A Message From the Principal
Westbrooke Wildcats are the Pride of Excellence! Westbrooke is a spectacular school, resulting from the combined efforts of our highly qualified and dedicated staff, our motivated students and our committed volunteers. At Westbrooke we work hard each day to ensure we are Globally Preparing Students (GPS). By this we mean that we are preparing the “whole” child– goin
g beyond academics. GPS also means we are preparing our students to be globally competitive with their international peers. Our structured GPS approach leads students to develop in these five areas of focus: Academics, Social Emotional, Physical, Creativity and Technology. Academics: Grade level academic requirements are rigorous and challenging, and students are required to understand and process information at more complex and deeper levels. Fortunately, we have a highly professional and qualified faculty and staff who understand these challenges and are dedicated to the welfare and success of each individual child. Lessons are differentiated for students, so they receive instruction at their level, guaranteeing increased support towards their progress and success. High achieving students participate in enrichment activities, and many are initiated into our Chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS). Social-Emotional: Our commitment to prepare our students for success involves the development of a child’s honorable character within our school and community. Each month we promote the character development trait of the month, as outlined by OCPS. Each morning we promote character development through CCTV announcements as we share “Words of Wisdom.” Inspirational messages are presented to students, encouraging them to live out the positive message of that day. Students are asked to “make it a great day, or not, the choice is yours.” We also celebrate good character by selecting students to receive the Future Leaders of America Award. These students, selected by their teachers as students who most demonstrated the character trait of the month, receive a special certificate to recognize their great choices. Physical: Our students participate in a comprehensive PE program each week. This program includes community service to raise money for the American Heart Association through Jump Rope for Heart. In addition, Wildcat girls have the opportunity to participate with Girls on the Run- an initiative which teaches girls to be confident, while preparing to run a 5K! These girls also contribute through a self selected community service project. Creativity: Our students are fortunate to have one of the strongest elementary school music programs in OCPS. Students participate in rigorous lessons where they not only learn concepts, but they apply them when creating music. Our Orff group, composed of 4th and 5th grade musicians, has represented Westbrooke at the State Level, by sharing their talents and skills as the only elementary school group performing during the FEMEA state business meeting in January, 2013. This was a HUGE honor! Our Arty-Facts volunteers also provide students with art lessons, as they learn about different artists and styles. Technology: Students are encouraged to use instructional technology on a consistent basis to enhance their learning experiences. They are also able to research on school computers and generate presentations to showcase their learning. In addition, our students are encouraged to participate in many activities which further help them prepare for future success. Here are a few of these activities:
Teach In
Science Night, Science Fair
Book Fairs
Read-A-Thon
Battle of the Books
Q & U Wedding
Grandma’s Cottage
Fall Carnival
Father-Daughter Ball
Mother-Son Event
Family Fun Night
End of Year Awards Ceremonies
Together with our strong PTO and Additions volunteers, we provide students and families with multiple opportunities both during and outside the school day which support student learning and encourage family involvement. We invite all family and community members, either at home or at school, to help our students develop their skills in these areas. Together, we can work to Globally Prepare Students for success! Couret
