With new guidelines announced today for the next four weeks by Governor Inslee amidst rising COVID numbers this fall, we know the stress of COVID, losses, finances, isolation, remote schooling is worsening for many families. You aren't alone if you're feeling the weight of these concerns! Together, we're going to get through this.

As a PSO, we've been trying to be creative this year in finding ways to foster Westgate Cougar spirit and help students feel like part of the community even while we're learning from home - from the Cleanup in September, to the video assemblies, spirit wear, and writing to the Cougar! 

We're also trying to identify the biggest concerns that families have through our Family Support Survey and what the PSO might be able to do to address some of these concerns. So far, kids' social relationships, academic progress, and both kids' and parents' mental health are the stressors that have been highlighted in the survey. If you haven't yet filled out the survey, please take a couple minutes now to do so here - your input is deeply appreciated. We'll be talking more about the results and some ideas coming out of the survey at the PSO meeting this coming Wednesday, November 18 from 6:30-7:30. 

Westgate staff have also been working hard to make sure classes have needed supplies and engaging kids creatively via zoom while dealing with the same uncertainty we're all facing about COVID and remote learning. Typically, one of the things the PSO organizes is the monthly staff appreciation luncheons; this month, at the PSO meeting, we're hoping to brainstorm ways families, classes, and the PSO can express appreciation for our dedicated Westgate staff. Please join us!

Lastly, there are some resources available on our website, including food, financial, mental health resources. If you know of other resources to add, please feel free to link them below. All this feels hard because it is hard! And there is help and support available. Take care of yourselves and each other. 

We are looking forward to our first general meeting of the Westgate Parent Staff Organization of the 2020-2021 school year! We'll be meeting via zoom on the third Wednesday of September, 9/16 from 6:30-7:30pm. We'll post the zoom link closer to the date! Join us to hear about how we hope to support our teachers, staff, and families while we're all figuring out what the school year during COVID19 is going to look like. 

Attention Westgate families: The PSO is working with the school and teachers to purchase some school supplies for ALL families to help make the transition to fully remote school go a little more smoothly. We'll share more details as soon as possible. We know this year will be unlike any other and we're also re-thinking what our fundraising is going to look like. We can do it together!