Spirit Week, Decoded

If you’ve ever seen your teen walk out the door wearing pajamas on a school day—or mismatched clothes, or dressed like a character from the ’90s—you may have caught a glimpse of Spirit Week in action.

To the uninitiated, Spirit Week might look like just a string of goofy themed outfits and loud rallies. But there’s much more going on beneath the surface. At Westmont, Spirit Week is a beloved tradition—and a powerful way to build student connection, leadership, and school pride.

So, what is Spirit Week?

Spirit Week is usually a weeklong series of events leading up to a major school moment—like Homecoming or Spring Rally. Each day has a different dress-up theme (think “Decades Day,” “Anything but a Backpack Day,” “Twin Day,” etc.), and students are encouraged to participate.

But the fun doesn’t stop with outfits. There are lunchtime games, class competitions, and pep rallies where grade levels show their spirit and cheer each other on. Student leaders from ASB (Associated Student Body) plan and run most of it—gaining real-world experience in organization, collaboration, and public speaking along the way.

Why It Matters

At first glance, themed dress-up days may seem frivolous. But here’s what Spirit Week really builds: participation helps students feel part of something bigger than themselves; student organizers learn how to plan events, communicate across groups, and bring people together; Spirit Week gives students a shared experience, builds class identity, and fosters school pride in a positive way; there’s often something for everyone—whether they’re dressing up, competing in games, or cheering from the sidelines.

How Parents Can Support

Even if your student rolls their eyes when you ask about Spirit Week (totally normal!), your encouragement goes a long way. Here’s how you can help:

Check the Schedule – Themed days are usually announced in advance. Help your student brainstorm low-effort, no-cost ways to participate.
Celebrate Participation – Whether they go all-out or barely join in, showing up takes confidence. Let them know you’re proud of that.
Ask About the Events – Rallies and competitions are often full of funny moments and school traditions. Asking what happened can spark a great conversation.

Final Thoughts

Spirit Week might be loud. It might be silly. It might involve wearing Crocs with socks and calling it fashion. But it’s also where memories are made, friendships are strengthened, and students feel like they belong.

And that’s something we can all get behind!

Homecoming

Beyond the Dance: What Homecoming *Really* Means

If you’ve heard the word “Homecoming” tossed around and wondered what all the excitement is about—or assumed it was just another school dance—you’re not alone. At first glance, it can seem like a blur of spirit wear, themed outfits, and ticket sales.

But Homecoming is so much more than a dance. It’s one of the biggest community-building events of the school year—a tradition that brings together students, staff, alumni, and families to celebrate what it means to belong at Westmont.

Where Did Homecoming Come From?

Homecoming has deep roots in American high school and college culture. Originally, it was centered around the return (“coming home”) of alumni for a big fall football game. Over the years, it’s grown into a weeklong celebration that’s part pep rally, part costume party, part sporting event, and yes—still capped off by a dance.

While every school does it a little differently, the spirit behind it is the same: creating pride and connection across the school community.

It’s Not Just for Seniors

One common misconception is that Homecoming is mainly for upperclassmen. Not true! The whole week is designed to bring students together across all grades—freshmen to seniors.

Throughout the week, students are encouraged to participate in:

* Spirit Days – fun, themed dress-up days (like Pajama Day or Decade Day)
* Lunchtime games or activities – often hosted by student leadership
* Rallies – full of energy, music, and celebration
* Class competitions – where students cheer each other on

It’s a time when school feels lighter, more playful—and a little more like a movie.

The Big Game

At the heart of Homecoming Week is the Homecoming Football Game, which is open to the entire community. It’s more than just a sporting event—it’s a social one. Students, families, teachers, alumni, and even younger siblings fill the stands, decked out in school colors, cheering for the team.

There’s often a halftime celebration where the Homecoming Court is announced—a tradition that varies from school to school, but is ultimately meant to **honor student leaders and school spirit**, not popularity.

The Dance (Yes, That Too)

The Homecoming Dance usually takes place on the weekend following the game. It’s a semi-formal event—less fancy than prom, but still an exciting night for students to dress up, hang out with friends, and make memories.

It’s often students’ first high school dance, especially for freshmen, and for many, it’s more about fun with friends than finding a date.

Why It Matters

Homecoming isn’t just about events—it’s about energy. It’s a rare moment in the school year when **everyone is invited to show up, be silly, cheer loud, and feel proud** to be part of something bigger.

It helps students:

* Feel connected to their school
* Meet classmates outside of their usual friend groups
* See teachers and staff in a more relaxed, fun setting
* Create shared memories that last beyond high school

How Parents Can Support

* Encourage your student to **participate in Spirit Week** (even if they roll their eyes)
* Help them plan simple outfits for themed days
* Attend the football game as a family—it’s more fun than you might think
* Remind them the dance is optional, and they’ll have a great time whether they go with friends or solo
* Volunteer if the school or PTSA needs help decorating, chaperoning, or setting up

Final Thoughts

Homecoming is one of the few times during the school year when everyone—students, staff, parents, and alumni—celebrates together. Whether your student is leading the rally, dancing their heart out, or just showing up in their favorite decade outfit for Spirit Day, **they’re part of something joyful and shared**.

And that’s what makes Homecoming truly special.

Who’s Asking for What?

Who’s Asking for What? School vs. PTSA vs. Booster Clubs Explained

If you’re a new high school parent, your inbox might already be filling up with donation requests, volunteer sign-up forms, and links to fundraisers from names that all sound kind of… official.

You’re not alone if you’ve asked yourself: “Wait—didn’t I just give money to the school? So… what’s this other group asking for?”

Let’s break it down.

Westmont High School and/or CUHSD

What they handle:
The school and district are responsible for the basics:

* Teacher and staff salaries
* Facilities (classrooms, buildings, restrooms)
* Curriculum and textbooks
* Utilities, maintenance, and operational costs

Basically, the essential infrastructure of education.

But what about all the things that make school feel like more than just… school?

Westmont PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association)

That’s where we come in.

The PTSA is a completely volunteer-run group of parents (just like you!) who support programs and events that enhance the student experience. We raise funds for:

* Mini grants for teachers (like classroom tools and enrichment materials)
* The Wellness Center
* Senior scholarships & Grad Night
* Parent education speaker events
* Community-building events

The PTSA exists to fill in the gaps, build community, and support every student, every teacher, and every family—not just one program or department.

And we welcome everyone to take part in PTSA activities. To officially count as an active PTSA member, there’s a small annual membership fee that’s set by the California State PTA and National PTA.

But the heart of our work depends on local donations and volunteers and that’s what fuels teacher grants, scholarships, the Wellness Center, and all the extras.

Booster Clubs

You’ll only hear from a booster club if your student is in a specific program—like band, a sport, or another extracurricular activity.

Booster clubs are separate from the PTSA, and they are also run entirely by parent volunteers—just focused on one specific area, like:

* Athletics
* Marching Band
* Theater

Booster clubs raise money for that program’s specific needs—like uniforms, tournament fees, equipment, or travel.

If your child joins one of these programs, the booster club will likely reach out to you with ways to contribute, volunteer, or attend events.

Who Funds What?

Here’s a simple, non-exhaustive breakdown:

Teacher salaries: School/District
Classrooms, utilities, facilities: School/District
Grad Night, scholarships: PTSA
Staff appreciation lunches: PTSA
Band instruments or uniforms: Music Booster Clubs 
Student dances, Wellness Center: PTSA

So… Why All the Requests?

It can feel like a lot, especially at the beginning of the year—but each group plays a different role. And all of them are trying to support your student in different ways.

You’re never obligated to give to every ask. But understanding who’s asking—and why—can help you decide where your time or money makes the most impact.

We hope this breakdown helps make things a little clearer!