Happenings
West Side TAG Extravaganza, May 16 West Side Elementary recently hosted its quarterly TAG (Talented and Gifted) Extravaganza. Mindstorm LEGO Robotics, Advanced Computer Skills, Popping with Power, Physics in Motion, Sewing, Reader’s Theater, and Digital Storytelling were just a few of the TAG classes offered to students. Parents and community members enjoyed being a part of this celebration that demonstrated what students have learned and the projects they have completed in their latest TAG class.  PhotosWest Side Marietta Reads! Top Readers Visit Scholastic, May 15  West Side Elementary Top Readers enjoyed a day at the Scholastic Warehouse for achieving their Marietta Reads! reading goals. Students toured the facility, ate lunch, visited with Clifford the Scholastic mascot, and enjoyed a shopping spree. West Side Student Earns Zaxby’s Marietta Reads! Party, May 14  West Side Elementary student Patrick Holton participated in the Marietta Reads! Read-A-Thon and earned $699.25 in overall pledges for his reading efforts. As a top reader he won a Zaxby's party for his entire class. Patrick placed 3rd overall in the Marietta City Schools ninth annual Marietta Reads! Read-A-Thon. West Side MILE Seminar 2013, May 9 & 15  West Side Elementary 4th grade MILE students recently participated in Seminar 2013, and presented independent study projects on various animals, sports, enigmas, famous people, the history of the Internet, the 70’s, Marietta folklore, ballet and the Parthenon. The reports were fun, interesting and innovative. PhotosWest Side Volcano Explorers, April 2013  West Side Elementary second and third graders recently completed the Pele’s Peak Unit in April. As volcanologists they studied volcanoes around the world and built and erupted volcano models. They also wrote myths and learned about the unique characteristics of Hawaii. PhotosWest Side Hosts Storyteller Performance, May 2  Storyteller, Joanna Maddox visited West Side Elementary to perform The Journey of Harriett Tubman. Students were captivated by her amazing talent. It was an enjoyable and informational experience for all. West Side Talent Showcase, April 30  West Side Elementary fifth graders performed “Fifth Grade’s Got Talent” during their fifth grade talent showcase featuring singing, dancing, piano solos, drums, guitar, skits and magic acts. The students were fabulous as the Class of 2020 rocked the stage!  PhotosMarietta Kiwanis Read-A-Book Visits West Side, April 29  Marietta Kiwanis recently visited West Side Elementary to support Marietta Reads! Kiwanis read Snuffles by Joan Anson-Weber to 1st graders and presented them with a copy of the book. PhotosWest Side Visits Georgia’s Blue Ridge, April 24 - 26  West Side Elementary fifth graders celebrated their elementary years with an overnight trip to Blue Ridge. They enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities including team building, a waterfall hike, animal ecology, Underground Railroad simulation, and the Predator Prey game. Marietta Water Visits West Side Third Graders, April 17  West Side Elementary third graders recently enjoyed a visit from Kim Holland of Marietta Water. She spoke to students about water pollution and conservation through a hands-on, interactive experience. West Side Health Fair, March 27  West Side Elementary recently held a Health Fair to educate students about good health, smart food choices, and exercise. Marietta Martial Arts, discussed the importance of exercise and demonstrated ways students can to stay fit. The Cobb/Douglas Board of Health taught healthy dental habits and demonstrated good brushing techniques. Marietta Police discussed bike safety and the importance of using helmets. WellStar spoke on sports safety and avoiding dehydration. The Marietta City Schools nutrition department displayed food models and enabled students to create their own healthy plates of food. PhotosWest Side “PJs and Books”, March 16  As a special family event during the West Side Elementary spring book fair, the school hosted “PJs and Books”. About 25 families attended and enjoyed a free breakfast while shopping for books to support the West Side Media Center. Breakfast items were donated by Cool Beans, Gabriel’s, Kroger and Publix. PhotosWest Side Champions Marietta Reads!  West Side Elementary has numerous Marietta Reads! activities throughout the year, including the Millionaire Club where students that read over 1,000,000 words earn a collector poster featuring themselves that is displayed on the school's front entrance wall. For every million word milestone, another star is added to their poster. Kindergarteners celebrate reading when they have parent "mystery readers" dress in costume and read a themed book and celebrate with an activity. Second graders enjoy visits from the Marietta Rotary Club members who volunteer to read to students and share their joy of reading. West Side champions Marietta Reads! West Side TAG Extravaganza, March 8  West Side Elementary recently held their quarterly TAG (Talented and Gifted) Extravaganza. School Newsletter, Lego Robotics, Creepy Crawlies, Team Togetherness, Spanish, Speakers Club, and Pottery were just a few of the TAG classes offered to students during the third quarter. Parents and community members enjoyed being a part of this celebration and seeing what students learned. PhotoWest Side PJ Day, Feb. 27  West Side Elementary students and staff wore PJs to school to support West Side’s annual Pennies for Patients® fund drive. Each year, 12 million students come together for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's School & YouthSM Programs to further an important cause: finding a cure for blood cancers. This is the fourth year West Side has participated in Pennies for Patients and during that time has raised close to $10,000. West Side’s honored hero each year is Perry Beasley, former student and lymphoma survivor. PhotoWest Side Jump Rope For Heart, March 7  West Side Elementary students recently participated in Jump Rope for Heart, and collected pledges for jumping rope. The pledge donations go to support the American Heart Association. PhotosWest Side Visits Tellus Science Museum, Feb. 28  West Side Elementary third graders recently visited the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, GA. The students learned about different types of fossils and how they are dated. They also explored fossil molds and casts and learned about careers in Paleontology. PhotosWest Side Tree Planting Honors Arbor Day, Feb. 15  West Side Elementary students, with the help of Keep Marietta Beautiful, recently planted a tree on the school’s property in honor of Arbor Day. The tree planting was part of a learning activity focused on the importance of planting and nurturing trees. PhotosWest Side Muffins for Moms, Feb. 7 – 8  West Side Elementary students recently honored moms during Muffins for Moms. About 200 moms joined their children to enjoy muffins, juice and coffee. Muffins for Moms is an opportunity for parents and children to spend quality time together at school and to also meet other West Side families. Photos |
West Side Performance “Beauty and the Beast”, Feb. 5 & 7  The West Side Elementary Drama Club recently performed “Beauty and the Beast” at The Strand Theatre. Two different student casts performed, one each night, to sold out shows. The success of the West Side Drama Club is due to the talented students, committed parent volunteers, and wonderful staff at the Strand. West Side Observes National School Counseling Week, Feb. 4-8  West Side Elementary honored their school counselor as part of National School Counseling Week, Feb. 4–8, 2013. The school demonstrated their appreciation for Mrs. Shelton with cards, posters, and a tea. West Side Performs “HATS”, Jan. 29  West Side Elementary second graders recently performed the musical "HATS" by John Jacobson at the school PTA meeting. Children learned that it's not the hat that makes a person special, but what's underneath! Music was directed by Liz Carroll and Drama by Shea Mercure. PhotosRotary Visits West Side - Supports Literacy, Feb. 4  Members of the Rotary Club of Marietta recently visited West Side Elementary in support of Marietta Reads! During their visit, Rotarians read Take the Lead George Washington to second graders. February Rotary readers included Dr. Speed, Mr. Burns, Mr. Gordon, Mr. Bentley, and Mr. Strauss. PhotosSons of the American Revolution Visit West Side, Feb. 1  Members from the Captain John Collins Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) recently visited West Side Elementary. SAR commemorate and provide memorials for the people and events of the American Revolution. PhotosWest Side "Locks of Love", Jan. 25  During the recent West Side Elementary "Locks of Love" hair cutting event, to provide hair to make wigs for cancer patients, 12 students, teachers, and parents donated their 10 inch ponytails. West Side began participating in the "Locks of Love" program in 2006 and since then has donated about 2,000 inches of hair. PhotosWest Side Presents “Beauty and the Beast”, Feb. 5 & 7  The West Side Elementary Drama Club presents “Beauty and the Beast” at The Strand Theatre, Tuesday, Feb. 5 and Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. West Side Family Math Night, Dec. 6  West Side Elementary students and their families had fun applying new Common Core math standards while grocery shopping during the school’s math night event at Krogers. PhotosEmployee of the Month, Dec 20  Sherri Kenworthy, a Library Media Specialist at West Side Elementary was named the December 2012 Employee of the Month. Sherri is the recipient of the 2012 Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Exceptional Library Media Program honor. The GaDOE recently selected four exemplary and five exceptional Library Media Programs (including West Side Elementary), and named nine Library Media Specialists statewide for recognition. School library media specialists are teachers, instructional partners, informational and technology specialists, and school library program administrators. They directly affect student achievement by collaborating and planning with teachers, and teaching information literacy and technology skills that lead students to become more effective users and creators of information. West Side Cultural Arts Assembly, Dec. 19  West Side Elementary enjoyed “Drumming up Stories”, a cultural arts performance by Dave Holland from Young Audiences. He performed on a variety of percussion instruments. PhotosWest Side Singing Stingers Performance, Dec. 13  The West Side Elementary Singing Stingers, under the direction of Liz Carroll, recently performed at the Atlanta Alliance Theatre, and wowed the audience with their traditional “Jazzy Jinglin’ Bells”, “Just Chillin’”, and “Jammin in our Jammies”. In addition to providing some holiday entertainment, the Singing Stingers also helped support thePajama program that provides new pajamas to kids in need. PhotosWest Side Ellis Island Simulation, Dec. 7  Ellis Island is the symbol of American immigration and the immigrant experience. West Side Elementary fifth graders recently experienced the Ellis Island simulation of the immigration process. Through the GATEWAY assimilation program, students experienced the world of an immigrant in the early 1900’s, and the challenges of becoming an American citizen. PhotosWest Side Parent Technology Program, Dec. 6  West Side Elementary parents are invited to learn about the technology programs available to support student success in school. Join us Thursday, Dec. 6 at 8:30 a.m. There will be four 20-25 minute sessions on the topics listed below:
Marietta Reads!, Dec. 3  Members of the Rotary Club of Marietta recently visited West Side Elementary second grade classrooms. Rotarians read Seabiscuit, the Wonder Horse by Meghan McCarthy. The book is part of the Marietta Reads! One Book Marietta Project created to provide the Marietta community a common experience by reading the same book. PhotosWest Side Career Day, Nov. 5  West Side Elementary recently hosted Career Day with more than 50 visiting speakers available to talk to students about careers and the world of work. Junior Achievement (JA) volunteers were also on hand to teach students about personal finances. West Side’s Career Day was huge success thanks to our community involvement and volunteers. PhotosWest Side Donuts for Dads, Nov. 1-2  West Side Elementary celebrated dads recently with Donuts for Dads. Special guests and dads enjoyed donuts and spent time at the school with their children. Over 200 Dads and special guests attended this year’s event. PhotosWest Side Student GEMS Winner, Oct. 26  West Side Elementary recognized its student GEM Award winner, Allen Gruehn, at the school assembly Oct. 26. The Kiwanis Club of Marietta recognizes a teacher and/or administrator as well as a student in each of the Marietta City Schools for "Going the Extra Mile" (GEM). Allen was recognized for the GEM award for always being helpful to others, kind to classmates, respectful, and committed to his education. Elementary Students/Teachers Perform GMEA District XII Chorus, Oct. 25  A. L. Burruss Elementary, Dunleith Elementary, Lockheed Elementary and West Side Elementary students recently performed with the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) District XII Elementary Honor Chorus. Eight students from schools in Cobb County, Marietta City Schools (MCS) and several Private schools were invited to send their best singers to perform in a choir of 326! MCS teachers Dell Alford, Liz Carroll, Gene Howell and Kristin Runnion also performed. |
West Side Celebrates Red Ribbon
West Side Celebrates Week, Oct. 22-26  West Side Elementary recently celebrated Red Ribbon Week. The National Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation. In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, West Side students heard from a variety of guest speakers who talked about healthy choices. Guest speakers included Jason Saliba, Assistant District Attorney Cobb County; Marietta Martial Arts; Marietta Police Department; and Dr. Patrick McGann, Trauma Surgeon, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. PhotosStudent of the Month, Nov. 15  Merrill Hart, a student at West Side Elementary was named the November 2012 Student of the Month. She is an outstanding student and classroom citizen, and an avid reader. Merrill set and achieved her own goal of over 1,000 Accelerated Reader points last year, and has set the same goal for this year. Indeed, she has already earned over 360 AR points this year and has read over 2,400,000 words. She plays piano, tennis, and participates in a book club. In her free time she enjoys drawing, writing, and building model rockets with her dad. West Side, MHS Earn Top Honors Marietta Scarecrow Contest, Oct. 20  Photo courtesy of the city of Marietta West Side Elementary placed 1st, Marietta High School Arts Club placed 2nd, andMHS German Club placed 3rd with their winning entries for the 2012 City of Marietta School scarecrow contest. MCS Walkers Take On 3-day Breast Cancer Walk, Oct. 19-21  Marietta Sixth Grade Academy (MSGA) Assistant Principal, Catherine Kacyvenski, School Improvement Specialist /IB MYP Coordinator Karin Greeson, and Team 6-2 Teacher and Team Leader, Marlene Martin recently took part in the Susan G. Komen3-day. Each team member helped to raise at least $2300 toward the cancer-fighting cause. The “Girls Gone Miles” team of moms from West Side Elementary and the MSGA team collaborated on fundraising efforts. Marietta High School athletes and IB students volunteered and sold “Tackle Cancer” Marietta Spirit T-shirts. PhotosMarietta Mayor Visits West Side 3rd Graders, Oct. 17  West Side Elementary third graders recently enjoyed a visit from Marietta Mayor Steve "Thunder" Tumlin. His honor spoke to the students about city government, and the students prepared several questions to ask the mayor about his work. PhotosWest Side TAG Extravaganza, Oct. 12  West Side Elementary recently held their quarterly TAG (Talented and Gifted) Extravaganza. Lego Robotics, Creepy Crawlies, Team Togetherness, Digital Storytelling, and Readers Theatre were just a few of the TAG classes offered to students during the first quarter. Parents and community members enjoyed being a part of this celebration and seeing what students learned. PhotosSuper HEROES!  West Side Goes Pink & White, Oct. 4  West Side Elementary turned Pink & White for the fight against breast cancer. For a $1 donation students and staff members could “dress down” in pink and white to support the cause. All money raised was donated to a team of West Side mothers and teachers, Girls Gone Miles, who will participate in the 3-day walk again this year. PhotosCongressman Gingrey Visits West Side, Oct. 4  Congressman Phil Gingrey recently visited his two grandchildren at West Side Elementary. They joined him for lunch and he enjoyed spending time touring the school. West Side PTA Reflections, Oct. 4  West Side Elementary celebrated student creativity at the school’s Reflections Reception. Students participating in the PTA Reflections contest and their families were invited to view the entries and attend the recognition event announcing first, second, and third place winners in each category. Over 50 students submitted an entry to the Reflections contest this year. First and second place winners move on to system judging. PhotosTeacher for a Day, Sept. 27  West Side Elementary recently participated in the Cobb Chamber of CommerceTeacher for a Day program. Betsy Madrerohon, Assistant Vice President for Business Banker Marietta Branch joined West Side's Teacher of the Year, Cindy Westlake, and spent the day as a first grade teacher. She enjoyed reading to students and working with children in their math centers.Grandparents, Sept. 20-21  West Side Elementary recently honored grandparents. Grandparents and other special guests visited the school and enjoyed lunch with their grandchildren. The school welcomed over 350 guests for Grandparent’s Day this year. PhotosWest Side Movie Night, Sept. 7  West Side Elementary recently enjoyed fellowship and movie fun. Students and their families gathered at the school to see Dr. Seuss' children's classic, The Lorax. Parent Technology Night, Aug. 27  West Side Elementary recently hosted Parent Technology Night to teach parents about the technology programs available to support student success in school. Parents attended four different sessions to learn about Aspen, Accelerated Reader, Math Facts in a Flash, teacher websites, Destiny, Galileo, e-books, and Study Island. West Side Assembly Kicks Off PTA Fundraiser, Aug. 17  West Side Elementary kicked off the new theme for the annual PTA Reflections contest, “The Magic of a Moment”, and the Sally Foster fundraiser for PTA during the recent school-wide assembly. Fifth graders also participated in a “wrapping” contest to see who could wrap the principal, Dr. Smits, and assistant principal, Mrs. Bagwell, in wrapping paper the fastest. The Sally Foster fundraiser is ongoing though Monday, September 10. West Side Welcomes Geof Johnson, Oct. 2  West Side Elementary first graders recently welcomed Music for Kids, award-winning performer Geof Johnson. Geof has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, Fox and Friends, and PBS Kids, and his broadcasts are heard internationally on DXM and Sirius Radio. He visited the school and talked to students about fairytales, folktales and fables, as part of the new Common Core curriculum. Photos |
