We are now into our last month of school! There is still so much to teach and learn, but our students and staff are up to the task! Join Superintendent Martinez for another Virtual Town Hall today (Tuesday) at 3:00pm.The focus will be on sharing information specific to students who receive Special Education Services, information about Graduation Ceremonies and end of the year activities, information about continuing community resources, and to begin the conversation about a potential re-entry plan and things to consider as we plan for the future. At Westwood, we are in the midst of working with district leaders and teachers to finalize end-of-year logistics, as well as brainstorming creative ways to virtually celebrate our students as they finish up the school year, and another milestone. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.

This is an exciting week as we take time to express gratitude for our incredible Westwood staff members through various Staff Appreciation Week activities. I encourage you to take this opportunity to find a way to thank a staff member who has made a positive impact on your child:

• Send a thank you email. You can access staff emails through our website: https://westwood.mdusd.org/staff.
• Add a note of appreciation to our teachers on the large poster in front of the school. Teachers will be gathering on Friday in preparation for our next spirit parade and will have the opportunity to read your notes!
• Share a picture/story on social media highlighting an example of a staff member's hard work, care, and dedication: Instagram: mdusd_wildcats; Facebook: @westwoodelementaryschool; Twitter: @MDUSD_Wildcats
• Work with other families to plan a special show of appreciation during one this week's Zoom sessions.
• Drop off a little something at the office on Wednesday or Friday from 8-2, and I will deliver it to the designated staff member.
• Join us for this week's Spirit Parade, starting at 2:30 on Friday - wear your spirit wear and create a special sign for your child's teacher!

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't also acknowledge the parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. who have become de facto teachers, assistants, principals, etc. during the course of the school closure. Thank you for everything you are doing to continue to support the continued education of our Wildcats!

Although what school will look like in August is still unknown at this time, we are still moving forward with our planning for the 2020-2021 school year. In preparation, we are asking our Kindergarten-4th grade families to complete the following survey. Please take a minute (or less) to take the survey. We have extended the deadline to ensure we gather as many responses as possible - please spread the word (and the link). Responses are due by Sunday, May 10th! Our goal is to get 100% responses from our current Kindergarten through 4th grade families to help in planning for next school year. You can access the survey by clicking on the following links (it takes less than one minute to complete): English, Spanish. Unfortunately, we are expecting to lose two general education classroom teachers, Mrs. Starick and Mrs. Mirner due to expected decreased enrollment. The information you provide in the survey may help us save positions! If you know of any new neighborhood families who have yet to register for the 2020-2021 school year, please encourage them to submit an enrollment application online as soon as possible. You can access the online enrollment link here. Thank you in advance!

Chromebooks are now distributed by appointment only. Please contact Mrs. Klinkner directly via email (klinknern@mdusd.org) or text message (text @westwoodel to 81010 to join our Remind group) if you are in need of a Chromebook.

Food Resources in Contra Costa County for many of our families, food insecurity is an overwhelming reality. Below is a list of food resources and tools for finding food in our surrounding community.

MDUSD Meal Distribution

Food Distribution Map

Contra Costa and Solano County Food Bank

Monument Crisis Food Distribution or https://www.monumentcrisiscenter.org/

Contra Costa County Emergency Food Services

Trinity Center

Westwood Elementary, established in 1958, is a K-5 public school in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, with an enrollment of 300 students. In addition to our 11 General Education classrooms, we also host 3 classes for students enrolled in our Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing program, and 2 classes for students with moderate/severe disabilities. We are a diverse and caring community, with a dedicated staff and amazing students!

Email: klinknern@mdusd.org
Website: westwood.mdusd.org
Location: 1748 West Street, Concord, CA, USA
Phone: 925-685-4202
Facebook: facebook.com/WestwoodElementarySchool
Twitter: @MDUSD_Wildcats