Welcome Back!

Dear West School Families,

It's hard to believe that summer is coming to a close and the first day of school, Monday, August 30th, is fast approaching! As you enjoy these last summer days, we wanted to share some important back-to-school information with you. Below are several upcoming events and school details. Be sure to check the PTC website for more updates.

It has been an eventful July and August at West School! We are thrilled to announce that the interior courtyard housing our Outdoor Learning Center (or, "the OLC") is almost complete! In addition to the outdoor classroom, the OLC has a large performance stage, reading circle, greenhouse, beautiful landscaping and a walking labyrinth featuring a custom sculpture created by renowned artist and West School parent, Paul Balmer. We are excited to share a few progress photos below, and cannot wait to unveil the finished OLC when school begins. We look forward to the students and teachers learning outdoors in this special space for years to come, and are so grateful to all of the generous families who helped make this vision a reality at our school.

Are you looking to get more involved at West this year? Would you like to be a Classroom Coordinator for your child's class? Please let us know ASAP by completing the PTC Volunteer Interest Form.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. We are thankful to be part of this incredible community, and look forward to another wonderful year at West!

PTC Co-Presidents,
Lauren Erickson
Meghan Gould
August 23rd, 10:00-10:45am 
New to West orientation for families with students in grades 1-4 who are NEW to
New Canaan and/or West School.

August 25th, 10:15-10:45am
Outdoor "Meet and Greet with Teachers" for students in grades 1-4.

August 26th, 4-6pm
Kindergarten Bike Rodeo, West School back playground

August 30th
First Day of School for students in grades 1-4

"Meet and Greet with Teachers" for Kindergarteners. K students will receive a separate e-mail with an assigned time from Principal Jan Murphy.

September 3rd
Back to School Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
Click here to donate!

September 6th
Labor Day (no school)

September 7th
Rosh Hashanah (no school)

September 21th, 9:30am
Welcome Back PTC Coffee and West School Directory Distribution 
Don't miss the opportunity to get a first look at our brand new Outdoor Leaning Center. Come hear opening remarks by Superintendent Dr. Bryan Luizzi, sign up for volunteer opportunities, catch up with old friends and make some new ones! Click here to join the PTC now.

September 23rd, 6:30pm
Virtual Open House - Grades K, 1, and 2

September 24th, 5:00pm
Fall Family Fun Night
See below for more info, purchase tickets here.

September 28th, 6:30pm
Virtual Open House - Grades 3 and 4
TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
Click here to donate an individually boxed lunch from Walter Stewarts to provide a warm welcome back to school for our incredible West teachers and staff! (Cost per lunch: $20)
KINDERGARTEN BIKE RODEO
Calling all Kindergarten families...please join us on Thursday, August 26th, 4-6pm for a Bike Rodeo! This event will take place on the blacktop behind the school from 4-6pm. Bring your bikes or scooters and remember your helmets. We’ll provide some fun treats and a chance to win a few prizes! Questions? Contact Roxana Burciago and Lisa McClean at [email protected]
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Do you still need to purchase school supplies? We can help! Extra kits are available for each grade K-4. Contact Allyson Mahoney at [email protected] to arrange an order.
SPIRIT WEAR
The Fall 2021 online Spirit Wear store is open! Exciting new items for everyone including cozy lounge pants, custom printed lax shorts, gear for spirit days and updates to all of the classic favorites. Don't forget to stock up now, the first Spirit day is September 3rd!

Spirit Wear will be available for sale at school on:
 
  • 8/23, New to West Orientation
  • 8/25, Meet and Greet with Teachers (Grades 1-4)
  • 8/30, Meet and Greet with Teachers (Kindergarten)
  • 9/21, Welcome Back PTC Coffee
FALL FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Please join us for our annual Fall Family Fun Night on Friday, September 24th at 5PM! Don't miss the first and largest family social event of the year! Pack a blanket and bring the entire family to enjoy dinner and an outdoor movie. This will be a community event that you will not want to miss! Tickets are $25 per family when purchased online, $35 at the door. To purchase tickets, click here. Questions, or to volunteer for this event please contact Paige McInerney and Abbie Skidmore at [email protected]
WEST SCHOOL VOLUNTEER HUB
West has many volunteer opportunities, big and small. We hope all parents will find an opportunity to get involved. Click here for our volunteer interest form.

JOIN THE PTC
The new online directory for 2021-22 will be available soon so don't hesitate to join the PTC today! Please click here to link to our directory website. The membership fee is $30, and your support funds the exceptional West PTC programs and events, which cost over $250 per child each year. Copies of our traditional spiral-bound paper directory are back by popular demand, and will be available for an additional $10 fee with your membership. All PTC members must join digitally and only PTC members will gain access to the online directory. Please contact Erin Gutelius at 
[email protected] with any questions.


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