Tag Archives: Westhoff Elementary School

Walnut: Walking In A Wrangler Wonderland

By Kelli Giles

First graders rocked out during “Christmas Conga.” (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

First graders rocked out during “Christmas Conga.” (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut – Westhoff Elementary presented its annual Spark of Love toy drive and holiday extravaganza on December 19. Students filled boxes with hundreds of new toys for needy children.            “For 22 years we’ve been making the lives of other children really special at this time of year,” said Principal Denise Rendon.

The Spark of Love toy drive is co-sponsored by Southland Firefighters and KABC7. Firefighters from Walnut Station #146 delivered the donations to needy children in the Los Angeles area.

“This holiday spirit restores the true meaning of Christmas. It shows us that everyone here has a chance to give to the less fortunate. And you’ve all truly done that here,” commented Captain Russell Blackschleger.

Each grade level took to the stage to perform a special holiday song. Westhoff parents and family members filled the school amphitheater for the school’s signature event.

Kindergarteners wearing adorable oversized t-shirts and red scarves and mittens opened the show with “White Christmas.” 1st Graders took the stage for “Christmas Conga” and 2nd Graders sang and danced with giant candy canes during “Candy Cane Jane.” 3rd Graders joined the holiday program with “Christmas Cookies” followed by the 4th Grade class singing, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” 5th Graders showed their gymnastic, roller blade, dance, and baton talents during the high-energy “Big Time Rush.”

Westhoff staff members performed a holiday line dance with Santa and his elves during the Walking in a Winter Wonderland finale.

 

 

 

Walnut: Hooked on Hiking

By Kelli Gile

Hikers

Westhoff teachers and friends hiked the Chantry Flats trails on June 21. Front Row: District nurse Carol Lee, daughter and Suzanne Middle School student Rachel Lee, Westhoff teacher Ron Kim, Westhoff Principal Denise Rendon, Evergreen Principal Carolyn Wills, Westhoff teachers Kimberley Dalton, Vicky Kim, and custodian Wilson Maldonado. Back row: Chaparral teacher Ken Weeks, Westhoff counselor Erica Robledo, daughter Marisa Robledo, Westhoff teacher Kevin Curtin, Walnut High School student Justin Lee, Westhoff teacher Denise Ahern, retired Westhoff teacher Jennifer Chisholm, friend Jerry O’Quinn, Westhoff office manager Donna Ibarra, Westhoff teacher Trina Dreyer, and retired Westhoff teacher Patti Finn.

Walnut – Westhoff Elementary teachers, staff members, family, and friends took to the Chantry Flats trails on June 21.

Adventure-seeker teachers Ron Kim and Kevin Curtain organized the two-hour summertime hike in the Angeles National Forest. The group enjoyed the morning jaunt with beautiful views, a waterfall, lush greenery, and of course, plenty of fresh air.

“We had a great time!” Principal Denise Rendon said after the four-mile hike.

Walnut: Westhoff Students Experience Colonial Faire

BY KELLI GILE

Westhoff students played simple outdoor games of the past. Sarah Barahja, dressed as a royal, mastered rolling the circle using a wooden dowel.

Westhoff students played simple outdoor games of the past. Sarah Barahja, dressed as a royal, mastered rolling the circle using a wooden dowel. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Westhoff students Michelle Jiang, Savarin Chilukuri and Natalie Olvera showed their cornhusk dolls.

Westhoff students Michelle Jiang, Savarin Chilukuri and Natalie Olvera showed their cornhusk dolls. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Armando Heredia enjoyed playing colonial games.

Armando Heredia enjoyed playing colonial games. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut — Westhoff Elementary fifth graders got a chance to experience 18th Century life during a Colonial Faire held on March 7.  About 100 students, dressed up as peasants, royals, and soldiers were excited as they rotated through hands-on activities at the annual event.

Over 50 parent volunteers headed up each station. Students weaved rag rugs and cut paper whirligigs.  They played simple games, learned quill writing, colonial dancing, made cornhusk dolls and hand-dipped candles.  Students sat very still as parent volunteers traced their silhouettes.  In the manners and etiquette station, they learned the importance of using a napkin.

“Putting on a napkin was a big deal during colonial days because clothing was washed only once a month. So they really tried to keep them clean,” said parent Katharina Tang.  “Now, if you get your clothes dirty you just put them in the laundry basket,” she said.

After the morning activities, students looked forward to sampling delicious cornmeal Johnny Cakes and apple rings topped with cinnamon and sugar.

The event is the culminating activity on their recent studies on the colonial era of American History.

“Seeing all of the parent volunteers and teachers working together to make this event possible is really powerful. It’s good for the parents, good for the kids, and good for the staff,” said Superintendent, Dr. Robert Taylor.