What’s Good Wednesday is our weekly celebration about Westlawn’s social-emotional learning (SEL) wins. In elementary school, SEL is incredibly important because it teaches students valuable skills like understanding and managing their emotions, interacting positively with others, and making responsible decisions. These skills are not only beneficial for academic success but also for navigating the complexities of life beyond the classroom. By integrating SEL into the curriculum, schools create an environment where students feel supported and empowered to develop empathy, build healthy relationships, and thrive both academically and personally. SEL sets the stage for students to become well-rounded individuals equipped with the tools they need to succeed in school and in life.

This month we are featuring SEL and arts in our school. Read on to learn about what we are doing at Westlawn, and how parents and caregivers can continue to support SEL at home. And, follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest #WGW news every Wednesday morning in your social media feeds.

March 6, 2024

What's Good Wednesday celebrates the Arts in Our School throughout the month. Check out how 3rd grade is working on the fine arts of printmaking; students created self-portraits on a plate and applied multiple images on their medium using their plate. Fifth-grade students focused on the visual arts using a collaging technique to recreate a personal, memorable journey. Sixth grade made accessible paper sculpture playgrounds as a form of visual arts, which are three-dimensional artwork using height, width, and depth. You can join your kiddos at home by creating a scavenger hunt to find any items that involve printing, sculptures, and objects made from collaging around your home, neighborhood, and town.

March 13, 2024

What's Good Wednesday has some exciting physical education news. This year, our wonderful PE instructors teamed up with FCPS and the Virginia Safe Routes to School to teach our students how to ride a bike. The bike program will teach students bicycle safety and fitness skills. The program focuses on students learning to ride a bike, staying safe while riding, and how bicycle riding is a healthy exercise. Families, you can check out one of several Fairfax County bike trails around our community.

March 20, 2024

What's Good Wednesday brings you Music in Our Schools Month, which recognizes the importance of music education. Mrs. Layton and Mrs. Cutler, our music teachers, have done an amazing job elevating music instruction for our students in grades K-6. During music instruction, you may hear and/or see students exploring and experiencing harmony, performing rhythms, identifying time signatures, singing, and playing instruments. 

Kara Andrews-Pastor is Westlawn’s SEL coach. She works with staff to ensure that SEL best practices are used throughout the building and to ensure that staff and students can build deep, meaningful relationships that help optimize student learning. Email Ms. Andrews.