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WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Once a Redbird, Always a Redbird!

West Weekly: We’re Off to a Great Start!

Posted Date: 08/14/26 (03:33 PM)
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Dear West Families,

We made it through our first partial week of school! It has been wonderful having our students back in the building, and I am very excited about the year ahead. Thank you to our families, students, and staff for helping us get off to a great start.

West Weekly

Throughout the school year, you can expect to receive a weekly message from me each Friday through ParentSquare. My goal is to keep families informed about what is happening at West, upcoming events, important reminders, and ways you can support your child.

There may occasionally be a week when circumstances prevent me from sending a message, but for the most part, you can expect to hear from me every Friday.

i-Ready Inform Assessments

Next week, students will complete their beginning-of-year i-Ready Inform assessments in reading and math, along with aimswebPlus assessments.

These assessments give our teachers important information about what students already know and what they are ready to learn next. The results help us plan instruction, provide additional support when needed, and identify opportunities for students who are ready for additional challenges or acceleration.

There is nothing students need to study for. We simply want them to show us what they know. Please encourage your child to get a good night’s rest, come to school ready to learn, and give their very best effort.

Responsible. Respectful. Safe. Kind.

At West, our four pillars are at the center of the school community we are building:

Responsible • Respectful • Safe • Kind

Throughout the year, students who consistently demonstrate all four pillars will have opportunities to participate in our RRSK Celebrations, including an extra recess each month and a special surprise each quarter.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

  • Responsible: Completing and turning in every assignment.

  • Respectful: Following school and classroom expectations and remaining referral-free.

  • Safe: Following school safety expectations and keeping hands, feet, and objects to themselves.

  • Kind: Treating others well and standing up for others.

Please note that one office referral will make a student ineligible for that RRSK celebration period. We encourage families to talk with their children about these expectations and help us reinforce what it means to be Responsible, Respectful, Safe, and Kind every day.

Fridays Are for RED! ❤️

At West, On Fridays We Wear RED—and lots of it! We want to fill our building with Redbird pride as we celebrate our amazing school, community, and city.

If your family would like to purchase Alton spirit wear for the year, you can visit our spirit wear store here:

https://gilsonwest26.itemorder.com/shop/category/678765/

Thank you for a great start to the school year. I am looking forward to everything we will accomplish together this year.

Have a wonderful weekend, 

TaRael Kee
 Principal
 West Elementary School

Every Redbird. Every Day.