Happy new year, East-West! We are halfway into its sixth year since opening our doors in 2006. Let's look at some of the highlights from our fall semester.
View the East-West photo albums.
![open house](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-otMe9ExVFNU/TsaN7iD5_gI/AAAAAAAACS0/GyQd3f1qYXg/s400/IMG_1578.jpg)
Prospective families filled the art room during our Fall Open House. A panel of East-West staff and students answered questions and shared their experiences. East-West's small size and supportive community were cited as some of its greatest strengths.
![Student Tour](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LE5CVCIqyFA/TsaN5dcshlI/AAAAAAAACSk/jiwFXEf0TnM/s400/IMG_1550.jpg)
East-West students led specialized Q&A tours.
![Professional Development for Teachers](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xrgGqsg2g9w/TsaNWsfmpRI/AAAAAAAACQ4/yZ4pyYH36CA/s400/IMG_1531.jpg)
Teachers participated in professional development days to increase their understanding of Common Core Standards and incorporate them more effectively into their curriculum.
![Guidance Team](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XmOU4IbsP-4/TvSdNzRe3yI/AAAAAAAAC7o/pMPcXNFRt04/s400/20111222-IMG_1989.jpg)
Our Guidance Team: Jeannie Park, HS; Carlos Diaz, MS; and Susan Erhard, College. Ms. Park returned from maternity leave this year and Ms. Erhard joined our team as the College Counselor.
![A juggling act](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ehxekmcvd6Y/TwyadQzDBVI/AAAAAAAAC8A/jku84wIYdrk/s400/20111222-IMG_1976.jpg)
Our school administrators know that school is about having fun too.
![Nerd Day](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SDPPOtWBz4g/Twyb7gbQUpI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/7iV5E6clpRs/s400/20111213-IMG_1886.jpg)
Students and staff participated in School Spirit Days, such as Nerd Day.
![Nerd Day Twins](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-b5JsJ2ZJgNQ/TvNXZqU08wI/AAAAAAAACwE/-lFHaowoECs/s400/DSC_0612.JPG)
Nerd Day twins!
![Art class fall project](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pp-kIFT5EeY/TtPSowoUWnI/AAAAAAAACUY/ca6YPJ-da4k/s400/20111122-IMG_1843.jpg)
Middle school students studied the human body by sketching and painting facial muscles.
![Game Show Night](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-18GZ-DrFpYo/TsaBsz4UDxI/AAAAAAAACJU/SXO20-7nH6s/s400/IMG_1733.jpg)
Student Government organized and hosted a Game Show Night for students and staff.
![Toy Drive](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YDMKhyMKle4/TvNg1g0QS8I/AAAAAAAACw0/5nK54hp4xwc/s400/DSC00045.JPG)
The East-West community donated over 60 gifts to the children of deployed military personnel for the holidays. Way to go, East-West!
![Pathway to Success](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VJ20su_1ttk/TvNot4FjPdI/AAAAAAAAC0A/Id7Ex5pOKEk/s400/P1010001.JPG)
Gabrielle Gonzalez and Jean Soo show off the new Middle School Road to Success artwork in the 429 office.
![Stack Up](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R4MXCrfmnXA/TvNocbDS1QI/AAAAAAAACz4/v6z9NNxi7OI/s400/Stacking%252520Certificate.jpg)
Our school has officially been added as part of the Guinness Book of World Records Speed Stacking record.
![Rachel's Challenge](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1u1KY3lwfTs/TutMqHC7YpI/AAAAAAAACrQ/N15wuiL7CUM/s400/20111107-IMG_1529.jpg)
East-West remains committed to Rachel's Challenge anti-bullying message. Students and staff continue to contribute Acts of Kindness strips which are displayed as chains throughout the school.