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September 7, 2022
Dear Upper Elementary Families,
The school year is off to a great start and it is evident students are excited to be back! We were excited to see all of our returning students as well as welcome our new group of 3rd grade students to the building.
The Upper Elementary will be holding its first in-person Open House in more than three years on Wednesday, September 21, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. We invite families to come meet your child’s teachers, view the wonderful classrooms and sign-up for our first Zi3 night, which will take place on Wednesday, October 26.
See you then!
Sincerely,
Trevor Haskell
Upper Elementary School Principal
Third Grade Orientation Monday, August 29
The Upper Elementary School is hosting Third Grade Orientation on Monday, August 29, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Third grade students should bring their updated student information forms for the 2022-23 school year.
Please contact the Upper Elementary School main office with any questions at (315) 557-2618.
Upper Elementary School Chromebook Pick-up Thursday, August 25
Attention Upper Elementary School families!
The Upper Elementary School is hosting a Chromebook Pick-up Night for students entering grades 4-6 on Thursday, August 25, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., outside the Upper Elementary School. In addition to the pick-up, staff will be collecting student information forms for the 2022-23 school year and the District Transportation Department will be on hand to confirm bus routes/answer questions.
Please do not bring school supplies to the event; supplies should be brought to school on the first day of instruction, Tuesday, September 6.
As always, contact the Upper Elementary School main office with any questions at (315) 557-2618.
June 15, 2022
Upper Elementary School Families:
We have made it to the home stretch of the school year! Our students have worked unbelievably hard and are looking forward to summer vacation.
I have a few announcements I would like to communicate with you.
6th Grade Moving Up
The 6th Grade Moving Up ceremony is taking place on Thursday, June 16, at 6:00 p.m. Due to the forecast calling for thunderstorms, the ceremony is being moved from the football field to inside the Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium. Sixth grade students should arrive by 5:30 p.m. and report to the Jr./Sr. High School Gymnasium. This will ensure students line-up in time for a 6:00 p.m. start. All band students – please remember your instruments for your performance.
Last Week of School Schedule
There will be no school on Monday, June 20, in observation of Juneteenth. Tuesday, June 21, Wednesday, June 22, and Thursday, June 23, will be full days for students. Friday, June 24, is the last day of school and will be a half-day – bus dismissal will occur at 11:30 a.m., followed by pick-ups at 11:35 a.m. and 11:40 a.m.
Chromebooks
Students need to turn in their Chromebooks and chargers on Wednesday, June 22. Please make sure your child brings both with them to school on that day.
In closing, I would like to thank everyone again for another outstanding school year! I hope everyone has a safe, healthy and wonderful summer.
Sincerely,
Trevor Haskell
Upper Elementary School Principal
May 31, 2022
The Upper Elementary School will be celebrating the accomplishments and efforts of its sixth grade students.
Before the sixth grade students depart the Upper Elementary School for the Jr./Sr. High School, there will be a Sixth Grade Moving Up Ceremony. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 16, at 6:00 p.m., on the football field. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved indoors.
Please click here to read a letter from Upper Elementary School Principal Mr. Haskell with more information about the Sixth Grade Moving Up and other activities planned for the month of June.
April 27, 2022
Primary and Upper Elementary families – save the date!
“Olympic Day” – a fun tradition – is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 13. The rain date is Tuesday, June 14. Families will be allowed to watch/spectate this year.
Upper Elementary School Principal Mr. Haskell and Primary Elementary School Principal Mrs. Maine will be releasing more details soon.
We are looking forward to another fun-filled “Olympic Day!”
April 26, 2022
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We are excited to announce the Westmoreland Central School District will be offering a grades K-1 “Multi-age Classroom” for the 2022-23 school year.
A multi-age classroom is a mixed-age group of children balanced by age and ability. The purpose of a multi-age classroom is to support learners at all levels in a child-centered approach. The teacher(s) acts as a facilitator of learning, rather than instructing the whole class based on a predetermined set of skills or curriculum. This unique grouping fosters collaboration, social emotional learning, positive peer skills and the development of age appropriate academic skills while maintaining rigor and high expectations for all students.
Our grades K-1 multi-age classroom will include 24 children – 12 kindergarten students and 12 first grade students. The students will be taught by two general education teachers in a co-teaching environment. Again – the multi-age classroom will support learners at all levels. For example:· A kindergarten student can receive instruction at the kindergarten level;
· A first grade student can receive instruction at the first grade level;
· A kindergarten student who is already beyond the kindergarten level, can receive instruction at the first grade level;
· A first grade student who needs extra practice or reinforcement of certain concepts previously taught, can receive additional instruction at the kindergarten level; and
· A first grade student who is already beyond the first grade level, can receive instruction at the second grade level.
The individualized instruction – or whatever each child needs – is an innovative way to close achievement gaps, which could be the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, another issue or a combination of factors.
An informational meeting for parents/guardians on the grades K-1 multi-age classroom will be held on Thursday, June 2, in the Primary Elementary School cafeteria, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. The enrollment and selection processes are still being developed, and more information on both, among other topics, will be provided at the meeting.
Westmoreland’s grades K-1 multi-age classroom is being created in partnership with Dr. Sandra J. Stone of Northern Arizona University. Dr. Stone specializes in multi-age learning and will lead staff training and professional development on the unique mode of instruction. She has also been contacted by other districts in our region interested in offering a multi-age classroom.
We hope you will join us on June 2 for more information on this exciting endeavor!
Sincerely,
Stephen Polera
Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Pupil Personnel
Jessica Maine
Primary Elementary School Principal
March 17, 2022
Dear UE Parent/Guardian(s),
Over the course of the next few months, the New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Tests will be administered to students. Each test will take place over the course of two days. Additionally, like the 2018, 2019 & 2021 tests, the 2022 Grades 3-8 ELA and Math Tests will continue to be untimed, allowing students adequate time to complete the tests without stress or anxiety.
English Language Arts Assessment
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Math Assessment
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Over the past several years, parents have allowed students to refuse taking the NYS 3-8 assessments. This movement was evident all across NYS. Many parents were responding this way to voice opposition to the haphazard way the Common Core curriculum and assessments were rolled out. Over the past few years, the State Education Department (SED) has made significant changes to the conditions of testing and the tests themselves. These changes are summarized for you here.
Below you will find a summary of the changes that were made to the 2021 Grades 3-8 English Language Arts and Mathematics Tests.● Two-day testing per subject. The 2022 3-8 ELA and Math Tests have been reduced from three test sessions to only two testing sessions per subject this year, meaning each subject will have two days of testing instead of three. With fewer test sessions, each test will have fewer questions than in recent years, lessening test fatigue for students and better enabling them to demonstrate what they know and are able to do.
● The tests continue to be untimed so students who are still working on their exams will be allowed to continue to work, within the confines of the regular school day. Students will be permitted to submit their assessment on their Chromebooks when finished as all grade levels will be participating in computer-based testing.
● Test questions reviewed and written by New York State Teachers. Hundreds of New York State educators were involved in creating and reviewing questions for the 2022 Grade 3-8 ELA and Math tests and selecting the questions for the test forms. This year, the assessments will also feature many test questions written by New York State teachers specifically for the annual New York State tests. The future goal is for all test questions to be written by NYS educators.
Computer-Based Testing
● Computer-based State Assessments. All students at the Upper Elementary will be participating in Computer Based Testing for the NYS ELA & Math exams. Students will be provided with scrap paper to write notes and work on problems as they take the assessment.
● Stronger instructional tools. The SED is helping districts begin to transition to computer-based testing (CBT), which has potential to make the assessments stronger instructional tools and will make it possible to receive feedback quicker.
● The move to CBT. The long-term plan is to have all districts across the state using CBT for annual state tests. All students at Westmoreland in grades 3-8 will be participating in computer-based testing.
The 2022 NYS ELA & Math assessments will be one of many various points of data we use to plan future instruction as we try to bridge academic gaps that have been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The individual scores from the 2022 assessments will be used for our district's purpose only. Therefore, I am strongly encouraging parents to expect their child to participate in the two-day assessment process. This effort on your part to support student participation will reflect the partnership between home and school, similar to the one between the NYS Education Department and the Westmoreland Central School District.
I have all the confidence in our students and staff. They work very diligently every day. Your support in this effort to have all students participating in the assessment process is greatly appreciated. Please make sure that your child’s(ren) Chromebooks are charging the night before the assessment as they will be using them to take the test. Should you have questions about the schedule or process, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Trevor Haskel
Principal, Westmoreland Upper Elementary School
To view a PDF version of this letter, click here.
January 27, 2022
The Upper Elementary School is holding three spirit days in February!
Wednesday, February 2 – “Twin Day”
Ask a friend(s) if they would like to dress like twins to celebrate 2/2/22.
Friday, February 11 – “Westmo Tie-Dye Shirts”
Show your Westmo pride by wearing your new Upper Elementary tie-dye shirts.
Monday, February 14 – “Valentine’s Day”
Wear red, white, pink and/or purple to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
We hope everyone will participate!
October 25, 2021
Dear Upper Elementary Families,
We are about two months into the 2021 - 2022 school year and our students have done a great job settling into routines and putting forth their best effort each day. At the Westmoreland Central School District, we pride ourselves as being a team and working together to provide the best education and emotional support for our students. Communication between home and school is important towards providing an effective instructional environment for our children. As we prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences, we look forward to your insights regarding your child’s education and input about the school year. Our teachers truly appreciate the support that you give to your child in his/her education while at home.
The Upper Elementary conferences will be held virtually on Thursday, November 18th from 1:00pm to 7:00pm, and Friday, November 19th from 1:00pm - 3:40pm. On Wednesday, October 27th, 3rd - 5th grade homeroom teachers will be posting a sign-up sheet in their Google Classrooms for parents to choose a time that they would like to have a meeting. That sign-up sheet will be available at 5:00pm, Wednesday. It will be first come, first serve and I ask that you please not delete or change any scheduled meetings. Please contact your child’s teacher if you need to find an alternative time due to scheduling conflicts.
Our 6th grade teachers will be in contact with any families they wish to set up a parent conference with on those days. If your family would like to schedule a conference with the 6th grade team, you may contact them separately to do so.
Please note that Thursday, November 18th and Friday, November 19th are half days and students will be dismissed at 12:00pm. Paper copies of report cards will be distributed on Wednesday, November 17th so you may view them prior to your child’s conference.
Please reach out to myself or your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for all your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate through these challenging times.
Best,
Trevor Haskell
Upper Elementary School Principal
For the PDF version of this letter, click here.
October 1, 2021
The Primary Elementary School and Upper Elementary School kicked off a special initiative on October 1 called “One School, One Book.”
The annual initiative – designed to engage students and their families in a shared reading experience – asks students and their families from both schools to read the same book. This year during the months of October and November, everyone will be reading The One and Only Ivan, a fictional story about an easy going gorilla who befriends a baby elephant, Ruby, taken away from her family. When Ruby comes along, Ivan must learn to make change happen for the better.
“We hope that this reading experience will bring parents and their children a great deal of joy, and bring our school community together this year,” Upper Elementary School Principal Mr. Haskell and Primary Elementary School Principal Mrs. Maine said. “We look forward to great conversations, meaningful learning and a shared reading experience for all.”
Every student in grades Pre-K-6 received a copy of the book. School activities, such as daily trivia questions, are also planned to allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the book.
Students and their families are encouraged to read or watch a recording of each section of the book according to this calendar (videos will be uploaded after they are recorded).
Please click on "calendar" above to watch the recordings.
September 16, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians:
It is with great regret that I inform you we will not be hosting an in-person open house at the Upper Elementary School next Wednesday, September 22nd.
Our top priority at the Westmoreland Central School District is keeping our children and their families safe during this unprecedented time. Our staff and students are doing an outstanding job abiding by the policies put in place. However, we feel that an in-person open house would not be in our best interest at this time.
We will be hosting a virtual open house in the near future where teachers will be showcasing their classrooms and providing valuable information to help support your child this school year. I will be sending home information on the virtual open house once we have a date in place.
In other news, the UES will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair next week, starting on Monday 9/20/21 and ending on Friday 9/24/21. We are excited that our students have the opportunity to browse the book fair and purchase books that may interest them. Should you wish to send some money in with your child for the fair, please do so in a sealed envelope with their name on it. If you wish to send a check, please make it out to Westmoreland PTO and place it in a sealed envelope with your child’s name on it.
I look forward to working with you all this year and hope everyone remains safe and healthy! As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Trevor Haskell
Upper Elementary School Principal
For a PDF version of this letter, click here.
While the Upper Elementary School is planning for in-person instruction, students in grades 4-6 must pick-up their school-issued Chromebook and charger prior to the first day of school.
Chromebooks and chargers will be distributed on Monday, August 30, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., in the Upper Elementary School parking lot. Should the distribution have to be moved inside, a face mask/covering will be required.
Transportation Department staff will be available to answer any questions regarding bussing for the upcoming school year. Also – families who plan to pick up their children at dismissal during the 2021-22 school year, must register for a new pick-up pass.
Please call the Upper Elementary School at (315) 557-2618 with any questions.
Click here for more information.
May 20, 2021
Dear 6th Grade Families,
As we approach the last month of the 2020 - 2021 school year, I am excited to announce that we will be permitted to celebrate the accomplishments and efforts of our 6th grade students. Before our 6th grade students depart the Upper Elementary for the Jr/Sr. High, we will be honoring them with a 6th grade Moving-Up Ceremony Thursday, June 17th at 6:00pm on the Westmoreland Central School Football Field.
On Monday, May 24th at 5:00pm, I will be hosting a 6th grade parent/guardian Google Meeting to provide more specific details regarding the ceremony, as well as answer any questions parents/guardians may have about the event. The live link below will be uploaded to the district website and the link will be posted in all of the students' Google Classrooms shortly before the start of the meeting.
I am encouraging everyone to make every effort to attend this meeting, as I will be reviewing the current End of the Academic Year Celebration Guidelines most recently released by the NYS Department of Health.
I look forward to meeting with our 6th grade families Monday evening. Thank you for your continued support.
Meeting Link: 6th Grade Celebration Link
Sincerely,
Trevor Haskell
Upper Elementary School Principal
January 2021 Students of the Month - click here.
The Upper Elementary School is celebrating “Spirit Week” the week of February 8.
Students and staff are encouraged to participate by following these themes:
Monday, February 8 – Jersey Day
Tuesday, February 9 – Mardi Gras Day (wear purple, yellow and/or green)
Wednesday, February 10 – Westmo Day
Thursday, February 11 – Superhero Day
Friday, February 12 – Valentine’s Day (wear your favorite Valentine’s theme fashion)
Remote learners are welcome to participate as well.
We hope everyone will show their school spirit!
Click here to view a flyer for “Spirit Week.”
January 11, 2021
Dear Upper Elementary Families,
Happy New Year! I hope everyone was able to relax and enjoy family time during the holiday season. The students at the Upper Elementary have been doing an outstanding job attending meets and completing work during remote learning. I know remote learning can be challenging, but the teachers and staff appreciate all you’re doing to make this work.
I wanted to update everyone on some schedule changes to our calendar that will affect upcoming Parent/Teacher conferences. The half days that are scheduled for Parent/Teacher conferences on the calendar for February 4th, 5th, & 11th will now be full days of school. We’re hoping that our kids will be back in school and we don’t want them to be out of school more than necessary. We would like to keep some consistency for them upon returning to in-person learning. Report cards will be sent home with your child on Friday, February 5th or they will be mailed if we are learning remotely. Your child’s teacher will reach out to you if there are any particular concerns, and you are certainly welcome to contact your child’s teacher to discuss your concerns just as we encourage you to do throughout the year. We’re hoping that this will alleviate scheduling and child care issues for families, but we certainly want to keep the lines of communication open.
Please reach out to me or your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for all your patience and understanding as we navigate through these challenging times.
Best,
Trevor Haskell
Upper Elementary School Principal
October 2020 Students of the Month - click here.
November 13, 2020
Dear Upper Elementary Families,
In response to the recent spike in cases in our area, and as Mr. Migliori has stated this past week, we are planning to transition to 100 percent remote learning for one full week as we return from Thanksgiving break (November 30 - December 4), and Winter break (January 4 - January 8). The Upper Elementary building expects to resume in-school classes on Monday, December 7 and Monday, January 11, respectively.
The students and staff continue to adjust as necessary as we proceed through this challenging time, and have shown resilience with respect to wearing masks in the classrooms and remaining socially distant throughout the day.
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, I want to take another opportunity to update our school families on the upcoming district plans and expectations regarding the transition to remote learning, as well as answer any questions you may have. This coming Monday, November 16th, I will once again be hosting grade-level Google Meets. Below, you will find the times for each grade-level meeting, as well as a link. The live link below will be active 10 minutes prior to the start of the first meeting. This link will also be uploaded to the district website and will be posted in all of the students’ Google Classrooms.
Meeting Link: Click here
Meeting Times:
3rd Grade - 5:00 - 5:25 p.m.
4th Grade - 5:30 - 5:55 p.m.
5th Grade - 6:00 - 6:25 p.m.
6th Grade - 6:30 - 6:55 p.m.
Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you all Monday night.
Trevor Haskell
Upper Elementary School Principal
October 21, 2020
In anticipation of Halloween, the Upper Elementary School is celebrating “Halloween Spirit Week” the week of October 26.
Students and staff are encouraged to participate by following these themes:
Monday, October 26 – Hat Day (wear a crazy hat or your favorite hat)
Tuesday, October 27 – Crazy Socks Day (wear mismatching socks or any fun socks)
Wednesday, October 28 – Westmo Colors Day (get out that green and white to represent Westmo)
Thursday, October 29 – Halloween Colors Day (wear your orange and black or Halloween festive outfit)
Friday, October 30 – Dress as Your Favorite Book Character Day
Remote learners are welcome to participate as well!
Click here to view a flyer for “Halloween Spirit Week.”
September 2020 Students of the Month - click here.
October 8, 2020
Dear Upper Elementary Parents/Guardians,
The school year is off to a great start. The students have done a tremendous job transitioning back to school and are working hard each day. For the 2020-2021 school year, the Upper Elementary will be switching from 6-week report cards to 10-week report cards. Below, you will find the new report card issue dates.
Report Card #1 – November 20, 20205th/6th Progress Reports – December 18, 2020
Report Card #2 – February 4, 2021
5th/6th Progress Reports – March 18, 2021
Report Card #3 – April 23, 2021
5th/6th Progress Reports – May 28, 2021
Report Card #4 – June 24, 2021
In the meantime, teachers have been advised to reach out to families with any academic or behavior concerns they may be noticing with your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher. Fifth and sixth grade teachers will continue to send progress reports, but they will be sent at the 5-week mark. Those dates are listed above.
Thank you for all of your support as we provide the best learning experience for our students.
Sincerely,
Trevor Haskell
Upper Elementary School Principal
Click here to read a PDF version of this letter.
October 5, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We would like to inform you that beginning today, ALL students will be required to transport their Chromebooks TO AND FROM SCHOOL EACH DAY. Students will also be provided one charger to bring home – Chromebooks should be charged every night, so when they bring them back to school they will be fully charged and ready to use for the day.
Students will be able to access IXL Math and Raz-Kids, as well as Google Classroom.
This step is being implemented only out of an abundance of caution in order to maintain a level of preparedness should the district be forced abruptly to switch back to remote learning. Please know that no decisions to do so are currently being made, but as Mr. Migliori has stated, the situation is constantly being updated, so we are hoping to do what we can to remain prepared and vigilant.
Please be sure your student(s) are charging their devices at night and bringing them back to school every day.
Thank you all for your continued support.
Trevor Haskell
Upper Elementary School Principal
Click here to read a PDF version of this letter.
September 25, 2020
Dear Upper Elementary Families,
We are three weeks into the 2020-2021 school year and it is evident that the students are excited to be back, whether they are learning in-person or remotely. The students and staff have adjusted to the “new norms” of wearing masks in the classrooms and remaining socially distant throughout the day.
On Monday, September 28, I will be hosting grade-level Google Meets to update families on any changes that have occurred in the specific grade-level as well as answer any questions families may have. Below, you will see the times for each grade-level meeting as well as a link. There will be a live link on this letter that is uploaded to the district website and the link will be posted in all of the students’ Google Classrooms.
Meeting Link: meet.google.com/sth-qkae-phm
Phone Number: 1-929-399-6234
Phone PIN: 477 397 295#
Meeting Times:
3rd Grade – 5:00-5:25 p.m.
4th Grade – 5:30-5:55 p.m.
5th Grade – 6:00-6:25 p.m.
6th Grade – 6:30-6:55 p.m.
Thank you for all of your support as we continue to provide the best education to our students during these challenging times. I look forward to seeing you Monday night.
Trevor Haskell
Upper Elementary School Principal
September 15, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Please keep your child home and/or contact your child’s doctor for:
-Fever greater than 100.0 degrees (your child needs to be fever free without medication for at least 24 hours to return to school)
-Coughing
-Sore throat
-Vomiting and/or diarrhea within the last 24 hours
-Headache
-Fatigue or muscle/body aches
-Loss of taste or smell
-Congestion or runny nose (without diagnosis of allergies)
*These are the same reasons that you may be contacted to pick up your child from school.*
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be hard to know when to send children to school. Usually, the best place for them is in school, but there are some times when keeping them home to rest or calling your health care provider for further direction is recommended.
If your child has any of the symptoms noted above, he/she will need to stay home from school until:
-He/she is fever and symptom free for at least 24 hours.
AND
-He/she has been seen by a medical provider who has diagnosed him/her with a condition other than COVID-19. We will need a return to school note stating the condition and that the student is “free from communicable disease.”
OR
-He/she has a COVID test and a negative result is provided to school. Your student will need to remain home until the test result is available. A negative test result needs to be sent to school and reviewed prior to your student returning.
OR
-You can keep your student home for 14 days from the onset of symptoms.
This information is from the Westmoreland Central School District’s COVID-19 Reopening Safety Plan. Click here to view the plan.
Thank you in advance. If you have any questions, please contact me at (315) 557-2631.
Sincerely,
Sabrina Verdgeline, RN
School Nurse
Upper Elementary School
September 7, 2020
Click here to watch three videos explaining how Upper Elementary School students must be dropped off and picked up to/from school.
Dear 3rd Grade Students and Families,
We would like to welcome all of the incoming 3rd graders to the Westmoreland Upper Elementary School. My name is Trevor Haskell and I am the new building principal. The staff is excited to have all of you join our building and we can’t wait to begin the school year. The district administration and staff have been working diligently on plans to safely reopen the building this fall.
On behalf of the third grade team (Mrs. Kirk, Ms. Mayenzet, & Mrs. Riggles), we would like to invite you to our 3rd Grade Orientation Night on Tuesday, September 1, at the Upper Elementary School. In order to follow safety guidelines, I have split the orientation into three groups based on assigned classes. To ensure safety among everyone, we ask that you please attend the assigned time slot and wear your mask at all times inside the building.
Mrs. Kirk - 5:00-5:30 PM
5:00 - 5:05 - Introductions (UE Gymnasium)
5:05 - 5:25 - Students go on school tour with Mrs. Kirk; Parents meet with Mr. Haskell
Ms. Mayenzet - 5:30-6:00 PM
5:30 - 5:35 - Introductions (UE Gymnasium)
5:35 - 5:55 - Students go on school tour with Ms. Mayenzet; Parents meet with Mr. Haskell
Mrs. Riggles - 6:00-6:30 PM
6:00 - 6:05 - Introductions (UE Gymnasium)
6:05 - 6:25 - Students go on school tour with Mr. Agosto; Parents meet with Mr. Haskell
***Please plan to complete and return the Student Information Form on Orientation Night.***
Trevor Haskell
Upper Elementary Principal
Click here to view a PDF version of this letter.
August 24, 2020
The Upper Elementary School is planning for in-class learning on September 8, however all students must pick-up Chromebooks/textbooks just in case the district is instructed to begin classes virtually. Families with students in multiple grades may pick-up all student items at one time.
Please be mindful of social distancing and wear a mask!
Pick-up Day
Monday, August 31
Upper Elementary School Parking Lot
Grade 3: 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Grade 4: 4:30-5:00 p.m.
Grade 5: 5:00-5:30 p.m.
Grade 6: 5:30-6:00 p.m.
Click here to view a flyer.
August 24, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we begin this year, we will continue to face challenges together. We’re hoping this information will provide the guidelines for instruction that will help us all work together to ensure kids continue to learn and grow throughout the school year.
What you can expect from us:● Chromebooks will be distributed prior to the first day of school.
● Students will have access to Chromebooks and use of Google Classroom.
● Device support - If you’re having trouble connecting or need tech support, you can contact Tech Support at techsupport@westmorelandschool.org
● Teachers and support staff are available to assist with strategies for reluctant learners and behavior, if needed.
● Special Education/504 services and accommodations will be provided to students.
● Special Areas will post lessons as well as provide live meetings.
Student Expectations:
● Remote Learners - Students will be responsible for logging into their classroom and/or attending meetings with teachers at their scheduled times daily.
● Students will complete the learning tasks that grade level teachers assign.
● Students will be responsible for logging into any online learning tools (IXL and Raz-Kids) that have been assigned by the teacher.
● In Person Learning - Students will be expected to wear masks in school. Breaks will be offered by teachers throughout the day. Students will practice good hygiene, hand washing and social distancing.
● Students are expected to attend school each day, unless excused by parent/guardian, whether they are learning remotely or in person. Attendance will be taken.
Parents:
● Remote Learners - Parents will support/establish a daily schedule that will develop a positive routine for learning each day. Parents will promote positive behavior during online learning in class or small groups. Parents will support their children to stay on task, but allow children to complete their own work. Struggle is part of learning!
● Parents will reach out to teachers as needed.
This may be a helpful resource for you:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PDVZvie0DnFbFEVFB8U3j89o1mD5BCUXTE6ymbb9y_k/mobilepresent?slide=id.g4f60ec15fb_1_0
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for anything. We will support you in any way possible! Thank you so much for all your support and commitment to learning.
Stay healthy!
Best Regards,
Mary Anne O’Connell – Primary Elementary School Principal
Trevor Haskell – Upper Elementary School Principal
July 21, 2020
Dear Parents, Staff, Students, and Stakeholders:
It is with great pleasure and excitement that I have become a member of the Westmoreland Community! I am honored to embark upon my role as the Principal of the Westmoreland Upper Elementary School, and I look forward to working with the students, staff and community to further student success.
I have lived most of my life in the Mohawk Valley region and have never wanted to leave this special area of New York. My own educational experiences have inspired me to become an educator. I graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2015 and accepted a second-grade teaching position in the Oneida City School District before moving to the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District where I have taught third and fourth grade for the past four years. In 2018, I earned my Master’s degree in Elementary Education. My decision to become an administrator came from a desire to make a positive impact on an entire school, not just my classroom of students.
The students of Westmoreland are the future, and it takes all of us to be actively involved in their education. I encourage you to help our students to meet and exceed the expectations we have set for them. I am very much looking forward to meeting the great families and faculty of the Westmoreland Central School District over the course of the 2020-2021 school year. Just know my door is always open to help support you and focus on what is best for our students. Please continue to be on the lookout for more information regarding the district's plans for the fall and don’t forget that the Upper Elementary Library is open on Tuesdays from 9:00a - 12:00p.
Respectfully,
Trevor Haskell
Upper Elementary School Principal
Click here to read the letter in PDF format.
May 2020 Students of the Month - click here.
April 2020 Students of the Month - click here.
May 13, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians:
It is with great enthusiasm and optimism that I announce I am leaving my principalship at the Upper Elementary School, and starting July 1, I will begin my new position as Director of Pupil Personnel/Curriculum K-12 for the Westmoreland Central School District.
This decision was a very difficult one to make, as my team and I have worked hard and tirelessly the past two years to build the Upper Elementary School learning community and climate to where it stands today. The Westmoreland staff and community have been so supportive over the last two years, and I can’t wait to continue the hard work and strive for excellence in this new role. I will miss leading the Upper Elementary team, and I will certainly miss all of my students. However, I look forward to expanding my role and building new relationships with even more staff and students in all grades, Pre-K-12. As you may know, Westmoreland is my home district, and this new role provides an opportunity for me to make a deeper, positive change in my own community.
I will continue to work with my teams over the next few months to maintain and wrap up our 2019-2020 goals and establish a vision for the future of the Upper Elementary School. I will also continue to work closely with Superintendent Migliori, Mr. Healy and our administrative team to make sure this is a smooth transition.
Thank you to everyone for all the support as we continue to do what’s best for kids!
Stephen J. Polera
Upper Elementary School Principal
Click here to read the letter in PDF format.
April 2, 2020
Fourth Marking Period Honor Roll - click here.
April 1, 2020
Letter from Upper Elementary Principal Regarding Online Learning - click here.
March 2020
Letter from Upper Elementary Principal Regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) and Precautions - click here.
February and March 2020 Students of the Month - click here.
Third Marking Period Honor Roll - click here.
January 2020 Students of the Month - click here.
Second Marking Period Honor Roll - click here.
January 2020
Letter from Upper Elementary Principal Regarding the Winter Reading Challenge - click here.
December 2019 Students of the Month - click here.
October and November 2019 Students of the Month - click here.
First Marking Period Honor Roll - click here.
November 2019
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Just a reminder, ALL students are still earning their way to a “Movie/Popcorn Holiday Celebration.” Students will earn the first school-wide incentive by following our school-wide rules, “The Bulldog Four.”
The Bulldog Four:
I will be responsible.
I will give my best effort.
I will be respectful & kind.
I will be safe.
Teachers will be collecting data from November 18, 2019-December 18, 2019. The “Holiday Movie/Popcorn” incentive will be held on Friday, December 20, 2019, in the Jr./Sr. High Auditorium.
Our first Grade 5 and Grade 6 Fun Night will be on Friday, November 15, 2019, from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Our school Bookstore is Now Open! “The Doghouse” is currently open during lunch periods. Many items, including school supplies, Westmoreland and Bulldog swag apparel and t-shirts are available.
If you are interested in volunteering, please call the school at (315) 557-2617. Check out our website for updates, and we're also on Twitter @WestmoUpperElem. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me at school.
Stephen Polera
Principal
To view a PDF version of this message, click here.
October 2019
Letter from Upper Elementary Principal Regarding the Fall Reading Challenge - click here.
September 2019 Students of the Month - click here.
