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!
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).
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!
PBIS Students of the Month
We are always seeking nominations for PBIS students of the month! If you have a student 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.
Elementary nominees - please email tgmitchell@spsmail.org
Middle School nominees - please email amdeckard@spsmail.org
Elementary Attendance Celebrations
We were able to graduate 18 elementary students from the attendance buddy program this week! This means that we brought tier ⅔ students back up to tier 1 for attendance! Way to go to our attendance buddy team, and a BIG THANK YOU!
The following elementary classes will be celebrated Monday morning during Pack Time for their ROARING attendance!
Middle School Attendance Buddies
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The Attendance Buddy program uses student connections and accountability measures to increase student responsibility and interest in improving overall attendance among Tier 2 and Tier 3 Attendance students. Please access the Middle School Attendance Buddies spreadsheet HERE to sign up to be an attendance buddy.
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 characters 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
Treat Trolley Feedback wanted! Please take a moment to complete the treat trolley feedback form HERE to help us best plan for future trolleys.
If you have not paid your dues, please do so ASAP to Stacy! $25 for certified staff, and $15 for classified staff
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.
Westport Spirit Store: we are making and selling customized shirts and Wildcat items to help raise money for the social committee! Please see the information below. We are also working on a “catalog” for shirt and item options. These items are available for sale for staff, students, and families.
Wildcat Wednesday Awareness Days
October Wildcat Wednesday:
Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
November Wildcat Wednesday: Awareness celebration options
Purple for Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness
Red for Native American Heritage Awareness
Blue for Diabetes Awareness
$1.00 for jean days goes to the social committee
Staff #Read2Succeed Support
ACTION REQUIRED: Lots of staff read alouds are still needed! Here is the LINK for your read aloud video submission. #Read2Succeed
Dr. Lathan asked all administrators to share a picture of themselves with their favorite book this year. We want to extend that challenge to ALL of our staff!
Please take a picture of yourself holding your favorite book, or a book you’re currently reading, and text it to your AP! These will be shared throughout the year on social media, along with the read alouds, to promote the SPS initiative #Read2Succeed
When you text your picture you will receive a Wildcat Wealth 😀
October Instructional Focus
October Instructional Focus: Refer to the Posted Objectives & Anticipatory Set
Please watch this 4-minute video- This video shows us a student perspective on how learning targets are helpful to them. (Notice the teacher takes time to “unpack” the objective.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n9_hWFUUBA
Please watch this three-minute clip on Anticipatory Set:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppzS-smdYE0
Review from last week:
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!
Instructional Highlights
The leaves are changing and it seems that fall is finally upon us! Plus, the first week of the second quarter is complete!
We will restart our new PLTs on Monday, October 28th in the PLC Room. We will be analyzing DCA data, celebrating successes and looking at things to embed in this quarter to help fill gaps.
As a reminder, all teams will meet on Mondays in the PLC Room. Tuesdays will be in your chosen classroom, but coaches will be visiting to provide support as needed or be a sounding board.
Be sure all your EduClimber data is submitted! That was due on Friday. Lastly, I want you to be aware that there will be a curriculum implementation visit with district-level admin on Friday, November 8th from 8-10 am. They will be visiting multiple classrooms in the building.
“At Westport, learning is required.”
Reading/Writing conferences and Anecdotal notes
Tier 2 instruction is critical to our students' success, and is an expectation for SPS and Westport. Please review the following presentation on Reading/Writing conferences and Anecdotal notes for instructional support. Presentation
Following your review of the presentation, email your AP a response to the following reflective question: What shifts will you make to sharpen your reading and writing conferences?
Things to say instead of “I don’t know”
From the 7 Steps to a Language Rich Classroom, we have learned more about the structured approach to creating a classroom environment where students are actively engaged in rich language use; essentially, it's a strategy to encourage students to speak more thoughtfully and participate in deeper conversations by teaching them how to respond beyond simply saying "I don't know" when unsure.
If you need an IDK poster printed, please reach out to your learning coach.
Nurses Note and Wellness Corner
Asthma Education, with fall/winter weather approaching make sure you know the symptoms for any students you have with Asthma
Asthma Symptoms A Guide for School Staff
Wheezing- a scratchy or whistling sound when breathing
Shortness of Breath or Fast Breathing- possibly associated with exercise
Chest Tightness
Fatigue- student may stop playing or avoid activity
Coughing- may be continual and happen often – made worse by colds, exercise and cold air (may report difficulty sleeping because of cough
Wellness
Health, Hunger, Hygiene
(Social Worker, SCLs, CSI)
In addition to supporting the teachers, we are here to support the students also!
You can contact the following with student needs or for more information:
Ms. Mann (K-8)
Dr. Mitchell (K, 1, 2, 5)
Dr. Davis (4-6)
Mrs. Deckard (7-8)
We focus on the 3 H’s; health, hunger, hygiene - we can also help connect students/families with other diverse supports they need. Anytime you notice a possible need, us me know so we can work together for our students.
Please let us know if there are any students (or their families) that you have noticed that might need additional support at school or at home. For noticed frequent attendance/tardy issues, please refer to Dr. Chris Davis. Along with the 3 H’s we can help connect students/families with supports they need for shelter, transportation, electricity, bill support, clothing, shoes, and mental health support - the list goes on and on 🙂. We can provide store vouchers for the following for families to shop, or we can shop for them: clothing, hygiene items, shoes, food, household need items, laundry services, and more!
Care to Learn is a local non-profit organization that is the main support in meeting the diverse needs of our students and their families. CTL fully funds the voucher program. CTL, with community partners, funds our on-site CARE room. In the CARE room, we have a full clothing pantry (coats, shoes, pants, shirts, jackets, hats, winter gear), a food pantry, a school supply pantry, and a full hygiene pantry (laundry products and personal hygiene products of ALL types). All of these resources are always available to any student/family in need.
Cooperative Learning Corner
Remember the WHY:
Counseling Corner
Elementary Focus
November elementary school counseling lessons address bullying. We are learning together how to identify the differences between a conflict, mean behavior, and bullying. The students are learning an acronym to help know how to identify a bullying situation. WE are also practicing using assertive voices when we are in uncomfortable situations.
Middle School Focus
In November, middle school counselors will be teaching the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program to students in grades 6-8. This important curriculum focuses on the A.C.T. model: Acknowledge, Care, Tell. Students will learn how to recognize warning signs, show care for others, and the importance of telling a trusted adult if someone is struggling. Our goal is to equip students with the tools to support their peers and seek help when needed.
Opt-out permission forms are being sent home on Monday, October 28th.
Peer Mediation Training
Central is coming to Westport on November 7th 8:00-10:00 am to train a selection of 8th grade students in peer mediation.
School-WIde Red Ribbon Week: October 28th-November 1st
*proceeds go to STUCO
Transitional Transfers
5th or 8th grade students can apply for a transitional transfer. Requests must be made between 7:30 a.m., Friday, November 1, 2024 and 5 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2024. (No late submissions will be accepted.) https://www.sps.org/Page/2625
SPS Choice Programs
Students going into 4th, 5th, 6th, or 8th grades have the opportunity to apply to attend one of the SPS Magnet Schools (Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, Academy of Exploration, Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility, AgAcademy, Health Sciences Academy)
How to apply?
Complete the online application. Go to www.sps.org/choice.
Lottery opens on November 1st and closes December 1st at 4:00 PM.
Families will be notified after winter break.
Choice Expo will be at Morris Conservation Center on Monday Oct. 28th 5:00 - 7:00
24-25 Parent Involvement Nights
All certified staff are required to attend 3 out of the 4 yearly parent involvement nights.
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 HERE, you can also note if you plan to have a trunk!
Important Dates
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
Elementary PBIS
Changes to the Elementary ROAR-Store:
Now shopping the last day of the month - new calendar invites have been sent
NEW STORE LOCATION; Dr. Mitchells old office is now officially the ROAR-Store
This is located right next to the store showcase.
We will have the store ready to shop on Thursday and this will be a permanent location. We will continue to shop 2 students with 1 adult.
The store will be smaller in size so we are planning to see the first day goes and then adjust if we need to by splitting K-2 and 3-5 into 2 different shopping days for longer time periods.
Student Balance Updates:
Please make sure to have your students' starting balances updated HERE prior to shopping so that the check out process goes as quick as possible.
Elementary “Debit Card” Option:
Mrs. Tucker designed an adorable Westport Wildcats PBIS Bank Debit Card that you can customize with your students name, print, laminate, and then write in expo marker their starting balance on for shopping day.If this is something you are interested in she shared the link HERE
Coach C is hosting 3-5 male empowerment groups! If you have a student in mind that you think would benefit from this program please send him an email.
Middle School PBIS
Middle School ROAR-Wards are going ONLINE!
Teachers will no longer need to award weekly Attendance ROAR-Wards. These will be credited to the students’ accounts.
Throughout this week, students will have opportunities to add earned paper ROAR-Wards to their accounts during lunch.
You can continue handing out paper ROAR-Wards this week. Next week you will have access to add ROAR-Wards directly to students’ online accounts.
Beginning next week, paper ROAR-Wards will no longer be handed out or accepted. All ROAR-Wards for Middle School students will be handled online.
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.
Reinforcing Positive Behavior in the Classroom
Encouraging positive behavior in the classroom is key to creating a happy and productive space. Here are some simple ways to make it happen:
1. Set Clear Expectations: Start by letting students know what behaviors you want to see, like raising their hands to speak or finishing their homework. Display these expectations in the classroom where everyone can see them.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement: When students show the behaviors you want, make sure to recognize them! This could be through kind words or the ROAR-Wards point system. For instance, give a shout-out to a student who helps a friend.
3. Create a Recognition System: Consider having a “Student of the Week” or a “Caught Doing Good” board. This way, students can see their peers being recognized for their positive actions, which encourages everyone.
4. Be Consistent: When students know what to expect, they’re more likely to repeat those positive actions.
By using these friendly approaches, teachers can help build a positive and supportive classroom environment!
Student Access and Opportunity
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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 - https://westportwildcatweekly.blogspot.com/2024/10/wildcat-weekly-101324.html
Wildcat Weekly 10/20/24 - https://westportwildcatweekly.blogspot.com/2024/10/wildcat-weekly-102024.html
