Thanks to those who were able to attend last Wednesday's PTA general meeting, we now have a duly elected PTA Board and budget for the remainder of the year! I can't say it was a large crowd - maybe 40 - but we did run through an overview of upcoming events in the next couple of months. It's a packed
schedule, so please keep checking the Westland website for the latest news and updates.

Principal Danny Vogelman reviewed the State of the School, noting particularly the leadership team's focus on staff development this year. Westland students' MSA test scores continue to improve overall, and even more encouraging, the gap between our African American and Hispanic students' scores and our White and Asian students' scores continues to
narrow. Rachel Johns spoke about the goals and objectives of Westland's IB program, Jessica Nachman gave an overview of the Counseling Dept. and the resources it offers our students, and Ben Costa gave an overview of Westland's vibrant after school program.

The PTA's annual magazine sale begins Wednesday so look for the packet your child will be bringing home. Or better yet, skip the packet and go straight on-line!

Just log on to www.qsp.com. If you are a new user, click on "Register Now" and follow the instructions. If you ordered on-line last year, click on "Log into Your Account" and update your child's grade & STAR teacher info. Westland's ID is 425003290.

Westland receives 40% of all purchases and we use those funds to support a variety of programs, including cultural arts, enrichment activities, scholarship support, and staff projects. As an added bonus, the prices are very reasonable - way better than newsstand. 

Tthis year's magazine sale chairperson is Amy Nadel. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Amy at amy.nadel@verizon.net.

October is Hispanic Heritage month, and one of the ways Westland is celebrating is by throwing a party! We're joining together with our feeder school, Rock Creek Forest ES, for a potluck dinner that will also
feature artwork and performances by Westland & RCFES students. The event is
scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 14 from 6:30-8:00pm at RCF. All Westland families are welcome - please bring a dish and plan to come!

If you can help with planning the event, please contact Westland administrator Shelia Harrison. She is coordinating the efforts of Westland staff and parents!  Muchas gracias!

Been putting off that long-overdue closet cleaning because you just didn't know what to do with the stuff you don't need/doesn't fit/never wanted in the first place???  Delay no more! Sort it out, put it in bags, and donate everything to Westland's Second Time 'Round Sale. We're looking for donations of adult & children's clothing, shoes, sports equipment, and costume jewelry. No books or furniture please - we just can't store it! Drop off your stuff anytime at Westland's front office. The sale will take place on Saturday, Oct. 23rd from 8:00am-4:00pm, so mark your calendars now and plan to come shop for treasures to restock your newly empty closets! Questions, or to volunteer, please contact Alysa Emden.