Cougar Update
July 30, 2023
Oct. 8, 2023
Early Dismissal Week and No Weights
School will get out at 2:15pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week. There is no school for students on Thursday or Friday. There will also be no weights all week.
Social Media Support
We are requesting that parents and guardians speak to your student about their digital citizenship on social media. Everyone that posts on social media begins to develop a digital footprint that is permanent to their lives. We desire our students to have a positive influence on the world for their own success as they strive to become college and career ready.
We have recently discovered numerous inappropriate postings that have occurred outside of school but have led to inappropriate behaviors at school and other students not wanting to attend. As a school, we have addressed each situation we are aware of and all parents of students involved have been notified. Students will be participating in upcoming lessons in their Cougar Time to help prevent any future concerns but we are also asking for your help.
Please support our work by reminding your child to model positive digital citizenship as well as have a respectful expectation of themselves and others on social media. Common Sense Media is a great resource for parents and has a section labeled “Parent Tips and FAQs” if you would like ideas on how to start this conversation with your student.
Thank you for all of your support!
Parent Teacher Conferences
The Westridge staff is excited to get to talk to parents and let them know all of the amazing things your students are doing in class. Please mark your calendar for the parent teacher conference times and dates below. You do not need to schedule a time in advance.
- Monday, Oct. 9th from 3:45 pm until 7:15 pm
- Wednesday, Oct. 11th from 3:45 pm until 7:15 pm
- Thursday, Oct. 12th from 8:00 am until 11:30 am
Girls Basketball
Girls basketball practice will begin on Monday, October 16 with all 7th graders at Westridge and all 8th graders at Engleman. A parent meeting for both grades will also be on October 16 at Westridge following after practice.
Westridge PTO Dance
Fall School Climate Survey
Starting Monday families will have an opportunity to participate in the "Parent Edition" of the GIPS Fall School Climate Survey.
The survey will be available for The survey will be available for those of you that would like to participate once throughout the dates of Monday, October 9th - 26th.
If you have students at multiple schools, we ask that you complete a survey for the oldest student. Or, you may submit surveys for each school you have represented in your household.
Your survey link will come to your email inbox on Monday evening from Grand Island Public Schools. If you have any questions, please reach out to our front office and we will be happy to help.
Physical and Immunization Reminder
This is just a reminder to 7th grade parents to please have your child's physical and immunizations updated prior to October 11th to avoid exclusion. Nebraska law requires a physical exam and Tdap immunization before students start their 7th grade school year. The physical must be dated within 6 months of the start of the school year. If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Bowley.
Upcoming Events
- Oct. 9 - 2:15 Dismissal
- Oct. 9 - 3:45 pm to 7:15 pm - Parent Teacher Conferences
- Oct. 10 - 2:15 Dismissal
- Oct. 10 - 4:15 pm - 8th Grade Football vs Hastings
- Oct. 11 - 2:15 Dismissal
- Oct. 11 - 3:45 pm to 7:15 pm - Parent Teacher Conferences
- Oct. 12 - No School
- Oct. 12 - 8:00 am to 11:30 am - Parent Teacher Conferences
- Oct. 13 - No School
Reminders
Student IDs
Students are required to have a student ID visible on their upper body at all times when they are in the building. All students will receive a temporary ID and lanyard on the first day of school. They will need to exchange that temporary ID for their permanent ID approximately 1 week after school pictures are taken. If a student forgets their ID they may purchase a temporary sticker ID in the main office for $1. Students may also purchase a new lanyard in the main office for $1. If a student loses their ID they may purchase a new ID and lanyard for $5 in the main office.
Dress for Success
To help ensure we start the year with positive momentum at Westridge, we wanted to share a friendly reminder about the “Dress for Success” district dress code.
Your students deserve to be confident AND prepared while at school. Part of those preparation efforts include dress code.
Apparel must comply with health and safety codes and not detract from learning.
For all students, mid-thigh to top of chest are to be covered while also concealing undergarments.
Approved religious attire or protective headwraps are approved. At this time, due to safety - hoods, caps, bandanas, durags, etc. are not approved to wear while in school buildings.
IDs must be worn and be visible at all times.
Feel free to explore the full dress code policy on the district website HERE and our handy “Dress for Success” flyers in English and Spanish.