Westgate Elementary School is actively involved with the Jeffco Spellbinders storytelling program. Spellbinders is a national non-profit organization that aids and encourages the establishment of intergenerational, volunteer storytelling programs in schools and community facilities throughout the nation. The Spellbinders' program consists of trained volunteers presenting one or more stories in a 20-30 minute time period in a school classroom or other setting where stories can be told in an informal, intimate way.
Spellbinders receive nine hours of training in a three-day storytelling workshop.
They also meet in a monthly continuing education group to share stories and experiences. Each Spellbinder selects his or her own story repertoire. Fairy tales, folk tales, legends, hero stories and personal stories teach children at an early age about their community's values of honesty and perseverance thereby building character and reinforcing personal responsibility.