Westridge Warriors Weekly - Week of August 31, 2026

Hello Westridge Students, Families, and Community Members,

It is hard to believe we are already entering Week 4! Over the past few weeks, our students and staff have worked hard to establish routines, build relationships, and get learning underway. We are moving out of the “beginning of the year” phase and into the important work that will set the tone for the rest of the semester.

 

FAST Testing Begins Soon 

Our first round of FAST Progress Monitoring (PM1) testing is right around the corner.

Math FAST PM1 testing will begin September 3, followed by ELA FAST PM1 testing.

It is important for students to understand that PM1 is a starting point. This assessment helps us see what students already know and where they may need additional support. Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their growth when they take the next state progress-monitoring assessment after winter break.

We want students to do their best without feeling stressed about the test. Families can help students prepare by making sure they:

 

 

 

We are almost at the point where student schedules are stable and will no longer be changing. Moving forward, schedule changes will only be made on a case-by-case basis when necessary.

 

Thank you to our students, families, counselors, teachers, and staff for your patience as we have worked through scheduling adjustments during these first few weeks.

Now that schedules are settling, it is time for students to dig in, establish strong routines, and focus on being successful in each of their classes.

Our first progress reports will be coming out soon!

 

Students, now is the time to check your grades and make sure you have all assignments completed and turned in. If you are missing work or do not understand an assignment, talk with your teacher now. Don’t wait until the end of the grading period to ask for help.

Families, this is also a great time to check in with your child about their academic progress and encourage them to take ownership of their learning.

Remember: Start Strong So You Can Finish Strong!

The habits we establish now—attendance, punctuality, completing assignments, studying, asking for help, and giving our best effort—will make a difference throughout the year.

As academics pick up and testing begins, attendance and punctuality are more important than ever. When students miss school or arrive late, they miss valuable instruction that can be difficult to replace.

 

Please help us by making every effort to have students at school, on time, and ready to learn each day.

We have had a strong start, and now it is time to keep that momentum going. Continue working hard, making good choices, supporting one another, and taking pride in your progress.

 

Thank you to our families for your continued partnership and to our teachers and staff for everything you do for our students each day.

August 31 – Soccer Vs Blanker AT Boone, 5:30 PM

September 3 - FAST PM1 Math

September 7 – School closed – Labor Day

September 8 - FAST PM1 ELA

September 24 – Civics and Science Academic night

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!

Civics is currently in CRM 1.2, which will focus on government influences. Your child will receive a notetaker and study guide from their teacher. The next assessment will be on Friday, September 11.

Our first Progress Monitoring (PM 1) will be Tuesday, September 8. Please remind your child to read the passages and questions carefully. They have ample time to show their mastery of the content. The next classroom assessment for ELA will be on Monday, September 14 and Tuesday, September 15.

Our first Progress Monitoring (PM1) will be Thursday September 3rd. Please chat with your student about what they do have control over before a test and during. They do have control over having a good night sleep, eating a good breakfast, arriving to school on time, use their test taking strategies and always have a positive mind set!

Eighth grade science students are exploring Earth and space science, including the organization and characteristics of the universe, galaxies, stars, and our solar system. Students will examine how distance, gravity and other forces influence objects in space and use scientific evidence and models to better understand Earth’s place in the universe.

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!

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.

6th Grade - Chelsee Crawford Chelsee.Crawford@ocps.net

7th Grade –Shannon Folsom Shannon.Folsom@ocps.net

8th Grade – Valerie Cope Valerie.Cope@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.  

August 26 - Soccer game is rescheduled for September 16.

Volleyball tryouts are October 7.

Spirit Run is Feb 6.

Athletic paperwork and physicals must be completed and properly uploaded in Aktivate. Volleyball 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

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.  

Please make sure all-important parent/guardian information is up-to-date in skyward. 

Volunteers must re-register each year through the image link below.

See information about the Parent Square platform and links to social media.