SEPTEMBER - BACK-TO SCHOOL PICNIC/END-OF-SCHOOL PICNIC
School picnics are very informal gatherings of families, usually held on a Friday early in September and in June. Bring a blanket and something to eat, and enjoy socializing with other families on the school field and playground.
Tip: Bring the bug spray and a trash bag to cart your garbage off the school grounds. Also bring some spare change - - usually ice cream or gelato is available for sale at the picnics.
Tip: The bathrooms in the all purpose room at Westbrook will be open during the picnics.
OCTOBER – PARENT VISITATION DAY
Parent Visitation Day is usually scheduled on Columbus Day (a federal holiday) and is an opportunity for parents to visit the classroom and see what a typical school morning is like. (It is typical, except for the fact that there are 30 parents sitting in the classroom, too). Visitation Day usually begins 20-30 minutes AFTER the start of school and lasts through the morning and ends before lunch.
Tip: This is an activity that many parents attend. You must arrange for childcare for pre-school age children.
NOVEMBER - BOOK FAIR
The Book Fair is a significant fall fundraising event held in the Media Center over the course of a few days to raise funds and promote reading. Often special events (authors, speakers or activities) are a part of the fun – some events are held in the afternoon and some in the evening.
Tip: Book fair offers a great opportunity to buy holiday gifts early. Look for your child to bring home a wish list of books to purchase. Also, check out teacher and library wish lists and consider making a donation to the school.
NOVEMBER - SPIRIT WEAR
A PTA committee sells “spirit” wear in the fall- comfortable clothing (usually pants, sweatshirts, pjs and tees) in school colors (navy & white) with Westbrook logos on them. The spirit committee also sells magnetic car stickers with the Westbrook logo. Announcements that the sale is on will come home in the students' backpacks as well as on the listserv.
Tip: The sale is by advance order only. Clothing will come home in backpacks.
DECEMBER – SKATE NIGHT
Skate Night is a fun winter tradition for families to burn off some Thanksgiving dinner calories together! Doors open at 6:30pm at Cabin John Ice Rink. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door from PTA volunteers.
http://www.montgomeryparks.org/enterprise/ice/cabin_john/index.shtm.
FEBRUARY - TALENT SHOW
All Westbrook superstars in grades 1-5 are invited to showcase their talents at the annual Westbrook Talent Show, held one evening in the spring. This fun event is eagerly anticipated by all Westbrook students!
BINGO NIGHT
This fun evening is open to all Westbrook families and is held in the Westland Middle School all purpose room. Cards are available for a minimal fee and there are many opportunities to win fun prizes.
Tip: Bring money to purchase pizza and desserts and make it an evening outing for the entire family!
MARCH - INTERNATIONAL NIGHT
International Night is a long-standing tradition. It is usually held in the all purpose room at Westland Middle School, which is located by the Little Falls Library. It is a springtime evening event where families share their cultural backgrounds with the school community. Families often wear their national dress and provide samples of their cuisine for small fees. Cultural exhibits and activities are also a part of this fun evening. The PTA coordinated language classes usually perform short programs at this event.
MAY - CARNIVAL
The Westbrook Carnival is (and has been for decades) held after school on the first Friday in May. A wide range of activities - including games and rides - and food in the form of concessions, bake sales and a cake walk provide fun for the whole family.
Tip: Plan to participate somehow - by taking a daytime or afternoon volunteer shift at Carnival. Parents with young children often help with set up the morning of Carnival. Volunteer shifts are also available for middle and high school students. Carnival is a major undertaking that requires the assistance of every Westbrook family to ensure its traditional success.