VHEW students learn 'The West Way'

Visitors to Vestavia Hills Elementary-West see it as soon as they walk in the door: a display explaining “The West Way.” They also see it throughout the halls and classrooms of the school as students demonstrate the motto, which sums up how West students are expected to behave. Courtesy, respect and responsibility make up “The West Way,” and every year, students learn about these good character traits during West Way Week. This year, students kicked off the school year by celebrating West Way Week Aug. 26-30.

Students started the week by receiving a souvenir that helped them remember “The West Way.” This year, they received a pencil imprinted with “The West Way is the Best Way.” Then, classes spent a day on each trait, discussing it in depth and talking about how children and teachers could demonstrate each one. Students in each class then signed a “West Way Pledge,” which is displayed throughout the school year. The week wrapped up with “Team Up at West” day, as students, faculty and staff wore their favorite team shirts to remind everyone that together, they are a team.