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WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Once a Redbird, Always a Redbird!

West Elementary Weekly Update: Next Week is Homecoming Week!

Posted Date: 09/25/26 (03:02 PM)
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Dear West Families,

Next week is Homecoming Week! We are so excited to celebrate our amazing school and community. To show our school spirit, we’ll be dressing up each day:

  • Monday: Crazy Socks & Hats Day
  • Tuesday: Favorite Sports Team Day (wear your favorite team's jersey or apparel)
  • Wednesday: Class Color Day (please refer to the flyer for specific details)
  • Thursday: Favorite Things Day (wear a t-shirt featuring your favorite thing)
  • Friday: Redbird Spirit Day (wear as much red as you can to celebrate Alton!)

District Scorecard Progress

We are sharing updates on two important goals in our District Improvement Plan:
  • Goal 1: Increase the percentage of students with perfect attendance weeks. Consistent attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic success. We are continuing to recognize students who show up every day ready to learn!
  • Goal 3: Increase the percentage of students passing every class. Our staff remains focused on providing targeted support to ensure every student has the opportunity to master grade-level standards.
These goals reflect our shared commitment to student growth, consistent attendance, and academic excellence. Thank you for supporting your child by emphasizing the importance of coming to school every day.

Week/Dates Goal 1: Every Redbird,     Every Day Goal 3: Soaring in Every Class
% of Students Present Every Day This Week % of 4th-12th Grade Students Passing all Classes This Week
Week 1 August 10-14 Will begin in Week 2 Will begin in Sept.
Week 2 August 17-21 95% Will begin in Sept.
Week 3 August 24-28 83% Will begin in Sept.
Week 4 August 31-September 4 76% 81%
Week 5 September 8-11 83% 82%
Week 6 September 14-18 81% 89%
Week 7 September 21-25 79% 85%

Join the Gilson-West Parent Teacher Group

We would love to see more West families get involved with our Gilson-West PTG! The PTG supports our students, staff, school activities, and creates opportunities for families to connect with our school community.
Click here for more information


Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program

Our Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program kicked off today! Thanks to funding through the Illinois State Board of Education, students will have opportunities on Mondays and Fridays to try fresh fruits and vegetables at school.
  • Yesterday's Fruit: Pineapples
    • Fun Fact: It can take up to two years for a single pineapple plant to produce just one fruit!
  • Today's Fruit: Grapes
    • Fun Fact: Grapes are actually berries, and because they float in water, they were once used in ancient games!
Students are not required to eat the fruit, but we encourage our Redbirds to be adventurous and give new foods a try!

First Quarter RRSK Reward — Walk to the Park

Our First Quarter RRSK Reward will be a walk to Olin Park on Friday, October 23!
To earn the opportunity to attend, students must:
  1. Have zero referrals
  2. Have all schoolwork turned in
  3. Consistently meet our RRSK expectations: Responsible, Respectful, Safe, and Kind
Please note: Returning a permission slip does not guarantee attendance. Students must continue meeting all eligibility requirements through the date of the reward. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to work toward a fun experience while demonstrating the expectations that make West a great place to learn!

Staying Connected With West

  • ParentSquare: All school communication continues through ParentSquare. Please make sure your account is connected so you don’t miss important updates.
  • Facebook: Follow our Facebook page for photos, celebrations, reminders, and a look at daily life at West.
  • My Ride K–12 App: Families using bus transportation are encouraged to download the My Ride K–12 App to stay updated on route details. You will need your student’s 6-digit “Other ID” (found in Skyward Family Access) to register.
Important Numbers:
  • West Elementary School: 618-463-2134
  • Bus Garage: 618-466-5400
Thank you for another great week at West. I hope all of our Redbirds and their families have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable weekend!

Every Redbird. Every Day.

TaRael Kee
Principal