Principal's Message
Dear Westhoff Families,
It is an honor to introduce myself as the new principal of Westhoff Elementary School and to join this amazing Wrangler family. My name is Dr. Rosa Northcott and I arrive to Westhoff with a commitment to care for your children every day while providing them with an exceptional learning experience. Westhoff has a remarkable reputation for a warm and welcoming school campus, dedicated staff, innovative teaching practices, and a highly supportive parent community. I am committed to continuing the legacy of educational excellence that has been set forth by exceptional leaders who have come before me. As we work together to build a world class educational experience that prepares our students for a bright future, I hope to facilitate a positive school environment that empowers our students to be thoughtful citizens committed to making a difference in their world.
Academic Program Highlights:
- We focus on developing our student’s identity as writers through writing workshop. Writing workshop is an instructional framework that supports all students to write with clear vision and skillful intention, positioning them well for lifelong academic and workplace success. A key element of writing workshop is choice in writing topics. Students are not prescribed topics; Choice of writing topic increases the volume of writing students do. The more a student has to say about a subject, the more opportunities there are to teach him/her how to write about it well.
- In addition to our strong curricular program, Westhoff encourages, models and exemplifies positive character traits. Monthly focuses include: kindness, self - control, empathy, tolerance, trustworthiness, responsibility, perseverance, honesty and respect. Recently Westhoff was awarded a Platinum Level Award of implementation for our school wide behavioral program called, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Our current schoolwide expectations call on our Wranglers to S.H.I.N.E. (Spread kindness, Have heart, Inspire others, Never give up, Encourage teamwork).
Westhoff is very proud of all our accomplishments including recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School and three consecutive California Distinguished School awards, California Business for Education Excellence and California Gold Ribbon School.
Research shows that parents and family involvement play a significant role in determining children's intelligence, competence and achievement. Therefore, it is imperative that school and family work together to assure each child reach their full potential. Strong lines of communication and family involvement are essential to student success.
Please do not hesitate to let me know if I can be of any assistance. I am here to help you, and most importantly, to help your child be successful!
Let’s shine together!
Dr. Rosa Northcott
Principal