Hello Families,
As the summer days come to a close and we approach the excitement of a new academic year, I am struck by a mix of emotions. I treasure the freedom that summer brings—its lack of schedules, the chance to enjoy outdoor activities, and time spent with loved ones. Yet, the start of the school year fills me with anticipation for new opportunities—a fresh slate for growth, learning, and shared experiences as we walk this journey together as a school community.
A warm welcome to all our new families joining Westminster this year! We are thrilled to
have you with us and cannot wait to get to know you and your children. To our returning
families, welcome back! We look forward to deepening our partnership as we continue to foster a supportive and enriching educational environment for your children.
Our School Values: The Circle of Courage
At Westminster, our culturally diverse community is grounded in the principles of the Circle
of Courage: Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity. We encourage each
child to embrace these values—known at school as I BELONG, I TRY, I CHOOSE, and I
GIVE—every day, both in the classroom and at home. These values are not just words; they
are tools for building a strong character and a caring community:
• I BELONG: Every student is a valued member of our school. Help your child
recognize ways to build friendships, include others, and celebrate our many
cultures.
• I TRY (Mastery): Learning means taking risks, making mistakes, and celebrating
growth. Talk with your child about the effort and resilience they showed each day.
• I CHOOSE (Independence): We empower students to make choices and take
responsibility for their actions. Ask your child how they are learning to make
decisions and learn from both successes and setbacks.
• I GIVE (Generosity): Acts of kindness, respect, and service are vital. Encourage your
child to look for opportunities to help others and contribute to our community.
As parents, your support in these areas is vital. Please reinforce these values at home by
talking with your child about how they demonstrate belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity in their daily life. Together, we can nurture a positive, caring school culture where every student is supported and encouraged to be their very best.
Working Together: Building Trust and Patience
We understand that the start of a new school year may bring about a mix of emotions for both students and parents. Change—including new teachers—can sometimes feel
uncertain. Please trust that we thoughtfully created balanced classrooms, considering
each child’s learning needs and the valuable feedback many of you provided last June.
If you have concerns or questions about teacher assignments, we kindly ask that you allow time for your child to settle in and for new relationships to develop. Immediate requests for class changes can disrupt the careful process we’ve undertaken to create the best learning environment for every student. Our commitment is to support your child’s growth, and we encourage open communication—but please remember the collaborative feedback process you were part of in the spring. Let’s give teachers, students, and families the time and space to build new connections and routines.
If you need support or have ongoing concerns, please reach out to your child’s teacher, our counselor, or myself. We are here to listen and to work with you as partners in your child’s education.
In closing, thank you for your continued trust and support. I am confident that, together, we will make this school year one of growth, learning, and achievement for every child. I look forward to greeting you and your children on the first day—and throughout the year—as we create a vibrant, welcoming community for all.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education