Message from Principal Paul Bierman

Happy Holidays
December is here! The temps are dropping and the days are getting shorter. The upcoming weeks can become quite overwhelming, as families prepare for gatherings, special travels, and perhaps some shopping outings in preparation for special traditions. Routines sometimes fall to the wayside along with daily reading practices, consistent homework support, and even family meals. 

I hope that at this busy time, you will be able to take the time to just enjoy being together as a family. Perhaps you can sit down and read a book together, play a board game, or watch a movie together. Just spending time with your child is one of the best ways to show him or her that you care.

I, along with the staff here at Westside Elementary School, would like to wish all of you a joyous Holiday Season and a safe and Happy New Year. 
Upcoming Events

December
1 - End of 1st Trimester
6 - Report Card Day
7 - PTO Holiday Craft Night 6:30 PM 
18 - Meeting of the Electors & School Board Mtg 7:00 PM @ Webb Middle
23 - Jan. 1 - NO SCHOOL - Winter Break


January
2 - School Resumes


 NO SCHOOL
December 23, 2017 - January 1, 2018
First Trimester Ended December 1
The School District of Reedsburg Elementary Schools have transitioned to trimester grading periods. The first trimester ended on December 1 and report cards will come home on Wednesday, December 6. Your child's report card will reflect grade level benchmarks that are set according to the Wisconsin Academic State Standards. Please contact your child's teacher if you have questions. 
When should your child stay home?
Now that winter is here, we know that cold and flu season usually arrives with it.  Many times parents are not sure whether they should send their child to school because they have a cold. The most important thing to remember is that if your child has a fever, it means that his or her body is trying to fight off something. Please do not give them some medicine to reduce the fever and then send them to school. They need to be fever-free for 24 hours without any medication before they return to school.
Westside PTO News
Westside PTO has been very busy. After the Club's Choice fall fundraiser, they graciously provided a meal for the staff on Thursday evening during Parent-Teacher Conferences, and also brought in breakfast items for the Friday morning conferences. These were greatly appreciated by staff members. They have also put up the Giving Tree in the school's main lobby. Classroom requests are written on the ornaments for parents who wish to help out. Items should be dropped off in the school office, along with the ornament tag, by December 1st. If you would rather just give a monetary gift, you may do that as well. Gifts will be wrapped and distributed to teachers after the holiday assembly. 

A big "Thank You" to our dedicated PTO members who work hard to help our school. Your support is truly appreciated!                        
Winter Weather Reminder
The cold weather season is here and we have noticed some children coming to school without proper attire. All students are required to go outside for recess unless they have a doctor’s excuse requesting the student remain indoors or if the temperature is below 0 degrees Fahrenheit with the wind chill factored in. 

Students should have hats, gloves or mittens, snow pants and boots when going outdoors. Students who choose not to wear these items at recess will need to accept the consequences of their decision. We are not able to provide dry clothing for students who do not dress appropriately. If you need assistance in obtaining appropriate winter gear, please contact Mr. Bierman at 963-5278.

When the decision is made to cancel school, delay the start of school or dismiss school earlier than scheduled, a Skylert message will be sent (phone, text, and email) for all weather related changes to our school day.

These weather related changes can also be found on the local television and radio stations. Please refer to the Elementary handbook on this webpage page 28 for a list of those stations.

Follow the district's  Facebook page and stay up to date on news and information.
Department of Public Instruction
District & School Report Cards
The School District of Reedsburg has had a wonderful start to its year! "We are excited about each student's individual growth and achievements. As a learning community, we are continually looking to improve," says Linda Bruun, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. "One source we use to reflect on our strengths and areas for improvement is the School Report Card."

The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) generates a School Report Card and District Report Card for every publicly funded school and district in the state. These public report cards can be found online at  http://dpi.wi.gov/accountability/report-cards . The Report Cards are intended to help schools and districts use performance data to target improvement efforts that ensure students are ready for their next educational step – including the next grade level, graduation, college, and careers.   Read more



Food Service 
The month's breakfast and lunch menus may be accessed by clicking the button below. Payments may be made online or in person. For more information on payments, including applying for reduced fee or free meals, please visit our website.
School District of Reedsburg 
Westside Elementary School
 (608) 768-8934
 401 Alexander Avenue
Reedsburg, WI 53959
District Mission Statement
Our mission is to prepare our students for the future, instill a sense of respect and a passion for learning.