West Chester students and parents have been busy collecting Box-Tops! We collected 2,419 in January alone. That’s the highest monthly total for this school year. Student winners were: 1^st place-Chad Landers (263), 2^nd place-Shalyn Carnell (216), 3^rd place-Alex Lofton (189). The random drawing winner was Jake Matthews from Mrs. Emily’s room. Classroom winners were: 1^st place-Mr. Quincy (414), 2^nd place-Mrs. Lisa (366), 3^rd place-Mrs. Tangie (267). Mrs. Renee’s class is the first one to reach the 1,000 mark. The next collection will be March 7^th. Thanks go out to Carrie Burns for doing such a great job as our Box-Tops coordinator.

      Teachers are not always doing the teaching.  Sometimes, they are the learners.  Several of West Chester's teachers attended an after school technology workshop to learn more about digital media.  The workshop was presented by Kim Moore and Amy Eaton and was held in the new computer lab at CCJHS.  Topics included "Teacher Tube," Using Digital Cameras in the Classroom and Using Picasa.  If you are interested in these topics, you can find more information posted at http://picsinschool.googlepages.com.

     Students were treated to a “Chorus Concert” presented by the Chester County High School Chorus last week. The chorus performed several songs that correlated with Black History Month. Mrs. Sherry’s daughter, Becky Thompson, led one of the final songs. It was a special treat for the students; many thanks go out to the chorus members, director Mr. Clay Canada, and pianist Mrs. Janice Haithcoat.

     Congratulations are in order for the winners of the fourth spelldown for the up-coming Third Grade Spelling Bee.  The winners are Tayla Turner in Mr. Quincy Jones' class, Emily Belew in Mrs. Heather Melton's class, Kaitlyn Wilson in Mrs. Janice Whitman's class, and Zach Garner in Mrs. Marti McDaniel's class.  April 3 will be an exciting night for these students. Please make plans to come by and support these fine students!

     First grade students participated in Read Across America week by completing several Dr. Seuss activities. Mrs. Emily, Mrs. Heather, Mrs. Price and Mrs. Renee’s classes enjoyed green eggs and ham! Do you think they liked it? On Monday, first graders wore silly socks to school, on Tuesday they wore pajamas and on Wednesday they dressed as their favorite storybook character and shared their book with the class. Guest readers were scheduled throughout the week as well.

     PTO held Fun Friday last week. The students were treated to popcorn and a drink. Thanks to all of the volunteers who came by a lended a helping hand.

     Students have been studying about Dental Health throughout the month of February. Mrs. Starla’s husband, Dr. Louis Bogard, donated toothbrushes for the students. Thank you Dr. Bogard!

     Our lost and found is piling up! Parents are encouraged to come by and check the pile if your child has misplaced their jackets lately. In order to avoid these pile ups, please remember to label all coats and jackets. 

     Thinking of you wishes go out to West Chester Foster Grandmother, Mrs. Linda Jones. We think of you daily and miss you Mrs. Linda! West Chester Faculty and Staff would like to say Thank You to all of our Foster Grandmothers. They work real hard with the students and we value their time spent with us.

     Just a reminder that Spring Break is quickly approaching it will be March 17^th-21^st. Have a wonderful week and remember WEST is Where Everyone Stands Tall!