Once again, Westwood Elementary's 2008-09 school year is off to a terrific start with great students, staff, and parents. Approximately 600 students are enrolled in PreK-6 grade. We encourage you to visit our school and get involved! We offer special education and schoolwide Title I services. Parent involvement is very important to Westwood Elementary, a National Title I Distinguished School, that encourages visitation in the classrooms, communicating with the teachers, volunteering in classrooms and attending school events such as our Open House and Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Westwood is a state and nationally recognized school. It is a reference site for Scientific Learning's Fast Forword program. It is recognized as a Saxon Report Card School for its use of Saxon Phonics in addition to having been recognized twice as a National Title I Distinguished School and twice as a TN Title I Distinguished School.

Westwood has made all A's in achievement and value-added for last two years on the TN Report Card. Teachers are dedicated to helping all students reach their potential. Teachers teach using a variety of strategies and technology that keep students interested and enthusiastic about learning.

Afterschool and summer programs offer students both enrichment and remediation. A 21st Century Community Learning Center grant allows the school to offer parenting classes with childcare, go into homes with the Parents as Teachers curriculum, and offer Fast Forword and reading instruction to our Hispanic parents.

This year, new initiatives include Breakfast in the Classroom for selected students, a $36,000 fruit and vegetable distribution aimed at getting students to eat healthy, and a $20,000 grant to develop Sensory Rooms for autistic students and others with sensory integration issues. Continuing projects include the completion of the school courtyard and the walking track and installation of an outdoor fitness center.

The staff and I are excited about the programs we offer students. We look forward to working with you this year.

Sincerely,

Sandra Morris