October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month. The following information and resources are intended to help build awareness and help educate the community on the topic of dyslexia. The International Dyslexia Association states that dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia often results in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Other difficulties experienced may include spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. More information can be found at dyslexiaida.org. 

Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz

“Mommy, why is it so hard for me to read?” The Utterly Amazing World of Dyslexia  by Rose Kuntz

(Video read aloud found Here!)

Good practices for at-home support: dyslexia.yale.edu/PAR_GoodPractices

Online program for supporting children with dyslexia: www.nessy.com. Nessy programs are multisensory and fun, teaching kids the valuable skills they need to succeed in reading, spelling, writing, math and more!

Seeing dyslexia as an asset Video Here!

Our First Pizza day since February 2020 was a success! Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered! There were a few students who did not have a lunch going into today, and because there is no hot lunch service provided on Pizza Days, they were given one slice of pizza, fruit snacks, and a lemonade to make sure everyone was able to eat . Please be on the lookout for those charges on SchoolsBuddy in the coming days. Our next Pizza Day will be October 28, and we greatly encourage you to pre-order for the rest of the year! Thank you again, to all who ordered, for supporting Student Council!

October 22, 4:30-7:30 pm. Click HERE to purchase wristbands, ticket books, VIP experiences, and teacher donations. T-shirts are on sale through the Spirit Shop online store and get them before the event.

Please join us on October 14, from 7:50 am to 8:30 am at the PYP STEM Lab for a discussion on PYP assessments, grading, and communications. PYP leadership are the speakers for this event and will answer any questions you have. Email pypcommunity@wahoc.org to RSVP by October 12.

Please click here to view grade-level information from each PYP homeroom teacher. This website will be updated by Friday of each week and will serve as the main communication hub to keep parents apprised of happenings specific to each K-5 classroom.

Primary parents are invited to schedule a meeting with the PYP Coordinator, Alison Schneider. She is available to support parents as we settle into the new school year. This meeting will support you in understanding IB learning and teaching, ManageBac navigation, and any other PYP-related question you have. Click here to select a time convenient for you.

Dress for the PSAT will be casual uniform.  When the test is completed and collected, students will be released to go to 7th period. Students will be transitioned to lunch from there.  Everyone testing will be expected to attend 8th period in your appropriate instructional mode.

The PSAT/NMSQT measures the skills and knowledge that are essential for college and career readiness and success. This exam helps prepare students for the SAT and provides entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and college scholarships conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation.  Additionally, the PSAT/NMSQT connects students to other college scholarships across major demographics. Learn more about the scholarships.

For any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Carl Tippen at ctippen@westlakeacademy.org

We had a great turn out for the MYP Parent Coffee today! If you weren't able to make it in person, you can look at the presentation from today at the link below!

Here is this week's edition of Counselor Carl's Corner! Gettysburg College, Austin College, and the University of Iowa have virtual visits coming up! There is also the 14 on the 14th Liberal Arts Virtual Fair is just a week away! Inside is useful information for applying, as well as dates and times, for information sessions and virtual events for universities across the country!

Westlake Academy affiliates provide so much support for our school! Click on the images above to go directly to each of their websites where you will learn more about them and their initiatives!