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Westridge Warriors Weekly - Week of February 23, 2026

Posted Date: 02/22/26 (06:00 PM)


Westridge Middle School logo featuring a warrior mascot and school name.

Westridge Warriors Weekly

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE WESTRIDGE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Principal's Message

Hello, Westridge Families! 

As we approach the final weeks of the quarter, I want to remind everyone that Spring Break will take place March 16–20. Please note that grades will be finalized before we leave for the break, so it is very important that all assignments are completed and turned in on time. This is the perfect opportunity for students to check their grades, communicate with teachers, and make sure they have submitted any missing work. Let’s finish this quarter strong and take pride in the effort we put forth each day.

When we return, 4th quarter will begin on March 23. This last quarter is a fresh start and an opportunity to set new goals, refocus, and finish the school year with confidence. Every day counts, and every effort matters. I encourage our students to stay motivated, stay organized, and remember that hard work always pays off. Together, we can make this final quarter our best one yet.
Best Regards, 

Nicole L. Jefferson 
Proud Principal  

Boots on the Ground
#Saddleupforsuccess 
Westridge_MS_Principal_A smiling woman with long brown hair poses for a portrait.
 
Illustration for Black History Month with text 'FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH'.
Graphic promoting the 'Let's Read OCPS' initiative, encouraging reading 50,000,000 minutes by April 30, 2026.
A graphic promoting Career and Technical Education Month with images of students learning culinary arts, robotics, and woodworking.
Students raise their hands in a classroom during Public Schools Week, Feb. 23-27.
Visit Our Website
 

Important Dates

February 26 – Oak Ridge HS Registration Day (8th Grade only)
March 5 and 6 – PMAs Algebra, Geometry, Civics and Science.
March 13 – No School
March 16 – 20th - Spring Break No School
March 23 – Start of 4th Quarter
March 24 – 6th Grade Field Trip – 6th and Jazz
 

Academic Highlight

Our teachers have been hard at work preparing engaging lessons and activities. This week, we encourage students to actively participate in class discussions and seek help when needed. Please help us to encourage every student to participate in class. Remember, asking questions is a key part of the learning process!

Want to help your student with their academics. Review these anchor charts with your students for a few minutes a night.
 

6th Grade Science

Chart illustrating the Linnaean system of biological classification for humans, chimpanzees, blue whales, and snakes.
 

7th Grade Science

Illustration of a food chain showing producers and consumers, with text labels.
 

8th Grade Science

Illustration defining photosynthesis as the process by which plants make their own food, with a potted plant and a sun graphic.
A colorful diagram illustrates the process of photosynthesis, showing a plant absorbing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce oxygen and sugar.
 

Character Word of the Month – Empathy/Caring

Two boys shake hands outdoors, one standing and one kneeling, with the word 'Caring' above them.
Empathy is the ability to understand how someone else is feeling and to show care and kindness toward them. It means putting yourself in another person’s shoes and responding in respectful and supportive way.
 

Attendance Matters

The words 'attendance matters' are displayed in blue and gold.
We want to remind everyone about the importance of regular attendance. Being on time and present not only supports your academic success but also fosters a sense of community. Let’s strive for a strong start by making every school day count!
 

A Few Reminders...

The Westridge Warriors logo features a fierce warrior in armor, ready for action.
OCPS will be implementing a 3-year reevaluation/review cycle for all Section 504 plans, effective starting with the 2025-2026 school year.
 
There will be specific exceptions to the 3-year review procedure:

  • Grade Progression: Transition meetings will still occur for students moving from 5th to 6th grade and 8th to 9th grade.
  • Senior Transition: 504 plans will be updated during a student's graduation year.
  • Parent Requests: We will continue to hold meetings within 30 days if a parent requests a review.
  • New Information: If new information is presented that impacts a student's 504 plan, a 3-year reevaluation/review will be conducted.
  • Plans that have Individual Health Care Plans and/or Related Services will be reviewed annually.
 
Please reach out to your school-based Section 504 contact with any questions you may have. 
 

Morning Drop Off

Car riders please make sure to follow the carline and not allow your student to walk through traffic. Safety needs to be our number one priority.

Wanting a Parent/Teacher conference? Reach out to your students' guidance counselor.
7th Grade A-L & 6th Grade - Chelsee Crawford Chelsee.Crawford@ocps.net
7th Grade M-Z & 8th Grade - Peter Singletary peter.singletary@ocps.net

Students should not be on campus prior to 8:45 AM. If you need to drop off prior to 8:45 AM, please register your student for the YMCA Before School Program. Information can be found here. In addition, the first period begins at 9:30 AM.  
 

Athletics

Track and Field is up next. Athletic paperwork and physicals must be completed and properly uploaded in Aktivate. Basketball practices will be conducted every day for approximately 1.5 – 2 hours after dismissal time. Athletes are expected to attend all of the practices unless they have arranged with the coach otherwise. Athletes are required to have and maintain a 2.0 average and exhibit leadership and good behavior to be considered and remain on any Westridge sports team. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact the following:  

Athletic Director - Shawnette Johnson
 
Physical Due Dates:
Track and Field March 22, 2026
Athlete Guide - English
Athlete Guide - Spanish
 

ADDitions Volunteers

Volunteers must re-register each year through the image link below.
The ADDitions School Volunteers logo features an apple and text.
 

Clinic Services

Parents need to opt IN to clinic services. This means that unless you have completed the health forms we will not be able to assist your student in the clinic. Health forms can be completed digitally on Skyward Family Access or you can fill out the forms and turn them into the main office. Those forms can be found below.  
Emergency Health Form (English)
Emergency Health Form (Spanish)
Please make sure all-important parent/guardian information is up-to-date in skyward. 
 

Follow Us

See the links to social media.
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A school policy sign about cell phone use, with text in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
A dress code poster from Westridge Middle School lists clothing violations.
 

Happy Birthday

A bright yellow background with a white circle and 'Happy Birthday' text.

February Birthdays

Nevien Botros 10th
Meylin Carrasquillo 11th 
The Westridge Warriors logo features a stylized warrior with a helmet and shield.

3800 W Oak Ridge Rd I Orlando, FL 32809-4539

Phone +1 407-354-2640 I westridge_ms@ocps.net

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