Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year at West

Dear West Elementary Parents/Guardians,

I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year at West Elementary! I am Kara Huisman, and it is
an honor to serve as the new principal of this exceptional school. As a Glenwood native and former 3rd-grade
teacher at West, returning feels like coming back home. After spending the last decade at Treynor Community
Schools, I am excited to rejoin the West team and continue serving this incredible community.

As we embark on this new school year together, I want to share some important announcements and upcoming
events:

Class Lists: Discovering your child's assigned teacher will be a bit different this year. During the first week of
August, each family will receive a letter and email with the exciting news of your child's teacher for the 2023-
2024 school year. This early notification will give you time to prepare and build anticipation for the year ahead.

3rd Grade Orientation: On Monday, August 21, 2023, we have a special event planned exclusively for our
3rd-grade students. This event will provide an excellent opportunity for your child to meet their teacher,
connect with their new classmates, and get familiar with their new learning environment. The orientation will
take place from 5:45-7:15 P.M. To ensure a smooth process, we will split the students by the first letter of their last name.

For families with last names starting from A-K, the schedule will be as follows:

• 5:45-6:30 P.M.: Orientation in the auditorium and scavenger hunt
• 6:30-7:15 P.M.: Meet your teacher and drop off supplies

For families with last names starting from L-Z, the schedule will be as follows:

• 5:45-6:30 P.M.: Meet your teacher and drop off supplies
• 6:30-7:15 P.M.: Orientation in the auditorium and scavenger hunt

4th and 5th Grade Drop off Supply Night: On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, from 4:00-6:30 P.M., we invite
our 4th and 5th-grade students and families to our Drop Off Supply Night. Please bring your child's supplies
with you during this visit. By dropping off the supplies, it will make the first day of school much smoother for
both you and the teacher.

I am excited to work collaboratively with our families to ensure our children reach their highest potential and
have a fulfilling school year. Your involvement and support are crucial to the success of our students, and I am eager to build strong partnerships with all of you.

Let's make this year an incredible journey of growth and learning for our children.
Warm regards,
Kara Huisman
Principal, West Elementary