Newsletter: January 8, 2025

Important Dates

Click here for the full WVMS School Year Calendar.

No School Days for January-March

Jan 20:
NO SCHOOL for Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday 

Jan 31:
NO SCHOOL for Teacher Work Day

Feb 17:
NO SCHOOL for Presidents Day Holiday

Mar 24-28:
NO SCHOOL for Spring Break

Friends of Westside Village offers Non School Day Camp for these days.  Sign up through Bend Parks and Rec.

Bend Science Station for 4th Graders, Jan 13

Our 4th graders will be visiting Bend Science Station on Monday, January 13th from 9:15am to 11:45am for “Motoring with Magnets.” Permission slips are going home today and are available here.

MLK Day of Service, Jan 20

There is NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 20th! Join us at WVMS from 10am to Noon as we work together to beautify our school grounds. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with us by giving back to our community. Let’s come together in the spirit of service and make a difference!

Choice Options Lottery is Open

The Choice Options Lottery opened on January 2nd.  Visit this link for more information. If you know of any families that would be a good fit, send them our way! We will have two Info Nights: Monday, January 13th and Thursday, March 6th (Tour at 5:15, Info Session at 5:30).

Remember that all incoming siblings of Westside students MUST complete an application.  Current Westside Village students do not need to re-apply. 

Entry into the Choice Options lottery, Dual Immersion lottery, and Priority Area Change Requests all require a current enrollment in a Bend-La Pine School for the school year requested. Enrollment for the 2025-2026 is open.

Don’t hesitate to call Marcie with any questions.  541-355-2001

Youth Truth Survey

The Youth Truth Survey is a district-wide survey that we ask students, families, and staff to complete so that we can better our schools. Our Bend LaPine District and schools use the information from the survey to plan for school improvement.

Families, please take the time to complete the survey by Friday, January 31st: ytsurvey.org/bendfamily25. For more info: Youth Truth Family Survey Letter.

To opt-out your student or read more about the Student Youth Truth Survey: Family Opt-Out & Information Notice.

2024-25 Oregon Statewide Tests (OSAS)

This school year our 3rd through 8th grade students will take the Oregon Statewide Tests. Parents have the right to opt their child out of the English Language Arts and/or the Math tests. We have made it a mission to be creative and smart about how we administer the OR Statewide Tests. We are not going to make students sit for hours at a time testing; we are going to offer them fun snacks, breaks when needed, and all the support we can give. We would like to take this opportunity to turn this challenge into a fun and meaningful experience. 

Here are links to the Annual Notice for Statewide Testing – this contains information about the testing and the Opt-Out Form.
OSAS Annual Notice and Opt-Out Form English 24-25
OSAS Annual Notice and Opt-Out Form español 24-25

If you have any questions about the test, please email Felicia at [email protected].

News From Friends

Logo Goods

Buy your WVMS Logo Goods!  We have T shirts and hoodies available for purchase in the office.  Adult and child sizes available.  Come check it out and show your Volcano spirit!

The Giving Campaign

Thanks to all that have donated to our Giving Campaign! We are off to a great start!

If you haven’t yet, please consider donating. We need your help to sustain and expand the innovative educational programs that make Westside Village extraordinary. The suggested amount per student is $50, but anything is appreciated!

Your support directly impacts our students by:

• Ensuring access to healthy snacks
• Connecting students with fine artists and scientists from our community
• Providing professional development for our staff
• Strengthening our fitness programs
• Enriching our media center and library
• Providing scholarships for students to participate in clubs, adventures, etc.

The opportunities to uplift our children’s educational journey are endless.

Friends of Westside Village has been a grassroots organization since 2001 and was formally incorporated in 2008. With your support, we can continue their vital work and double down on Westside Village’s mission:

“To develop the optimal educational program where all learners can advance to their infinite potential in an environment free of barriers, prejudice, or limitations.”

Friends of Westside Village has provided over $8,000 in scholarships already this school year!

Your generosity will empower the students of Westside Village to thrive—today and for years to come.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community. Your support makes all the difference, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to our children’s future.

Our suggestion is $50 per student, but any amount is appreciated. Click here to show your support. Thank you!

Sponsorship Banners

Do you own a business or know a business owner? 

Friends of Westside Village (a non-profit 501c3) is looking for community connections! Our goal is to sell a small number of banners to be displayed on the school fence as well as in the great room, as a part of our fundraising campaign. The cost is $500 for a banner and will be up for one year. Yes, it is tax deductible! 

Please send any leads or inquiries to: [email protected] 

Much appreciated!

Blue Bags

Did you know that you can help support Friends of Westside Village just by collecting your refundable bottles and cans? Get a blue bag from the office and start today!