Author Archives: Marcie Gibson

Important Dates

Click here for the full WVMS School Year Calendar.

8th Grade Celebration, June 9

8th grade families, mark your calendars- it’s time to celebrate these wonderful students heading off to high school!  Monday, June 9th from 5:00 to 6:30, we invite you to join us for dinner and a celebration. Please RSVP to the office with the number attending for your student by Monday, June 2nd.

5th Grade Move Up & Welcome Adventure for New WVMS Elders, June 9

We will take our soon-to-be 6th graders and invite our new incoming middle school students to join us at Hollinshead Barn for a getting to know you day of fun and community building. We are excited to celebrate this group of students becoming Elders and welcome some new Elders too! Permission slips to come.

FREE Books and Lost and Found

We have a rack of FREE books out front.  Please take any books that your family would enjoy!

Also out front is the ever-growing Lost and Found.  Weather permitting, the lost and found will remain outside until the end of the year.  Come by any time and take a look!  We will be donating any items not claimed by June 12th.

Last Two Days of School Dismissal Times

Wednesday, June 11th will be a FULL school day; students will be dismissed at 3:35 pm. The last day of school, Thursday, June 12th, will be EARLY RELEASE; students will be dismissed at 2:05 pm.

Incredible Opportunities for Next Year

We are so excited for some upcoming Changes to the 2025-26 School Year!

Thank you to the families that filled out our Youth Truth Survey. It gave us some ideas to start our work towards school improvements!

We have been assigned a School District Counselor. This is exciting news for our team. We will have some extra support to provide direct and indirect services to students, families, and staff to support their academic, social, and emotional well-being. This will help our Westside Village Community navigate challenges.

Elders (middle school students) have some exciting opportunities next year! We are thrilled to partner with Caldera Art’s Youth Program which connects middle school students to mentors to “explore creativity, nature-immersed experiences, intensive community based experiences with guidance on how to harness their creativity.” Mentors will meet once a week starting in October. They will have the opportunity to go to camp on Blue Lake in Sisters. There they will experience “awe and wonder, applied creativity, dependability, safety, failure and resilience, self-reflection, intercultural connection,” and so much fun! You can find out more at caldera.org

More opportunities include:

Summer Lunch Options

Westside Village will be one of the sites for FREE Summer Student Meals!

News From Friends

Doors Open for Breakfast at 8:25

Students that are not enrolled in Before Care should not arrive at school before 8:25am.  Need to drop off before 8:25? Visit www.friendsofwestside.com to enroll! Thanks for your cooperation.

Important Dates

Click here for the full WVMS School Year Calendar.

Coast Trip, May 27-29

4th – 8th grade families: We are headed to the Oregon Coast May 27 – 29!

Coast Trip information/permission slip packets and VRB credit vouchers came home this week. The cost is $225 this year.  Those that worked VRB should deduct their credit amount from $225 to get the total owed.  Feel free to call the office if you have questions or if you need a scholarship.

Find all of the forms linked below, as well as a Chaperone Interest Form for those of you interested in joining us!  Three forms should be signed and returned: permission slip, medication letter (allows us to give emergency treatment and any over-the-counter medications that you approve) and the kayaking release form.

Coast Trip Letter and Packing List

Coast Trip Permission Slip – please sign and return

Coast Trip Medication Letter – please sign and return (EVEN IF YOUR STUDENT DOESN’T HAVE MEDS)

Beaver Creek Kayaking Release of Liability – please sign and return

Chaperone Interest Form

There will be a chaperone meeting Monday, May 12th at 5:30 in the library for all those interested in volunteering.

Incredible Opportunities for Next Year

We are so excited for some upcoming Changes to the 2025-26 School Year!

Thank you to the families that filled out our Youth Truth Survey. It gave us some ideas to start our work towards school improvements!

We have been assigned a School District Counselor. This is exciting news for our team. We will have some extra support to provide direct and indirect services to students, families, and staff to support their academic, social, and emotional well-being. This will help our Westside Village Community navigate challenges.

Elders (middle school students) have some exciting opportunities next year! We are thrilled to partner with Caldera’s Youth Program which connects middle school students to mentors to “explore creativity, nature-immersed experiences, intensive community based experiences with guidance on how to harness their creativity.” Mentors will meet once a week starting in October. They will have the opportunity to go to camp on Blue Lake in Sisters. There they will experience “awe and wonder, applied creativity, dependability, safety, failure and resilience, self-reflection, intercultural connection,” and so much fun! You can find out more at caldera.org

More opportunities include:

• Service Learning and Leadership Opportunities
• More Technology and Coding
• Higher Level Spanish Classes
• Continue High Quality Music Classes
• More Adventure and Environmental Science

MOD Pizza Fundraiser, May 21

Join us for some pizza on May 21st and support Friends of Westside Village! We are having a MOD Pizza Fundraiser at the 110 NW Sisemore St location. 25% of ALL DAY sales will be donated back to Friends of Westside Village (you must show flyer or tell them you’re with Friends of Westside Village)! Tell your friends, family and neighbors to mark their calendars for pizza on Wednesday, May 21st!

Meet The Author

Rosanne Parry, author of A Wolf Called Wander, will be visiting Westside Village on May 23rd! Books can be pre-ordered to be signed and delivered to school!

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

Session 6 Extended Care & Clubs started Monday, May 5

It’s time to sign up for Session 6 Extended Care & Clubs, which began Monday, May 5!

Visit www.friendsofwestside.com to sign up today.

Is Anyone a CPA or Know of One?

Friends of Westside Village, a non-profit 501(c)(3), desperately needs a CPA to do our taxes.  The person that we’ve used for years has retired and we’ve been unable to find someone that is willing to take on the (very easy) job.  Please consider helping us out if you or someone you know can!  Call or email Ms. Marcie in the office.

Doors Open for Breakfast at 8:25

Students that are not enrolled in Before Care should not arrive at school before 8:25am.  Need to drop off before 8:25? Visit www.friendsofwestside.com to enroll! Thanks for your cooperation.

Important Dates

Click here for the full WVMS School Year Calendar.

Family BBQ Lunch & Variety Show, May 1

Thursday, May 1st, families are invited to join their students for lunch and a Variety Show for our 5th Six Week Celebration from 12:00-2:00. Please bring your ID to sign in and arrive at 12:00 to allow time to sign in. Lunch will be served until 12:45.

Please RSVP so Ms. Kelly knows how much food to prepare. We will also pre print name badges for those that RSVP.

Price is $5.00 for adults and $3.50 for siblings. WVMS student meals will be free of charge, but any family attending will need to pay for their meal. Exact change (cash or check, no cards) is appreciated, or you can buy your meal in advance on our friendsofwestside.com site!

Variety Show:

The variety show will start around 12:45 ish. If you cannot make lunch and the show both, here is a draft of the show so that families can choose a time to visit.

All Centers will be performing a song and a dance!

Coast Trip Date Change

Attention 4th-8th grade families! The dates for the coast trip have changed. We are going to the coast Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29 (was previously Weds-Fri).

We will have a meeting and send more info home soon!

MOD Pizza Fundraiser, May 21

Join us for some pizza on May 21st and support Friends of Westside Village! We are having a MOD Pizza Fundraiser at the 110 NW Sisemore St location. 25% of ALL DAY sales will be donated back to Friends of Westside Village (you must show flyer or tell them you’re with Friends of Westside Village)! Tell your friends, family and neighbors to mark their calendars for pizza on Wednesday, May 21st!

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

Session 6 Extended Care & Clubs starts Monday, May 5

It’s time to sign up for Session 6 Extended Care & Clubs, which begins next Monday!

Visit www.friendsofwestside.com to sign up today.

Is Anyone a CPA or Know of One?

Friends of Westside Village, a non-profit 501(c)(3), desperately needs a CPA to do our taxes.  The person that we’ve used for years has retired and we’ve been unable to find someone that is willing to take on the (very easy) job.  Please consider helping us out if you or someone you know can!  Call or email Ms. Marcie in the office.

Doors Open for Breakfast at 8:25

Students that are not enrolled in Before Care should not arrive at school before 8:25am.  Need to drop off before 8:25? Visit www.friendsofwestside.com to enroll! Thanks for your cooperation.

Important Dates

Click here for the full WVMS School Year Calendar.

Village Rhythm and Bingo!

Thank you families! The students had so much fun and gained valuable work experience. We hope you had a great time if you attended. Thank you all for your support!

Congratulations to the winners of our student raffles at school!  Alice won a trip to Cuppa Yo for herself and two friends and Aden L won the alligator head (most interesting VRB donation ever)!

Coast Trip Date Change

Attention 4th-8th grade families! The dates for the coast trip have changed. We are going to the coast Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29 (was previously Weds-Fri).

We will be staying at Drift Creek Camp this year.  There is room for parents to stay there; we will have a meeting and send more info home soon!

Family BBQ Lunch & Variety Show, May 1

Thursday, May1st families are invited to join their students for lunch and a Variety Show for our 5th Six Week Celebration from 12:00-2:00. Please bring your ID to sign in and arrive at 12:00 to allow time to sign in. Lunch will be served until 12:45.

Please RSVP so Ms. Kelly knows how much food to prepare. We will also pre print name badges for those that RSVP.

Price is $5.00 for adults and $3.50 for siblings. WVMS student meals will be free of charge, but any family attending will need to pay for their meal. Exact change (cash or check, no cards) is appreciated, or you can buy your meal in advance on our friendsofwestside.com site!

Variety Show:

The variety show will start around 12:45 ish. If you cannot make lunch and the show both, here is a draft of the show so that families can choose a time to visit.

All Centers will be performing a song and a dance!

It will also include the following students: Alice, Vance, Sequoia, Phoebe, Amelie H, Leighland, Landrie, Jemma, Bentley, Bridger, Zach, Addi J, Zephyr, Simon, Ezra, Asa, Caroline, Roman, Logan, Memphis, Clain, Freyja, and the Ukes (Roman, Logan, Zephyr, Jude, Reese, Sequoia, Indigo, Quentin, Zepeda, Clain, Freyja, Brogan, Harry, Memphis, Liam C, Maddux, Nova, Luna, Darius)

SMILE! Spring Picture Day is April 29

Spring Picture Day is Tuesday, April 29th.  Picture forms have gone home and are also available in the office.  This is an optional picture day; only those that return their forms or order online BEFORE picture day will be photographed. 

We could use a couple parent volunteers to help with picture day!  It would be from 8:45-10:15. If you are interested, please email Ms. Marcie ([email protected]).  You will receive a voucher for a free photo package!

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

Is Anyone a CPA or Know of One?

Friends of Westside Village, a non-profit 501(c)(3), desperately needs a CPA to do our taxes.  The person that we’ve used for years has retired and we’ve been unable to find someone that is willing to take on the (very easy) job.  Please consider helping us out if you or someone you know can!  Call or email Ms. Marcie in the office.

Doors Open for Breakfast at 8:25

Students that are not enrolled in Before Care should not arrive at school before 8:25am.  Need to drop off before 8:25? Visit www.friendsofwestside.com to enroll! Thanks for your cooperation.

Important Dates

Click here for the full WVMS School Year Calendar.

Non School Day Camp Apr 16-18

There is NO SCHOOL April 16-18 for district conferences (Westside has already had conferences, but school is still closed these days).  Friends of Westside Village offers non school day camps at Westside Village.  Visit Bend Parks and Rec to sign up!  Westside Village Camp is Activity #106510.

VRB Tickets are On Sale!

What is VRB?

Our annual fundraiser, Village Rhythm and Bingo (VRB), is right around the corner! 

When: Thursday, April 24th, 5:30-8:30

Where: Unitarian Church*, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend

Who: All Westside families, plus your friends, family, neighbors!

Staff, students, volunteers, and Friends of Westside Village have been working hard to make this a memorable event with good food, a variety of beverages, dessert, raffle prizes and, of course, bingo! 

While this is an event for the adults, free babysitting at the school is included with ticket purchase and is a great time for the kids!  Babysitting begins at 5:00 at Westside Village and ends right after event, around 8:45.

Tickets are $45 each. Buy your ticket online at www.friendsofwestside.com or in the office with cash, check, or card. This is not a cash only event, however we strongly encourage people to bring cash if possible.

Supporter donations are always welcome if you would like to support the event but are unable to attend. Any amount is welcome for supporter donations and can be paid online or in the office. Visit this link to make a donation. Thank you!!

*Parking at UUFCO is limited and we ask that you park only in marked stalls to maintain the landscape and ensure emergency access. Please arrive early in case you need to access parking at RuffWear on Lolo Drive, or on Skyline Ranch Road or Skyliners Road.

Coast Trip Date Change

Attention 4th-8th grade families! The dates for the coast trip have changed. We are going to the coast Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29 (was previously Weds-Fri). More details to come; stay tuned!

SMILE! Spring Picture Day is April 29

Spring Picture Day is Tuesday, April 29th.  Picture forms will go home soon.  This is an optional picture day; only those that return their forms or order online BEFORE picture day will be photographed. 

Family BBQ Lunch & Variety Show, May 1

Thursday, May1st families are invited to join their students for lunch and a Variety Show for our 5th Six Week Celebration from 12:00-2:00. Please bring your ID to sign in and arrive at 12:00 to allow time to sign in. Lunch will not be served after 12:45/1:00.

Please RSVP so Ms. Kelly knows how much food to prepare. We will also pre print name badges for those that RSVP.

Price is $5.00 for adults and $3.50 for siblings. WVMS student meals will be free of charge, but any family attending will need to pay for their meal. Exact change (cash or check, no cards) is appreciated, or you can buy your meal in advance on our friendsofwestside.com site!

Variety Show:

All Centers will be performing a song and a dance!

It will also include the following students: Alice, Vance, Sequoia, Phoebe, Amelie H, Leighland, Landrie, Jemma, Bentley, Bridger, Zach, Addi J, Zephyr, Simon, Ezra, Asa, Caroline, Roman, Logan, Memphis, Clain, Freyja, and the Ukes (Roman, Logan, Zephyr, Jude, Reese, Sequoia, Indigo, Quentin, Zepeda, Clain, Freyja, Brogan, Harry, Memphis, Liam C, Maddux, Nova, Luna, Darius)

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

Is Anyone a CPA or Know of One?

Friends of Westside Village, a non-profit 501(c)(3), desperately needs a CPA to do our taxes.  The person that we’ve used for years has retired and we’ve been unable to find someone that is willing to take on the (very easy) job.  Please consider helping us out if you or someone you know can!  Call or email Ms. Marcie in the office.

Doors Open for Breakfast at 8:25

Students that are not enrolled in Before Care should not arrive at school before 8:25am.  Need to drop off before 8:25? Visit www.friendsofwestside.com to enroll! Thanks for your cooperation.

Join the VRB Donation Committee!

We need your help!  Looking for volunteers to help us gather donations for our annual FUNdraiser… Village Rhythm and Bingo!  Know of a business in town that would be willing to donate items or services?

What is VRB?

Westside Village Rhythm & Bingo is our only FUNdraiser of the year! An evening of live music, delicious food, BINGO, raffle prizes and more! The event is 21+, but a ticket comes with free babysitting at Westside Village and is super fun for the kids!

The event will be held this year on Thursday, April 24th, 2025 at the Unitarian Church. 

VRB is more than just a fundraiser. This event gives the older/elder kiddos an opportunity to apply for their jobs at the event, from kitchen/serving jobs to babysitting which gives them real life experience. 

It truly is such a fun event. Parent’s night out for a good cause!

If you can’t make it to our meetings but still want to be involved in some way, please text Ali at 541-505-0139 or email [email protected].

It truly takes a village to pull this event together. Thank you all in advance!

Important Dates

Click here for the full WVMS School Year Calendar.

Non School Day Camp Apr 16-18

There is NO SCHOOL April 16-18 for district conferences (Westside has already had conferences, but school is still closed these days).  Friends of Westside Village offers non school day camps at Westside Village.  Visit Bend Parks and Rec to sign up!  Westside Village Camp is Activity #106510.

VRB Tickets are On Sale!

What is VRB?

Our annual fundraiser, Village Rhythm and Bingo (VRB), is right around the corner! 

When: Thursday, April 24th, 5:30-8:30

Where: Unitarian Church, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend

Who: All Westside families, plus your friends, family, neighbors!

Staff, students, volunteers, and Friends of Westside Village have been working hard to make this a memorable event with good food, a variety of beverages, dessert, raffle prizes and, of course, bingo! 

While this is an event for the adults, free babysitting at the school is included with ticket purchase and is a great time for the kids!  Babysitting begins at 5:00 at Westside Village and ends right after event, around 8:45.

Tickets are $45 each. Buy your ticket online at www.friendsofwestside.com or in the office with cash, check, or card. This is not a cash only event, however we strongly encourage people to bring cash if possible.

Supporter donations are always welcome if you would like to support the event but are unable to attend. Any amount is welcome for supporter donations and can be paid online or in the office. Visit this link to make a donation. Thank you!!

SMILE! Spring Picture Day is April 29

Spring Picture Day is Tuesday, April 29th.  Picture forms will go home soon.  This is an optional picture day; only those that return their forms or order online BEFORE picture day will be photographed. 

Family BBQ Lunch & Variety Show, May 1

Thursday, May1st families are invited to join their students for lunch and a Variety Show for our 5th Six Week Celebration from 12:00-2:00. Please bring your ID to sign in and arrive at 12:00 to allow time to sign in. Lunch will not be served after 12:45/1:00.

Please RSVP so Ms. Kelly knows how much food to prepare. We will also pre print name badges for those that RSVP.

Price is $5.00 for adults and $3.50 for siblings. WVMS student meals will be free of charge, but any family attending will need to pay for their meal. Exact change (cash or check, no cards) is appreciated, or you can buy your meal in advance on our friendsofwestside.com site!

Cell Phone Policy Reminder

District wide, cell phone usage is limited this year. Please read the full policy here. Thanks for your support in helping us create the best possible learning environment. A couple key points from that policy:

Elementary/Middle School

Students are not permitted to have phones or wireless earbuds during the school day. Phones and other personal devices are to be turned off and stored in their lockers for the entire school day, from the morning bell to end-of-day dismissal.

Smartwatches

Many students wear watches that can access apps on their phone. Students are not permitted to use a smartwatch to access mobile apps or the internet, or to send and receive messages (text or call) during class periods. Elementary and middle school students are not permitted to use smartwatches for those purposes anytime during the school day.

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

Doors Open for Breakfast at 8:25

Students that are not enrolled in Before Care should not arrive at school before 8:25am.  Need to drop off before 8:25? Visit www.friendsofwestside.com to enroll! Thanks for your cooperation.

Join the VRB Donation Committee!

We need your help!  Looking for volunteers to help us gather donations for our annual FUNdraiser… Village Rhythm and Bingo!  Know of a business in town that would be willing to donate items or services?

What is VRB?

Westside Village Rhythm & Bingo is our only FUNdraiser of the year! An evening of live music, delicious food, BINGO, raffle prizes and more! The event is 21+, but a ticket comes with free babysitting at Westside Village and is super fun for the kids!

The event will be held this year on Thursday, April 24th, 2025 at the Unitarian Church. 

VRB is more than just a fundraiser. This event gives the older/elder kiddos an opportunity to apply for their jobs at the event, from kitchen/serving jobs to babysitting which gives them real life experience. 

It truly is such a fun event. Parent’s night out for a good cause!

If you can’t make it to our meetings but still want to be involved in some way, please text Ali at 541-505-0139 or email [email protected].

It truly takes a village to pull this event together. Thank you all in advance!

Important Dates

Click here for the full WVMS School Year Calendar.

8th Grade Play: School of Rock!

We are so proud of our Elder Play kids!  They performed for 150 students from Highland Magnet School today and they were amazing!  We are so excited for tomorrow; they will perform for students from North Star and RPA during the day and tomorrow night for all of YOU!

Students in the Play are invited to stay after school and a wonderful parent is providing pizza for them.  Thanks Kasey!!  

Show will start promptly at 6:00 tomorrow night; please plan to arrive between 5:30 and 5:45.  There is a suggested donation of $15 per person at the door for ages 12 and up; 11 and under are free.  We will be selling popcorn for $1 a bag.  Cash is preferred, but we will have a QR code available as well.  Your donations go directly to our wonderful drama and music programs here at Westside Village!

Come one, come all!  We look forward to seeing you!

Cross Country Ski Fun!

There’s plenty of snow out there- if your family would like to borrow some ski gear, let us know!

NO SCHOOL Mar 24-28 for Spring Break

For many, Spring Break is a time for rest and a little adventure. It can also come with stress and challenges. It’s important to stay mindful and take care of ourselves. Here are some helpful tips for a more stress-free spring break.

Track & Field Starts Mar 31

Track season runs from 3/31 to the week of 5/12-5/16. Our practice days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Monday is here at school and ends at 4:45 (pick up at Westside). Tuesday and Thursday we practice at Bend High until 4:00. Kids will be taken by bus to Bend High at 2:30 and they need to be picked up from Bend High at 4:00. Cost is $100 per athlete. Regular Westside scholarships can be used for track as well! Reminder that 5th graders are allowed to participate in practice but may not compete in meets.

Cell Phone Policy Reminder

District wide, cell phone usage is limited this year. Please read the full policy here. Thanks for your support in helping us create the best possible learning environment. A couple key points from that policy:

Elementary/Middle School

Students are not permitted to have phones or wireless earbuds during the school day. Phones and other personal devices are to be turned off and stored in their lockers for the entire school day, from the morning bell to end-of-day dismissal.

Smartwatches

Many students wear watches that can access apps on their phone. Students are not permitted to use a smartwatch to access mobile apps or the internet, or to send and receive messages (text or call) during class periods. Elementary and middle school students are not permitted to use smartwatches for those purposes anytime during the school day.

Village Rhythm and Bingo

VRB Donation Committee Unite!

We need your help!  Looking for volunteers to help us gather donations for our 21st Annual FUNdraiser… Village Rhythm and Bingo! 

What is VRB?

Westside Village Rhythm & Bingo is our only FUNdraiser of the year! An evening of live music, delicious food, BINGO, raffle prizes and more! 

The event will be held this year on April 24th, 2025 at the Unitarian Church. 

VRB is more than just a fundraiser. This event gives the older/elder kiddos an opportunity to apply for their jobs at the event, from kitchen/serving jobs to babysitting which gives them real life experience. 

It truly is such a fun event. Parent’s night out for a good cause!

If you can’t make it to the meetings but still want to be involved in some way, please text Ali at 541-505-0139 or email [email protected].

It truly takes a village to pull this event together. Thank you all in advance!

Choice Options Lottery Closes Friday, Mar 21

Visit this link for more information. If you know of any families that would be a good fit, send them our way! 

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

The lottery for 1st-12th grade has closed, but applications are still being accepted. The lottery for Kindergarten will close on March 21st.

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

Village Council Meeting, April 2

Please join us to come together and talk about planning and organizing a fantastic and educational spring for our students. We need volunteers for our FUNraiser, a trip to the High Desert, library, garden, clubs, track, and more! 

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

Session 5 Clubs

Session 5 Care and Clubs started Monday. Sign ups will close this Friday, March 21, so be sure to secure your spot. Visit www.friendsofwestside.com to sign up today.

Important Update: Morning Extended Care Enrollment is Required

A quick reminder: Breakfast is served for students not enrolled in Extended Care at 8:25 AM, and the school day begins at 8:35 AM. Non extended care students may arrive at 8:25 only if they are eating breakfast, otherwise please drop off at 8:35. Students that ride the bus are automatically enrolled in our extended care program. 

We are so grateful for the community and support that make our Extended Care program such a valuable resource for Westside families. Lately, however, we’ve noticed a significant increase in the number of students attending Morning Extended Care—nearly double the number we have enrolled. While we love seeing so many of our students start their mornings with us, this unexpected growth has created a safety concern, and we need to make a change.

Starting immediately, we will be implementing an enrollment list at the door for Morning Extended Care. Only students who are officially enrolled will be allowed to attend. If your child uses Morning Extended Care, please take a moment to sign them up at www.friendsofwestside.com so we can staff the program appropriately and ensure a safe and smooth start to the day for all students.

Did you know? You can sign up for mornings only if that’s what your family needs! If your student joins us in the mornings but not in the afternoons, please enroll for just the mornings—it helps us plan and provide the best care possible.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to keep this program safe and well-staffed. We appreciate 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!