Author Archives: Marcie Gibson

Hello Westside Village Families!
Here are a few things to look out for this week:

Family BBQ Lunch & 5th Six Week Celebration, Thurs, May 9th

Families are invited to join us for a BBQ lunch on Thursday, May 9th from 12:00-2:00. WVMS students’ meals will be free, but adults and siblings will need to pay for their meals with cash or card.  Exact change is appreciated!  Adult Meal: $4.75, Kids Meal: $3.50. If you’d like to round up to make it easy, the change will go directly to Friends of Westside Village!

Want to skip the long line at sign-in? RSVP to [email protected] and we’ll print your badge for you!

**Please note: All adults MUST sign in with their ID in order to have lunch.  No exceptions.**

Whychus Creek Restoration Adventure (Elders in the Play)

We have an exciting opportunity for all students to do some river restoration! We are so grateful for our partnership with the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council to organize a few projects on various water sources in our area. We will be taking a total of 3 trips over the next month. Our next trip is Friday, May 10th. We will be taking the Elders that are involved in the Play to Creekside Park in Sisters to help with riparian planting, pulling invasive weeds, and cleaning up trash near Whychus Creek. We will continue to learn about healthy watersheds and what it means to be a steward of the river. Permission slip coming home tomorrow and is attached here.

May Before and After Care

Register for May Before and After care at www.friendsofwestside.com. Cost for May Before and After Care is $264 and $88 for before school only. As usual, we offer a $60 discount towards a club with your purchase of May before and after care. If you are on a scholarship, please reach out to Ms. Lovely for your May discount code (541) 419-8478.

Session 6 Clubs is Open!

Session 6 Clubs began this week. It’s not too late to sign up! We are keeping most of our same clubs from session 5 and are also adding some fun new ones to the mix. We are excited to offer a Honey Bee club and a Disc Sports club! Register for clubs at www.friendsofwestside.com/programs. Clubs will run from May 6 – June 14.

WVMS Night at Mountain Burger, May 22nd

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 22nd!  Plan to have dinner at Mountain Burger and earn money for our school!  Mountain Burger has agreed to give 10% of sales ALL DAY on May 22nd back to Friends of Westside Village! Can’t wait to see you there!

Coast Trip (4th-8th Graders) May 29th-31st

Our traditional celebratory beach trip to Newport, Oregon for our Olders and Elders is fast approaching! We have done this trip for 20 years and it has always been a memory children hold onto forever. Staff and students are so excited for this adventurous tradition! Look for information coming home tomorrow!

Donation Request: Shoe Boxes & Scooters

Anyone have shoe boxes or old razor scooters that they don’t need? We’ll take them! Drop off in the office. Thank you!

Hello Westside Village Families!
Here are a few things to look out for this week:

Thank You for a Fabulous Evening of Bingo Fun!

Wow, what an incredible outpouring of support last week for VRB. We had some outstanding student workers at the event and at babysitting! This event would not be the same without our incredible students. A huge thank you to our staff and volunteers who make this event possible. The food, drinks, dessert, prizes, decorations, venue and countless other details! Thank you! Most of all, thank you to our community for attending the event and helping us raise money for adventures, arts and scholarships. 

All students that worked at the event have logged their hours and will receive a credit towards the cost of their beach trip. Credits will be calculated based on the number of hours they worked as well as a few bonuses we have to offer for certain students that went the extra mile.

SMILE! Spring Picture Day is Tomorrow, April 30th

Spring Picture Day is tomorrow, April 30th.  This is an optional picture day; only those that return their forms or order online BEFORE picture day will be photographed.  Order HERE or return the picture order form with cash or check at drop off tomorrow.

Whychus Creek Restoration Adventure C/Y

We have an exciting opportunity for all students to do some river restoration! We are so grateful for our partnership with the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council to organize a few projects on various water sources in our area. We will be taking a total of 3 trips over the next month. Our first trip is this Wednesday, May 1st. We will be taking Centers and Youngers to Creekside Park in Sisters to help with riparian planting, pulling invasive weeds, and cleaning up trash near Whychus Creek. We will continue to learn about healthy watersheds and what it means to be a steward of the river.

Permission slips came home last Friday and are available here as well.

It’s Time to Sign Up for Session 6 Clubs

Believe it or not it is time to register for the last session of clubs for the school year! We are keeping most of our same clubs from session 5 and are also adding some fun new ones to the mix. We are excited to offer a Honey Bee club and a disc sports club! Register for clubs at www.friendsofwestside.com/programs. Clubs will run from May 6 – June 14.

May Before and After Care

Register for May Before and After care at www.friendsofwestside.com. Cost for May Before and After Care is $264 and $88 for before school only. As usual, we offer a $60 discount towards a club with your purchase of May before and after care. If you are on a scholarship, please reach out to Ms. Lovely for your May discount code (541) 419-8478.

Family BBQ Lunch & 5th Six Week Celebration, May 9th

Families are invited to join us for a BBQ lunch on Thursday, May 9th from 12:00-2:00. WVMS students’ meals will be free, but adults and siblings will need to pay for their meals with cash.  Exact change is appreciated!  Adult Meal: $4.75, Kids Meal: $3.50. 

**Please note: All adults MUST sign in with their ID in order to have lunch.  No exceptions.**

May 9th SafetyNet Family Night

Join us for a free dinner and internet safety training for parents and caregivers of students grades 4th-10th.  The training will cover strategies for staying safe online, social media threats, cyberbullying and more.  Childcare is an option for children ages 3 – 12 with advanced registration. 

Please register using this link. We look forward to hosting our community of caregivers and learning about this important topic!

WVMS Night at Mountain Burger, May 22nd

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 22nd!  Plan to have dinner at Mountain Burger and earn money for our school!  Tell your friends, family, neighbors!  Mountain Burger has agreed to give 10% of ALL sales on May 22nd back to Friends of Westside Village! Can’t wait to see you there!

Bend-La Pine Schools 2024 Levy

Learn about the Bend-La Pine Schools 2024 Proposed Learning Levy here.

Hello Westside Village Families!
Here are a few things to look out for this week:

Congrats to Sage and Will for your VIBRANT artwork being chosen to represent VRB this year!

Sage’s artwork was used for our poster (above) and Will’s was used for the thumbnail for ticket purchases on the website (below). Congrats, guys! Nice work!

VRB is this Thursday! Get Your Tickets!

This year we are selling VRB tickets online at www.friendsofwestside.com. Tickets are $45.  Your ticket includes dinner, dessert, two drinks, and babysitting at Westside for the kids! 

Bingo cards, games, raffle tickets and additional drinks can be purchased at the event. What can you win?? Here’s a sneak peak!

Gift cards to places like Ariana, El Sancho, Bosa, 900 Wall, Toomie’s, Cosmic Depot, Patagonia, Brother Jon’s, Dear Mom Cafe + SO many more!

A Spa Package including massages from The NOW Spa & Desert Lotus, a pedicure from Crescent Nails and a 10 Classpack of Yoga from Namaspa + more!

2 Seats on the Big Eddy, Wheel Fun Rentals, Wanderlust Tours and Blackstrap Gear!

A 3 Month Family (non tennis) Membership to the Athletic Club of Bend!

An Electric Bike from Bend Electric Bikes!

An Electric Guitar signed by Michael Franti + $200 towards concert tickets from Hayden Homes Amphitheater!

The funds earned from this fundraiser make so many programs possible: before and after care, after school clubs, our artists in residence, wonderful adventures, field trips, drama, music, ceramics, and more. The support also helps extend academics and creates extra science and art, exploratories, and scholarships. In addition, these funds help us beautify and maintain our garden, grounds, and building!

If you can’t make the event or grandma lives out of town and wants to support the fundraiser, you can buy a supporter ticket and the funds go directly to our school! Use the QR code below for supporter tickets. Any amount is appreciated!!

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.

Hello Westside Village Families!
Here are a few things to look out for this week:

Get Your VRB Tickets!

This year we are selling VRB tickets online at https://friendsofwestside.com/wvms-events/. Tickets are $45.  Your ticket includes dinner, dessert, two drinks, and babysitting at Westside for the kids!  Bingo cards, raffle tickets and additional drinks can be purchased at the event.

This fundraiser teaches our Olders and Elders about work ethic by allowing them to participate during the event by serving, hosting, selling tickets, babysitting, and more. Older and Elder students will need to fill out a job application, create a resume, write a cover letter and interview for the job(s). Staff will support students in this process. “Funds earned” will go towards your student’s annual coast trip cost. Applications and resumes are due April 5th and interviews will be on April 8th and 9th.  The coast trip is May 29-31.

What is VRB?

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

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. This is not a cash only event, however we strongly encourage people to bring cash if possible. Buy your ticket online at www.friendsofwestside.com or in the office.

Please note, there are a handful of gifted tickets available at the office if the cost of the event is a barrier for your family. In addition, there are supporter tickets available if you would like to support the event and are unable to attend. Any amount is welcome for supporter donations and can be paid online or in the office.

We are really looking forward to bringing our community together for some fun. A big thank you to everyone that helps make this event possible, and to our amazing Westside Community.

VRB Jobs Offer Letters will be coming home this week!

Get a Blue Bag and Save Your Cans!

Did you know there is a super easy way to support Friends of Westside Village and our school?  Ask for a blue bag in the office and we’ll give you a bag to save your refundable cans and bottles in!  You can return the bag directly to any Bottle Drop Redemption Center or bring it to the school and we’ll do it for you!

SMILE! Spring Picture Day is April 30th

Spring Picture Day is Tuesday, April 30th.  Picture forms will go home soon.  Only those that return their forms or order online BEFORE picture day will be photographed. Find picture day and ordering information HERE.

Family BBQ Lunch & 5th Six Week Celebration, May 9th

Families are invited to join us for our 5th Six Week Celebration, which is a BBQ lunch on Thursday, May 9th from 12:00-2:00. WVMS students’ meals will be free, but adults and siblings will need to pay for their meals with cash.  Exact change is appreciated!  Adult Meal: $4.75, Kids Meal: $3.50.

**Please note: All adults MUST sign in with their ID in order to join**

Safety Net Family Night @ WVMS, May 9th

Families of 4th – 10th graders: Join us for a free dinner and internet safety training for parents and other caregivers of students grades 4-10 on Thursday, May 9th from 5:30-8:00 at Westside Village.  Find more information and REGISTER HERE.

2024 Proposed Learning Levy

Learn about the Bend-La Pine Schools 2024 Proposed Learning Levy here.

Check Out What’s Happening in the Garden!

HUGE thank you to parent volunteer Mandy Weston, facilitator Patrick Bluhm and former student Charlie Cooper (among others) for the amazing things that are happening in our garden!! Check it out as you walk or drive by. Very exciting!!

2023-24 Oregon Statewide Tests (OSAS)

State testing will begin next week. Please make sure your student shows up to school well rested and with a charged iPad!

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 23-24
OSAS Annual Notice and Opt-Out Form español 23-24

Please note that if you opt your student out, they will be given alternative assignments, reading and research, or math problem solving. Also, please note that there is no option to opt out of science.

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

Naglieri Test

Every year, the Bend La Pine School District administers the Naglieri Test to all 2nd grade students as well as 3rd – 5th grade students new to the district. The Naglieri Nonverbal Test of Ability is a brief, nonverbal measure of general ability.

Hello Westside Village Families!
Here are a few things to look out for this week:

Happy Eclipse Day!

Our students and staff enjoyed the eclipse safely this morning. Thank you to Ms. Lovely and the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory for the glasses!

VRB Tickets are on Sale Now!

This year we are selling VRB tickets online at www.friendsofwestside.com. Tickets are $45.  Your ticket includes dinner, dessert, two drinks, and babysitting at Westside for the kids!  Bingo cards, raffle tickets and additional drinks can be purchased at the event.

This fundraiser teaches our Olders and Elders about work ethic by allowing them to participate during the event by serving, hosting, selling tickets, babysitting, and more. Older and Elder students will need to fill out a job application, create a resume, write a cover letter and interview for the job(s). Staff will support students in this process. “Funds earned” will go towards your student’s annual coast trip cost. Applications and resumes are due April 5th and interviews will be on April 8th and 9th.  The coast trip is May 29-31.

What is VRB?

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

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. This is not a cash only event, however we strongly encourage people to bring cash if possible. Buy your ticket online at www.friendsofwestside.com or in the office.

Please note, there are a handful of gifted tickets available at the office if the cost of the event is a barrier for your family. In addition, there are supporter tickets available if you would like to support the event and are unable to attend. Any amount is welcome for supporter donations and can be paid online or in the office.

We are really looking forward to bringing our community together for some fun. A big thank you to everyone that helps make this event possible, and to our amazing Westside Community.

Non School Day Camp Apr 10-12

There is NO SCHOOL April 10-12 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.

Have Storage Space?

Dear Families and Friends, 

Our 8th grade play is going to be performed at Westside this year.  We are in need of storage of 3 large leather couches from around April 15th until June 17.  We can deliver and pick up. 

 Please contact Lovely if you can help us out.  541-419-8478   [email protected]

Get a Blue Bag and Save Your Cans!

Did you know there is a super easy way to support Friends of Westside Village and our school?  Ask for a blue bag in the office and we’ll give you a bag to save your refundable cans and bottles in!  You can return the bag directly to any Bottle Drop Redemption Center or bring it to the school and we’ll do it for you!

SMILE! Spring Picture Day is April 30th

Spring Picture Day is Tuesday, April 30th.  Picture forms will go home soon.  Only those that return their forms or order online BEFORE picture day will be photographed.

Fitness Donations

Do you have a scooter that your family is not using anymore? We would love to add more scooters to our fitness choices!

Hello Westside Village Families!
Here are a few things to look out for this week:

VRB Tickets Go on Sale Wednesday, Apr 3rd

We had an exciting meeting with the Olders and Elders on Monday to kick off our VRB ticket sales. This year we are selling tickets online at www.friendsofwestside.com (starting April 3rd). Tickets are $45.  Your ticket includes dinner, dessert, two drinks, and babysitting at Westside for the kids!  Bingo cards, raffle tickets and additional drinks can be purchased at the event.

This fundraiser teaches our Olders and Elders about work ethic by allowing them to participate during the event by serving, hosting, selling tickets, babysitting, and more. Older and Elder (4th – 8th grade) students will need to fill out a job application, create a resume, write a cover letter and interview for the job(s). Staff will support students in this process. “Funds earned” will go towards your student’s annual coast trip cost. Applications and resumes are due April 5th and interviews will be on April 8th and 9th.  The coast trip is May 29-31.

What is VRB?

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

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. This is not a cash only event, however we strongly encourage people to bring cash if possible. Buy your ticket online at www.friendsofwestside.com or in the office.

Please note, there are a handful of gifted tickets available if the cost of the event is a barrier for your family. In addition, there are supporter tickets available if you would like to support the event and are unable to attend. Any amount is welcome for supporter donations and can be paid online or in the office.

We are really looking forward to bringing our community together for some fun. A big thank you to everyone that helps make this event possible, and to our amazing Westside Community.

Sign Up for April Before & After Care

Please visit www.friendsofwestside.com to sign up for April Before & After Care.

NO SCHOOL April 10-12

There is NO SCHOOL April 10-12 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.

Get a Blue Bag & Save Your Cans!

Did you know there is a super easy way to support Friends of Westside Village and our school?  Ask for a blue bag in the office and we’ll give you a bag to save your refundable cans and bottles in!  You can return the bag directly to any Bottle Drop Redemption Center or bring it to the school and we’ll do it for you!

SMILE! Spring Picture Day is April 30th

Spring Picture Day is Tuesday, April 30th.  Picture forms will go home soon.  Only those that return their forms or order online BEFORE picture day will be photographed.

Fitness Donations

Do you have a scooter that your family is not using anymore? We would love to add more scooters to our fitness choices!

Hello Westside Village Families!
Here are a few things to look out for this week:

Our Six-Week Celebration is Thursday, March 21

Join us for a very casual six week celebration before we head off to a well-deserved spring break. It will be Thursday, the 21st from 4:00pm-6:00pm. There will be a couple of sweet performances and an opportunity to make sure your student’s cubby is nice and clean.

Session 5 Clubs Are Underway!

Please visit www.friendsofwestside.com to sign up for Session 5 Clubs!

Choice Options Lottery for Kindergarten Closes Mar 22nd

The Choice Options Lottery for Kindergarten closes Friday, March 22, 2024.  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. New This Year: 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 2024-2025 school year opens on January 2.

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

Resources for Spring Break

The countdown to spring break is on and for many, it’s a time for rest and a little adventure. It also comes 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.

Non School Day Camp Mar 25-29, Apr 10-12

There is NO SCHOOL March 25-29 for Spring Break and April 10-12 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.  You can sign up for the week or for individual days.  Visit Bend Parks and Rec to sign up!  Westside Village Camp is Activity #106510.

Unclaimed Lost & Found Will be Donated over Spring Break

Please come check the Lost and Found this week!  We will try to have it out at drop off and pick up this week.  Any items left unclaimed on Friday will be donated to a local charity.

Hello Westside Village Families!
Here are a few things to look out for this week:

Track & Field Meets

Winter Adventures Begin This Week!

We will be taking the students up to Virginia Meissner for Cross Country skiing this week and next!  Permission slips went home last week, or find them attached below, along with a list of groups to find out which days your student is going.  Some students have chosen to go with a different research group; they should know who they are and are also listed on the above lists.  Feel free to call the office if you have questions.

We provide all of the ski gear needed, but please watch the weather and make sure your student is dressed appropriately; layers are good! 

*Please note that volunteers will need to provide their own gear, and if you plan to be on the trail, you will need to be on skis (no snowshoes or regular shoes). Mountain Supply is a great place to rent ski gear if you need it! If you do not want to ski, you can volunteer to hang in the hut at the top.

3/12 & 3/18 Winter Adventures/XC Skiing Field Trip (Centers/Youngers, Group I)

3/12 & 3/18 Winter Adventures/XC Skiing Field Trip (Olders/Elders, Group I)

3/14 & 3/19 Winter Adventures/XC Skiing Field Trip (Centers/Youngers, Group S)

3/14 & 3/19 Winter Adventures/XC Skiing Field Trip (Olders/Elders, Group S)

3/15 & 3/22 Winter Adventures/XC Skiing Field Trip (Centers/Youngers, Group H)

3/15 & 3/22 Winter Adventures/XC Skiing Field Trip (Olders/Elders, Group H)

Calling Volunteers for XC Skiing & Garden Help!

Spring is getting closer which means beautiful sunny ski days at Virginia Meissner and lots of time in the garden. If you are looking for ways to connect with our community please sign up here.

*Please note that volunteers for skiing will need to provide their own gear, and if you plan to be on the trail, you will need to be on skis (no snowshoes or regular shoes). Mountain Supply is a great place to rent ski gear if you need it! If you do not want to ski, you can volunteer to hang in the hut at the top.

WVMS Information Sessions March 13th & 14th

The Choice Options Lottery is open for Kindergarten until March 22, 2024.  Visit this link for more information. If you know of any families that would be a good fit, send them our way! We will be hosting tours and info sessions on Weds, March 13th @ 1:30pm and Thurs, March 14th @ 5:15pm. 

Remember that all incoming siblings of Westside students MUST complete an application.  Current Westside Village students do not need to re-apply. New This Year: 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 2024-2025 school year opens on January 2.

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

Sign up for March Care, Clubs, & Track

Please visit www.friendsofwestside.com to sign up for March Before & After Care, Session 5 Clubs and Track and Field!  Session 5 Clubs begin March 18th.

Non School Day Camp Mar 25-29, Apr 10-12

There is NO SCHOOL March 25-29 for Spring Break and April 10-12 for District Conferences (Westside has already had conferences, but school is still closed these days for ALL Westside students, K-8).  Friends of Westside Village offers non school day camps at Westside Village.  You can sign up for the week or for individual days.  Visit Bend Parks and Rec to sign up!  Westside Village Camp is Activity #106510.

Well Wired: Healthy Tech Talk @ Amity Creek – You’re Invited!

Join us Tuesday, 3/19 6:00-7:30pm at Amity Creek Elementary School for a 1 1/2-hour Healthy Tech Talk with Well Wired, Central Oregon’s new healthy tech advocacy group and family community. Led by parents Ami Formica and Brooke Mues, Well Wired promotes early dialogue with families about healthy tech choices and delaying smartphones and social media until after middle school. We will discuss important data around screens, smartphones, and social media; share about healthy-tech alternatives; and engage our participants in conversations about their own tech use and how they envision healthy, balanced tech for their kids in the future. We also provide opportunities to network with families who have the same questions: When do I give my child a smartphone and access to social media? What are the effects of addictive tech on my child and my family? Well Wired is dedicated to improving our children’s lives and strengthening support for parents in Bend by offering community, discussion, and support around these complicated issues. Elementary-aged kids are welcome and encouraged to attend. Kids will be included in parts of the discussion and also offered an activity.

Sign-up required for this free school event: SIGN-UP HERE

Train Your Brain

The Center will be presenting the Train Your Brain injury prevention program to our 3^rd graders on April 2^nd. A letter is coming home this week; please return to the office, indicating whether or not you would like your child to receive a FREE HELMET. Please return the forms no later than Wednesday, March 20th.