Newsletter: September 8, 2025

Important Dates:

Click here for the full WVMS School Year Calendar.

Village Council Meeting

Join us for our first Village Council meeting of the school year on Wednesday, September 10, at 8:00am in the WVMS Library.

From 8:00–8:15, we’ll have time for coffee and conversation. At 8:15, we’ll start a brief volunteer training and Q&A session so you can get to know our council leads and each other.

The Village Council is a collaborative group of families, staff, students, and community members. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 8:15am in the library to discuss how to support and improve our school.

All families are welcome to attend!

Welcome Back!

Welcome back! What a wonderful first three days we’ve had.

It’s been so much fun getting to know our students and getting reacquainted with all of our returnees. They’re already doing a fantastic job with our school-wide expectations, and they’ve been diving into some really great work in math, writing, and reading. We’re also off to a strong start with our afternoon rotations, where students are learning about Restorative Practices and being responsible digital citizens.

---

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

We want to make sure you always feel connected and informed. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s facilitators. You can find their bios here: Center Team (K-1), Upstairs Team (2nd-5th), Elder Team (6th-8th), Student Success Team, Itinerant Team, and Village Support Team.

Wendy is also always available to chat. Give her a call at 541-408-3894—and feel free to send a text if that’s easier to set up a time to talk.

And of course, our office and all staff members are wonderful resources who are always ready to help you get the information you need.

Early Release Wednesdays Start This Week

Beginning this week, students will be released 90 minutes early on Wednesdays, at 2:05pm. 

“School Improvement Wednesdays” are designed to give teachers and staff an opportunity to collaborate and engage in professional development programming. Early release Wednesday will continue through the school year.

Elder Camping at East Lake 9/10-9/12  9/16-9/18 *Date Change*

Our Elders will be going on their annual camping trip! We will be headed to East Lake Tues, 9/16 to Thurs, 9/18. Students should arrive to school at 8:15am on Tuesday morning so that we are ready to leave NO LATER than 9:00am. Our busses have to be back for their routes and cannot wait for late students.

Permission slips and an informational letter went home last week.  The cost is $55 per student.  Payment is due Friday, 9/12.  Payments can be made in the office with card, cash or check or at friendsofwestside.com.

Medications need to be dropped off in the office no later than Monday, 9/15.  We can’t accept medications the morning of the trip.  Students are not allowed to carry any medications on their person unless they have a current Self Carry plan.

Goal Setting Conferences 9/17-9/26

Westside Village starts off the school year with Goal Setting Conferences.  These are student-parent-teacher conferences.  Find the link to sign up with your community here.

Photo Opt-Out

During the school year we enjoy taking pictures of our students doing awesome things! These are used for school-only slide shows and sometimes to post on our social media pages.  We never share names of students.  If you wish that your student’s photo not be shared, please email Ms. Marcie or call the office.

Safety

We will be doing the required safety drills with our students. We work hard to make sure your child feels safe and they know what to do in case of an emergency. Please see Safety Resources if you would like more information.

District Cell Phone Policy

• High School – Students will silence their phones and place them in a classroom phone caddy at the beginning of each class period. Phones are to remain in the caddy until the class period is over.
• Elementary and Middle School – Students are not permitted to have phones or wireless earbuds during the school day. They must be off and away all day.
• Smartwatches – Students are not permitted to use smartwatches to access mobile apps or the Internet, or to send and receive messages (text or call) during class periods.

Early Pick Up Policy/No Pick Ups After 2:45

The end of the school day at Westside Village is an important time for fitness and community. Therefore, we ask that students not be picked up after fitness begins (between the hours of 2:45 and 3:35) unless it is an emergency. If your student leaves early for a regular sports practice or activity, please arrange to pick them up at or before 2:45. Thank you for your understanding!

News From Friends

Session 1 Extended Care & Clubs Signups

Please sign up for Extended Care and Clubs if you are interested and haven’t already. Visit www.friendsofwestside.com. If you need a scholarship, please fill out an application and get your paperwork to the front office asap. Once you are approved you will receive a code that is valid for the whole year.

Have a Great Club Idea? Want to Volunteer?

Friends of Westside Village is looking for Club Volunteers! Do you have an interest that would make a good club? Let us know! We’d love to hear some new ideas. Call the office for more information.