and take time to read on the 31st. LINK is for signing up for your character, let’s try not to have duplicates 🙂
Staff of the Month Nominations
Nomination Link
Nominations close at the end of school 10/31 Teachers will be announced on BAND APP on the 11/1.
October Social Committee Connection
Silent Auction Baskets-Click HERE to sign up.
Please get with your grade level/department and sign up for a basket of your choice to be used in a silent auction at the FALL FEST. After you select your basket theme please communicate with your students and families that we are collecting NEW items related to the theme. Please keep a list of items that have been donated to your basket.
The class basket that raises the most money will earn an extra recess and popcorn party!
The Social Committee will provide the basket for the auction.
October Potluck Sign-Up
The Social Committee will provide sweet and unsweet tea as well as all the paper goods.
Please use the link to sign up to bring in your favorite fall treat to share. DUES
Social Committee
Please, please, please pay those social committee dues!!! So far we only have about 30 out of 130 people!!!! We have already started working on plans for the 12 Days of Holiday Cheer.
By paying your dues you are supporting the 12 Days of Holiday Cheer, staff appreciation week, as well as other fun celebrations along the way.
Certified dues $25
Other $15
- Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
- Purple for Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness
- Red for Native American Heritage Awareness
- Blue for Diabetes Awareness
Teach Forward - November 5, 2024
The November 5 Teach Forward event will be a three-hour professional development opportunity designed with teacher growth and choice in mind!
From 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, educators will have the freedom to choose one session that aligns with their interests and professional goals.
An email with the full session list, as well as sign-up information, will be sent in the coming weeks.
Locations will be based on session enrollments so we can maximize choice across the district.
October Instructional Focus
October Instructional Focus: Refer to the Posted Objectives & Anticipatory Set
Here are some video examples of teachers Using their Objectives/learning targets as Anticipatory Set in their lessons. Please take a minute to watch these. Notice that teachers spend 5 minutes or less discussing the objective. Also, notice how taking a few minutes to focus on the objective can create a road map for the lesson.
Middle School: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6NcjsrPqC8
Upper Elementary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO50hdklhYc
Lower Elementary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3wAQjzuOAw
#1-Refer to Posted Objectives
One of the most effective ways to help students stay engaged and clear on expectations is by consistently posting and reviewing objectives on the focus board. When learning objectives are explicitly stated, it not only sets the purpose for the lesson but also helps students understand why we are asking them to learn it.
Be sure to clearly write the learning goal or standard that you expect students to meet for each lesson. Make this a part of your routine by reviewing the objectives at the start of class and returning to them throughout the lesson. This helps students track their progress and connect their activities to the goals. It also ensures that instruction remains aligned with the desired outcomes.
Research shows that when students understand the objectives, they are more likely to engage with the material and be motivated to meet the expectations. Keep this focus front and center to foster a culture of achievement in your classroom!
Thank you for your continued efforts in providing clarity and purpose to our students’ learning experiences!
#2- Anticipatory Set
The anticipatory set plays a critical role in setting the tone for an effective lesson. It’s the hook that draws students in, grabbing their attention and sparking curiosity about the topic. A well-crafted anticipatory set not only piques students' interest but also connects prior knowledge to new learning, setting a strong foundation for the lesson ahead.
To create an impactful anticipatory set, consider using thought-provoking questions, real-life examples, or short engaging activities that relate to students' experiences. This prepares their minds for the content and gives them a reason to invest in the learning process. The key is to make it relevant and stimulating while remaining aligned with your learning objectives.
Remember, the first few minutes of class are crucial for capturing student engagement. By using anticipatory sets effectively, you’ll set a positive tone for the rest of the lesson, fostering an environment where students are eager to learn and connect the day's learning to their own lives.
Thank you for your dedication to making each lesson meaningful from start to finish!
Nurses Notes and Wellness Corner
The flu clinic for students is on 10/25. WATCH MAILBOXES for forms to send home! Flu shot packets have been placed in your mailboxes to hand out to the students, and also have included Spanish and Swahili ones for the ones who requested them. If you could hand them out to your classes. Nurses would appreciate it if you could collect filled-out forms from the kids and just place them in either of the nurses mailboxes.
As part of Breast Care Awareness - Mercy is providing SPS Employees and Spouses two options for Breast Screening. There are appointments available in October at the Mercy Breast Center and (with future dates) the Mammogram Bus will be located onsite at the locations/dates and times below.
Mammograms - Mercy Breast Center
October 21st – 25th | October 28th – November 1st
*Available 3 – 5 p.m. by appointment
Mercy Breast Center
2055 S. Fremont | Suite 120
Please call 417.820.2584 to schedule your appointment
*Care received will be run through insurance.
Available for Ladies: 40 years of age or older, 1+ years since last mammogram
Mammogram Bus: The Mercy mammogram bus will be at the locations/dates below during the 2024-2025 school year. Mammograms take about 15 minutes and are available from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Any qualifying SPS employee or spouse is welcome to participate. Call 417-820-2790 to schedule your appointment today.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – Bentley Administrative Center
Monday, March 10, 2025 - Hillcrest High School
Monday, April 7, 2025 - Glendale High School
Cooperative Learning Corner
This week we are going to focus on breaking the plane:
Counseling Corner
Elementary - Tuesday, October 16th: Watson
Middle School
Monday, October 21st: Hoffman will be in 6th grade Tucker all day.
Friday, October 25th: Jordan will be in 7th grade Lindsey all day.
Social Work Updates –
Student School Supplies available: We have had additional school supplies donated. We have also had more backpacks donated. School supplies are located in Ms. Mann’s office up front in the main office. Supplies include- binders, notebooks, composition notebooks, paper, supply boxes and pouches, folders, markers, crayons, glue sticks, pencils, colored pencils, scissors, erasers, and more.
Thanksgiving Baskets for Westport families
James River Church partners with Westport to provide Thanksgiving baskets full of food for a Thanksgiving meal, and any Westport family who needs assistance this holiday season is welcome to sign up. Paper Sign-Up forms will be put in your mailboxes to send home with students this week. There is also a Google Form online as a second option to sign up. The deadline for signing up is 10/25. We will need volunteers to help with distributing the baskets on Sat, 11/23, from 9a - 12:30p. Families will pick them up in the circle drive. An email will be sent to staff this week with some more information and a link to the Volunteer Sign-Up.
Winter Coats and accessories for students
Our on-site Care Closet has winter coats, gloves, caps, and scarves available. You can contact Ms. Mann, Mrs. Deckard, or Dr. Mitchell with student needs or for more info.
Instructional Highlights
Elementary School (Leigh Anne Patrick, Learning Coach)
Helpful hints for entering scores into Educlimber: DCA’s due by October 17th for 1st Quarter
Middle School (Jeffrey Pettibone and Brandi Compass, Learning Coach)
Just one week left of the first quarter!
A big WELCOME to Brandi Compass! We are excited to have her on board!
Please remember that DCAs are due October 17th. All students must have them finished by that date as it will close and not reopen. On our work day on Friday, we will be here and available to help with the input of data from Galileo to EduClimber. Find the tutorials below for help in getting data from Galileo and putting that into EduClimber.
Video Tutorials:
Where are we now?
BSIP Goals and Action Steps
Current Building Enrollment: 343 (Elementary) 450 (Middle School)
Attendance Percentages By Grade: Week of 9/30 - 10/4 (MS Champs - 6th Grade!)
6th Grade: 91.68%
7th Grade: 89.68%
8th Grade: 89.88%
Attendance Percentages By Grade: Week of 9/30 - 10/4 (ES Champs - 5th Grade!)
Kindergarten: 88.37%
1st Grade: 86.37%
2nd Grade: 89.52%
3rd Grade: 92.69%
4th Grade: 87.27%
5th Grade: 94.43%
MAP BSIP Info:
Math-3rd Grade 21%; 4th Grade 38%; 5th Grade 50%
Literacy-3rd Grade 45%; 4th Grade 40%; 5th Grade 69%
Math- 6th Grade (52%); 7th Grade (37%); 8th Grade (41%). Action Steps:
Literacy- 6th Grade (54%); 7th Grade (63%); 8th Grade (48%). Action Steps:
Galileo BSIP Info:
Math- Kindergarten 38%; 1st Grade 61%; 2nd grade 42%; 3rd Grade 15%; 4th Grade 30%, 5th Grade 40%
Literacy- Kindergarten 43%; 1st Grade 39%; 2nd Grade 25%, 3rd Grade 33%; 4th Grade 58%; 5th Grade 57%
Math- 6th Grade (52%); 7th Grade (37%); 8th Grade (41%). Action Steps:
Literacy- 6th Grade (54%); 7th Grade (63%); 8th Grade (48%). Action Steps:
24-25 Parent Involvement Nights
All certified staff are required to attend 3 out of the 4 yearly parent involvement nights.
Action Required: Here is the link to the spreadsheet where you track your PI Night attendance. Fall Fest Activity Sign Up: please sign up for an activity to run during Trunk or Treat HERE (you can also note if you plan to have a trunk!
Important Dates
Thursday October 17th, 2024 - Middle School Dance 2:30-4:30pm
Wednesday October 30, 2024 - Fall Fest Event 4:30-6:30
Friday, November 11, 2024 - Land of Smiles 12:00pm -1:30pm
Thursday, January 9, 2025 - HRA for staff in Library from 6:00 AM-8:30 AM
Thursday March 13, 2025 - Westport Art in the Park 4:00- 6:00
Wednesday April 23, 2025 - Academic Showcase 4:30- 6:30k
Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 - 4th & 5th Grade Show “We Love our Veterans” 6:00
Thursday, December 17, 2024 - 2nd & 3rd Grade Show “Santa Claus is On His Way,” 6:00
Thursday, January 9th, 2024 - ALICE TRAINING
Thursday, January 30th, 2024 - Student Access & Opportunity
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - Kindergarten & 1st Grade Show “Theme TBA” 6:00
PBIS
PBIS Collaboration - We need your input!
Please also consider adding your ideas to the PBIS shared collaboration Doc HERE
PBIS Opportunities for Students
We have partnered with the Community Partnership of the Ozarks to provide mentoring programs for our students. This is designed to teach them communication skills, critical thinking, perseverance, and other transferable skills that will help increase overall engagement and success in school. We are currently looking for 6th graders who would benefit from such a program.
Please submit your 6th grade nomination by emailing amdeckard@spsmail.org.
PBIS Students of the Month
We are always seeking nominations for PBIS students of the month! If you have a student in middle school or elementary you would like to see recognized for their outstanding behavior or improvement, please email with a short description of the ROAR behaviors your nominee has demonstrated.
Middle School nominees - please email amdeckard@spsmail.org
Elementary School nominees - please email tgmitchell@spsmail.org.
PBIS Reminders
Maximize the structure of your learning environment with consistently followed expectations and procedures.
Work with your Learning Coach to create great lessons that will increase engagement.
Acknowledge appropriate behavior and behavior improvements with ROAR-Wards and encouragement.
Respond to inappropriate behavior without becoming emotional or inflaming the situation.
Student Access and Opportunity
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Context For Teachers: Disability Awareness Month - This includes Differentiation Ideas, Inclusive Classroom Practices, Myths and Facts about Learning Disabilities, and Tips for Working with Parents with Disabilities!
Virtual CLassroom: Disabilities
Learning About Disabilities Slide Deck
Building Committee Reps
Click on this Title Link if you need to know your representatives.
Previous Newsletters
Wildcat Weekly 8/18/24 - https://westportwildcatweekly.blogspot.com/2024/08/wildcat-weekly-81824.html
Wildcat Weekly 8/25/24 - https://westportwildcatweekly.blogspot.com/2024/08/wildcat-weekly-82524.html
Wildcat Weekly 9/1/24 - https://westportwildcatweekly.blogspot.com/2024/09/westport-weekly-9224.html
Wildcat Weekly 9/9/24 - https://westportwildcatweekly.blogspot.com/2024/09/wildcat-weekly-9824.html
Wildcat Weekly 9/15/24 - https://westportwildcatweekly.blogspot.com/2024/09/91524-wildcat-weekly.html
Wildcat Weekly 9/22/24 - https://westportwildcatweekly.blogspot.com/2024/09/wildcat-weekly-92224.html
Wildcat Weekly 9/29/24 - https://westportwildcatweekly.blogspot.com/2024/09/wildcat-weekly-92924.html
Wildcat Weekly 10/6/24 - https://westportwildcatweekly.blogspot.com/2024/10/wildcat-weekly-10624.html
Wildcat Weekly 10/13/24 -
