Westgate Elementary School

Westgate has great parent involvement and they are trying to make a difference for the school and the students.
--Submitted by a parent

Our experience at Westgate has been positive. My child is reading, writing and solving math problems at a higher level than my other child who attended Chase Lake Elementary. The Westgate child has a strong sense of belonging here at this school. So far, the teachers have been of the highest caliber at Westgate. I would like to remind 'September 2004' that it is not the appearance of the lawn that is the heart of the school, but rather, it's the staff, parents and, most importantly, the children.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent at Westgate with two children in attendance. I also have worked as an educator in this school district for many years. I can say that you can not ask for a warmer group of parents, a more encouraging staff, or caring group of children. For the someone to have an opinion that is so negative, I ask you, 'what have you done to make an improvement?'
--Submitted by a parent

I find it sad to read some of the above reviews about Westgate, as I am an involved parent and see first hand all the efforts of staff and parent involvement to improve Westgate on all levels. We have some of the best staff in the district at our school. It is obvious that any negative information being posted about Westgate, is coming from those who are not involved in this wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to comment on the last review. It is not helpful to compare Westgate (built approximately 1958, renovated 1989) with Chase Lake, completely rebuilt within the last five or so years. Westgate seems to focus on the students--not on appearances. Perhaps Westgate parents could coordinate a beautification effort. And inquire with the district as to when capital improvements can be expected at our school.
--Submitted by a parent

I couldn't help but to notice that even as school starts was just around the corner, nothing was done to the front yard to indicate freshness or change.The school still looks like a dump on the outside and it makes one wonder about the inside. Has nothing to do with, 'don't judge a book by it's cover'. Sometimes one has to. Why is it that chase lake around the corner in the same district looks spotless? There's an esteem problem at westgate. Maybe the kids don't even try because the school doesn't. The school looks like it has a problem from the outside and as in health that's usually an indication of a problem rooted in the inside. I drive by and i don't want to send my kid there. They can't even mow the lawn or kill the weeds. Plus, why would i want my child to play on that playground with the side walls being backed to shady looking residences? Something about how that school looks and is positioned combined with their low test scores in math doesn't sit well with me. Reminds me of the kid who isn't cared about who then doesn't bother to care about himself to dress nice and walk in the day with a positive outlook. I'm sure it's difficult for the school to expect the best from kids when they're not doing the best for themselves inside and outside.Mow the lawn!new paint trim! do something, start somewhere. Fake it till you make it.
--Submitted by a parent

There is a coment that I would like to agree upon. I feel that westgate is also a less than average school. The scores for that tell all test (or they think it is) say that westgate is falling below. Is that acceptable? Is it that the parent involvement isn't up to snuff? I believe that the test was so show just what the teachers are teaching and how affective they are?! Is there a plan to change any of what is not working,try something new, look at other schools that are succeeding? I find this school a so so very average school, with no great outstanding areas. I wish I could say different, but I am also looking to transfer my kids to an alternative school! Even though I would like to stay in the neighborhood school. What is best for my kid is what I will do!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been a student at Westgate for the past four years. Overall, I think that she is receiving a wonderful education, besides the hit or miss teacher selection we are happy. I really enjoy that most of the students are the same kids seen running around in the neighborhoods.
--Submitted by a parent

As any school, I suppose, the quality of teacher is hit or miss. The low WASL scores on math is a concern, and I haven't seen proactive comments from the school about what it's doing to address them. There's needs to be more emphasis on strict learning - parents love this, but there is a lot of coddling.
--Submitted by a parent