BRUIN WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

February 22, 2026

We are incredibly proud of our students who participated in this year’s PTA Reflections program, centered around the powerful theme, “I Belong.” Through dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts, our talented Bruins expressed creativity, confidence, and heartfelt perspectives on what it means to belong. Participants were celebrated with a special lunch and recognized with certificates and medals from our PTA in honor of their outstanding efforts. We applaud each student for embracing the arts and representing our school community with pride. Paws Up for your creativity and commitment!

Peake Parent University 

Around the World Family Night- March 5th from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. @ Deep Creek High School. No registration required

Parent Cafe- March 17th from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. @ Lifestyle Center at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center- Register at https://forms.office.com/r/i0aBVuksxS?origin=lprLink

Highlighted Webinar

IXL for Parents- https://zoom.us/clips/share/wiOZJpDKS5-C0kLn1bnF1A

This webinar will teach parents about the IXL learning platform, discuss how your child’s teachers are using it in class, and how you can use it at home to help your child grow.

 As we continue capturing all the special moments of this school year, we need your help! Please remember to send any photos from school events to wbpyearbook26@gmail.com. The more pictures we receive, the better our yearbook will be—helping us showcase the smiles, celebrations, and memories that make Western Branch Primary such a special place. Thank you for helping us preserve this year’s Bruin memories!

We are excited to invite our Western Branch Primary families to explore our Virtual Winter Art Gallery! Our talented Bruins have been working hard to develop their artistic skills, and this gallery highlights their imagination, effort, and progress so far this year. Please take a few moments to view the gallery using the link below and feel free to share it on social media so our entire community can celebrate the wonderful work of our young artists! Link to Winter Art Gallery

 VLP Family Resources- click the link to find many resources to support students in literacy. This link provides Ideas like how to help your child with reading and spelling new words, and so much more! VDOE Family Resources- VDOE Family Supports for Reading is another resource developed by the VDOE with a variety of supports for families to use at home. 

Spring Picture Day is coming on Tuesday, March 3!
You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVT69NDRH. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!

Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Tuesday, March 3. Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com.

 Your participation in PTA is more important than ever!  We would love to reach 100% membership this year, so please join the PTA.  We welcome all adult members (parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends).  You can join the PTA HERE. 

Our counselors, Ms. Dawson, Mrs. K-B, and Mrs. Evans, have developed a weekly newsletter for November to inform you about the lessons they will be teaching in their classes this month.  In addition, this week's newsletter has MORE information for families —Mindfulness. Click Here

Welcome to Western Branch Primary- View our video about many of our procedures. 

Bruins Wear Badges- Click here for a video about our Bruins and how they wear their badges every day. Our badges are used every day for getting lunch, checking out library books, and much more! Badge Information from CPS

District Calendar. Don’t miss an event or a deadline. A printable version of our district calendar is also available here.

Student Handbook. Review Chesapeake Public Schools' policies for students. 

ParentVUE Information- ParentVUE information and forgotten passwords. 

CPSCHOOLSVA The mobile app for our district. With our app, you can easily access school events, news updates, and even emergency notifications.

Transportation Information. Directions for finding your student’s bus stop are located here. 

Our instructional day begins promptly, and “Power Up” is one of the most important blocks of the morning. During this time, students receive targeted support, enrichment, and intervention designed to meet their individual learning needs—especially in reading and foundational skills. When students arrive late, they miss critical instruction that sets the tone for the entire day. Please help your child start strong by ensuring they are at school on time each morning and ready to learn. Every minute matters!

Set up your ParentVue account to submit absentee notes, check grades, and see up-to-date attendance. ( Report an Absence in ParentVue)

HOURS: Western Branch Primary will begin accepting students at 7:15 a.m. Classes begin at 7:35 a.m. Students are considered tardy when they arrive after 7:35. We dismiss at 2:04. Our office hours are 7:00-3:00 each day.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Black History Month Calendar- Our academic committee has created a month of activities and dress-up days to celebrate Black History Month.  Participation is optional- pick one, or as many days as you like!  

February 24th- CPI Night 6:00 (CPI Families)

March 2nd- Read Across America Day- Wear Shirt with a book character OR Dress like a book character

March 3rd- Spring Picture Day (Individual & Classes)

March 4th- WHRO Van for PreK & K

March 6th- Teacher Workday Elementary Only (No students)