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Westridge Warriors Weekly - Week of November 9, 2026

Posted Date: 11/08/26 (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 Students, Families, and Community Members, 

Welcome to Week 14! November is here, and before we know it, we will be preparing for the end of the second quarter and winter break. But let's not get ahead of ourselves—we still have plenty of learning, growing, and memories to make! 

As we move into November, I want to challenge our Warriors to think about something we don't always take enough time to recognize: the people and opportunities we have around us. 

Sometimes we get so caught up in what is happening next that we forget to appreciate what is happening right now. A little gratitude can make a BIG difference! 


Who Are You Thankful For? 
Every day, there are people working behind the scenes to make our school a great place. 

  • Teachers who spend extra time helping students understand something difficult. Custodians who keep our campus clean. Cafeteria staff who make sure students are fed. Bus drivers who get students to and from school safely. Counselors, support staff, and so many others who help our Warriors throughout the day. 
  • And let's not forget our families, who do so much to support our students outside of school! 

This week, I have a simple challenge: Thank someone who makes your day a little better. 

It doesn't have to be a big gesture. A simple "thank you," a kind note, or taking a moment to recognize someone's hard work can go a long way. You never know how much those two little words might mean to someone. 


Don't Let the Holiday Countdown Distract You! 
With November here, it's easy to start thinking about the upcoming holidays and time away from school. But Warriors, we still have important work to do! 

The second quarter is moving quickly, and now is a great time to check your academic progress. Are you completing your assignments? Are you participating in class? Are you asking for help when you need it? 
Don't wait until the end of the quarter to realize you could have done more. The work you put in now will make the weeks ahead much easier. 

Families, please continue checking grades and encouraging students to stay focused as we move through the quarter. 


House Pride: How Are YOU Representing? 
Our House competition continues, and we want every student to remember that House pride is about more than earning points. 

It's about how you represent yourself, your House, and Westridge. Whether you are part of Sparta, Athena, Leonidas, Centurion, Guerrero, or Valiente, you have an opportunity to make a positive impact every day. 

You don't have to win a competition to be a leader. Sometimes leadership looks like helping someone who is struggling, including someone who feels left out, or choosing to do the right thing when it would be easier not to. 
Six Houses. Different strengths. One Warrior Family! 🏠 

Your Time Matters! 
Warriors, we are continuing to monitor tardies and encourage students to make every minute of learning count. By now, getting to class on time should be part of your daily routine. 

Remember, being responsible isn't just about following a rule because someone tells you to. It's about understanding why that expectation matters. When you arrive on time, you are prepared, you are focused, and you are showing that you value your education. 

Let's keep working toward being on time, every class, every day! 


Week 14 Challenge: Make Someone's Day Better! 
This week, instead of focusing only on what you want to accomplish for yourself, I want you to think about what you can do for someone else. 

  • Maybe it's thanking a teacher. 
  • Maybe it's helping a classmate. 
  • Maybe it's showing appreciation to someone at home. 
  • Maybe it's simply choosing to be kind when someone is having a difficult day. 

Here's the thing about kindness and gratitude: they don't cost anything, but they can mean everything. 

And while you're at it, don't forget to give yourself some credit for how far you've come this school year! Be thankful for where you are, proud of how far you've come, and excited about where you're going. Let's make November a month filled with kindness, growth, and Warrior pride! 

Have an amazing Week 14, Warriors! 
One School. Six Houses. One Warrior Family! 💙 
Go Warriors!

With Warrior Pride,

Nicole L. Jefferson
Proud Principal
Westridge is the Place to ‘B’
#BlazingthetrailtoanA
Westridge_MS_Principal_A smiling woman with long brown hair poses for a portrait.
 
A woman and a child sit together at a table, writing in notebooks, with text reading "November is Florida Family Engagement Month."
A graphic design celebrating Native American Heritage Month for Orange County Public Schools, featuring geometric patterns in orange, blue, and yellow.
Visit Our Website
 

Important Dates

November 10 – SAC at 5:00 PM-6:00 PM; Math Academic Night at 6:00 PM-7:00 PM 
November 18 - Multicultural Night, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM 
November 19 - Teach-in 1st period; Connectivity Day 7th period 
November 23 – 27 – Fall Break/Thanksgiving Break 
December 1 – Chorus Concert, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM 
December 3 – PM 2 ELA; Band Concert, 6:30-7:30 PM 
December 10 – PM 2 Math 
December 15-16 - CFE 
December 17 – Orchestra Concert, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM
December 21-January 4 – Winter Break 
January 5 – Students return 
 

Academics


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!
 

Math Night

A promotional flyer for Westridge Middle School Math Night, featuring illustrations of students studying and event details for Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
 

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!
 

Garden Club - Congratulations!

Three students work together in a community garden, tending to plants in raised beds.
A raised metal garden bed contains lush green plants and a small tree.
A Certificate of Recognition for Westridge Middle School from GreenSchools Orange County Public Schools, resting on a wooden surface.
A diverse group of students and a teacher smile together outdoors in front of a modern building, holding an award.
A group of students and a teacher smile together in a school hallway, holding a certificate.
 

Houses

A central crest with a Spartan warrior and the text '6 HOUSES, 1 HOME: WESTRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL' is surrounded by six house crests.
 

A Few Reminders...

The Westridge Warriors logo features a fierce warrior in armor, ready for action.

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.

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.  

Parent Teacher Conferences

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
 

Athletics

A volleyball schedule for Westridge Middle School with five games listed from October 28 to November 11.

Spirit Run is February 6

Poster for the 6th Annual School Spirit Run at SeaWorld Orlando on February 6, 2027.
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
Athlete Guide - English
Athlete Guide - Spanish
 

Teen Express - Free Physicals

An informational flyer promoting free physicals for teens aged 11-18, offered by Teen Xpress in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.
 

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. 
 

ADDitions Volunteers

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

Connect With Us

See information about the Parent Square platform and links to social media.
ParentSquare logo and text announcing a new communication method starting July 2025.
X
Instagram
Facebook
 

School Policies & Schedules

A circular logo with the text 'Westridge is the place to B' and a large yellow 'B'.
2026-2027 6th Grade Bell Schedule with class times for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Wednesday.
2026-2027 7th Grade Bell Schedule showing class times for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
2026-2027 8th Grade Bell Schedule with class times for Monday-Friday and Wednesday.
Westridge Middle School Dress Code Guide: What Not to Wear for the 2026-27 school year.
Westridge Middle School micromobility device policy poster with permitted and not permitted sections.
 
A sign displays the '10/10 Rule' with the 'Warriors' logo at the top.
Poster for Westridge Middle School's Cell Phone Policy, featuring a 'no cell phone' symbol.
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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